What do you think?
Rate this book
Something in Common #2
Sparks
Bernie Jenkins knows longing for Tomas is futile. The strong, sexy man sees him as nothing but an obligation, a burden he took on out of pity. He even calls Bernie “kid.” Bernie knows all about burdens and how they can consume you, so he pushes away feelings for Tomas.
Tomas Rodriguez likes Bernie. He’s a buddy, a friend. No matter what anyone says, there is nothing going on between them… or so he believes until Bernie surprises him one night at a club. Tomas realizes there’s more to the clumsy geek than he ever knew, but being attracted to someone isn’t the same as acting on it. For that to change, Bernie will have to take a chance and allow Tomas into his heart.
Tomas Rodriguez likes Bernie. He’s a buddy, a friend. No matter what anyone says, there is nothing going on between them… or so he believes until Bernie surprises him one night at a club. Tomas realizes there’s more to the clumsy geek than he ever knew, but being attracted to someone isn’t the same as acting on it. For that to change, Bernie will have to take a chance and allow Tomas into his heart.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 22, 2011
3 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Talia Carmichael
60 books192 followersTalia Carmichael is a romantic who believes that family, no matter if it is by blood or those you choose as family, is integral to who you are. She is an author who writes sexy stories in a variety of genres. She believes in creating stories that encompass all that falling in love or lust entails, from the highs of that first blush of attraction to the lows of not knowing if you can make your coming together as a couple work, and then finally to the acceptance of the reality of making a life together. It's all about the journey.
Among her books you'll find contemporary, futuristic, fantasy, and paranormal settings with M/M themes that will have a happily-ever-after. Her books are passionate, intense, and real...to fill the craving.
Among her books you'll find contemporary, futuristic, fantasy, and paranormal settings with M/M themes that will have a happily-ever-after. Her books are passionate, intense, and real...to fill the craving.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 25, 2011
*SSSSSSssssizzle* Caliente!
2.75 rounded up.
Some stories are like crack, man, and this is one of those series' where the stories are majorly addictive. I jumped on this story when it came out. I hope the next book comes out soon because I'm pretty sure I'm going through withdrawls.
This book features Bernie the clumsy science geek, and Tomas the hot and lusty Latino. It's like I made a Christmas list with two of my guilty pleasure characters on it and Talia Carmichael went all Santa Claus on my ass and wrote a book about them.
I was completely in the mood for this book. Yeah, it doesn't have much of a plot but Tomas and Bernie are just cute together. Add in Tomas' huge family and all of their friends and this book is a good time. Talia Carmichael has enough characters in this series that she could write another fifty-two million books. At least.
The next book is definitely on my to-read list and I don't even know what the next book is yet. I feel like going "Is the next book out yet? No?"...*waits a second*..."How about now?"
2.75 rounded up.
Some stories are like crack, man, and this is one of those series' where the stories are majorly addictive. I jumped on this story when it came out. I hope the next book comes out soon because I'm pretty sure I'm going through withdrawls.
This book features Bernie the clumsy science geek, and Tomas the hot and lusty Latino. It's like I made a Christmas list with two of my guilty pleasure characters on it and Talia Carmichael went all Santa Claus on my ass and wrote a book about them.
I was completely in the mood for this book. Yeah, it doesn't have much of a plot but Tomas and Bernie are just cute together. Add in Tomas' huge family and all of their friends and this book is a good time. Talia Carmichael has enough characters in this series that she could write another fifty-two million books. At least.
The next book is definitely on my to-read list and I don't even know what the next book is yet. I feel like going "Is the next book out yet? No?"...*waits a second*..."How about now?"
July 19, 2017
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
DNF @23% = automatic 3 stars
Read as part of the Something in Common bundle.
This is a case of the writing style not for me. I won't go in depth, but the lower rated reviews pretty much voice exactly what my issues are. Sappy, when I need a hefty dose of realism in my books. The dialogue doesn't sound as real people would speak- wooden and stilted. Telling and more telling, instead of showing. Insta-love/lust/HEA. Miscommunication. Silly &/or immature behavior by grown men. An abundance of gay characters, especially within a singular family, as if no other orientations exist.
After trying out 3 books in the bundle, giving each one at least 20%, trying to ascertain whether it was my mood, the individual book's plot, or the author, I've decided the writing style is not for me. While I won't be reading any more books by this author, that doesn't mean you won't enjoy them. We each read differently.
DNF @23% = automatic 3 stars
Read as part of the Something in Common bundle.
This is a case of the writing style not for me. I won't go in depth, but the lower rated reviews pretty much voice exactly what my issues are. Sappy, when I need a hefty dose of realism in my books. The dialogue doesn't sound as real people would speak- wooden and stilted. Telling and more telling, instead of showing. Insta-love/lust/HEA. Miscommunication. Silly &/or immature behavior by grown men. An abundance of gay characters, especially within a singular family, as if no other orientations exist.
After trying out 3 books in the bundle, giving each one at least 20%, trying to ascertain whether it was my mood, the individual book's plot, or the author, I've decided the writing style is not for me. While I won't be reading any more books by this author, that doesn't mean you won't enjoy them. We each read differently.
October 16, 2018
The beginning of the story was sweet, with one MC pining after the other, with the other MC being oblivious. The second half was filled with secret brothers and horrible parents, and it seemed more like a soap opera.
October 14, 2016
The Tomas x Bernie part of the book was acceptable, if a bit too full of denial which magically dissolved -- exactly why was there denial to begin with? That wasn't ever clear to me. I also don't really like people who don't listen to each other and push through their own ideas of what is good for you, even when that is portrayed as actually being good for you. But eh, fantasies are not what anyone wants in real life, so I can let that slide.
The part about Bernie's tragic past was ridiculous. Really, not one, but two triplets who became billionaires before age 24, and yet they send money to the abusive parents instead of getting Bernie out of there? Yes, because abusers surely can be trusted to use the money for the well-being of the abused! And it never occurred to these rich dudes to use their powers to hire private investigators before the present day? WTF moronic plot is that?
The part about Bernie's tragic past was ridiculous. Really, not one, but two triplets who became billionaires before age 24, and yet they send money to the abusive parents instead of getting Bernie out of there? Yes, because abusers surely can be trusted to use the money for the well-being of the abused! And it never occurred to these rich dudes to use their powers to hire private investigators before the present day? WTF moronic plot is that?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2012
2.5 stars
The weakest book of the series so far, IMO.
This is about two friends who later became lovers. Usually one of my favorite stories, but somehow there's something missing here.
1. The he-loves-me-he-loves-me-not period is too long and becomes silly when there's no real problem exists.
2. There are too many supporting characters with their own plots that steal the thunder from the main plot. Some plots, like between Harper and Bur, are there simply as a springboard toward the sequels. At the end, the book feels 'busy' and 'crowded'. They probably serve a long-run purpose, but they take away the enjoyment of this book.
3. The arrival of Bernie's brothers could have been handled better, so it doesn't feel like deux ex machina as it is now.
Interesting that a book with 'Sparks' as its title actually has no spark at all.
The weakest book of the series so far, IMO.
This is about two friends who later became lovers. Usually one of my favorite stories, but somehow there's something missing here.
1. The he-loves-me-he-loves-me-not period is too long and becomes silly when there's no real problem exists.
2. There are too many supporting characters with their own plots that steal the thunder from the main plot. Some plots, like between Harper and Bur, are there simply as a springboard toward the sequels. At the end, the book feels 'busy' and 'crowded'. They probably serve a long-run purpose, but they take away the enjoyment of this book.
3. The arrival of Bernie's brothers could have been handled better, so it doesn't feel like deux ex machina as it is now.
Interesting that a book with 'Sparks' as its title actually has no spark at all.
August 28, 2019
Ok, there were way too many characters in this book. I know it's a part of a series, but it was really hard to keep the names (let alone relationships to each other) straight in my head. As the pages turned, even more characters were introduced, and even one of the MCs was revealed to be a triplet! Honestly, it was too much for my wee brain to follow.
May 2, 2022
Well dang this one was even better than the first to me. I love how all the books are connected either by family or friends. I love everyone in the book and want them all to find someone, hehe About to start the last one and I'm hoping it's not the last in the series:-)
April 18, 2022
Sparks flew for Certain!
This is now the 2nd Talia Carmichael book I have read. The first being Book 1 in the series. This one was really special and sweet. First you had the geeky, clumsy Bernie who was living hand to mouth while going to school. Tomas steps in to quote have him fix him meals, he would buy the food. Now I saw right there...who offers to do that every night unless you already had some feelings for the guy going in?
I was thrilled once they were together. Then we had the whole brother thing. That was amazing. I am also really glad Bur is helping Harper heal and come back to life.
The twist...that the brothers are identical triplets and there are little twins. I am proud that they are using their money for good to help abused physically and psychologically people. People like them. A place where people can come when there is trouble at home.
Highly recommend this book and can't wait for the next.
This is now the 2nd Talia Carmichael book I have read. The first being Book 1 in the series. This one was really special and sweet. First you had the geeky, clumsy Bernie who was living hand to mouth while going to school. Tomas steps in to quote have him fix him meals, he would buy the food. Now I saw right there...who offers to do that every night unless you already had some feelings for the guy going in?
I was thrilled once they were together. Then we had the whole brother thing. That was amazing. I am also really glad Bur is helping Harper heal and come back to life.
The twist...that the brothers are identical triplets and there are little twins. I am proud that they are using their money for good to help abused physically and psychologically people. People like them. A place where people can come when there is trouble at home.
Highly recommend this book and can't wait for the next.
March 16, 2019
It's been simmering for a year, and Thomas and Bernie still can't see the fire burning between them. It started as each of them helping out the other. Thomas is looking after the clumsy geek and Bernie is cooking for the hapless Thomas. Seeing the two of them together on the dance floor of a club leaves no doubt in the minds of their friends about the heat radiating from them. Convincing either of them of that takes a little doing, but once their eyes are opened it's all or nothing. It seems that there's more to Bernie than he's revealed and it's coming home to roost. Family is everything to Thomas as he finds out about Bernie’s troubled family past it tears him up until the family lands on their doorstep. A very interesting read and I'm looking forward to the next installment.
December 23, 2019
I don`t know who`s book this is,but hardly the one
with Tomas and Bernie in the lead.
It is more about Harper,the next one in this serie.
It is somewhat sweet,sappy,choppy and utterly boring
a good fast read witch will not stick.such a shame.
Storyline is about the same as the Detour book.
insta love,annoying and huge group off family,co-workers
who are all looking and are all gay/bi.
A bit too easy.
No angst,no intens drama,some steam.
And always a bett going on,that is not funny but cheap.
certainly when all off this is a repeat off the previous book
and I am guessing the next 4 books
2,5 stars
with Tomas and Bernie in the lead.
It is more about Harper,the next one in this serie.
It is somewhat sweet,sappy,choppy and utterly boring
a good fast read witch will not stick.such a shame.
Storyline is about the same as the Detour book.
insta love,annoying and huge group off family,co-workers
who are all looking and are all gay/bi.
A bit too easy.
No angst,no intens drama,some steam.
And always a bett going on,that is not funny but cheap.
certainly when all off this is a repeat off the previous book
and I am guessing the next 4 books
2,5 stars
November 17, 2018
2.5 stars. The story was a bit melodramatic. As with the first book in the series, it's pretty slow moving and nothing very exciting happens and then all of the sudden the book swerves to melodrama.
October 1, 2023
That was bad !! DNF it at 66% ! Could not take it anymore ! The second book is worse than the first one. So many characters, it's unbelievable !!!
I made a list of the names after 2 books. There is 29 different characters !!!
The plot with Bernie's parents and his triplet brothers is so exaggerated ! Of course, his brother's are billionaires !
I'm done with this serie !
I made a list of the names after 2 books. There is 29 different characters !!!
The plot with Bernie's parents and his triplet brothers is so exaggerated ! Of course, his brother's are billionaires !
I'm done with this serie !
June 7, 2024
Family is everything.
A very heart warming story not only of two men but also, three brothers that went their separate ways. The brothers had suffered child abuse and had to get away because no one cared.
A very heart warming story not only of two men but also, three brothers that went their separate ways. The brothers had suffered child abuse and had to get away because no one cared.
November 9, 2015
Seit sein Mentor und Freund Robert mit Miguel zusammen ist, ist auch Bernie Jenkins Teil von der großen Rodriguez-Familie und dem großen Freundeskreis von Robert und Miguel. Besonders Miguels’ Bruder Tomas ist zu einem wichtigen Bestandteil in Bernies Leben geworden. Jeden Abend kommt Tomas zum Abendessen, das Bernie kocht. Die Lebensmittel sponsert Tomas und dieser kümmert sich auch um Bernies Klamotten. Längst hat Bernie diese ganze ‘Farce’ durchschaut. Die Rodriguez kümmern und sorgen sich um ihn, doch Bernie empfindet sich immer mehr als Verpflichtung für Tomas. Und es hilft auch wenig, dass Bernie eine große Schwäche für den attraktiven, coolen Landschaftsgärtner hat.
Dabei sieht Tomas Bernie gar nicht als Verpflichtung oder als Bürde. Er mag den Studenten, doch Tomas negiert vor allen und jedem eine romantische Beziehung zu Bernie, den er immer als Kid bezeichnet. Dabei ist Bernie doch längst erwachsen. Aber Bernie wirkt eben so beschützenswert und verletzlich und die Freunde machen sich Sorgen um Bernie. Während alle längst kapiert haben, dass Bernie und Tomas zusammen gehören, weigert sich Tomas weiterhin diese Tatsache zu akzeptieren.
Erst als Bernie beginnt Tomas ernsthaft in seine Schranken zu weisen und sich Gehör zu verschaffen, beginnt Tomas den Freund mit anderen Augen zu sehen. Und es trifft ihn wie ein Schlag, dass seine Gefühle Bernie gegenüber über Freundschaft weit hinaus gehen. Doch kann Bernie sich ihm wirklich öffnen und ihm gänzlich vertrauen? Denn Bernie verbirgt etwas vor Tomas, aber auch dem Rest der Clique.
Teil zwei beginnt einige Monate nach dem ersten Teil, in dem Robert und Miguel ein Paar geworden sind. Diese sind noch immer zusammen und glücklich. Doch die Freunde machen sich nicht nur ihre Gedanken um Bernie und Tomas. Hier laufen längst Wetten wie lange sie sich noch zieren werden. Auch Harper macht den Freunden – vor allem Gerald – große Sorgen. Der Buchhändler trauert noch immer um Karl, der im Einsatz gestorben ist. Gerald, Karls bester Freund, reagiert zu überfürsorglich und erdrückt Karl mit seinem Beschützerinstinkt. Und auch Harpers Familie ist ein Problem für Harper.
Hier erweist sich ausgerechnet der stille Bernie als ein wahrer Freund für Karl. Doch Bernie wird schon bald von seiner Vergangenheit eingeholt und muss sich ihr stellen. Dazu gehört auch Tomas gegenüber reinen Tisch zu machen. Spark ist nicht weniger amüsant und herzerwärmend, wie der Vorgängerteil. Jedoch ist er auch ein wenig ernster und tiefgründiger. Auch das kann Talia Carmichael! Und das kann sie gut. Bernies Vergangenheit ist wirklich sehr krass und da ist auch noch Harper, der in seiner Trauer so bedürftig und verletzlich ist. Eine ganz tolle Geschichte, die mich ganz in ihren Bann gezogen hat.
Dabei sieht Tomas Bernie gar nicht als Verpflichtung oder als Bürde. Er mag den Studenten, doch Tomas negiert vor allen und jedem eine romantische Beziehung zu Bernie, den er immer als Kid bezeichnet. Dabei ist Bernie doch längst erwachsen. Aber Bernie wirkt eben so beschützenswert und verletzlich und die Freunde machen sich Sorgen um Bernie. Während alle längst kapiert haben, dass Bernie und Tomas zusammen gehören, weigert sich Tomas weiterhin diese Tatsache zu akzeptieren.
Erst als Bernie beginnt Tomas ernsthaft in seine Schranken zu weisen und sich Gehör zu verschaffen, beginnt Tomas den Freund mit anderen Augen zu sehen. Und es trifft ihn wie ein Schlag, dass seine Gefühle Bernie gegenüber über Freundschaft weit hinaus gehen. Doch kann Bernie sich ihm wirklich öffnen und ihm gänzlich vertrauen? Denn Bernie verbirgt etwas vor Tomas, aber auch dem Rest der Clique.
Teil zwei beginnt einige Monate nach dem ersten Teil, in dem Robert und Miguel ein Paar geworden sind. Diese sind noch immer zusammen und glücklich. Doch die Freunde machen sich nicht nur ihre Gedanken um Bernie und Tomas. Hier laufen längst Wetten wie lange sie sich noch zieren werden. Auch Harper macht den Freunden – vor allem Gerald – große Sorgen. Der Buchhändler trauert noch immer um Karl, der im Einsatz gestorben ist. Gerald, Karls bester Freund, reagiert zu überfürsorglich und erdrückt Karl mit seinem Beschützerinstinkt. Und auch Harpers Familie ist ein Problem für Harper.
Hier erweist sich ausgerechnet der stille Bernie als ein wahrer Freund für Karl. Doch Bernie wird schon bald von seiner Vergangenheit eingeholt und muss sich ihr stellen. Dazu gehört auch Tomas gegenüber reinen Tisch zu machen. Spark ist nicht weniger amüsant und herzerwärmend, wie der Vorgängerteil. Jedoch ist er auch ein wenig ernster und tiefgründiger. Auch das kann Talia Carmichael! Und das kann sie gut. Bernies Vergangenheit ist wirklich sehr krass und da ist auch noch Harper, der in seiner Trauer so bedürftig und verletzlich ist. Eine ganz tolle Geschichte, die mich ganz in ihren Bann gezogen hat.
March 29, 2015
Soooo...Bernie is a triplet. And his brothers both ran away from their abusive parents as teenagers, leaving Bernie behind. And they both went on to become billionaires (or maybe it was just multi- millionaires) AND they both retired by the age of twenty-four. And even though one was a hugely famous music artist, Bernie had no idea about either of them.
Then...knowing what they know about their parents, they both send money to them so they can take care of Bernie, instead of using their money and connections to go and rescue Bernie. Because OF COURSE sending your abusive parents a lot of money will suddenly turn them into non-abusive, loving parents, and now you no longer have to feel guilty for ditching your brother and leaving him to suffer the abuse on his own, which he does so that your parents won't come looking for you and drag you back home.
There were so many side characters that the main characters got shoved out of their own story. Not that they had much of one.
*sigh*
Then...knowing what they know about their parents, they both send money to them so they can take care of Bernie, instead of using their money and connections to go and rescue Bernie. Because OF COURSE sending your abusive parents a lot of money will suddenly turn them into non-abusive, loving parents, and now you no longer have to feel guilty for ditching your brother and leaving him to suffer the abuse on his own, which he does so that your parents won't come looking for you and drag you back home.
There were so many side characters that the main characters got shoved out of their own story. Not that they had much of one.
*sigh*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2014
Not bad. not mind blowing either. There was kind of alot going on with Bernie ' s family and some wasn't even clear. A little too much with that but it was alright. The family stuff was very predictable. But i will say that the book had ups and downs between the couple with I love bc if it's all awesome all the time the book kind rings false for me. A couple well placed arguments went a long way to making the couple believable and well rounded.
Also there was a major surprise when it came to nerdy Bernie in the sack! That was an awesome surprise I was loving it! !
Also there was a major surprise when it came to nerdy Bernie in the sack! That was an awesome surprise I was loving it! !
December 11, 2011
I enjoyed the first book in the series alright, but this started out alright and quickly went downhill for me...I got about 41% through before giving up...I just didn't feel like the story was going anywhere. I think my problem was that I felt like I was being told everything that was going on instead of being shown. Clearly, other people enjoy this story and her writing, so this just might be an author who is not for me.
August 8, 2013
I am so glad book 2 was about Bernie, I just fell in love with his character in book 1. Poor Bernie suffered so much at the hands of 2 very evil people, his parents. I'm so glad that Tomas found a way to break through the tough exterior Bernie had built up around himself. I loved the bickering that the two did back and forth with each other, they were really funny. So many wonderful characters and such great reading.
December 1, 2014
This is the second book in the serious and unlike the first book this one carries an emotional punch. This book centers around Bernie and Tomas who we met in the first. Bernie is a geeky genius and Tomas runs a landscaping business with his brother. Tomas learns that Bernie is not all he seems. He carries a great deal of emotional baggage. Tomas, his family and the community of friends come together to help Bernie face his past and heal.
June 19, 2012
3.75 stars
November 25, 2011
See Lad's review - she does it best - Lad's review
November 25, 2011
Awwww it was so soppy I loved it!! Just what I was in the mood for!
November 30, 2011
loved it, can wait for the next installment of the series, great ms. talia
October 20, 2012
Not as good as the first book in the series. But still a good story, it was well written with good characters. :)
November 22, 2012
4.5
I love this series!!
Talia stories are becoming addictive!!!
I love this series!!
Talia stories are becoming addictive!!!
May 23, 2017
Technically read this in one evening. More friction than the first book, but some very far fetched outcomes. Considering its fiction, I can for the most part over look it. Still a pleasurable read.
February 18, 2013
I would give this 2.5 stars if .5 were available. I like the sweetness of this series so far, but it is a bit overly dramatic.
July 26, 2016
I still really like this series.
Although I wasn't feeling the friends to lovers with these two.
Although I wasn't feeling the friends to lovers with these two.
September 6, 2013
3.5 Stars
Review to come later...
Review to come later...
April 26, 2016
3,5 Stars
Sweet story.
Sweet story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews