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Swift's Temptation
Small town farm boy Fagan Swift moves to New York City to escape the suffocating confines of his hometown and, after nine months of job searching, stumbles on a well-paying position at an escort agency. Once there, he meets the most arrogant, infuriating man he’s ever known, Xavier James. The sparks fly from the very moment they meet, igniting a fire between the two men that blazes out of control.
Too much champagne at the company Christmas party finds Fagan waking up in a stranger’s hotel room. Only his hangover is the least of his worries when he finds that the stranger is none other than Xavier, and a call from his best friend, Trinity, sends him winging towards home when his father ends up in the hospital. Blackmail and lust follow swiftly on Fagan’s heels and he has no choice but to give into Xavier’s demands to be his lover. His father’s life depends on it. Can Fagan survive long enough to untangle the web of blackmail Xavier has woven around him or will it drag his soul down into the darkness threatening to consume him?
Previously published by Silver Publishing.
Too much champagne at the company Christmas party finds Fagan waking up in a stranger’s hotel room. Only his hangover is the least of his worries when he finds that the stranger is none other than Xavier, and a call from his best friend, Trinity, sends him winging towards home when his father ends up in the hospital. Blackmail and lust follow swiftly on Fagan’s heels and he has no choice but to give into Xavier’s demands to be his lover. His father’s life depends on it. Can Fagan survive long enough to untangle the web of blackmail Xavier has woven around him or will it drag his soul down into the darkness threatening to consume him?
Previously published by Silver Publishing.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 10, 2011
26 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Loveless
18 books370 followersJ.R. Loveless began her adventure in writing romance at the young age of twelve. Her foray into creating her own worlds and telling her characters’ life stories was triggered by her own love of reading. She currently resides in South Florida with her dog and two cats, volunteers for an animal rescue in her spare time, and works as a manager for a financial lending institute. Someday she hopes to begin writing as a full-time career and bringing more of her ideas to life.
Her journey into gay romance began in 2005 when she began posting her original fiction on a forum for feedback and readers’ pleasure. In 2010, a good friend urged her to submit to a publishing company, and the day she received the acceptance and contract was the best day of her life. Since then, she has been noted to be one of the most purchased audio books after Fifty Shades of Grey on Audiobook.com, received best gay romantic fiction for Touch Me Gently in the 2011 TLA Gaybies, and even received an award for Chasing Seth in 2012.
J.R. adores her fans and loves hearing from them.
Please subscribe to her website for Newsletters, Blog Post updates, and more! Receive a free short friends to lovers novelette titled White Rain just for subscribing! www.jrloveless.com
Also, if you're on Facebook, her reader group receives exclusive first looks, exclusive WIP snippets, and general interaction with polls, questions, pics, and even some giveaways! http://www.facebook.com/groups/justre...
Her journey into gay romance began in 2005 when she began posting her original fiction on a forum for feedback and readers’ pleasure. In 2010, a good friend urged her to submit to a publishing company, and the day she received the acceptance and contract was the best day of her life. Since then, she has been noted to be one of the most purchased audio books after Fifty Shades of Grey on Audiobook.com, received best gay romantic fiction for Touch Me Gently in the 2011 TLA Gaybies, and even received an award for Chasing Seth in 2012.
J.R. adores her fans and loves hearing from them.
Please subscribe to her website for Newsletters, Blog Post updates, and more! Receive a free short friends to lovers novelette titled White Rain just for subscribing! www.jrloveless.com
Also, if you're on Facebook, her reader group receives exclusive first looks, exclusive WIP snippets, and general interaction with polls, questions, pics, and even some giveaways! http://www.facebook.com/groups/justre...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 12, 2011
Young Fagan (poor, poor guy, that name definitely doesn't make his life easier :p) leaves his farm hometown to move to New York City with his best friend. Then he lands a job as escort at "Temptation" which pays well -- and since he's gay, he will not sleep with the female clients. Except that he also meets the bane of his existence, Xavier, who seems to dislike him from the very beginning. But Fagan develops strong feeling for Xavier, despite they're always butting heads. Then one drunken night brings Fagan to Xavier's bed ... and a path of blackmail. Because when Fagan must returns home to his sick father, Xavier follows, and threats Fagan that if he doesn't submits to Xavier's needs, he will tell Fagan's father about his true job in NYC ...
Wow, okay, on one hand ... this feels a bit like old Harlequin romance, with emotional and physical blackmail which borders to dubious consent, but one who is subjected to it still falls in love with the "tormentor". It's definitely complicated and unhealthy. But then again, sometimes, I prefer men that are uneasy to love because when they try to make amends, they might go all the way.
