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The one time geeky high school teacher, Rupert ‘Rip’ Martinez, tries to play the hero, it almost costs him his life. Maybe he should leave the rescuing to the tough guys, like the man who saved him, Otto Shriver. Tattoos, dog tags, and a heart of gold, Otto is exactly the type of man Rip would go for.


In his dreams.


When socially awkward meets carefree and confident, it’s probably best they go their separate ways. Their only excuse to ever see one another again is an adorable pup in need of a good home.


Unless they really don’t need any excuses at all.

131 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 7, 2016

23 people are currently reading
202 people want to read

About the author

Bianca Sommerland

87 books1,028 followers
Tell you about me? Hmm, well there's not much to say. I love hockey and cars and my kids…not in that order of course! Lol! When I'm not writing—which isn't often—I'm usually watching a game or a car show while working on promo. Going out with my kids is my only down time. I get to clear my head and forget everything.

As for when and why I first started writing, I guess I thought I'd get extra cookies if I was quiet for awhile—that's how young I was. I used to bring my grandmother barely legible pages filled with tales of evil unicorns. She told me then that I would be a famous author.

I hope one day to prove her right.

To find out more about me, swing by my website: www.Im-No-Angel.com

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5 stars
115 (47%)
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80 (32%)
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36 (14%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,190 reviews219 followers
January 23, 2017
4.5 Star Review of Street Smarts by Bianca Sommerland
Street Smarts is an M/M story and a fairly quick read and which I thoroughly enjoyed. This is the story of uptight and serious Art Teacher Rupert “Rip” Martinez and retired Marine Otto Shriver. Rip falls into the river trying to save a dog that has been thrown from a car, hearing his cry for help Otto dives into the river and saves Rip’s life, neither man knowing that each of their heroic actions have altered the course of their lives.
The attraction each feels for the other is almost instantaneous. What I loved about these two as a couple was the way that, although both were tentative about starting a relationship, they were not afraid to bond over Buster the dog.
It was also great to catch up on Derek and Gage too as they are friends of Otto’s.
I really loved both these characters and the way that they brought the best out in each other. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Otto and Rip’s, the sex was hot and this was a great romance, through and through.
Bianca Sommerland has an affinity for this genre and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a great M/M story.
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,190 reviews219 followers
November 7, 2016
5 Star Review Butterfly Style (The Dartmouth Cobras # 8.5 - A Cobra Short) by Bianca Sommerland
Butterfly Style is the story of how Kelsey “Chicklet” Galloway and Laura Tallant met and came to be an integral part of the extended family known as The Dartmouth Cobras, it is a prequel that takes place before Game Misconduct (The Dartmouth Cobras #1) and is a FF book.

Chicklet is a Domme who has always chosen her own unconventional path in life, never wanting commitment or a monogamous relationship; that is until she meets Laura, a woman who obviously is searching for her “inner truth”.

Laura struggles with the emotions that Chicklet brings to the surface in her, too scared to believe in the feelings that Chicklet brings out. Chicklet has always been a character that intrigues me and in this book I got to see glimpses of what her life has been like.

This is a beautifully woven story of deep devotion, love and commitment between two women whose souls have been touched by one another, I know I am not alone when I say that I have always loved the layers that Bianca Sommerland ensures her characters have, but I think in Butterfly Style, Ms. Sommerland has done what I never expected, she turned my opinion around on a character 360 degrees. I have never warmed to Laura, not too sure why, but throughout the books I have not been invested in her as much as the other characters. . This book shows how deeply she cares about the people around her. Butterfly Style answers many questions that I have often had as to what made Laura the way she is. I believe I now have a better understanding of where she has come from and the effect her past has had on her relationships with Chicklet and the other Cobras.

My only complaint is that the book was too short; I really wanted to keep reading and not have it end. I loved this book from start to finish and devoured it in one sitting. I highly recommend not only Butterfly Style but the entire Dartmouth Cobra series.
Profile Image for Dar.
4,527 reviews92 followers
October 31, 2016
There was a lot packed into this small package - but the attractions and the feelings between the two characters jumps out at you from the beginning. The pain and things they have to endure, it is real and you feel it for them. And the heat, oh the heat between these two burns off the page!
Profile Image for Sandie .
156 reviews24 followers
June 1, 2020
As I have stated previously and often Bianca Summerland’s series about the Dartmouth Cobras Hockey Team is one of my all time favorites. The reason for this is whenever I get comfortable and begin to expect I know where her mind will take me next she surprises me. I have read several M/M books never have a read F/F but when Bianca Sommerland announced Butterfly Style, I knew I was going to read it and love it. I wasn’t wrong.

