Men of Smithfield

Jun 08, 2013 Tami rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A very good story.

The 1st person narrator, Holden, is a 40 year old former adventurer and writer who is agoraphobic and lusts after his sexy young gardener. He lives in his family's old mansion with an austere housekeeper, his alcoholic brother (who has his wife/ex-wife in tow as well as his best buddy) and his ex-boyfriend "visiting" him. It is a animated, lively coming and going in this house and the murder mystery is smack in the middle.
When Adam, the beautiful young man who tends to Holden's...more

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Jan 17, 2013 Plainbrownwrapper rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: mm

I like the way that Gregg writes. I have no special justification for that, I just do. She is good at stringing words together in an intelligent and often witty or thought-provoking manner, and I only wish that she would write longer books.

So you know up front that I'm biased.

With or without my bias, though, I found this an entertaining and sometimes moving book. The two MCs consist of a formerly world-travelling 40 year old wealthy agoraphobic writer -- Holden -- and a 24 year old gardener with...more

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Dec 21, 2012 Sophia rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romantic-suspense

I grabbed a chance to read this one mostly because of the blurb on the story- I love romance mixed with murder mystery- and because I'm always eager to try a new-to-me author. Now, this was not the first book in the series, but I had no problem reading it. I'm aware of at least one secondary character in the story probably starred in his own early book.

Holden is a rich reclusive writer. The world comes to him by necessity because he is an agoraphobic. He didn't used to be, but now he hyper-venti...more I grabbed a chance to read this one mostly because of the blurb on the story- I love romance mixed with murder mystery- and because I'm always eager to try a new-to-me author. Now, this was not the first book in the series, but I had no problem reading it. I'm aware of at least one secondary character in the story probably starred in his own early book.

Holden is a rich reclusive writer. The world comes to him by necessity because he is an agoraphobic. He didn't used to be, but now he hyper-ventilates and faints if he even tries to step foot outside his door and he really gets worked up if he thinks he is being watched. And this is bad because the recently hired gardener (which he has been lusting over) has turned up a body in his backyard which brings the police and the media down on him. Half the town is gossiping that the body is Holden's ex-lover that he murdered out of revenge and many of them think his gardener who has a police record is in on it with him.

For a recluse, you would think that Holden would be left to his own devices, but that is not to be. His childhood home is busier with people coming and going than a hotel. Holden's life is invaded daily by his no-nonsense housekeeper who has been there since he and his brother were children and of recent days by Adam, his new handyman-used-to-be-just-the-gardener and now romantic interest. His brother, Porter, has recently moved back in to weather the last few days of his third divorce and his brother's childhood friend is there to be his drinking buddy. His brother's presence brings along his brother's soon to be ex who isn't ready to call it quits. But the most disturbing presence- and one by necessity he had to invite to prove he's not murdered at Holden's hand- is his backstabbing, betraying moneygrubbing ex, John.

Between someone trying to frame him for murder, the police hounding him as chief suspect, his brother's behavior and the new thing with Adam, Holden's life is complicated in an interesting way. The story is told from Holden's point of view and I have to tell you- I loved his 'voice'. He is witty and irascible without being irritating. It is very easy to imagine him being who he is. I laughed so many times at his take on everything going on around him. It was neat to read his various reactions to people and his thoughts on his phobias. The relationship between Holden and Adam is understated, but just by the way Holden reacts and feels about Adam when he learns Adam's issues show that there are real feelings involved even if the murder and ensuing mayhem highjack the story much of the time.

I was so taken with this story and the author's writing style that I am definitely going back and reading the rest of the series.

I recommend this book for those who like lighter m/m romantic suspense with a witty hero telling the story.

Thank you to Net Galley for providing the book for review purposes.(less)

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Nov 30, 2012 Guilty Pleasures rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: guiltypleasures-slick

Slick's review posted on Guilty Pleasures

4 Stars

One thing about this series is it is never predictable and the books are not formulaic. Yes, every story features two men who eventually realize they love each other but getting to that point is very different and this book in particular takes a pretty sinister twist.

Holden Worthington is pushing 40; he’s traveled the world, is a successful author, a former television star, and an author of gay erotica. Following an especially nasty and public conf...more Slick's review posted on Guilty Pleasures

4 Stars

One thing about this series is it is never predictable and the books are not formulaic. Yes, every story features two men who eventually realize they love each other but getting to that point is very different and this book in particular takes a pretty sinister twist.

Holden Worthington is pushing 40; he’s traveled the world, is a successful author, a former television star, and an author of gay erotica. Following an especially nasty and public confrontation with a former lover he’s become agoraphobic. He hasn’t left his house in over a year and now finds himself lusting after his new gardener.

Adam Morgan is from a family on the wrong side of the tracks. He has a record, he doesn’t read people well, and he’s young and pretty damn innocent.

When Adam makes a gruesome discovery in Holden’s garden their lives are turned upside down and they soon find themselves in the middle of a murder investigation and being watched constantly. I really like Holden; he’s got a wicked sense of humor despite everything going on around his world. He maintains his calmness despite everything. I admire that even though a lot of people were pointing fingers at Adam, he doesn’t believe them despite not knowing him well. I also like that he understand Adam’s inability to trust and read people and works to help him through that. Adam is so mature for his 24 years and he constantly surprises me with his insight. When he realizes Holden’s infliction he doesn’t belittle him, he sets out to help him work through it. Most of all I find it amazing that these two manage to find their way to each other in spite of it all.

These two men together are sexy as hell but I would have liked to see more on their relationship. Fortunately, I absolutely loved these characters and I enjoyed seeing a lot of Tony Gervase who was featured in the first book in this series so I’m overlooking that the mystery overshadowed the romance. While this isn’t my favorite in the series, I do appreciate the fact that the plot was complex despite the length of the book and the characters well developed. I also can’t wait to see what L.B. Gregg has in store next for the Men of Smithfield!

Review copy provided for an honest review. (less)

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Nov 11, 2012 Jennifer Lavoie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebooks, family, gay, lgbt, netgalley, romance, mystery

Carina Press does it again. Seriously. I received this book from NetGalley, and like the other book in a series that I received from the website - also from Carina Press - I am now hooked and will be buying the rest to review. This time it is the works of L.B. Gregg that I'll be following.

Smithfield is a fictional town in Connecticut, my home state, which made this book that much more endearing to me. I know the real town of Kent, I live near Waterbury, and My aunt and uncle have a camp at Bant...more

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Oct 26, 2012 Lisa rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: character-with-disability, contemporary-romance, glbt, m-m-romance, may-december, murder-mystery, series

4.5 Stars

“Fear is that little darkroom where negatives are developed.” – Michael Pritchard

Holden Worthington wasn’t always stricken by panic attacks; at one time he was a world traveler who chronicled his global experiences in the books he wrote to make his living. But that was before his ex-lover betrayed him in front of Geraldo Rivera and all the general Geraldo-viewing population. Now, to a large segment of the Smithfield population, Holden’s just a hermitic, gay porn writing pariah, so he ke...more 4.5 Stars

“Fear is that little darkroom where negatives are developed.” – Michael Pritchard

Holden Worthington wasn’t always stricken by panic attacks; at one time he was a world traveler who chronicled his global experiences in the books he wrote to make his living. But that was before his ex-lover betrayed him in front of Geraldo Rivera and all the general Geraldo-viewing population. Now, to a large segment of the Smithfield population, Holden’s just a hermitic, gay porn writing pariah, so he keeps himself to himself not by choice but by circumstance and fear. That is, until Adam Morgan enters the picture and suddenly makes Holden want to do things he hasn’t done or wanted to do for a very long time.

My first impression of Men of Smithfield: Adam and Holden was that it felt very claustrophobic. Odd, no? Well, yes, but it also sort of makes sense, and here’s why. This installment of the Smithfield series takes place almost entirely inside Holden’s house, because Holden is agoraphobic, you see, and his home is not only his sanctuary but his sanity, as well, which is why the story felt so close and crowded—the reader is wedged into a confined setting that’s helped along entirely by the tight prose of the author, who takes a man who panics at the mere idea of stepping across the threshold of his home, even to go only as far as his own backyard, and throws him a houseful of people to contend with, as well as a dead body that’s discovered behind his gardening shed; a body that’s discovered by Adam, a young man with a past and a disability, who is now Holden’s gardener…and his biggest temptation.

Did the gardener do it? Before that question can be answered, the cops have to figure out who the body is…was, and Holden also has to prove who it wasn’t, then prove he himself is not only innocent of murder but is also incapable of having committed the crime in spite of some very recent and inconvenient evidence to the contrary. And he has to do this all while dealing with an ex-lover, a philandering drunk of a brother, a soon-to-be ex-sister-in-law, a nosy priest, and a stern but loyal housekeeper. It’s enough to make anyone crazy.

Men of Smithfield: Adam and Holden does what this series has done so well from the beginning, with its intriguing little mystery paralleling the budding romance between two men who probably shouldn’t work, but somehow they do. These are not perfect men in a perfect world; they’re men who’re just a little bit broken but together shore each other up and make any- and everything a perfect possibility.

I just wish I knew there were more to come.

TNA (less)

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Mar 24, 2011 momokaachan rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: anyone who likes a good m-m romance

Shelves: mm, series

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

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Jan 05, 2011 Elisa Ramblings added it · review of another edition

I don’t know if I was particularly in the mood for this type of story, but I had the strong impression that L.B. Gregg is going better story after story, and another thing that I noticed is that she is able to play with plots and themes completely different always remaining in the same small town, Smithfield (that story after story is starting to feel like a paradise I’d like to discover and move to).

This is the time of a may/december story tinted with a bit of Cinderfella. Nice, romantic plot...more I don’t know if I was particularly in the mood for this type of story, but I had the strong impression that L.B. Gregg is going better story after story, and another thing that I noticed is that she is able to play with plots and themes completely different always remaining in the same small town, Smithfield (that story after story is starting to feel like a paradise I’d like to discover and move to).

This is the time of a may/december story tinted with a bit of Cinderfella. Nice, romantic plot and nothing challenging you would say, and you are just ready to sit down and enjoy your ordinary romance, when a body literally pops out from the ground… yeaks! And now the story seems more the plot of an Hitchcock movie, a bit of “Rear Window” (the man who cannot leave his house and does all the investigating from inside) and a bit of “Vertigo” (the man who has a condition that forbid him to do something that is vital, for him and for the ones he loves). But then the author dresses it with a small and cute puppy, and with some hot sex scene (even one under the shower), and the romance goes well along the mystery.

For me that is not an expert, the mystery plot was good: basically the dead body was a man that everyone could have killed, from the most obvious suspects, like Holden, the crazy writer suffering of agoraphobia, and Adam, the cute, and young, gardener, to Mrs. Henderson, the perfect housekeeper, or Father David, who obviously doesn’t like Holden’s lifestyle. And collecting suspects, the author is also collecting a cast of supporting characters that is one better of the other, above all since apparently they end all for living with Holden in a mausoleum that seems to have more bedroom than doors.

