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The Male Room #2
The Attorney
Attorney Sam Solomon is the most desired trick in the back room of the Music Box, his town's most notorious gay club—and very possibly the loneliest. Sam is tired of one-night stands, and although he likes the world to think he’s too tough for such romantic notions, he secretly longs for the love his friends Jeff and Craig seem to have found. Fortunately for him, he’s just helped set his friends up in business. They run The Male Room, a local Internet dating service for gay men, and Jeff has just the guy in mind for Sam. Chris Kelly is the last person Sam expected. From his profile, Sam knows that Chris is strong, opinionated, and dominant... in fact, he’s a lot like Sam! Sam may very well have met his match; he just needs to concede that the man he’s falling in love with needs to be his partner in every sense of the word.
106 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 2, 2011
2 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn LeVine Topol
14 books18 followersBorn in Brooklyn, Carolyn LeVine Topol grew up just outside New York City. Three passions dominated her life: reading, writing, and theater. Having always dreamed of writing her own version of The Great American Novel, it took her many years to discover her most heartfelt stories took their form in the creation of M/M romances. Sharing her writing with a small circle of online friends, Carolyn received advice, encouragement and joy from their feedback.
Spending her days working as an executive assistant in a synagogue, Carolyn relishes the quiet wee hours of the morning to lose herself in writing of the loves, passions, and adventures driving her characters.
With the backing of a supportive husband and two young adult children, Carolyn continues to explore the fabulous world of gay romance with the philosophy "Every person deserves their happy ending."
Visit Carolyn's blog at http://carolyn-l-topol.livejournal.com. You can contact her at cstopol@gmail.com.
Spending her days working as an executive assistant in a synagogue, Carolyn relishes the quiet wee hours of the morning to lose herself in writing of the loves, passions, and adventures driving her characters.
With the backing of a supportive husband and two young adult children, Carolyn continues to explore the fabulous world of gay romance with the philosophy "Every person deserves their happy ending."
Visit Carolyn's blog at http://carolyn-l-topol.livejournal.com. You can contact her at cstopol@gmail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 11, 2013
This was another re-read for me as I first read it over a year ago. I had listed it as a favorite and honestly couldn't remember much of the story, so I figured it had to be hot stuff. While it was enjoyable, yes, I must have been in a really good mood to rate it a favorite at the time, because I really don't think it would be a favorite now. 5 stars, sure, but on par with books like Redemption by Fire and Caught Running? Um, no.
But I'll keep it on the favorites shelf anyway. It's still a good one. Love the romance of the two certified bachelors learning to trust and falling in love.
Recommended!
But I'll keep it on the favorites shelf anyway. It's still a good one. Love the romance of the two certified bachelors learning to trust and falling in love.
Recommended!
August 6, 2011
2.5 stars. Ok m/m romance about the lawyer from The Male Room, who's now trying the gay dating site himself. He's not doing so well with his picks, though, so one of the site's owners sets him up with someone he'd never have picked for himself.
November 12, 2011
Reviewed by Stacey: This is the second in The Male Room series and we see a glimpse of Jeff and Craig from the first book. This one features Sam Solomon and Chris Kelly. Sam is an attorney, a self professed workaholic who only goal is to win. He's a true alpha male. Chris Kelly, who also likes to be in control, is a special ed teacher. Both meet on a blind date as a set up through Jeff and Craigs hugely successful online gay dating service, The Male Room.
Jeff actually set the date up for them and at first Sam is very put out when he first sees Chris because of all the choices, Chris was his last choice because they are both alpha males, or "tops". Sam is very much against being a bottom but we learn why. He has good reasons. Chris, being the sweet guy that he is, compromises for Sam's sake.
Sam is very much a jerk, in my opinion, for the first part of the book. He treats Chris nice, but you know his thoughts toward Chris, and they aren't very nice. He's arrogant and a player and it shows. But he's also tired of it, and secretly longs for a great guy that he can fall in love with and come home to every day, for the rest of his life.
Chris is just an absolute sweetheart. I can't think of anything negative that I found about him. He's good looking, works with handicapped kids and kids with learning disabilities, and he's kind and understand. Despite being an alpha and a "top" like Sam, he is able to see that Sam has issues and has the patience to work with Sam to help him through those issues. I think the fact that he's a special ed teacher is what makes the difference.
By the end, Sam redeemed himself, thanks to Chris. Of course, the author had to make Sam a real jerk in order to get the point across. The point of the book is that a total jerk meets his perfect match who challenges him and helps him through his issues to make him see that he can be a better person. In the end, we get a really good happily ever after.
All of that is great and the book is right at a hundred pages so it can be read in one sitting, which is a plus if you are short on time or want a quick read. There were a few grammar and editing issues that I came across but they were minor. The story lines were a bit predictable. I was able to guess what was going to happen next. Also, some of the lines and things Sam and Chris said were just a hair shy of being cheesy at times. Despite those few things, it was still a good story and I enjoyed reading it. I would recommend it to others.
