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Lay It Down
Paradise can be hell.
Most people would say being stranded in the villa of Spanish shipping magnate Miguel García Arquero on the beautiful isle of Ibiza wasn’t such a bad deal. But Hudson Barber isn’t one of them. To him, being stuck without a passport in a foreign country far from home is a nightmare, made worse by the fact that the person who did the stranding was his flighty twin brother.
Unwilling to turn Dalvon in for identity theft, Hudson is forced to wait, but meanwhile he discovers the chance to rehabilitate Miguel’s failing local businesses—enterprises left to Dalvon’s inexperienced care. The flagging ventures are a badly wrapped gift from heaven, and if Hudson can turn them around, he might be able to leverage the experience to finish his MBA.
Then Miguel returns to Ibiza, and instead of finding a boy toy, he discovers Hudson has turned his cold villa into a warm, welcoming home. Miguel’s path is convince Hudson to lay down his defenses and let love in.
Most people would say being stranded in the villa of Spanish shipping magnate Miguel García Arquero on the beautiful isle of Ibiza wasn’t such a bad deal. But Hudson Barber isn’t one of them. To him, being stuck without a passport in a foreign country far from home is a nightmare, made worse by the fact that the person who did the stranding was his flighty twin brother.
Unwilling to turn Dalvon in for identity theft, Hudson is forced to wait, but meanwhile he discovers the chance to rehabilitate Miguel’s failing local businesses—enterprises left to Dalvon’s inexperienced care. The flagging ventures are a badly wrapped gift from heaven, and if Hudson can turn them around, he might be able to leverage the experience to finish his MBA.
Then Miguel returns to Ibiza, and instead of finding a boy toy, he discovers Hudson has turned his cold villa into a warm, welcoming home. Miguel’s path is convince Hudson to lay down his defenses and let love in.
126 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 16, 2016
121 people are currently reading
603 people want to read
About the author
Mary Calmes
125 books5,021 followersMary Calmes believes in romance, happily ever afters, and the faith it takes for her characters to get there. She bleeds coffee, thinks chocolate should be its own food group, and currently lives in Kentucky with a six-pound furry ninja that protects her from baby birds, spiders and the neighbor’s dogs. To stay up to date on her ponderings and pandemonium (as well as the adventures of the ninja) follow her on Twitter @MaryCalmes, connect with her on Facebook, and subscribe to her Mary’s Mob newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 280 reviews
March 21, 2016
julio out!
if it wasn't a plot like a fire in a henhouse, it was the spanish.
i dunno what it is about some people* that they feel entitled to tromp right on in to other cultures and fuck around like they know what's what, but if you can't even get a fucking name right without looking like an idiot, i suggest not.
just... do not.
it's embarrassing. and offensive.
everyone in this book who was Spanish spoke like a vulcan, because apparently ibizans don't use contractions?
*rages against the dying of the light in ethpanish*
also, i haven't read a single calmes novel in the last five years that wasn't in some way about being vindictive towards people who have sex, or people who are exes.
or people who have sex with your exes.
subtle and not-so-subtle slut-shaming and ex-shaming because you're only allowed to be a freak in the sheets with The One and if you've had some trouble finding That One you're a fucking whore?
the perspective is appalling.
all the nuance of a high-strung emo 17yo with Opinions.
fuck off.
i mean, honestly, woman.
__________
* i am lying.
__________
previously:
if it wasn't a plot like a fire in a henhouse, it was the spanish.
i dunno what it is about some people* that they feel entitled to tromp right on in to other cultures and fuck around like they know what's what, but if you can't even get a fucking name right without looking like an idiot, i suggest not.
just... do not.
it's embarrassing. and offensive.
everyone in this book who was Spanish spoke like a vulcan, because apparently ibizans don't use contractions?
*rages against the dying of the light in ethpanish*
also, i haven't read a single calmes novel in the last five years that wasn't in some way about being vindictive towards people who have sex, or people who are exes.
or people who have sex with your exes.
subtle and not-so-subtle slut-shaming and ex-shaming because you're only allowed to be a freak in the sheets with The One and if you've had some trouble finding That One you're a fucking whore?
the perspective is appalling.
all the nuance of a high-strung emo 17yo with Opinions.
fuck off.
i mean, honestly, woman.
__________
* i am lying.
__________
previously:
October 11, 2020
Pay close attention to the blurb in this one. Calmes drops you right smack in the middle of this scenario. I like this about Calmes because it's all showing and no telling of the backstory. It causes whiplash in some readers, but I'm totally fine with this because I speak fluent Calmes.
Sexy setting of Spain, asshole twin brothers, drop dead gorgeous billionaires, and fun secondary characters means LOTS of fun to be found. But this is scatter-brained story telling by MC at her finest, so you need to pay close attention to the blurb. Final warning ;)
Hudson visits his twin brother who lives in a luxury villa with his billionaire, Spanish lover, Miguel. Miguel is away on business when Hudson visits, and his twin abandons him with no warning, taking Hudson's passport with him, so Hudson is stranded in Spain. The love story that ensues held no shortage of gotta-know-what-happens-next.
I didn't care for Dalvon, Hudson's twin. Hudson makes a lot of excuses for him, but there is no excuse for that kind of behavior. He's a spoiled brat who needs a punch in the junk. And while there are no peacoats to be found, we have an unnecessary plot point involving police and guns and a kidnapping. It didn't take up a lot of page time, but I didn't think it was needed for the story.
Overall, I enjoyed this one, *cough* wearing MC-belief-suspended-glasses *cough*. So go into it knowing this is typical MC and you will have fun with this one!
Sexy setting of Spain, asshole twin brothers, drop dead gorgeous billionaires, and fun secondary characters means LOTS of fun to be found. But this is scatter-brained story telling by MC at her finest, so you need to pay close attention to the blurb. Final warning ;)
Hudson visits his twin brother who lives in a luxury villa with his billionaire, Spanish lover, Miguel. Miguel is away on business when Hudson visits, and his twin abandons him with no warning, taking Hudson's passport with him, so Hudson is stranded in Spain. The love story that ensues held no shortage of gotta-know-what-happens-next.
I didn't care for Dalvon, Hudson's twin. Hudson makes a lot of excuses for him, but there is no excuse for that kind of behavior. He's a spoiled brat who needs a punch in the junk. And while there are no peacoats to be found, we have an unnecessary plot point involving police and guns and a kidnapping. It didn't take up a lot of page time, but I didn't think it was needed for the story.
Overall, I enjoyed this one, *cough* wearing MC-belief-suspended-glasses *cough*. So go into it knowing this is typical MC and you will have fun with this one!
August 19, 2016
3.5 stars
Over the top, odd circumstances, insta-love, family drama, and a HEA. In other words, it’s classic Mary Calmes.
To enjoy a book by Mary Calmes, just sit back and let it happen.
