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Foster Siblings #3
Brokedown Hearts
Ex-con David Joyner returns home knowing he must atone for his past sins. Working at an animal shelter, David keeps his head down, desperate to prove to a hostile town he’s a new man. The one time David looks up, he spots fellow motel dweller Ben, and is terrified by his attraction to the man. David doesn’t want to feel anything. He can only damage what he loves.
On a forced vacation, Private Investigator Ben Evans accepts a job to tail recently released prisoner, David. What begins as an easy gig turns complicated when Ben, a controlled man, can’t deny the pang of empathy he feels for his subject. Ben can’t suppress his gut-deep sexual desires whenever he’s near David either.
Repeatedly crossing paths, David and Ben do their best to fight their growing attraction. When passion explodes, and secrets are revealed, both men have to conquer inner demons in order to accept the others love.
Someone has turned the tables on David, though, leaving threatening notes. Will anyone believe David if he tells? And when David’s stalker raises the stakes, can Ben find the man who has become his world in time to save their love?
CONTENT This is an erotic romance novel and contains adult language and explicit descriptions of male/male sex and loving.
CONTENT This book is part of a series of stories featuring related characters (#1 A Fostered Love, #2 Something New, #3 Snowfall, #4 Brokedown Hearts) but was written to stand on its own and can be read out of order or as a single title story.
On a forced vacation, Private Investigator Ben Evans accepts a job to tail recently released prisoner, David. What begins as an easy gig turns complicated when Ben, a controlled man, can’t deny the pang of empathy he feels for his subject. Ben can’t suppress his gut-deep sexual desires whenever he’s near David either.
Repeatedly crossing paths, David and Ben do their best to fight their growing attraction. When passion explodes, and secrets are revealed, both men have to conquer inner demons in order to accept the others love.
Someone has turned the tables on David, though, leaving threatening notes. Will anyone believe David if he tells? And when David’s stalker raises the stakes, can Ben find the man who has become his world in time to save their love?
CONTENT This is an erotic romance novel and contains adult language and explicit descriptions of male/male sex and loving.
CONTENT This book is part of a series of stories featuring related characters (#1 A Fostered Love, #2 Something New, #3 Snowfall, #4 Brokedown Hearts) but was written to stand on its own and can be read out of order or as a single title story.
419 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 12, 2014
15 people are currently reading
382 people want to read
About the author
Cameron Dane
31 books877 followersI am an air force brat and spent most of my growing up years living overseas in Italy and England, as well as Florida, Georgia, Ohio, and Virginia while we were stateside. I now live in Florida once again with my big, wonderfully pushy family and my three-legged cat, Harry. I have been reading romance novels since I was twelve years old, and twenty years later I still adore them. Currently, I have an unexplainable obsession with hockey goaltenders, and an unabashed affection for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
August 19, 2014
3.5 stars
I was crazy excited for this book to come out (see below). Then the 1 star ratings started pouring in, and I got scared. But I persevered, and in the end I liked the book.
This isn't the best Cameron Dane novel. Yes, the relationship between the MCs is dysfunctional, initially at least. THEY are dysfunctional. But they fit together; they need each other. There are plenty of codependent relationships out there that work.
Dane managed to make a stalker likable. David is lonely, insecure, and obsessive. He tries so damn hard, but is treated like shit by the entire town. And Ben has his own demons, which David soothes with his caring and love.
In the beginning, there were a few scenes involving dubious consent. I know this freaked out a lot of readers, but I got it. It was dubious, gray area, not non-con. Ben pushed David. At the end, David tells Ben he was glad to be pushed. I'm not justifying or getting into a debate. I'm just saying it didn't ruin the story for me.
This book could have been shorter. There was too much repetitive dialogue between the MCs and internal, tortured monologuing by both Ben and David. The twist toward the end also wasn't necessary, and the "bad guy" rather contrived and unbelievable. So be it.
It's still Cameron Dane, so we got pages of hot, through-the-roof, steamy sex and lots of I love yous and Forever and Intense Emotions. Plus a kitten.
And I LIKE that. It was enough to save the book for me.
**************************************************************
That's right, bitches! Another Cameron Dane COMING FUCKING SOON!
COP + CON = DIRTY DIRTY SEX
Jesus loves me, y'all.
I was crazy excited for this book to come out (see below). Then the 1 star ratings started pouring in, and I got scared. But I persevered, and in the end I liked the book.
This isn't the best Cameron Dane novel. Yes, the relationship between the MCs is dysfunctional, initially at least. THEY are dysfunctional. But they fit together; they need each other. There are plenty of codependent relationships out there that work.
Dane managed to make a stalker likable. David is lonely, insecure, and obsessive. He tries so damn hard, but is treated like shit by the entire town. And Ben has his own demons, which David soothes with his caring and love.
In the beginning, there were a few scenes involving dubious consent. I know this freaked out a lot of readers, but I got it. It was dubious, gray area, not non-con. Ben pushed David. At the end, David tells Ben he was glad to be pushed. I'm not justifying or getting into a debate. I'm just saying it didn't ruin the story for me.
This book could have been shorter. There was too much repetitive dialogue between the MCs and internal, tortured monologuing by both Ben and David. The twist toward the end also wasn't necessary, and the "bad guy" rather contrived and unbelievable. So be it.
It's still Cameron Dane, so we got pages of hot, through-the-roof, steamy sex and lots of I love yous and Forever and Intense Emotions. Plus a kitten.
And I LIKE that. It was enough to save the book for me.
**************************************************************
That's right, bitches! Another Cameron Dane COMING FUCKING SOON!
COP + CON = DIRTY DIRTY SEX
Jesus loves me, y'all.
April 27, 2016
Before Reading:
Say whaaaa?
The villain from A Fostered Love is the MC?
Oh, Ms. Dane...you just upped the game by writing one of my favorite themes.
I still want to tap dance on his nuts though. Just twice.
After Reading: I've been in a...mood lately.
I wanted to read about a certain type of hero. And I know I won't be finding it in my review pile, so I went spelunking in the cavernous TBR mountains of SRAL's books. (It's DEEP) And cleaned up some of my Kindle space in the process. win-win.
And this was not supposed to a long review but I have a feeling it will be. *sigh*
A Fostered Love is one of my favorite books. I reread at least twice a year. Jonah and Christian are my onions. And the villain from that book got his own romance novel. I'm still reeling.
Suicidal stalker David just has been released from prison and went back to his hometown of Coleman, Florida. Don't worry, Jonah has got something for him, in the form of Ben Evans, private investigator. Ben is hurting still from his break up, has a foster background of his own and hard life that adds to a mega chip on his shoulder. And though he tries to fight the attraction, David, his case, might the lucky man to break through the tough shell.
