Fire Balls (Balls to the Wall, #2)

Feb 06, 2012 Lauraadriana rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: lmao, love-conquers-all, loved-it, m-m, made-me-wish-i-was-a-gay-man, super-cute, super-super-hot, toppy-top

OMG OMG OMG This was too CUTE!!!!

I loved this book. Loved the characters!! LOVED!

Rodney Mansfield is a man that lives exactly like he wants to. He could care less what the world thinks of him, how he looks, how he dresses...He is who he is. Much like the Honey Badger, he is BADASS, and he just takes WHAT HE WANTS. He's an artist, a karate master, an OUT and proud gay man. He is outspoken, extroverted and for the most part oozes confidence. Except with one thing. His enormous crush on 'the most b...more

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Feb 05, 2012 MsMiz (Tina) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: glbt-all, kindle-mobi

I was so excited when LA said lets read this!! Yeah.....fun loving, flaming hot boys with sexy firefighters...BRING IT BABY. What you will get with this book is a serious look into self-esteem, love, self-awareness, finding your true self and living your own dreams. Not to mention a healthy dose of don't judge a book by it's cover. There were a lot of heavy moments in this book that were very well handled. On the other hand, while these men were in heavy turmoil throughout the book, they did get...more

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Feb 20, 2012 Fiona Goodman rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, m-m-read, m-m-romance, tara-lain, m-m-series, m-m-sweet-and-sexy, available-on-nook, alpha-bottoms

4.5

My Favorite Tara Lain book so far. I felt this one really came together and the MC's were really sweet. Lain is very good at writing male characters who are sensitive yet sexy.

Tara Lain will continue her 'Balls' series in future books ala' Sue Grafton's mystery A-Z novels. Here are a few suggestions for future titles of the 'Balls to the Walls' series. It seems the possibilities are endless. I have absolutely no malicious intent towards Tara Lain or the series which I think are very cute, bu...more

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Mar 03, 2012 Lily rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: mm-romance, humorous-adorable

This book was a very enjoyable and light-hearted read, with unexpected surprises offered by the protagonists. The novel felt well-balanced in its constitutive elements: a linear plot with few complications, rounded characters with hidden facets and great dialogue. In fact, both Rodney and Hunter were a study in contrasts, which rendered them particularly interesting.

I fiercely wanted to hug Rod because he had such a sparkling personality, always kind and thoughtful towards others, even putting h...more

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Mar 24, 2012 Nikki rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: a-light-simple-read, m-m-contemporary-romance, m-m, back-burner, freebies-on-sale-great-deal, not-my-type-of-read, on-my-kindle-fire-ipad-samsung, skimmed-hard-to-finish-or-unfinis

Have mercy on me for I have condemned a B Book for flat characters, a man who faked being an alpha in such a way it was redunculous, a friend sleeping with another friend's sex partner secretly, a self deprecating fake queen who I disliked, and who used the word "darling" 10x's too many. I did not hate this read, but I didn't like it either. The cover fooled me. Soo not for me.

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Feb 05, 2012 Ashley Cox rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m

This was the first book I've read by this author and I found it to be quite an enjoyable. Here's to hoping Bill and Jerry get a full piece dedicated to them.

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Mar 25, 2013 Phaney rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, oh-yes

Well, wow. So many strikes against it, yet at the end I am melting in happy goo.

First, the falling-in-love seemed kind of arbitrary. More insta-love than anything else, even if it was suppressed and denied. But the story did pack a punch and I relish intense love, so I can run with that.

