Happy Ending (Men of Smithfield, #2)

May 31, 2009 JenMcJ rated it 3 of 5 stars

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

Seth does not start off a very sympathetic character. There are veiled references to some tragedy but you don't really find out what that is until he has ranted about his time being wasted, judged (and found wanting - in several ways both negative and positive) David, the masseuse he gets stuck with and generally acts in rude and then very inappropriate ways that stun our other hero, David.

Fortunately, we soon discover what the tragedy was and begin to see Seth for the out-of-control, control f...more

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Apr 27, 2010 Janna rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: z2010-100plus-reading-challenge, z2010-dik-book-reading-challenge, m-m

I’ve read this book for the DIK Book Reading Challenge.

This is the second book of this author’s Men of Smithfield series. I’ve read the first one too, Gobsmacked , but these books can all be read as standalones. The third book is Cover Me . And the fourth, In and Out , will be released in May. Besides the two MoS books I’ve also read L.B. Gregg’s latest, Catch Me if You Can . Between these three books and her blog Nose in a Book it’s safe for me to say that I really like her sense of humor. T...more

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Sep 25, 2009 Christina rated it 4 of 5 stars

5 of 5 stars

Seth is an awesome character, one of the best I’ve read in a while! He seems like a “what you see is what you get” kind of guy - a rude, arrogant, rich guy who just mows over anything and anyone standing in his way. But when you look closer, you find there’s a lot more to him than that. He’s a man who’s suffered great loss in his life, but who is too stubborn to just give in or take the easy way out. He’s awkward and stumbling in his dealings with his niece, but there’s never any dou...more

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Oct 12, 2012 Stephanie Collins added it · review of another edition

This was a very fast read but I enjoyed watching two men who seem to be complete opposites find each other and make it work.

Seth is still trying to come to terms with what his life has become. He is now the sole guardian of his niece and both of them are still coming to terms with the loss of their sister/mother. I was sad to hear about her battle with cancer but happy that her little girl did have the chance to know her and have some memories of her wonderfully caring mom. Seth is also dealing...more

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Nov 29, 2012 DaisyGirl rated it 3 of 5 stars

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

3.5 Stars

Seth Watson is an uptight, rigid, control freak who recently lost his twin sister to cancer. His long-time lover, Quinn, left him when he took in his ailing sister and her six-year-old daughter. In the aftermath of his sister's death, Seth is desperately trying to be a parent to Molly and their Bassett hound, Prissy. Enter David Cooke, a tattooed and pierced twink who is an awesome masseuse, part-time waiter, and children's story writer. The two couldn't be more different if they tried...more

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Oct 21, 2012 Lou rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is a joint review done with my co-reviewer MinnChica at The BookPushers

Lou: I’m a fan of the Men of Smithfield series. I find the author’s voice engaging and I like the witty banter she creates between her characters. Unfortunately, I wasn’t that engaged with Seth and David’s story. I wasn’t keen on the character of Seth, and some of the plot I found to be too over dramatic for the length of the novel.

MinnChica: Gregg has quickly become one of my favorite m/m authors, and with the re-releas...more This is a joint review done with my co-reviewer MinnChica at The BookPushers

Lou: I’m a fan of the Men of Smithfield series. I find the author’s voice engaging and I like the witty banter she creates between her characters. Unfortunately, I wasn’t that engaged with Seth and David’s story. I wasn’t keen on the character of Seth, and some of the plot I found to be too over dramatic for the length of the novel.

MinnChica: Gregg has quickly become one of my favorite m/m authors, and with the re-release of the Smithfield books, I’m loving her even more. I have to admit though, this wasn’t my favorite book in the series so far. While I enjoyed it, Seth and David just couldn’t compare to Max and Finn. But I have to give Kudos to Gregg, each new book in the series is so unique and they each have different themes and overall feel.

Lou: I’ve loved her previous books in the series, especially Finn and Max. With this book, Seth has become guardian to his niece after his sister passes away from cancer. Seth really doesn’t know much about parenting and children, and he relied on his sister’s best friend too much. When she cuts him loose and tells him he needs to step up to the plate, Seth is thrown into the deep-end, and the stress gets to him. Seth goes to his regular masseur, Linda, for his massage, but ends up getting David when Linda can’t make it. David ends up taking out the stress in Seth’s muscles, but Seth ends up aroused, so whilst David is doing his massage, Seth humps the table and comes.

I couldn’t help but think of Seth as a pervert because he felt no guilt, and I didn’t care that David was the other hero of the story. It’s downright creepy and verging on sexual harassment when you hump a freaking table and come in-front of someone you don’t know. I was so glad that David was terribly angry at Seth’s actions, and told him off. It was a bizarre beginning to a story.

MinnChica: It really was a bizarre beginning to the story, and that was probably why I wasn’t hooked immediately to the characters. It took me awhile to get into their romance, because I thought David had every right to call Seth a creeper and move on! LOL. I did like the way that Gregg explored the issue of parenthood in the story. Not only did Seth have to deal with taking over the care of his young niece, but he also had to deal with his niece’s father raising his sexuality as a huge issue. I liked that Seth’s friends really stood behind him and supported him 100% percent. It really added a likeable dimension to the story for me. Especially once secrets about David’s past are revealed. It also gave these two men a bond to forge their relationship on, which worked for me.

Lou: I do think family and friends became the central focus of the book. The romance between Seth and David builds, but somehow Seth manages to piss of David through out the story with his actions. Though the sex scenes were well done, I didn’t feel an emotional connection between them because so much was happening in the story. There’s blackmail, stalking, kidnapping, a determined ex, and there was Seth trying to bring up his niece and have some sort of relationship with David. It was too much for the length of the story, and each development ended up weaker as a result.

MinnChica: I agree that there was too much going on at times, especially for the length of this novella. It would have been a better read for me if not all of the external dramas were thrown into the story. I thought the slow build romance was enough tension in the story, and I would have liked to delve more into that. Because of the length and number of things that happened, I really didn’t feel the connection between these two, and wished we would have had more of a chance to really explore their relationship on page, instead of off.

Lou: This was an OK read for me. Seth and David’s romance felt very quick because of the extra sub-plots going on, and I couldn’t invest in the characters.
I give it a C.

MinnChica: All in all I enjoyed the 3rd Smithfield book, but it is definitely my least favorite in the series so far. David and Seth had a fun opposites attract romance, but it did feel as if much of it took place off the page. I enjoyed the parenthood aspect of the story, and hope we can see more of Seth and David in their father roles in the future.
I give Men of Smithfield: Seth and David a C(less)

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Oct 17, 2012 Guilty Pleasures rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Slick's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

4.5 Stars

Anyone who reads the site regularly knows I enjoy a good M/M romance and I’ve been reading The Men of Smithfield series since the re-release of these books. These are fast, fun, and fascinating reads and I’ve enjoyed each one for different reasons. Seth and David’s book is a little different from the others because it involves death, healing, and single fatherhood. It’s a little more serious than the others but that doesn’t mean it i...more Slick's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

4.5 Stars

Anyone who reads the site regularly knows I enjoy a good M/M romance and I’ve been reading The Men of Smithfield series since the re-release of these books. These are fast, fun, and fascinating reads and I’ve enjoyed each one for different reasons. Seth and David’s book is a little different from the others because it involves death, healing, and single fatherhood. It’s a little more serious than the others but that doesn’t mean it isn’t as hot as the others, it’s just different.

Following his twin sister’s death from cancer, Seth is raising his niece Molly. It hasn’t been easy, he has help from his sister’s best friend but she’s backed off insisting that Seth needs to step up. At his weekly massage appointment, he finds himself with a new therapist and finds himself enjoying it too much. So much that he offends the therapist, David; who tells him off. When he and Molly run into David later on this time he’s serving as their waiter, Seth makes some rather judgmental and unfair assumptions about David. Molly however is quite taken with David, in fact she knows him from her preschool.

Seth was hard to like at first, he seemed gruff, selfish, and uncaring about the feelings of others. I’ll admit as the story went on he grew on me and I really loved the way he took care of Molly and how he opens himself up to David. David, on the other hand, was easy to love. Even though he came off as somewhat of an odd duck, it became quite clear that he is ambitious, artistic, and has a caring streak a mile wide.

Following the massage incident; their first encounter was rough, wild, and unfortunately caught on film. While that presented a problem, it also gave both men a chance to spend some more time together. Unfortunately that wasn’t their only problem they had several to deal with including one that could have torn them completely apart, but instead revealed more about David’s past and helped Seth see the error of his ways.

While I always appreciate an epilogue, never have I appreciated one more than in this story. This one made me so completely happy that I cried for all the people involved. I’ve enjoyed the first two books in this series, but this one is my favorite so far. Two men, who seem so different yet through acceptance, love, and little girls they find they have more in common than they ever imagined. Color me happy!!

Note: Goodreads has this as book 2, but according to the author's website it is book 3.

Review copy provided for an honest review. (less)

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Oct 05, 2012 willaful rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley, m-m, first-person, series, o-writer-reporter

I'm kind of sorry they changed the title of this story, because I think Happy Ending as the title of a romance about a massage therapist is just hilarious. The sexy new cover is a big improvement on the old edition, though.

Our narrator Seth, whose life has sucked pretty fiercely for the last year, begins the story as he is tensely waiting for a massage. When his usual masseuse Linda is unexpectedly replaced by a young guy named David with great hands, Seth finds himself having an unexpected "hap...more I'm kind of sorry they changed the title of this story, because I think Happy Ending as the title of a romance about a massage therapist is just hilarious. The sexy new cover is a big improvement on the old edition, though.

Our narrator Seth, whose life has sucked pretty fiercely for the last year, begins the story as he is tensely waiting for a massage. When his usual masseuse Linda is unexpectedly replaced by a young guy named David with great hands, Seth finds himself having an unexpected "happy ending" on the massage table. This is the sort of humiliating scene I would normally find excruciating to read but it actually came off as funny -- David is appalled and furious, but Seth is so relieved, he's barely even embarrassed.

Seth has been a tentative dad to his niece Molly since his twin sister died, and it turns out that David has a lot of experience with young kids. As Seth and David continue to run into each other, Seth finds his uptight ideas about how proper dating and sex are supposed to be done continually turned upside down -- and he discovers he likes it. But complications abound, including threats from Molly's biological father, the return of Seth's pompous jerk of an ex, and some ugly pictures taken of David and Seth in flagrante delicto.

Although short, this story nicely blends romance, humor, sadness and suspense. I liked how upfront Seth is -- when threatened, he contacts his attorney and the police, refusing to let anyone intimidate him just because he's gay. And though he is definitely uptight (to begin with) his narration has an appealing wry humor. David is sweet, but also no pushover. (Except in bed.) I would have liked to see the two characters have more time together to develop the romance, and especially would have like to learn more about David, who has a really interesting backstory that isn't much explored. Still, I finished the book with a smile on my face.

Seth and David is the second title in the Men of Smithfield series. I haven't read the first book and found this one stands alone just fine.

(reviewed from e-arc provided by NetGalley)(less)

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Feb 23, 2012 Raji rated it 4 of 5 stars

Even though this was the second book in the Men of Smithfield series it didn't feel like one - I can definitely say that this can very well be a stand alone book (I have already read the first one - you know me! I can't read the second one without reading the first one! Sacrilege, I say!). This is a pretty short book of 101pages. But it did pack a whole lot of range of characters.

One of the best things I liked about this book - the flawed characters. There are no sacrificing, holier-than-thou s...more Even though this was the second book in the Men of Smithfield series it didn't feel like one - I can definitely say that this can very well be a stand alone book (I have already read the first one - you know me! I can't read the second one without reading the first one! Sacrilege, I say!). This is a pretty short book of 101pages. But it did pack a whole lot of range of characters.

One of the best things I liked about this book - the flawed characters. There are no sacrificing, holier-than-thou souls. There are no hurting, poor-me characters. Instead what we get are characters who are very human. They are pissed off as hell when the long-time lover leaves, confused as hell when they are attracted to not-their-usual types, afraid that they will be judged and scared that they will make a mistake. You don't feel sad or bad for any of the characters here. You understand them and like them for what they are and how they are trying to overcome their shortcomings. I like it when the author make the characters "real" without making them too much of an asshole or throwing a pity-party.

I kept laughing at the antics that Seth got into whenever he met David. They definitely deserved a "happy ending" but it was fun watching both of them floundering. It helped that Seth was partly a guy who could be very well referred to as an "asshole" or a "bastard". That of course didn't endear him to me but it was touching when you saw how confused he was when his niece was thrust into his life all of a sudden. It was as if he had to have two personalities now and didn't know how to reconcile both of them.

David was an intriguing character. While Seth was an open book, David was an enigma, with many layers in his personality. Like Seth, I surprised myself by finding that I was falling for this character. Although many of his "secrets" are revealed towards the end of the book, he still managed to capture my attention, heart, curiosity and made me laugh out.

Wonderfully written book and it also got me curious about the "jelly shoes from Target"!(less)

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Jan 19, 2012 KatiD rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: a-review-ish

Seth is aggravated when his regular massage therapist, Linda is unable to keep their regular appointment. That is, he's aggravated until David shows up. David is wiry and adorable, and gives Seth the very best massage he's ever had -- that is, until Seth does something inappropriate at the appointment. David leaves in a (justifiable) huff and Seth worries that he'll never see him again.

Seth's life is complicated. He's mourning his sister, Nikki, who died unexpectedly of advanced ovarian cancer,...more Seth is aggravated when his regular massage therapist, Linda is unable to keep their regular appointment. That is, he's aggravated until David shows up. David is wiry and adorable, and gives Seth the very best massage he's ever had -- that is, until Seth does something inappropriate at the appointment. David leaves in a (justifiable) huff and Seth worries that he'll never see him again.

Seth's life is complicated. He's mourning his sister, Nikki, who died unexpectedly of advanced ovarian cancer, leaving him custody of his darling six year old niece, Molly. Seth is bewildered by Molly's girly needs for pink or purple everything and her fascination with My Little Pony. Seth is a high powered executive, who works very hard, and has, in addition to losing his sister, recently gone through a painful and difficult breakup with his partner, Quinn. Quinn abandoned Seth during the crisis of Nikki's death and Seth is still smarting and angry over it. Now Quinn is mysteriously back in town. On top of that, Molly's drunkard biological father, Ben, is demanding things of Seth, and threatening to try to sue for custody of Molly. The last thing Seth needs is a new relationship.

And yet, he's intrigued by David's self assurance, his comfort in his own skin, and his wiry good looks. He likes that David calls him on being an ass when it's needed, and he really appreciates that David is OK with Seth's dominance in the bedroom. But with all the drama in Seth's life, how will he and David connect? And will they be able to forge a real relationship?

LB Gregg's second novella is an emotional whopper. It's written completely from Seth's point of view. Seth is a total guy, strong willed, and frankly, quite arrogant. But lucky for us, we get to see Seth's inner monologue and we're aware of his pain at losing his twin. Of his worry that he'll mess something up in the raising of his niece. Of his reluctant and overwhelming attraction to David. And by letting us glimpse Seth's innermost thoughts, LB Gregg's talent as a gifted and deft author shines. I quite enjoyed Gobsmacked, the first in the Men of Smithfield series, but this book is even better. Flowing beautifully from scene to scene and enabling the reader to experience the gauntlet of all of Seth's emotions.

Happy Ending is a beautifully written, entertaining, and emotional novella that I wholeheartedly recommend.