B
http://manohmanreviews.blogspot.com/2...
Jeff actually set the date up for them and at first Sam is very put out when he first sees Chris because of all the choices, Chris was his last choice because they are both alpha males, or "tops". Sam is very much against being a bottom but we learn why. He has good reasons. Chris, being the sweet guy that he is, compromises for Sam's sake.
Sam is very much a jerk, in my opinion, for the first part of the book. He treats Chris nice, but you know his thoughts toward Chris, and they aren't very nice. He's arrogant and a player and it shows. But he's also tired of it, and secretly longs for a great guy that he can fall in love with and come home to every day, for the rest of his life.
Chris is just an absolute sweetheart. I can't think of anything negative that I found about him. He's good looking, works with handicapped kids and kids with learning disabilities, and he's kind and understand. Despite being an alpha and a "top" like Sam, he is able to see that Sam has issues and has the patience to work with Sam to help him through those issues. I think the fact that he's a special ed teacher is what makes the difference.
By the end, Sam redeemed himself, thanks to Chris. Of course, the author had to make Sam a real jerk in order to get the point across. The point of the book is that a total jerk meets his perfect match who challenges him and helps him through his issues to make him see that he can be a better person. In the end, we get a really good happily ever after.
All of that is great and the book is right at a hundred pages so it can be read in one sitting, which is a plus if you are short on time or want a quick read. There were a few grammar and editing issues that I came across but they were minor. The story lines were a bit predictable. I was able to guess what was going to happen next. Also, some of the lines and things Sam and Chris said were just a hair shy of being cheesy at times. Despite those few things, it was still a good story and I enjoyed reading it. I would recommend it to others.
B
http://manohmanreviews.blogspot.com/2...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2011
This is the second in The Male Room series and we see a glimpse of Jeff and Craig from the first book. This one features Sam Solomon and Chris Kelly. Sam is an attorney, a self professed workaholic who only goal is to win. He's a true alpha male. Chris Kelly, who also likes to be in control, is a special ed teacher. Both meet on a blind date as a set up through Jeff and Craigs hugely successful online gay dating service, The Male Room.
Jeff actually set the date up for them and at first Sam is very put out when he first sees Chris because of all the choices, Chris was his last choice because they are both alpha males, or "tops". Sam is very much against being a bottom but we learn why. He has good reasons. Chris, being the sweet guy that he is, compromises for Sam's sake.
Sam is very much a jerk, in my opinion, for the first part of the book. He treats Chris nice, but you know his thoughts toward Chris, and they aren't very nice. He's arrogant and a player and it shows. But he's also tired of it, and secretly longs for a great guy that he can fall in love with and come home to every day, for the rest of his life.
Chris is just an absolute sweetheart. I can't think of anything negative that I found about him. He's good looking, works with handicapped kids and kids with learning disabilities, and he's kind and understand. Despite being an alpha and a "top" like Sam, he is able to see that Sam has issues and has the patience to work with Sam to help him through those issues. I think the fact that he's a special ed teacher is what makes the difference.
By the end, Sam redeemed himself, thanks to Chris. Of course, the author had to make Sam a real jerk in order to get the point across. The point of the book is that a total jerk meets his perfect match who challenges him and helps him through his issues to make him see that he can be a better person. In the end, we get a really good happily ever after.
All of that is great and the book is right at a hundred pages so it can be read in one sitting, which is a plus if you are short on time or want a quick read. There were a few grammar and editing issues that I came across but they were minor. The story lines were a bit predictable. I was able to guess what was going to happen next. Also, some of the lines and things Sam and Chris said were just a hair shy of being cheesy at times. Despite those few things, it was still a good story and I enjoyed reading it. I would recommend it to others.
Jeff actually set the date up for them and at first Sam is very put out when he first sees Chris because of all the choices, Chris was his last choice because they are both alpha males, or "tops". Sam is very much against being a bottom but we learn why. He has good reasons. Chris, being the sweet guy that he is, compromises for Sam's sake.
Sam is very much a jerk, in my opinion, for the first part of the book. He treats Chris nice, but you know his thoughts toward Chris, and they aren't very nice. He's arrogant and a player and it shows. But he's also tired of it, and secretly longs for a great guy that he can fall in love with and come home to every day, for the rest of his life.
Chris is just an absolute sweetheart. I can't think of anything negative that I found about him. He's good looking, works with handicapped kids and kids with learning disabilities, and he's kind and understand. Despite being an alpha and a "top" like Sam, he is able to see that Sam has issues and has the patience to work with Sam to help him through those issues. I think the fact that he's a special ed teacher is what makes the difference.
By the end, Sam redeemed himself, thanks to Chris. Of course, the author had to make Sam a real jerk in order to get the point across. The point of the book is that a total jerk meets his perfect match who challenges him and helps him through his issues to make him see that he can be a better person. In the end, we get a really good happily ever after.