Second, there aren’t really any character voices. Everyone uses more or less the same vocabulary, right down to the more unusual bits. *shrug* I can deal with that easily. It’s rare enough to actually find an aut...more

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Feb 17, 2013 Macky rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favourite-aothors, keepers-never-to-be-deleted, opposites-attract, sizzling-chemistry, hot-m-m-couple, faves

I've read practically all Tara Lains books and find them fun and sexy. The " Balls To The Wall " series has been exceptionally enjoyable, this is book 4. All set around the arty part of Laguna Beach CA they each feature a couple or in book one a ménage, consisting of one very flamboyant openly gay man, who falls for a more macho man (or 2 as the case may be) or alpha ' straight' guy, and they are just so much fun whilst at the same time being very hot and sexy with great chemistry and ST between...more

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Sep 11, 2012 Top 2 Bottom Reviews Interviews and More rated it 5 of 5 stars

I love an opposites attract themed romance, and in my opinion, Tara Lain hit this one out of the ballpark! Not only is Fire Balls a fast-paced read, but I loved all of the characters in it as well. I’ve read a couple of books by Ms. Lain, and she’s quickly becoming one of those authors that is a must buy for me. I love her easy style of writing and her ability to bring her unique and well-written characters to life.

There is a lot more to Rodney Mansfield than meets the eye. Sure he’s a short, fl...more I love an opposites attract themed romance, and in my opinion, Tara Lain hit this one out of the ballpark! Not only is Fire Balls a fast-paced read, but I loved all of the characters in it as well. I’ve read a couple of books by Ms. Lain, and she’s quickly becoming one of those authors that is a must buy for me. I love her easy style of writing and her ability to bring her unique and well-written characters to life.

There is a lot more to Rodney Mansfield than meets the eye. Sure he’s a short, flamboyant, slightly eccentric artist, but he’s also stubborn, stronger than he looks and has a heart of gold. Rodney is used to being desired by his peers and by the men he draws, so he’s had quite a few lovers over the years, but once he lays eyes on a gorgeous, sexy firefighter, Hunter, there is something about the man that pulls at his heartstrings and he has a strong need to paint his portrait. Unfortunately for Rodney, his dear friend Jerry is also enamored with Hunter and since Rodney wants Jerry to be happy, he decides he must do what he can for his friend to get Hunter to fall for him.

Hunter is used to putting his own needs and desires aside for others’ happiness for many years. Being a firefighter was his father’s dream, and since his father has been disabled, Hunter has made it his life’s mission to do what he can to make his father happy. When Hunter is asked to sit for a portrait by the famous painter, Rodney, Hunter is immediately leery of him. Rodney is everything Hunter doesn’t appreciate in a gay man. He’s flamboyant, short and in Hunter’s mind so stereotypically gay, that Hunter is shocked at his sudden attraction and fascination for the man. Besides, he’s the friend of the man Hunter is dating, and therefore, he knows that Rodney is off limits. But as the two men start to get to know one another, Hunter finds himself telling Rodney things he’s never told another soul. Rodney is also very perceptive and pushes Hunter to reveal his hidden dreams and desires to him. Soon, the men cannot keep from falling for each other, but will Hunter be able to be true to himself and take a chance on being with the outgoing and gorgeous, Rodney?

I loved this book! Both Hunter and Rodney were well-written heroes. Plus, they had an intense chemistry between them that practically steamed up my computer screen. I liked the dilemma that both heroes found themselves in, and also how they really had to do some self-examination and personal growth for them to find a way to be together.

Rodney was truly a force to be reckoned with! I loved how outrageous he could be, but I also admired how he was always true to himself. His devotion to his friends was an honorable thing to read and I appreciated how far he was willing to go to make his friend happy, even if it meant he would be making a huge sacrifice of his own. He definitely loves with his whole heart and soul and I felt like he was one of those people who, once they were on your side of things, he would do anything for you.

Although, Rodney’s character truly stole the book for me, I loved Hunter too. I enjoyed watching him become stronger and a more self-assured man as the story continued. I also appreciated his determination to be true to himself and to have Rodney in his life. These two men truly were wonderful together and I loved watching their relationship evolve into something very special.

Fireball is the second book in the Balls to the Wall series. I haven’t read the first book because I think it’s a ménage themed romance, and those aren’t my cuppa, but I will say that Fire Balls can be read as a stand-alone book. It’s very well-written and not once did I feel like I was missing something important in the plot or with the characters. Highly Recommended!

Here are the Balls to the Wall books in series order:

Volley Balls
Fire Balls
Beach Balls(less)

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Aug 09, 2012 Sophia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance

This is the second book in a loosely knit series that could stand alone. The main character in the first book makes appearances and there are mild spoilers regarding his story, but nothing that really confuses in this one. Like the first, it was a light-weight read that dealt with an interesting issue. In this story, one of the characters has already gone public with his sexual orientation, but it takes the keen insight of the other main character to help him understand why he still isn't conten...more This is the second book in a loosely knit series that could stand alone. The main character in the first book makes appearances and there are mild spoilers regarding his story, but nothing that really confuses in this one. Like the first, it was a light-weight read that dealt with an interesting issue. In this story, one of the characters has already gone public with his sexual orientation, but it takes the keen insight of the other main character to help him understand why he still isn't content with his life.

The story centers mainly around the artist from the first story, Rodney Mansfield, or Roman as he goes by for his artist name. His specialty is large paintings of nude men and his work is already on the road to recognition. Rod has a secret crush for a handsome firefighter who works the station in Laguna, but he has never had a chance to pursue his feelings more than trying to stroll by for a chance see the man on his shift and observe him. It is during the art festival that Rod's dreams of contact happen, but not in the way he wanted or expected. His friend Jerry a surfer is working his booth and Jerry spots Hunter, the firefighter, and wants him too which crushes any hope that Rodney had toward Hunter. Rodney is a short, flamboyantly gay man and he is aware that Hunter, while gay, would not embrace his kind of gay so with a heavy heart, Rod is a true friend and helps Jerry by sharing his insights of what will interest Hunter to start a relationship. (Everyone should have a friend like Rodney- what selflessness!)

Hunter has a tough go trying to live up to his dad's expectations, working as an openly gay man as a firefighter, and struggling to figure out why his good life just doesn't seem enough. Hunter is taken by a painter's work at the art festival and meets Jerry. Jerry is openly gay, but he has the appearance of a manly gay unlike the little artist who for some reason has caught his eye and is lodged in his thoughts. He dates Jerry and gets talked into being Rodney's next model. It is while modeling that Rodney delivers some hard facts for Hunter to think on. Can Hunter come to terms with what he learns about himself before he loses his chance at happiness?

I found this story was a good example of don't judge a person too hastily. Rodney and Hunter by appearance and vocation seem to fit certain niches on the surface, but underneath things are far from what they seem. While Rod is a little man, artistic and flashy with his gayness, he is also a black belt in karate and scholarly with an insight into people particularly Hunter. Hunter, by appearance and vocation, would not set anyone's gaydar chiming. But not only is he gay, he prefers to not be the alpha male in the relationship along with the fact that he would prefer to teach and loves literature.

There is a little external conflict, but much of the story is this odd acquaintance that becomes something more between Rodney and Hunter that has aspects that are slow moving and aspects that leap right in when it comes to their relationship.

Another enjoyable installment to this series!(less)

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Mar 31, 2012 Susan Roebuck rated it 5 of 5 stars

What a delight to read my first Tara Lain novel: Fire Balls. It was just right for a rainy day when I needed cheering up. And Tara’s writing voice does just that – it sings as clear as a bell with hardly a word to spare, leaving the reader (me) breathless as the plot romps along at an amazing pace. She says she loves beautiful boys (on a page) so she must be passionate about her main characters, Rodney and Hunter, because I am.
Rodney is in danger of being the all-too clichéd “fey” gay character...more

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Mar 20, 2012 blub rated it 3 of 5 stars

First off I want to say there were proofreading errors/grammatical errors (whichever term you want to use) and it made the book a little less enjoyable for me. The book itself was a a pretty good read, I had a few issues with the how Hunter and Rodney ended up together but that just clashed with my own personal view of monogamy/being in a relationship.

Jerry came off as LD and childlike which I didn't like. Jerry is dyslexic not retarded, he can function perfectly well in life. I felt that he was...more

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Mar 10, 2012 Kazza rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book!! On so many levels it just worked. The characters, the writing style, the enthusiasm with which Tara Lain wrote all just leapt out to make Fire Balls a 5 star read.

I liked Rod. He was himself, out and (mostly) proud. He covered his insecurities with his use of the word darling and his flamboyance. He had moments of not liking his size but, here's the thing, he was larger than life - kind, funny, talented, a mentor and he looked after his body. Yes, he trod on Jerry's relations...more

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Mar 05, 2012 Kel rated it 5 of 5 stars

Kel's Review:
This is not the first time I have reviewed Ms. Lain's books. I really love her as an author and have enjoyed her stories immensely. She has a way of drawing me in and hooking me. I can't seem to ever put the book down! Her new book Fire Balls is no different. I fell in love with Rod and Hunter instantly. This story has romance, love and of course hot steamy sex!

Hunter is a gay man who is a firefighter that has a rugged sexy look to him. Rod is an artist who has a small frame and a...more

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Feb 27, 2012 Elisa Ramblings added it

Fire Balls put together two men that are at the opposite, hot firefighter Hunter and flamboyant artist Rodney. But their being at the opposite is only appearance and that is the main theme of the novel, to not let you being fooled by the looks.

Hunter has a troubled relationship with his father who is accepting of his son being gay only since he is a “straight” gay, i.e. he doesn’t look like one. Plus Hunter’s dream was to be a literature teacher, but that was not manly enough for his father who...more Fire Balls put together two men that are at the opposite, hot firefighter Hunter and flamboyant artist Rodney. But their being at the opposite is only appearance and that is the main theme of the novel, to not let you being fooled by the looks.

Hunter has a troubled relationship with his father who is accepting of his son being gay only since he is a “straight” gay, i.e. he doesn’t look like one. Plus Hunter’s dream was to be a literature teacher, but that was not manly enough for his father who instead dreamed for his son to be a firefighter, something he was not able to become due to his disability. Hunter is behaving like a straight guy, even arriving to pose as a top in his relationship, when instead he would prefer to bottom, only to please his father, to be as much as straight he can be even if he is indeed gay. The false reason that he would be harassed at his workplace is only something more he add to his justification, but it’s not really the most important, as instead Hunter repeat and repeat to himself when trying to avoid Rodney.

Rodney on the other hand would be more “man” than Hunter, if not for his diminutive body. Rodney is small and pretty, even if he is a karate black belt. Since the world is already assuming he is gay, and a pipsqueak, than he will display to the world he can be even more gay and even more flamboyant. It’s Rodney’s way to say to the world he doesn’t care, that he has not to prove to them that he is a better man then they think.

I like this play of contraposition between Hunter and Rodney, and their characters were good and original. What maybe I didn’t like 100% was how often, and how harsh, both Hunter and Rodney were on regard of being gay, like both of them were ashamed of it, even if there was no way for them to be anything else. Even Rodney, flaunting his gayness in the face of everyone, when was alone was almost complaining, like if he wanted to be someone else, someone not gay. Maybe that was only my feeling, maybe it was generated by the harsh words both Rodney than Hunter were using, derogatory words, but it’s also true that I have heard more than once the position that, if you are gay, you are allow to use that words, if you are not, then it’s an offense.

Fire Balls was a first good experience with this author, and I think I will read more by her.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00748O78C/?...(less)

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Feb 10, 2012 Lena Grey rated it 5 of 5 stars

It's never a good idea to try to live your life to satisfy anyone but yourself. Hunter Fallon, of ‘Fire Balls’ by Tara Lain, has been patterning his life by what he thinks is expected of him. But he's operating on false assumptions, and, in essence, is not pleasing anyone, especially himself.