I enjoy Fagan's voice ... he seems to have a very likeable character, since he easily makes friends and charms others. Xavier, on the other hand, is a possessive jerk. Again, he might not easy to love. Sure he says that he has a painful past that drives him to that awful behavior, but the way he treats Fagan like a whore to use, and there's this one scene that very, very close to rape, I'm not supporting him as Fagan's boyfriend quick as a bat! At least he does show improvement in the end, but I hope Fagan will stick to both his feet and slaps Xavier if he acts like jerk again :)
I do feel interested with secondary character, Trace (Fagan's art teacher), and I wonder if he will gets his own happy story ...
Wow, okay, on one hand ... this feels a bit like old Harlequin romance, with emotional and physical blackmail which borders to dubious consent, but one who is subjected to it still falls in love with the "tormentor". It's definitely complicated and unhealthy. But then again, sometimes, I prefer men that are uneasy to love because when they try to make amends, they might go all the way.
I enjoy Fagan's voice ... he seems to have a very likeable character, since he easily makes friends and charms others. Xavier, on the other hand, is a possessive jerk. Again, he might not easy to love. Sure he says that he has a painful past that drives him to that awful behavior, but the way he treats Fagan like a whore to use, and there's this one scene that very, very close to rape, I'm not supporting him as Fagan's boyfriend quick as a bat! At least he does show improvement in the end, but I hope Fagan will stick to both his feet and slaps Xavier if he acts like jerk again :)
I do feel interested with secondary character, Trace (Fagan's art teacher), and I wonder if he will gets his own happy story ...
June 10, 2013
Fagan has just moved to New York with his best friend Trinity and so happy to have left his small farm lifestyle behind. Since moving to New York he has tried several jobs that just don't last him until he comes across an escort job that happens to fall in his lap. On his first day arriving at the place of business he sees the most beautiful man with the longest sexiest hair ever. His infatuation stops right quick when first he sees the disgusted look aimed towards him from said man, Xavier and second he never has nothing nice to say.
He does his best to avoid him until one morning he wakes up naked in bed with a killer hangover and no memory of whats happened. He finally realizes just who that person is he fucked and bolts. He can't believe he spent the night with the bane of his existence. Then comes the call that has him rushing home only to be followed by Xavier and so begins the blackmail.
Xavier wants Fagan when he wants where ever he wants. He won't take no for an answer. Xavier comes off as a real asshole but I love him. His one Major flaw is he doesn't know how to control his jealousy. And every time he gets jealous and possessive he take it out on Fagan. One incident in particular becomes to much for him, he blows up and starts using Fagan as nothing more then his whore and makes him move in with him with Fagan having no choice in the matter. Fagan is in love with Xavier but can't take it any longer after Xavier goes psychotic after one of Fagan's friends touches him. He gets out without telling anyone where he's headed. Xavier becomes desperate to find him and get him back but it won't be easy.
I really loved both characters. For me there was no rape or non consent regardless of the situation.
Recommended.
He does his best to avoid him until one morning he wakes up naked in bed with a killer hangover and no memory of whats happened. He finally realizes just who that person is he fucked and bolts. He can't believe he spent the night with the bane of his existence. Then comes the call that has him rushing home only to be followed by Xavier and so begins the blackmail.
Xavier wants Fagan when he wants where ever he wants. He won't take no for an answer. Xavier comes off as a real asshole but I love him. His one Major flaw is he doesn't know how to control his jealousy. And every time he gets jealous and possessive he take it out on Fagan. One incident in particular becomes to much for him, he blows up and starts using Fagan as nothing more then his whore and makes him move in with him with Fagan having no choice in the matter. Fagan is in love with Xavier but can't take it any longer after Xavier goes psychotic after one of Fagan's friends touches him. He gets out without telling anyone where he's headed. Xavier becomes desperate to find him and get him back but it won't be easy.
I really loved both characters. For me there was no rape or non consent regardless of the situation.
Recommended.
July 11, 2012
I'm sorry i did not like this book at all...
There was not a whole lot of substance behind the blackmail, i felt...
It was just weird and unreal and felt forced for the heck of it...
The angst factor felt forced...
The blackmail thing felt forced...
The wooing felt forced...
all for the sake of a forced HEA...
Not a big fan of that!
There was not a whole lot of substance behind the blackmail, i felt...
It was just weird and unreal and felt forced for the heck of it...
The angst factor felt forced...
The blackmail thing felt forced...
The wooing felt forced...
all for the sake of a forced HEA...
Not a big fan of that!
Read
February 19, 2013ZERO STARS! I've read several of Author Loveless' prior works, and found them to be compelling romances. I simply do not understand how she could have gone so wrong with Swift's Temptation.
Here is a brief overview of the story. A 24 year old gay man, Fagan, comes to New York City to get away from his family's Iowa farm. He has a series of jobs, but ends up being a non-sexual escort for a high priced escort service. While he is on the job, Fagan meets Xavier (an accountant for the escort service). Fagan believes that there is a spark between himself and Xavier. Xavier, however, is extremely aloof and believes that Fagan is nothing more than a "whore". (NOTE: When the guy that you have the hots for calls you a whore, that is probably not the best way to start a relationship.)
