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The Light in Your Eyes #2
Foolish Me
The Light in your Eyes: Book Two
A Spy vs Spook Novel
Giving up a life as rent boy Sweetcheeks for his lover, William Matheson, was an easy decision for Theo Bascopolis. But years of selling his body and the lingering pain from being thrown out by his father leave Theo worried that Wills, who’s always had his family’s acceptance, can’t truly love him. Life has taught him love isn’t for rent boys, and he’s having a hard time tearing down the walls he built around his emotions and trusting that Wills sees beyond his past.
Despite Will’s reassurances, he leaves for an extended assignment with no contact, giving Theo too much time to think about the future. A message arrives, and as far as Theo is concerned, it proves him right. Maybe it’s too late to protect his heart, but he’s not going to hang around waiting for Matheson to stomp all over it. Theo runs, breaking all ties to his former lover.
When Wills returns to an empty apartment and no sign of his lover, he wonders whether Theo really wants to be found and if they are meant to be together after all. But they’ve been through too much, and Wills always gets his man.
A Spy vs Spook Novel
Giving up a life as rent boy Sweetcheeks for his lover, William Matheson, was an easy decision for Theo Bascopolis. But years of selling his body and the lingering pain from being thrown out by his father leave Theo worried that Wills, who’s always had his family’s acceptance, can’t truly love him. Life has taught him love isn’t for rent boys, and he’s having a hard time tearing down the walls he built around his emotions and trusting that Wills sees beyond his past.
Despite Will’s reassurances, he leaves for an extended assignment with no contact, giving Theo too much time to think about the future. A message arrives, and as far as Theo is concerned, it proves him right. Maybe it’s too late to protect his heart, but he’s not going to hang around waiting for Matheson to stomp all over it. Theo runs, breaking all ties to his former lover.
When Wills returns to an empty apartment and no sign of his lover, he wonders whether Theo really wants to be found and if they are meant to be together after all. But they’ve been through too much, and Wills always gets his man.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 24, 2014
7 people are currently reading
243 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
June 20, 2014
Another awesome BR with AMAZING Girls
Review
This is the continuation of Theo and Wills story from Pick Up the Pieces.
A little slow, but I love the characters, specially Theo, I'm always very fond of him and even though he acts like an ass sometimes, is so awesome to see these guys get their beautiful happy ending, is one of the sweetest and romantic books I have ever read a very light and sweet, not cheesy or sappy, is a low angst read with some sexy Hot Sexy Woo moments on the side, that set me to sigh in delight and wonder with this deep-sigh-worthy romance.
Obviously I recommend this book. It is the continuation of a storyline, though, so read Pick Up the Pieces first!
July 5, 2014
I am not the best person to review this book! What can I say, sometimes I really love a story without angst, when everything goes smoothly and without many tears... Wills and Theo have that kind of life... Yes, there is some mystery, but easily solved... Yes, there is some anxiety in one point, but Wills rapidly took that away!
So, Wills and Theo story, is beautiful, romantic, lovely, very (very) hot and unforgettable!
This was a delicious BR!
April 27, 2014
I LOVED this book when I read it the first time as a free online story, and now that its been polished and published I love it even more.
This is the sequel and continuation of Theo and Wills story from Pick Up the Pieces.
The men are settling into their lives as a couple and although it's told from Theo's POV it was no trouble at all for me to see how much Wills loves and adores Theo.
Wills is still keeping his job situation a secret which not only causes misunderstandings, it also cause Theo's self doubt and all his fears to rear their ugly heads. His family and his history is still weighing on him and even Wills experiences some rejections.
What I loved about this story was that despite things happening, the main focus is on the couple, their relationship, their life together and their love.
It's a romantic story, but not sappy, cheesy or silly. I found it to just be a deep-sigh-worthy romance.
Through fears and family problems, an adorable kitten and hot sex, misunderstandings and mainly lots and lots of love.
I was just smiling so much reading about these guys and just like the first book, its going right on my favorites shelf.
Vince and Quinn make a short appearance too, so that's a bonus for the Spy Vs Spook fans.
June 20, 2014
From domestic bliss to hell and back....
Theo and William's story continues...
Theo
Miss Su
Wills
Heartbreak
Love...
Ahhhhhh, this was such a pleasure. Theo and Wills are truly one of my my favourite couples. Slow paced but wonderful, it navigated through fears and family problems, an adorable kitten and hot sex, misunderstandings and mainly lots and lots of love. Romantic and erotic and oh so sweet...
Recommended light read with a touch of mystery and loads of love and beautiful ending. Loved.
BR with fabulous friends.
“Old habits die hard.”
Theo and William's story continues...
Theo
Miss Su
Wills
Heartbreak
Love...
Ahhhhhh, this was such a pleasure. Theo and Wills are truly one of my my favourite couples. Slow paced but wonderful, it navigated through fears and family problems, an adorable kitten and hot sex, misunderstandings and mainly lots and lots of love. Romantic and erotic and oh so sweet...
Recommended light read with a touch of mystery and loads of love and beautiful ending. Loved.