At first, I thought David would be up to his old tricks but the author had an excellent handle on him. She showcased the submissive facets of him to a T without going into kink. David isn't misunderstood. The greatest part about him is he knows his illness and he isn't magically cured. He continues to be a work in progress. While working at a local animal shelter, he gets hate from various people in his hometown including his family and a stalker of own.
My, my how the tables have turned, huh David?
This novel is filled with sex, drama, angst, tears, purple prose, spit, cum and more fucking. And dub con. David is still a butt virgin and learning to accept himself as a gay man. And mentally not ready for a relationship. Ben Evans doesn't care. He's the bigger villain, if anything. But most importantly...a level 7. *exhales*
A level 7.
I had a level 7 on my Kindle for over a year... *smh* I can only blame myself. I get so easily distracted. What is a level 7? The highest level on the SheReadsALot's Seven Levels of Cray in a Relationship (patent pending)
And not since Landry from Mary Calmes' "Mine" have I met another level seven. I've gotten close with a few and I'm not counting Steter (which is a fucking given when written correctly) or Sterek. And guess what? Not both men from Brokedown Hearts are 7's. Oh no no no! That honor is bestowed to none other than Mr. Ben Evans.
He was a level 5 when he started all the smelling and non-shifter shifter shit: smelling his "mate" (I'll get to that soon).
Then he hit level 6 when he forced David when he knew David was not mentally stable to handle a sexual relationship. Ben knew the fucking score and did it anyway.
But the piece de resistance to enter him into level 7 upper top echelon? When he stated not once, but multiple times, if David left him, he would kill him. I fucking believed it. And he even admitted it to David in tears, blubbering he's not allowed to leave. But their love is a level of cray that is golden, baby.
We're talking: I'll-fuck-you-TAKE-MY-DICK-it's-the-way-I-love-you-honey-you-just-have-to-learn-okay-you-serve-me-I'll-make-decisions-for-you-let-me-be-the-alpha-and-spit-on-your-bud-and-put-my-dry-dick-in-you. And they fuck for forever, the scenes are sooooooooo long. If anything, the book could've been shaved by 20-30% and it could have started with the sex scenes.
And while I'm rating this Four Stars, there are buckets of moments when I just:
1) Not my first nor last Cameron Dane, but I'll call it like I see it. All of the pretty, purple prose, the "honeyed salt" semen and skin, the "bud" anus, the "ass channel, rear passage, channel, chute, striated muscle", "webbing" and my new least favorite "tail end" which brings to mind tail pipe and all the videos of dudes fucking actual exhaust pipes on cars. (Don't Google search -trust.)
The too sweet words mixed with some solid parts made for some ridiculous sex scenes.
2) Sweden - Um...why even bother with that subplot? Just double eyerolls for all of that. Weak. Who the hell did Ben think he was aside from a non-shifter shifter? A superhero? Batman? Pokemon?
*squints* Why didn't he do that the first time around when he flew out overseas? Probably to make the plot stretch out. :/ Because then there wouldn't have been the 'OMG what the hell is going moment' that is 70% and beyond, hm?
3) Ben Evans - from what the story stated he's 1/2 Swede, 1/4 Native American and 1/4 Cuban. 6'5" of prime alpha human male. At no point in time was any sort of shifter mentioned. This was all contemporary. What was up with all the shifter qualities to him? I was waiting for him to come out of the closet and admit that his big secret wasn't his love of aggressive sex but that he was a full fledged shifter whose species has yet to be determined. A non-shifter shifter.
All he needed what some fangs and a cock that KNOTTED, I swear.
Listen all jokes aside, this couple in real life is not okay. But this is fiction. I get why there are 1 stars all over the place for this novel, it's polarizing and that kind story.
But if Cameron Dane actually made me:
1) sympathize with David (I actually called him sweet, the nutbag)
2) root for his HEA
There was something there, underneath the abundance of sex.
Sweet Cheesus, do they fuck all the time! How did their fuck parts not try to secede from their bodies, I don't know. Maybe that is the true mystery?
And there was a mystery, I figured out the villain but I still had to see how it all ended. Hint: full of cum, tears and DRAMA.
And I ate that all up.
To myself...and to Ben Evans. I hope to never meet you in real life. Actually, I wouldn't be afraid because David a level five would be there to keep him in check...with his striated muscle dripping with saliva.
This book definitely helped ease my mood of possessive as fuck alphas. Tenfold.
The villain from A Fostered Love is the MC?
Oh, Ms. Dane...you just upped the game by writing one of my favorite themes.
I still want to tap dance on his nuts though. Just twice.
After Reading: I've been in a...mood lately.
I wanted to read about a certain type of hero. And I know I won't be finding it in my review pile, so I went spelunking in the cavernous TBR mountains of SRAL's books. (It's DEEP) And cleaned up some of my Kindle space in the process. win-win.
And this was not supposed to a long review but I have a feeling it will be. *sigh*
A Fostered Love is one of my favorite books. I reread at least twice a year. Jonah and Christian are my onions. And the villain from that book got his own romance novel. I'm still reeling.
Suicidal stalker David just has been released from prison and went back to his hometown of Coleman, Florida. Don't worry, Jonah has got something for him, in the form of Ben Evans, private investigator. Ben is hurting still from his break up, has a foster background of his own and hard life that adds to a mega chip on his shoulder. And though he tries to fight the attraction, David, his case, might the lucky man to break through the tough shell.
At first, I thought David would be up to his old tricks but the author had an excellent handle on him. She showcased the submissive facets of him to a T without going into kink. David isn't misunderstood. The greatest part about him is he knows his illness and he isn't magically cured. He continues to be a work in progress. While working at a local animal shelter, he gets hate from various people in his hometown including his family and a stalker of own.
My, my how the tables have turned, huh David?
This novel is filled with sex, drama, angst, tears, purple prose, spit, cum and more fucking. And dub con. David is still a butt virgin and learning to accept himself as a gay man. And mentally not ready for a relationship. Ben Evans doesn't care. He's the bigger villain, if anything. But most importantly...a level 7. *exhales*
A level 7.
I had a level 7 on my Kindle for over a year... *smh* I can only blame myself. I get so easily distracted. What is a level 7? The highest level on the SheReadsALot's Seven Levels of Cray in a Relationship (patent pending)
And not since Landry from Mary Calmes' "Mine" have I met another level seven. I've gotten close with a few and I'm not counting Steter (which is a fucking given when written correctly) or Sterek. And guess what? Not both men from Brokedown Hearts are 7's. Oh no no no! That honor is bestowed to none other than Mr. Ben Evans.