One Christmas, Fagan is called home because his father was involved in a severe car accident. Unbenounced to Fagan, Xavier follows him out to Iowa to torment him in front of his father. Xavier tells Fagan that if he does not voluntarily submit to all of his sexual and non-sexual demands, Xavier will tell Fagan's critically ill father that his son is a whore for a living so the father will die from the stress on his heart.
That is the best part of the relationship between the victim and the abuser. The author ultimately wants us, as readers, to feel bad for the abuser. WHAT?!? There are so many things wrong with the author's point of view in this novel that it would take pages and pages of criticism to alert you to all of the problems.
Suffice it to say that the abuser/rapist is a possessive asshole, whose initial sexual encounters with his victim are nothing more than blackmailed rape sessions. There is nothing romantic in the picture painted by this author, and if the author believes that abuse/rape can be equated with romance and love, there is something tragically wrong with her brain's function. The facts of this story are not the basis for a romance novel --and, I would submit that any author worth his/her salt should be ashamed for writing this story which tries to glorify and justify abuse and rape.
This is a dark miserable story. It is not a romance whatsoever. You can't write 75% of a book about spousal abuse/boyfriend abuse and then try to pack it all up into a happy ever after story, and say everything is all better. Since we know that the next chapter of the still unwritten book will find the abuse victim with a black eye, broken bones, or perhaps dead once the true colors of the abuser come to the surface again.
When someone treats an alleged lover as a "whore" and degrades them to the point of worthlessness, there is nothing redeeming about the person. Since the author tries so hard to convince us that an abuser should be given another chance, it leads me to question the author's motivation for writing this story.
The Xavier character is pure evil -- he cannot be redeemed, and, most certainly a romance story cannot be based upon a rapist and abuser as someone who is supposed to be in a caring relationship. The author then spends 100 pages at the end of the book with the abuser/rapist trying to convince the victim that he has reformed, and will now be a good guy. Rather than giving the victim the balls to say "no" to this abuser, the author permits the victim to enter into another relationship with the abuser. And in one thoroughly unbelievable part of the story, the victim allows the abuser to put a blindfold on him and take him away. (What's the next novel going to be -- finding the victim's body at the bottom of a river after taking a beating from the abuser. I guess this author would say that "the abuser was just having a bad day.").
This book is bad, really bad - no, the word "bad" doesn't adequately state my distain for this book. Anyone who has ever been in an abusive relationship will see this book for the absolute crap that it is -- there is simply no way to reform an abuser such as Xavier, and this author's tender spot for such an abuser makes this reader question the author's state of mind. This book is a depressing mess that gets worse as you read more pages. This book deserves no stars, but it does deserve a reprimand to the author -- how dare she try to sell this crap as a romance story. Under no circumstances can an abusive relationship ever masquerade as romantic love. TO THE AUTHOR: If you believes this story adequately demonstrates a romance, you should spend more than a few afternoons in a shelter for victims of abuse who gave their abusive lover "one last chance".
Here is a brief overview of the story. A 24 year old gay man, Fagan, comes to New York City to get away from his family's Iowa farm. He has a series of jobs, but ends up being a non-sexual escort for a high priced escort service. While he is on the job, Fagan meets Xavier (an accountant for the escort service). Fagan believes that there is a spark between himself and Xavier. Xavier, however, is extremely aloof and believes that Fagan is nothing more than a "whore". (NOTE: When the guy that you have the hots for calls you a whore, that is probably not the best way to start a relationship.)
One Christmas, Fagan is called home because his father was involved in a severe car accident. Unbenounced to Fagan, Xavier follows him out to Iowa to torment him in front of his father. Xavier tells Fagan that if he does not voluntarily submit to all of his sexual and non-sexual demands, Xavier will tell Fagan's critically ill father that his son is a whore for a living so the father will die from the stress on his heart.
That is the best part of the relationship between the victim and the abuser. The author ultimately wants us, as readers, to feel bad for the abuser. WHAT?!? There are so many things wrong with the author's point of view in this novel that it would take pages and pages of criticism to alert you to all of the problems.
Suffice it to say that the abuser/rapist is a possessive asshole, whose initial sexual encounters with his victim are nothing more than blackmailed rape sessions. There is nothing romantic in the picture painted by this author, and if the author believes that abuse/rape can be equated with romance and love, there is something tragically wrong with her brain's function. The facts of this story are not the basis for a romance novel --and, I would submit that any author worth his/her salt should be ashamed for writing this story which tries to glorify and justify abuse and rape.
This is a dark miserable story. It is not a romance whatsoever. You can't write 75% of a book about spousal abuse/boyfriend abuse and then try to pack it all up into a happy ever after story, and say everything is all better. Since we know that the next chapter of the still unwritten book will find the abuse victim with a black eye, broken bones, or perhaps dead once the true colors of the abuser come to the surface again.
When someone treats an alleged lover as a "whore" and degrades them to the point of worthlessness, there is nothing redeeming about the person. Since the author tries so hard to convince us that an abuser should be given another chance, it leads me to question the author's motivation for writing this story.
The Xavier character is pure evil -- he cannot be redeemed, and, most certainly a romance story cannot be based upon a rapist and abuser as someone who is supposed to be in a caring relationship. The author then spends 100 pages at the end of the book with the abuser/rapist trying to convince the victim that he has reformed, and will now be a good guy. Rather than giving the victim the balls to say "no" to this abuser, the author permits the victim to enter into another relationship with the abuser. And in one thoroughly unbelievable part of the story, the victim allows the abuser to put a blindfold on him and take him away. (What's the next novel going to be -- finding the victim's body at the bottom of a river after taking a beating from the abuser. I guess this author would say that "the abuser was just having a bad day.").
This book is bad, really bad - no, the word "bad" doesn't adequately state my distain for this book. Anyone who has ever been in an abusive relationship will see this book for the absolute crap that it is -- there is simply no way to reform an abuser such as Xavier, and this author's tender spot for such an abuser makes this reader question the author's state of mind. This book is a depressing mess that gets worse as you read more pages. This book deserves no stars, but it does deserve a reprimand to the author -- how dare she try to sell this crap as a romance story. Under no circumstances can an abusive relationship ever masquerade as romantic love. TO THE AUTHOR: If you believes this story adequately demonstrates a romance, you should spend more than a few afternoons in a shelter for victims of abuse who gave their abusive lover "one last chance".
March 23, 2016
I love blackmail story. And yes, there's a groveling time. I'm happy.
Warning : Dubcon
Warning : Dubcon
February 4, 2016
Hmmm. Could have been better, but wasn't bad. Would like to see sequel(s) with supporting characters.
Read
November 30, 2015There is such a thing as taking it too far with the whole asshole theme.Sometimes writers take it too far, to the point of no return and I can't forgive the MC. This book is an example of that very thing
July 6, 2011
The whole time I was reading the book, I couldn't stop thinking "Since when do Mills & Boon publish m/m romances?"
November 12, 2013
Let me start out by saying that this review is hard for me. I don't give many one-star reviews, and I feel awful about it when I do.
I liked the character of Fagan in the beginning. He was witty and endearing. However, I was not able to like the story as a whole.
I liked the character of Fagan in the beginning. He was witty and endearing. However, I was not able to like the story as a whole.
June 28, 2012
It's difficult for me to review this book, because if this wasn't a fictional book, and if Fagan were a friend of mine I would never, ever, EVER be okay with the ending of this book.
This book touches on a lot of emotional abuse that occurs over a period of time. I'm simply not okay with that. The reason that Xavier gives for being the way he is, doesn't in any way justify the way he treated Fagan. Once trust is stripped from a relationship, in my opinion, it's nearly impossible to ever get it back. But I guess this is fiction so anything can happen.
If I allow for the fact that this is a book and it's supposed to have a storybook happy ending, I can be okay with the MC's HEA. But really, I detested Xavier through most of the book - I thought he was cruel and despicable. Just because Fagan is such a loving, forgiving character doesn't make it okay that Xavier did the things that he did.
I also didn't really enjoy the first person voice in this book. While I don't have a problem with first person in general, the language felt a bit stilted to me initially. I think I got used to it, or I convinced myself it's because Fagan's a farm boy and maybe just wasn't very well-spoken, that I didn't notice it after awhile or was able to put it to the back of my mind.
I did like a lot of the secondary characters. Fagan was a kind person and made a lot of friends who looked out for him to include his best friend, Trinity, Winston, Trace, and Victor. I did like the way Trinity and Winston refused to forgive Xavier as well.
So this was a very quick read for me and I was definitely entertained and captured by the story - I finished it in only a few hours - and although I didn't like Xavier I do think the author did a good job in convincing the reader of his sincerity in the end. In real life though, this pattern of abuse typically never ends so is this truly an HEA or simply a HFN? I guess we'll never know.
This book touches on a lot of emotional abuse that occurs over a period of time. I'm simply not okay with that. The reason that Xavier gives for being the way he is, doesn't in any way justify the way he treated Fagan. Once trust is stripped from a relationship, in my opinion, it's nearly impossible to ever get it back. But I guess this is fiction so anything can happen.
If I allow for the fact that this is a book and it's supposed to have a storybook happy ending, I can be okay with the MC's HEA. But really, I detested Xavier through most of the book - I thought he was cruel and despicable. Just because Fagan is such a loving, forgiving character doesn't make it okay that Xavier did the things that he did.
I also didn't really enjoy the first person voice in this book. While I don't have a problem with first person in general, the language felt a bit stilted to me initially. I think I got used to it, or I convinced myself it's because Fagan's a farm boy and maybe just wasn't very well-spoken, that I didn't notice it after awhile or was able to put it to the back of my mind.
I did like a lot of the secondary characters. Fagan was a kind person and made a lot of friends who looked out for him to include his best friend, Trinity, Winston, Trace, and Victor. I did like the way Trinity and Winston refused to forgive Xavier as well.
So this was a very quick read for me and I was definitely entertained and captured by the story - I finished it in only a few hours - and although I didn't like Xavier I do think the author did a good job in convincing the reader of his sincerity in the end. In real life though, this pattern of abuse typically never ends so is this truly an HEA or simply a HFN? I guess we'll never know.
November 21, 2012
I really liked that they Xavier and Fagan just didn't have a HEA after the Xmas party. So many books would have had them sleep together at the party, realize their feelings but be afraid to tell the other, but shortly after end up together, and this book was not like that. It was great to read something different even is Xavier was a bit of an a-hole.
no-thanks
July 5, 2011Oh hell no.
not-for-me
July 5, 2011TBNT-- See Eyre's review to know why
June 13, 2023
Very well written
I just couldn't get past the MC's name Fagan, I mean really? What was the author thinking? The antagonist come lover Xavier was a real piece of work and any normal person would of told him to leave and stay gone. I have given this book 4 stars because even though the romance was a bit questionable the book is well written and well edited plus the supporting characters are wonderful.
I just couldn't get past the MC's name Fagan, I mean really? What was the author thinking? The antagonist come lover Xavier was a real piece of work and any normal person would of told him to leave and stay gone. I have given this book 4 stars because even though the romance was a bit questionable the book is well written and well edited plus the supporting characters are wonderful.
March 8, 2022
Great contents!
The book made for a very good read. It was sensitive in it's subject, and brought out my feeling of being part of the main character. It reminded me of real life in romances, which you do not always get.
The book made for a very good read. It was sensitive in it's subject, and brought out my feeling of being part of the main character. It reminded me of real life in romances, which you do not always get.
April 12, 2016
Title:Swift’s Temptation
Author:J.R. Loveless
Series:
Publisher:Torquere Press
Reviewer:Melissa
Release Date:February 16, 2016
Genre(s):M/M Romance
Page Count:336
Heat Level: 3 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Review:
“Expecting a punishing kiss, I was surprised to find his mouth hesitant and sweet. Unable to resist the temptation of kindness from him, I pressed up against him and responded in kind, lightly moving my lips against his.”
4 small town stars! Beautiful and hopeful!
Fagan is a small town boy in the big town of New York. He’s desperate for a job and when he finds a job at an escort, that pays good money, of course he jumps. While there he meets, the sexy (and yes he knows it) Xavier. And as much as Fagan finds him obnoxious, he can’t deny the spark her feels for him. One night during a company Christmas party Fagan has a little too much to drink and wakes up to find himself in bed with none other than Xavier. And before he can even come to terms with that, he gets a call from his best friend, informing him that his dad is in the hospital. Blackmailing soon begins and Fagan is put in an awkward spot. Can Fagan deal with Xavier and his antics, while trying to take care of his dad? Will Xavier actually admit his true feelings for the small town boy??
This book had it’s emotional moments, but there were times I did chuckle. You will love to hate Xavier and his know it all antics. And you’ll want to hug Fagan because of his struggles. This is the first book I’ve read of J.R’s but after this I know I’ll be reading more.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club
Author:J.R. Loveless
Series:
Publisher:Torquere Press
Reviewer:Melissa
Release Date:February 16, 2016
Genre(s):M/M Romance
Page Count:336
Heat Level: 3 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Small town farm boy Fagan Swift moves to New York City to escape the suffocating confines of his hometown and, after nine months of job searching, stumbles on a well-paying position at an escort agency. Once there, he meets the most arrogant, infuriating man he's ever known, Xavier James. The sparks fly from the very moment they meet, igniting a fire between the two men that blazes out of control.
Too much champagne at the company Christmas party finds Fagan waking up in a stranger's hotel room. Only his hangover is the least of his worries when he finds that the stranger is none other than Xavier, and a call from his best friend, Trinity, sends him winging towards home when his father ends up in the hospital.
Blackmail and lust follow swiftly on Fagan's heels and he has no choice but to give into Xavier's demands to be his lover. His father's life depends on it. Can Fagan survive long enough to untangle the web of blackmail Xavier has woven around him or will it drag his soul down into the darkness threatening to consume him?