Holden apparently is healing from a broken heart, a betrayal and an embarassing situation; his excuse to avoid people is that he is suffering from agoraphobia and he cannot leave the house. I think that he is simply avoiding contacts, and I didn’t feel like he was really upset upon loosing John, the deceiving lover. His nestling in his native home (nestling and hiding) for me is more a way to go back to his roots, trying to understand what was wrong with his life and not making the same mistake as his parents. Plus he is probably feeling lonely, without roots, and finally setting in a place is a way for the few dear ones he has to come to him, to console him, but at the same time, to recreate the family he has lost (first his older brother in an accident, then his parents, finally his lover).

Adam is the black sheep of the town, the son of the drunk driver who killed a man, the young boy with the scarlet letter on his chest even before he had the chance to deserve one. But Adam is innocent, in a way that is almost disarming, and all he wants is to be given a chance. Yes Holden is older, and wealthier, and this is probably a relationship that will raise eyebrows of the conformists, but if in the end no one is hurting anyone, who cares? Adam needs a safe place, Holden can give him one; Holden needs the strength of the youth that is Adam, Adam is willing to share.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003MGK0U4/?...(less)

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Nov 26, 2012 Christi Snow rated it 5 of 5 stars

My Review:
The heroes in this book are really different, but I liked it.

Holden is a 40 year old recluse suffering from debilitating agoraphobia. If he goes outside, he passes out. The most mind-boggling thing about this is that he used to live his entire life outdoors and under the spotlight. He's an award-winning author who spent five years trotting the globe, recreating the amazing adventures of his books for national TV. It all fell apart when his partner both on the TV show and in life outed...more My Review:
The heroes in this book are really different, but I liked it.

Holden is a 40 year old recluse suffering from debilitating agoraphobia. If he goes outside, he passes out. The most mind-boggling thing about this is that he used to live his entire life outdoors and under the spotlight. He's an award-winning author who spent five years trotting the globe, recreating the amazing adventures of his books for national TV. It all fell apart when his partner both on the TV show and in life outed him and ambushed him on a live talk show about his secret life writing gay erotica. The agoraphobia grew from that backlash. Now he stays indoors...ALL. THE. TIME.

I loved Holden's character and the entire story is told from his POV. He's snarky, and self-depricating, and horny, and so darn funny. His internal thoughts kept me giggling the whole time. He knows that he has severe psychological problems and with his new infatuation/lust over his new gardener, Adam, he can now add pervert to the list (his words, not mine).

Adam is only twenty-four years old. He has his own social issues. He cannot (truly is NOT able to do it) read innuendo or subtext to what people are telling him. He doesn't get jokes, or insults, or any of those subtle things that we all read into what people are telling us. He's also gay. As a result, he's learned to stay away from people because he doesn't get the subtle clues that tell him when he needs to back off or feel threatened or even that someone is attracted to him. He's been hurt both mentally and physically because of it and has learned that it's just easier to not put himself out there in any regard.

When Holden learned this, there was no holding him back. Holden is one of those guys who is in your face, telling you like it is...pure honesty, no holds barred. But for these two, that's what they need. Honestly, age aside, they are truly the perfect pairing up of people and I loved their romantic story. They are both such misfits, but they fit so well together.

There is also a great mystery/suspense story line in this book. Adam finds a dead body (who just happens to be Holden's ex-lover's current love) buried in the garden. Honestly, I had NO IDEA who did it until it was revealed in the book. That story line was done REALLY well. Usually, I have some sort of idea, but I was guessing all wrong on this one and when it was revealed, I could see it clearly. The clues were there, they were just woven in so amazingly well that I didn't catch them.

This is book #4 in this series. I haven't read the other three yet, but they are definitely going into my TBR to read SOON! Just a great book!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
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May 13, 2010 Jenre rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary, m-m, romance

In and Out is the fourth and final book in the Men of Smithfield series by LB Gregg. I've enjoyed all the books in the series so far, but I have to say that this one will probably turn out to be my favourite as I found both heroes to be completely delightful.

The book opens with our hero, Holden, ogling the new hired hand, Adam. Holden had a successful career as a travel writer, explorer and television presenter before he was outed on live TV by his ex-lover and friend, not only as a gay man, but...more In and Out is the fourth and final book in the Men of Smithfield series by LB Gregg. I've enjoyed all the books in the series so far, but I have to say that this one will probably turn out to be my favourite as I found both heroes to be completely delightful.

The book opens with our hero, Holden, ogling the new hired hand, Adam. Holden had a successful career as a travel writer, explorer and television presenter before he was outed on live TV by his ex-lover and friend, not only as a gay man, but as a writer of steamy gay porn novels. In disgrace and crippled by agoraphobia, Holden hides away in the family pile in Smithfield writing his travel cookery book and generally living in fear of a re-occurrence of the media-fuelled days following his outing. When Adam discovers a body in the compost heap, that fear becomes a reality as he battles with sarcastic police offers, intrusive TV cameras, Adam's lawless brothers and the local Catholic priest in order to try and regain some of the peace and quiet he craves. Alongside this, Holden is also fighting his attraction to the much younger Adam, acting as mediator to his brother and soon-to-be ex-sister in law, and providing shelter for his back-stabbing ex.

As you can probably deduce from the above plot summary, there's a lot going on in this book. There are a whole host of different characters who populate the pages of this book, and whose own lives directly affect Holden, our first person narrator. When we first meet Holden he is a rather lonely, and perhaps pathetic figure. He's only 40, but due to his illness cannot leave the house. Thus he spends his days pottering around his huge house, swapping snidely affectionate remarks with his ageing housekeeper and helping his womanising drunkard of a brother up to bed each night. The arrival of Adam proves to be a catalyst for change and, just as the book is set in spring and contains images of renewal and hope, Holden slowly changes as the book progresses, as circumstances and the gentle prodding of Adam begin to help Holden overcome his illness. The portrayal of Holden's agoraphobia was compassionate and realistic. I thought the mix of Holden's frustration at his limitations and his fear was handled well, and those readers who long for a sympathetic character with an illness of the mind can't go wrong with this book.

