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Cam's Best Friend

2.48 of 5 stars 2.48 · rating details · 33 ratings · 13 reviews

Cameron Gamble is a simple man finally free from an awkward life. He starts over in a new city, opens a business, and finds the perfect best friend, Mel--a chocolate lab. It isn't long before Cameron and Mel are inseparable and Mel has a permanent place in Cameron's heart. One night, Cameron recovers from a nightmare with Mel by his side. The bright light of the moon revea...more

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Published March 3rd 2012 by Silver Publishing

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Sep 11, 2012 Top 2 Bottom Reviews Interviews and More rated it 4 of 5 stars

For the past three years, Cameron has lived in fear. Barely escaping his abusive ex-boyfriend’s evil clutches, he’s now determined to live his dream and open up his own little bistro. The day before his bistro is set to open, a stray dog wonders in his shop and Cameron immediately feels a kinship with him. He names the dog ‘Mel’ and soon, they become almost inseparable, and for the first time in years, Cameron is able to talk about his past and starts to relax a little while he enjoy the success...more For the past three years, Cameron has lived in fear. Barely escaping his abusive ex-boyfriend’s evil clutches, he’s now determined to live his dream and open up his own little bistro. The day before his bistro is set to open, a stray dog wonders in his shop and Cameron immediately feels a kinship with him. He names the dog ‘Mel’ and soon, they become almost inseparable, and for the first time in years, Cameron is able to talk about his past and starts to relax a little while he enjoy the success of his new business.

Over a hundred years old, healer and wizard Reynaud was falsely accused of the death of his lover. As part of his punishment, he was stripped of almost all of his magic, and had to live with the humans until he found someone who would love and accept him unconditionally. Over the years, Reynaud began to believe that he would be trapped in a dog’s body forever, but once he met the sweet and sexy Cameron, he knew there was something very special about him. Before long, Reynaud knows the feelings he has for Cameron run deep, and he can only hope that Cameron too feels the same. Will Cameron be able to work past his fears and accept Reynaud for who he is in human form or will fear keep the two lovers apart forever.

I really liked this book. I’ve read several of Jaxx Steele’s books and I’ve enjoyed them all. One thing I appreciate about Mr. Steele’s writing is his ability to create characters that are really interesting and likeable people. Also, I enjoy the easy style of writing and fast-paced storytelling ability that this author has.

I liked the intense chemistry that Cameron and Reynaud shared between them. It was apparent that these two heroes really fit well together and I enjoyed every moment they shared together in the book. I also thought the story itself was very creative and interesting. I found myself intrigued by both Cameron and Reynaud, and eagerly read through this book in one sitting.

I do wish the book had been longer. I also wondered about Cameron’s quick acceptance of the change from the adorable Max to the very sexy Reynaud. And, despite Cameron’s abused past, I felt like he accepted Reynaud in his bed a little too quick. Also, I would have loved for the book to have been longer. I wish there was an epilogue about how Reynaud’s magic might have affected them together. I also had a few unanswered questions at the end of the book, and I wonder if this is the beginning of a series. But, all in all I really enjoyed this story and recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy romance. Also, fans of Jaxx Steele will be satisfied with Cameron and Reynaud’s story and look forward to reading more of his works in the future.

Reviewed By: Gabbi(less)

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May 09, 2012 Dawn rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, favorite-read-again-books, more-from-this-author

This was my first Jaxx Steele book, can you believe it? I am not sure how I missed this authors books before but after reading this one, I plan to remedy that at once.

I haven't read a Jaxx Steele book before until I picked up Cam's Best Friend and now I wonder, why in the heck haven't I discovered this author before? The story line is wonderful. This author gives the reader a little back story, then the meat of it comes out with Cameron. What I loved about this one was how the character Cameron...more

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Mar 16, 2012 Tam rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: wizards-magic

You can find this review at Brief Encounters Reviews.

I found this to be a fairly quick read, that kept me interested as I went along, although I didn’t love the flashback aspects as much as the present-day story. The story starts well before Cam get’s his restaurant, with a prologue, outlining the story of Renaud, a wizard of sorts, who failed in his job to protect his lover and protegé who was killed. Even though the circumstances are suspicious, Renaud is punished by becoming a dog, who until...more You can find this review at Brief Encounters Reviews.

I found this to be a fairly quick read, that kept me interested as I went along, although I didn’t love the flashback aspects as much as the present-day story. The story starts well before Cam get’s his restaurant, with a prologue, outlining the story of Renaud, a wizard of sorts, who failed in his job to protect his lover and protegé who was killed. Even though the circumstances are suspicious, Renaud is punished by becoming a dog, who until he finds love with a human will remain thus.

Then it switches to today, where Cam is starting his new restaurant and discovers a stray he names Mel. Cam is recovering from life with an abusive ex who is in jail, but he still suffers from nightmares. The flashbacks/nightmares, and the detail of the abuse were not gratuitous, but I’m not sure the format worked for me. However, after a particularly nasty nightmare, Renaud/Mel reveals his true self, and before long they are living happily ever after with a thriving restaurant in New Orleans.