Final grade: A(less)

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May 30, 2010 Jimmy Hanson rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010, m-m

"3.5"

Like "Gobsmacked," L.B. Gregg's second novel of the Smithfield men is unique in it's voice. When I realized that this one would be in the first-person POV as well, I was a bit worried that it would take the same stance of humor-above-everything, but was gladly proved wrong.

The POV is from Seth and although there is a little humor it is more twisted, sarcastic even. The first few pages had me wanting to punch Seth simply from his attitude and view on things, which in looking back was a good...more

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Jan 12, 2010 Patti Loves FAB Romance rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: gay-lesbian

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I had previously read Ms. Gregg's first Men of Smithfield book, Gobsmacked, so I was looking forward to Happy Ending.

THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS!!

This book started off with a bang (of sorts!) and kept my interest all the way through. It begins with Seth Weston, a gay professional, waiting for his regular Friday massage. His masseuse is late and he's pissed. A young man comes in, David, and says his masseuse had an emergency and he is filling in. Seth says whatever and the massage begins....more I had previously read Ms. Gregg's first Men of Smithfield book, Gobsmacked, so I was looking forward to Happy Ending.

THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS!!

This book started off with a bang (of sorts!) and kept my interest all the way through. It begins with Seth Weston, a gay professional, waiting for his regular Friday massage. His masseuse is late and he's pissed. A young man comes in, David, and says his masseuse had an emergency and he is filling in. Seth says whatever and the massage begins. The only problem is this is a REALLY good massage and Seth gets aroused. He gets so aroused that he "finishes" on the massage table. David gets upset, tells him this is not "that kind of massage establishment" and tells him to leave. Seth feels a bit guilty but physically feels relaxed and better than he's felt in ages.

Seth goes home and picks up Molly, his niece, for dinner. Seth's twin sister Nikki had died of cancer 6 months ago and left her 6-year-old daughter in Seth's custody. He's had a hard time of it - he doesn't know what to do with a 6-year-old girl - but they're doing okay. At dinner, who does his waiter turn out to be but David, the masseuse. Seth and David are very curt to each other during the meal, then Seth takes Molly home. He wonders why David has a bunchof part time jobs and tattoos and piercings and thinks he's just got no ambition. That night he fantasizes about David.

Saturday night, Molly is at her godmother's house so Seth went back to the restaurant bar for a drink. David is his waiter and they flirt with each other. They talk about going on a date and Seth waits for David behind the restaurant until his shift ends. They start to go to David's apartment but can't wait and have an "encounter" outside.

Sunday, Seth runs into David at Target while he's shopping with Molly. David has 9 brothers and sisters and Katie is the youngest. She and Molly are friends. David invites Seth and Molly to the library the next night as there is an author reading for the kids.

They get to the library and, surprise, the Children's author doing the reading is David. Seth learns that in addition to massage and waiting tables, David has a master's degree in education and several children's books under his belt. He choses to do massage because he likes it.

Seth is thinking about David a lot. They're opposites but he likes how he feels when he's with David. Meanwhile, Seth is getting phone calls from Molly's biological father, basically demanding money or he'll try to get custody; he's a loser alcoholic. ALSO, Seth's old boyfriend, Quinn, is in town. Quinn is a fussy-type guy who left Seth when Seth's sister was sick and moved in with them. Quinn took him for a financial ride and Seth hasn't forgiven him for not coming to his sister's funeral. Quinn keeps attempting to talk to Seth and Seth keeps shutting him out.

Seth receives photos in the mail of his "encounter" with David behind the restaurant, and David freaks out. Things get crazier when Molly gets kidnapped.

Ms. Gregg ties up all the loose ends nicely, with a surprise from David at the end. I liked this book. I liked watching Seth go from a grumpy curmudgeon to a nice guy. His worries over their age difference were cute. David was a likeable character and their relationship was sweet. It was certainly a Happy Ending. (less)

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Aug 13, 2009 Jenre rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m, contemporary, romance

This, the second book in LB Gregg's Men of Smithfied series, begins just as explosively as the last book. Our hero Seth is stressed. He has a high powered job, plus he is grieving for his twin sister, who died of cancer three months prior to the start of the book, and who left him the guardian of her six year old daughter, Molly. When we first meet him he is waiting for his weekly massage. His usual masseur is not able to come and the replacement is David, who is so skilled that Seth becomes rat...more This, the second book in LB Gregg's Men of Smithfied series, begins just as explosively as the last book. Our hero Seth is stressed. He has a high powered job, plus he is grieving for his twin sister, who died of cancer three months prior to the start of the book, and who left him the guardian of her six year old daughter, Molly. When we first meet him he is waiting for his weekly massage. His usual masseur is not able to come and the replacement is David, who is so skilled that Seth becomes rather *ahem* overheated, much to David's complete outrage. Later that day, Seth sees David again, waiting tables at a bar/restaurant. There's attraction but also antagonism between them as they try to hook up, sort out Seth's many misconceptions and deal with ex-lovers, stalkers and Molly's biological father.