Before Holden gets to the end of the book, he has to go through an awful lot of inconvenience, deal with many difficult people, be accused of murder and have his whole life turned upside down. Throughout the whole experience, Adam is there offering a whole lot of support in a quiet and unassuming manner. I liked that, although Holden feels a little guilty about the age gap between them (Adam is 24), the decision as to whether Holden should act on his attraction to Adam wasn't made into too much of a big deal. There's no angst or pages of soul searching, it just happens and Holden accepts it and then can concentrate on the other crazy stuff that's happening to him. I think it helped that Adam is generally a calming influence on Holden. In fact they are opposites in many respects: Adam is quiet, thoughtful and has a condition which means he has difficulty understanding humour or sarcasm; Holden is witty, charming and relies on humour to diffuse a situation or hide behind. Because he has to be very literal with Adam, that strips away some of Holden's protective layers and allows him the luxury of honesty and straightforwardness which means their affectionate feelings for each other develop quickly. Despite this I felt that the feelings that develop between them were genuine. It's not just lust - although there's plenty of that, as well as intense sexual tension - but also that there's respect between them which leads to deeper emotions.

Many of LB Gregg's books are packed with humour and funny situations. This was perhaps the most serious book I've read of hers. That doesn't mean that the book totally lacks humour, far from it. The whole situation with Holden and the sheer number of different characters gives the book a slightly mad-cap feel on occasion, and the way that Holden lurches from one situation to another reminded me of those shows like The Phil Silvers Show or Abbot and Costello, where one problem would be partly resolved only to have the next character/problem arise until a final showdown at the end. There are also a number of comedy lines which had me snorting with laughter. Having said that, there were many quiet, reflective moments in the story too, such as when Adam takes Holden out for a drive, the first time he's been out the house in two years; or the moments when Holden remembers his dead brother. This mix of pathos, humour and quiet reflection appealed to me, and shows a depth of maturity in the writing that perhaps was missing in her earlier books in the series.

I could go on and mention a whole lot of other things I liked about this book, such as Holden's relationship with his brother, housekeeper and friend Tony (the hero from the first book Gobsmacked); or that the mystery was satisfying; or the way that the town of Smithfield and its residents play just as much of an important role as the main characters. However, you'll have to discover that for yourself, or this review will run to several pages!

All that remains to say now, is how much I enjoyed In and Out. It was a fittingly super end to a very enjoyable series.(less)

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Dec 01, 2012 DaisyGirl rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m, genre-romance, i-own, other-steamy, romance-contemp

2.0 Stars

This book just didn't do it for me. I've been wracking my brain trying to figure out why and I think it's because I didn't care for Holden. He's agoraphobic and, as a result, a recluse; I felt for him there. He suffered the betrayal of his long-time lover, John, and was humiliated to be outed as a gay porn author. He is trapped in his sprawling nine-thousand square foot mansion with only the housekeeper (Mrs. H) and his philandering and alcoholic brother, Porter, to keep him company. Wh...more 2.0 Stars

This book just didn't do it for me. I've been wracking my brain trying to figure out why and I think it's because I didn't care for Holden. He's agoraphobic and, as a result, a recluse; I felt for him there. He suffered the betrayal of his long-time lover, John, and was humiliated to be outed as a gay porn author. He is trapped in his sprawling nine-thousand square foot mansion with only the housekeeper (Mrs. H) and his philandering and alcoholic brother, Porter, to keep him company. When sexy, smexy Adam, the gardener, discovers a dead body in Holden's back yard, Adam and Holden fall under suspicion especially since the victim is Holden's ex-boyfriend's main squeeze. Unfortunately, Holden is mostly concerned by the media attention the crime is garnering. Ugh.

To make matters worse, Holden - in his infinite wisdom - decides to allow everyone and their mother to stay at his house and traipse in and out without a care in the world: Porter and his best friend, Kurt; Porter's current but soon to be ex-wife, Mitzie; Kingsley, Porter's puppy; John, the bastard ex-boyfriend; Adam, Holden's current BF; and Mrs. H, although she's only there during the day. WTF?!? Porter disappears when his current wife shows up to stay. Where does he go? I dunno. John is there but disappears when the police show up looking for him. Holden catches up with him a number of times but doesn't turn him in. Again, why?!? Again ... I dunno. Instead, Holden lets John continue to come and go as he pleases. Adam is sweet and caring but gets caught up in all the shenanigans because Holden is so lax. Bleh.

This book was aggravating: the writing irritated me; Holden irked me to no end; and, the mystery was absolutely frustrating. Most of the characters acted or behaved so unreasonably, trying to solve the who-dunnit was an exercise in futility. I really liked Adam but that's about it. I didn't care for any of the other characters. This book would have garnered a 1.5 stars but I gave it a 2.0 because L.B. Gregg delivers some hawt, smexy love scenes. My enthusiasm for and interest in a book is usually in direct correlation with how quickly I finish it. Case-in-point: 3 1/2 days to finish 150 pages!?! That's eons. Nuff said.

Bottom line: A disappointing end to an otherwise entertaining series.(less)

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Oct 22, 2012 mw138 rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: age-gap, angst-hurt-comfort, m-m-romance, opposites-attract, netgalley, suspense-mystery, disability

3.5 stars

Former tv star and adventurer, Holden Xavier Worthington, has lived a privileged life. He came from old money and built a rather profitable career on tv and in publishing. In the midst of all this wealth, adventure and seeming happiness, Holden lives with crippling agoraphobia; only seeing the outside world from the safety of his 9,000 square foot mansion. When the object of his desires, gardner Adam Morgan, digs up a dead body behind his shed, Holden embarks on an adventure he never dr...more

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May 01, 2011 Mickie Ashling rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Very enjoyable book! This author is like comfort food for me. When I want to laugh, and cry, and lose myself in a wildly convoluted but terribly romantic story I know where to go. A highly recommended 5 star read.