Stranded by his twin brother, Hudson Barber wakes up in a villa in Ibiza. Without his passport and with no way to get back home, Hudson decides to make the best of the situation and puts his business degree to use to turn around a few failing businesses on the island that belong to the villa’s owner, and his brother’s ex, Miguel Garcia Arquero.
When Miguel returns from business from mainland Spain, he finds his villa and staff in order, and his businesses on the way to thriving. He’s also not that cut up about his ex trading spots with his brother, and decides to convince Hudson that they’re meant to be together.
Honestly, I was a bit weirded out at first by the brothers swapping their lovers. It’s just odd, and the family reunions are probably going to be a tad awkward. But I got with the program pretty quickly. Especially when Miguel returns home and we get one of those signature love-at-first-sight scenes that Mary does so well.
I can’t help but root for Mary’s couples, no matter how quickly they go from strangers to soulmates.
I do have to say that Dalvon was a complete prick. No matter how many excuses Hudson made for him, I didn’t see him as anything other than a gold-digging immature brat. Plus, there was that whole drama at the end that Dalvon didn’t see fit to inform his brother and ex about. I didn’t understand how Miguel, let alone Hudson, put up with Dalvon for so long.
The reason that I’m not giving this book 4 stars is because I don’t think readers really get a good look at Miguel. He doesn’t show up in the book until after the first third, and then there are just a series of events strung together that don’t give much time to actually get to know Miguel. The book is fairly short to begin with, so he doesn’t get all that much page-time.
I think either bringing Miguel in earlier or adding a few more pages that focused on Miguel and Hudson together would have rounded everything out better.
In any case, ‘Lay it Down’ is a quick and enjoyable read, with a sweet romance, a bit of action, and some steamy sex. Recommended for fans of Mary Calmes.
Over the top, odd circumstances, insta-love, family drama, and a HEA. In other words, it’s classic Mary Calmes.
To enjoy a book by Mary Calmes, just sit back and let it happen.
Stranded by his twin brother, Hudson Barber wakes up in a villa in Ibiza. Without his passport and with no way to get back home, Hudson decides to make the best of the situation and puts his business degree to use to turn around a few failing businesses on the island that belong to the villa’s owner, and his brother’s ex, Miguel Garcia Arquero.
When Miguel returns from business from mainland Spain, he finds his villa and staff in order, and his businesses on the way to thriving. He’s also not that cut up about his ex trading spots with his brother, and decides to convince Hudson that they’re meant to be together.
Honestly, I was a bit weirded out at first by the brothers swapping their lovers. It’s just odd, and the family reunions are probably going to be a tad awkward. But I got with the program pretty quickly. Especially when Miguel returns home and we get one of those signature love-at-first-sight scenes that Mary does so well.
I can’t help but root for Mary’s couples, no matter how quickly they go from strangers to soulmates.
I do have to say that Dalvon was a complete prick. No matter how many excuses Hudson made for him, I didn’t see him as anything other than a gold-digging immature brat. Plus, there was that whole drama at the end that Dalvon didn’t see fit to inform his brother and ex about. I didn’t understand how Miguel, let alone Hudson, put up with Dalvon for so long.
The reason that I’m not giving this book 4 stars is because I don’t think readers really get a good look at Miguel. He doesn’t show up in the book until after the first third, and then there are just a series of events strung together that don’t give much time to actually get to know Miguel. The book is fairly short to begin with, so he doesn’t get all that much page-time.
I think either bringing Miguel in earlier or adding a few more pages that focused on Miguel and Hudson together would have rounded everything out better.
In any case, ‘Lay it Down’ is a quick and enjoyable read, with a sweet romance, a bit of action, and some steamy sex. Recommended for fans of Mary Calmes.
March 17, 2016
A classic Mary Calmes read, praise Her name.
What I was disappointed about: I would have liked a lot more details about Hudson getting the businesses on track. This opening section of the book was my favorite, and gave me happy feels. As it is, Hudson decides to fix the businesses, we get one day of work and a list in a filofax, and then suddenly it's months later and he's done it all. In the spirit of books like Peacock Emporium, or even Chances, I would have been up for day-to-day details of the struggle to make something solid, and not the insta-fix we got.
Which makes the second thing I'd change the too-early appearance of Miguel and the Blam-Slammingly-Instant HEA between Miguel and Hudson. Miguel appears at 35% and the entire plot of the first third of the book disappears, because it's all been resolved. I would have liked a little chase. A little more tension.
This is not uncommon with Mary's books, but I'd like her to work on integrating all aspects of the plot into one well-rounded read, not giving me one part of the plot to conclusion, then switching to another aspect.
But, you know, it's Mary Calmes. There was a spasming channel and wish fulfillment. How could I not enjoy it? If you like her work then in Lay It Down you can expect to get exactly what you think you will.
***
a new Mary Calmes!
*does a little dance*
(it's the Electric Slide. Jory taught me how).
What I was disappointed about: I would have liked a lot more details about Hudson getting the businesses on track. This opening section of the book was my favorite, and gave me happy feels. As it is, Hudson decides to fix the businesses, we get one day of work and a list in a filofax, and then suddenly it's months later and he's done it all. In the spirit of books like Peacock Emporium, or even Chances, I would have been up for day-to-day details of the struggle to make something solid, and not the insta-fix we got.
Which makes the second thing I'd change the too-early appearance of Miguel and the Blam-Slammingly-Instant HEA between Miguel and Hudson. Miguel appears at 35% and the entire plot of the first third of the book disappears, because it's all been resolved. I would have liked a little chase. A little more tension.
This is not uncommon with Mary's books, but I'd like her to work on integrating all aspects of the plot into one well-rounded read, not giving me one part of the plot to conclusion, then switching to another aspect.
But, you know, it's Mary Calmes. There was a spasming channel and wish fulfillment. How could I not enjoy it? If you like her work then in Lay It Down you can expect to get exactly what you think you will.
***
a new Mary Calmes!
*does a little dance*
(it's the Electric Slide. Jory taught me how).
March 25, 2016
This is a short, fast paced novella that hits the ground running from the moment it begins.
Hudson Barber is stranded at his brother's lover's villa in Ibiza and isn't happy about it. One good thing is his brother's lover, Miguel García Arquero, is traveling and won't be home for months.
Forced to wait for his passport to be returned to him, because Hudson's unwilling to turn in his twin, Dalvon, who's the one who stole it in the first place, Hudson decides to turn lemons into lemonade by taking over the care of the home and businesses his brother left flagging in Miguel's absence as an "intern" in order to continue school without losing time in the pursuit of his MBA.
When Miguel returns to the villa it's to find his lover gone, but his businesses and home prospering. When he lays eyes on Hudson the sparks fly and the two fall quickly for each other.