"Know something, babe? I’m the luckiest man on the face of the earth.” He sighed happily, rested his head on my shoulder, and began to sing along with our song as we swayed across the dance floor. He was wrong, though. I was."
BR with fabulous friends.
May 31, 2014
This one just makes me happy happy! I loved this book! I just love Theo and Wills…. *sigh*
As Theo and Wills continue to grow closer the drama is never far away. OMG, poor Theo is so insecure and worried his past as a rent boy will drive Wills away he becomes his own worst enemy at times. When I didn’t want to shake him, I just wanted to reach in and hug the man. The good thing for me is the drama was so much that I wanted to throw up my hands in surrender or irritation, it was always just enough to keep me turning the page.
And I was so happy and relieved when Theo finally was let in on what Wills actually did for a living. That was the part that really raised my eyebrows in irritation and bewilderment, how could he not have figured out sooner something wasn’t quite right? Anywho, there is plenty of heat, drama, a new kitten that I just loved (I want one now). There really wasn’t any big explosive drama in this, just a wonderful, romantic story i just fell in love with! If you love the Spy vs Spook series you must read this!
As Theo and Wills continue to grow closer the drama is never far away. OMG, poor Theo is so insecure and worried his past as a rent boy will drive Wills away he becomes his own worst enemy at times. When I didn’t want to shake him, I just wanted to reach in and hug the man. The good thing for me is the drama was so much that I wanted to throw up my hands in surrender or irritation, it was always just enough to keep me turning the page.
And I was so happy and relieved when Theo finally was let in on what Wills actually did for a living. That was the part that really raised my eyebrows in irritation and bewilderment, how could he not have figured out sooner something wasn’t quite right? Anywho, there is plenty of heat, drama, a new kitten that I just loved (I want one now). There really wasn’t any big explosive drama in this, just a wonderful, romantic story i just fell in love with! If you love the Spy vs Spook series you must read this!
May 10, 2014
2.5 Stars - I went back and forth between loving this book to bits and being bored out of my mind. Wills and Theo's main conflict was dealt with so quickly it was almost anticlimactic and the bits of excitement that were sprinkled throughout by Mark Vincent, Miss Su and other side characters were drowned by endless details of everyday mundane living. I was thrilled with their beautiful HEA, but it was a struggle for me stay focused enough to get there.
July 25, 2014
I fell in love with Tinneans books and writing style when I was recommended her Spy Vs Spooks series by a friend, and that was when I first met rent boy 'Sweetcheeks' Bascopolis, now known as Theo after leaving the profession when he fell in love with Spook operative Wills Matheson. Both of them have pretty meaty roles in that series to start with but I've no trouble understanding why they ended up getting their own story told in a couple of spin off books because they're such interesting, likeable characters in their own right. Which I think you'll understand if, having read the original series, you're already a fan of the irrepressible hot head, Mark Vincent and his cool collected Ice Man, Quinton Mann.
I was very lucky to have read Theo and Wills story when it was a fantastic full length, free online novel called 'The Light In Your Eyes' and I remember saying in my review of it, that if Tinnean ever chose to release it as a novel for sale, I'd be more than happy to put my hand in my pocket so I could have it on my kindle permanently. Then my dream came true and 'Pick Up The Pieces' was released, all newly tightened up and shiny and I didn't hesitate to go buy it. Next came 'Foolish Me' and I was a happy bunny knowing that I now had the whole of Theo and Wills story happily tucked into my Tinnean Kindle shelf, with all my other T books, where they belonged!
Whereas Mark and Quinns story is more action packed excitement and hot sexy fun, Theo and Wills is still hot and sexy but it's really all about the emotion, romance and love that these two share. Its a surprisingly angst free read when you look back at it all, except for one biggish misunderstanding that causes a bit of a rift in their now more established relationship, but what I loved is that it wasn't drawn out into a long winded, overblown kitchen sink drama that had me wanting to chuck my kindle in exasperation. That doesn't mean to say there aren't more moments of conflict in their lives and journey together. There are still lots of instances that are emotionally charged. Theo's history and start in life for instance is full of poignancy and Will has his own background hang ups but they're such an amazing fit together that whatever friction does come their way, the love they share overcomes it and the story moves on at just the right pace.
The main premise in this part of their life together is Theo's insecurities about how Will really feels about his past life as a male prostitute and what makes it worse is the fact that because of the official secrets act Will can't tell Theo what he really does for a living. Theo thinks he's a crack, computer troubleshooter (which he actually is but its only a part of his role as an agent) and that's why he's always being sent away on these long distance jobs. Even though Theo accepts it without too much questioning (although he's still not quite sure why his boyfriend carries a gun?) it's always in the back of his mind that one day Will will suddenly see the light, get tired of him and leave. Plus he's heading towards his thirties which for an ex rent boy is like the kiss of death! How can Will still find him attractive when there's the odd grey hair on the horizon...WE know that he has no worries there—and Will tells him often enough but those little niggles still persist.
Never a truer word spoken!