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Jun 04, 2010 Katie(babs) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Holden Worthington is a former television superstar who was once a very successful reality show travel explorer. Holden now hides away in his home because he suffers from agoraphobia. This condition came on because of a scandal where his former lover ousted him on television as an author of steamy gay novels. Now Holden spends his days drinking away his sorrows, lamenting on his less the thrilling life and ogling his new lawn boy, Adam Morgan. Adam is a strapping twenty-four year old who Holden...more Holden Worthington is a former television superstar who was once a very successful reality show travel explorer. Holden now hides away in his home because he suffers from agoraphobia. This condition came on because of a scandal where his former lover ousted him on television as an author of steamy gay novels. Now Holden spends his days drinking away his sorrows, lamenting on his less the thrilling life and ogling his new lawn boy, Adam Morgan. Adam is a strapping twenty-four year old who Holden wouldn't mind having his wicked way with him. But, Holden knows nothing can happen between them because he is sixteen years older than Adam and feels he's less than ideal.

Holden is in for a big surprise when Adam finds a body behind his shed. Now, not only does Holden have to deal with his brother Porter, who comes for a visit to hide away from his soon-to-be ex-wife, but the local priest thinks he needs to save his soul because of his sexuality. The media has camped out on his front lawn, salivating for any dirty gossip because the body may be John Paige, the one who unmasked him.

When Holden finds out that John is alive, he thinks everything can go back to the way things were. But neighbors and friends keep butting their nose in to his business including a living and breathing John, who wants to make amends. Holden can barely keep it together because his every waking thought is for his younger hired hand. Adam is there to protect Holden, but Holden has incredible guilt because he wants Adam badly. And when Adam admits his feelings for Holden, these two act on their desires, but of a more tentative nature, because Adam has never been with a man before. Holden welcomes Adam, but with some reservations because he thinks they can't be permanent due to their age difference and the fact that the town of Smithfield seems to be watching every move Holden makes. Both Holden and Adam slowly form a bond, as well try to figure out if Holden was framed for the murder and why.

In and Out is the forth and finale book in LB Gregg's Men of Smithfield series. Gregg can sure combine a great small town feel, along with characters who stay with you long after you finish reading. Holden Worthington first comes across as a sad alcoholic who feels he has lost everything he has worked so hard for. When Adam enters into his life, he feels rejuvenated, and is overcome with need for this younger man who treats him with respect and gratitude.

The subject matter and issues in In and Out may seem heavy with Holden's agoraphobia, Adam's reputation that has been blown way out of proportion, and the angst that surrounds Holden because he feels so lonely and thinks a young man like Adam would never want to be with an old, washed out former celebrity. But Gregg injects incredible wit and laughs, especially from Holden's point of view about himself and how he feels for Adam. I can't tell you the number of times I found myself overcome with laughter.

The mystery and secondary characters who pop up really bring great interactions with Holden. Even a familiar face stops by who was one of the main protagonist in the very first book in this series. The love scenes between Holden and Adam are so very well written with a nice combination of sweetness and sensuality.

I can say with utmost certainty that LB Gregg continues to get better with every book she writes, and In and Out is no exception. This is one well-written, thought out book that really connected with me and shows perfectly how two different types of men can be so perfect for one another.(less)

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May 13, 2010 Kris rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary, humour, the-tasting-from-my-blog, some-recommended-reads, crime-mystery

One of my tastings to come soon. Hopefully. Definitely! :)

Here it is...

My Tasting:

Why I bought it:

It was an ARC. *Apparently I meant to do reviews occasionally. Did you know that? Cos I sure as hell didn't.*

Dislike/like (ending on a high note):

Dislike~ More of a warning~ Fans of L B Gregg will be used to this author's trademark wit and humour. Don't worry; I'm not telling you it's disappeared in In and Out altogether. It's there; however, it's been toned down in consideration of the more serious...more

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Oct 24, 2012 Angela rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Angela by: netgalley

Shelves: erotica, series, m-m-romance, netgalley, fiction

Who knew agoraphobia could be so funny? I certainty didn't, but it was hard trying to keep a straight face while reading this installment of the Smithfield series. It was full of great characters and funny as hell inner monologues. I love the wit and humor that Gregg uses for each character. I really hope that there will be future books in this series because I can't remember the last time I laughed out loud while reading as much as I did while reading this series.

Holden has a crippling illness...more

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Oct 22, 2012 Alex rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, review-copy, queer, contemporary

Overall
I started reading this before bed one night when I was restless, and although it didn't grab me as thoroughly as some books, I kept reading until 2:30 am, when I finally finished and was flat-out exhausted. It's enjoyable, with a background murder-mystery plot and some kooky romance. In the beginning, half the cast was going to drive me mad, but by the end I'd come to terms with most of them. I felt the story was leaning heavy toward having too much sex, but never crossed that line, altho...more Overall
I started reading this before bed one night when I was restless, and although it didn't grab me as thoroughly as some books, I kept reading until 2:30 am, when I finally finished and was flat-out exhausted. It's enjoyable, with a background murder-mystery plot and some kooky romance. In the beginning, half the cast was going to drive me mad, but by the end I'd come to terms with most of them. I felt the story was leaning heavy toward having too much sex, but never crossed that line, although having read it all in one sitting may have given that impression. Aside from the off-kilter pacing and early annoyances, I found the story interesting. I didn't feel like I could quite give this a full 4-star rating (although it will be tagged as such), but it was better than 3.5. My second favorite of the three Men of Smithfield novels I've read.

