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Question Mark (Liaisons #2)

by S.E. Culpepper (Goodreads Author)

3.91 of 5 stars 3.91 · rating details · 424 ratings · 78 reviews

Coming back from being well and truly dumped is a struggle for the average guy. For Mark Newland, it’s much, much worse. With a long string of broken relationships behind him, Mark is confronted with a choice: grow up and fix the man he’s become, or continue on his lonely and bitter path. With reinvention in mind, Mark heads for a vacation in Bora Bora, hoping it will brin...more

ebook, 345 pages

Published March 10th 2012 by Smashwords

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Best M/M Romance Published in 2012

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Feb 11, 2013 Kade Boehme rated it 5 of 5 stars

I really liked Mark's story! Lucky bastard would go from Rafe's fine ass right into the arms of Hollywood's hottest. I liked Mark. Rafe made alot of dick moves in Private Eye so I was so happy to see sweet Mark's hopeful romantic side get someone worthy to put his effort into, even though he was almost bitchy enough in Private Eye to put me off his character. Zane was great. Although I was mad at him for leaving our boy stateside for a dumb movie and having the audacity to not trust the distance...more

8 likes · like · see review

Mar 12, 2012 Edina Rose rated it 4 of 5 stars

I usually don't like Hollywood romances, I'm afraid I'll have an overdose of bling bling. This book is the love story between Zane, an openly gay Hollywood mega actor and Mark, a common guy, but the Hollywood stuff was OK.

The book is slow but when it picks up, it is seriously intense. The big conflict and its resolution is amazingly well done. In romances, when a hero makes a mistake, sometimes he does not properly grovel or atone for his error. Sometimes he feels guilty and sorry for himself a...more

9 likes · like · see review

May 15, 2012 Barb rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorite-series, favorite-authors, favorites, must-reads-recommrnd

Simply put, I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! When Culpepper can turn around a character that quite frankly I didn't even like in book one to someone I ended up loving, she did her job and did it well. She's also cemented a place on my short auto buy list.

I wasn't so sure Mark could be redeemed in my eyes and certainly did not expect to fall in love with him in Question Mark. While I saw a side to him I didn't like in PI I can also say I was shown why Mark was the way he was. I got a little ticked off at Ra...more Simply put, I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! When Culpepper can turn around a character that quite frankly I didn't even like in book one to someone I ended up loving, she did her job and did it well. She's also cemented a place on my short auto buy list.

I wasn't so sure Mark could be redeemed in my eyes and certainly did not expect to fall in love with him in Question Mark. While I saw a side to him I didn't like in PI I can also say I was shown why Mark was the way he was. I got a little ticked off at Rafe for treating him the way he did and making him feel unworthy of love, along with his other failed relationships. To question why you can't seem to find that one special person, why you're constantly getting dumped, can be devastating to someone and make them question what is broken that others can't love them and are always leaving them. That was Mark and it broke my heart.

It was heartbreaking to me to see how much he wanted to have someone he could love in his life and someone that could return those feelings. To see him struggle to understand why he couldn't get past those type of relationships and just what he needed to change to open himself up to being loved and giving love was wonderful to watch. It wasn't a smooth road, he was actually his worst enemy, but he found the perfect person in Zane who pushed him to see that anything worth having is worth fighting for. And boy did Mark fight for Zane when honestly, as far as Zane knew, he had every right to dump his ass too. I'm glad he didn't though. To see Zane's anger and hurt was amazing, to also see, eventually, his forgiveness, was what made their love shine so much brighter. And the ending....I loved seeing where their HEA went.

Let's not forget all the secondary characters. Mark's brothers were awesome! I love the relationship they had. Sean and Reid were so cute with Mark. The wisecracks and especially the walk in scene with Sean was hilarious! Loved the dialog between the whole family.

Still would have liked more lovin in the book, more detailed, longer sex scenes and no fade to black, but damn this book has so much heart!

As for Christian, couldn't stand him. Talk about selfish, self-serving jerk, that's Christian.

If find it hard to find really good authors of m/m so when I do I stick to them like glue. If you haven't read S.E. Culpepper I highly recommend her. (less)

3 likes · like · see review

Apr 03, 2012 Bea rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: male-male, goodreads-review, classics, favorites

This author has become one of my favorite authors.

Her dialogue is both charming and funny, I can not tell you how many times that I laughed out loud while reading this book. What I like about this series is that it is not just the same story over and over, but the characters have different backgrounds and personalities.

What I like specifically about this book is how the drama unfolds. I love the idea of this shy but famous, Zane trying to get to know Mark. I was a little concerned when I began t...more

3 likes · like · see review

Feb 09, 2013 Stephanie M. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

2nd read: 2/1/13

I loved this story SO MUCH, I wanted to hug my Kindle at the end and not read another book for a few days so I can bask in the awesomeness of Zane and Mark. This story had everything you could want in a romance read: instant attraction, hot men, slow-building romance (No 'I love yous' and sex until 3/4 thru) realistic angst/drama and dialogue between characters, a little fantasy (big-time actor falls for regular guy) love conquering relationship mistakes, and a big FAT HEA Hollyw...more

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May 20, 2012 Elspeth rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: twenty-twelve, mm, own, kindle

I read this not knowing it was book two of a series so I was a bit confused at first.
I was entranced by Mark, I enjoyed his no bullshit demeanor and I loved his family.
Zane was complicated and a bit contradictory but I still enjoyed him.
Now for book one, LMAO!

3 likes · like · see review

Apr 15, 2012 Lasha rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: jessewave

3.75 stars

I reviewed the first book in this series, Private Eye and gave it 4.5 stars.

Question Mark takes place directly after that book and focused on Rafe’s ex-boyfriend, Mark, who I thought couldn’t be redeemed after his shenanigans in that installment. Deciding he needs to change his life, Mark goes on holiday in Bora Bora and runs into a famous Hollywood movie star, Zane Whitlow. The two are instantly attracted, but before they can act on that, Zane has to fly back to Los Angeles for busine...more 3.75 stars

I reviewed the first book in this series, Private Eye and gave it 4.5 stars.

Question Mark takes place directly after that book and focused on Rafe’s ex-boyfriend, Mark, who I thought couldn’t be redeemed after his shenanigans in that installment. Deciding he needs to change his life, Mark goes on holiday in Bora Bora and runs into a famous Hollywood movie star, Zane Whitlow. The two are instantly attracted, but before they can act on that, Zane has to fly back to Los Angeles for business. They keep in touch and begin a long-distance relationship in the spotlight. But has Mark really changed his ways? Can he remain faithful to Zane while he’s on location in England or accept that his life is not his own now as the press stalks his every move.

I think it’s tough for any author to write a character with huge character flaws, then try and change readers perceptions of him. Personally, I thought Mark was a tool in Private Eye, and hoped he’d crash and burn in Question Mark; but thanks to Ms. Culpepper’s writing skill, I was finally won over to Team Mark. Yeah, he can be a total a-hole, but once he owns up to that, I found I liked him a whole lot more. Add in his relationship with Zane, the Hollywood superstar who comes from humble means, and you have the makings of a great, realistic love story with characters who are not perfect, but real people.

Other pluses were Mark’s delightful and fall down funny family. I was hoping his brother Reid was gay, but oh well…you can’t have everything. And the addition of Kevin, a military-type who had a one night stand with the ever repressed Christian (a secondary character who Mark befriended in Bora Bora and later tries to break up Zane and Mark) and I see another book in the making. (Although at this point I am not sure Ms. Culpepper can make me like Christian, but you never know, I didn’t think I could warm up to Mark…so we will see.)

My real niggle with this book and why I did not rate it higher was some issues I had with Point-of-View changes which I felt distracted the reader away from the central tale of Zane and Mark. I counted at least four/five different POV shifts in the novel, and while some readers may not have a problem with that, I found the head-hopping to be limiting.

Question Mark is a nice addition to the Liaisons series, bringing back Rafe and Jeremy to see how they are doing and introducing some new faces. While I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the first, I still am interested in the overall universe and look forward to the third installment.