These are fully fleshed out, three dimensional characters who make you want to read about them and I can't see anyone not falling hard for them both. They're just so lovely together, yet it never feels sickly sweet or tooth achingly cloying. They just simply care so much for each other that you see it in even the simplest every day things they do together. Will is an absolute sweetheart. The juxtaposition of the tough, focused, "don't mess with me because I'm dangerous" Spook and the sweet, caring, totally love struck guy who cherishes his lover is a clever contrast and its adorable how romantic he is outside of his career. Theo has a touch of the enigma about him, but then again he's one of those endearingly complex characters who gets under your skin with his odd little anxieties and uncalled for self doubts which seem slightly out of place against the side of him that's strong willed, self reliant; the little fighter who's survived a rotten start in life that would probably have floored most people. So he's a bit of a contradiction our Theo. As well as filling you with admiration for being so resilient, he still has that air of vulnerability about him that makes you want to just grab hold of him and squeeze the beejaysus out of him....for the rest of my review follow link ~http://bit.ly/UxAeE8
July 4, 2014
PLEASE DO NOT READ THIS BOOK IF YOU LHAVE NOT READ THE PREVIOUS BOOKS. This includes the Spy vs Spook books and the first book of this spin off series.
This is all Theo's (Sweetcheeks, but don't let Wills hear you call Theo that name)POV. It was so much fun to experience the story lines from the other books through Theo's mind. Of course he does not have all the information so does get some things wrong, especially the occupation of his lover. He did not understand why Wills had to not stand out while working and so dressed accordingly.
But he was mine, and all those fools who hadn't bothered to look past the nothing-special suits and the nothing-special haircut would never know what they were missing...
Theo does not think he deserves Wills' love nor does he think Wills is in his life to stay. Theo's background has prepared him for disappointment and rejection not love and acceptance.
...I was selfish enough to be glad no other man had gotten his cock into Wills. I liked to think it was I who brought out the animal in my lover but I was the realist of all the boys, and I wasn't going to start lying to myself at this point. Any man who knew what he was doing with his cock could have turned Wills on to his inner gay. And now that he knew what a cock up his ass felt like...What could I give him that another man couldn't.
Wills already knew that he was at least bi when he meet Theo. He found lust and love with Theo. It was just that wherever they went, guys were always hitting on Wills. They just ignored that he was with Theo. Yes, Wills dressed differently when he was not at work. Sometimes Theo has to be reminded that Wills only has eyes for him.
"God, I love you!"
"I know."
I know? Okay, I hadn't expected him to make a big thing over my declaration of love - we were guys, after all, and I'd said it...once...before - but I'd expected more than "I know."
Well, I wasn't going to get all girlie abut it. I'd just come right out and ask him...
He tipped my face up and caught a tear on his index finger. "My dearest love. I do know. You don't have to say it. I'm sorry I didn't tell you how much it means to me to hear that. I should have, and I promise, next time, I will."
Theo's other relationship is with Miss Su, the cat. Theo had taken care of his rent boys, now he was taking care of his cat. Of course he took care of Wills also.
I left the door ajar so I could hear him if he needed me. If he needed me...
"Y'know something, Miss Su? Daddy is the first person who ever needed me. That's pretty cool isn't it?...
This book does give a warning: Watch what you write on the card you put with flowers you send to that special someone.
I want the next book now.
This is all Theo's (Sweetcheeks, but don't let Wills hear you call Theo that name)POV. It was so much fun to experience the story lines from the other books through Theo's mind. Of course he does not have all the information so does get some things wrong, especially the occupation of his lover. He did not understand why Wills had to not stand out while working and so dressed accordingly.
But he was mine, and all those fools who hadn't bothered to look past the nothing-special suits and the nothing-special haircut would never know what they were missing...
Theo does not think he deserves Wills' love nor does he think Wills is in his life to stay. Theo's background has prepared him for disappointment and rejection not love and acceptance.
...I was selfish enough to be glad no other man had gotten his cock into Wills. I liked to think it was I who brought out the animal in my lover but I was the realist of all the boys, and I wasn't going to start lying to myself at this point. Any man who knew what he was doing with his cock could have turned Wills on to his inner gay. And now that he knew what a cock up his ass felt like...What could I give him that another man couldn't.
Wills already knew that he was at least bi when he meet Theo. He found lust and love with Theo. It was just that wherever they went, guys were always hitting on Wills. They just ignored that he was with Theo. Yes, Wills dressed differently when he was not at work. Sometimes Theo has to be reminded that Wills only has eyes for him.
"God, I love you!"
"I know."
I know? Okay, I hadn't expected him to make a big thing over my declaration of love - we were guys, after all, and I'd said it...once...before - but I'd expected more than "I know."
Well, I wasn't going to get all girlie abut it. I'd just come right out and ask him...
He tipped my face up and caught a tear on his index finger. "My dearest love. I do know. You don't have to say it. I'm sorry I didn't tell you how much it means to me to hear that. I should have, and I promise, next time, I will."
Theo's other relationship is with Miss Su, the cat. Theo had taken care of his rent boys, now he was taking care of his cat. Of course he took care of Wills also.