This book is a part of the Cobra Shorts that will be released and it is basically a prequel set before the released prequel (Blind Pass). This is the story of how Kelsey “Chicklet” met and fell in love with police officer Laura Tallent.

Chicklet is a Domme with a reputation that precedes her and when she visits a dungeon and sees a Sub who doesn’t get what she needs from the scene, she immediately notices. Laura is the Sub who has been trying to find a new master, but never expected to find a mistress instead. The relationship progresses between them seems honest and pure, especially since Laura finally gets what she needs from a person who loves her and thereby gains the freedom to be herself.

As the story of the Cobras and their surrounding family is told in the various books, it was incredible to get some insights into Chicklet and Laura’s relationship, but mostly it sheds some new light on Laura. I have to admit, I have hated her from the beginning when we met her in Iron Cross, and she is the reason I most often skip that book. But now, I think I need to reread it, since she is a totally different person than what was shown. With the new information about who she is and why she acts as she does, her actions make so much more sense. It seems as though I would have benefitted from getting Butterfly style before now, since it has given me a whole new appreciation for our favorite lady cop.

If this wasn’t enough to make me love this book, the added layers of gaining more information about Sloan and Max, and their unusual brotherhood along with the incredible friendship between Chicklet and Sloan. I would consider myself lucky to call Chicket a friend. She is tough for sure, but you will never doubt her friendship and isn’t that what we all need from out friends.

All in all, I loved my first F/F book. Bianca Sommerland never fails to deliver a book that is well-written, packs an emotional punch and leaves you wanting more, which is why this short story gets 5 stars from me.
Profile Image for Dar.
4,527 reviews92 followers
November 4, 2016
I often go ahead and read the end of a story before I finish it, it is just the way I am. I usually get to chapter 3 or 4, then I have to skip and read the first few pages of the the last chapter, or a bit of the epilogue. To me, the story and the journey are the important part, if the characters grab me, then I want to know what goes on with them

I also don’t read F/f stories, I mean, I read stories where it is included, but I have never picked up an F/f book to read on its’ own. They don’t appeal to me, so it isn’t that I avoid them, I just never consider them.

All of this is important because I was chomping at the bit to get this story, this F/f, knew where a long-term couple, story. The why is easy, these characters were so intriguing, so ingrained in so many ways, in so many stories, yet we never had their story. We had how their relationship grew and changed and ended up including more people, but not what pulled these two strong characters together

This is it, and it was even more beautiful than I could have imagined. Laura and Chicklet clicked from the start, they fit together instantly, and never looked back, because they had each other. This is a love story, and the sexes of the characters were secondary, because their emotional attachment is what was riveting and drew you in, and held you there

As a bonus, we get that little bit in the epilogue on how their relationship ended up encompassing even more. It never really was anywhere else, but that little insight into Chicklet and Laura’s thoughts, makes everything you know about them now, even sweeter!
Profile Image for Ruthie Taylor.
3,723 reviews40 followers
September 26, 2016
I received a copy of this book in advance of release in exchange for a review.

This is a really, really easy and enjoyable read. Ms Sommerland has once again come up with a fresh take on the story of love and given us another book to devour. Once you've started, you will just want to red to the end, so make sure you have a good sized time window in your future.

The differences between the two men are significant, yet they make the effort to find that they match in all the most important ways. Rip may seem like the luckier of the two, but that is soon nixed, as we get the 'pleasure' of finding out about his parents. Cruella was kinder to her puppies that his mother is to him. Otto's past life as a Marine, and now as a dog trainer, give him an interesting mix of strength and empathy. He needs all his patience and charm to help Rip move towards their much happier future.

I really rather hope that we get to know more of these two men, even if another story concentrates on another couple. I will definitely reread this story when I want a short fix of sexy and uplifting.
Profile Image for Ruthie Taylor.
3,723 reviews40 followers
November 2, 2016
~~ I received a free copy of this book to read and review ~~

What an absolutely lovely read. It put a number of things from other books into context as well as being both sweet and sexy. You would really need to have read the series to get the full impact - but actually as a short story about the D/s lifestyle and two rather enigmatic women it works well too.

I was never a Laura fan before, but this made her behaviours make more sense, and the care that Chicklet takes with her is so beautifully written. I couldn't stop turning the pages to learn more about the start of their very intense and sensual relationship. The difference that trust makes in creating a meaningful dynamic is clear in every scene.

Loved it, but it did whet my appetite for more ... so I do hope Ms Sommerland is busy writing!

Wicked Reads Review Team



Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
6,495 reviews154 followers
November 6, 2016
This is one of my favourite series but I wasn't sure if I would enjoy a prequel about a couple that have been together from the start why did I doubt Bianca Sommerland this is a brilliant edition to The Dartmouth Cobras.
This is Chicklet and Laura's story, its not just about how they met and started their relationship it's also an insight in to Laura's past and I now understand why this couple are so special. It's a fantastic story thats full of passion and if I had one negative thing to say it would be I wanted more.....
A beautifully written book that had me hooked from page one and I can't wait for the next instalment from The Dartmouth Cobras.

Profile Image for Heather.
697 reviews
November 4, 2016
Holy cow! I want to start by saying I have found in the past that I do not care for FF books. I have read several and well they just did not interest me. This one is different. OMG I absolutely LOVED Butterfly Style. The Dartmouth Cobras is one of my favorite book series and while I have read about Chicklet and Laura, their story was never part of it. They were just there together, yes they are a major part of another book but how did they get together? What made them the way they are? This is that book. I have always loved Chicklet but wasn't to fond of Laura. Well this book changes that too. The dynamic between these two is HOT and I am surprised something did not catch on fire.

Laura is trying to move on from her Dom, who dumped her. She has known for a long time that women interest her more than men but is scared to go down that path. I loved reading how she takes the plunge and goes after what her heart really wants.
Profile Image for Kristal Taylor.
377 reviews11 followers
June 11, 2017
Oh my gosh AMAZING!!! The Dartmouth Cobras is one of my all time favorites. I loved everyone of the the characters portrayed in this series. I love reading all the characters because I missed then so much. I hope more is coming Chicklet. True be told I've never read a F/F book every. I absolutely love these two together.

Chicklet is a Domme who has chosen her own unconventional path in life. Her and Laura had a wonderful journey together. Chicklet never wanted a commitment or a monogamous relation, that is until she met Laura.

This absolutely awesome story was their journey in love and commitment. I loved Chicklet with Laura how they started a relationship. It gave us a background of Laura and what her and what what why was her deal throughout the series.
Another book Bianca Sommerland, she never disappoints.
Profile Image for Rose.
1,453 reviews14 followers
November 1, 2016
I've said it before and I will say it again!!! I absolutely love everything I've read by Bianca Sommerland and this book is no different. And by the way, this is my first FF book!!!

Butterfly Style is the story of Chicklet and Laura. To be perfectly honest, Laura has never been a favorite character of mine. I could never warm up to her. Never again. This book has completely changed my mind. In this book we see how these two women meet and how their relationship develops. We also learn some of what makes Laura the person she is. We also learn a little (maybe not as much as I would have liked) about Chicklet.

Another fantastic addition to the Dartmouth Cobras series, one of my very favorite series!!!!
Profile Image for Lucinda Siemons.
38 reviews1 follower
November 3, 2016
Bianca has done it again. The only complaint that I have about this book is that I wish there was more of it.

The story behind how Chicklet and Laura meet brings so much to light to me from other books in the series. I never disliked Laura, but I had a hard time connecting what made her tick, and this book cleared that right up! You catch a glimpse into her past, and why she thinks like she does.

Well done, yet again, Bianca. I can't wait for the next Cobra book. This just whetted my appetite for more.
Profile Image for Toi.
4,247 reviews
November 11, 2016
Quick Read

Loved reading this story and getting to know how Laura and Chicklet got together - to realize that love conquers all.
Profile Image for Rose Nickol.
Author 59 books189 followers
June 15, 2017
Lived

Every book this author writes is intense. You feel the emotion and the characters come to life. Great book to read
Profile Image for Roni Booth.
104 reviews2 followers
January 27, 2018
Girl Crush

I have always had a girl crush on Chicklet. So strong yet loving. To finally read her and Laura's story was wonderful. I can't wait for the next installment!!!
Profile Image for Sandie .
156 reviews24 followers
March 2, 2017
As most of you know, I am a die hard fan of M/M romances, and Bianca Sommerland writes some of the best M/M out there. Street Smarts is no different.

This is the story of Rupert "Rip" Martinez and Otto Shriver. Otto is the classic bad boy with a military background and a love for dogs. Rip is the sheltered rich kid, whose most intimate friendships exist online. But all that changes when Otto literally saves his life... because Rip tried to save the life of an abandoned dog.