Reviews by Jessewave

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1 like · like · see review

Apr 01, 2012 Julesmarie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m

3.5 stars

I loved the first book in this series, and usually when that happens I'm afraid to read the second. Again, my fear was justified.

Like most reviewers, I didn't like Mark at all in Private Eye. I went into this book with an open mind, though, prepared for him to be redeemed. And in the first part of the book he totally was! If the book had ended just as Zane left the island, it would have received an unqualified 5 stars. Both of the mc's were likable and relate-able and FUNNY. And even if...more

4 likes · like · see review

Nov 13, 2012 OkayKim rated it 2 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.
There one too many things I didn't like about the plot.
These two MC's just didn't know each other that long to make the kind of long distance commitment that was through out most of the book.
Right off the bat, Zane makes a decision that making a movie is more important then getting to know this new guy Mark.
Mark, instead getting a make over in his life. Falls for the first guy that shows an interest. Goes running back from his tropical vacation to CA, saying I'm here and I'd like to get to know...more

2 likes · like · see review

Apr 18, 2012 Amanda rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m-glbt, angst

I loved this story but did have a few issues with it. S.E. Culpepper is on my auto-buy list, I love her writing and can't wait to see what else she comes up with. The storyline was good and suprisingly I liked Mark. I though he was a prick in the first book but after his backstory I felt for the guy. The isses I had were the book was a bit long winded and slow in the middle. There were a few chapters a was pushing myself to get through, but once I did I loved it again. Also, it's not what I woul...more

1 like · like · see review

Mar 17, 2012 Monica rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: borrowed

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

2 likes · like · see review

Apr 25, 2013 leigh rated it 5 of 5 stars

Excellent, richly characterized novel. Mark is the clingy, bitter ex from the previous book in the series, Private Eye, in which he came across as petty and vindictive. Some readers--perhaps it was just me--found him sympathetic in his obvious hurt and loss, especially as he came to some hard self-realizations by book's end. Question Mark continues his journey.

Alone and seeking a new start, Mark vacations at a tropical resort where he meets and strikes sexual sparks with two men. The plot focuse...more

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Jan 25, 2013 Macky rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is Marks story, the 'annoying' ex from the first book ( Private Eye ) in the liasons series, another good read. Books can be read as a stand alone but I really like to carry on a series if the first book is good and this series is turning out to be enjoyable.

Mark goes on a vacation to Bora Bora , licking his wounds, to try and get over Rafes rejection,the lead character in Private Eye (to be honest even though he came over as clingy, I did feel a bit sorry for him in the first book so was r...more This is Marks story, the 'annoying' ex from the first book ( Private Eye ) in the liasons series, another good read. Books can be read as a stand alone but I really like to carry on a series if the first book is good and this series is turning out to be enjoyable.

Mark goes on a vacation to Bora Bora , licking his wounds, to try and get over Rafes rejection,the lead character in Private Eye (to be honest even though he came over as clingy, I did feel a bit sorry for him in the first book so was really glad he'd got his own story). Whilst there he meets Zane a famous , very successful film actor who is publicly out as gay. Both of them have issues about relationships, Mark because he feels he can't cope with another rejection and who is always questioning himself about what, why and how he can't keep a boyfriend and Zane, who although appearing very confident in public is actually down to earth and quite shy. He is sick of only being wanted because he is famous and really wants a man to love him not the star! The attraction is immediate for both of them but Zanes film commitments, the paparrazzi, long distance relationships and of course misunderstandings caused by both their insecurities make the path to true love a rocky ride. There where times when I rolled my eyes at both of them for being stupid but it didn't spoil any enjoyment of the story at all.

There are some lovely supporting characters, mainly within Marks family who help to give the story lightness and humour and we are introduced to closeted gay Christian ,a tattooed hottie who unfortunately causes a major problem between Mark and Zane and who's story is most definitely the lead into book three 'looking forward to that one a lot!