He was a level 5 when he started all the smelling and non-shifter shifter shit: smelling his "mate" (I'll get to that soon).
Then he hit level 6 when he forced David when he knew David was not mentally stable to handle a sexual relationship. Ben knew the fucking score and did it anyway.
But the piece de resistance to enter him into level 7 upper top echelon? When he stated not once, but multiple times, if David left him, he would kill him. I fucking believed it. And he even admitted it to David in tears, blubbering he's not allowed to leave. But their love is a level of cray that is golden, baby.
We're talking: I'll-fuck-you-TAKE-MY-DICK-it's-the-way-I-love-you-honey-you-just-have-to-learn-okay-you-serve-me-I'll-make-decisions-for-you-let-me-be-the-alpha-and-spit-on-your-bud-and-put-my-dry-dick-in-you. And they fuck for forever, the scenes are sooooooooo long. If anything, the book could've been shaved by 20-30% and it could have started with the sex scenes.
And while I'm rating this Four Stars, there are buckets of moments when I just:
1) Not my first nor last Cameron Dane, but I'll call it like I see it. All of the pretty, purple prose, the "honeyed salt" semen and skin, the "bud" anus, the "ass channel, rear passage, channel, chute, striated muscle", "webbing" and my new least favorite "tail end" which brings to mind tail pipe and all the videos of dudes fucking actual exhaust pipes on cars. (Don't Google search -trust.)
The too sweet words mixed with some solid parts made for some ridiculous sex scenes.
2) Sweden - Um...why even bother with that subplot? Just double eyerolls for all of that. Weak. Who the hell did Ben think he was aside from a non-shifter shifter? A superhero? Batman? Pokemon?
*squints* Why didn't he do that the first time around when he flew out overseas? Probably to make the plot stretch out. :/ Because then there wouldn't have been the 'OMG what the hell is going moment' that is 70% and beyond, hm?
3) Ben Evans - from what the story stated he's 1/2 Swede, 1/4 Native American and 1/4 Cuban. 6'5" of prime alpha human male. At no point in time was any sort of shifter mentioned. This was all contemporary. What was up with all the shifter qualities to him? I was waiting for him to come out of the closet and admit that his big secret wasn't his love of aggressive sex but that he was a full fledged shifter whose species has yet to be determined. A non-shifter shifter.
All he needed what some fangs and a cock that KNOTTED, I swear.
Listen all jokes aside, this couple in real life is not okay. But this is fiction. I get why there are 1 stars all over the place for this novel, it's polarizing and that kind story.
But if Cameron Dane actually made me:
1) sympathize with David (I actually called him sweet, the nutbag)
2) root for his HEA
There was something there, underneath the abundance of sex.
Sweet Cheesus, do they fuck all the time! How did their fuck parts not try to secede from their bodies, I don't know. Maybe that is the true mystery?
And there was a mystery, I figured out the villain but I still had to see how it all ended. Hint: full of cum, tears and DRAMA.
And I ate that all up.
To myself...and to Ben Evans. I hope to never meet you in real life. Actually, I wouldn't be afraid because David a level five would be there to keep him in check...with his striated muscle dripping with saliva.
This book definitely helped ease my mood of possessive as fuck alphas. Tenfold.
August 14, 2014
Cameron Dane took quite a leap of faith with this novel, the third in the Foster Siblings series. She made loathed stalker and villain David Joyner from A Fostered Love a MC in this book. He is just coming off spending five years in hospitals and prison. She makes Brayden Crenshaw's ex-boyfriend Ben Evans (both introduced in Something New) David's MC hero. Not a whole lot of positives to work with right off the bat.
The rest of the review will be under a spoiler tag. If you plan on reading the book, I suggest you do not read any further.
The good things are, you get to see the old gang from the Foster Siblings series and the sex is off the cuff! Holy shit folks, hold onto your hats. It's Cameron Dane is top form. Fuck yeah! I'm sorry I am not able to recommend this one, but as always, make sure you read other reviews and see how others feel.
The rest of the review will be under a spoiler tag. If you plan on reading the book, I suggest you do not read any further.
The good things are, you get to see the old gang from the Foster Siblings series and the sex is off the cuff! Holy shit folks, hold onto your hats. It's Cameron Dane is top form. Fuck yeah! I'm sorry I am not able to recommend this one, but as always, make sure you read other reviews and see how others feel.
June 7, 2015
Cameron Dane! Maybe this year! Yes!
Makes me feel like this...
Okay, I totally understand why this book is polarising. There is an...unusual relationship between the primary characters. Some will say unhealthy and, yes, it is not stock standard, but then people are unusual creatures and I have seen and worked with people in similar relationships. As long as no one is being hurt, as long as everyone understands the rules, and as long as everyone is getting something from it, I have seen them work very well. The world is made up of all types. Cameron Dane acknowledges that there is something there that even the guys themselves see clearly as not usual but it works really well for them, after a bit of a rocky start. They found each other, they needed each other quite desperately, and they grow to love one other passionately.
There is quite a bit of sex in the book, hello, it is Cameron Dane and it was awesome in my opinion. The prose did go to all shades of purple, but gee I enjoyed it.
I thought David was beyond redeemed in (the well named) Brokedown Hearts, Cameron Dane wrote him so well. After A Fostered Love I was not sure how that would happen quite frankly. Ben - I know he is the source of consternation for some - I have to fess up that I really liked him. I loved his honey term of endearment for David. I loved that he helped David believe in himself and gave him an impetus and an anchor, just as David gave Ben a quiet place to shelter.
Yes, there was too much going on but I took that into consideration and took a star off for the busyness of the book and the length.
I am so glad I could finish the book (I had a forced lay-off during my reading and that is why it took me so long to read) because I really enjoyed reading Cameron Dane again so much.
http://ontopdownunderbookreviews.com/...
Makes me feel like this...
Okay, I totally understand why this book is polarising. There is an...unusual relationship between the primary characters. Some will say unhealthy and, yes, it is not stock standard, but then people are unusual creatures and I have seen and worked with people in similar relationships. As long as no one is being hurt, as long as everyone understands the rules, and as long as everyone is getting something from it, I have seen them work very well. The world is made up of all types. Cameron Dane acknowledges that there is something there that even the guys themselves see clearly as not usual but it works really well for them, after a bit of a rocky start. They found each other, they needed each other quite desperately, and they grow to love one other passionately.
There is quite a bit of sex in the book, hello, it is Cameron Dane and it was awesome in my opinion. The prose did go to all shades of purple, but gee I enjoyed it.
I thought David was beyond redeemed in (the well named) Brokedown Hearts, Cameron Dane wrote him so well. After A Fostered Love I was not sure how that would happen quite frankly. Ben - I know he is the source of consternation for some - I have to fess up that I really liked him. I loved his honey term of endearment for David. I loved that he helped David believe in himself and gave him an impetus and an anchor, just as David gave Ben a quiet place to shelter.
Yes, there was too much going on but I took that into consideration and took a star off for the busyness of the book and the length.
I am so glad I could finish the book (I had a forced lay-off during my reading and that is why it took me so long to read) because I really enjoyed reading Cameron Dane again so much.
http://ontopdownunderbookreviews.com/...
August 12, 2014
Yipes. This had some uncomfortable moments that were verging on dub-con that made me hardcore squeamish. I was never sure anything Ben was doing was in David's emotional best interest. Idk.
I was surprised that I ended up liking David as much as I did, as I was shocked wholly that he was the MC for this book. I think I was just too uncomfortable reading this book so I never fell into it like I usually do with Cam's books. She's done crazy shit from angry sex to Coke bottles and carrot sodomy. But never did I squirm like this.
Still give props for the way she handled David and shocking me with using the crazy psycho stalker villain and making him an MC. Takes balls.
I was surprised that I ended up liking David as much as I did, as I was shocked wholly that he was the MC for this book. I think I was just too uncomfortable reading this book so I never fell into it like I usually do with Cam's books. She's done crazy shit from angry sex to Coke bottles and carrot sodomy. But never did I squirm like this.
Still give props for the way she handled David and shocking me with using the crazy psycho stalker villain and making him an MC. Takes balls.
May 2, 2016
Not every relationship have to be all flowery. It's okay, nobody's perfect. They're both f***ed up and insecure. The way I see it, they complemented each other. Awesome. I really loved this.
Warning : dub/con to the max.
Warning : dub/con to the max.
June 12, 2016
The title of this story says it all. David is an ex-con who paid his time and is now free. When he tries to return to society, it is a complete uphill battle. This is a hard situation. Because, our prison system is not ideal. And based on some studies, it shows that someone with David's behaviour will only increase in violence. But that is not the case for everyone and if David isn't given a chance, won't he just backslide? I find this to be a conundrum because there are no good answers. Ms. Dane does a great job of showing it from the ex-convict's side. It is disheartening and sad. I felt badly for David and wanted to punch his asshole family.
Ben who is tracking David is not in the best of situation. I find it ironic that Ben's preference mirror David's so closely and yet due to a slight difference or slight choice or difference in situation, Ben never went to jail. So this is about choices and frankly, getting caught or not.
I'm not trying to diminish stalking. Having had one friend who was stalked and it made her life miserable, I can see it from her perspective and be outraged. I also knew a guy in college who was heartbroken over his break up and ended up stalking his ex-girlfriend. At first, it was creepy what he said and did. Then as I got to know him better, I felt sorry for him and suggested he get help. He wasn't a bad person per se. He wasn't pathetic either. He felt deeply and couldn't move on. He didn't do anything violent. He just couldn't stay away from her. :(
This relates back to the situation in this story where David wasn't violent, he was more heartbroken. His lack of family support also weighed on my mind. Fortunately he was able to find his own support group and move forward.
This romance is recommended for angsty m/m readers who love second chances.
Ben who is tracking David is not in the best of situation. I find it ironic that Ben's preference mirror David's so closely and yet due to a slight difference or slight choice or difference in situation, Ben never went to jail. So this is about choices and frankly, getting caught or not.
I'm not trying to diminish stalking. Having had one friend who was stalked and it made her life miserable, I can see it from her perspective and be outraged. I also knew a guy in college who was heartbroken over his break up and ended up stalking his ex-girlfriend. At first, it was creepy what he said and did. Then as I got to know him better, I felt sorry for him and suggested he get help. He wasn't a bad person per se. He wasn't pathetic either. He felt deeply and couldn't move on. He didn't do anything violent. He just couldn't stay away from her. :(
This relates back to the situation in this story where David wasn't violent, he was more heartbroken. His lack of family support also weighed on my mind. Fortunately he was able to find his own support group and move forward.
This romance is recommended for angsty m/m readers who love second chances.
August 20, 2014
WOW just absolutely wow! Ok first thing to admit is that I adore Cameron Dane and all of her novels. This book is one of my new favorites. It was gripping and honest. It was dark and sweet. The characters were wickedly compelling and astonishingly deep.
Now for some series spoilers and some comments about the book.
David was just so phenomenal. His growth and emotional development was stunning. Moreover, David's self-doubt and worry felt so real. We first met Ben in book two as Braden's ex, and he becomes a fully rounded an complete character through this book. I adored Ben's concern and compassion for David. Such a good book. I can't wait for a next book in the series either (as I'm sure there will be one).
Seriously well done, Cameron!
Now for some series spoilers and some comments about the book.
David was just so phenomenal. His growth and emotional development was stunning. Moreover, David's self-doubt and worry felt so real. We first met Ben in book two as Braden's ex, and he becomes a fully rounded an complete character through this book. I adored Ben's concern and compassion for David. Such a good book. I can't wait for a next book in the series either (as I'm sure there will be one).
Seriously well done, Cameron!
August 13, 2014
Well.
This didn't work for me. It was probably one of the most unhealthy relationships I've read in quite a while. Skirting the edge of dubcon so a headsup there for anyone.
I do love a good redemption story so the star for this one goes to David who spends the story trying to make things right. The absence of stars is due to Ben and the odd out of the blue .
Moving on.
This didn't work for me. It was probably one of the most unhealthy relationships I've read in quite a while. Skirting the edge of dubcon so a headsup there for anyone.
I do love a good redemption story so the star for this one goes to David who spends the story trying to make things right. The absence of stars is due to Ben and the odd out of the blue .
Moving on.
March 9, 2016
This book was more than half sex. It was crazy. I dont remember book 1 having this much sex, but maybe it did. But I still enjoyed it. It was over the top romantic and cheesy but maybe I was just in the mood for mush.
August 20, 2014
I noticed some of the previous reviews take issue with Ben's forceful nature with David. I have not read any of the previous books in the series so had no prior knowledge of these characters and how they may have previously been portrayed. I actually quite enjoyed this book which surprised me given the crime that David had been imprisoned for. I did think Ben was very aggressive but I think it was the author trying to say that "there is someone for everyone". Who better than someone dealing with their own demons to understand how hard it was for David to reintegrate himself into society and try to learn and change from the man he was.
My one problem with the book I think was that we didn't see recovery for a traumatic event that happens to David later in the book. I believe that someone with the problems he had wouldn't just bounce back from a breach of trust.
My one problem with the book I think was that we didn't see recovery for a traumatic event that happens to David later in the book. I believe that someone with the problems he had wouldn't just bounce back from a breach of trust.
August 25, 2014
I am a big fan of Cameron Dane and I really enjoyed this book. I thought taking a bad guy from a previous book and showing him in a good light where he has turned his life around was a great twist. Lots of reviews go on and on about an unhealthy relationship but I don't think that is fair. They give each other what they need and they are both very happy together. They don't hurt each other and bring out the best in each other so that is what is important. They have to fight through some issues, but they each make the other person a better one which is the mark of a great relationship. I disagree strongly with all the negative reviews on this one. It had a good plot and some tense moments but a great HEA!
August 31, 2014
I See that a lot of people didn't like this book. Every book isn't going to be for everybody. I liked this book. Every relationship isn't the same. It's like David said; people are going to look at them and think their relationship is sick. I think they complemented each other.
December 18, 2014
2.5 stars
I really loved the twisted and fcked in the head men. Both of em in there own way. Ugh but it was so wordy. Unnecessary. And some of the words used, seriously Wtf. It has great potential, but I felt like it fell short.
I really loved the twisted and fcked in the head men. Both of em in there own way. Ugh but it was so wordy. Unnecessary. And some of the words used, seriously Wtf. It has great potential, but I felt like it fell short.
January 11, 2019
I read this book because I read the others in the series, not reading the blurb nor the reviews. I really liked it. I'm sure some would say that the relationship between the MC's was abusive or dysfunctional, but I would have to disagree. It's not your typical dom/sub (not bdsm). The MC's are definitely flawed but together they work. The sex was violent at times but SO WELL WRITTEN.
I do think you need to read the others in the series to understand what is going on with David and if you do, this book is definitely recommended.
I do think you need to read the others in the series to understand what is going on with David and if you do, this book is definitely recommended.
January 19, 2021
Reading this book was like watching a car crash, horrific but you can’t pull your eyes away. Because I’m a believer of second chances, I was equally intrigued and stunned by the craziness that was this book and I was not disappointed.
August 24, 2014
I loved this story...I'm not sure how it couldn't appeal to a regular CD reader. Acceptance is an ongoing theme in CD's books. The MCs often struggle with secrets that they eventually reveal to each other. I appreciate that their sexual relationship isn't dependent on these revelations.
It reads just like what I typically expect from her style of writing.
There were hidden depths here too...I think it is easy to be turned off by David getting his own story. That said, given what we now know about these two. I don't think he could have paired with anyone else. Even though these book are listed as a series, you aren't required to have read the previous books and it wouldn't really give you any insight into this book. I also think there's just enough backstory in this book to fill in any pieces.
Because Braden and Ben were broken up in
, we never knew why they broke up. All we knew was that Braden had desires that Ben couldn't fill and that Ben was left caring about someone who was trying to walk away.
Ditto for David, Christian and David had already broken up in
and so our only glimpse into David was as someone who was stuck in the closet and unable to let go of Christian...a situation that eventually led to him going to jail.
Fast forward five years later, David has been incarcerated and counseled and he's looking for redemption or at the very least an opportunity to give a pound of flesh to the people he let down.
Enter Ben...a very emotionally needy, intense, and domineering guy who steers clear of relationships because those aren't seen as attractive traits.
Watching David and Ben struggle with their urges to be possessive of one another was eye-opening. If two people care about each other, they want to be together...but can you want too much from someone and is it okay to let someone have that kind of control over your life? If my conversations with friends and coworkers are anything to go by...it was very realistic. Two emotionally needy people...one whose lived his life holding it in and one whose trying to put his life back together because he couldn't control it.
[It also reminded me a conversation between myself and a girlfriend a couple of years ago. I was explaining to her that I was having some issues with my partner and that because of his extreme aversion to confrontation or anything that might verge on a fight...he refused to talk about the situation on the phone or in person. She looked me dead in the eye and said you're better than me because I would have been camped out on his doorstep and I'd make him talk to me. I was absolutely appalled. WTF! That's what crazy people do right?!? I was tempted but appalled. By the way, I let it and him go.]
There weren't any tear-jerker moments for me...a first for a CD book for me but the emotions didn't seem any less raw and frank. At one point, Braden accuses of Ben of pursuing David...just because you knows he's a possessive psycho. Ben thinks about it and he's like yeah...that does get me hot. Whoa! When David finds out about Ben's job, it is any wonder that he's like you already know what's wrong with me and you still want to be with me. Yeah and if you leave me I will probably kill you. No my sweet...you love me too much to ever hurt me. Double Whoa! It must be love.
My favorite quote:
I thought the sex scenes were hot and met the CD quota. Much has been made about the "dub con" in the book but all that seems a little overblown. It is more like I'm scared if I have sex with you I'll start stalking you then and then it last one line and David and Ben immediately talk out the trust issues.
My only con for this book was the suspense. Usually the suspense aspect of the story pulls me in but with everything going on with Ben's brother and David's sister in law...I really wasn't engaged in the storyline.
It reads just like what I typically expect from her style of writing.
There were hidden depths here too...I think it is easy to be turned off by David getting his own story. That said, given what we now know about these two. I don't think he could have paired with anyone else. Even though these book are listed as a series, you aren't required to have read the previous books and it wouldn't really give you any insight into this book. I also think there's just enough backstory in this book to fill in any pieces.
Because Braden and Ben were broken up in
, we never knew why they broke up. All we knew was that Braden had desires that Ben couldn't fill and that Ben was left caring about someone who was trying to walk away. Ditto for David, Christian and David had already broken up in
and so our only glimpse into David was as someone who was stuck in the closet and unable to let go of Christian...a situation that eventually led to him going to jail.Fast forward five years later, David has been incarcerated and counseled and he's looking for redemption or at the very least an opportunity to give a pound of flesh to the people he let down.
Enter Ben...a very emotionally needy, intense, and domineering guy who steers clear of relationships because those aren't seen as attractive traits.
Watching David and Ben struggle with their urges to be possessive of one another was eye-opening. If two people care about each other, they want to be together...but can you want too much from someone and is it okay to let someone have that kind of control over your life? If my conversations with friends and coworkers are anything to go by...it was very realistic. Two emotionally needy people...one whose lived his life holding it in and one whose trying to put his life back together because he couldn't control it.
[It also reminded me a conversation between myself and a girlfriend a couple of years ago. I was explaining to her that I was having some issues with my partner and that because of his extreme aversion to confrontation or anything that might verge on a fight...he refused to talk about the situation on the phone or in person. She looked me dead in the eye and said you're better than me because I would have been camped out on his doorstep and I'd make him talk to me. I was absolutely appalled. WTF! That's what crazy people do right?!? I was tempted but appalled. By the way, I let it and him go.]
There weren't any tear-jerker moments for me...a first for a CD book for me but the emotions didn't seem any less raw and frank. At one point, Braden accuses of Ben of pursuing David...just because you knows he's a possessive psycho. Ben thinks about it and he's like yeah...that does get me hot. Whoa! When David finds out about Ben's job, it is any wonder that he's like you already know what's wrong with me and you still want to be with me. Yeah and if you leave me I will probably kill you. No my sweet...you love me too much to ever hurt me. Double Whoa! It must be love.
My favorite quote:
David is mine, Braden. He's mine. He's mine in that way that I wanted you to be, but you couldn't, and I understood, so I let you go. He's mine in that deeper way you and I couldn't reach with each other. Do you understand? And whether that's sick or wor or perverse, it is real and I need him...
I thought the sex scenes were hot and met the CD quota. Much has been made about the "dub con" in the book but all that seems a little overblown. It is more like I'm scared if I have sex with you I'll start stalking you then and then it last one line and David and Ben immediately talk out the trust issues.
My only con for this book was the suspense. Usually the suspense aspect of the story pulls me in but with everything going on with Ben's brother and David's sister in law...I really wasn't engaged in the storyline.
October 6, 2014
I am very disappointed in this story. In fact, if it wasn't for reading it for the Scavenger Hunt, I'd have DNF'd it.
The only bright spot is that I really liked David-- the same David who was Christian's stalker in A Fostered Love. He's had his mental breakdown, recuperated enough to go to prison, and now has served his time and is totally repentant. I absolutely disliked Ben, the guy Braeden left behind in Something New. This is a complete flip from my feelings in the original stories and I'm sure it was intended this way by the author, well maybe she didn't intend my hatred of Ben, but his character being uber-dominant was intended.
Ben and David have a lot of sex, a LOT of sex, in this story, and Ben is not only dominant, he's outright physically abusive and mean and totally selfish. In fact, most of the early sex with David is really dubious consent, and at first I even wanted to call it non-consent. Those who know me know I don't curse, at least not in print, so this is going behind a I totally hated the beginning of the book. I also need to say that Ben's dominant character was so far off the scale of what I've come to appreciate and respect in a good BDSM book, that I think that fact bothered me even more. I wouldn't want someone to think that his level of outright cruelty was common among Doms.
The thing that redeemed the book a bit for me is the action that finally occurred with David during the time Ben was in Sweden. It was actually exciting for a while, but then as soon as they were reunited and declared their love and David told him how much he enjoys Ben's dominant nature, they were back in bed. It came close to PWP, IMHO.
I'm really sad about this because Cameron Dane was one of the first authors I read in M/M and it may have been Something New that led me to realize I liked the M/M couple better than the M/F so I started reading her other books and eventually came all the way over to reading only M/M. So, not recommending this one to anyone. Above and beyond the sex, the story was trite and most of the "romance" and "communication" between the two men just skimmed the surface.
The only bright spot is that I really liked David-- the same David who was Christian's stalker in A Fostered Love. He's had his mental breakdown, recuperated enough to go to prison, and now has served his time and is totally repentant. I absolutely disliked Ben, the guy Braeden left behind in Something New. This is a complete flip from my feelings in the original stories and I'm sure it was intended this way by the author, well maybe she didn't intend my hatred of Ben, but his character being uber-dominant was intended.
Ben and David have a lot of sex, a LOT of sex, in this story, and Ben is not only dominant, he's outright physically abusive and mean and totally selfish. In fact, most of the early sex with David is really dubious consent, and at first I even wanted to call it non-consent. Those who know me know I don't curse, at least not in print, so this is going behind a I totally hated the beginning of the book. I also need to say that Ben's dominant character was so far off the scale of what I've come to appreciate and respect in a good BDSM book, that I think that fact bothered me even more. I wouldn't want someone to think that his level of outright cruelty was common among Doms.
The thing that redeemed the book a bit for me is the action that finally occurred with David during the time Ben was in Sweden. It was actually exciting for a while, but then as soon as they were reunited and declared their love and David told him how much he enjoys Ben's dominant nature, they were back in bed. It came close to PWP, IMHO.
I'm really sad about this because Cameron Dane was one of the first authors I read in M/M and it may have been Something New that led me to realize I liked the M/M couple better than the M/F so I started reading her other books and eventually came all the way over to reading only M/M. So, not recommending this one to anyone. Above and beyond the sex, the story was trite and most of the "romance" and "communication" between the two men just skimmed the surface.
October 14, 2014
Okay. How am I not surprised that when many people seemed to hate this book, fore me it's a five star read?
Firstly, while reading this book I realized that I've actually read the first one in the series at some point, but had forgotten all about it. I'll admit Cameron Dane is not a favorite author of mine and I did debate a long time before starting to read Brokedown Hearts.
Before getting even half way through I kept thinking that this book will divide opinions and I could practically see in my minds eye the comments about unhealthy relationships and dub-con. And I do get that. There is a fantasy aspect in enjoying a book, the reader gets to decide what he or she deems acceptable behavior, what they require from the MCs and all that. I think, on the whole, while reading we are much more critical than in real life.
My big no-no themes have always been cheating and reunion, which I've sain numerous time, an this stems from a kind of possessivenes that kicks up while I read. What I find very easy to read about, however, are flawed people. In Brokedown Heart we had not only one, but both the MCs with issues and old scars and they behaved in ways that are both socially and leagally unacceptable. I loved it.
I believe that I'm also in the minority when I say I hated Christian, Braeden and Christian's boyfriend, whose name I can't remember. They were full of themselves, and if I'm correct, represented Cameron Danes more loved characters.
I thought the plot and the theme (at least what I gathered was the theme) of the book was built beautifully. How these two people got together anddecided to love and live like they wanted, how they were not functioning like "normal" people, and at the end were fine with it. I'm not sure if the relationship was supposed to be a variation of D/s, I personally did not see it as such, as the way David and Ben were with each other was far from negotiated kink.
As far as the MCs, David ended up being one of the most memorable and striking characters I've read about and I did love Ben as well.
My two complaints about this book, are the number of sex scenes and their lenght and the fleshing out of Dr Evil (can't remember his name either). If there'd been less porn and more getting to know Dr Evil, I'd been very happy.
So, in conclusion, while I personally loved this book, I would not recommend it for all readers, more to the ones who like twisted romances.
Firstly, while reading this book I realized that I've actually read the first one in the series at some point, but had forgotten all about it. I'll admit Cameron Dane is not a favorite author of mine and I did debate a long time before starting to read Brokedown Hearts.
Before getting even half way through I kept thinking that this book will divide opinions and I could practically see in my minds eye the comments about unhealthy relationships and dub-con. And I do get that. There is a fantasy aspect in enjoying a book, the reader gets to decide what he or she deems acceptable behavior, what they require from the MCs and all that. I think, on the whole, while reading we are much more critical than in real life.
My big no-no themes have always been cheating and reunion, which I've sain numerous time, an this stems from a kind of possessivenes that kicks up while I read. What I find very easy to read about, however, are flawed people. In Brokedown Heart we had not only one, but both the MCs with issues and old scars and they behaved in ways that are both socially and leagally unacceptable. I loved it.
I believe that I'm also in the minority when I say I hated Christian, Braeden and Christian's boyfriend, whose name I can't remember. They were full of themselves, and if I'm correct, represented Cameron Danes more loved characters.
I thought the plot and the theme (at least what I gathered was the theme) of the book was built beautifully. How these two people got together anddecided to love and live like they wanted, how they were not functioning like "normal" people, and at the end were fine with it. I'm not sure if the relationship was supposed to be a variation of D/s, I personally did not see it as such, as the way David and Ben were with each other was far from negotiated kink.
As far as the MCs, David ended up being one of the most memorable and striking characters I've read about and I did love Ben as well.
My two complaints about this book, are the number of sex scenes and their lenght and the fleshing out of Dr Evil (can't remember his name either). If there'd been less porn and more getting to know Dr Evil, I'd been very happy.
So, in conclusion, while I personally loved this book, I would not recommend it for all readers, more to the ones who like twisted romances.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2014
Ugh, the mess in this book. I don't even want to write a review. List of dislikes it is:
1. The over-the-top writing. Ben was constantly slashing his lips on David's, their foreheads were fusing together (what are they, conjoined twins???), they were exploding with emotion, the pain they felt was joyous, wonderful -insert emphatic adjective and you get the picture.
2. The dub-con aspect of it. Yes, the erotic scenes were hot. There was dirty talk, there were graphic descriptions, there were pages and pages of it. But, it wasn't 100% consensual. At least not for a good long while in the beginning. I am sorry if I am spoilering anyone, but I feel that there should be a warning tag with this, as I am sure a lot of people will have issues with it. Not to mention, while all of this non-consensual sex is going on, David doesn't even know Ben's last name. Not for the first 30% or so of the book at least. So yeah, I can't be reading about raunchy sex when there is a lack of emotional connection. It's a turn-off. They do connect emotionally eventually, but it was sort of too late by then.
3. Along the same lines with the previous point, Ben's character was...obnoxious to me. He just wasn't likeable. He acted like he had a sex addcition half the time and certain descriptions had me double checking the prompt to see if this would end up as a shifter book, what with all the animal within , wanting to mate , releasing the beast and all that.
There were a few things I did like about this. I actually felt sympathetic towards Daniel, even though his mental condition could have been explored so much better. The last 20% of the book, however unrealistic and ridiculous, provided some suspense that I wasn't expecting to like as much as I did. However, all this wasn't enough to outweigh my dislike for Ben, the overly dramatic writing style, or the superficial character development.
I am a big Cameron Dane fan, but sadly, I can't recommend this.
1. The over-the-top writing. Ben was constantly slashing his lips on David's, their foreheads were fusing together (what are they, conjoined twins???), they were exploding with emotion, the pain they felt was joyous, wonderful -insert emphatic adjective and you get the picture.
2. The dub-con aspect of it. Yes, the erotic scenes were hot. There was dirty talk, there were graphic descriptions, there were pages and pages of it. But, it wasn't 100% consensual. At least not for a good long while in the beginning. I am sorry if I am spoilering anyone, but I feel that there should be a warning tag with this, as I am sure a lot of people will have issues with it. Not to mention, while all of this non-consensual sex is going on, David doesn't even know Ben's last name. Not for the first 30% or so of the book at least. So yeah, I can't be reading about raunchy sex when there is a lack of emotional connection. It's a turn-off. They do connect emotionally eventually, but it was sort of too late by then.
3. Along the same lines with the previous point, Ben's character was...obnoxious to me. He just wasn't likeable. He acted like he had a sex addcition half the time and certain descriptions had me double checking the prompt to see if this would end up as a shifter book, what with all the animal within , wanting to mate , releasing the beast and all that.
There were a few things I did like about this. I actually felt sympathetic towards Daniel, even though his mental condition could have been explored so much better. The last 20% of the book, however unrealistic and ridiculous, provided some suspense that I wasn't expecting to like as much as I did. However, all this wasn't enough to outweigh my dislike for Ben, the overly dramatic writing style, or the superficial character development.
I am a big Cameron Dane fan, but sadly, I can't recommend this.
April 19, 2016
I'm starting to believe that Cameron Dane is no longer a must read for me. I bounced back and forth on this one. There were things I liked, but there were issues, Oh man, were there issues!
First I liked the idea of David getting a second chance, wanting to make amends for his past mistakes, recognizing the behaviour that led to his incarceration.
Unfortunately the list of things I didn't like was longer I didn't like the fact that his and Ben's relationship seemed at times to be incredibly unhealthy and honestly more sex based than anything and while a healthy sex life is part of a good relationship. I really don't agree with the "I've pissed you off so now I'll screw you and everything will be fine." solution to relationship problems.
In general there were a lot of people in this story who I think might have benefited from some form of therapy and some of them were the therapist. And one of the things that annoyed me the most was the ending (sorry if you want to know more you'll have to read the book).
For the most part I felt like I was watching a train wreck while I was reading this book. I didn't always want to look but I couldn't quite make myself look away either. In the end I'm just really not sure how I felt about a lot of what was in this book. I think it had a good premise but somewhere along the way it got derailed and things just started to loose direction and focus.
At the end I was left feeling oddly uncomfortable and disappointed with too many things to feel like I enjoyed what I read. I like a book that makes me question things, makes me look at my perceptions and how I think and feel about issues. Sometimes I reconsider what I've believed or how I've felt about an issue other times it leaves me feeling more solid and secure in my values. This just left me feeling a lot of WTF?
First I liked the idea of David getting a second chance, wanting to make amends for his past mistakes, recognizing the behaviour that led to his incarceration.
Unfortunately the list of things I didn't like was longer I didn't like the fact that his and Ben's relationship seemed at times to be incredibly unhealthy and honestly more sex based than anything and while a healthy sex life is part of a good relationship. I really don't agree with the "I've pissed you off so now I'll screw you and everything will be fine." solution to relationship problems.
In general there were a lot of people in this story who I think might have benefited from some form of therapy and some of them were the therapist. And one of the things that annoyed me the most was the ending (sorry if you want to know more you'll have to read the book).