Told entirely from Hudson's POV, the reader is immersed in the middle of the action of the story from page one. There's no time for lollygagging - the pace is brisk. I love Mary Calmes' characters, her writing style...it all rings my bells. Once again Mary Calmes delivers an entertaining story with humor and heat.
Look, I'm not even playing. I drank the Kool-Aid a long time ago. I am able to suspend my disbelief very easily when it comes to Calmes' breakneck insta-love, no condoms required love stories that she is famous for...and I LOVE THEM. Lay it Down is no exception.
Recommended.
Advanced Review Copy of Lay It Down provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Hudson Barber is stranded at his brother's lover's villa in Ibiza and isn't happy about it. One good thing is his brother's lover, Miguel García Arquero, is traveling and won't be home for months.
Forced to wait for his passport to be returned to him, because Hudson's unwilling to turn in his twin, Dalvon, who's the one who stole it in the first place, Hudson decides to turn lemons into lemonade by taking over the care of the home and businesses his brother left flagging in Miguel's absence as an "intern" in order to continue school without losing time in the pursuit of his MBA.
When Miguel returns to the villa it's to find his lover gone, but his businesses and home prospering. When he lays eyes on Hudson the sparks fly and the two fall quickly for each other.
Told entirely from Hudson's POV, the reader is immersed in the middle of the action of the story from page one. There's no time for lollygagging - the pace is brisk. I love Mary Calmes' characters, her writing style...it all rings my bells. Once again Mary Calmes delivers an entertaining story with humor and heat.
Look, I'm not even playing. I drank the Kool-Aid a long time ago. I am able to suspend my disbelief very easily when it comes to Calmes' breakneck insta-love, no condoms required love stories that she is famous for...and I LOVE THEM. Lay it Down is no exception.
Recommended.
Advanced Review Copy of Lay It Down provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
March 22, 2016
New Calmes...
Lay It Down on my face.
Twice.
Review soonish. ;P
Lay It Down on my face.
Twice.
Review soonish. ;P
May 11, 2019
5/18/2017 Month of Mary reread
5/11/2019 Month of Mary reread: that did not improve with time. I won't change my original rating because I loved this the first time.
----------original review 3/16/2016------------
Jory?... I mean Jin?... No? Hudson is at it again. Ok. Seriously. This is Mary Calmes crack at its best. I loved every formulaic bit of it.
5/11/2019 Month of Mary reread: that did not improve with time. I won't change my original rating because I loved this the first time.
----------original review 3/16/2016------------
April 2, 2017
Well... I love Mary Calmes, her books are like crack to me, so it pains me to say, that this was not one of my favorites. I liked it, but I didn't love it. For me it was too fast pased.
Hudson is in spain, stuck in a villa owned by his brothers lover. His brother took his pasport and left Hudson there, to deal with Miguel when he comes back from bussines. Hudsons brother is a giant douchebag !!
Hudson decides, that as long as he is stuck, he might as well make himself usefull, which he does. He turns Miguels bussineses around, making them quite succesfull, because everything Hudson touches turns to gold (sound familiar ??) Everybody loves Hudson and they all want him to stay. At times like these I miss Jory...I love you Jory !!!
Then the day comes, that Miguel returns. Now this is where the insta-love/lust kicks in, because these two were fucking each other bareback within hours after meeting !! Too fast...and stupid. I could look past the insta thing, but what really bothered me, is that Miguel was fucking Hudsons brother not too long ago. I don't think I could ever be with someone that has been with my sister. Then again, I do believe in love and you can't always choose who you fall in love with.
That's why I think I would have enjoyed this storyline way more, if their love would have grown over time, instead of within 2 days (they were declaring their love within 2 days).
To make matters weirder, Hudsons brother ran (fled) away, to hook up with Hudsons ex-boyfriend and is now fucking him....This was all a bit much for me. I am by no means a prude, but I just didn't find all of this very romantic. Maybe over time it would have been, but it all happend so fast, that I just didn't feel the connection between the mc's.
Like I said, this is all personal preference, so don't let it stop you from reading this book. The mc's were pretty like-able to me. Hudson had a bit of a Jory aura...Although Jory will always be my favorite ;)
3 stars from me....and I absolutely hated Hudsons brother, what a douchecano...I can't believe everybody just forgave him for his douchebaggery !!!
Hudson is in spain, stuck in a villa owned by his brothers lover. His brother took his pasport and left Hudson there, to deal with Miguel when he comes back from bussines. Hudsons brother is a giant douchebag !!
Hudson decides, that as long as he is stuck, he might as well make himself usefull, which he does. He turns Miguels bussineses around, making them quite succesfull, because everything Hudson touches turns to gold (sound familiar ??) Everybody loves Hudson and they all want him to stay. At times like these I miss Jory...I love you Jory !!!
Then the day comes, that Miguel returns. Now this is where the insta-love/lust kicks in, because these two were fucking each other bareback within hours after meeting !! Too fast...and stupid. I could look past the insta thing, but what really bothered me, is that Miguel was fucking Hudsons brother not too long ago. I don't think I could ever be with someone that has been with my sister. Then again, I do believe in love and you can't always choose who you fall in love with.
That's why I think I would have enjoyed this storyline way more, if their love would have grown over time, instead of within 2 days (they were declaring their love within 2 days).
To make matters weirder, Hudsons brother ran (fled) away, to hook up with Hudsons ex-boyfriend and is now fucking him....This was all a bit much for me. I am by no means a prude, but I just didn't find all of this very romantic. Maybe over time it would have been, but it all happend so fast, that I just didn't feel the connection between the mc's.
Like I said, this is all personal preference, so don't let it stop you from reading this book. The mc's were pretty like-able to me. Hudson had a bit of a Jory aura...Although Jory will always be my favorite ;)
3 stars from me....and I absolutely hated Hudsons brother, what a douchecano...I can't believe everybody just forgave him for his douchebaggery !!!
October 13, 2024
This is a short one, and I thought (incredulously) that I'd escaped the Mary Calmes formula... till right up to the very end! 😂
March 22, 2016
I think that I liked half of this book.
It is no secret that I freaking love Mary Calmes. I mean, deep down love her. And this book fit what I expect from her almost perfectly. It had all the things that I love about her books but…
I think a ¼ of it felt missing. I don’t know what it was. I knew going in that the story was going to just start with a bang. I knew that I was going to be thrown right in the mix. I expected that, but, but…I don’t know. I just felt like something wasn’t where it should have been.
And the other ¼ of the book I just didn’t like. I didn’t like the setup. This is all me though. There was just something off to me about the whole brother thing. I dunno.
But the characters and the crazy and the food and clothes and the hot fucking? All that, was spot on Mary and I loved it.
I just didn’t love it all and I am very sad.
It is no secret that I freaking love Mary Calmes. I mean, deep down love her. And this book fit what I expect from her almost perfectly. It had all the things that I love about her books but…
I think a ¼ of it felt missing. I don’t know what it was. I knew going in that the story was going to just start with a bang. I knew that I was going to be thrown right in the mix. I expected that, but, but…I don’t know. I just felt like something wasn’t where it should have been.
And the other ¼ of the book I just didn’t like. I didn’t like the setup. This is all me though. There was just something off to me about the whole brother thing. I dunno.
But the characters and the crazy and the food and clothes and the hot fucking? All that, was spot on Mary and I loved it.
I just didn’t love it all and I am very sad.
March 20, 2016
Naturally it made no sense at all, but that's fine, I knew what I was getting into.
It didn't seem like top-shelf Mary tho, the crazy was dialled back and all the digressions and folderol were missing. There should have been another 80-100 pages of random shit that didn't remotely matter--that's why we're all here.
Plus "Hudson"? Not a good name. "Dacron" or whatever-the-hell? Terrible.
It didn't seem like top-shelf Mary tho, the crazy was dialled back and all the digressions and folderol were missing. There should have been another 80-100 pages of random shit that didn't remotely matter--that's why we're all here.
Plus "Hudson"? Not a good name. "Dacron" or whatever-the-hell? Terrible.
April 12, 2016
While 'Lay It Down' followed a lot of the formula that I've come to expect from a Mary Calmes book for me there was just something missing. It came down to sometimes the story worked and sometimes it just didn't. So while it was an enjoyable read overall, it didn't leave me over the moon about the characters or events that happened. I think it was mostly because I kept feeling like I wanted a little more detail. I think if things that happened had been fleshed out a little more I would have felt more connected to the characters or even the story in general, but they weren't and I didn't so at the end of it that fact is neither here nor there.
While this was only an ok read for me, I'm still good with that because if we didn't have the bad books, or the ones that are just ok. How would we recognize the truly awesome ones that leave us with book hangovers and make us want to read them over and over again?
While this was only an ok read for me, I'm still good with that because if we didn't have the bad books, or the ones that are just ok. How would we recognize the truly awesome ones that leave us with book hangovers and make us want to read them over and over again?
March 16, 2016
3.5 Stars for Lay it Down ~
Full Review Posted at Alpha Book Club
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
Full Review Posted at Alpha Book Club
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
March 21, 2016
I adored this book. It was sweet and fast-paced. Plus, Mary makes me smile with her words and that's never a bad thing.
May 21, 2020
This had to be one of the most ridiculous books I’ve read in some time. I don’t even know where to begin. The way Hudson takes over and everything just suddenly starts working perfectly. His brother leaving him to deal with gun smugglers after he gave a million dollars worth of guns to the police.
I have read several books by a Mary Calmes and truly enjoyed them. This book just didn’t work for me.
I have read several books by a Mary Calmes and truly enjoyed them. This book just didn’t work for me.
February 26, 2016
Title: Lay It Down Author: Mary Calmes Publisher:DreamspinnerPress
Reviewer: Anya Release Date: March 16, 2016
Heat Level: 3.5 out of 5 Rating: 3.5 (rounded up) stars out of 5
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*
As soon as I saw a new Calmes, instant *Happy dance* ensued. Whenever I review a book by one of my "Titans" (authors who's work I love so much I buy their books blindly), I tend to rate their books against their body of work . Seriously, if I were to compare their books to the rest of MM market at large that I've read, each of their books would consistently earn 5 stars from me and that just isn't fair. But lets forget me and focus on what YOU want to know which is: Is it worth the read? Uhm, "Yes!"
The blurb pretty much tells you what the story is about so no need to go over that. I'll just tell you why I liked the book. Whenever I read a book I keep one thought in mind. How did the book make me feel? Did I enjoy myself while reading the book? Did I care about the characters?
In this instance, Yup. I did.
The MC's
Need a lesson on how to make a voice sound like sex on a stick? Ask Mary, how it's done!
I want to meet Miguel, just to hear him speak. I want to experience Ibiza ( the setting) simply because Miguel makes Ibiza sound so exciting. Reading about how Miguel’s accent drive Hudson absolutely over the edge when they finally get together would make any reader wish their man had an accent too. Trust me. Miguel embodies everything that on paper makes me swoon. He's rich, handsome, loves his mama and most of all possessive without being controlling. Can I have one those please?
Then there's Hudson .
I LOVE Hudson. I love how strong he is. I love how determined he is to make his own way. I admire his restraint in not wringing his twin’s neck! Seriously. If I had a sibling like Dalvon, I would be in jail. After all, it's about trust & loyalty and in my humble opinion Dalvon took advantage of his brother in every way imaginable. Hudson is a realistic relateable character. A Lot of his struggles are things I identify with and reading how he overcomes those struggles is……..
Overall, I consider Lay it Down as Mary Calmes “light”. It's not as angsty or heavy in comparison to other Calmes books. This one almost Harlequinny but enjoyable.
If you haven’t read Mary Calmes, I highly recommend her Matter of Time series A Matter of Time or if you prefer shifters try her Change of Heart series Change of Heart. Love them both
One of my all time favorite Calmes character is Sebastian, from her Timing series. Definitely give those books a spin first. You'll be hooked on Calmes like the rest of us Calmes crack addicts :)
Reviewer: Anya Release Date: March 16, 2016
Heat Level: 3.5 out of 5 Rating: 3.5 (rounded up) stars out of 5
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*
As soon as I saw a new Calmes, instant *Happy dance* ensued. Whenever I review a book by one of my "Titans" (authors who's work I love so much I buy their books blindly), I tend to rate their books against their body of work . Seriously, if I were to compare their books to the rest of MM market at large that I've read, each of their books would consistently earn 5 stars from me and that just isn't fair. But lets forget me and focus on what YOU want to know which is: Is it worth the read? Uhm, "Yes!"
The blurb pretty much tells you what the story is about so no need to go over that. I'll just tell you why I liked the book. Whenever I read a book I keep one thought in mind. How did the book make me feel? Did I enjoy myself while reading the book? Did I care about the characters?
In this instance, Yup. I did.
The MC's
Need a lesson on how to make a voice sound like sex on a stick? Ask Mary, how it's done!
I want to meet Miguel, just to hear him speak. I want to experience Ibiza ( the setting) simply because Miguel makes Ibiza sound so exciting. Reading about how Miguel’s accent drive Hudson absolutely over the edge when they finally get together would make any reader wish their man had an accent too. Trust me. Miguel embodies everything that on paper makes me swoon. He's rich, handsome, loves his mama and most of all possessive without being controlling. Can I have one those please?
Then there's Hudson .
I LOVE Hudson. I love how strong he is. I love how determined he is to make his own way. I admire his restraint in not wringing his twin’s neck! Seriously. If I had a sibling like Dalvon, I would be in jail. After all, it's about trust & loyalty and in my humble opinion Dalvon took advantage of his brother in every way imaginable. Hudson is a realistic relateable character. A Lot of his struggles are things I identify with and reading how he overcomes those struggles is……..