All of that is great and the book is right at a hundred pages so it can be read in one sitting, which is a plus if you are short on time or want a quick read. There were a few grammar and editing issues that I came across but they were minor. The story lines were a bit predictable. I was able to guess what was going to happen next. Also, some of the lines and things Sam and Chris said were just a hair shy of being cheesy at times. Despite those few things, it was still a good story and I enjoyed reading it. I would recommend it to others.
August 21, 2011
Sam is a lawyer and a friend of Jeff, the owner of the Male Room. The Male Room is one of the hottest online gay dating sites in the city. Sam is good at finding a hot hook ups, but not so good at finding a true partner. Sam has a rep as a serial trick, out for sex and never with anyone twice. He is given a subscription to the Male Room as a thank you for helping Jeff and Craig with Male Room legalities. After several unsuccessful hook ups, Jeff asks to choose Sam's next date. Sam agrees, and is immediately prejudiced against Chris, the man Jeff sets him up with.
The story itself is cute, but for me Sam is very unlikeable. He is egotistical about himself. He is very judgmental about Chris. Even during the get to know you phase of dinner, he doesn't listen to Chris and keeps it superficial. This causes a surprise later. During their first sexual encounter, which he goes into even as he is saying two tops can't be together (in my opinion because the word compromise isnt known to Sam), there is a random paragraph about how Jeff once gave him a blow job at a bar but Jeff now belonged to Craig. The Jeff comment was out of left field, had nothing to do with the scene and really made me like him even less. While Chris is nervous to be bottom, as Sam has zero intentions of compromising, Sam is busy wondering why he wants to make it good for Chris, "offering so much". WHAT? Chris is letting Sam be his first top, what exactly is Sam giving? Oh, right. Nothing.
Sam keeps commenting about him trying new things, and that maybe he didn't know himself as well as he thought. Except throughout, I didn't see him being the one doing anything new.
"The guy fucked him, brought him to a fast, hot climax, and never asked his name. It was a cold introduction ..". This is sam talking about his first time. He feels cheated by it, yet repeatedly it comes out this is exactly the way he treats his tricks. He talks about trusting Chris and being a partner, but it's all his way.
While Sam does eventually get over himself somewhat, the story is mainly about him. Chris is more of a supporting role and we don't get much insight into his feelings or motivations. He is a kind, decent character and deserves good things. We do get to see Jeff (who I adore) and Craig for a bit, which was very nice. I may have been tough on Sam, but he deserves it.
The story itself is cute, but for me Sam is very unlikeable. He is egotistical about himself. He is very judgmental about Chris. Even during the get to know you phase of dinner, he doesn't listen to Chris and keeps it superficial. This causes a surprise later. During their first sexual encounter, which he goes into even as he is saying two tops can't be together (in my opinion because the word compromise isnt known to Sam), there is a random paragraph about how Jeff once gave him a blow job at a bar but Jeff now belonged to Craig. The Jeff comment was out of left field, had nothing to do with the scene and really made me like him even less. While Chris is nervous to be bottom, as Sam has zero intentions of compromising, Sam is busy wondering why he wants to make it good for Chris, "offering so much". WHAT? Chris is letting Sam be his first top, what exactly is Sam giving? Oh, right. Nothing.
Sam keeps commenting about him trying new things, and that maybe he didn't know himself as well as he thought. Except throughout, I didn't see him being the one doing anything new.
"The guy fucked him, brought him to a fast, hot climax, and never asked his name. It was a cold introduction ..". This is sam talking about his first time. He feels cheated by it, yet repeatedly it comes out this is exactly the way he treats his tricks. He talks about trusting Chris and being a partner, but it's all his way.
While Sam does eventually get over himself somewhat, the story is mainly about him. Chris is more of a supporting role and we don't get much insight into his feelings or motivations. He is a kind, decent character and deserves good things. We do get to see Jeff (who I adore) and Craig for a bit, which was very nice. I may have been tough on Sam, but he deserves it.
September 12, 2015
Sam the Man and Chris the teacher, what a combination. Love online who would have thought, Sam sure didn't and found Chris. I was kind of put off at how quickly they went from just meeting each other to love. I understand liking someone to share your life with because your ready to find your other half, but one weekend come on. The story it self was great I just want to see them give move more slowly and build on the relationship over time. I can see maybe what she was doing in the first book but that was a friendship that was built from childhood into adulthood and find what was right in front of your eyes.
August 10, 2011
OK romance for me...I didn't really feel the chemistry with the two characters, although I liked the start of the plot.
August 5, 2011
More 2.5 stars. Sorry to say, this was not a winner.
December 8, 2012
I couldn't make it past the first ten pages, the dialogue was killing me. Unrealistic and over thought. The idea is good, just poorly done.
March 14, 2013
3.5 stars
August 17, 2015
I loved it, I also loved The Male Room. Brava! Great story, great characters, good conflict that was well resolved. 6 stars!
January 2, 2017
2.5. I finished it, but the internal dialogue was annoying. a clumsy telling.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews