Product Description
Jake Taggart’s life was almost perfect--he’d worked hard to overcome his past, and he loved his job as foreman on a ranch in Arkansas. The only thorn in his side was a dark eyed cowboy named Tornado whose stubborn attitude brought frustration and confusion to Jake’s mostly happy existence. A late spring rainstorm brings out hidden passions and unleashes a chain of events neither of them expected--and eventually brings about events that threaten to destroy them and what they worked to create. Strong wills and forceful personalities make for intense encounters.... but is it enough to keep love alive? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (51)

How Can You Not Fall In Love With This Book???
Let me say that I ordered this book before reading the reviews and I have to admit that when I found out that Tor cheats on Jake I was second guessing me ordering it. I don't care how good the book may be but the second one of the characters cheat, I'm done with the book. I hate that, it ruins the love for me!! But I couldn't put this book down for some reason. The love and chemistry was always their between them but I must say that up until that accident happened I didn't care all that much for either guy ,though Elias(the friend of both guys) was my favorite,he kept me laughing with his comments. Also they didn't really start to show they're love for one another till after Tor cheated and thats when I fell in love with Tor and Jake. Its worth 5 Stars for me!!!

Heart felt
Tor and Jake are a couple just like so many other couples. They have their ups and downs but in the end it's all about what you are willing to accept from from partner. The love they feel and share is intense. Their support system is wrong and the haters are few. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to you.

Totaly engrossing story
I got this book on my kindle thinking it would be typical of the genre. And it was right up until the BAD thing happened and I realized I had become completely involved with the characters to the point that I had a visceral reaction to the situation. It was such an all consuming love story.I totaly recomend it, but beware you will have a hard time putting it down and you may want to keep a box of Kleenex handy.

Moving and Intense
Jake Taggart has spent sixteen years working for Doug, living on his ranch. He's worked his way up to second in command behind the bossman himself and he's in charge of the men who work the boss' land and cattle. One of those hands in particular has been driving Jake to distraction. They don't get along much, and Tor - short for Tornado - seems intent on pushing every one of Jake's buttons. What Tor doesn't know...Jake hopes...is that most of those buttons are behind his fly, and even though Jake doesn't believe in playing where he works, he can't help but be terribly attracted to the long, rangy cowboy. Then one night during a storm, Jake finds out that Tor's been eying Jake as well, and he thinks playing where you work is just fine...if the man he gets to play with is Jake.

So begins a journey the likes of which I've never read before as two cowboys start something physical and end up together in a relationship that spans years, promises of forever in their minds and hearts until an act of betrayal rips them apart and destroys everything they'd been building. Surviving together doesn't seem possible, existing apart is the definition of futility. Sometimes...sometimes love doesn't conquer all. Sometimes it just gives us the power to do it the hard way.

There are two things I want to say about Bareback before I get into my thoughts and feelings about it. The first is that it has flaws. The second is that despite the flaws, it is one of the most powerful and profound books I've read recently. I was expecting a M/M erotica romance, and I got so much more than that that classifying it that way is actually painful, if technically correct.

At its core, Bareback is the story of two gay men who work for the same ranch. Both have things in their past that are painful, some crippling. Jake is the more serious of the two, but neither was looking for forever until they realized that they loved each other and life doesn't matter much unless they're together. That's where most books fade to black, lead characters' HEA assured. Not so here, and that's where Bareback transcends M/M erotica romance and emerges into the profound, slamming both harsh and brilliant truths home with brittle clarity.

What happens when love isn't enough? When the core nature of two powerful male specimens take a pristine relationship and wear it down until silent hurts and loud words form a nearly impenetrable wall between them? A bleak reality is that marriages end. Relationships crumble. One or both involved betray the other. That's life. And Bareback doesn't shy away from that gritty truth, no matter how ugly and gut wrenching. It was brilliant...and horrifying...and so utterly unique given the nature of this book that I was flabbergasted by the honesty and reality.

For those readers looking for some sizzling hot M/M action, have no fear. There's a lot of sex in this book. A lot of sex. It's shameless erotica and it is unflinching in that regard - for the first half, anyway. For the first half of this incredibly long book (for you Kindle readers, it's 11,706 locations; 372 printed pages) just about everything two men can do to each other is done by Jake and Tor and it's very hot and very graphic and includes one group sex scene.

The relationship evolves in the few normal breaths between those sex scenes - and admittedly, those breaths are few and far between. This book has taken some criticism for having too much sex, and I can't really say that I disagree. But look closely, because the foundation cracks in the relationship are laid even then, and you can start to see that not all is well on the farm. That's when I noticed that this erotica romance wasn't like others I've read, and I started to pay even closer attention.

So close, in fact, that when the betrayal came, it wasn't much of a surprise, but it was so well written that it was a beefy fist to the gut that doubled me over in pain, made me want to vomit, and nearly ripped my heart out.

I'm not going to say any more about that, or about the plot of this book. I will say that the sex in the second half is not nearly as prevalent. There are a few technical errors overall - some words wrong, some grammar mistakes. The writing lacks the polish and sophistication of a more mainstream publication in a few places. There's also not much in the way of world-building, and Owen didn't waste any time describing much beyond the circle of the men, so if you prefer a book with sweeping vistas and a clear picture of the scenery the characters are interacting with, you may be disappointed. In fact, most of what you learn from any of the characters you learn through dialogue and some thoughts that the third person omniscient narrative provides. Though that leans more heavily towards Jake, who is the primary focus of that narrative and the lead character in the book.

I will also say that I started this book because I enjoy M/M erotica and thought it'd be a hot, easy read. It wasn't. Oh, sure, it was hot. So hot in fact that I found myself skimming some of the sex scenes when I realized there was more going on behind them that interested me. But easy? No. Gut wrenching, brutally honest, utterly believable (beyond the sex), emotionally devastating...and very, very profound. The sex was almost a distraction. Don't let it distract you from the story here.

I highly recommend Bareback and wish that the sequel, Natural Disaster, was available on Kindle. I may just have to buy it in print, regardless. There are also several free short stories featuring Jake and Tor that are available for reading on Chris Owen's site, Chris Owen: Musings. They span a time from just before their relationship, during the events of Bareback, and after the events, but before the sequel. I enjoyed them as nice bonuses.

Originally reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.

True male-male romance, best I've ever read...
There's plenty of reviews for this book, most pretty good, and I don't know that mine will make much difference, but I just had to leave my thoughts on this story, because it affected me so much.

I'm pretty new to this genre, but have read some very good material ('Faith and Fidelity' by Tere Michaels, 'Rough Canvas' by Joey W. Hill, among others).The lure is, I suspect, the same for all of us fans:the complexities of men behaving like men, in a same-sex romantic setting.Love is difficult enough between the two sexes, with our inherent differences.How much more complicated can it get when it's between men who share the same lack of communication skills and excess of testosterone?

If you like your male-male romance to happen between true, grown-up men, this story is for you.Enjoy!! ... Read more

Product Description
Kris hates the world of high fashion photography. Hates it enough that he doesn't care that his career there is ending. When his last photo session for a jewelry company ends with a pair of shiny red pants, a young man he can't get out of his mind, and a picture he'll never forget, Kris knows it's time to make a new start in his life.Lane's not a model. He's just a guy who looked good in the shiny vinyl pants, but he can't forget Kris, either. When they get a chance to see each other again, Lane is determined that he won't turn Kris down this time. In fact, Lane is determined to help Kris start over again, and learn all of Kris' secrets. Can they figure out how to share their lives? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Secrets Given by Chris Owen
Kris has a middle age crisis (middle age since Dante said that the middle path of life is 35 years old... and Kris is 37 years old so...). He was a famous fashion photographer, but he quitted, disgusted by the all too glittering world without real "feelings". But he is in debt with a friend and so he agrees to do a late assignment for a jewelry advertisement: all "red" photos, shiny red details which will be associated to ruby jewelry. On the site, Kris makes his good without feelings work, till he sees a young man among the crew: he is not model type, too rough and simple, but he is exactly Kris' type. And so during the last hour he takes some pics also of the man in shiny vynil red pants. Weeks later he is stunned when the firm decides to use the photos of the man as main theme for the ad campaign: it's almost like they steals his soul, the secrets he shared with a man he has never seen again and that haunts his dreams. It's time for Kris to give up and starts fresh somewhere else...

The story is very short, less than 30 pages, and more than a romance is the selfdiscovery journey of a man who realized that what it's on the top of the world is not what he wants and he needs to find a way to climb down. More than a mere photographer, Kris is an artist and like all the artists he is almost jealous of his art and doesn't like to see it commercialized. Plus he feels something for the model, Lane, a man he couldn't have, and maybe see him splattered on every glossy page, is almost like if all the others can have him rather than he. ... Read more

Product Description
Drew is a fireman who loves the rush and is looking for a roommate to share costs. Scott is a doctor looking for somewhere to live that isn?t with his now ex-lover. The match seems more than perfect when Scott moves in and it?s more than just costs that they share. So what happens when along comes EMT Eric with his blond good looks and boyish smile? Will this twosome be able to become a threesome or does it spell disaster for all? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

Great character development
This is a book about 3 emergency works and the romance and problems they face.I love the twist and turns and the characters.I wish there was a second book as I would love to know more about the new neighbor that shows up near the end of the book.The book is very well written and is a good read.

Engaging Beginning...Wonderful Midpoint...Downhill From There
Before I beginmy review of this novel, I first must state that I am not any good at reviewing novels so I will not even try...I will just state my opinion. And I should say out of fairness to this post, I do not understand from life history, how it is possible to have a LONG term 3way loving relationship where all partners exist EQUALLY in their relationship over a period of decades. It takes a great deal of effort and much love and much compromise to keep a two way love affair going for a lifetime and by adding a third person into the mix, pain will be the result. With that in mind I loved the first two-thirds of this novel as we were introduced to and grew with the two main characters. I could not put 911 down and when I had to leave it, I could not wait for my day to end so I could resume reading.But then, the third character enters into "the fold" and for me the novel crumbles. Even if you are not prejudiced against 3way life long love affairs, 911 turns into a porn "read" once Eric enters into the love relationship...just endless sex scenes after another...became so monotonous as I quickly scanned the pages hoping to find a plot to latch onto...never came...final pages were just another graphic sex scene. After finishing this novel, I was so disappointed...had such great promise for me.

A Steamy Read.
Three gorgeous men and all the juicy details you need to make you feel you're right there with them. This book will make your temperature riseto HOT!