Review:
“Expecting a punishing kiss, I was surprised to find his mouth hesitant and sweet. Unable to resist the temptation of kindness from him, I pressed up against him and responded in kind, lightly moving my lips against his.”
4 small town stars! Beautiful and hopeful!
Fagan is a small town boy in the big town of New York. He’s desperate for a job and when he finds a job at an escort, that pays good money, of course he jumps. While there he meets, the sexy (and yes he knows it) Xavier. And as much as Fagan finds him obnoxious, he can’t deny the spark her feels for him. One night during a company Christmas party Fagan has a little too much to drink and wakes up to find himself in bed with none other than Xavier. And before he can even come to terms with that, he gets a call from his best friend, informing him that his dad is in the hospital. Blackmailing soon begins and Fagan is put in an awkward spot. Can Fagan deal with Xavier and his antics, while trying to take care of his dad? Will Xavier actually admit his true feelings for the small town boy??
This book had it’s emotional moments, but there were times I did chuckle. You will love to hate Xavier and his know it all antics. And you’ll want to hug Fagan because of his struggles. This is the first book I’ve read of J.R’s but after this I know I’ll be reading more.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club
October 14, 2016
Dreck. And not even guilty pleasure dreck, but execrable, unbelievable dreck.
I despise Xavier. He's a judgmental, abusive ass from day one, and I don't care about his excuses. And those excuses were ridiculously banal. So he got cheated on; guess what, boy, that doesn't excuse you blackmailing and raping the next guy, ok? You are several shades WORSE than your ex.
And Fagan -- first off, change your name, kid. You deserve better. Secondly, seek counseling. You're falling for an abusive jerk, and you trust people who're not trustworthy (Trace). It doesn't matter how hot Xavier is. Don't. Don't fall for this kind of blackmail either; call his bluff. And don't, ever, take your abuser back. Yeah, yeah, you came when he raped you -- involuntary sexual response happens even to real tough guys, never mind what all happens to fictional gay guys written by straight women. Ignore cretinous reviewers who think that was "dubious consent". It was rape. Nothing dubious about it. Dump the sad sack. Move on. It doesn't matter how prettily he says "sorry", and how nicely he courts you. He should be in jail. You can do better. After therapy.
The blackmail doesn't make sense. Maybe if Fagan's sick dad hadn't known he was gay, maybe that could have justified it. But that he was a non-sexual escort -- how is that even bad? Sounds like the author suffered from the same prejudice Xavier did. Maybe the two should get together.
No Westerner should be using standard yaoi rape tropes, I am sorry. What is called Boys Love in Japan is often transgressive for Japan (complex reason). It's regressive for us. Leave it to Japan, or work harder on letting it inspire you to create something different instead of using the very same tropes.
I despise Xavier. He's a judgmental, abusive ass from day one, and I don't care about his excuses. And those excuses were ridiculously banal. So he got cheated on; guess what, boy, that doesn't excuse you blackmailing and raping the next guy, ok? You are several shades WORSE than your ex.
And Fagan -- first off, change your name, kid. You deserve better. Secondly, seek counseling. You're falling for an abusive jerk, and you trust people who're not trustworthy (Trace). It doesn't matter how hot Xavier is. Don't. Don't fall for this kind of blackmail either; call his bluff. And don't, ever, take your abuser back. Yeah, yeah, you came when he raped you -- involuntary sexual response happens even to real tough guys, never mind what all happens to fictional gay guys written by straight women. Ignore cretinous reviewers who think that was "dubious consent". It was rape. Nothing dubious about it. Dump the sad sack. Move on. It doesn't matter how prettily he says "sorry", and how nicely he courts you. He should be in jail. You can do better. After therapy.
The blackmail doesn't make sense. Maybe if Fagan's sick dad hadn't known he was gay, maybe that could have justified it. But that he was a non-sexual escort -- how is that even bad? Sounds like the author suffered from the same prejudice Xavier did. Maybe the two should get together.
No Westerner should be using standard yaoi rape tropes, I am sorry. What is called Boys Love in Japan is often transgressive for Japan (complex reason). It's regressive for us. Leave it to Japan, or work harder on letting it inspire you to create something different instead of using the very same tropes.
March 3, 2016
Ok, so the tone is a bit MF ( meaning it reminds me of stye Harlequin Romances I used to consume as a kid) but despite that, I still enjoyed the story.
Fagan, A cute innocent kid from Iowa, escapes the farm and heads to NYC for a new life. After working various jobs he lands a gig at Temptation, an escort service whereby which he squires around women to various parties and avoids sex since he's gay. While out he meets Xavier, a judgmental, handsome jerk who sees Fagan as nothing more than a whore. Despite Xavier's unflattering opinion of him, Fagan finds himself attracted to Xavier and starts to fall for him.