Rodney Mansfield is a fantastic painter and an accomplished black belt in karate. He embraces his gayness with an over-the-top gusto which is amazing. When he notices Hunter, he falls hard, but figures he do...more

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Feb 04, 2012 Valentina Heart rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: glbt

How can I say this and not repeat the exact same words I've already said at least two times... I adore Tara's men. There, I've done it again, just can't help myself. She loves the arts and has a tendency of combining it with something hard, manly, HOT!... but even there she is unique, because her unconventional pairings usually come with a twist.

Rodney is a rather famous artist who is small, flamboyant and dangerous, that's right, the little guy has a black belt in karate and doesn't take bullsh...more How can I say this and not repeat the exact same words I've already said at least two times... I adore Tara's men. There, I've done it again, just can't help myself. She loves the arts and has a tendency of combining it with something hard, manly, HOT!... but even there she is unique, because her unconventional pairings usually come with a twist.

Rodney is a rather famous artist who is small, flamboyant and dangerous, that's right, the little guy has a black belt in karate and doesn't take bullshit at all. There's also another interesting thing about Rodney, something that really appealed to me, his penchant for dominance and hard topping. Don't you just love him?

Anyway, Rodney has the hots for a certain hunk, who is pure candy in his fireman suit. If Rodney does a bit of stalking, that's okay too, because no one really knows he's passing by the fire station to see Hunter, he could just be taking a stroll.

But despite Rodney's direct way, things don't work out exactly as he'd hoped they would. His friend Jerry sees Hunter and instantly wants him, and Rodney is just not the kind of man who will deny his friend, besides, Hunter obviously wants Jerry, a surfer who doesn't even look gay, more than he might ever want a flamboyant artist.

There is just one thing about Hunter even he doesn't want to admit himself. Jerry is great, wonderful even, but he likes taking it up the ass just as much as Hunter does.

After a lot of denial, a certain fire and Rodney showing off his skill, the couple does steer toward one another as was meant to be, and the hard and hot is more than enough to steam up the windows.

Rodney really was amazing. His insecurity was perfectly masked with his outspoken way and tendency toward drama. I liked how he was a dangerous top in a small package and wasn't afraid of saying/showing exactly who he was. Hunter did get on my nerves a bit, but that was to be expected as he was closeted in his on mind as much as he was out to everyone else. Those types of characters just have to irritate me a bit. But precisely for that reason, Rodney was perfect for him. Hunter needed someone to bring him to heel. Or so was my take on the story.

I have to say for those who have issues with it, there are a couple of scenes of cheating in the story. It was done nicely when it came to explanations and it was pretty obvious Jerry's mind was elsewhere. But I just figured I was gonna mention it for those who mind the very idea of it.

There wasn't anything I disliked about the story. It was written very well with thought on details when it came to art as well as firemen, I just needed it to be longer. The characters would heave been more developed that way and the relationship between Rodney and Hunter would have had the chance to really shine. I am a BDSM fan, and those two just screamed the lifestyle at me. So yes, I did need more of their lives and the details that made them tick.

All of that said, this one is something I recommend. I know people will love Rodney the 'fire ball' and the relationship between these two men. Their gentle side as well as the hard edges. Tara molds guys as she does words, and the final product is always something extraordinary. She plays at my love for contemporary and always gives the best to a fan.
(less)

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Jun 03, 2012 JustJen rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook, mm

From the start, I was a little disappointed to read.this was.not a continuation of the previous story. I was really looking forward to reading more about how the threesome wwas making out. For the first quarter of this book, I kept tryng to remember if I knew any of the characters from the previous story. While previous characters are mentioned here and there and actually make an appearance later on, this could easily be read as a stand alone.