Of course, the evil ex shows up. The story is pretty standard, outside the fantasy aspect of Renaud’s life, but I really liked Cam and how he was determined to get his life back on track and follow his dreams, despite the abuse and trauma he suffered. While they briefly explained who/what Renaud was and how he came to be, I think a story set entirely in that world would have been interesting in its own right, as once it gets to modern times, the fantasy element pretty much falls by the wayside until the very end.

The contrast in the sex between abusive Joe and Cam (shown in a dream), and the gentle but erotic sex between Renaud and Cam was a nice contrast, to show the difference in relationships and that actions speak louder than words. I thought the writing was fluid and Cam’s interactions with people in New Orleans was nice. So when you are in the mood for something with a touch of fantasy and a nice guy, trying to get his life back on track, I think it’s a worthwhile read and doesn’t take very long, despite the length. I sped right through it.

Sidenote: Despite the hottie on the cover with nipple rings, there is no mention of either character having any in the story.

(less)

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Apr 09, 2012 Lucy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Reviewed for heartsonfirereviews.com

Oh, the potential that this book had! This amazing prologue, giving the back history of Reynaud and the death of his lover, Angele. He is being punished for failing to protect his lover (who died with Reynaud right there, asleep). Initially, the punishment was to be severely harsh, that of removing his magical abilities, even though the Council governing the crime for the most part believed Reynaud to be incapable of committing such a crime. They come up with...more Reviewed for heartsonfirereviews.com

Oh, the potential that this book had! This amazing prologue, giving the back history of Reynaud and the death of his lover, Angele. He is being punished for failing to protect his lover (who died with Reynaud right there, asleep). Initially, the punishment was to be severely harsh, that of removing his magical abilities, even though the Council governing the crime for the most part believed Reynaud to be incapable of committing such a crime. They come up with an alternative punishment – Reynaud will be transformed into another form and will need to find someone who will love him as is. While waiting for the transformation, in his prison cell, he is visited by the true murderer, Baptiste, who killed Angele and stole his magic for himself. He does this purely to get rid of Reynaud, who does not bring this up to the Council, as he has no proof.
Fast forward to present day, where Cameron, a former victim of abuse by his partner, is opening his Bistro in New Orleans. He has escaped from his abusive past, though is still constantly watching over his shoulder and being fearful, having nightmares. He meets a stray dog outside the bistro and falls in love. Names the dog Mel (for caramel coloring) and a duo is born. This could have been great.
However, it falls short in areas. A HUGE deal for me was the fact that when Mel reveals himself to be Reynauld, I just couldn’t believe an abused man would so nonchalantly have sex with someone who just turned up in the middle of the night, in his apartment no less, but also that the man tells him that he’s actually the dog, and abused man doesn’t even question it? Cam is so terrified for parts that Joe will return, this attitude didn’t seem at all right. Second, the whole Baptiste issue is just left hanging. Why bother with the whole admission thing if there was no closure to it? It would have been better for me if we get the idea that Reynaud was framed, but skip the whole “this is why I did it” by Baptiste, since it wasn’t ever addressed again.
I really liked Cameron, and he gets the 3 star. Reynauld really isn’t there long enough in the present to get a feel for him, it is Cam’s unconditional love that makes the story sweet. The writing is easy to read and flows well but it was a frustrating read that felt unfulfilled.
(less)

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Apr 12, 2013 Pixie Mmgoodbookreviews rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

3 1/2 Hearts

http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/

Reynaud/Mel is being punished for something he didn’t do, he is now a dog and to break the spell someone has to love him unconditional and he has to love and protect them back. Cameron is opening up his own restaurant, he has an abusive ex who he has run from and is now living his dreams when a large dog walks into his life and changes everything.

This is a well written story that sadly does disappoint in some areas but is wonderful in others. Re...more

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Sep 17, 2012 Gabbi rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, gay-romance, i-hope-this-will-be-a-series, top2bottom-reviews, jaxx-steele, silver-publishing

3.75 Kisses

For the past three years, Cameron has lived in fear. Barely escaping his abusive ex-boyfriend’s evil clutches, he’s now determined to live his dream and open up his own little bistro. The day before his bistro is set to open, a stray dog wonders in his shop and Cameron immediately feels a kinship with him. He names the dog ‘Mel’ and soon, they become almost inseparable, and for the first time in years, Cameron is able to talk about his past and starts to relax a little while he enjoy...more 3.75 Kisses

For the past three years, Cameron has lived in fear. Barely escaping his abusive ex-boyfriend’s evil clutches, he’s now determined to live his dream and open up his own little bistro. The day before his bistro is set to open, a stray dog wonders in his shop and Cameron immediately feels a kinship with him. He names the dog ‘Mel’ and soon, they become almost inseparable, and for the first time in years, Cameron is able to talk about his past and starts to relax a little while he enjoy the success of his new business.