After several months in NYC, Fagan has a home emergency and has to leave NYC. Xavier follows and threatens to expose Fagan's career in NYC to his family. In order to avoid exposure, Fagan must do everything Xavier requires.
If this were a real life relationship I would advise my friend to run the other direction stat! But this is romance land where anything is possible and everyone gets an HEA. I called Fagan all kids of a fool for putting up Xavier's strong arming and I wanted to strangle Xavier for every controlling, manipulative thing he did. You know what though, as frustrating as these two were I looked forward to turning the pages and learn how they would resolve their issues. I was emotionally invested in both of the characters and I enjoyed in a frustrating, titillating way, every bit of emotional blackmail Xavier wielded. By the time I finished the story, I was content with everything I read.
Great book for an MM neophyte, not so great for the aficionado.
March 31, 2016
Rating: 4.5
Fagan Swift’s new job as an escort includes showing the ladies a good time. However, sexual activities are not part of the service, which is fine with Fagan since he happens to be gay. The one person that has peaked Fagan’s interest is the agency’s spiteful accountant, Xavier James, who detests Fagan on first sight or so Xavier tries to pretend.
Swift's Temptation is a rollercoaster of emotions romance. The plot illustrates two men with painful past involvements, afraid to trust starting a future relationship with anyone. The characters are believable.
Fagan is an easy-going guy who enjoys making friends. The well-paying escort position allows him to progress towards his future artist goals. Fagan hides his compassionate nature behind a submissive personality. Part of his personality flaw is because he fears disappointing others.
Xavier uses a domineering personality as a shield against heartbreak. He is ruled by his past and leaves no room for a future. Xavier’s negative attitude has blocked any possibility of making friends or forming a lasting relationship. After heartbreaking interactions with Fagan, Xavier realized some of his domineering traits have altered into self-loathing.
J.R. Loveless has created an impressive as well as an enjoyable saga. There were moments when I wanted Fagan to punch Xavier in his insulting mouth, but I realized Fagan made the right choice for a realistic happy ending.
Fagan Swift’s new job as an escort includes showing the ladies a good time. However, sexual activities are not part of the service, which is fine with Fagan since he happens to be gay. The one person that has peaked Fagan’s interest is the agency’s spiteful accountant, Xavier James, who detests Fagan on first sight or so Xavier tries to pretend.
Swift's Temptation is a rollercoaster of emotions romance. The plot illustrates two men with painful past involvements, afraid to trust starting a future relationship with anyone. The characters are believable.
Fagan is an easy-going guy who enjoys making friends. The well-paying escort position allows him to progress towards his future artist goals. Fagan hides his compassionate nature behind a submissive personality. Part of his personality flaw is because he fears disappointing others.
Xavier uses a domineering personality as a shield against heartbreak. He is ruled by his past and leaves no room for a future. Xavier’s negative attitude has blocked any possibility of making friends or forming a lasting relationship. After heartbreaking interactions with Fagan, Xavier realized some of his domineering traits have altered into self-loathing.
J.R. Loveless has created an impressive as well as an enjoyable saga. There were moments when I wanted Fagan to punch Xavier in his insulting mouth, but I realized Fagan made the right choice for a realistic happy ending.
October 9, 2013
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Continuo a dare possibilità a questa autrice perchè le trame dei suoi romanzi mi sembrano sempre meritevoli...non devo lamentarmi poi se rimango delusa! L'inizio è molto promettente: Fagan è un ragazzo di campagna che decide di trasferirsi a New York per sfuggire alla solitudine e alla mentalità chiusa della sua cittadina. Vuole diventare un artista ma, per pagarsi il college, accetta di lavorare presso un'agenzia di escort (ovviamente senza avere rapporti sessuali con le sue clienti!). E' sicuro di sè, simpatico, ha sempre una parola buona o un gesto gentile verso gli altri. Poi incontra Xavier...un vero str@@zo dall'inizio fin quasi alla fine! Tutta la storia del ricatto e del rapporto che si instaura poi tra i due mi ha convinta poco: il personaggio di Fagan viene completamente snaturato nella seconda parte del romanzo. Un libro che aveva grosse potenzialità che non sono state sviluppate...peccato!
Continuo a dare possibilità a questa autrice perchè le trame dei suoi romanzi mi sembrano sempre meritevoli...non devo lamentarmi poi se rimango delusa! L'inizio è molto promettente: Fagan è un ragazzo di campagna che decide di trasferirsi a New York per sfuggire alla solitudine e alla mentalità chiusa della sua cittadina. Vuole diventare un artista ma, per pagarsi il college, accetta di lavorare presso un'agenzia di escort (ovviamente senza avere rapporti sessuali con le sue clienti!). E' sicuro di sè, simpatico, ha sempre una parola buona o un gesto gentile verso gli altri. Poi incontra Xavier...un vero str@@zo dall'inizio fin quasi alla fine! Tutta la storia del ricatto e del rapporto che si instaura poi tra i due mi ha convinta poco: il personaggio di Fagan viene completamente snaturato nella seconda parte del romanzo. Un libro che aveva grosse potenzialità che non sono state sviluppate...peccato!