Overall, I consider Lay it Down as Mary Calmes “light”. It's not as angsty or heavy in comparison to other Calmes books. This one almost Harlequinny but enjoyable.
If you haven’t read Mary Calmes, I highly recommend her Matter of Time series A Matter of Time or if you prefer shifters try her Change of Heart series Change of Heart. Love them both
One of my all time favorite Calmes character is Sebastian, from her Timing series. Definitely give those books a spin first. You'll be hooked on Calmes like the rest of us Calmes crack addicts :)
July 1, 2023
I of course loved it. I loved Hudson and Miguel Mary Calmes is one of my favorite authors in the M/M romance genre. I love how she writes her guys. I love an alpha guy but I also love how she writes their love interest , who usually don't take any mess. I loved this story and would love a book about his brother.
September 29, 2016
Look, I love Alexander Collins. Whether he's narrating as Collins or under his Mark Westfield pseudonym, I love his work. I'm a fan.
Maybe it's because half my family is Spanish and the other half is Australian. So I'm bound to be a tough sell when it comes to accents, but this narration did not work for me. While Alexander Collins has many talents: conveying emotion, clever use of props, great delivery...I wouldn't classify accents as his strong suit and this story has a strong requirement of Spanish/Ibizan accent work. He didn't rock the accents. In fact, for the main bad guy I heard two different UK-ish accents.
The rest of his performance is solid, but the accent work almost killed my enjoyment of this story.
I would recommend to proceed with caution.
Audio copy of Lay It Down provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
March 17, 2016
Ok, just a couple of things, it's not rude in Spain to walk around the house barefoot. Also 'tortilla española' is NOT a potato dish with cheese xD
That said, I usually enjoy Mary Calmes and I liked this one too, not as much as I usually do with her, but it was still nice.
That said, I usually enjoy Mary Calmes and I liked this one too, not as much as I usually do with her, but it was still nice.
February 2, 2018
Not happy that Miguel is the ex of Hudson’s twin bro. Really yucky premise coz Dalvon, Hudson’s twin, hooks up with Hudson’s ex. They exchanged partners and body fluids and possibly STDs
May 17, 2019
**Audio Re-Read**
Weeeellll…I didn’t like that at all this time. I can tell I didn’t like it much the first time but I was much more forgiving then it seems and not so much this time.
It is a sad day when I don’t love one of Mary’s books. A sad, sad day.
I didn’t like the narration and normally that isn't something I notice. I usually just like the books being read to me and never really have too much of an opinion on who is reading but this, well, I didn’t like it.
I don’t think I’m a fan of the family member swap type of story. Regardless of the level of the relationship it just seems ick.
I still love Mary and nothing will ever change my love for her but I can see why some of her stories make people crazy. This one was waaaaaayyyy out there.
So, this is one of those times when a re-read of a story is a bad thing. Bummer.
Weeeellll…I didn’t like that at all this time. I can tell I didn’t like it much the first time but I was much more forgiving then it seems and not so much this time.
It is a sad day when I don’t love one of Mary’s books. A sad, sad day.
I didn’t like the narration and normally that isn't something I notice. I usually just like the books being read to me and never really have too much of an opinion on who is reading but this, well, I didn’t like it.
I don’t think I’m a fan of the family member swap type of story. Regardless of the level of the relationship it just seems ick.
I still love Mary and nothing will ever change my love for her but I can see why some of her stories make people crazy. This one was waaaaaayyyy out there.
So, this is one of those times when a re-read of a story is a bad thing. Bummer.
Read
September 19, 2016Now my only choice was to lay everything down and surrender.
I adore the stories from Mary Calmes, so very much.
This was exactly what I needed after an emotional read. I needed to get lost in a book and feel all the gooey feelings, because goo is good.
We meet one Hudson Barber (a fellow ginger) as we wakes to a distraction outside and below his bedroom window. Hudson quickly handles the situation, with the attitude only a Calmes leading man can pull off and then we learn a bit about Hudson.
You see, Hudson has been stranded in a gorgeous villa on the island of Ibiza. He’s been stranded by his weenie twin brother Dalvon who has taken away any quick escape Hudson could have to get off the island. Dalvon was supposed to be marrying one Miguel García Arquero Spanish shipping magnate and um also, sugar daddy, but weenie twin brother has bailed and wants Hudson to clean up the mess he’s left. It’s a good thing Hudson is a man of integrity and knows how to get things done.
Hopefully, if I do a good job until Miguel gets here, maybe he’ll buy me a ticket home.
I love how we begin the book smack down in the middle of this situation. It lent to the story and to the character of Hudson. We see straight away how he handles a stressful situation and his ability to not only do damage control but to acclimate himself to the employees and people of importance to Miguel and his businesses. It was interesting that we see Hudsondoing all of this and know that Miguel won’t be back for some time and despite the “engagement” to his twin brother, Hudson and Miguel have never met.
“We don’t run with the same crowd, Miguel and I. We’ve never actually met.”
“But now he has a rare opportunity to change his life.”
I was so anxious for these two to meet. Being told that Miguel likes his men to be submissive and from the looks of Dalvon, a bit of a boy toy, I was jonseing for Miguel to see the strong, strapping Hudson kicking ass, taking names and though he won’t admit it, becoming part of this eclectic family at the villa and on Ibiza.
And then when it happened? I giggled, squirmed, smiled and hugged the hell out of my Nook because this is the reason I love Mary Calmes. The instant attraction. The instant lust. The instant OMG I WANT YOU AND I DON’T CARE WHY!! Yeah, this is my kinda Calmes.
In seconds, the need was there, pounding and insistent, to have those eyes on me all the time, forever and ever. How crazy was that?
I am too frigging happy right now to go into detail but I can without a doubt tell you I loved the hell out of Hudson and Miguel. So so so much. Le sigh. I’m a happy freaking ginger right now.
Lay it Down has everything you could ask for from Mary Calmes, as it’s the classic story telling that has me and my friends jumping on the MC train and never getting off. There are shenanigans, there is the alpha male, there is insta-lust, there is hot sex, there are the flutters of emotions and yeah, there is romance. Ah, the romance.
July 6, 2023
The joy of a new release by Mary Calmes is almost indescribable. However, if you, like me, read everything she writes, then you'll understand when I say that girly squeals might have come from my throat this time. Just saying. Not to mention the description for 'Lay it Down' sounded absolutely fabulous, and just what I needed. A sweet, funny, hot romance, between a billionaire and a guy who always needs to be in control. Or, as Miguel's mother said, and I'm paraphrasing, "a tiger and a panther."
"I kept people at a distance; Dalvon clung to everyone, hoping against hope that this time, this person would keep him and stick around."
I adored Hudson and the fantastic collection of colorful secondary characters right from the start. I did feel bad for Hudson that his twin brother was such an impossible jerk, but I was excited to see what Hudson was going to do with the businesses until he got his passport back and was able to go home to his life. If only the success that Hudson created was as easy to do in real life. But that's why I read fiction. *grins*
“Looking up at him, I was worried for a second that maybe he was upset, but the way he was staring at me, watching his fingers move though the strands of my red hair, he was not. He was enjoying touching me, and my stomach clenched tight in reaction. So fast. I’d never fallen for anyone in my life this fast. It was absolutely terrifying."
Oh my goodness. Hudson and Miguel were FUN. Hot and totally sexy, but fun. Miguel flustered Hudson so much, and Hudson turned the billionaire into a bit of a romantic! Dalvon, however, forgot to mention one tiny little detail about the other reason he needed to leave Ibiza, and again, he left Hudson holding the bag. Hudson, being the good man that he is and knowing his twin well - having taken care of him his whole life - does the right thing, but now he finally has someone standing by his side.
Loved it! Mary, honestly my friend, is there anything you can't write well? This was wonderful, and I fell in love with Hudson and Miguel, but mostly Hudson. I understood his insecurities and vulnerabilities. I would be thrilled to see more of these two, but I understand - their story is told. Thank you, Mary!
"I kept people at a distance; Dalvon clung to everyone, hoping against hope that this time, this person would keep him and stick around."
I adored Hudson and the fantastic collection of colorful secondary characters right from the start. I did feel bad for Hudson that his twin brother was such an impossible jerk, but I was excited to see what Hudson was going to do with the businesses until he got his passport back and was able to go home to his life. If only the success that Hudson created was as easy to do in real life. But that's why I read fiction. *grins*
“Looking up at him, I was worried for a second that maybe he was upset, but the way he was staring at me, watching his fingers move though the strands of my red hair, he was not. He was enjoying touching me, and my stomach clenched tight in reaction. So fast. I’d never fallen for anyone in my life this fast. It was absolutely terrifying."
Oh my goodness. Hudson and Miguel were FUN. Hot and totally sexy, but fun. Miguel flustered Hudson so much, and Hudson turned the billionaire into a bit of a romantic! Dalvon, however, forgot to mention one tiny little detail about the other reason he needed to leave Ibiza, and again, he left Hudson holding the bag. Hudson, being the good man that he is and knowing his twin well - having taken care of him his whole life - does the right thing, but now he finally has someone standing by his side.
Loved it! Mary, honestly my friend, is there anything you can't write well? This was wonderful, and I fell in love with Hudson and Miguel, but mostly Hudson. I understood his insecurities and vulnerabilities. I would be thrilled to see more of these two, but I understand - their story is told. Thank you, Mary!
March 31, 2017
OMG DNF'd at 57%.
I put up with the Mary Calmes hero being just so perfect! And clever! And all the servants love him! And so does everyone else on Ibiza (pulling their forelocks and bowing as they rightfully should - not because they are Spanish, but because it's a Mary Calmes hero!), and he is just so incredibly handsome with no idea that he is, and with a troubled sad past!!! Because, you know, Mary Calmes. And he just so effortlessly fixed up all the businesses in about 5 minutes because it is just that easy when you are near the end of your MBA!!!!
All that is part of the deal with a Mary Calmes done on a bad day. (Most of her more recent stuff is less like this thank God).
I DNF'd it because the Billionaire turns up to check on things, and immediately hits on the MC and keeps pawing him and Hudson seems to see this as acceptable behaviour. And it's meant to be romantic. No it isn't. It's sexual harassment. And it says nothing good about the Billionaire's judgement nor anything positive about him as a relationship prospect.
In romance, HEAs are meant to be a good thing, and it wouldn't be here. So I'm off.
I put up with the Mary Calmes hero being just so perfect! And clever! And all the servants love him! And so does everyone else on Ibiza (pulling their forelocks and bowing as they rightfully should - not because they are Spanish, but because it's a Mary Calmes hero!), and he is just so incredibly handsome with no idea that he is, and with a troubled sad past!!! Because, you know, Mary Calmes. And he just so effortlessly fixed up all the businesses in about 5 minutes because it is just that easy when you are near the end of your MBA!!!!
All that is part of the deal with a Mary Calmes done on a bad day. (Most of her more recent stuff is less like this thank God).
I DNF'd it because the Billionaire turns up to check on things, and immediately hits on the MC and keeps pawing him and Hudson seems to see this as acceptable behaviour. And it's meant to be romantic. No it isn't. It's sexual harassment. And it says nothing good about the Billionaire's judgement nor anything positive about him as a relationship prospect.
In romance, HEAs are meant to be a good thing, and it wouldn't be here. So I'm off.
March 16, 2016
3.5 Stars ~ I totally want to go to Ibiza now. End review.
Haha. I kid…I kid. *whispers* Though, I totally do want to go to Ibiza.
Lay It Down was a mixed bag for me. There were things I liked—things that were classic Mary Calmes that made me smile or swoon. And then there were things that unfortunately just didn’t work for me as well. Honestly, I think the story was simply too short. With something like twenty previously published novellas and short stories under her belt, she really is a master at books this length, and I’ve personally adored every one that I’ve read up until now. But, this one definitely needed fleshing out in some areas.
The story starts off with a bang. We’ve got American tourist, Hudson Barber (I love that name), a Spanish villa on the oh-so-beautiful Mediterranean island of Ibiza, and absentee wealthy businessman, Miguel Garcia Arquero. We’re immediately dropped into the thick of things—with Hudson waking up to arguing outside the bedroom window, and being mistaken by the villa’s staff as his brother Dalvon. The ball gets rolling from there. I usually like the way Calmes likes to jump right into her stories, but this one had me scrambling a little bit at first to wrap my head around what was going on.
I liked Hudson a lot. He was fun, and sharp, and seemed like a genuinely caring person. He was great at reading people, and I loved how he just sort of got them right away. I didn’t find it incredibly realistic that he walked into three failing businesses and basically fixed them each in one day…BUT, he is very intelligent, and great at working with people, so it was no surprise that after a few months he had things running smoothly. And, I also liked what he was able to work out with his graduate program in order to earn credits for his MBA while in Ibiza.
After Hudson has been on Ibiza for about four months, Miguel arrives on the scene. I would have liked it much better if Miguel had made his appearance in the book sooner. Miguel is a good guy. I liked him. And, ultimately I liked him and Hudson together. But, as it was, with him showing up so late, the romance was just so, so rushed and insta-lovey.
That being said…these guys really were sweet together. I liked how Miguel really saw Hudson and made it clear that he intended to keep him, which Hudson needed so badly. I think it’s no secret that Mary Calmes can write shmoop like nobody’s business, and she definitely did that here. This bit made me melt:
'Mi vida. My life. I liked that one the best, and damn, he wasn’t playing fair. I was a sucker for all the pet names he used. They sounded so real when he said them because of the way his voice deepened, rumbled, dredging the words up from his soul, where his love for me lived."