I liked Seth, really liked him. He was, to be honest, a bit of a bastard. When we meet him at the beginning he seems your typical selfish Alpha male, but he has also has a number of things going for him. Firstly, he's trying his best to look after Molly, even whilst trying to cope with his own grief. He's endearingly clueless about how to look after children and treats Molly a bit like a mini adult, but I liked how he really did care for her and wanted what was in her best interests, even if it didn't tally with his own. Secondly, he genuinely loved his sister and grieves her loss. He spent the last few months of his sister's life caring for her at the expense of a long term relationship with someone he loved. Finally, he's honest and upfront with people. He doesn't mince his words, which sometimes makes him seem abrupt, but I liked how he wasn't prepared to lie or hide the truth. David wasn't so clearly defined. In fact he came across as a bit too good to be true and even his inexplicable temper tantrums weren't enough to change the fact that he was rather too perfect. However, I did understand that David was supposed to be the polar opposite to Seth and therefore balance him out.

This was a fast paced read, full of LB Gregg's trademark humour and wit. If I have any complaints it's that there was a little too much crammed into this short novella and as a result the ending was rather rushed, even if I did see it coming pages before it happened. Having said that, I read this compulsively from start to finish and was satisfied when I closed the book. I didn't like this book as much as Gobsmacked, but it was still a good read, meaning this book gets a grade of 'Very Good' from me.(less)

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May 31, 2009 Romance Novel TV rated it 4 of 5 stars

Reviewed by Kati Dancy
Publisher: Aspen Mountain Press
4.75 stars out of 5

Seth is aggravated when his regular massage therapist, Linda is unable to keep their regular appointment. That is, he’s aggravated until David shows up. David is wiry and adorable, and gives Seth the very best massage he’s ever had — that is, until Seth does something inappropriate at the appointment. David leaves in a (justifiable) huff and Seth worries that he’ll never see him again.

Seth’s life is complicated. He’s mournin...more Reviewed by Kati Dancy
Publisher: Aspen Mountain Press
4.75 stars out of 5

Seth is aggravated when his regular massage therapist, Linda is unable to keep their regular appointment. That is, he’s aggravated until David shows up. David is wiry and adorable, and gives Seth the very best massage he’s ever had — that is, until Seth does something inappropriate at the appointment. David leaves in a (justifiable) huff and Seth worries that he’ll never see him again.

Seth’s life is complicated. He’s mourning his sister, Nikki, who died unexpectedly of advanced ovarian cancer, leaving him custody of his darling six year old niece, Molly. Seth is bewildered by Molly’s girly needs for pink or purple everything and her fascination with My Little Pony. Seth is a high powered executive, who works very hard, and has, in addition to losing his sister, recently gone through a painful and difficult breakup with his partner, Quinn. Quinn abandoned Seth during the crisis of Nikki’s death and Seth is still smarting and angry over it. Now Quinn is mysteriously back in town. On top of that, Molly’s drunkard biological father, Ben, is demanding things of Seth, and threatening to try to sue for custody of Molly. The last thing Seth needs is a new relationship.

And yet, he’s intrigued by David’s self assurance, his comfort in his own skin, and his wiry good looks. He likes that David calls him on being an ass when it’s needed, and he really appreciates that David is OK with Seth’s dominance in the bedroom. But with all the drama in Seth’s life, how will he and David connect? And will they be able to forge a real relationship?

LB Gregg’s second novella is an emotional whopper. It’s written completely from Seth’s point of view. Seth is a total guy, strong willed, and frankly, quite arrogant. But lucky for us, we get to see Seth’s inner monologue and we’re aware of his pain at losing his twin. Of his worry that he’ll mess something up in the raising of his niece. Of his reluctant and overwhelming attraction to David. And by letting us glimpse Seth’s innermost thoughts, LB Gregg’s talent as a gifted and deft author shines. I quite enjoyed Gobsmacked, the first in the Men of Smithfield series, but this book is even better. Flowing beautifully from scene to scene and enabling the reader to experience the gauntlet of all of Seth’s emotions.

Happy Ending is a beautifully written, entertaining, and emotional novella that I wholeheartedly recommend.
(less)

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Nov 18, 2012 mw138 rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: opposites-attract, m-m-romance, netgalley

2.5 stars

Seth's life has recently been turned upside down when his sister passes away and he gains custody of his young niece. Things become even more complicated when he finds himself attracted to masseur/waiter, David. Their romance is threatened by Seth's constant judgmental attitude and people from the past reappearing to stir things up.

I had a hard time feeling the connection between Seth and David. First of all, Seth was a very unlikable character, and I don't think I even liked him by the...more

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Oct 02, 2012 Ana rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: z-read-in-2012, r-mm-contemporary, z-netgalley

2.5 stars

Seth Weston wasn't thrilled to discover that his regular masseuse isn't available. He's even less thrilled with the substitute - David Cooke. David appears to be everything Seth isn't, you know - hemp pants, tattoos and toe rings. But he has incredibly talented hands. His skills are literally orgasmic.

So when Seth sees him again he can't help but approach him. However, David doesn't seem too keen for them to date.

David wants no complications right now - and Seth and his adorable niece...more

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Jun 13, 2009 Katie(babs) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Every Friday at two o’clock, Seth Weston has his weekly massage. On this Friday he really needs it because of all the stress he is feeling ever since his sister died and he became the guardian to his six-year-old niece Molly. He doesn’t have a boyfriend because his ex couldn’t deal with the new responsibilities Seth has and turned his back and ran away. All Seth wants is an hour where he can forget everything.

Seth is not pleased when his usual massage therapist will not be working on him. He ha...more Every Friday at two o’clock, Seth Weston has his weekly massage. On this Friday he really needs it because of all the stress he is feeling ever since his sister died and he became the guardian to his six-year-old niece Molly. He doesn’t have a boyfriend because his ex couldn’t deal with the new responsibilities Seth has and turned his back and ran away. All Seth wants is an hour where he can forget everything.

Seth is not pleased when his usual massage therapist will not be working on him. He has no choice but to accept David, who is the replacement. David has magical hands and Seth can’t help but respond to David’s ministrations, which leads to an extremely “Happy Ending” from Seth. David is disgusted, though Seth is the most relaxed he has felt in a long time

Later that night Seth takes Molly out to dinner at his favorite restaurant. He doesn’t expect to see David there, who waits on their table. David is still upset over the way Seth acted but Seth doesn’t mind. Even though Seth thinks David is a bit too strange for his tastes, he can’t help but want more TLC from David’s hands

One night Seth corners David in an alley after work and they have a hot and heavy make out session. Seth can barely control himself and wants David more than any man before. Seth wishes he didn’t feel this way about David because they are two totally different people. David enjoys life and lives in the moment. Seth has too many responsibilities and feels David doesn’t have any. Seth will be in for a few shocks when it comes to David because he is not what Seth originally thought him to be.

David wants Seth, but isn’t willing to change who he is for him. He is willing to give Seth a chance, but Seth has to work for David’s respect. As these two try to work things out, someone sends blackmail pictures to Seth of that night he shared with David in the alley. Seth must swallow his pride and ask David for help and hope that they can overcome their differences in order to have a HAPPY ENDING for them both.

Feel the need for a story where opposite attracts? L.B. Gregg has delivered such a story with HAPPY ENDING. L.B. makes sure to insert real life everyday issues into a nice romance with a touch of mystery that readers will not want to miss. And if you have been on the fence whether or not to start reading gay romance, I would recommend HAPPY ENDING as the perfect start. The conversations between the characters and the love scenes are just right.

Seth comes across as a major jerk who feels he is entitled to everything. It takes a man like David to show him that the world does not revolve around Seth. One of the great things in reading HAPPY ENDING is to watch Seth fall down a notch because of his growing feelings for David. David is truly wonderful. He is adorable and written in a way that you can’t help but smile every time he appears on the page. And the way he is with Seth will make you laugh because he tells Seth how it is.

The intimate scenes between Seth and David are nice and steamy and you wish L.B. had written a long story so we could get a few more of them. Some may be shocked by the first love scene between these two men, but it sets the tone for the need that Seth has for David.

David’s various younger brothers and sisters, as well as Seth’s niece Molly brings a great deal to the plot and Seth’s ex-boyfriend and Molly’s father bring out the emotions because of their greed and selfishness.

L.B. Gregg is a rising star in the M/M romance world. For those who enjoy men finding a great love with the men who can complete them, I recommend you pick up HAPPY ENDING. (less)

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Oct 25, 2012 Lisa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance, glbt, m-m-romance, series

“I don't know if you've ever noticed this, but first impressions are often entirely wrong.” – Lemony Snicket

I feel like I’m getting really redundant when it comes to L.B. Gregg’s books. I mean, honestly, ::pfft:: she makes this storytelling business look so flipping effortless ::yawn:: that I’ve run out of ways to give up the booyah! without repeating myself. ::headdesk::

Recap:

Brings the funny – check
Delivers the shmexy – check
Throws in some drama and suspense – check
Perfect timing and fast pace...more

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Oct 01, 2012 Kaetrin rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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

Men of Smithfield: Seth and David Carina Press version.

B+ - this is my favourite of the series so far. Seth is, frankly, a bit of an asshole, especially at the beginning, but he's had it rough the past year or so - his twin sister died of cancer, he has guardianship of his niece, 6 year old Molly and his lover moved out because he didn't want to deal with Seth's family problems - which cost Seth a bundle. When his regular masseur isn't available for his weekly appointment, he's not very nice to...more

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May 10, 2009 Natsroshan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: mm-romance

The story is written in the first person by Seth's point of vue: so while following his thoughts, i found him awfully blunt, sarcastic, quick on making judgements and a real control freak.
But his actions are all about "passion and loyalty".

David, with his tattoes and piercings, seems at first (always by seth's pov!!) to be a guy with no real purpose in life.
Seth is attracted to him but with all the things that happened to him he doesn't know how to act on it and always end up being an ass!!!
But...more

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Oct 21, 2012 Nicole rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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

Joint review with Lou originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2012/10/19/...

Lou: I’m a fan of the Men of Smithfield series. I find the author’s voice engaging and I like the witty banter she creates between her characters. Unfortunately, I wasn’t that engaged with Seth and David’s story. I wasn’t keen on the character of Seth, and some of the plot I found to be too over dramatic for the length of the novel.

MinnChica: Gregg has quickly become one of my favorite m/m authors, and with the...more Joint review with Lou originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2012/10/19/...