I left the door ajar so I could hear him if he needed me. If he needed me...
"Y'know something, Miss Su? Daddy is the first person who ever needed me. That's pretty cool isn't it?...
This book does give a warning: Watch what you write on the card you put with flowers you send to that special someone.
I want the next book now.
May 9, 2014
This was a sweet, but ultimately, dull book that rapidly turned into curtain fic after Pick Up the Pieces. Theo Bascopolis, former rent boy, is head over heels in love with Will Matheson, secret agent for fictional group WBIS (which functions as a a domestic oppositional group to the CIA), who is equally in love with Theo. Will has done everything he can other than rent a Goodyear blimp and write a message in the sky in order to assure Theo that he is in love with him, but Theo keeps looking for the other shoe to drop: since his parents threw him out of the house at fifteen for being gay, and since he spent years as a rent boy in order to take care of himself, he simply cannot comprehend that someone as lovely and decent as Will could love him permanently, so he regularly comes close to sabotaging the relationship. It doesn't help that Will has a job that takes him away for weeks at a time, and further, that he has to lie about what he is doing. Since Theo is trained not to ask his johns too many questions about their secrets, he doesn't think too hard about the obvious lies that Will is telling him, and this, in combination with his insecurity, throws an extraordinary wrench into their relationship that almost manages to tear it apart.
Here is the difficulty with this book. It takes a fairly long time for them to reach the crisis point, and there isn't a great deal of compelling drama prior to that point. Moreover, they resolve the issue pretty quickly once they do, and there isn't a lot of interesting narrative after they resolve the problem. This is why I describe the book as curtain fic. You spend a lot of time watching these two learn to live together, and while that is often a nice thing to see in a couple that you like (and I do like this couple), it gets boring when that is all you see. So, as much as I enjoyed the first book, "Pick Up the Pieces," I wish that the best elements of this book had simply been included in that book, so that the story could have been whittled down to one really excellent novel.
Here is the difficulty with this book. It takes a fairly long time for them to reach the crisis point, and there isn't a great deal of compelling drama prior to that point. Moreover, they resolve the issue pretty quickly once they do, and there isn't a lot of interesting narrative after they resolve the problem. This is why I describe the book as curtain fic. You spend a lot of time watching these two learn to live together, and while that is often a nice thing to see in a couple that you like (and I do like this couple), it gets boring when that is all you see. So, as much as I enjoyed the first book, "Pick Up the Pieces," I wish that the best elements of this book had simply been included in that book, so that the story could have been whittled down to one really excellent novel.
May 1, 2014
What is so extraordinary about this book? How ordinary but exciting Theo and Wills life is...
So, I loooove and I'm a big fan of Mark and Quinn, from the Spy Vs Spook series (I'm talking about this books :)))) YAY! Love them!). When I first heard two characters, Theo and Wills, would get their spin-off I was sort of afraid... my fear was that the spin-off would be too slow, because nothing could compare with the insane live of Mark and Quinn (aka the Spy and the Spook). I was sooooo wrong!
This is the second of the Theo and Will series (Pick Up the Pieces is book 1), and you must read the first book (Foolish Me is not a standalone). BUT you don't have to read the spy vs spook series... In my modest opinion, you may even like it more if you didn't read, and don't know anything about Wills mysterious boss, and his weird job.
So, this book is... the epitome of an ordinary live... for how ordinary can a ex rent boy live is. It's all from Theo's point of view, so yeah, it's his live, seeking happiness, with the man he love. It's not full of explosions, or gun firing, bad guys being arrested... it's all about... how much simple, but at the same time complicate, a relationship is.
It's romantic
It's also erotic (wow... *fans myself*... Theo and Will certainly had hot bed scenes!
It's also... so sweet!
I love this book. The end is almost a definitive end. I don't know if more will be released... I would certainly would read more but dammit... I love the end so much that I'm really satisfied! And... yep, no need to say I will burn my epub file reading and rereading this story!!! No way in hell I can read this book just once! NO!
5 stars
and it's now one book that became a comfort-reading for me... anytime I will need to smile and feel happy I will read it!
So, I loooove and I'm a big fan of Mark and Quinn, from the Spy Vs Spook series (I'm talking about this books :)))) YAY! Love them!). When I first heard two characters, Theo and Wills, would get their spin-off I was sort of afraid... my fear was that the spin-off would be too slow, because nothing could compare with the insane live of Mark and Quinn (aka the Spy and the Spook). I was sooooo wrong!
This is the second of the Theo and Will series (Pick Up the Pieces is book 1), and you must read the first book (Foolish Me is not a standalone). BUT you don't have to read the spy vs spook series... In my modest opinion, you may even like it more if you didn't read, and don't know anything about Wills mysterious boss, and his weird job.
So, this book is... the epitome of an ordinary live... for how ordinary can a ex rent boy live is. It's all from Theo's point of view, so yeah, it's his live, seeking happiness, with the man he love. It's not full of explosions, or gun firing, bad guys being arrested... it's all about... how much simple, but at the same time complicate, a relationship is.
It's romantic
It's also erotic (wow... *fans myself*... Theo and Will certainly had hot bed scenes!
It's also... so sweet!
I love this book. The end is almost a definitive end. I don't know if more will be released... I would certainly would read more but dammit... I love the end so much that I'm really satisfied! And... yep, no need to say I will burn my epub file reading and rereading this story!!! No way in hell I can read this book just once! NO!
5 stars
and it's now one book that became a comfort-reading for me... anytime I will need to smile and feel happy I will read it!
May 31, 2014
I love this book. Honestly, if you are a fan of the first one, I think this will be easy to love too. Wills and Theo are not Mark and Quinn (from Spy Vs. Spook) and their story is different, but they are just really great together and they are definitely lovable characters in their own right.
You know, it's nice to read a book that really makes you feel happy inside and what really makes me happy is knowing these two get a great HEA. And even though I know Tinnean has an idea for a little more from these two, the ending is still perfect and it could be left the way it is. Still, I will never say no to revisiting some great characters. Especially now they are really just starting their lives together. This book isn't really what you would call angsty, though something does happen that strains things for a short time. But apart from this, the book is really, really enjoyable and not overly heavy. The ending is a prime example and I was laughing at one particular part of the ending.
There's not much else I can say apart from how wonderful these books are. I'm a huge fan of Tinnean's writing and I am always ready to read more from her. I think fans of her will enjoy this one and it's definitely a must read for those who have already read Pick Up the Pieces.
You know, it's nice to read a book that really makes you feel happy inside and what really makes me happy is knowing these two get a great HEA. And even though I know Tinnean has an idea for a little more from these two, the ending is still perfect and it could be left the way it is. Still, I will never say no to revisiting some great characters. Especially now they are really just starting their lives together. This book isn't really what you would call angsty, though something does happen that strains things for a short time. But apart from this, the book is really, really enjoyable and not overly heavy. The ending is a prime example and I was laughing at one particular part of the ending.
There's not much else I can say apart from how wonderful these books are. I'm a huge fan of Tinnean's writing and I am always ready to read more from her. I think fans of her will enjoy this one and it's definitely a must read for those who have already read Pick Up the Pieces.
December 6, 2014
4.5 stars
Absolutely loved the continuation of Theo and Wills story. This is an author I discovered during last years SH and I am really glad I did. I am drawn into the story immediately and hate the people I am supposed to hate and love the good guys. I see what Wills and Theo have been through in their past and if there are two people who deserve a HEA it is those two. Really hoping there will be a continuation of this series !
Absolutely loved the continuation of Theo and Wills story. This is an author I discovered during last years SH and I am really glad I did. I am drawn into the story immediately and hate the people I am supposed to hate and love the good guys. I see what Wills and Theo have been through in their past and if there are two people who deserve a HEA it is those two. Really hoping there will be a continuation of this series !
May 27, 2025
It was so wonderful to see Wills and Theo again. And finally, finally, Theo knows the truth behind Wills job. This was all in Theo’s POV and you have to have read Spy vs Spook to know these were tidbits of what was going on behind the scenes with Theo and Wills. This was a great sequel to Picking Up the Pieces and a great happy ending, yet I do hope there is more to come.
July 11, 2014
Ahhhhhh, this was sooo wonderful. Theo and Wills are truly my favorite characters in this series. Well, next to Vince anyway. But it was so awesome to see these guys get their happy happy ending.
December 7, 2014
Sweet, but anticlimactic. I gave the first one the benefit of the doubt thinking it was leading somewhere, but the cover says it all. It was just kind of a sweet plodding along with a few moments of insecurity thrown in there for good measure. Some of the questions from book 1 were answered. I think you have a certain expectation when you are dealing with someone in Wills line of work, but he just as easily would've been a plumber and have the same story. Kind of a let down. 2.5 stars
May 14, 2015
In this sequel, we get a lot more of the day to day life of Theo and Wills, and one particularly bad incident of Theo freaking out and running away. I would ordinarily have thought this book was too long. It had tons of day to day life stuff that we didn't really need to see to further the story, but it kept me engaged enough to finish this up in one long sitting.
April 29, 2019
This was boring. I kept expecting something to happen but all that did (by 50%) was Theo losing his shit over an idiotic assumption. I get that he is insecure but he behaved like a child. I wasn't impressed, and I didn't buy the resolution. I'm not going to waste any time on it now. I may revisit it but I'm too mad right now.
July 10, 2019
3.5 stars
May 1, 2017
2.5 stars
For all my reviews right now I'm just writing up my notes basically as I have too many reviews to write in the next couple of days.
Angst-I-Rama , historical (early 2000's).
WAY too much detail about what he's doing day to day. "I ran up the stairs and noticed I was a little out of shape and needed to work out. Then I opened the door and went in. I went to my office and got the key. Wills had made me the key rack. I went back downstairs. This excessive amount of information took five long paragraphs basically to say he went up and got a key and opened something for someone.
The description of him going and getting a tree and setting it up for someone else took a big section and was ridiculously detailed.
Scallops and bacon in cream sauce pizza?? I think I'm going to be sick.
The idea of the rent boy ball is just ridiculous.
How do you watch a guy's ass when he's wearing a suit jacket?
Sooooo slow. Pg 119 and nothing has happened. Nothing.
I get that he's insecure but he jumps to the stupidest conclusions. And he's so immature and catty.
Halfway through the book before something serious happens.
Wills should be angrier longer.
Unitarian! Finally something cool1
Not standalone at all. The series isn't either--you have to read Spy vs. Spook to know what's happening. And you have to read both series in the order published if you don't want spoilers.
He has to be frisked twice to get into work, chauffeurs can't eat anything given to them even by their agents off duty but security guards at HQ can eat homemade stew from a guy they've met just once before.
Idealistic and unrealistic view of rent boys despite comment about the movie Pretty Woman being ridiculous.
Why didn't he tell his cousin the truth about being gay and not a crack whore? It's better his family think he's a crack whore (which they are disgusted buy) than gay?
Too much family and more being added each time the MCs see them. Too hard to keep them straight and most of the characters are unnecessary to the (lack of) plot.
Reiterates things from the same book, like how one guy dressed as an archangel at a costume ball, but doesn't clarify anything from previous book.
For all my reviews right now I'm just writing up my notes basically as I have too many reviews to write in the next couple of days.
Angst-I-Rama , historical (early 2000's).
WAY too much detail about what he's doing day to day. "I ran up the stairs and noticed I was a little out of shape and needed to work out. Then I opened the door and went in. I went to my office and got the key. Wills had made me the key rack. I went back downstairs. This excessive amount of information took five long paragraphs basically to say he went up and got a key and opened something for someone.
The description of him going and getting a tree and setting it up for someone else took a big section and was ridiculously detailed.
Scallops and bacon in cream sauce pizza?? I think I'm going to be sick.
The idea of the rent boy ball is just ridiculous.
How do you watch a guy's ass when he's wearing a suit jacket?
Sooooo slow. Pg 119 and nothing has happened. Nothing.
I get that he's insecure but he jumps to the stupidest conclusions. And he's so immature and catty.
Halfway through the book before something serious happens.
Wills should be angrier longer.
Unitarian! Finally something cool1
Not standalone at all. The series isn't either--you have to read Spy vs. Spook to know what's happening. And you have to read both series in the order published if you don't want spoilers.
He has to be frisked twice to get into work, chauffeurs can't eat anything given to them even by their agents off duty but security guards at HQ can eat homemade stew from a guy they've met just once before.
Idealistic and unrealistic view of rent boys despite comment about the movie Pretty Woman being ridiculous.
Why didn't he tell his cousin the truth about being gay and not a crack whore? It's better his family think he's a crack whore (which they are disgusted buy) than gay?
Too much family and more being added each time the MCs see them. Too hard to keep them straight and most of the characters are unnecessary to the (lack of) plot.
Reiterates things from the same book, like how one guy dressed as an archangel at a costume ball, but doesn't clarify anything from previous book.
May 3, 2014
I love, love, love Theo and Wills! I was very excited to read the continuation of their story. In this book Theo is still dealing with his insecurities about Will's love for him. Because of his prior profession, he doubts that anyone can really love him. He is constantly waiting for Wills to leave him. Wills goes out of his way to reassure Theo that he is devoted to him, all the while dealing with the demands of his job. I love that Wills is so accepting of Theo's prior life and that he is protective of Theo. He his ready to do bodily harm to anyone who continues to call Theo "Sweets" or "Sweet Cheeks." Theo's acceptance that Wills will not leave him is hard won but in the end he is certain of their love and commitment to each other.
Tim, Chris, Paul, and Spike (the former rent boys) make an appearance in the book. I would love to see more of them in future books, especially Spike who has a budding acting career. Mark Vincent also plays a role in the book. His page time is not large but, as always, he packs a punch. It is fun to watch Theo totally disregard Mark's aloofness in the face of Wills' complete deference to his boss. There is even a scene with Quintin Mann. As always, he is calmly accepting of Mark's often brusque behavior. Darn, this small scene between Mark and Quintin has whet my appetite for more. I sense a reread of the Spy vs. Spook series coming despite the massive size of my TBR!
Obviously I highly recommend this book. It is the continuation of a storyline, though, so read Pick Up the Pieces first. I actually recommend reading the Spy vs. Spook series first (although the books take place at approximately the same time with some scenes occurring in both series.) Either way, I don't think you'll regret giving either series a try.
Tim, Chris, Paul, and Spike (the former rent boys) make an appearance in the book. I would love to see more of them in future books, especially Spike who has a budding acting career. Mark Vincent also plays a role in the book. His page time is not large but, as always, he packs a punch. It is fun to watch Theo totally disregard Mark's aloofness in the face of Wills' complete deference to his boss. There is even a scene with Quintin Mann. As always, he is calmly accepting of Mark's often brusque behavior. Darn, this small scene between Mark and Quintin has whet my appetite for more. I sense a reread of the Spy vs. Spook series coming despite the massive size of my TBR!
Obviously I highly recommend this book. It is the continuation of a storyline, though, so read Pick Up the Pieces first. I actually recommend reading the Spy vs. Spook series first (although the books take place at approximately the same time with some scenes occurring in both series.) Either way, I don't think you'll regret giving either series a try.
December 9, 2014
Oh my gosh, this story was wonderful! Fans of Theo and Wills from Pick Up the Pieces will really enjoy revisiting them in this story. And that's what this is-- it's their story. We get to revisit some of the earlier days and I enjoyed the way the author interwove scenes from some of the Not My Spook! series but this time it's from Theo's perspective, rather than Vince's.
We witness Theo's growth into the lasting relationship with Wills, learning to trust his heart, learning to express his feelings, and finally witnessing their super amazing HEA. There's some angst, especially at the beginning as Theo struggles to accept that Wills really loves him and we see his reactions to certain situations which occur when Wills is away at work. I'm glad the author decided to allow Theo to know more about what Wills does and that they move in the direction they do.
Without giving away spoilers, I'll just say this is just a wonderfully sweet true love story and I'm so glad I read it now during this season of peace, joy and love.
We witness Theo's growth into the lasting relationship with Wills, learning to trust his heart, learning to express his feelings, and finally witnessing their super amazing HEA. There's some angst, especially at the beginning as Theo struggles to accept that Wills really loves him and we see his reactions to certain situations which occur when Wills is away at work. I'm glad the author decided to allow Theo to know more about what Wills does and that they move in the direction they do.
Without giving away spoilers, I'll just say this is just a wonderfully sweet true love story and I'm so glad I read it now during this season of peace, joy and love.
May 21, 2014
A little slow, feels padded in some spots, but I love the characters. Could have probably been trimmed down to a fast five star, but I don't mind the extra stuff. Some of it has little bearing on advancing the plot or the characters, but I still enjoy seeing it. I'm always very fond of Theo, and even though he acts like an ass sometimes, I am glad to see him get his happy ending.
January 21, 2017
Normally, I complain about NOT enough details in a book but this one was just the opposite... it was a bit heavy on the details! But, frankly? I couldn't care less! *snort* LOL!!!
This was a wonderful story that gave me just what I was looking for in Theo's story... gotta love our Wills, he is just perfect for Theo and I am sooooo glad they got their "Teddy Bear" at the end of the book!
This was a wonderful story that gave me just what I was looking for in Theo's story... gotta love our Wills, he is just perfect for Theo and I am sooooo glad they got their "Teddy Bear" at the end of the book!
May 13, 2014
This was like reading someone's journal. The details to each day and each conversation was just too much making the book unnecessarily long. More time was spent talking about food than Wills actual job which was supposed to be a major conflict.
Read
April 7, 2021L'idée de base était originale : cet ado jeté à la rue par son père parce qu'il est gay et qui se retrouve à tomber dans les griffes d'un mac qui va le prostituer... Son évolution en "rentboy" peut tenir la route, son histoire d'amour okay. Par contre, j'ai eu envie de lui taper dessus tout au long des deux tomes : j'ai eu du mal à croire qu'un gamin ayant vécu ce qu'il a vécu puisse être aussi naïf et aussi "nunuche" Il a vraiment cru pendant un an que son mec était technicien informatique et qu'il réparait des ordinateurs avec une arme ?. A part ça, on va dire que c'est un conte de fées moderne.
Le gros point noir par contre, c'est la traduction et les fautes, il n'y a pas de correcteurs chez l'éditeur ?
Le gros point noir par contre, c'est la traduction et les fautes, il n'y a pas de correcteurs chez l'éditeur ?
August 22, 2017
Theo and Wills are a great couple, and this second instalment of their story (after Pick Up the Pieces) was highly enjoyable. As usual, there is a ridiculous amount of detail about food, clothes, travel, and so on, but the characters are interesting enough that it is enjoyable to just share their lives while waiting for something to happen. And eventually something does, as each man's uncertainty about the other's ability to deal with his past/occupation blows up in their faces.
January 29, 2018
This 2 book series falls in-between "Spy vs. Spook" and "Mann of my Dreams" series and is about Theo and Matheson. Worth reading as I love these guys (secondary characters who play large parts in the other 2 series).
February 3, 2019
First half was really good. Happily ever wrap up went on a little long for me.
September 8, 2019
Mark&Quinn's story is my sweetie pie, I waited this story so impatient.... In addition to that I have a cat :) oh, I loved Miss Su :)
It was nice to read but I missed something.
It's 3,5 *
It was nice to read but I missed something.
It's 3,5 *
April 26, 2016
Beautiful Love Story With Lots of Adventures
This review will cover both books in this series because they are peas-in-a-pod: A love story which begins in the first in a most haphazard way and keeps building and sizzling and moving and rolling all the way through to an emotionally charged, beautifully handled ending.