This was a great love story , we are made to wait for the sex ( don't worry the ST is there big time!) but that suits the story and is all the more sensual, tender and real when it finally happens and I was so pleased that they both get their happy ever after. The ending was very satisfying.(less)

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Apr 03, 2012 Cindi rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012, m-m, series

I will start off with how much I normally totally HATE Hollywood type books. Any type of book really where one of the main characters is famous whether it be an actor, rock star, etc. I've read a few that worked but not many because they are all pretty predictable. I will also say that I was definitely not a fan of Mark in the first book of this series.

With that being said, I will say that I really, really did like this book. Mark still came across as he did in the last book but not as much. I r...more

3 likes · like · see review

Apr 23, 2013 clear skies rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, contemporary

I started reading book #1 and I didn't like the way Mark was being treated, so I bypassed reading book #1 because I found his ex to be a bit of a bastard really. The thing I liked about this book was how character-driven this book is. The characters are very detailed and complex and come across as real people with real problems. Not that pesky theory of adding obstacles or character traits to add angst and drama.

Mark has a lot of self-esteem issues when it comes to relationships. His ex-boyfrien...more

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Mar 15, 2012 Chris rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: gay, ebook, romance, 2012, done

Good but uneven m/m romance about Mark from the previous book, who finally realizes that he needs to get over his ex and decides that a trip to Bora Bora is just what he needs. While I was rooting for Mark and his guy, parts of their interactions just didn't make sense.

6 likes · like · see review

Apr 08, 2013 Alexa Logan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook, mm, favorites

I was expecting a lot of cheesy with this one... and I was wrong.
I don't want to spoil things, so I'll only say that it was one of those books that actually makes me go "nyaa~" in a totally embarrassing fan-girly way. A totally recommendable read that will stay with you for a good while afterwards.

Now, in the next part there might be some spoiler-y things, so stop reading here if you haven't read the book yet.

...

Really, there's spoilers ahead, even if they're not too bad.

...

It was sweet and roma...more

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May 14, 2012 Barb Gilmour rated it 5 of 5 stars

It's not often that I like pure romance. I like mystery, murder, mayhem .... or a good dollop of angst. But not angst, just for the sake of angst o.O (so I am fussy) this book was romance. Beautiful romance. And I freaking loved it!! Zane was sublime - Hollywood heart throb, sexiest man alive -- yet vulnerable and shy. When he puts himself out there saying "no games" I just melted. Mark, we know from the previous book, is kinda difficult; and I really wasn't sure if I would like him. But I reall...more

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May 21, 2012 Buda rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

4.5-4.75 Dragged a bit in the middle, but loved the story. Those brothers? I want some!

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Mar 12, 2013 MLE rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: mm

Even though the big problem felt like junior high drama to me, the changes the characters undergo, and the changes they chose to make by the ending, made me end up liking this story. Mark really matures, and takes responsibility for his actions in the first book of this series, and I was glad that the author allowed him to become such a strong character.

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Aug 23, 2012 Shelby P rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book had a lot going on. I didn't even know Mark had his own story. But once I found out I wanted to read it. I really enjoyed Private Eye. It was curious to see how Mark, the asshole prick, would find a love of his own.

I like how Mark and Zane met. It was an extra bonus to have Christian going after Mark as well. Wasn't sure how that would play out. I enjoyed getting to know Mark and Zane. It was especially cool that Zane was a Hollywood megastar. I could just picture Zachary Quinto as Zan...more

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Jun 15, 2012 Aiko rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: cop-agent-pi, draaaaaama, famous-mc, m-m, kind-of-reviewed

I'm not really sure how to rate this.

The reintroduction to Mark was an eye opener. I didn't expect I would instantly like him, in my mind he had some redeeming to do before I let him into my good graces, after his shenanigans in book 1. But when we meet him this time around, we meet this heartbroken, kind of pathetic guy, that's ready to make a big change for the better, and he does. And he keeps this up for a good while through the book, before his personality turned, in lack of a better descri...more

5 likes · like · see review

Mar 12, 2012 Tia Fielding rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m-favorites

Oh wow.