August 12, 2016
Two stars
Don't know why author didn't warn about emotional abuse in the synopsis. I cried real tears. I was not ready for any kind of abuse book and that is why I gave it 2 stars. Warning is necessary. It has a potential to turn a very good story into a pissed off one if the author didn't address such potential darkness beforehand. Otherwise I loved the plot and characters. At the second half of the book the author could have done better though. I didn't wanted easy forgiveness. But still it was a nice story and fulfilling.
Don't know why author didn't warn about emotional abuse in the synopsis. I cried real tears. I was not ready for any kind of abuse book and that is why I gave it 2 stars. Warning is necessary. It has a potential to turn a very good story into a pissed off one if the author didn't address such potential darkness beforehand. Otherwise I loved the plot and characters. At the second half of the book the author could have done better though. I didn't wanted easy forgiveness. But still it was a nice story and fulfilling.
June 13, 2011
3.5-4 stars. I have to agree with the other reviewer, this book had a very old Harlequin paperback feeling to it. But since I grew up reading those books, I had no problem with all the melodrama and some dubious consent.
I loved Fagan (but not his name, poor thing!). Very likeable and charming character. And I don't really think that the event in Xavier's past should have pushed him to treat Fagan so horribly, but then where would the story be? ;)
I loved Fagan (but not his name, poor thing!). Very likeable and charming character. And I don't really think that the event in Xavier's past should have pushed him to treat Fagan so horribly, but then where would the story be? ;)
February 19, 2013
Another great book by JR Loveless.. Too bad she only published out two books.. Her books are really, really romantic and lovely plus a lovely ending!! Lurrrrrrve it.. And so far there is no rape but the abuse was usually mental abuse.. i know its not good but Fagan really made sure Xavier worked really hard to earn his trust back.. And it was really satisfying read.. I'm gonna read it again!!
Update:
I really need to read this again coz i just saw how bad the reviews are!! Hmmmm....
Update:
I really need to read this again coz i just saw how bad the reviews are!! Hmmmm....
June 22, 2012
I love a good blackmail story ; this concept never gets old for me and this story delivers with romance in emotional blackmail. This book contains explicit scenes of dubious consent and emotional abuse. So, don't read this book if that makes you uncomfortable or offends you.
My thoughts: The story is simple, but I didn't feel like that was a negative thing, especially about blackmail. And J.R. Loveless's writing style is nice. I personally enjoyed it from first till last page of the book.
My thoughts: The story is simple, but I didn't feel like that was a negative thing, especially about blackmail. And J.R. Loveless's writing style is nice. I personally enjoyed it from first till last page of the book.
October 17, 2012
i'm think it's a good story. Although i don't like the way Xavier judge Fagan for who he is. He doesn't even ask for the reason why he did that. And hate when he just did stupid act because of jealous. He must ask for the reason first before act like that. No wonder Fagan try to run from him. Although in the end, when he try to win fagan heart it's difficult. But, if you really try hard it can be happen...
Read
January 26, 2015I really tried to finish, just could not at 75%
The style apparently was modeled on Yaoi, which I am not familiar with. To me it was reminiscent of Mills And Boon I read in the 70s and 80s. Given that this style was deliberate I decided to go with it. But I remember why I stopped reading those M&B. The Alpha hero behaved SO BADLY frankly it was unforgivable and no amount of wooing could make up for it, he was so abusive.
The style apparently was modeled on Yaoi, which I am not familiar with. To me it was reminiscent of Mills And Boon I read in the 70s and 80s. Given that this style was deliberate I decided to go with it. But I remember why I stopped reading those M&B. The Alpha hero behaved SO BADLY frankly it was unforgivable and no amount of wooing could make up for it, he was so abusive.
August 25, 2011
Very well written and emotional story dealing with a difficult relationship. I enjoyed the journey with Fagan and Xavier. I think the plot was well developed and the challenges in the story were dealt with in a convincing way. I could deal with the more painful aspects of the story because I knew the couple would triumph in the end. Highly recommended.
July 29, 2011
I loved this book. It was different but the characters were endearing and familiar, but not in a trope kind of way. I would say it is more like a read that you've been waiting for. Something different and daring, but so damned good.
September 28, 2011
I liked it the escort company, the lesson he takes his best friend I think it was a good book and realistic
December 8, 2012
I enjoyed this book but it was lacking in many areas for me to love it. I really loved Fagan's character, he was so sweet. It was really hard to like Xavier after everything he did.
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