Narrated by late 20s ex-rent boy (and spectacularly ginger) Theo Bascopolis (on the cover of the first book in the rear), this tale begins with him being ejected from his home by his very traditionally bigoted Greek father and left to flounder in the Florida wastelands until he is rescued and turned into a toy for men. The way he manages to escape his Florida pimp and eventually build a spectacularly successful, high-rent boy service in Washington D.C. in the late 1990s and early 200s is smoothly and entertainingly handled...until he encounters, quite by accident, William (Wills) Matheson, in a hospital corridor while waiting word on the condition of his best friend and co-rent boy Paul (aka Pretty Boy).
Now it takes an interesting turn because rescuing and helping to save Paul is Mark Vincent, who is one of the two protagonists in Tinnean's two other great series, Spy vs. Spook and Mann of My Dreams. Do you have to read them to enjoy these two? Well, maybe not but you'd be missing out an a whole heck of a lot of action, sex and fun if you skipped them. In fact, the scene in which Theo and Wills meet also takes place in a book in Spy vs. Spook, but in this one we get it from Theo's perspective, and eventually Wills'.
As it turns out, Wills is there as Mark Vincent's trusted second-in-command, but everyone thinks they work for a big tech company when the truth is they work for a super secret government agency that occasionally requires them to liquidate nasty people. So much fun because if you'd read one of the books in the other series you'd know what Mark Vincent is going to plan for Pretty Boy's revenge. Fortunately, Mark makes several appearances in these two books, and a couple of them with his own lover, Quinton Mann.
In any case, though the scene is repeated here, even though you will have already witnessed how Theo and Wills fell instantly in love in the other series, this repeat scene is told form Theo's unique perspective, and what a perspective it is. Though he has no clue when he and Wills start pawing each other that Wills is somewhat bi, he also has no clue as to why he is so overwhelmed by this man--plain speaking but witty, white-bread but of mixed heritage, ordinary looking but sex-on-a-stick, and completely and totally zapped with love for Theo from the start.
Most of both books are deep into Theo's denial that Wills can be so in love with him, and the way Tinnean handles this is superb because although Wills is not a narrator and as in the other two series you never really get to know how he handles the more unpleasant parts of his job, his manner of communicating with Theo in words, whispers, deeds and absolute surprises makes you feel as though you are actually living with them. Through all their joys, all their heartbreaks, all their misunderstandings, all their reconciliations, and all their happy days forever and forever.
What a joyful experience to have read these two books. Thank you, Tinnean.
This review will cover both books in this series because they are peas-in-a-pod: A love story which begins in the first in a most haphazard way and keeps building and sizzling and moving and rolling all the way through to an emotionally charged, beautifully handled ending.
Narrated by late 20s ex-rent boy (and spectacularly ginger) Theo Bascopolis (on the cover of the first book in the rear), this tale begins with him being ejected from his home by his very traditionally bigoted Greek father and left to flounder in the Florida wastelands until he is rescued and turned into a toy for men. The way he manages to escape his Florida pimp and eventually build a spectacularly successful, high-rent boy service in Washington D.C. in the late 1990s and early 200s is smoothly and entertainingly handled...until he encounters, quite by accident, William (Wills) Matheson, in a hospital corridor while waiting word on the condition of his best friend and co-rent boy Paul (aka Pretty Boy).
Now it takes an interesting turn because rescuing and helping to save Paul is Mark Vincent, who is one of the two protagonists in Tinnean's two other great series, Spy vs. Spook and Mann of My Dreams. Do you have to read them to enjoy these two? Well, maybe not but you'd be missing out an a whole heck of a lot of action, sex and fun if you skipped them. In fact, the scene in which Theo and Wills meet also takes place in a book in Spy vs. Spook, but in this one we get it from Theo's perspective, and eventually Wills'.
As it turns out, Wills is there as Mark Vincent's trusted second-in-command, but everyone thinks they work for a big tech company when the truth is they work for a super secret government agency that occasionally requires them to liquidate nasty people. So much fun because if you'd read one of the books in the other series you'd know what Mark Vincent is going to plan for Pretty Boy's revenge. Fortunately, Mark makes several appearances in these two books, and a couple of them with his own lover, Quinton Mann.
In any case, though the scene is repeated here, even though you will have already witnessed how Theo and Wills fell instantly in love in the other series, this repeat scene is told form Theo's unique perspective, and what a perspective it is. Though he has no clue when he and Wills start pawing each other that Wills is somewhat bi, he also has no clue as to why he is so overwhelmed by this man--plain speaking but witty, white-bread but of mixed heritage, ordinary looking but sex-on-a-stick, and completely and totally zapped with love for Theo from the start.
Most of both books are deep into Theo's denial that Wills can be so in love with him, and the way Tinnean handles this is superb because although Wills is not a narrator and as in the other two series you never really get to know how he handles the more unpleasant parts of his job, his manner of communicating with Theo in words, whispers, deeds and absolute surprises makes you feel as though you are actually living with them. Through all their joys, all their heartbreaks, all their misunderstandings, all their reconciliations, and all their happy days forever and forever.
What a joyful experience to have read these two books. Thank you, Tinnean.
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