Review
What really made this story work for me was Adam and Holden as two 'broken' characters who blend together nicely despite coming from 'opposite sides of the track.' Holden is agoraphobic after a traumatic experience left him shy of being photographed by the press, and Adam can't read people's facial expressions, body language, and verbal nuances. I really love how these two come together through their initial mutual attraction and develop as characters from there, helping each other 'heal' (or in Adam's case, have a safe place where he doesn't have to keep his defenses up). The opening up of their weaknesses helped them quickly develop an intimacy that otherwise would not have worked.

My biggest issue with this story is the rest of the cast (aside from Mrs. H and Tony, I suppose). Everyone just waltzes in and out of Holden's house as if it's nothing, avoids police questioning (even if they've nothing to hide), and is generally rude to Holden (except maybe Mitzie, who may have invited herself over, but seems rather nice). Obviously they do this because they've been permitted to do this, but it rubbed me wrong, although I understand this is a personal thing.

The murder mystery, while playing a main role in bringing all the characters together and moving all the pieces around, definitely feels secondary, which probably stems from the fact that it is secondary in Holden's mind. Holden isn't really too concerned with the dead body in his backyard (which sounds a little odd, but didn't bother me); he's too focused on his hot new gardener. This worked in some ways and didn't in others. I felt that when they were talking about the murder, I was impatient to get back to the romance, and when they were having sex, I wanted to get back to the plot. Perhaps that's just me.

Finally, the murderer's motives were lacking, although the murderer does seem to fall into the 'just plain crazy' domain. A reason for the murder is given, but the character seems unstable, which in itself is a reason for the murder, but while this happens in real life, in stories it seems like poorly constructed plot.

Having said all of that, I still enjoyed this story. My love of Holden and Adam overpower any of my disdain for the side characters, and the resolutions made me like some of the characters more than I had in the beginning, which possibly left me with a better taste in my mouth. But really, Adam and Holden pull this story along and are worth sitting down to read.

Received this book for review.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.(less)

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Oct 27, 2012 Live Read and Breathe Reviews rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m

I have to admit I love this series. I stumbled one on Netgalley and I had to read the other two on Kindle. I was lucky to get the opportunity to read this book from NetGalley as well.

In this book the storyline is a bit cliche with the agoraphobic with the gardener but Adam and Holden were perfect for each other. I loved that Tony from the first book made appearances in this book with his sarcastic yet loving wit.

In this series there is always some sort of suspense drama going on that complicat...more

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Nov 24, 2012 Cindi rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: series, 2012, m-m, on-blog, net-galley

3.5 Stars

A good conclusion to the Men of Smithfield series. Holden is a forty-year-old former host of an adventure program. Adam is his new, twenty-four-year-old gardener who Holden has lusted after from the safety of his home.... having not even spoken to the man. Holden is agoraphobic and is unable to leave his home as a result of his former lover publicly exposing one of Holden's secrets. Adam finds a dead body on Holden's property and Holden is forced to finally meet the young man face-to-fa...more

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Oct 11, 2010 Angel Martinez rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Holden Worthington - Holden -born with a silver spoon, all the advantages in the world, white bread, Connecticut WASP - Worthington - I really didn't want to like him. But wait...the man has agoraphobia so intense, he passes out in a panic attack two steps outside. And...wait...he likes Tom Waits...and he's been through so much...and he's not a bad guy.

*sigh* darn it, L.B., but you made me like the rich Yankee WASP.

A bit of a mystery, a bit of suspense, a lot of fun sexual tension, and, of cour...more

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May 25, 2010 JenMcJ rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: e-books, mm-mmm-a-few-mmf-too

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

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Jun 08, 2013 Leanne rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobook, disability, favorites, hurt-comfort, made-me-laugh, mm, opposites-attract, romance, snark, sweet, crime, mystery

Listened to the audiobook version and I'm thinking a read could probably push this into 5 stars. Acerbic and self-deprecating, I found Holden such a fascinating character. Not easy to like, but when the tough exterior is stripped away by Adam (who almost certainly has some form of Asperger's) what is revealed is a deeply hurt and vulnerable man who has really no defenses against the sweet, naive young man. Opposites attract mixed with snarky hurt-comfort made me sit in the dark, in my car outsi...more

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Jun 05, 2010 Mandi Schreiner rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Why I read: L.B. Gregg is a favorite author of mine.

Favorite Quote: Gin bit my tongue. Five o’clock, my taste buds screamed, yippee ki yay!

Holden Worthington is a big star living in the small town of Smithfield. A big star that never leaves his home. Years ago he was on television hosting a show for the Discovery Channel and traveling the world with his partner in love and business, John. Now John is in the past, and for the last two years, he hasn’t stepped out of his home, literally. He is inf...more Why I read: L.B. Gregg is a favorite author of mine.

Favorite Quote: Gin bit my tongue. Five o’clock, my taste buds screamed, yippee ki yay!

Holden Worthington is a big star living in the small town of Smithfield. A big star that never leaves his home. Years ago he was on television hosting a show for the Discovery Channel and traveling the world with his partner in love and business, John. Now John is in the past, and for the last two years, he hasn’t stepped out of his home, literally. He is inflicted with the disorder, agoraphobia and has severe panic attacks when he goes outside. Now he spends his days writing travel cookbooks and dabbles in pornographic books, which makes him tons of money but earns him many frowns from local towns people.

While in his sun room one day, drooling over his new gardener, Adam Morgan, a discovery is made. While Adam turns over the compost pile, he discovers a body..a very dead, beaten, bruised body. When the identity is found to be someone related to Holden’s past, suspicions immediately go on alert – Holden hasn’t left his house in years, but would he have hired someone to do his dirty work? Fingers also point to Adam, who was involved in a vehicular manslaughter in the past. Or does it involve Holden’s alcoholic brother, or John, a past lover?

As Holden tries to deal with massive media attention again, his attention is all focused on his twenty-four year old virginal gardener. They kind of form a bond and trust after Adam discovery of the body. It’s lust at first sight.

In and Out I think is my favorite of L.B. Gregg’s Men of Smithfield series. I had heard from others it takes on a bit more of a serious tone. I agree in the sense the characters have a murder to deal with and Holden’s condition is no laughing matter. But, Holden himself lets that classic LB Gregg humor shine through. Told in his point of view, his sarcastic, self deprecating humor lightens up the book to where I was laughing throughout. Holden, forty years old, knows he is a total pervert as he can’t keep his eyes off his young employee – but he doesn’t care. I love that about him. He wants the dirty sex with they young virgin, and once Adam is clued in that Holden is gay, Adam is all for it too. Their relationship turns romantic quick – and Holden gladly shows Adam the ropes in the bedroom.

I think LB Gregg does a great job with the mystery aspect in this one, devoting many pages to all the suspects and building up the conflict and potential suspects throughout the book. Police officer Tony, from her first book Gobsmacked makes an appearance, and it is fun to revisit his character.

In and Out is an overall solid story with a very endearing characters. I love the Smithfield boys.
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Nov 09, 2012 Kaetrin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, ebook, netgalley, m-m-romance

Why I read it: I picked this one up from NetGalley. I have enjoyed the others in this series and I like LB Gregg's writing style.

What it's about: (from Goodreads) Holden Worthington's globetrotting days are over. Once the host of a popular adventure show, he hasn't ventured past his own front door in more than a year. Then the arrival of a sexy new gardener sparks something Holden hasn't felt in a very long time—an interest in the world outside his window.

Holden tries to resist the attraction....more

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Oct 13, 2012 Pjm12 rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: angsty, ebook, lgbt, sexy, slow-build, twisty, whodunnit

If you've read the other Men of Smithfield books, you'll know what to expect here. Two men as different as can be - both with backstories that have left them with a reluctance to commit - but who will complement each other.

There's always mystery and danger and in this one specifically, a whole host of siblings creating their own special brand of drama.

Holden's whole world is reduced to his house. He fears the outside. Adam is unable to read people's visual cues. He's never sure when people are b...more

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Jan 01, 2013 Jen (Red Hot Books) rated it 3 of 5 stars

I wouldn't call my love affair with the Men of Smithfield "over," but I think maybe this installment took a little blush off the rose. I didn't really dislike it, but I don't have the urge to gush over it the same way that I did with the first two books. I didn't laugh nearly as much and the romance was a little less my cuppa tea.

The story centers on Holdon, a rich 40 year-old agoraphobic living in Smithfield. He's a popular writer with a successful tv show under his belt, but his life fell apar...more I wouldn't call my love affair with the Men of Smithfield "over," but I think maybe this installment took a little blush off the rose. I didn't really dislike it, but I don't have the urge to gush over it the same way that I did with the first two books. I didn't laugh nearly as much and the romance was a little less my cuppa tea.

The story centers on Holdon, a rich 40 year-old agoraphobic living in Smithfield. He's a popular writer with a successful tv show under his belt, but his life fell apart a few years back when his lover outed him on national television. Now, he sits at home with only his brother and housekeeper for company. Well, that is true until he hires Adam, a sexy new gardener.

Adam is beautiful --and 24. Holden thinks himself a dirty old man for wanting him, but he can't help it. Adam has a troubled family history and trouble making connections with people, yet it doesn't take very long for something to spark between him and his boss.

As this new attraction plays out, a body turns up buried in Holden's backyard --and his dubious reputation makes him the town's prime suspect. Especially when the rumor starts flying that the corpse is Holden's ex. The story follows the romance between Holden and Adam, the murder-mystery, and Holden's struggle to overcome his fears and deal with his past.

I didn't love Holden. I can't really wrap my brain around his agoraphobia, but even worse, I just didn't like his voice. The fact that he kept belaboring the fact that Adam was an innocent kid --that he was hired help-- just kind of squicked me out a little. The fact that Adam looked young enough to be in high school while Holden was 40 bothered me, even though he was legal. And though I know he had an illness, Holden just felt like a skeevy wuss to me. --As for Adam, I never really felt like I knew him, or what it was about Holden that attracted him. The love declarations came way too early. And the murder caper was a bit over the top.

I'm not giving up hope on the series, though. I thought the first two were fabulous. Maybe the next one will ring my bell.

Rating: C

*ARC Provided by Carina Press via NetGalley(less)

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Dec 11, 2012 Nicole rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, novella, read-in-2012, review

Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2012/12/04/...

Since I discovered my love of m/m last year, I’ve been gobbling up everything I can, and with so many people talking up and loving the Smithfield books, I’ve kept with them. While they aren’t my favorite m/m series to date, they are also well written and sweet novellas.

Holden used to be a big shot: author and TV reality star. But after a traumatic event caused by his ex, he finds it impossible to even leave his house. The sex...more Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2012/12/04/...

Since I discovered my love of m/m last year, I’ve been gobbling up everything I can, and with so many people talking up and loving the Smithfield books, I’ve kept with them. While they aren’t my favorite m/m series to date, they are also well written and sweet novellas.

Holden used to be a big shot: author and TV reality star. But after a traumatic event caused by his ex, he finds it impossible to even leave his house. The sexy new gardener he hired provides just enough eye candy, until the gardener finds a dead body on Holden’s land and he is forced to face not only a puzzling case, but his own fears.

Adam isn’t proud of his past, but he is dedicated to showing he can be a reliable employee and friend to Holden. As someone who doesn’t really understand social nuances and is terribly shy, Adam isn’t really sure where he stands with Holden, until it’s spelled out in very basic terms. Once these two establish they have a romantic connection, they both give the other something they desperately need.

One of the things I wish the Men of Smithfield series did was bring back some of the previous characters. That is one of the main reasons I love to read series – to catch back up with characters of previous books and see how they are dealing with life after their happily ever after. In this story we do get to briefly see Tony (from the first book in the series), but he is never with Mark and it’s always in an official capacity.

One of the things I really enjoyed about this series is how different each book is, and how flawed the main characters are. Both Holden and Adam are damaged a little (ok, a lot), but that seems to be the common denominator that binds them together. Holden is so scared of the world, and yet for Adam, he is willing to try and work through his own issues, take the first step toward getting back into the real world. Adam is so shy and timid, never sure if he is saying the right thing, doing the right thing, reading social cues correctly. The fact that Holden is so blunt and honest with him helps pull Adam out of his shell and into a relationship.

I also really liked the mystery aspect of this book. I’ve often found that sometimes if there is a mystery sub-plot in a romance book, the whole mystery falls short. However, with this book I was never really quite sure where Gregg was going to take the murder, and was surprised by how it all ended up. I like when a book can surprise me with how it all wraps up, how it all ends, and I enjoyed the fact that this book was able to do so.

Like most Gregg books, the sexy times are always fun! I enjoyed the fact that Holden and Adam had vastly different experiences, and that Holden was able to introduce Adam into the wonderful world of sex. I liked that Holden was patient and kind with Adam, that he was straightforward with what he wanted, what he expected from him. It made the sexy moments that much hotter, that Holden took the time and was patient enough to give Adam the kind of experience everyone could hope for!

All in all I liked this Gregg installment. It had a bit of a different feel than the last few books, given the huge age gap and emotional drama from Holden and Adam. I would still like to see Gregg bring back more of her previous Smithfield characters, as the series doesn’t really seem to connect from one book to the other. As always though, Gregg manages to rope me in and keep me engaged with each book, and I can’t wait to see what NEW stories can come from Smithfield.
I give Men of Smithfield: Adam & Holden a B(less)

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Jan 28, 2013 Tina rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m, romance-contemporary

Warning: Written in 1st person.

This is book 4 of a 4 book series and for the first time someone from the other books was introduced. You don't learn anything new about Tony, you just see him in his roll as a police officer.

I'm not only disappointed that other characters of the same series are never mentioned but the lack of a full story seems to be the only thing this series has in common.

I am starting to feel very repetitive about this series. Like the first three it starts out entertaining, b...more

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Jan 17, 2013 Plainbrownwrapper rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mm, read-again-maybe

Okay, this is gonna look a little bizarre because GR is playing games with us.

This is essentially the same book as "Men of Smithfield: Adam and Holden", minus a bit of rewriting. GR insists on listing them as the same book, on the same GR book page -- BUT the review I placed under Adam and Holden isn't showing up under In and Out. So here's the review I already posted -- if you see it twice, that's why!

I like the way that Gregg writes. I have no special justification for that, I just do. She is...more Okay, this is gonna look a little bizarre because GR is playing games with us.

This is essentially the same book as "Men of Smithfield: Adam and Holden", minus a bit of rewriting. GR insists on listing them as the same book, on the same GR book page -- BUT the review I placed under Adam and Holden isn't showing up under In and Out. So here's the review I already posted -- if you see it twice, that's why!

I like the way that Gregg writes. I have no special justification for that, I just do. She is good at stringing words together in an intelligent and often witty or thought-provoking manner, and I only wish that she would write longer books.

So you know up front that I'm biased.

With or without my bias, though, I found this an entertaining and sometimes moving book. The two MCs consist of a formerly world-travelling 40 year old wealthy agoraphobic writer -- Holden -- and a 24 year old gardener with a disability similar to (but not named as) Asperger's syndrome or expressive agnosia (aka social emotional agnosia) -- Adam. I'm not a fan of big age gaps in my romances, and sometimes this one brought to mind classic tales of obsession between older men and young boys (Death in Venice, anyone?), but I thought it was handled well in this case. Adam's underlying strength and intelligence, despite his disability, went a long way towards balancing the age discrepancy; and it was clear that Holden admired and respected everything about him, rather than merely lusting after his handsome young body. I do wish the love had not been so insta-, but the way the two characters communicated with and supported each other was just great.

The plot itself could almost fall into the screwball comedy subgenre, in that people are constantly traipsing in and out of -- and hiding or eavesdropping in various places throughout -- Holden's large home, often without Holden's knowledge, and sometimes to comic effect. Nonetheless the tone is not overall that of a comedy, but more of a murder mystery with romantic and family entanglements leavened with a liberal sprinkling of sharp wit. And all while Holden is essentially a prisoner in his own home, due to his agoraphobia.

No rounding up or down of points on this one -- it's an honest 4 star read.
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Jan 11, 2013 J9 rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-reads, contemporary, mm

Originally reviewed for The Book Vixen
In a Nutshell: Very good MM romance with a strong mystery and stellar characters.

Why I Read this Book: Gorgeous sexy cover!

What I Liked: This is a well-balanced, quick and enjoyable read. The romance and the mystery are balanced so well that neither suffers and both entertain. Typically in a mystery romance one element suffers to progress the other but that isn’t the case here. I consider myself a fairly sophisticated reader and I honestly didn’t know who th...more

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title link	preview: Men of Smithfield: Adam and Holden
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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16081412-men-of-smithfield?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1350000599l/16081412.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16081412-men-of-smithfield?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Men of Smithfield: Adam and Holden by L.B. Gregg[/url]

Men of Smithfield: Adam and Holden (Men of Smithfield #4)

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