Over a hundred years old, healer and wizard Reynaud was falsely accused of the death of his lover. As part of his punishment, he was stripped of almost all of his magic, and had to live with the humans until he found someone who would love and accept him unconditionally. Over the years, Reynaud began to believe that he would be trapped in a dog’s body forever, but once he met the sweet and sexy Cameron, he knew there was something very special about him. Before long, Reynaud knows the feelings he has for Cameron run deep, and he can only hope that Cameron too feels the same. Will Cameron be able to work past his fears and accept Reynaud for who he is in human form or will fear keep the two lovers apart forever.

I really liked this book. I’ve read several of Jaxx Steele’s books and I’ve enjoyed them all. One thing I appreciate about Mr. Steele’s writing is his ability to create characters that are really interesting and likeable people. Also, I enjoy the easy style of writing and fast-paced storytelling ability that this author has.

I liked the intense chemistry that Cameron and Reynaud shared between them. It was apparent that these two heroes really fit well together and I enjoyed every moment they shared together in the book. I also thought the story itself was very creative and interesting. I found myself intrigued by both Cameron and Reynaud, and eagerly read through this book in one sitting.

I do wish the book had been longer. I also wondered about Cameron’s quick acceptance of the change from the adorable Max to the very sexy Reynaud. And, despite Cameron’s abused past, I felt like he accepted Reynaud in his bed a little too quick. Also, I would have loved for the book to have been longer. I wish there was an epilogue about how Reynaud’s magic might have affected them together. I also had a few unanswered questions at the end of the book, and I wonder if this is the beginning of a series. But, all in all I really enjoyed this story and recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy romance. Also, fans of Jaxx Steele will be satisfied with Cameron and Reynaud’s story and look forward to reading more of his works in the future.(less)

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Mar 24, 2012 Meggie rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, magic

This short novella doesn't have a point. I don't even get the meaning of this storyline. Everything is missing here. Love will free him, for something he didn't do. And then He is free again at the end, and he is happy to have magic and love again. And the bad guy never paid for his crime of killing a guy. Ridiculous, really!

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Mar 01, 2012 Cole Riann rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, m-m-short, m-m-pnr, m-m-magic

A bit of a disappointing read. The first 29% of the 15k word short story was a pretty in-depth prologue (view spoiler). Also, Cameron reacted pretty ridiculously for a man who had been severely abused physically and sexually by his past boyfriend when he awoke during the night to find a strange man in his bed. Then it ended without confronting one very major part of the story.

Ultimately, I was disappointed with this one.

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Mar 18, 2012 Chris rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, gay, ebook, short, done, paranormal-romance

Ok short paranormal m/m romance about a wizard who's punished by being turned into a dog and set loose in New Orleans. While this had potential, the execution felt really awkward.

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Mar 02, 2012 Perpetua rated it 2 of 5 stars

It ended without any resolution! What was the point of the prologue if we didn't find out how it was resolved?

1 like · like · see review

Mar 10, 2012 Kathy rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-2012

too much plot for the length, particularly given the prologue and what it implied.

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Apr 07, 2012 Selina Durio rated it 5 of 5 stars

OMG this was really a great shirt story. Nicely developed and concluded!

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Mar 10, 2012 Lakeisha rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: gay-fantasy, paranormal, short-read, disappointing

Did not like the ending, felt abrupt! Too short

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May 01, 2013 Shannon marked it as maybe

Apr 17, 2013 Amy marked it as to-read

Shelves: own-them

Apr 11, 2013 Claudia rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: were-vamp

Apr 10, 2013 Helle marked it as to-read

Shelves: m-m

Nov 14, 2012 Heather S rated it 3 of 5 stars

Oct 29, 2012 Kellie Dennis marked it as to-read

Shelves: my-books

Nov 09, 2012 Luka Lu rated it 3 of 5 stars

Sep 09, 2012 Isabelle rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m

Aug 12, 2012 Courtney added it

May 05, 2012 Megan rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebooks

Apr 12, 2012 Desiree marked it as to-read

Apr 08, 2012 Dana rated it 3 of 5 stars

Apr 07, 2012 Sally halliday marked it as to-read

Mar 31, 2012 Kim marked it as to-read

Mar 30, 2012 Veronica / V rated it 3 of 5 stars

Apr 12, 2012 Teresa rated it 3 of 5 stars

Mar 23, 2012 Me Jones marked it as to-read

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About Jaxx Steele

Jaxx Steele was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, but is hiding in Indiana to stay out of trouble. Reading and writing were his first loves and continue to be first in his heart. He spends his time working a nine-to-five and traveling when he can. With room in his heart for Hou and their cat Judo, Jaxx has a full and happy life.

Visit Jax's web site at http://www.freewebs.com/jaxxsteele/, blog...more

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