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Jungle Heat

by Bonnie Dee (Goodreads Author)

3.86 of 5 stars 3.86 · rating details · 96 ratings · 31 reviews

Congo Free State, 1888

On a mission deep in the jungle, Oxford anthropologist James Litchfield comes face-to-face with a local legend: a wild man who wanders with mountain gorillas and lives as one of their own.

The chance encounter with the savage, whom James calls Michael, leads to a game of observation and exploration. Their mutual curiosity turns to an attraction—one tha...more

Kindle Edition

Published June 2010 by Carina Press

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Jul 01, 2010 Janna rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: z2010-100plus-reading-challenge, z2010-m-m-romance-challenge, m-m, historical

This review was originally posted at my blog.

Genre & Keywords:
M/M, Historical Romance, Expedition, Anthropology, Savage, Africa/London/Scotland

Why I read it:
I received an ARC from the Publisher, through NetGalley

Storyline:
While on an anthropological expedition in the jungle of Africa, James is saved from a leopard by a savage man. The man turns out to be living among the mountain gorillas. James succeeds in winning his trust and calls him Michael. They develop a friendship and explore the...more

7 likes · like · see review

Apr 06, 2013 SheReadsALot rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: MM fans

Shelves: m-m-romance, historical, not-lendable, damaged-hero, erotic, teacher-student, re-read, hot-alpha-male, geeky-main-character, possessive-obsessive

MM version of a Tarzan tale?

Bonnie Dee tells a remarkable, well researched and thought out tale of angst and primal needs. Odd One has been raised by gorillas for most of his life, not knowing what he was but just that he was different. Until a group of anthropologists make camp close by in his African jungle home. He saves one of the anthropologists from a leopard attack and his life will be forever changed.

The anthropologist Odd One saves ends up becoming Odd One's teacher of all things human....more

6 likes · like · see review

Jan 05, 2011 Erastes rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: gay-historical

“A re-imagining of the Tarzan legend” pretty much leaves you in no doubt as to what to expect with this book, and if you keep that in mind throughout, then you won’t be disappointed, because that’s exactly what it is for most of the book.

That’s not to say it’s not entertaining, because it is, it’s just that if you already know the Tarzan story–and few don’t I’d imagine–then there won’t be much here to surprise you.

However! I’d certainly advise you to give it a go because I found it immensely ent...more

1 like · like · see review

Jul 13, 2011 Daanquai rated it 4 of 5 stars

Have I mentioned before how much I love Bonnie Dee's books?? This one was a little different, a different take on the story of Tarzan, a little boy raised by apes.

This book wasn't too terribly long (about 150 pdf pages) but I was really impressed with how the author was able to make it read like it was much longer. She was able to pack quite a story in there. The first part of the book finds James in the wilds of Africa with his expedition group, where he meets Odd One (later called Michael). Th...more

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Jan 05, 2013 Tamela rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult-fiction, adventure, historical, mm-or-mmm, my-4-star-favs, recommended, love-romance, teacher-academic

The Tarzan story, from the first time I watched Johnny Weismueller swing through the jungle, has been one of my favorites. I've read many versions and of course viewed the many movie adaptations.

I totally loved this one. James and Michael growing together and soon falling in love while dealing with all the problems intrinsic to the time period as well as the greed and villainy of those around them.

I liked that Michael did not turn out to be a long lost son of an Earl or Duke and was able to fina...more

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Mar 02, 2012 cecily rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: glbt-lgbt

It wasn't like this book was so enthralling that I couldn't put it down but I was none the less almost hypnotized by the writing of this book. It was very subtle but the themes were brought to our attention by the fantastic characterization of Michael and James. The whole idea of love transcending cultural and linguistic barriers is terribly romantic and I do believe that I liked the idea itself half as much as I like the story Jungle Heat by Bonnie Dee which about that very thing. This book is...more

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Jul 16, 2010 Katie(babs) rated it 3 of 5 stars

James Litchfield is an Oxford anthropologist who has traveled all the way from England to the Congo to find a life-altering discovery. James is both excited and nervous because the jungle is filled with strange animals and wild beasts that could tear him apart if he doesn't keep his wits about him. As he and one of the professors from his group are off investigating the land, they are almost attacked by a jaguar. Before the jungle cat can harm them, a naked man covered in mud from head to toe sa...more James Litchfield is an Oxford anthropologist who has traveled all the way from England to the Congo to find a life-altering discovery. James is both excited and nervous because the jungle is filled with strange animals and wild beasts that could tear him apart if he doesn't keep his wits about him. As he and one of the professors from his group are off investigating the land, they are almost attacked by a jaguar. Before the jungle cat can harm them, a naked man covered in mud from head to toe saves them. This not a Pygmy, but a man who looks much like a white man. James is very intrigued and wants to know about this warrior who acts much like the jungle apes. Not only will he study him, but will try to befriend him and figure out who he is.