The story between these guys is an easy read. The relationship takes of rather fast and that's okay. As the experienced partner in the relationship, Otto tries to take things slow, but the awkward (but incredibly) cute Rip wants more. The fact that Rip keeps pushing for more (physically) and Otto tries to slow things down between them, because he want to make sure the relationship lasts, makes this build up very lighthearted. Especially with Rip being so honest and inexperienced, he keeps questioning everything.

Though they both have some baggage that I would have loved to be explored further, overall, the book left me with a satisfied feeling, and a longing for more. This is something I always consider evidence of great writing.

All in all, I enjoyed spending my Sunday with this great, but quick read, which is a solid 4 star in my world.
Profile Image for Leagh.
134 reviews19 followers
November 4, 2016
Another winner by Bianca Sommerland!

Butterfly Style is book #8.5 in the Dartmouth Cobra's series. It's a prequel of sorts as it's the story of how Chicklet and Laura met and the beginning of their relationship. If you have read this series you'll know that Chicklet and Laura have been together since the very beginning. I don't know about you but I've always wondered how they met and how they came to be. Plus, I wasn't a huge fan of Laura so I was curious about why she is the way she is. Now I've gotten to find out and Laura makes much more sense now and I have actually grown to like her. It was an epic love story that I fell in love with from the first page. This book covers the hardships a person in the LGBT community goes through and the struggle they have to go through just to be themselves and be with the person they love. Bianca did a very good job sticking to both Chicklet and Laura's characters that we've already grown to love and it was great to get a glimpse of the other players/characters before their stories were written.

This is definitely a recommended read the the perfect edition to the Cobra's series.
Profile Image for Manon Lavoie.
240 reviews
April 23, 2024
Not a good one !
Rip teaches art in high-school. He is gay but never acted on it. Otto is an ex-marine who trains service dogs.
It could have been good but the story was rushed too much.
Also, Rip's mother is a nasty one. His father is a coward who can't stand up to fight for his son's well-being. I have to say, I hate characters that are so caricatural. His parents forced him to go in a conversion camp when he came out at 15 but it's mentioned in passing like it's a detail !
Rip and Otto are cute together and there's no big struggle between them. So, of course, the nasty mother comes back to ruin his son's life.
It was stupid that Rip had no idea how to pay his bills and had no clue how to manage his own money ! And on top of that, his mother reclaims the house because she doesn't like Otto at all !
There's a mention of Rip's family being rich but we get no information on that.
In conclusion, a story with no depth, going way too fast and a plot with Rip's mother being a total bitch ! Not good !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Rose.
1,453 reviews14 followers
September 25, 2016
Another great story from Bianca Sommerland. I went into this one completely blind. Didn't even read the description. Didn't need to. I have not read a book by this author yet that I didn’t love, and I wasn't disappointed this time either.

Otto and Rip couldn’t be more different. But in some ways they couldn't be more alike. Two gorgeous men from very different backgrounds, neither looking for a relationship and sure the other is out of their league. Both taking a chance, trying to find their happily ever after. But there are plenty of things in the way of that. Will they find their HEA? Or will their problems prove to be too insurmountable?

I read a lot of books that I know aren't really very true to life. That's okay, because I don't expect them to be. That's why they call it fiction, after all. What I loved most about this was it was so true to life. These characters were real to me. I didn't have to suspend reality to enjoy this story. It was just that good!
Profile Image for Virginia.
523 reviews6 followers
September 23, 2016
I'll shout it from the roof tops, I am a HUGE Bianca Sommerland fan. I love her ability to make characters REAL, she makes them seem like someone I could actually know and not someone I just see on tv or read about in a magazine/book. What I'm trying to say is whether it's her take on ménage, shifters or MM, MF OR FF relationships, she always does it right. She's definitely a 1click Author!

I only gave this 4 stars and that's just because I felt like we've only skimmed the surface of these characters. We learn some of Otto's and Rip's background but I really wanted so much more.. This was a really good one sitting read! It's quick, has believable characters and is cute with a bit of yummy. I recommended any and all books by Bianca!
Profile Image for Morgan  Skye.
2,775 reviews28 followers
November 10, 2016
This was such a surprise! Bianca Sommerland has mostly m/f or m/f/m books listed on GoodReads, but I saw that there is at least one other m/m book listed for her and I plan on reading it!

The story has virtually no angst. Our couple meets and essentially falls in love in a few days time. But, it’s a very sweet story with one of my favorite elements: bad boys gone good.

Otto saves Rip after Rip rescues a dog…. Awwww. There’s a bit of family drama and then they realize that they like one another and … you get the idea.

But… the writing was very fluid, the couple was uber-sweet, the smexy times were fairly hot and – yay – a dog!