When I first read the first book in this series and then heard from S.E. that she was writing a book about Mark, I think I went something like "I'm not sure I'd want to even read a book about him..." I just strongly disliked Mark in the first book, which kind of shows how the author chooses to stay true to her POVs; the reader sees things like the MCs see them, instead of knowing things about the other characters the MC doesn't know.

Let's just say I'm glad I picked this up. SO glad.

I thin...more

3 likes · like · see review

Apr 17, 2012 Alicia rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m-romance, e-books-kindle

ok, so I had high hopes for this story after reading some of the reviews. But unfortunately, I found myself getting bogged down in the many POV changes and the neverending angst and self-pity of the main character, Mark. I did love the ending, and the scenes when Mark and Zane were actually together were great. But that was part of the problem too, there weren't that many scenes with them together. I think they were separated from each other for over 2/3rds of the book. I really prefer my romanc...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 27, 2013 Ari rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: mm-romance

4,2*
It's official; I'M IN LOVE WITH THIS SERIES AND S.E. CULPEPPER!
Every book from this series bring my admiration to the new level!
I was a bit skeptical with this book since Mark was my less favorite character in the first book and the potential of love triangle, which I'm not a fans!
But, damn, I can't even hate Christian and I love Mark better than any other characters in this series. I love the Newlands family, they're hilarious! And..and..and...Zane's angry sex was soooooooooooo HOT! And the...more

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Oct 06, 2012 Kaje Harper rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m

In the first book in this series, Mark wasn't very likeable, but he also wasn't treated very well by Rafe. This story shows where some of his attitude came from and rehabilitates him. It presents Mark as a somewhat insecure but sympathetic character, who has been burned by pursuing unavailable men. As soon as he and Zane met, I was rooting for them, despite the speed with which they became fixated on each other. The challenges to a relationship that came from Zane's fame as an actor were a stron...more

5 likes · like · see review

Mar 11, 2012 Snowtulip rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m

I am such a happy camper right now :D I thought it was going to be difficult to love Mark and Zane as much as I love Rafe and Jeremy, but somehow Culpepper manages to do it. The chemistry is so stong!

This is story of learning about yourself and how to love and be loved. There are no mysterious subplots, just pure and simple story of finding love. I was immediatley pulled into empathizing with Mark (even though he killed me in book one) and the story flowed so smoothly from there. I usually have...more

4 likes · like · see review

Mar 15, 2012 Jay rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mm-romance, next-sequel-wanted

Well S.E. Culpepper has done it again. She has made it to the top of my must read author's list.

I really loved Private Eye and at that time didn't care for Mark Newland, in fact I really despised the guy. Okay, I have changed my mind completely. It was wonderful to see the changes in Mark and to take the time to understand the place Mark was in during Private Eye, we have all been there - argh. Mark and Zane are great together and their chemistry sizzles. I have to admit the miles between them...more

4 likes · like · see review

Mar 10, 2012 MandyM marked it as dnf

Shelves: m-m-romance

May go back to it. Just not a fan of Hollywood romances or love triangles.

1 like · like · see review

Jan 23, 2013 Denise rated it 4 of 5 stars

3.5 stars rounded to 4 for Zane. I just loved him. I have to say Mark was much better than what I expected. I really disliked him in the first book, which was why I waited so long to read this one.

The ending was perfect for me! I fell in love with Mark's family early in the story. They were a hoot!

Several times I found myself laughing out loud. Several times I wanted to smack Mark up side his head. Christian really annoyed me early on but then I did feel sorry for him. Almost.

I am going to keep...more

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About S.E. Culpepper

S. E. Culpepper currently lives in Oregon where the ratio of bearded men to clean shaven men is astounding. Someone should do a study on it.

Check out her official website and Facebook fan page!

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Quotes from Question Mark

“You know, you may look like that actor, but the only way I can tell for sure you’re him is if I see that six-pack” — 5 people liked it

“That's because we were together for two years and she led me on a treacherous journey through bitchy, across frigid, and into the land of cheating psycho. I barely escaped with my life. It required a week of solid moping just so my balls could grow back.” — 2 people liked it

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Question Mark (Liaisons #2)

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