Odd One secretly watches the strange looking man he saved. He sees kindness in the stranger's blue eyes, who he names Sky Eyes, and feels a deep need to stay close to him and to mate with him. He is very lonely since his ape community won't have anything to do with him. He knows he's different and longs to belong to someone. Perhaps he can belong to Sky Eyes?

James sneaks off to make contact with the ape-man. When he does, it is unlike anything he could have ever imagined. He decides to name the ape-man Michael and teaches him to speak. Michael, in turn, shows James how to eat grubs and ways to survive in the jungle. These two continue to meet whenever they can and soon become not only friends but something much more. Michael wants to mate with James. James has been taught that his feelings for men are wrong and unnatural. Every time Michael touches him and ends up giving him a few surprise kisses, he can't help but wonder if they could run away from society and live by their own rules. But then James falls violently ill and everything changes.

Michael is captured and will be brought back to England as the find of the century by Sir Lewis Rutherford, the one who has bankrolled the expedition. He places Michael in a cage and treats him as an imbecile. He wants to make sure that this ape-man still shows his wild like tendencies, but can be taken out into society without being too dangerous. James volunteers because he is the only on who can keep Michael subdued. Michael is confused and hurt and wants James to take him away from this horror. As they make the journey back to England, James shows him how to be more like a man than an ape. Michael rewards James by forcing him to accept heir love and the passion they have for one another. James tries to reason with Michael that they can't be together in that way. If Michael has any say, he'll steal James away so they can be together.

Jungle Heat is a take on the Tarzan legend and given a different spin where there isn't a Tarzan and Jane who fall in love, but about two men, one wild, the other civilized. I found Jungle Heat to be an enjoyable read and the desire both James and Michael have for one another is intense. James is a more of a beta character, while Michael is borderline alpha. The way he wants to "claim" James as his mate and is ultimately the one to take over the lovemaking is very hot and steamy. When these two men have sex, they both are reaching each other's soul and are developing a deep bond.

I did understand why James is worried and torn about his feelings for Michael. It makes sense because of the time period and public opinion about sexuality. A man loving a man in the open is just not acceptable and Bonnie shows this mainly through James' thoughts. I did find it was a bit too much telling, where the story would stop and James would turn to the audience to explain why things are the way they are. Michael felt a bit more real to me and the way he acted. When James and Michael are together sharing their love, that's where the story shines.

There was an out of a blue act that occurs half way through Jungle Heat that I felt could have been left out. I think it was done to cement the love James and Michael had, but because of it, I was jolted out of the story. The ending is also a bit pat, but still gives that HEA we all want when reading a romance.

Jungle Heat should appeal to readers who enjoy historical romance and showcasing two male characters as the main couple. The love scenes were spicy. If you're a fan of GLBT romance or are thinking about reading one, give Bonnie Dee's Jungle Heat a try. Nothing else is sexier where a man living in the wild is tamed in public, but very much the opposite in closed quarters with his mate and true love. (less)

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Jun 20, 2010 thelastaerie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Really enjoyed this "gay Tarzan" story. I've enjoyed other books by Bonnie Dee and this new one from the just launched "Carina Press" surely made a good start.

Like a classic adventure romance, Jungle Heat is packed with angst, heartbreaks, tenderness, great villains and heroes for readers to immersed in.

the plot is really quite similar to the Tarzan story we've all heard before. A child being raised by the gorillas in deep jungle in Africa, he saved an academic Englishman one day, a friendship...more

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Nov 30, 2012 Shelby P rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, m-m

This was a great story. It kept me on pins and needles. It had hot, jungle sex; sexual tension off the charts, intrigue, and humor. I love how James referred to Odd One as Jungle Joe, Jungle Jasper, Jungle Jerry, Jungle Jake, and Jungle John before settling on Ranger and finally Michael. Too funny.

This story highlights how some men can be cruel to things they don't understand. I detested Smythe. Rutherford was interesting. I like that he wasn't completed evil. My heart ached for all the times Mi...more

1 like · like · see review

Jul 18, 2010 ElaineY rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: mm, historical

3.5 stars, I think. While I'd always fantasized what a remake of Tarzan would be (and a gay version once I discovered M/M romances 2 years ago) I realized, as I read this book, that this kept pulling me out of the story: Tarzan's, or in this case Michael's language. However, I accepted that to describe words like "cum" the way an ape-man would- perhaps using descriptive phrases to communicate ape-man thought would make the book unreadable.

Small matter, I suppose, but I did stop several times to...more

4 likes · like · see review

Sep 21, 2011 Jody rated it 4 of 5 stars

Jungle Heat is an intriguing take on the Tarzan myth that brings out surprising depth from its characters and makes for a pleasant read that I was sad to see come to an end. Along with a satisfying storyline comes lifelike descriptions. Those of the jungle are so vivid that you can practically feel the humidity as are the images of London and its chaos. These images draw you into the story and give an interesting perspective on what Michael is going through as he transitions to modern civilizati...more Jungle Heat is an intriguing take on the Tarzan myth that brings out surprising depth from its characters and makes for a pleasant read that I was sad to see come to an end. Along with a satisfying storyline comes lifelike descriptions. Those of the jungle are so vivid that you can practically feel the humidity as are the images of London and its chaos. These images draw you into the story and give an interesting perspective on what Michael is going through as he transitions to modern civilization.

The characters are not at all stereotypical. Circumstances very much affect them and their actions. James Litchfield starts out toeing the company line but once a real person is involved he becomes protective and secretive and that becomes the basis for his relationship with Michael, the Odd One. Their relationship progresses realistically and I enjoyed seeing the caring side to James and their loving yet heated encounters. I also enjoyed his relationship with his family and the issue of his sexual preference and how it related to the time period. After keeping the truth about himself from everyone out of fear, it was nice to know that his family would always support him.

Michael is an amazing character and one of my favorites that I've read. To see his progression from Ape Man to the latest curiosity is intriguing and heart-wrenching. With so many of the story's characters only wanting what's best for them, I find it even more refreshing that the one character thought of as an animal is the most human. He sees through subterfuge and doesn't believe in lies. While I love that about his character, it certainly sets him up for heartache repeatedly. After his parents died he was left alone, both physically and emotionally. The apes were accepting of him at first but later cast him aside. That was his first taste of being the Odd One. Throughout the story he has other instances of being alone, even with James at his side. By not being fully verbal and by not understanding human nature with all its cruelties he continually feels separate. He just wants to live in peace surrounded by love. As James became protective of him, I too felt protective and was rooting for him to get what he desired every step of the way.

James and Michael are truly wonderful together. For the majority of the story James acts too much the protector, saying he knows what's best for Michael. But when Michael's future is put in jeopardy, James finally listens to what Michael is saying which cements their relationship. Not only are these two truly romantic with one another, their scenes are extremely hot too and I felt fully invested in their relationship.

Bonnie Dee has written a story that flows beautifully from the first sentence to the last with memorable characters inhabiting a well-known storyline. She's added an intriguing twist to give it a more modern feel and in so doing has created a character not soon forgotten in Michael the Odd One. This was the first book I've read of Ms. Dee's, but with her wonderful writing style and strong characters, it won't be the last time I pick up one of her books.(less)

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Nov 11, 2010 Krista (One Love) (Critical) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult, historical-romance, m-m, own-ab, wall-banger

I was dissappointed with this one. I guess I expected too much of it. I mean, an m/m version of Tarzan? Sounded crazy intriguing. Alas, the book felt shallow, almost more like the screenplay for a movie than an actual book. The characters were...stereotypical, sort of card-board cutouts with no real...well, qualities to make them unique or interesting. Michael is exactly what you expect him to be: a man who talks in grunts and acts like an ape. James was just, well, nice. That's basically it. Th...more

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Dec 07, 2010 Leslie rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. In this M/M retelling of the Tarzan story, Odd One (later named Michael by James) waits hidden in the jungle with the Others, the clan of gorillas that raised him from infancy. They're watching a group of unknown creatures, and Odd One is struck by the appearance of one of them who has the same blue eyes as Odd One.

Dr James Litchfield, an English scientist on an academic expedition to collect and study the flora and fauna of the Congo, gets the feeling that someone's watching him. A moment late...more In this M/M retelling of the Tarzan story, Odd One (later named Michael by James) waits hidden in the jungle with the Others, the clan of gorillas that raised him from infancy. They're watching a group of unknown creatures, and Odd One is struck by the appearance of one of them who has the same blue eyes as Odd One.

Dr James Litchfield, an English scientist on an academic expedition to collect and study the flora and fauna of the Congo, gets the feeling that someone's watching him. A moment later, a leopard leaps out at him. James draws his gun, but at the same time a man springs from the undergrowth and wounds the leopard with a spear. Unfortunately the stranger is wounded by James' gunshot, but before James and his companion Professor Hatchett can attend to the injury, the stranger vanishes into the jungle.

Determined to find the mysterious native again, James discovers that the local people have a legend about a 'white ape' - a child raised by the gorillas. The scientists are excited by the idea of returning a white man to civilisation, but James worries that the 'white ape' could become seen as a circus attraction rather than a fellow human being.

Odd One/Michael has always known he was different to the Others who raised him, and as a result he's always been an outsider to the clan. He's wary of men, too, though he begins to trust James through their daily meetings in the jungle. Both men are fascinated by each other and start to bridge the gap between their cultures and experiences. Romance blossoms, driven by physical attraction, but their secret meetings are revealed when James falls sick with malaria and Michael carries him back to the English camp.

The expedition leader and paymaster, Sir Lewis Rutherford, imprisons Michael while James recovers. Rutherford is delighted with his fine, intending to ship Michael back to London to display him as a curiosity for society, just like the Elephant Man. The academics on the expedition want to study Michael as an object and want to win professional acclaim for the university.

The return to England is fraught with danger but also leads to passion and a deepening of the bond between James and Michael. James frets over Michael's future, worried that Michael is torn between two opposing sides, neither of which care about Michael's rights as a human being. James decides to appeal to the legal system to have Michael declared a free man in his own right - but first he must help Michael deal with the attentions of the press, society ladies - and the claims of Michael's own family.

The opening paragraphs of Jungle Heat are charming and visual, with Odd One - acculturated to gorilla behaviour - attempting to mimic the man he sees before him. This continues throughout the scenes from Odd One/Michael's POV. His process of learning and discovery was a joy to read, and he's a real alpha male who thanks to his unusual upbringing is ready to go after what he wants.

James is the quieter of the pair, also an outsider, though this is self-imposed due to his knowledge of his 'perverted' attraction to men. The scenes from his POV are weaker than those from Michael, with several instances of 'telling' rather than 'showing' that undermined the otherwise fine writing.

There's not much internal conflict as the plot is mainly driven by the external conflict of Rutherford and the academics wanting to make their names and fortune from Michael's discovery. A number of issues regarding trust and influence are raised briefly by James, but not explored to any depth.

Jungle Heat raises questions of identity and also of sexuality – Michael is aroused by the physical similarity he shares with James as much as by James' kindness and affection, which does reflect on the question of homosexuality as something inherited or learned, and sexuality as a fluid thing. How much is Michael's sexual preference to do with James' own preference? It's interesting to speculate, though such a question was possibly not what the author intended.

Overall, this is an enjoyable and very readable book with a believable romance and a charming pair of heroes.(less)

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May 06, 2012 April (CSI:Librarian) rated it 4 of 5 stars

A very sweet and hot story that is quite a bit like Tarzan. The ending seemed a tiny bit rushed, but I really liked the way time passed prior to that. Michael’s journey from Odd One to finding a love and home was definitely well-done. I loved his thoughts as well as the transition from speaking very few words to being able to form full sentences. James was also a great love interest, and I liked how his reluctance and uncertainty stemmed from caring too much rather than being unsure of his own o...more

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Aug 12, 2010 Kate McMurray rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, romance

This was a stay-up-until-2am-to-finish book because I had to know how things worked out for the characters. There are some tiny flaws (historical inaccuracies and also Michael is way too competent at everything) but I found it to be a fun, fantasy adventure with a lot of delicious tension (sexual tension between Michael and James; tension between James and, well, everyone; tension in the plot).