Lou: I’m a fan of the Men of Smithfield series. I find the author’s voice engaging and I like the witty banter she creates between her characters. Unfortunately, I wasn’t that engaged with Seth and David’s story. I wasn’t keen on the character of Seth, and some of the plot I found to be too over dramatic for the length of the novel.

MinnChica: Gregg has quickly become one of my favorite m/m authors, and with the re-release of the Smithfield books, I’m loving her even more. I have to admit though, this wasn’t my favorite book in the series so far. While I enjoyed it, Seth and David just couldn’t compare to Max and Finn. But I have to give Kudos to Gregg, each new book in the series is so unique and they each have different themes and overall feel.

Lou: I’ve loved her previous books in the series, especially Finn and Max. With this book, Seth has become guardian to his niece after his sister passes away from cancer. Seth really doesn’t know much about parenting and children, and he relied on his sister’s best friend too much. When she cuts him loose and tells him he needs to step up to the plate, Seth is thrown into the deep-end, and the stress gets to him. Seth goes to his regular masseur, Linda, for his massage, but ends up getting David when Linda can’t make it. David ends up taking out the stress in Seth’s muscles, but Seth ends up aroused, so whilst David is doing his massage, Seth humps the table and comes.

I couldn’t help but think of Seth as a pervert because he felt no guilt, and I didn’t care that David was the other hero of the story. It’s downright creepy and verging on sexual harassment when you hump a freaking table and come in-front of someone you don’t know. I was so glad that David was terribly angry at Seth’s actions, and told him off. It was a bizarre beginning to a story.

MinnChica: It really was a bizarre beginning to the story, and that was probably why I wasn’t hooked immediately to the characters. It took me awhile to get into their romance, because I thought David had every right to call Seth a creeper and move on! LOL. I did like the way that Gregg explored the issue of parenthood in the story. Not only did Seth have to deal with taking over the care of his young niece, but he also had to deal with his niece’s father raising his sexuality as a huge issue. I liked that Seth’s friends really stood behind him and supported him 100% percent. It really added a likeable dimension to the story for me. Especially once secrets about David’s past are revealed. It also gave these two men a bond to forge their relationship on, which worked for me.

Lou: I do think family and friends became the central focus of the book. The romance between Seth and David builds, but somehow Seth manages to piss of David through out the story with his actions. Though the sex scenes were well done, I didn’t feel an emotional connection between them because so much was happening in the story. There’s blackmail, stalking, kidnapping, a determined ex, and there was Seth trying to bring up his niece and have some sort of relationship with David. It was too much for the length of the story, and each development ended up weaker as a result.

MinnChica: I agree that there was too much going on at times, especially for the length of this novella. It would have been a better read for me if not all of the external dramas were thrown into the story. I thought the slow build romance was enough tension in the story, and I would have liked to delve more into that. Because of the length and number of things that happened, I really didn’t feel the connection between these two, and wished we would have had more of a chance to really explore their relationship on page, instead of off.

Lou: This was an OK read for me. Seth and David’s romance felt very quick because of the extra sub-plots going on, and I couldn’t invest in the characters.
I give it a C.

MinnChica: All in all I enjoyed the 3rd Smithfield book, but it is definitely my least favorite in the series so far. David and Seth had a fun opposites attract romance, but it did feel as if much of it took place off the page. I enjoyed the parenthood aspect of the story, and hope we can see more of Seth and David in their father roles in the future.
I give Men of Smithfield: Seth and David a C(less)

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Oct 17, 2012 Alex rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: queer, review-copy, romance, contemporary

Overall
Despite Seth being a jerk in the beginning, I really enjoyed this story. I normally hate main character jerks who get the guy, but here it worked, because even though Seth is a jerk, he also tries to do the right thing, and as we see, hasn't always been a jerk. And in many ways he isn't a jerk...just a little closed-minded.

It's a sweet little story that's a mix of serious emotional topics and humor. And some sexy times. Seth and David definitely have physical chemistry, and the clash betw...more

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Nov 08, 2012 Jen (Red Hot Books) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Another great installment in LB Gregg's Men of Smithfield series. This one features a new couple, but has the same wonderful humor and super-hot sex as the first installment.

The story is told from the perspective of Seth, a 36 year-old gay man who has recently ended a long-term relationship and is raising his late sister's six year-old daughter, Molly. It's during his weekly massage that he meets David for the first time. The young, free-spirited man is filling in for his regular massage therapi...more

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Oct 09, 2012 Angela rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Angela by: netgalley

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

I really have no idea way I've waited so long to read this series. I laughed through certain parts and sighed while wearing a goofy grin through the rest. I loved that David got to shake up Seth and helped him heal in a way. I didn't think I was going to like Seth very much considering the way he acted during the first and second meetings with David, but he definitely made up for it. Adding not just one but two little girls into the mix was a really good bonding experience for the guys too. Not...more

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Jun 17, 2009 Kerry rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance-same-sex

I liked this book better than Gobsmacked, the previous book in the "Men of Smithfield" series (although they are standalone and can be read out of order).

I found the growth of Seth's character to be really well done and interesting. I loved the "opposites attract" quality of the relationship, although David was obviously attracted to Seth, even though Seth was pretty much a jerk through the first part of the book.