If you’re in the mood for something sweet, with virtually no angst and lots of feels, give this one a try!

69 reviews
November 7, 2016
This book is a new one for me. I have never read a F/F book before. Butterfly Style is a prequel of one of my favorite series the Darmouth. I have come to love Chicklet and dislike Laura so I didn't know how would I feel about this book. There's a reason I love Bianca's book, they always surprise me and leave me wanting more. I enjoyed seeing how Chicklet and Laura met. I was happy to see a different side of Laura. I can understand Laura now, I might not agree with some of her actions in previous books but I get where she was coming from. I loved seeing Sloan and Chicklet's friendship before the Game Misconduct. I truly enjoyed this book. Another great addition to the Cobras series.

I received an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Karen.
1,253 reviews51 followers
September 21, 2016
I was gifted an advance copy of this book so be very jealous (LOL)

There are only like two authors that write M/M romance that I read and actually enjoy them. Bianca is one of these authors.

I fell in love with Rip when he saved Buster from the water then fell in love with Otto when he saved them both. This is a wonderful story about love and being there for the person you love even when life gets rough. Both of the men have had bad life experinces but together with the help of Buster and good friends they learn how to love.

I loved seeing my old friends Matty, along with Derrick and Gage.

This is an wonderful story
Profile Image for Leah Keys.
136 reviews6 followers
November 2, 2016
This short book in the Cobras series gives us a look back at how Chicklet and Laura’s relationship started. This was a great book in helping me to understand more about Laura. She has always been a character that I couldn’t completely understand or like but this book definitely gave some great insight into who she is and where her issues stem from. It’s a quick read, which is probably my only complaint since I love the Cobras. I think Bianca did an awesome job of giving us the complete story of how they started and led it right up to where the other books come in. As usual, I’m never disappointed when I read one of Biana’s books.
Profile Image for JKAF.
566 reviews4 followers
November 4, 2016
Amazing story! I'm so glad that Bianca Sommerland decided to give us the back history of Chicket!

Chicklet is a Domme and she has found an interesting little sub at a conference in Chicago. Laura a sub and police officer is in Chicago for a conference and to maybe see her Dom again.
When Laura and Chicklet meet they have an instant connection and luckily they don't live too far away from each other in Canada!
Chicklet loves the Dartmouth Cobras and loves spending time with the players however Laura doesn't care for hockey.
Laura is having a little bit of trouble finding herself in life but being with Chicklet is helping!
Profile Image for Kathryn.
2,901 reviews91 followers
November 12, 2016
Backstories. I love them. Especially when the author does the characters you know and love really good.

A fan of the Dartmouth Cobras series this story came just at the right time. The next in the series might be a ways off and this just keeps me fresh and happy within the story lines. I love Kelsey "Chicklet" and police officer Laura. They have been a "happy spot" for me in most of the books. This story just nailed it. It's romantic, it has a couple of fun spots, and there is a bit of darkness in both of their stories. The author has left some spots that she could expand on in the future if she wanted, and she could leave them in the past. Butterfly Style hits the goal for me.
Profile Image for Jen Spencer.
53 reviews2 followers
September 23, 2016
I have not been a huge fan of MM romance in the past, but Ms. Sommerland is winning me over!

Otto was enjoying his first motorcycle ride since the snow. He never expected that he would end up diving off a pier to save a man's life.

Rip saw a dog thrown out of a car and felt he needed to save it. Little did he know he was going to be the one needing saving.

Love stories where the two are opposites have always been a favorite of mine. These two men stole my heart as they fought for each other's.
Profile Image for Leah Keys.
136 reviews6 followers
September 26, 2016
An awesome M/M story featuring Otto and Rupert "Rip", two men who couldn't be more different but are brought together by fate and a dog. A geeky teacher and a carefree biker don’t need to have much in common when they share a mutual attraction and good chemistry. Although both are tentative to start a relationship they both realize that what they have is worth giving it a try. My only complaint about this book is that it is too damn short! I hope to see more of these guys in future books. Bianca is an amazing writer no matter the genre!
69 reviews
September 27, 2016
I don't normally read M/M but being written by Bianca I had to give it a try. Otto saves Rip's life and their attraction is immediate. I loved how Rip and Otto's relationship develops including how they handle Buster. I hated Rip's mom with a passion. I can't stand parents that do not support their children and what she did to Rip, so wrong! I loved been able to see a glimpse of Gage and Derek as well. I truly enjoyed the book but when it ended I wanted to know more. Hopefully, Bianca will write more about them soon.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews

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