A well written, entertaining book.

Characters Should Have Different Voices
This book is, in a word, pathetic.All three main characters speak with an identical voice.They all say such deep things as, "Want you.""Need you.""Love you."Three people who all omit the pronoun "I." When events take place bringing in parents, what do you read?Parents of two different men who speak in the same manner. It is difficult to read this book because of getting so caught up in the same dialogue taking place over and over and over again that even the sex scenes become something to scan read because it is virtually identical to every scene before it.

People have their own and unique voices in speaking.This author has not given each man his own voice.Not only that, each of the three men has the very same, identical, set of emotional needs and weaknesses. Identical.

If your intent is to read a book simply for graphic sexual encounters, this is your book. Five pages can be taken up with one encounter of sex while one's experience in a burning building in which he is injured ... far less than five. Hospitalization with severe injuries, a couple of pages.

Resolution to conflict? Key to believability! How is every conflict in this novel resolved? Anal sex seems to cure parental rejection, loneliness, back pain, drug addiction, fears of being left, fears of failing with work, and fears of death!

For anyone to view this book as believable is beyond absurd! That this thing was published is an insult to the industry. It might qualify as the screenplay for an extremely cheap pornographic movie.

Fantastic!
This book was absolutely fantastic!The story was realistic (enough for me, anyway), the characters were believable and likable, and the sex was HOT.

Drew, a fireman, needs a roommate.Scott, a doctor, needs a place to live.Perfect, right?Several pages of sexual frustration later, Drew makes the first move and they become a couple.When EMT Eric also needs a place to live, Drew and Scott offer theirs, and (once more after much tension) they become three.Other complications get thrown in, but I won't go into detail.There is a fair amount of sex, but it doesn't rule the story.These guys are really in love with each other, and the story is about them and their lives, not what they do in the bedroom (or the shower, or the living room).

Beautiful story.The ending was a little bit predictable, but hey.Major complaint is the sheer amount of errors, both typographical and grammatical.There are a lot of them, so if you're someone who is bothered by that be prepared to do some serious overlooking or mental correcting.

But overall, fantastic read.I've already read it twice, and have just started it for the third time. ... Read more

Product Description
Tobias and Noah explore their relationships more deeply than they ever have, not just with their own dominance and submission, but with their friends. As Noah helps Tobias through the loss of someone dear, he finds Tobias helping him, too, leading him through some intense sexual games, breaking down the last of Noah's fears, and helping him face his biggest one. The cage. Meanwhile, Tobias' ex-lover, Phantom, becomes close friends with Noah as they discover and try to resist the simmering sexual tension between them. Their teasing turns to real support when Phantom reaches the breaking point thanks to the lack of a master in his life, something he desperately needs. While Bradford works to become that master, Tobias and Noah go to Paris, where they see the sights, go to sex clubs, and re-negotiate their contract. Returning from Paris to their own lives brings then all sorts of new difficulties, from deciding whether they should love together to trying to figure out just where Phantom belongs in their ever-changing relationship. Deviations: Discipline is the third book in the popular Deviations series, which begins with Deviations: Submission, and Deviations: Dominance. Chris Owen and Jodi Payne have another winner on their hands, a gripping, emotional tale that you won't want to miss! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Amazing characters, fascinating world/lifestyle
This book, number 3 in the series, is just as good as the first two. The wonderful, deep characters, and the intricate and detailed world/lifestyle makes the whole series a joy to read.

Deviations Submission
Deviations Domination
Deviations Discipline
Deviations Bondage

AMAZING
THE SERIES GIVES A GOOD INSITE THE THE B&D WORLD. NOT GRAPHIC YET SHOWS HOW SUCH RELATIONSHIPS WORK. TO GIVE ONES SELF CONTROL TO SOMEONE ELSE. CHANGES MY OUTLOOK ON B&D.MIGHT LIKE TO TRY IT MYSELF.
AMAZING SEX, YET NOT ON EVERY PAGE. WHEN IT HAPPENS IT IS HOT, EXPLOSIVE, AND WELL WORTH THE WAIT.
RECOMEND IF YOUR COURIOUS, ORDER ONE VOLUMN AT A TIME, JUST INCASE IT'S NOT FOR YOU.
IF YOUR INTO TO OR WANT TO EXPLORE, THEN GET ALL THREE AND READ THEM CONSECUTIVELY.

Can hardly wait to read the fourth volume
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.

Rating: 9/10

PROS:
- Hot sex scenes, as usual, but in more unusual settings in this volume.
- Continued development of not just the D/s relationship but also the characters' emotional connection.
- A lot of progress regarding some of Noah's trust issues and fear of physical restraint.
- Tobias and Noah finally have an argument! (I was starting to think they were a little too perfect.) And as they do with all issues, big or small, they talk it out and come to a resolution quickly enough to keep anyone from losing sleep over it.
- Not quite a "happily ever after" at the end (there's a fourth volume, after all, and there's Phan--see cons below), but the promise of one. I liked the conclusion very much and highly anticipate my reading of the final volume.

CONS:
- Phantom. He's one of the most tragic characters I've encountered in this genre. He's hopelessly in love, not just with Tobias, but I think probably with Noah as well. But they're moving on quite happily without him and he's left with almost nothing. He unintentionally causes those two pain also, because Tobias constantly struggles with wanting to take care of Phan and Noah struggles with a rampant sexual attraction to him.

Overall comments: I'm loving this series. They flow beautifully from book to the next, with not much time between them, and the evolution of Tobias and Noah's romance is lovely. If you can stand BDSM at all, I suggest you give these a try; I found the first volume to be a bit of a shock to my system, but the second and third seem less severe, perhaps just because I'm used to the relationship's parameters by now.

A sexy and fun read
So the relationship of Tobias and Noah grows and evolves, becomes ever more loving and strong. I found this book to be more about the romance and companionship of being a couple than about a relationship that is balanced between romance relationship and the requirements of a BDSM lifestyle. The power exchange aspect of their relationship are somewhat dimmed and deluded in this third novel. There are BDSM club scenes, yes, and fantasy play. But, there is little to none of that throat catching, lung gripping power exchange that I had loved so much in the first two, that defined the them. Where is Noah on his knees in the kitchen while Tobias ate? Where is that quiet, calm voice of Domination? It was all words and reminders but little action! There's only so long you can say, "I am your Master" before you have to actually show it, Tobias, come on. Tobias never lets Noah forget who is his Master, but it isn't entirely due to power or Domination, at least, not here. That I know their relationship is about this, is based on D/s, saved the BDSM scenes from being a sexual act alone. Still, it was a beautiful book that reminded the reader that even a Master and his slave can have a loving relationship, that two can connect emotionally, that BDSM is as much an emotional and physical need for some people as sex. This book worked through a lot of their issues like caging with Noah and Tobas' pride. Phantom, also, had a lot to deal with... in fact, we're left with a bit of a Phantom-cliffhanger at the end. Master Bradford has yet to disclose what is wrong, so that's no doubt a plot saved for the next book. Did I love the book despite its excessive and repetitive gay sex scenes (which I like, don't get me wrong, but I'm really reading these for the BDSM elements) in exchange for BDSM scenes? Yes. And I am going to consume the fourth and love it, too.

Third in the series - sexy and well written
The third in the sublime 'Deviations series' and as thoughtful and well written as ever.The characters are fleshed out well and explored on a far deeper level than a lot of erotic fiction currently on the market.

This book explores the emotional side of Tobias and Noah's relationship and their friendship with Phantom even deeper than the previous: 'Domination'.While this is a welcome thing, the core theme of the series suffers a little - the development of the emotional/love side of the story, as wonderful as it is,takes the stage more at expense of the BDSM elements that gave the first book (Submission)it's edge and thrill.Although this changes towards the end, and we get more of what we expect from 'Discipline',it seems a long (or perhaps just impatient!)wait to get there.

I agree with another reviewer here, Jane, in that the character of Noah seems to need a little bit more toughness or control, lacking in this title, and as the reader, I also felt this.I hope this gets remedied a little in the next book as Tobias seems to have lost something of his hard Dom edge (as satisfying as it is to see his emotional side though).However, I loved that a 'flip flop element was introduced in Noah topping occasionally - as a side note - I would love to read a prequel spin off about the training of Tobias and Bradford as we know (though only with scant details) that they were trained together and I think this would be a delicious and sexy story to read.

Despite some truly sizzling and gorgeously passionate sex and love scenes, there are surprisingly not as many 'scenes' or explorations of the BDSM parts of their lives as one would expect, which is a little disappointing.Perhaps a better balance needs to be struck between the love story and the D/S elements which were more lacking here than the previous titles.Still, the book is very enjoyable and has far greater character development than most other books in this genre and I, like others, eagerly await the next title.

I also hope that Bradford and Phan have their own spin-off series at some point, or Phan with a slightly more compassionate Dom - Bradford is a less emotional person than Tobias (as far as we know thus far).Personally, I find most of the characters interesting - Bradford, Brian, Nikki, Luca for example and would relish the chance to read more about them - perhaps a good thick book of shorter stories or a series focussing on them?Perhaps I'm just greedy though ;) ... Read more

Product Description
Tobias is a skilled Dom, able to bring even the most hesitant submissive around. Noah is a man in need of just that. He wants to sub badly, but has yet to find someone he believes can take him where he needs to go. Through a series of encounters in the world of bondage and discipline, Noah reveals why he has trouble trusting, why he needs such a firm, steady hand. Tobias may allow himself to dominate, but he has trouble letting himself love. Still, Tobias can't resist Noah's charms, and the two of them set about making a scene for themselves, one that works for them and their unique set of problems. They learn to love, but can they stay together while they explore each others' secrets, in a world where all is laid bare and emotions run high? From authors Chris Owen, writer of the popular Bareback, and Jodi Payne, writer of String of Pearls comes a romance on the deviant side, where love is all tied up with the need to submit, the need to dominate, and the need to share a life of exploration and care. These two skilled authors create a world that's hard to resist, and a book that's even harder to put down. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Dom/sub lifestyle is so rich and detailed
The characters are so beautifully written and developed! The specific world/lifestyle of domination/submission clubs and contracts is written in a manner so rich and full that one really wants to believe. This really is a romance to, the characters are so caring and loving.

The only thing to complain about is the book ends at a point that isn't the end. I've read all four books in the series and you will want to have all of them handy so you aren't left hanging while you go out to buy the next book.