Your love for me lives in your soul????? Swooooooooooooon.
I’m gonna leave it there. There was good: supporting cast was fun as always; fabulous descriptions of the digs and the eats; and some funny, romantic banter and a fair amount of swoon. Annnd, there was not so good: Dalvon; all the rushing leading to some contrived plot points that required a bit too much suspension of disbelief at the end. Like I said, a bit of a mixed bag. But, if you love a quick read with a bit of fun and some ooey-gooey love-at-first-sight, you just might eat this up!
Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach Reviews
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
Haha. I kid…I kid. *whispers* Though, I totally do want to go to Ibiza.
Lay It Down was a mixed bag for me. There were things I liked—things that were classic Mary Calmes that made me smile or swoon. And then there were things that unfortunately just didn’t work for me as well. Honestly, I think the story was simply too short. With something like twenty previously published novellas and short stories under her belt, she really is a master at books this length, and I’ve personally adored every one that I’ve read up until now. But, this one definitely needed fleshing out in some areas.
The story starts off with a bang. We’ve got American tourist, Hudson Barber (I love that name), a Spanish villa on the oh-so-beautiful Mediterranean island of Ibiza, and absentee wealthy businessman, Miguel Garcia Arquero. We’re immediately dropped into the thick of things—with Hudson waking up to arguing outside the bedroom window, and being mistaken by the villa’s staff as his brother Dalvon. The ball gets rolling from there. I usually like the way Calmes likes to jump right into her stories, but this one had me scrambling a little bit at first to wrap my head around what was going on.
I liked Hudson a lot. He was fun, and sharp, and seemed like a genuinely caring person. He was great at reading people, and I loved how he just sort of got them right away. I didn’t find it incredibly realistic that he walked into three failing businesses and basically fixed them each in one day…BUT, he is very intelligent, and great at working with people, so it was no surprise that after a few months he had things running smoothly. And, I also liked what he was able to work out with his graduate program in order to earn credits for his MBA while in Ibiza.
After Hudson has been on Ibiza for about four months, Miguel arrives on the scene. I would have liked it much better if Miguel had made his appearance in the book sooner. Miguel is a good guy. I liked him. And, ultimately I liked him and Hudson together. But, as it was, with him showing up so late, the romance was just so, so rushed and insta-lovey.
That being said…these guys really were sweet together. I liked how Miguel really saw Hudson and made it clear that he intended to keep him, which Hudson needed so badly. I think it’s no secret that Mary Calmes can write shmoop like nobody’s business, and she definitely did that here. This bit made me melt:
'Mi vida. My life. I liked that one the best, and damn, he wasn’t playing fair. I was a sucker for all the pet names he used. They sounded so real when he said them because of the way his voice deepened, rumbled, dredging the words up from his soul, where his love for me lived."
Your love for me lives in your soul????? Swooooooooooooon.
I’m gonna leave it there. There was good: supporting cast was fun as always; fabulous descriptions of the digs and the eats; and some funny, romantic banter and a fair amount of swoon. Annnd, there was not so good: Dalvon; all the rushing leading to some contrived plot points that required a bit too much suspension of disbelief at the end. Like I said, a bit of a mixed bag. But, if you love a quick read with a bit of fun and some ooey-gooey love-at-first-sight, you just might eat this up!
Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach Reviews
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
March 17, 2016
1.5 stars
I love Mary Calmes but this one just didn't do it for me. I hated a good amount of it. It hit on a lot of pet peeves for me and I was very angry and frustrated for a majority of the read.
Present where some of the personal touches Mary puts into her stories but the rest of it was just something else. Hudson was an absolute sweetheart with the heart of gold, looking after his twin brother and picking up his messes. Miguel, we don't really get too much info. about him besides the fact that he's rich and his people (employees and mom) love him.
Dalvon was a major pain in the bum. I hated him at the start, I hated in the middle and I really really hated him at the end. I wanted bad things to happen to him. I never hated a character as badly as I hated him. He really ruined the story for me. I didn't like how he treated/tricked Hudson, his only living relative. That's just not something family does, at least family that claims to love you. Hudson was a banging big brother and I was sad to see him saddled with a very shitty twin brother.
The relationship development with Miguel was nonexistent. It went from meeting to loving and fucking. There was no buildup and throwing safe sex to the wind because you felt it was right just didn't sit well with me. Usually I don't make a big deal about it in the stories I read but I just couldn't deal with it this time.
The part when Escamilla and Goya first met with Hudson to discuss Dalvon and the gun dealers was another portion of the story that didn't sit well. When Hudson wanted to make a all to his brother to chew him out. The two cops stopped him claiming that the gun dealers may be monitoring him. The problem with that was that Dalvon and Hudson had had a couple of conversations on the phone before. If this had been an issue the gun dealers would have already known Hudson and Dalvon switched places.
Hudson's decision to stay behind and transfer his credits even though he only had a year left at the college in Boston was the last straw for me. He was just giving and giving and I didn't feel like anyone had to give as much as he did. Yes, he got Miguel and a new family in trade but I felt he lost all control of his own life. That it got taken and he wouldn't ever get it back. I wanted to see compromise and it just wasn't there.
I love Mary Calmes but this one just didn't do it for me. I hated a good amount of it. It hit on a lot of pet peeves for me and I was very angry and frustrated for a majority of the read.
Present where some of the personal touches Mary puts into her stories but the rest of it was just something else. Hudson was an absolute sweetheart with the heart of gold, looking after his twin brother and picking up his messes. Miguel, we don't really get too much info. about him besides the fact that he's rich and his people (employees and mom) love him.
Dalvon was a major pain in the bum. I hated him at the start, I hated in the middle and I really really hated him at the end. I wanted bad things to happen to him. I never hated a character as badly as I hated him. He really ruined the story for me. I didn't like how he treated/tricked Hudson, his only living relative. That's just not something family does, at least family that claims to love you. Hudson was a banging big brother and I was sad to see him saddled with a very shitty twin brother.
The relationship development with Miguel was nonexistent. It went from meeting to loving and fucking. There was no buildup and throwing safe sex to the wind because you felt it was right just didn't sit well with me. Usually I don't make a big deal about it in the stories I read but I just couldn't deal with it this time.
The part when Escamilla and Goya first met with Hudson to discuss Dalvon and the gun dealers was another portion of the story that didn't sit well. When Hudson wanted to make a all to his brother to chew him out. The two cops stopped him claiming that the gun dealers may be monitoring him. The problem with that was that Dalvon and Hudson had had a couple of conversations on the phone before. If this had been an issue the gun dealers would have already known Hudson and Dalvon switched places.
Hudson's decision to stay behind and transfer his credits even though he only had a year left at the college in Boston was the last straw for me. He was just giving and giving and I didn't feel like anyone had to give as much as he did. Yes, he got Miguel and a new family in trade but I felt he lost all control of his own life. That it got taken and he wouldn't ever get it back. I wanted to see compromise and it just wasn't there.
August 27, 2016
Hudson and Dal are twins. Dal has always been the “pretty” one and Hudson the more practical and down to earth. When Dal finally finds a “steady guy” Hudson couldn’t be happier. All he has ever wanted is for Dal to find some security so Hudson could relax on his protectiveness.
Hudson is out at the Villa with Dal – thinking all’s well, when he wakes up “hung over” one morning to find that Dal has left with his ID and essentially stranded him there in Ibiza while Dal goes back to the states to take up with Hudson’s ex-boyfriend!
Instead of crying over spilled milk, Hudson takes the opportunity to use his education and he makes himself an “internship” of fixing up Miguel’s companies here on the island.
When Miguel returns, he’s expecting to find pretty but vacant Dal – instead he finds Hudson, capable and in charge and oh so attractive.
**
Mary has this way of making her guys deliciously clueless about how awesome they are. Hudson is so smart and great and he doesn’t know it! I loved that Miguel immediately clues in to the situation and there’s no “big misunderstanding” about it – just straightforwardness.
The smexy times are hot – as usual! – and the peeling back the layers of Hudson is fun and clever. But…I wish we’d gotten to know Miguel a bit better – he seems totally dreamy and of course being a billionaire is exciting – but he’s not really in the story much and we don’t get a lot of time with them as a couple. I feel I know his mother better than him… and she’s awesome! I didn’t understand exactly what was going on with Miguel’s family but I loved that Miguel just went with all Hudson’s changes – no questions asked.
This is another highly recommended Mary Calmes story for her fans as well as anyone interested in sweet, hot, humor-filled romance – don’t forget we get a tropical setting to boot!
4 of 5 stars
http://openskyebookreviews.com/lay-it...
Hudson is out at the Villa with Dal – thinking all’s well, when he wakes up “hung over” one morning to find that Dal has left with his ID and essentially stranded him there in Ibiza while Dal goes back to the states to take up with Hudson’s ex-boyfriend!
Instead of crying over spilled milk, Hudson takes the opportunity to use his education and he makes himself an “internship” of fixing up Miguel’s companies here on the island.
When Miguel returns, he’s expecting to find pretty but vacant Dal – instead he finds Hudson, capable and in charge and oh so attractive.
**
Mary has this way of making her guys deliciously clueless about how awesome they are. Hudson is so smart and great and he doesn’t know it! I loved that Miguel immediately clues in to the situation and there’s no “big misunderstanding” about it – just straightforwardness.
The smexy times are hot – as usual! – and the peeling back the layers of Hudson is fun and clever. But…I wish we’d gotten to know Miguel a bit better – he seems totally dreamy and of course being a billionaire is exciting – but he’s not really in the story much and we don’t get a lot of time with them as a couple. I feel I know his mother better than him… and she’s awesome! I didn’t understand exactly what was going on with Miguel’s family but I loved that Miguel just went with all Hudson’s changes – no questions asked.
This is another highly recommended Mary Calmes story for her fans as well as anyone interested in sweet, hot, humor-filled romance – don’t forget we get a tropical setting to boot!
4 of 5 stars
http://openskyebookreviews.com/lay-it...
March 30, 2016
LAY IT DOWN is probably the most unique book that Mary Calmes has written. It’s definitely out there and a bit over the top but from the very first page, you can tell that Calmes is having fun with her writing and I found that I enjoyed myself. The entire premise of this short story is ridiculous but Calmes somehow makes it entertaining as hell.
Hudson Barber has a fraternal twin named Dalvon who was dating a Spanish billionaire by the name of Miguel Garcia Arquero. Strangely enough, Hudson wakes one more and finds himself in Ibiza where his brother has plopped him right in the middle of his own life. At first Hudson is extremely pissed off. He has his own life he wants back, but when he discovers that his brother is now dating his ex, Will, things get even more weirder.
Instead of going back to his life, Hudson starts making changes in his new life, like breathing new life into Miguel’s local business. And when Miguel returns home, he discovers that he is not only happy about the progress that has been made but he seems to happy to see Hudson as well.
This book isn’t a particularly long one and it definitely isn’t one to take seriously either. But by the summary you can tell that Mary Calmes is having fun and trying to write something completely different from what she is known for. I enjoyed it and like I always say, she’s always able to make me fall in love with her characters. Hudson was no exception.
Everything happens at a quick pace, including the romance but when a book is only 126 pages long, you kind of expect it to. If you can throw logic out the window for a moment and allow yourself to enjoy, I have to doubt that you’ll enjoy LAY IT DOWN.
January 20, 2019
Reread: 1/19. I was clearly a little grouchy when reviewing this the first time. I enjoyed it way more on the reread than I would have thought from this review in 2016. Yes, instalovey, yes, implausible, yes, everyone loves him character. But there’s a reason why Calmes’ books are crack to me, it just works for a cozy romance. Sue me.
This book is full on Mary Calmes - the cheese level was high and the characters were very familiar. Dalvan (bad twin) tricked Hudson (Jory-light good twin) into a Freaky Friday life swap when he stole his passport and left him in Ibiza to break up with his billionaire boyfriend for him. Saving of the day and chaos ensued.
Good points:
- Miguel was hot with his Spanish love speak.
- it was a quick easy read
- low angst
Not so good points:
- instalove was just not on point/believable
- enough about Hudson's insecurity about his looks
- Dalvan was such a selfish POS and Good Twin seemed like an enabler
- time jumps all over the place in this story
- so many extra characters who were irrelevant (Brian and James?)
- crime story was too little too late
Not my favorite of hers. But Mary Calmes is always a good one to take a chance on.
This book is full on Mary Calmes - the cheese level was high and the characters were very familiar. Dalvan (bad twin) tricked Hudson (Jory-light good twin) into a Freaky Friday life swap when he stole his passport and left him in Ibiza to break up with his billionaire boyfriend for him. Saving of the day and chaos ensued.
Good points:
- Miguel was hot with his Spanish love speak.
- it was a quick easy read
- low angst
Not so good points:
- instalove was just not on point/believable
- enough about Hudson's insecurity about his looks
- Dalvan was such a selfish POS and Good Twin seemed like an enabler
- time jumps all over the place in this story
- so many extra characters who were irrelevant (Brian and James?)
- crime story was too little too late
Not my favorite of hers. But Mary Calmes is always a good one to take a chance on.
March 22, 2016
I wasn't going to give this new Mary Calmes story the full five stars, cause IMO it needed one more chapter to really satisfy me. BUT who freaking care? I loved it so much I can't give it less. Hudson and Miguel werefreaking hot together. I loved the attraction the possessiveness.
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