I thought the first half of this went pretty slow. It...more

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Feb 12, 2012 Madison Parker rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, flamboyant-lead, lendable

Rodney has been admiring firefighter Hunter from afar, but when he finally gets a chance to meet him, he can't muster up the courage to do so. Instead, he watches helplessly as his surfer friend Jerry flirts with the object of his desire. Although it breaks his heart, Rodney helps his friend pursue Hunter because he's sure a stud like Hunter would never go for a flaming queen like himself. And Hunter does nothing to make him think otherwise.

On the surface, Jerry and Hunter seem like a great matc...more

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Jun 18, 2012 Francesca the Fierce ~Eyelet Ecstasy~ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-read-2012, genre-erotica, man-loving

This review was posted at Under the Covers

I just loved this story! =) First it has the plot that I like to read best, the smaller guy being the dominant or top and the bigger guy liking to bottom. There's just something that appeals to me about the manly man being on that role.

But Rodney is not a wimp by any stretch of the imagination. Yes, he's an artist, yes, he's skinny, but he doesn't lack strength. He's even a black belt in karate. Rodney is out and proud and anyone walking by him would kn...more

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Jul 18, 2012 Buffy Kennedy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Loved it. LOVED it! It’s emotional from the first page as Rodney is subject to his obsession with Hunter and purposely walks past the firehouse in hopes of just glimpsing him, and further as his buddy Jerry gets a gander at Hunter and seeks to land him with Rodney’s help.

Hunter is a complex character himself, being the big tough firefighter and having to put up with crap from a jerk of a coworker. When Rodney ends up coming to his defense in public, it only serves to confuse and frustrate Hunter...more

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Feb 18, 2012 Virginia rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Virginia by: Lauraadriana

Shelves: char-art-music-photo-write-arch, char-firefighter, content-bdsm-lite, fiction-contemporary, genre-mm, 2012

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. 4.5 stars. Loved this! In this story, we have Rodney, the flamboyant, over the top, successful artist and Hunter, the big, hot, masculine fightfighter. Rodney has been secretly lusting after Hunter but unbeknownst to Rodney's friend Jerry who goes after Hunter. Jerry, on paper, is physically everything Hunter thinks he should want. Jerry is an attractive, athletic, happy, laid back guy. Nothing eccentric about him. However, your heart wants what it wants and Hunter can't stop his skin from prick...more 4.5 stars. Loved this! In this story, we have Rodney, the flamboyant, over the top, successful artist and Hunter, the big, hot, masculine fightfighter. Rodney has been secretly lusting after Hunter but unbeknownst to Rodney's friend Jerry who goes after Hunter. Jerry, on paper, is physically everything Hunter thinks he should want. Jerry is an attractive, athletic, happy, laid back guy. Nothing eccentric about him. However, your heart wants what it wants and Hunter can't stop his skin from prickling when he's around the eccentric Rodney.

Rodney keeps his feelings for Hunter to himself and is the good friend and helps Jerry land Hunter because he wants Jerry happy. Hunter and Jerry begin spending time together and having sex. However, Jerry clearly knows early on that, mentally, him and Hunter just aren't a good connection and he begins to voice his doubts to Rodney.

Rodney and Hunter can't hide their attraction and in a very hot scene, end up having sex. Now, some might view it as cheating, so be warned if that bothers you. I really didn't see it as too major. There were clear signs that Hunter and Jerry were nothing but friends with benefits and there had been no discussion of commitment between them. In fact, when Hunter is confronted about his feelings for Rodney, it's Jerry who is most happy for his two friends having already figured out that they are perfect for each other. (Don't worry about Jerry...someone already has his eye on him.)

This book is mostly about Hunter finally becoming comfortable with who he is. Rodney, over the course of the story, is the one who gets him comfortable in his own skin, with his sexuality and with what he wants to do career wise. It's a very realistic progression as Hunter addresses the issues holding him back from what he wants. Rodney doesn't really change throughout the book other than a few self doubts in wishing Hunter could want someone like him when he believes that Hunter wants Jerry. Otherwise, he's pretty comfortable in his own skin.