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May 26, 2012 Michele Powers rated it 4 of 5 stars

A M/M romance tarzan story, set in Congo 1888, where one of them was raised by Gorillas and other is the scientist who finds him? You had me at Congo! Couldn't click buy on the Kindle fast enough. This was a great story. Tender romance. Because this was a gay couple in victorian times I was biting my nails to the end wondering how the author was going to pull off the HEA. But she did!

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Jan 19, 2011 ♥♥ Amaranth rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: own, favorites, historical, capture, m-m

The BEST Tarzan-esque book I have EVER read. My gosh, Bonnie Dee really outdid herself on this one. I was thoroughly taken with the main characters and became fully invested in their lives and the romance that slowly but steadily blossomed between them. The care and patience James showed with Michael was so completely endearing and Michael found James fascinating from the get-go. There are some heart wrenching moments when Michael is "discovered" and then taken out of the jungle to the Big City...more

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Oct 24, 2010 Susanne rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a re-imagining of the Tarzan story. (For the record, the original Tarzan stories are actually darker and kinkier.) I really enjoyed it. The growing attraction between the two main characters was especially tender and fun. I'll definitely be re-reading this. Overall a really fun m/m adventure/romance.

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Sep 26, 2011 Grandmat rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m

This book held my attention, so much so that I read it all in one go. Couldn't put it down. As a child, I read all the Tarzan books, which probably explains my enjoyment. This gay version was interesting and riveting. I'll probably read it again someday.

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Oct 10, 2011 Antonella rated it 3 of 5 stars

All together it was enjoyable, but in the second part of the book the ape-man’s thoughts were too articulate and not very believable for someone who has just entered civilisation. Also the characters' development was a bit too quick.

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Mar 31, 2013 Kelster rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: a-to-z

3.5 stars. I liked the story and was immediately captivated by the time spent in the jungle. I was emotionally invested and pissed that people saw one character as property. Michael was absolutely awesome.

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Jul 09, 2012 J9 rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: mm, historical, favorites, 2012-reads

Absolutely masterful re-imagining of the Tarzan story. This historical MM romance has wonderfully developed characters, compelling storytelling and tender romance. This book is so worth the read!

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Apr 25, 2011 Anita rated it 4 of 5 stars

I liked this book. It's a nice twist on the Tarzan story. I really liked the characters, especially Michael. He is such a strong individual to be able to live as he did and to then be introduced into a whole completely different culture against his will. Very interesting story.

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Mar 21, 2013 Libby Waterford rated it 4 of 5 stars

Well written and hot, even if it does take a while to get to the action. She actually pulls off the Tarzan-style story without it seeming super weird and creepy. Recommended!

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Jul 19, 2011 Tamarrion Lash rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m-romance

3.5 звездочки. Я прямо от автора не ожидала такой качественной истории. Оч. приятно прочиталось.

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Feb 21, 2011 M/mromanceaddict rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m

Actually a pretty good book, it a m/m romance with a take on a mixture of King Kong and Tarzan.

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Oct 08, 2011 Booklovingirl rated it 5 of 5 stars

Historical Tarzan-ish story. Loved the authentic dialogue and views.

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Feb 05, 2013 Rod Burkett rated it 4 of 5 stars

Pleasant read. I was hooked from the beginning so I enjoyed the book more than I expected. I enjoyed the growth of the characters and how they overcame the many challenges that were put in their way.

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May 17, 2013 Danyele Johnson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: binge-books, a-good-listen

My reaction:
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I couldn't get enough of this book :D

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Nov 25, 2012 Barbara G.Tarn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: adults-only, fiction

What if Tarzan met Joe instead of Jane? A wonderful tale of a man raised by apes and taken to 19th century London - where they don't know if the papers should talk about the Ape Gentleman or Jack the Ripper. Hot and riveting m/m love story - although James is sometimes a little irritating, glad Michael knows what he wants! :)

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About Bonnie Dee

I began telling stories as a child. Whenever there was a sleepover, I was the designated ghost tale teller. I still have a story printed on yellow legal paper in second grade about a ghost, a witch and a talking cat.

Writing childish stories for my own pleasure led to majoring in English at college. Like most English majors, I dreamed of writing a novel, but at that time in my life didn't have the...more

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