I even liked the kid in the book (finding her character fairly true to age), and I...more

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Sep 28, 2012 Marquetta (LoveToReadForFun) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review, m-m, netgalley

Seth's life changed when his sister died and he was awarded custody of his niece, Molly. Seth is a stick in the mud. He sticks to a schedule, he doesn't deviate from his daily routine until he shows up for his weekly massage and discovers that his usual masseuse is not there. Seth doesn't care who it is as long as he gets his hour long massage. As David starts massaging him, Seth becomes aroused. Feeling no shame and not wanting to fight the arousal, Seth gives himself a happy ending, horrifying...more

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Oct 11, 2012 Beckey rated it 2 of 5 stars

This new re-edited version that has been released by Carina called Men of Smithfield: Seth and David with new cover art.
The storyline was not as great as I expected, it was an ok quick read. The synopsis of the book doesn't do the book justice.
There were a few twists and turns. From Seth being a parent to his niece, Molly to Molly's paternal father and Seth's ex showing up (these two characters being "gold diggers" of sorts.).
Then there is David, the massage therapist...
I could go on with thi...more

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Sep 26, 2012 Pjm12 rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: angsty, ebook, fast-paced, lgbt, netgalley, twisty, hot, sad

There were some really good parts to this Men of Smithfield book. The character of David is particularly good - he defies stereotype, he puts up with Seth's demons, he is always honest and up-front. I love that he had always been there, pining for Seth, and Seth wasn't even aware of him.

Seth is damaged and tortured. He is focused on the wrong things and thankfully David seems to be able to break through the tunnel vision and let him relax and listen more to others.

I wanted more. I have said thi...more

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Dec 23, 2012 L.E.Olteano rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: blog-review, netgalley, received-for-review, reviewed

Originally posted on Nov 27 2012 at Butterfly-o-Meter Books:

I really liked the blurb of this story, so I wanted to read it. The cover made me think this would be more erotic romance then romance, but after reading I'd say it was more romance really, hot as in no closed door on the hot one on one scenes and some very mild kink (by my standards), but I admit I sort of thought it would be more smut. It was a good story with a happy ending that I totally loved. And this is me starting with the end s...more Originally posted on Nov 27 2012 at Butterfly-o-Meter Books:

I really liked the blurb of this story, so I wanted to read it. The cover made me think this would be more erotic romance then romance, but after reading I'd say it was more romance really, hot as in no closed door on the hot one on one scenes and some very mild kink (by my standards), but I admit I sort of thought it would be more smut. It was a good story with a happy ending that I totally loved. And this is me starting with the end section instead of the beginning of my usual reviews, lol, sorry!

We're talking contemporary, a story that not only includes the couple but family life. It may be my biological clock starting to tick or something but I find I'm enjoying these stories more and more. My Sims characters now tend to all have kids too, so I guess my biological clock really is ticking :| Moving on from that disturbing aspect (my bio clock), the story was really touching and it made me love both characters, they came with a past and that always is a plus for me in any read.

Seth was probably my favorite, I got very emotionally in tune with him. David was a great character too, I liked the voices they both had and their interaction had a lot of chemistry. They both had great sense of humor but I'll admit Seth was my favorite by large. Molly was a cute factor and I enjoyed seeing Seth adjust to parenting, he was fun to follow on that tangent as well.
The relationship between Seth and David evolved in an interesting way, like they both needed to adjust to it even as it was happening, that always makes me love a story. It's not instalove but the slower burn sort of story, of course keeping in mind the novella length. Maybe it's not as drawn out and torturing for them as I might like (I'm an evil, evil reader when it comes to romance, never forget), but there's more to the story then their romance so everything ties in beautifully as far as I'm concerned.

The plot is well developed and it felt like a novel read because of that, I mean the story is consistent, all tensions well built and then well resolved. As I've mentioned I particularly like this sort of happy ending since it's a family one, not just a couple, so if you guys love that in romance stories know this will deliver.

Surprisingly, my only complain regarding the curb appeal is the cover actually gave me the impression of a more smutty read then the read turned out to be. It did sell me the story, of course, though the blurb was more instrumental in this case I think, and I'm not saying it's a bad cover or whatever, but to me it was misleading a wee bit in the regard I expected less pulp to the story and was pleasantly surprised to see what it really had to offer. I think I actually liked the vibe of the previous cover of this release better, I mean it fit with the story better in my honest opinion.
Of course, a lot of flesh or not on the cover, I would have wanted to read this story anyways but maybe that's just me. I tend to use covers at hints to the sort of story I'll get and maybe others do too, that's why I'm mentioning it.

All in all, this was a good read, entertaining, hot where it should be and with substance and a lovely delivery, I recommend it if you're in the mood for some romance. (less)

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Dec 10, 2012 Tracy rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m-contemporary-romance, lgbt, netgalley-arc

~* 3.5 Stars *~
Second Trip to Smithfield
It was supposed to be a simple weekly massage, routine and uneventful, albeit relaxing and the only thing that has provided Seth Weston any relief from the tension in his life. His twin sister, dead. Her six-year-old daughter, Molly, now his to raise. His former boyfriend, gone...along with most of his money. All of that is constantly grinding together into a mountain of stress that buries him deep on a daily basis.

So he needs that massage.

He got a lot mor...more

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title link	preview: Happy Ending
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Happy Ending (Men of Smithfield #2)

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