The other part that I really enjoyed about this book is that we have Hunter, by all physical appearances a sure alpha, being the one who desires to submit and Rodney, by all physical appearances, the smaller guy who should be the bottom, being the natural top. I enjoy it when authors let the physically bigger guy admit to enjoying being the bottom. Made the sex even hotter.

Overall, this was a really enjoyable read from me and I'll be checking out other works from this author.(less)

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Feb 13, 2012 Alina added it

I picked this book up, because one of the characters was a firefighter and it turned out he didn't even want to be one and by the end of the story he even decided to change his profession xD

I still liked it, though I've had some issues.
First of all, I didn't like the whole thing with Jerry. Let me say, that I'm not overly touchy-feely about cheating, but here it was uncomfortable for me to read. The first time Rodney and Hunter had sex I could understand - the heat of the moment and such, but af...more

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Feb 18, 2012 Diane rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is a fun series - and this particular book reminded me of Jet Mykles "Hell" from the Heaven Sent series where the perceived roles of the people involved are not quite what you think. I really like that in a story. Neither this book nor Volley Balls are really long books, but there is enough time to develop the characters, get some background on why they are the way they are and if they will be able to overcome themselves for their HEA.
This is well written, the secondary characters you conne...more

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Feb 22, 2012 Susan65 rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really like Tara Lain's writing style and this series is really, really good. Rod was just an amazing character...he was who he was and the way he was and he didn't apologize to anyone for being himself. Small but in charge..that was Rodney.

Hunter was a beautiful, out but not, firefighter who was living his life to please his father instead of himself. I was glad to see his family rally around him and force him to do what was right for him...even if he thought his father wouldn't approve.

Rod a...more

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Sep 17, 2012 Gabbi rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: angst, gay-romance, opposites-attract, series, tara-lain, top2bottom-reviews, favorites, etopia-press

I love an opposites attract themed romance, and in my opinion, Tara Lain hit this one out of the ballpark! Not only is Fire Balls a fast-paced read, but I loved all of the characters in it as well. I’ve read a couple of books by Ms. Lain, and she’s quickly becoming one of those authors that is a must buy for me. I love her easy style of writing and her ability to bring her unique and well-written characters to life.

There is a lot more to Rodney Mansfield than meets the eye. Sure he’s a short, fl...more I love an opposites attract themed romance, and in my opinion, Tara Lain hit this one out of the ballpark! Not only is Fire Balls a fast-paced read, but I loved all of the characters in it as well. I’ve read a couple of books by Ms. Lain, and she’s quickly becoming one of those authors that is a must buy for me. I love her easy style of writing and her ability to bring her unique and well-written characters to life.

There is a lot more to Rodney Mansfield than meets the eye. Sure he’s a short, flamboyant, slightly eccentric artist, but he’s also stubborn, stronger than he looks and has a heart of gold. Rodney is used to being desired by his peers and by the men he draws, so he’s had quite a few lovers over the years, but once he lays eyes on a gorgeous, sexy firefighter, Hunter, there is something about the man that pulls at his heartstrings and he has a strong need to paint his portrait. Unfortunately for Rodney, his dear friend Jerry is also enamored with Hunter and since Rodney wants Jerry to be happy, he decides he must do what he can for his friend to get Hunter to fall for him.

Hunter is used to putting his own needs and desires aside for others’ happiness for many years. Being a firefighter was his father’s dream, and since his father has been disabled, Hunter has made it his life’s mission to do what he can to make his father happy. When Hunter is asked to sit for a portrait by the famous painter, Rodney, Hunter is immediately leery of him. Rodney is everything Hunter doesn’t appreciate in a gay man. He’s flamboyant, short and in Hunter’s mind so stereotypically gay, that Hunter is shocked at his sudden attraction and fascination for the man. Besides, he’s the friend of the man Hunter is dating, and therefore, he knows that Rodney is off limits. But as the two men start to get to know one another, Hunter finds himself telling Rodney things he’s never told another soul. Rodney is also very perceptive and pushes Hunter to reveal his hidden dreams and desires to him. Soon, the men cannot keep from falling for each other, but will Hunter be able to be true to himself and take a chance on being with the outgoing and gorgeous, Rodney?