Deviations Submission
Deviations Domination
Deviations Discipline
Deviations Bondage

There are FOUR books in this collection!
I've written a review praising this book before, but I wanted to let others know that there are two other books in the Domination series that are not available on Amazon. (in Kindle version)

If you're like me and fall in love with Noah and Tobias, you have to read how their journey continues! The last two books are:

- Domination: Discipline
- Domination: Bondage

So worth the Google search to find them elsewhere!

Take A Second Look at This Book
My Sociology class assignment required a novel that dealt with human sexuality. I was very glad that I chose this novel because it allowed me to see Dominance and submission as a consentual relational process. Bad relational behavior can be found in all relationships but those who practice BDSM are stereotypically represented as only practicing a perverted deviant behavior. The authors present BDSM with characters who very much want a healthy relationship. The characters have been hurt in other relationships, who hasn't, but they use those experiences to grow relationally. The examples of honest communication, the building of trust, and the expression and respect for each other's needs, to include their sexual desires. There are BDSM manuals out there but I think the practioners or those interested should take a look at this book for a good example of what it takes to build a safe and healthy BDSM relationship. I think the authors did a great job of presenting the relational aspect of BDSM while providing some nice erotica as well... Enjoy.

This review includes first 3 books in this series
I did like this book but then I am a woman and I felt this book was written for women by women about male gay D/s play.The story did not come up to the BDSM level for me.It's a sweet romance.Some hot scenes.Way too much lovey-dovey talk and sugary sweet interaction.Ick. Ick.Guys don't talk like this.Even vanilla guys. Or cops.To say nothing of kinky cops. Ick. Ick. Considering the general lack of romantic BDSM reading material available, I guess I would recommend this book.But the story needs a whole lot more discipline, less smooching. Although I was actually reminded of how often relationships start out kinky and degenerate into mundane sex as time goes by. In that sense, the book is a good object lesson.Don't Let This Happen To You.

Heavy BDSM that I enjoyed for the most part but also made me cringe at times
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.

Rating: 7/10

PROS:
- A different and more in-depth look at the BDSM lifestyle than I've encountered anywhere else. I don't participate in the scene, and though I've read other books about it--Claire Thompson's Switch, Sean Michael's Between Friends: Sammy's Place--this book portrays a more extreme version of the scene. Reading about various levels of the lifestyle has rounded out my view of it and helped me to understand a bit of its mystery.
- Some of the sex I found very hot (although other scenes made me uncomfortable).
- Interesting role-play scenes that I read with a sort of puzzled fascination.
- Likeable supporting characters--almost all of them, in fact.

CONS:
- We never hear any of Noah's internal thoughts. He's honest and vocal, which allows the reader access to his emotions, but no dialog is ever quite as personal or deep as a character's unvoiced thoughts. On one hand, it's great to focus on the worry and giddiness of a Dom who understands the weight of the power he wields over his partner, but on the other, I wanted to see the elation and hesitation of the sub also, who puts himself so completely at another man's mercy.
- I couldn't help balking at some of the ways Tobias asked Noah to submit to him. I understand some people enjoy pain along with the pleasure of sex, so whipping and other similar things aren't that much of a mystery to me. But denying someone an orgasm for 2 days when he's turned on the whole time? And making him sleep on the floor instead of in the bed? Made me cringe.
- I didn't understand why Noah, who must submit in every area of his life, gets away with taking the initiative in sex at times. Even to the point of causing Tobias to beg at one point.
- Something major happens during one of the scenes, and Tobias doesn't address it then, thinking that they'll discuss it later in the safe room. But the discussion never happens. Maybe it will in one of the later books...
- One editing issue that I found very difficult to read around: throughout the book, dashes (--, or one long line that's essentially two hyphens connected) are written as hyphens with no space before or after them. Here's an example of how this leads to confusion: "Allison is very smart-that stir-fry got things going quite well, if I recall." The first hyphen should be a dash, but as it's written, it appears to signal one of two (incorrect) things: either "that stir" is being set off by dashes on either side, or "smart-that" is one compound word.

Overall comments: I'm definitely intrigued enough to continue reading the series, but this is the heaviest, most graphic look at BDSM I've read, and I'd be lying if I said that at times it doesn't wig me out just a little. ... Read more

Product Description
If you loved Chris Owen's firefighters in 911, you'll love Cheek to Cheek! Firefighters Will and Mallory meet at a quiet gay bar, and they're both willing to keep things anonymous and impersonal. Mal has issues with his soon to be ex, and Will isn't willing to push. That plan works out fine until they discover that they'll be working at the same fire station, where Will is set to replace injured firefighter Drew. Their agreement to keep their relationship easy and no-pressure, just a physical thing, soon go out the window. Everything in their lives seems to become a test, from old loves to meddling family, to the brave men they risk their lives with. The one thing that seems to make sense is the dance they share, both literal and figurative. Can Will and Mal find a way to reconcile the life they think they want with the need they have to be together, or will the dance be over before it really begins?The appearance of much-loved characters from the popular 911 is an added bonus for Chris Owen fans. Don't miss Cheek to Cheek! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Firefighters
Owen, Chris. "Cheek to Cheek", Torquere Press, 2009.

Firefighters

Amos Lassen

Will and Mallory meet at a gay bar and they were both looking for something easy and with no pressure. Mallory was having trouble with his ex and Will had no reason to push but then they found out that they would be working at the same fire station. Will has been called into replace an injured firefighter and they agree that they will keep things as they were---purely physical. However that was not so easy to do and they decide that their feelings for each other are just too strong.
Mallory had difficulty because a recent fire killed two of his fellow firefighters and his friend Drew was in intensive care. His marriage was also not working and he left his wife. Mallory has considered himself a bisexual even though he had not been with a man for a very long time. He decided to visit a gay bar in his new neighborhood and there he spotted Will who asked him to dance. The two end up having sex and then they agree to meet again. Later when Mallory goes to work, he finds Will there and the rest is history.
Mallory's sexuality is interesting. Even though he is bisexual he is monogamous when he falls in love and the sex of his partner is not what is important--the person is what matters. Will, on the other hand, is a light character full of the joy of living. He wants Mallory and wants to make him comfortable.
They face issues. They work together and Mallory is not out. Will is not happy that Mallory was married and he expressed this to him and this made Mallory step back. Plus there is the question of race with Will being black and Mallory being white.
The story is very well written and it is basically a character study of the two men. It is interesting to see how they make their relationship work.

a delightful read
Reading this novel I had the feeling that gay male romance really has come of age in the English language (which doesn't seem to be the case in Germany, though, I yet have to read something as good as this in German). The author cleverly avoids any campy stereotypes and actually kind of deconstructs them in his tale of the two firemen who are able to express their love without shame and as something common, not something political. Fidelity, trust and respect are valued here just as much as male bonding in friendships is (I really liked the comradeship of the firemen). Despite all this, the romance never gets sugary sweet, but the author manages to be raw and sexy and at the same time sensible and sensitive. Thumbs up!

As with all of Owen's books, not much plot but good characterization
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.

Rating: 7/10

PROS:
- Gradual progression of the relationship from purely physical to emotional AND physical. This is a story of two guys who meet, spend time together, and then eventually realize that they've become rather attached to each other. Very true to life.
- Refreshingly three-dimensional secondary character in Trish, Mal's ex. (I was actually pretty shocked when I read one of the other reviews and saw that the reader thought Trish was flat.) I despised her at times and adored her at others, but through it all I kept marveling at Owen's ability to create characters who react realistically to a variety of circumstances. Even when I was angry at the way Trish was acting, I had to admit that I might react similarly if put in the same situation.
- The characters are open with each other and communicative. Owen is one of the best in this genre at writing deep conversations that examine how the characters truly feel about one another and themselves.
- The dancing adds an unusual aspect to the story that I enjoyed. True, the ending is VERY predictable, but it's almost SO predictable that Owen had no choice but to go there.
- The most convincingly bisexual character I've encountered in m/m fiction. Usually bi characters are sneered at by others and seen essentially as gay people who haven't come all the way out of the closet, but I actually believe after reading this book that Mal is bi.

CONS:
- After reading all of the good characterizations in the story, the actions of Will's brother at the end of the book sort of caught me off guard. He does redeem himself somewhat, but the things he says to Mal struck me as out of place when compared to the normalcy of all the other characters in the book.
- The story feels unfinished. Perhaps I'm being a little harsh here, but even the epilogue doesn't add THAT much to the development of the characters or their relationship. I have heard that there's a sequel forthcoming, but still--the story feels more like a Happy For Now than part of a Happily Ever After. I like even books with sequels to have their own mini-conclusions (like each of the books in Owen's Deviations series), and for some reason, I don't feel the wrap-up with this one.

Overall comments: If you enjoy stories that focus more on characters than plot, you'll probably enjoy this (and the sex is well written and not too frequent). I'm certainly involved enough with the characters to read the next volume, and I liked seeing the characters from 911 again, however briefly.

"Cheek To Cheek" by Chris Owen
John "Mal" Mallory is a beleaguered fireman who's fought one too many fires. The most recent blaze killed two fellow firemen and sent his colleague Drew Smyth to intensive care with his life hanging in the balance. He feels tired and old and knows that he's just going through the motions in his relationship. He loves Trish, and always will, but he is no longer "in love" with her.

Two weeks after they amicably split, Mal has a new apartment and finds himself at a local gay bar in his new neighborhood. Although Mal has lived his life loving both women and men, he hasn't been with a man in almost eight years. He's about to order a second drink when the most beautiful man by the name of Will Justason asks Mal to dance. Over the course of the evening they dance and later end up in Mal's bed having incredible sex. Although they arrange to see each other again, Mal warns Will that while he doesn't do casual pick-ups he's also not looking for anything serious at this time. But when Mal shows up to work only to find that the man he slept with the night before is now one of two new replacement firemen at his station, Mal's plans for a quiet, easy, no-pressure physical relationship go up in smoke and both Mal and Will are put to the test working together, with ex-partners and family further complicating matters.

"Cheek To Cheek" by Chris Owen is set in the "9-1-1" world with Mal and Will's story taking place during the same time period as the "9-1-1" story.

This story is well written with excellent development of both main characters Mal and Will. Two very different men, each with his own take on life and love. True to her writing style, Chris Owen tells the story through only one character, Mal's point of view, yet with some well-nuance dialogue and narration we know who Will is, how he works and what he thinks.

The character of Mal brings to the story a rich point of view in particular in respect of his feelings surrounding the break-up of his relationship with Trish and his reticence to getting involved in another relationship. What stood out most for me was how the issue of Mal's bisexuality was treated. For Mal, his sexuality is not an either or proposition. Monogamous by nature he falls in love and can be with men and women -- the deciding factor being what and who that individual person of interest is and not their gender. There is no conflict within Mal about any of this -- it simply is what it is. Will is a much more light-hearted character that is witty and drips with sarcasm. He is younger than Mal but quite perceptive. He is stealth in stick handling Mal's reticence to getting involved through laid-back charm and a fun-loving attitude all the while providing a comfort zone for Mal to ease into the relationship. There is much chemistry between these two. I loved their witty back-and-forth banter, which made me laugh out-loud quite a few times and they sizzled between the sheets.

There are a few complicating factors though. First, there is the issue of Mal and Will working together in the same firehouse. This is a source of great angst for Mal as he is not out to his co-workers and tries to use this as an excuse for not getting involved with Will. It takes the revelations of a trusted fellow fireman and his very real physical attraction to Will to ease Mal's mind. Second is Will's reaction to Mal's former former relationship with a woman. Will does have difficulty with this at first because he believes that Mal is just gay-curious and wants to use Will as his subject of research. Finally, Chris Owen throws into the mixed the issue of a biracial couple, with some of Will's family having issues with the fact that Mal is white.

Where I felt this story fell a little short was in respect of the under-development of the character of Trish. Even though "Cheek To Cheek" is m/m and some folks have issues with any type of female character being thrown into the mix of gay romance and erotica, Mal is bisexual and for all intents and purposes Trish was his partner and up until their break-up, the love of his life, and therefore a very important secondary character to Mal's overall development, his relationship with Will and the storyline. Yet I found the character of Trish to be one-dimensional in particular at the beginning of the story. We do get more insight into Trish later in the story. As a dance instructor, she helps Mal by agreeing to perform a dance number with him for his fire station's annual fund-raiser and at the same time serves as a catalyst for bringing Mal and Will together, both on and off the dance stage. But I felt that even with her involvement in the latter part of the story it was not enough to make up for the lack of her character's development overall.

All in all though "Cheek To Cheek" is a good read that I very much enjoyed. It was great to re-visit the "9-1-1" world and boys (Drew, Eric and Scott) even though they only make cameo appearances. Mal and Will's relationship is just starting to take off and there is enough conflict and angst to make things quite interesting for them in the upcoming sequel "Turn The Other Cheek." ... Read more

Product Description

When Jasper Starr gets a promotion and gets to go to the top of his corporation's tower, he thinks he's really arrived. No one ever gets to go straight to the top. Well, no one but Michael Nero, the assistant to the head executive. Michael becomes Jasper's tour guide in his new high-powered world, making Jasper wonder about the man.

Customer Reviews (2)

Tower
Jasper Starr has just gotten a promotion at work. On the first day in his new position he takes an interesting elevator ride and finds himself receiving gifts by Michael Nero....is the man being nice or is he flirting?

Michael is a very private individual. Jasper is more playful and outgoing. Chris Owen writes a mysterious but hot tale of two men meeting at the office. The Tower is a quick fix to any mundane day that needs a pick me up.

Raine
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

The Tower by Chris Owen
Jasper is excited. He has got a promotion and a new office. The first morning he is waiting the elevator to his new office when, from the CEO personal elevator come out Mr. Nero, the CEO's personal assistant and quite without words, he takes Jasper up to the 35 five floor, the CEO's floor.

Michael Nero was a 40 years man, handsome and reserved. And really during that lift, he doesn't say much, unless subtly asks about Jasper's personal life. But then a gift, a late night phone, a warm smile in the corridor... all contribute to make Jasper dream about this man and how his name, Mick, will sound on his lips during love.

A short and interested tale, about a office affair with a open question: Jaspet will be like all the other employees, men and women, that in the last 40 years have made that same ride in that elevator?

The story is very short and I can't really have a strong opinion on Jasper and Michael. Michael is a very sober man, very controlled with other people, but not cold. He is warm with Jasper in every public situation, and very hot in the intimacy. Jasper is less sure but not uneasy with Michael, and he can quietly admit his attraction for this man. ... Read more

Product Description
Edward Munrow has had a change in circumstances. Going from being a gentleman of few means to being a wealthy land owner in less than a day is difficult enough to imagine, but being blackmailed into a marriage he doesn't want by a Duke is just too much.Ned agrees to the marriage to keep his name out of the scandal sheets, and soon enough he is meeting Lady Jane, a member of the Duke's family, and her son, Henri, the Viscount Langton. Langton is a delightful surprise for Ned, a young man just coming into his own, ripe for the sorts of debauchery Ned is best at. The problem is that Langton brings out all of Ned's protective instincts, and that, along with a warning that the Duke will ruin him if he so much as lays a hand on the young man has him keeping his hands to himself. Until Henri won't let Ned protect him from himself, that is. Add one of Ned's old lovers to the mix and the combination is unbeatable. This Victorian romp has it all, from family intrigue to marriages of convenience and naughty fun between the sheets. Take it to bed with you today. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

GREAT romance, characters and setting! Read now!
I'd like to confess that I almost didn't buy this book (kindle version) due to some of the reviews that stated that the story was "unfinished" or lacked finality for the characters; which are things that highly aggravate me with other books I have read in the past - I simply didn't want to experience it again.I am SO GLAD I looked past that to read this book!And I'm somewhat disappointed I didn't read it sooner, but that's what I get for clinging to the somewhat vague idiosynracies of reviewers.

First, the "voice" in which this book is spoken, in first person and through the eyes of our main character Mr. Munrow, is absolutely breathtaking!I loved it.A much needed break from so many other M/M romances I have read.It made reading this story that much more enjoyable, for it truly transported me to the era of the Victorian English countryside.

The characters are painfully rich: Munrow, Langton and Truitt are deep, funny and achingly sensual - and trust me, after reading some of the encounters, you WILL ache ;)The villain, if there is one, is the bitter uncle of Langton, a Duke, who uses prejudice and disregard for Munrow to to blackmail.You WILL hate him.Owen was able to make me hate a man who did not try to kill anyone, didn't beat anyone up and was sick and dying!And I still hated him!The author did a brillian job with that one!The other cast of characters, Munrow's friends, Langton's mother, the staff!They are all so well done, you will see and hear them as if they are right in your own room.

I found the "love" element to be right on target.Others have mentioned the fact that they felt like the main characters didn't "fall in love" or seem to BE in love.I can't imagine having read the same book.Munrow's tumble into love with Langton is so real for the age in which all of this transpires.Remember, we are talking about an era when homosexuality was a capital offence; the lead characters take great care when it comes to how, when and where they express themselves; they have to.Even with that though, the author was able to fill this book to the brim with encounter upon encounter of trist, secret meetings, a gentlemen's club (for the like-minded) and dark, closed-door bedrooms tended to by highly trusted valet's and butlers.

I have read several M/M erotica/romance books and this is by far the best I have had the pleasure of devouring - IN TWO NIGHTS.I want another one!I want Chris Owen to take the best of this book, add some more angst and secret passages, and blow me away - again!The only con?The cover!It looks like a childrens book! Trivial, I know.I have a thing about the digital covers - Mr. Owen, please make the next one worthy of the words it encases!

For the money, I can't imagine NOT reading this book!Don't be like I was, give this lovely story the chance it deserves!You will thank me :)

Hmph
The sex was great, but there was really too much of it for me (started to skim the scenes toward the middle of the book.)I didn't like the main character.He was cold and unsympathetic.More about sex than love, and I'm a romantic at heart.Considering the lack of good m/m romance though, it's worth the read.

unfinished
As all other reviewers I came to this book after reading the beautiful Bareback by the same author.

There could have been no major change: here we are led into Victorian England, among the gentility and the tone is necessarily completely different.

Edward Munrow comes to wealth in an unexpected way and is not entirely happy about it because his new position forces him to take those responsibilities he has carefully avoided until then.
The fact that ignites the plot feels unlikely enough to make it difficult for the reader to suspend disbelief; once suspension is managed somehow, the reader is thrown into a plot who develops consistently giving enough room for the three main characters to shine.

Mr Owen's writing is good as ever, yet I found the characterization rich but unfulfilling. It seems to me that the novel, rather short in fact, is constantly on the verge between the nicely written but light-hearted erotica and the full fledged gay historical novel: sex scenes are many, graphic, well done and take a large number of pages but there are several hints at deeper issues which are never dealt with, leaving me dissatisfied.
The most thorny issue is perhaps the threesome that develops among the three characters: it is nicely done and sexy but I really could not understand how the three come not only to have sex together but even to love one another so much that the expected exclusion of one of them from the "happily ever after" never takes place.
Among the others undealt with issues one could quote the characters of the duke and of the bride to be, not to mention the rather sexy topic of dominance and sexual play in xix century England.

As all these undealt issues are rather interesting and could have led to a very interesting narrative, I found myself rather dissatisfied at the end of the book.

A thing I appreciated is the complete lack of self loathing among the gay characters who only struggle to come away with law and society and are utterly inddifferent to moral constraints.

Four stars, but I think I should appreciate a second, edited edition taking a more clear direction.

AN AGREEMENT AMONG GENTLEMEN by Chris Owen
I really enjoyed this story. The romance was cute and tender, though somewhat unrealized. That might just be due to the time period. Historical M/M romances are always bittersweet to me, since men fall in love but aren't allowed to show it due to society's restrictions.

The sex is spicy hot. I was not expecting this level of steam in a British historical. There's mild kink, threesomes, and a bit of D/s.

The story itself is clever and the dialogue is witty. I love a book that doesn't take itself too seriously.

However, a few things kept me from giving this 5 stars. First, I think this book would have been much better in third-person POV. I enjoy first-person POV in a few contemporaries and urban fantasy but it just doesn't fit in a historical, especially in what was supposedly Regency England. First-person is a very informal POV and Regency England is extremely formal, so they clash. Also, the dialogue felt a bit too contemporary at times, and not in line with the time period. Lastly, I found the D/s theme unrealistic in this particular setting. It was mild and inoffensive and even pretty sexy, but I didn't feel like it felt natural in a Regency piece.

Despite those minor issues, I found AN AGREEMENT AMONG GENTLEMEN to be an entertaining and satisfying read. This book is worth having in any M/M romance collection.

An Agreement Among Gentlemen
Edward "Ned" Munrow is content with his life of no responsibility and all pleasure until his friend unexpectedly gives him an estate and a great deal of money.He's not particularly pleased with the development, especially when a Duke blackmails him into a marriage he definitely doesn't want.The Duke sends his heir, Henri, Viscount Langton, to spend the summer with Munrow, so they can pretend he's seeing if the young man will make a suitable heir.To his surprise, Munrow discovers that he actually likes Langton.Things get even more confusing (and exciting) when an old lover enters the picture.

Don't let the Victorian setting fool you, An Agreement Among Gentleman is an incredibly hot book!Munrow is an unashamedly sensual character and I enjoyed watching him slowly become motivated by more than just temporary pleasure.The supporting characters in An Agreement Among Gentleman added a great deal to the story.They provided comic relief and much more.The relationship between Munrow and his valet was especially amusing.As for the love interests, Langton was sweet, passionate, and eager, and Munrow's old lover Truitt was absolutely delicious!The attraction among these three gentlemen just about burned up my laptop.Chris Owen has written a wonderfully sexy historical which will have a permanent spot on my reread shelf.

Cassie
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed ... Read more

Product Description
He made promises to give support and respect...He chose a group of men to be brothers, and created bonds as strong as blood ties...What happens when the oaths he swore as a teenager are resurrected a decade later?Lee Sutton is working his way through his PhD at a new college, his old life left behind years ago. He's become independent, solitary and driven toward impending success.When he finds that one of his closest neighbors is a member of the same secret society Lee once belonged to, Lee's life is thrown into disarray at exactly the wrong moment, and he has to face new choices, weighted against the past.Dr. Joey Reed is a successful chemist, an outgoing and enthusiastically cheerful man who proceeds to worm his way into Lee's life, believing them to be long lost brothers, dear to each other simply because they chose to be, years before they met.Is it possible that vows made as a freshman can guide the life of a doctoral candidate toward happiness?Lee and Joey are only beginning to find out when the past is brought to the fore, taking them back to the college and home they'd once shared with a family they'd chosen. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Something different and unique!
This is definitely not the usual M/M romance. The focus is not on the protagonists even as their romancing takes up a good part of the book but on a club of gay men they joined in their college years. There is always the mention of their club and their club "brothers" which is so well intertwined into the guys' "getting to know each other" story. So much so that I feel impatient with their sex part and just wish the story to shift back to Lee's experiences in the club whether in flashbacks or current contact with his club "brothers". Don't get me wrong. Lee and Joey are likable even if Joey come across kind of dull and their romance is sexy but they are overshadowed by the setting and the idea of this group of young gay men in college years looking out and caring for each other. And when one of these brothers died, the writing is excellent and deeply meaningful as the brothers ranging from old men to freshmen gather together to reflect, say good bye, but most importantly try to prevent such tragedy from ever happening to any one of them again. Acquired Tastes is a distinct story with a serious and thoughtful plot. Even as I picked this up because it is a M/M romance I could not help but wish Chris has pruned back the guys' sex and romance and expanded on the club brothers experiences. And I do find several of the club brothers much more interesting characters than Lee and Joey.

Well Written and a Bit Different Than Most M/M Romances
Lee Sutton is a hardworking, poor doctoral student.He keeps a roof over his head and a small income by working as the management/landscaper/repairman for a group of condos.Dr. Joey Reed lives in one of the condos and, while he is very handsome, Lee doesn't feel like they have anything in common except for them both being gay.When Lee finds a ring in the bathroom where he is trying to unclog the sink, he realizes that he and Joey have more in common than he realized!It turns out that both of them belonged to an exclusive club in college, though in different years.While this common ground should lead to a smooth courtship, Lee cannot let Joey pay for everything, even though he is a successful chemist.He also feels guilty as Lee feels that he is betraying one of the basic laws of the club: do not have sex with any other member.When news that one of the members in his year committed suicide, Lee is drawn back to the university and cannot stop the memories of the family he discovered while away at school.

This is a good m/m romance that is well written and thought out.The romance is mainly limited to the beginning of the book, when both Lee and Joey are isolated in their own small area.When they are pulled back into the club and its rules, the focus shifts to suicide and its aftermath.The background of the club was interesting to learn about, though, and it is nice to believe that small, exclusive clubs like this exist that offer support and a new type of family for those who don't really have anyone else.In this club, there are 5 members chosen each year by seniors who are graduating.They have a safe haven in a home off of campus and can get help including passing classes, food, and moral support, all of which Lee is in dire need of.To foster the feeling of family, they do not allow intimate relationships with other club members.Lee still keeps in touch with some of the members and it was nice to see him get some support as otherwise he would be completely alone.

The focus of the book is definitely on the club and Lee's memories of it rather than being a true romance between the 2 lead characters.There are a few sex scenes, but not as many as one would expect for this being termed erotica.This book is more a work of literature than a quick, erotic read.Anyway, this book is well written and I almost always enjoy Chris Owen's works.This one is a bit different than other books I have read, but is an enjoyable contemporary gay romance.

Acquired Tastes
I found this book by Chris Owen to be extremely good. I loved the story behind the story of what it was like and the bond that these men held for each other that started in college and followed them throughout their lives. Lee and Joey were two very interseting characters that let us in to glimpse their lives... I have read this book numerous times and will do so again as it truly is a book that needs reading more then once. It amazes me that two very different men where able to come together through their shared secret society even though they had never personally been in their at the same time... it proves beyond a doubt that family is who you choose to be a part of your life. Though it was sad that tradgedy was what brought everyone back together in the end. I loved this book. ... Read more

Product Description
Noah and Tobias come back from Paris with a renewed contract and a deeper personal bond. Too bad things don't go as smoothly at home. When they get back, they face a crisis that might just threaten their contract, and their personal intimacy.

The crisis has a ripple effect, but Tobias and Noah finally learn that they can evolve with it, instead of collapsing. They experiment with scene after scene, making them longer, deeper, which allows them to explore more than they've ever dared. They even explore moving in together.

When Noah is forced to face the danger of his job, he starts to question why he became a cop. Tobias is also questioning his job. Soon enough, their external life is changing enough that they're forced to lean on each other to sustain them. Can they achieve a comfortable balance between their outside life, their scenes, and their love?

Noah and Tobias, along with their friends, appear in Deviations: Submissions, Deviations: Domination, and Deviations: Discipline. These popular novels are available in ebook and paperback. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Hot, hot, hot but outside the sex it dragged a bit.
Such an odd book,extraordinarily detailed and hot BDSM scenes,and then endless and quite boring conversations about therapy and how they all feel about everything and mundane details. (for such thin and fit men they eat a lot pizza!and for such BDSM sluts,there is an awful lot of cuddling going on.)The sex is hot, hot, hot.And the BDSM lifestyle is meticulously described, and though I don't know firsthand,it feels true.But the book bogs down in the non sex scenes,and it's too smooth,they are all too nice and kind to each other,and face no real jealousy or issues (Tobias,the Dom is actually the only one to feel a bit left out of the threesome)But Phantom is so childlike and attention needing,it actually makes sense that he has to be part of a threesome to give him some balance,one person just couldn't take all his neediness.

Chris Owen is a good writer,and the scenes are intriguing,so it's worth buying this book, but there are characterization flaws and the book feels overwritten at times. I rate it a B+,a probable reread.It may not be one of my true favorites,but it's a full length dense book and worth the time and the money.

Intricate and detailed world/lifestyle
This is the 4th book in the Deviations series. There are some really humorous parts that had me laughing out loud more than once.

I can't say it enough: The wonderful, deep characters, and the intricate and detailed world/lifestyle makes the whole series a joy to read.

Deviations Submission
Deviations Domination
Deviations Discipline
Deviations Bondage

Heartbreakimg
If you have read the first 3 books in the series, and are invested in Noah and Tobias as a couple in love, this one will break your heart.

A perfect conclusion to a beautiful series
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.

Rating: 10/10

PROS:
- Wonderful, sexy main characters who are as loving toward one another emotionally as they are physically.
- The sex. Wow. Hot, passionate, emotional, cathartic. Loving.
- The relationship. (SPOILER here--although it's revealed in a couple of the other reviews) Threesome! Yay, yay, yay! I'm not typically a fan of threesome relationships over couples, but I'd been wanting SO badly for Phantom to be part of Tobias and Noah's relationship that when it happened in this book I quite literally whooped out loud. And I am extremely satisfied with the way the relationship progresses: Tobias and Noah keep and strengthen their bond forged in the earlier books (and reverse roles!), Tobias and Phantom are finally able to express again the deep love they have always felt for each other, and Noah and Phantom bond both emotionally and physically once Tobias gives them permission to mess around together.
- A few more deepish-feeling BDSM scenes than in the previous (couple?) novels in the series. (This might not actually be the case if you were to go through the books and count the sex scenes, but the BDSM element seems more pervasive to me in this book than in the previous ones, except for the first.)
- Cursory but heartwarming secondary romance involving Bradford. I re-read some of the scenes about him and his sub several times; although short and lacking in detail, they are almost as sweet as the primary romance.
- Ending that some other reviewers have found unsatisfactory but which I found PERFECT. Everything I hoped and dreamed (but didn't really expect) would occur did, as did some delightful things I never even considered.

CONS:
- Tiny, inconsequential things (for me, anyway): some difficult/awkward moments, some areas where the writing isn't terribly smooth, etc. The book isn't perfect, obviously, but I've enjoyed the series so much that I was simply delighted with its conclusion...especially since the EXACT thing I wanted to happen at the end actually DID happen, even though I didn't think it would.

Overall comments: I love, love, love this series. Especially this volume. If you can't handle BDSM, then (sadly) these books probably aren't for you, but the relationships are deeply emotional and just gorgeous. In theory, each book could probably stand on its own, but if you want to read one, I highly recommend that you read them all--and that you do so in order. The emotional punch of this final book was MUCH stronger after having read the three earlier books than it would have been if I had read this one in isolation.

Not a very satisfactory ending
This book is the conclusion to the Deviations series and I have to say it didn't feel very satisfying to me. The four books follow each other very closely with maybe only a week or two passing between each book. The first three books had Tobias and Noah so in love with one another and so possessive of one another, it was really hot. Tobias consistently assured Noah that Phan was just someone he still cared about but not someone he was in love with any longer. But in Bondage, though it was Noah who offered to bring Phan home, I felt as though Noah only did it because he is such a kind and compassionate person, but didn't really want Phan to join them. Of course though, conveniently, Phan and Noah fall in love, though I'm not sure it's really love. No matter how many times I read it, I just think that Phan is intruding on Noah and Tobias' relationship and that he doesn't belong there. I would have been much happier if Phan had his own book. With the first three books so focused on Tobias and Noah, especially the middle two books with so much affirmation of their love for each other, having Phan suddenly join them and Tobias suddenly announcing that he's in love with Phan again and Noah just not having a problem with it because he just so happens to be in love with Phan too, didn't seem very realistic. I like Phan, he is a nice character with very good intentions, and Noah supposedly had truly fallen in love with Phan as well, but even then I still feel that Phan just doesn't belong with them.

I gave the book 3 stars because the sex was pretty hot. The threesomes were definitely good. Though, I think I would have liked it better if Phan had just joined Noah and Tobias to play occasionally instead of being a permanent third in their relationship. The hottest was definitely the times when Noah and Tobias are being together just as lovers and not as Dom/Sub. I really liked their role reversal and when Tobias asked Noah to Top him in his uniform. Very hot! That is certainly a part of their relationship that Phan and Tobias could never have. It's something that Phan could never give Tobias, only Noah. And for that I really liked it. Phan and Tobias' relationship seems more Dom/Sub, Noah and Phan's relationship is like best friends who have hot sex together, and Noah and Tobias' relationship is by far the deepest and most loving. They can be together as lovers, partners, friends, and Dom/Sub. Even though at the end everyone seemed in love with everyone, I think if Tobias had to choose, he would choose Noah over Phan, because their relationship is all encompassing and they can fulfill all of each others needs. For that, this book gets a 3/5. ... Read more

Product Description
Former minor league baseball player and little league coach Myles figures he and his buddy Todd have a lot in common. They're both single dads, they both love baseball and camping, and their sons get along great. They also have this thing they do, this touching thing a few times a year that Myles figures is just all about creature comfort.The thing is, as they both think about dating other people and breaking up their late night tradition, Myles starts to realize maybe he's not as casual about Todd as he thought. In fact, he has to take a long hard look at how he feels. And hope he won't be too late! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Carbon and Ash
Myles and Todd are good friends. They coach their sons' baseball team and often spend nights after the games watching movies at Todd's house. They usually end up touching and kissing. Their friendship is easy and fun and the fringe benefits make them both feel good. Lately Myles has been feeling a little restless. He's checking out the women at work and even dating but something doesn't feel right. When Todd makes a date with another man, it really bothers Myles. Now he has to figure out why.

Myles had me on the edge of my seat, wondering what he would or wouldn't do throughout the book. His indecision and need for Todd are tangible. Todd is a good dad, a good friend, and he's very sexy too. Myles and Todd have a great relationship. It's comfortable and easy and it feels right. Carbon and Ash is about friendship and love and finding something new in what you had all along. It's a really good story with a perfect ending.

Nannette
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Love this one from Chris
Most of these single shots from TP are wonderfully written and this classic one is no exception.
I may have read this years ago but this emotionally driven romance from Chris, underlined with a touch of poignancy, remains one of my favorites. Myles never admits that he is gay. For him Todd, his best friend, is just his best friend with "benefits". Myles comes across a selfish jerk. Todd, an acknowledged gay and a loving man, has my full sympathy as he waits patiently for the day Myles returns his love. But even Todd has his limits. A beautiful and touching story from Chris. ... Read more

Product Description
Reed Scales isn't sure what exactly he's hoping for when he attends a speed dating charity fundraiser event: true love or a hook up. What he finds is a person from his youth and a wild night in a hotel room with three men. It's all fun and games, but Reed can't help but think a good thing is slipping past him.

Jack Fields is an outreach worker, an upstanding guy who works to make the world a better place. With blue eyes that are always watching and personality almost too good to be true, Reed thinks Jack might just be that one and only guy for him. They've done speed dating; what can the slow way do for them? ... Read more

Product Description
Hez is a modern kind of guy in that he's not about to let being a few centuries old stop him from having his fun. He goes south for amusement, but his roots are in New England, along with his money and the town that protects him. Also in New England is Scotty, the guy that Hez has been trying to impress for a dozen years -- with no success.

What's a vampire to do in order to win his man? Whatever he can, as it turns out, and Hez spends a fortune creating the type of setting that he thinks will impress Scotty. Of course, it all goes terribly wrong... ... Read more

Product Description
Picking up where Chris Owen's Converge left off, Finn has crossed into Ari's dimension, but now what? He's a man without a past, without papers, and he can't get home. Now that he and Ari are together in body as well as spirit, they can move their relationship forward. But the uncertainty of Finn's status, and Finn's unfamiliarity with Ari's dimension, are definitely standing in their way. On top of that, something strange is going on. People in Ari's dimension are not only disappearing, they're reappearing again days later. Tracking the news and combining it with the information he has about dimensions and Between, Finn begins to suspect that his appearance in Alpha and these strange happenings are connected for sure. As he and Ari work together to help Finn adjust to Ari's life, their quest for a way to restore communication with Alpha begins. Through some clues from Alpha, and an unexpected revelation about Finn's friend Blake, Finn and Ari find someone who might be able to help him. But is the potential cost to them -- and to Finn's friends and family back in Alpha -- worth the attempt? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Merge
Finn did the impossible and reached over from the Alpha world to the Beta world to be with Ari, the man he has loved his entire life.Without dimensions separating them and now able to touch and feel each other, both men have some adjusting to do.Finn has to learn to survive in this new world where he is away from his friends and family with the strong possibility he may never see them again.And Ari has to come to terms with his feelings for Finn and see if Finn is what he has been missing from his life.

Along with having to make adjustments in this new world, Finn also begins to suspect that his actions may have cause irreversible damage to the Alpha world.

Merge is a great conclusion to its prequel Converge.Chris Owen left her readers hanging off a huge cliff full of questions at the end of Converge, and she answered them all beautifully in Merge.I did harbor my personal feelings of a love match between Finn and Blake, but it was written in the stars that the only person for Finn was, is and will always be Ari.I enjoyed Merge and the sci-fi aspects of it.It's a thought provoking story that got me wondering if maybe the love of my life is living in another dimension, because he certainly isn't here.So all you readers of Converge pick up your copy of Merge you will love it.

Note: This series should be read in publishing order.

Ley
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed ... Read more

Product Description
Hank is happy with his life in Shady Ridge, the small town he grew up in and now works as a police officer in. And if he has to go to the Neon Sky, a gay bar a couple hours away in the middle of nowhere once every six months or so to get his jollies, well it's working for him.At least it is until Charlie joins the force. A giant of a man, Charlie has left the big city after a nasty break-up and come to Shady Ridge for a little peace. Hank's immediately attracted, and when he runs into Charlie at the Neon Sky, finding out they're batting for the same team... well it just might turn Hank's ordered world upside down. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Gotta love them cops
Love those small town cops!And yes, small towns really are like that; just wish the cops were too.Oh well, still a great book and loved the 'flow'.Easy to picture the town, easy to imagine the cops and people they interact with, and almost felt like I was the proverbial fly on the wall listening in.A good writer knows how to convey that and Chris sure does and did.

Shady Ridge and the Neon Sky
Hank lived his entire life in Shady Ridge. He wasn't open about his sexual orientation, but he didn't hide it either. He just didn't talk about it.As a police officer of the town, he liked to avoid being gossiped about, so when he needed up close and personal intimacy, he would drive a few hours out of town to the gay bar Neon Sky.It wasn't a trip he took often, maybe twice a year.It was enough to keep him satisfied, but then Charlie came along.

Charlie transferred to the force from the big city.He needed a change of scenery after a hard break-up.Shady Ridge seemed to offer the slow-paced easy living he needed after the stress he'd been through in the past few months.He didn't expect to find a kindred spirit amongst the Shady Ridge police force.

Shady Ridge and the Neon Sky is a sweet and easy read that I couldn't help but like.Hank and Charlie found out about each other by being in the right place at the right time.After accidentally bumping into each other in the Neon Sky, sexual contact between the two of them was inevitable. Charlie recently breaking up with a lover and Hank having only friends with benefits he sees twice a year, the two men were not in a rush to start anything serious.With all the ingredients for a lasting relationship starting with friendship, understanding, respect, and an extremely strong sexual attraction, the love between these two men happened upon them unnoticed and slowly grew.Shady Ridge and the Neon Sky is a great story. I adored Hank and Charlie and I'm certain other readers will, too.

Ley
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed ... Read more

Product Description

Pyke thinks he's found the perfect way to keep his two best friends around; buy a house they can all live in. The trick will be getting Laurel and Shea to move in. His buddy Shea gets with the program pretty fast, the famous Shea gut instinct telling him that it will be all right.

Customer Reviews (1)

An enjoyable, if inconsequential, tale
Chris Owen does wonder with words. He really has a wonderful touch and Pyke's Peak is fun to read. The only reason I didn't rate it higher is that there was practically no conflict at all within the story, so the outcome seemed assured.

Pyke is a bisexual musician. He's in love with his best friends, Shea and Laurel. Shea is also bisexual, and in love with Laurel and Pyke. And Laurel is in love with both of them too. Because he had previously won the lottery, the story opens with Pyke buying a monstrosity of a house. His dream? To have all of them together as a threesome.

The characters are unique, nuanced, and very lovable. The writing style is engaging and interesting, and the plot (what there is) flows along at a nice pace. The star of the story is the house that Pyke bought. It's..... bizarre. Three stories tall, it was built by someone on acid. Hidden rooms, secret passages, towers... nothing makes sense. The kitchen is on the 2nd floor, and the outside door opens directly into the dining room. The third floor bedroom is on the highest point and is glass (both walls and ceiling), offering a totally unobstructed view of everything around the house and the full sky.

Pyke bought the house and informed his two lovers they would be moving in. Both Shea and Laurel don't need much convincing, the house is so bizarre and interesting. The only conflict in the story is that Laurel hasn't come to the same realization that Pyke and Shea long ago came to. Namely, that they should be a threesome. Pyke and Shea decide to just be patient and wait, and soon Laurel should come to that conclusion herself.

That's about it. It's wonderful dialog and a cute setting and lovable characters and a totally cool house. Everyone is happy and there's very little (if any) conflict. Because of that, there's no opportunities for strong emotions. Looking at Chris Owen's other work, "Bareback", one sees a world of difference. While the dialog and writing is superb on both, "Pyke's Peak" is just a light little tale, while "Bareback" is an emotionally gripping journey, often times filling your chest with the same pain felt by the characters.

I enjoyed it, and Chris Owen's style is always a pleasure to read. Just keep in mind that there's almost no drama within these pages. It's purely a light diversion. ... Read more

Product Description
Jake and Tor return in this long-awaited sequel to the bestselling Bareback! Having bought the ranch they've worked on for so long, they're now the proud owners of a spread of their own. There's more than enough on their plate coping with their new responsibilities and their arguments over ranch management, and it's not long before even more trouble hits. When he learns his sister has died in an automobile accident, Jake is crushed. His grief is tempered by Tor's loving support, but they're forced to be apart while Jake deals with the family. When they bring Jake's nephew back to the ranch, things stretch to the breaking point. From the day to day difficulties of running the ranch to dealing with a teenager who's just lost his mother, Jake and Tor wonder if they'll be able to survive. In the fury of the storm, the two men fall back on the one thing that can get them through. Each other. Can they keep it together when everything seems to be falling apart around them? Chris Owen gives Jake and Tor a triumphant return, bringing back a cast of characters that are as well-loved as they are in love with each other. Settle in against the storm and read Natural Disaster today! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Super Faggity
This book is definitely one for the peter puffers and the ones who need their stool pushed in!
I would definitely reccomend any young strapping lads searching for themselves read this gay book.

It will definitely pull you right out of the closet!

But be warned, this novel contains extremely faggity scenes of buttslamming and harsh anal poundings on the ranch!

In closing, this is a great read for all those bendover barnies and its hot anal scenes really get the blood flowing (if you know what i mean).Cuddle up with your gay life partner next to a huge flame, crack open a zima, and enjoy this tale of erotic cockslaying.

Great read.
I read Bareback and fell in love with Tor and Jake.
I read the short stories on the site and then I read Natural Disaster.I really loved this follow up story to their lives and seen how they have changed, how their love has grown. I hope to read more stories about the couple in the future.

Interesting development of characters
This is a very good follow up novel, but I enjoyed the first book even more.The characters continue to develop, in some good ways, and even some not so good ways.Overall, an enjoyable read.

Watching a bond grow stronger
I found this sequel to Bareback to be a great insight into the relationship shared by Jake and Tor.When tragedy strikes Jake's family Tor is there to help him through it.The beginning of the book starts a little slow, but that is necessary to build up on a strong storyline.However, those of you looking for the hot and heavy Jake and Tor of the first novel will be slightly disappointed.In Natural Disaster, the two of them have been together for almost six years now, and while they are still in love, the author's need to show them at each other every moment is not present in this book.Yet, when they are together, the sparks fly. Even amidst all of the changes going on around these two, they still somehow manage to remain committed to each other.I would totally recommend this book.

Fatherhood
Family drama and fatherhood take center stage in this sequel to Bareback.You'll see quite a change occurred in the main characters between the two novels.
... Read more

Product Description
In this sequel to Deviations: Submission, Dom Tobias and Sub Noah are back, learning more about each other and their relationship, testing the boundaries of what they can and cannot handle, both together and apart. Tobias works at becoming more comfortable and finding his balance as a full-time Master again. Meanwhile, his work brings out the true submissive in Noah, who faces some of his greatest fears, and his greatest secrets, confessing to Noah about a terrible time in his past. He's not the only one who has a rough time. Tobias breaks down and shows Noah he's not all dominance, too, which sends shockwaves through their romance, leaving them to wonder if they can keep it together. With a deep exploration of the BDSM scene, secondary characters who shine, and a romance that has the reader rooting for these men from the start, Deviations: Domination is one book you can't miss. Authors Chris Owen, writer of the popular Bareback, and Jodi Payne, writer of String of Pearls have done it again. Hard at work on a third book in the Deviations series, these authors have many more projects planned. Look for them to come from Torquere Press! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

fantastic world building
I've just re-read this book (2nd in the series) and enjoyed it even more than the first time. All 4 books in the series are so rich with character development and world/lifestyle detail that each reading just brings out more treasures of understanding.

Deviations Submission
Deviations Domination
Deviations Discipline
Deviations Bondage

More romantic and less disturbing than the first book
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.

Rating: 9/10

PROS:
- The serious, heavy BDSM actions continue in this volume, but I didn't find them as disturbing/disquieting. (Maybe I'm just used to the ways in which Noah submits to Tobias after reading the first book.) There's one scene in which Noah goes very deep into his headspace and Tobias has to coax him out of it that I found fascinating.
- The relationship has evolved so that it's no longer 100% D/s. There are some graphic D/s scenes, but far fewer than in Book 1. Other reviewers have said that they don't like how the later books in this series have fewer BDSM scenes and more vanilla sex, but I enjoyed the vanilla sex scenes in this book just as much as the kinkier ones. I see them as proof that Tobias and Noah's relationship is BASED ON domination and submission but isn't entirely ABOUT those roles. And the idea that occasionally the two can make love while looking into each other's eyes is romantic and wonderful and...sigh.
- Hot sex scenes involving various kinks. There are some sweet, passionate vanilla scenes, some sweaty, thrilling BDSM scenes (one particularly sexy one involving voyeurism to an extreme degree), and even a ménage scene that gave me a bit of a hot flash.
- I love how honest the characters are with each other and how much focus there is on conversation. Owen and Payne must either have experienced the lifestyle personally or have spoken in-depth with both Doms and subs, because the psychological needs and desires of both characters in these books are examined in detail.
- The character of Phan makes me smile. He's a wonderful friend to Tobias--and becoming one to Noah as well. (see cons below also)

CONS:
- Phan makes me want to cry too. He's not just a friend to Tobias; I get the feeling that he's still very much in love with his old master--and not just in the "we love each other but we aren't IN love" way. I think he's IN love with Tobias but is just so messed up that he can't be right for Tobias anymore nor can he move on and fall in love with anyone else. Maybe Noah and Tobias could let him be a part of their relationship...threeways work sometimes, right?
- There are two momentous, unrelated scenes at the end of the book that have been hinted at all through the story, and both of them feel rushed or a bit smoothed over. I was expecting something really explosive from at least one of them, and each one seemed to be over rather quickly.

Overall comments: I really, really enjoyed this book because of the characters--all of them. Even the small, secondary characters make an impact. It's got some BDSM elements that will make squeamish people squirm a bit, but if you made it through the first volume in the series, this one's mostly a piece of cake. And if you're interested in the characters' relationships (rather than just the kinky sex scenes), I think you'll like this one better than the first.

True Domination
An excellent book. I enjoyed reading it. You should read the First book
Submissions first although This book can stand alone. I got attached to the characters and want to read more. If you like domination or submission
this is a good book and easy to read.

Delicious and fun!
Boy was it good to be back reading about Tobias and Noah. I have to say, since the last book, I missed them. I actually craved to read this second book of the Deviations series because I HAD to know what happens with them. It didn't disappoint. There was a lot of hot action, a lot of hot scenes, and a lot of romance. This book was definitely more romantic than the first, and emotional in a different way. In this second book, Tobias and Noah have to find balance between having a regular romantic relationship and having a relationship based on the exchange of power. In this one, Tobias examines his weaknesses as Noah comes to terms with his. Their dynamic and struggles show that not even the best Dom in the world is infallible; no matter how strong we are, we break down, we screw up. We're not perfect. I can't wait to read number 3.

Excellent Sequel
This is the sequel to Deviations: Submission."Submission" left the reader as the two characters, Tobias and Noah, began to move beyond simple dominant and submissive--falling in love.That book explored the BDSM world with Noah, the submissive, as the focus."Domination" switches the focus to Tobias.These two are developing a relationship, and they have issues to overcome just as any other couple does.

This series is excellent; well-written, fast paced, with fully realized characters (both supporting and main).Another book featuring some of the supporting cast as main characters would be more than welcome.I understand the third book in the series will be coming out April 07 and the fourth in Fall 07.Yeah!

I never expected a BDSM-themed book to have such a powerful love story, but there it is. Read these two books--now. ... Read more

Product Description
Finn has been watching Ari from the space Between their two dimensions for a long time. He lives in the same world, it seems, but in his Alpha dimension, contacting anyone in what Finn thinks of as Beta is forbidden. Against the law, even if he could figure out how to do it. One day everything changes, though. Ari becomes aware of Finn, and of the Alpha dimension, and the two begin a strange dance where they can see one another, and talk, but never touch. According to everything Finn knows, physically crossing dimensions is a death sentence, and he's not even sure how to make the attempt to get his hands on Ari. With government conspiracies, a friend who knows more than he's willing to admit, and time running out for Finn before he's caught in his watchful obsession, something has to give. Ari and Finn have become more than just watchers and friends, and Finn finally makes a mad dash for Between, trying to cross the barriers that keep Alpha and Beta apart. Can he make it to Ari alive? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

I feel cheated!
What I didn't know is that "Converge" has a sequel, "Merge", so I guess a good part of my cheated feeling can be accounted on this.... But not all.

Finn lives in the Alpha dimension, a world superposed over the Beta dimension. While the Betans have no idea that Alpha exists, the Alphas can see the Beta world, can feel the emotions of its inhabitants and can even travel in the Between, where the Alphas walk around the Beta world unseen. The whole is highly regulated, with permits issued for travel in Between and patrols making the rounds to arrest the unauthorized travellers.

Finn was present when Ari was born, an event that was so full of emotions, everyone sat up and took notice. Over the years, Finn always kept an eye on Ari, becoming a stalker of a sort; he even started to conduct little experiments, like trying to influence Ari with out-loud comments. Then the unthinkable happens and Ari actually sees Finn.

The storytelling is good, the writing is well-done and I was easily sucked into the story... until I'd read more than half the book and still there was no contact between Finn and Ari, and all that could be called `relationship' in the story (read: banging) was happening between Ari and another guy that we didn't care one whit about.

Then, to make things worse, the author introduced this very cool third party who turns out to be much more interesting as a potential lover for Finn than the guy we're supposed to root for... so there you have it, all the ingredients to have the reader that I am loose interest.

The opening is very long even for a book 1 of a series, with nothing much happening. The ending is surprising and opens the door for a sequel that will probably be better paced... unfortunately, there was not in "Converge" any firing up of the Ari/Finn couple and I find myself rather uninterested in what's going to happen to them. I'd give this book 2 stars and a ½, but because part of my dissatisfaction is due to my not knowing that this book was a prequel, I give it 3 stars.

Converge
Sitting in his sandbox, playing with his toys, three-year-old Finn Cormag witnesses the moment that would determine his life's path, Ari Sloan's birth.Finn and Ari live in the same world but different dimensions.Living in the Alpha dimension allows Finn the ability to see into the lives of those living in the Beta dimension, but his only focus over the past 30 years has been Ari.Now a scientist in the Alpha dimension, Finn discovers a way to use the Between space of the two dimensions to get closer to Ari, and going against better judgment he allows Ari to become aware of his presence.

Now able to speak to and see each other, but not touch a friendship builds between the two men at the same time Alpha security increases around the Between space putting Finn's life at risk. Use of the Between space is forbidden in the Alpha dimension and could lead to death if caught and with no proven evidence it is also believed that passing through the Between space can also result in death.With Alpha security aware of his actions Finn makes the choice to risk his life to cross the between space into the Beta dimension, Ari's world.

As a sci-fi story, Converge is fantastic, but on the romance level I'm a bit discouraged.There is more to the story than just Ari and Finn, there is Ben, Ari's boyfriend and Blake, Finn's colleague.Circumstances arise to come between Ben and Ari's otherwise comfortable and what appears to be a happy relationship, Ben's not a bad guy and he and Ari did love each other.As for Finn and Blake, I hoped for more to develop between them, but Ari was and is Finn's only focus.Finn and Ari did develop a connection between one another that could possibly be the start of something beautiful, but there are many obstacles for them to overcome beginning with Finn's adjustment to living in the Beta dimension.Converge gives you a lot to think about on a scientific level, and it definitely leaves you wanting for more.Chris Owen will be giving plenty more in the sequel Merge, but unfortunately we have to wait until May to read it.

Ley
reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed ... Read more

Product Description
Detective Shane Mullin is used to domestic investigations. So when Janet Brint hires him to tail her husband, City Councilor Daniel, he doesn't think much of it. Everyone has something to hide, and Janet thinks Daniel's problem is drugs. It's not drug abuse that has Daniel hiding out, though. As Shane follows Daniel about, he realizes the politician is having lots of sex. Gay sex at that. Shane is fascinated with Daniel's case, wondering just what Janet hopes to gain by exposing Daniel's secrets. Shane is also fascinated with Daniel the man, so much so that attraction blooms, and he and Daniel begin an online friendship. One thing leads to another, and Shane finds himself leading his own double life, seeing Daniel while continuing to investigate him. With no good way out of his deception, Shane has a decision to make about what to tell Daniel, and Daniel himself has some tough choices about his life and whether or not to go public with his sexuality. Can Shane and Daniel work their way through their web of lies? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Not a bad book, but for some reason I'm wishy-washy about it
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.

Rating: 6/10

PROS:
- There's an adorable secondary character who's best friends with Shane and is alternately sweet/supportive and frank/witchy. She's refreshingly non-stereotypical, too. I also really liked one of Daniel's close friends.
- A couple of the conversations the two main guys have occur via Instant Messaging, and they're pretty cute. Simultaneously hesitant and flirty.
- The ending is rather open for my usual tastes (no worries, though: it's happy), but I didn't mind it here. The romance is a little on the whirlwind side, so the conclusion felt okay to me.
- Once the characters finally have (real) sex with each other, it's pretty hot. One of them is a dirty talker, and I found some of his comments rather stimulating.

CONS:
- There's quite a bit of sex in this book (as I assumed there would be, judging by the book's title), but I didn't really enjoy much of it. I'm into passionate, "lovemaking"-type sex scenes, though. If you're into voyeurism, you might like the sex in this book a lot: many of the encounters involve Shane watching as Daniel hooks up with other people.
- Shane is a private investigator, and I couldn't help finding him just a little on the sleazy side. He feels super guilty about spying, of course, but he also kind of gets off on it (well, okay...scratch the "kind of"). He does redeem himself by the end of the book, though.
- The last several chapters felt a little off to me. The scene when Daniel finally discovers the truth about Shane didn't go at all the way I expected it to go (lots of action, but not the kind I had in mind), and the confrontation with Daniel's wife seemed rushed and/or unrealistic.

Overall comments: This isn't a bad book; it's written well, as is the case with other books I've read by these authors, both singly and together. I just wasn't that into it. The romance moved a little quickly (slash oddly) for my taste, and I didn't love either of the lead characters.

Sex and Lies
Private Detective Shane Mullin has been hired by Councilor Daniel Brint's wife Janet to follow her husband to find out if he is buying drugs. At first Shane thinks this is easy money, after all how hard can it be to tail Daniel and take a few pictures of him doing illegal stuff? Then he finds out that the very married Councilor's double life does not involve buying drugs, he is having sex, lots of gay sex.

As he sees Daniel having indiscriminate hook-ups with numerous men Shane becomes more and more enamored of him and wishes that he is the one having sex with him. Then he does something no self-respecting private detective should ever do, he inserts himself into the action and starts an online relationship with his client's husband. Soon this is not enough as they move up to having phone sex then real sex. Shane and Daniel have a lot in common - neither can stop what he is doing, Daniel is obsessed with sex and Shane is obsessed with Daniel.

Shane's lesbian sidekick Celia is a terrific supporting character. The teasing exchanges between her and Shane are so, so funny; obviously they care about and look out for each other. At one point she tells him that she will train him to be a bitch in no time. The scene where she `does a Daniel' on Shane's desk with her latest love interest is incredibly comical, and when she walks in on him and Daniel in the same office in flagrante delicto, what can I say?

The story is told from Shane's POV so we don't get much insight into Daniel's feelings for Shane, or his motivations for staying with his wife despite being gay and making innumerable booty calls which could expose him to blackmail. Janet's motivations for hiring Shane are suspect since she appears to have nothing to gain by exposing Daniel and you get the sense that she may be hiding something as well. Shane has to extricate himself from his web of lies to both Daniel and Janet and there is no easy way to do this. Daniel, on the other hand, will have to come clean about his sexual orientation to both his wife and the public that elected him. What wonderful plot twists for the reader to unravel. How will these characters disentangle themselves?

There is so much sex going on in Daniel's life, with multiple partners sometimes in the same day that you wonder how he finds the time to do his job. Shane on the other hand is so in love with Daniel he has lost sight of the fact that Janet hired him to investigate her husband and that she is his client. The dialogue between these two horny characters in this very hot book is really steamy as they have numerous phone sex encounters.

Sex, Lies and Celluloid is definitely not a primer on how to have a loving relationship with your spouse but it will entertain you and make you laugh out loud, although it is not without pathos. Daniel's character is the most promiscuous one I have met to date and if you hate cheating spouses this book will curl your hair, but Daniel is so likeable despite all of his flaws I became a fan. Jodi Payne and Chris Owen have done it again, written a book that I couldn't put down, and in the process have created different types of heroes in Daniel and Shane. Daniel is depraved and decadent but he is engaging and very sweet. Shane on the other hand, although just as immoral as Daniel, is single and looking for love but in all the wrong places. Sex, Lies and Celluloid is a great read that will engage, enrage and amuse you with really cool dialogue, and you will reread it time and again because you can't help yourself.

Gay PI gets his man!But can he be tamed?
Gay private investigator Shane Mullin gets a routine assignment from Janet Brint: to follow her husband, Daniel, and see if her suspicions are correct that spending time away from home and spending money due to his increasing use of drugs.What is not typical is what Shane finds: that Daniel Brint, an attorney and city councilman, is actually cheating on her, with a series of fairly anonymous men he hooks up with via the internet, whom he meets for one-time aggressive sexual encounters.What was even more unusual, as Shane spied on the cheating husband, is that he felt not just empathy for the closeted politician, but a strong attraction to him as well, quickly becoming an obsession.With the help of his sassy but resourceful lesbian assistant, Celia, Shane finds out more about Janet Brint and her motivation in having her husband investigated, and finds one of Daniel's online ads, which he replies to and begins a series of text message flirtations.

An interesting premise, well-presented in this highly erotic and sexually-explicit novel, which manages to touch on serious issues such as the public's right to know about the personal lives of its elected officials, and whether someone who starts off with furtive one-night-stand encounters while closeted can possibly deal with a monogamous gay relationship.I give it four stars out of five.

SEX, LIES & CELLULOID
Mrs. Brint hires private detective Shane Mullen to investigate her politician husband's strange behavior because she thinks he's on drugs. Shane soon figures out that Mr. Brint's secret has nothing to do with drugs--he's sneaking out to have sex...with men. Shane becomes fascinated with Mr. Brint and soon gets tangled up in a web of lies.

This is a fabulous book. I enjoyed every second of it. I avoid books about cheating husbands, and I rarely like a story based on deception. SEX, LIES & CELLULOID is the big exception to that rule. The authors treat both subjects (infidelity and lies) with great care, and the story takes some pleasantly unexpected turns.

I fell in love with the three main characters (Shane the investigator, Daniel the politician, and Celia the lesbian sidekick). I actually sympathized with all of them and found their characterizations extremely believable. The suspicious wife was fairly stereotypical, but not quite as exaggerated as you'd expect from a private investigator story.

The sex is *sizzling*. There's cyber sex (my least favorite thing to read about, but still done very well), some steamy phone conversations, voyeurism, and plenty of hot man-on-man action.

Though the story is based on a series of lies, the authors spend most of their time developing the relationship between Shane and Daniel and letting us get to know them, so I never got the "Uh-oh, where is this going?" feeling. I never doubted that the story would have a beautiful ending, and I was not disappointed. This is a romance, after all. :)

I truly loved everything about SEX, LIES & CELLULOID. I can't think of anything negative to say about it, other than the fact that I wish it were longer. I am very satisified with this book. I read this as an e-book, but I plan to buy the print version as soon as possible. Yes, it's good enough that I am willing to buy it twice.

Entertaining, sexy M/M erotica. Wonderful narration.
Chris and Jodi are terrific M/M erotica writers and here they have given us an entertaining story with a light and sexy plot. I will not go into the plot as Elisa has done a great review on this one. The story starts off well but sort of tapers off towards the end. On the other hand this is a romance erotica, so it is expected.

The narration is wonderful as we get to know Shane very well and enjoy the story from his angle. But because it is a narration it is not easy to get to know Daniel and this may be the reason I find his returned love for Shane not that convincing. Afterall Daniel is most promiscuous early in the story as he goes for man after man. Here the moments of voyeurism is darn sexy.

Shane's lesbian sidekick, Celia, with her somewhatprotective streak over her boss, is an enjoyable character and their gentle bantering is engaging and humorous. And when she makes out on her boss' desk...(chuckle)

Overall an entertaining story with an appealing character in Shane. It just needs a little bit more angst. ... Read more