I loved this book! Both Hunter and Rodney were well-written heroes. Plus, they had an intense chemistry between them that practically steamed up my computer screen. I liked the dilemma that both heroes found themselves in, and also how they really had to do some self-examination and personal growth for them to find a way to be together.

Rodney was truly a force to be reckoned with! I loved how outrageous he could be, but I also admired how he was always true to himself. His devotion to his friends was an honorable thing to read and I appreciated how far he was willing to go to make his friend happy, even if it meant he would be making a huge sacrifice of his own. He definitely loves with his whole heart and soul and I felt like he was one of those people who, once they were on your side of things, he would do anything for you.

Although, Rodney’s character truly stole the book for me, I loved Hunter too. I enjoyed watching him become stronger and a more self-assured man as the story continued. I also appreciated his determination to be true to himself and to have Rodney in his life. These two men truly were wonderful together and I loved watching their relationship evolve into something very special.

Fireball is the second book in the Balls to the Wall series. I haven’t read the first book because I think it’s a ménage themed romance, and those aren’t my cuppa, but I will say that Fire Balls can be read as a stand-alone book. It’s very well-written and not once did I feel like I was missing something important in the plot or with the characters. Highly Recommended!

Here are the Balls to the Wall books in series order:

Volley Balls
Fire Balls
Beach Balls(less)

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Nov 21, 2012 Kukko rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 1-app-kindle, a-contemporary, a-erotic, a-romance, a-short, character-artist, character-fireman, series-to-be-read-in-order, sex-mix-m-m

Book 2 in the "Balls to the Wall" series.

Light novella about the romance between a flamboyant and diminutive artist (Rod) and a gorgeous conflicted semi-closeted firefighter (Hunter).

Rod is funny, Hunter not so much. The confusion of who fancies whom is resolved quickly, Rod and Hunter fall in love so fast it'll make your head spin and of course, Rod's love is quickly expressed through amazing paintings of Hunter....and there is a fire and a rescue

I did not connect with either of the MCs. I th...more

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Jul 08, 2012 Tonileg rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, romance, ridiculous-covers

Soft skinny artist and hard-bodied fireman M/M romance? Oh, ya! Lets get down to the best parts...
This was a short story but well written about a short 5'6" painter that is flamboyant gay that finds love with Hunter the firefighter that is living the life that his father wanted for him. Hunter was so sweet and earnest in his love but he just kept living a lie, even though he had come out of the closet, he was still living a 'straight' alpha male life. Which makes the irony that the short artist...more

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Feb 18, 2012 JoAnna rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2012

Tara Lain does it again. If you like M/M romance I recommend this book. Hunter is a gorgeous gay firefighter and doesn't flaunt his sexuality. Rodney is an openly gay artist and flaunts what he's got. Rodney has been lusting after Hunter in secret. Hunter meets Jerry, Rodney's friend and sometimes model, while admiring Rodney's artwork. Jerry is the surfer and asks Rodney to help him woo Hunter. Rodney doesn't think he is good enough for Hunter. But when the firefighter and the artist are forced...more

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Feb 09, 2012 Sarah rated it 4 of 5 stars

The description for this was intriguing so I decided to give it a try - I've never read anything by the author before.
My only gripe is that this was a little rushed towards the end - if I could give this 4.5 or 4.75 stars I would. Rodney was an amazing character - funny, talented, clever; I loved him. And completely understood why he disliked being called adorable! Hunter's insecurities were endearing and his character became more understandable and likeable as the book progressed. I really felt...more

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Fire Balls (Balls to the Wall #2)

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