For the most part I felt like I was watching a train wreck while I was reading this book. I didn't always want to look but I couldn't quite make myself look away either. In the end I'm just really not sure how I felt about a lot of what was in this book. I think it had a good premise but somewhere along the way it got derailed and things just started to loose direction and focus.
At the end I was left feeling oddly uncomfortable and disappointed with too many things to feel like I enjoyed what I read. I like a book that makes me question things, makes me look at my perceptions and how I think and feel about issues. Sometimes I reconsider what I've believed or how I've felt about an issue other times it leaves me feeling more solid and secure in my values. This just left me feeling a lot of WTF?
August 19, 2014
Brokedown Hearts by Cameron Dane is a book I couldn’t stop reading and re-reading over and over again. The pure emotion coming off the pages of this book makes it a remarkable read. Cameron Dane is one of my personal favorite authors because of the ability this author has to connect me to the characters.
David, from the minute you meet him you have your heart strings tugged. He has so much going against him. For most people that would break them, but not David. He retains his loving sweet nature despite what he has gone through and continues to go through. Especially with his brother… I wanted to his David’s brother so badly. Just to wake him up.
Ben has been hired by the new boyfriend of David’s ex boyfriend. He has good reason to think that David needs to be watched. But the more Ben gets to know David the more he cannot stay away. He gets all protective of David and the sparks more than fly.
What I adored about these characters is they need what the other has. David is a person who needs to give his all to his partner. Ben is a person who needs to own the person he is in love with. They are perfect together. The chemistry really is off the charts.
I have not read this series in order and I was not lost at all. I really loved this addition to the series and will be stalking for more. If you like highly charged emotional stories you will want to re read over and over again this is a book I highly recommend.
Five Shooting Stars and a Recommended Read
David, from the minute you meet him you have your heart strings tugged. He has so much going against him. For most people that would break them, but not David. He retains his loving sweet nature despite what he has gone through and continues to go through. Especially with his brother… I wanted to his David’s brother so badly. Just to wake him up.
Ben has been hired by the new boyfriend of David’s ex boyfriend. He has good reason to think that David needs to be watched. But the more Ben gets to know David the more he cannot stay away. He gets all protective of David and the sparks more than fly.
What I adored about these characters is they need what the other has. David is a person who needs to give his all to his partner. Ben is a person who needs to own the person he is in love with. They are perfect together. The chemistry really is off the charts.
I have not read this series in order and I was not lost at all. I really loved this addition to the series and will be stalking for more. If you like highly charged emotional stories you will want to re read over and over again this is a book I highly recommend.
Five Shooting Stars and a Recommended Read
August 19, 2014
I went into this with reservations, due to not being too crazy about the author's most recent book or the short story that preceded this book... but I read it. Did I love it? No. But I liked it. I liked the difficult subject matter, I liked the less than perfect relationship that "works" for them, and yes, I liked David and Ben. I choose to view them as flawed individuals that bring out the best in each other for each other. I'm kind of surprised at all the negativity out there for this one. Aside from the usual cheesy "chutes" and "channels" sex scene lingo - this one worked for me.
August 14, 2014
Have to admit, DNF. Like others have said, the dubious consent was a questionable choice for Ben. Want to compare Ben to Jonah in that they both have aggressive sex, but we learn a whole lot more about Jonah and his personality before the sex, plus he apologizes through the whole thing. Ben, despite knowing David's background, just takes and we aren't given a reason. It seems like Cameron Dane's newer books are just going for sex minus character. Slowly fading from my auto-buy list.
August 15, 2014
DNF at 35% (skimmed to the end). Somehow Cameron Dane has turned a likeable character from a previous book into a rapey creep, and a villain from a previous book into a doormat. And I don't know if I've changed or the writing has changed, but what was once gleefully over-the-top (see Grey's Awakening) is now just cheesy as hell. I can't.
December 6, 2014
Review to Come at GGR-Review dot com.
January 2, 2016
More like 3.5
March 19, 2018
This story wasn't for me. The characters were annoying, the writing lacked skill and the plot was monotonous and underwhelming.
Ben and David's relationship was a joke. They fell in love unnaturally fast, and by this I mean after the first fuck or two, David's character came across as a mentally overzealous creep at times and Ben was this forceful, testosterone driven basket case who had no control over his emotions. Together they were confused, angsty idiots that did nothing to help this story.
I've read books by this author that weren't always completely horrid but for some reason character development always seems to be an issue for him/her. As a reader I'm not given enough material to understand why this author's characters react the way they do to basic dilemmas. Why do their emotions always seem to be at level 10 for a level 3 situation?
In a nutshell this was just too much and I'm not here for it.
The End.
Ben and David's relationship was a joke. They fell in love unnaturally fast, and by this I mean after the first fuck or two, David's character came across as a mentally overzealous creep at times and Ben was this forceful, testosterone driven basket case who had no control over his emotions. Together they were confused, angsty idiots that did nothing to help this story.
I've read books by this author that weren't always completely horrid but for some reason character development always seems to be an issue for him/her. As a reader I'm not given enough material to understand why this author's characters react the way they do to basic dilemmas. Why do their emotions always seem to be at level 10 for a level 3 situation?
In a nutshell this was just too much and I'm not here for it.
The End.
November 21, 2017
I didn't like this book at all!
First, I'd like to say that the writing was quite good and the plot had a lot of potential. Said that, I disliked Ben so fiercely! And the main reason was that I felt that he was abusing of David all the time. I mean... David had some issues and I think he needed more time to adjust and feel prepared, for example, in the sex department. I felt that the first David's sexual experiences were not fully consensual and I didn't like to read that at all. That was the main issue why I disliked this book and I honestly couldn't connect with Ben. Sorry!
I know that the author didn't have that intention, but I think you have to be a little bit more careful when you write some things...
First, I'd like to say that the writing was quite good and the plot had a lot of potential. Said that, I disliked Ben so fiercely! And the main reason was that I felt that he was abusing of David all the time. I mean... David had some issues and I think he needed more time to adjust and feel prepared, for example, in the sex department. I felt that the first David's sexual experiences were not fully consensual and I didn't like to read that at all. That was the main issue why I disliked this book and I honestly couldn't connect with Ben. Sorry!
I know that the author didn't have that intention, but I think you have to be a little bit more careful when you write some things...
August 30, 2019
Slight spoilers
I absolutely love Ben and David together. If you read the first foster sibling book you will know who David is. I did not expect this author to redeem David but she made me really feel for him. David was still getting to know himself and what he liked. Ben was certainly the more dominant one in the relationship but David had his moments. I enjoy m/m romances like this where both characters top and bottom.
Yes this was a pretty dysfunctional relationship but it works for them. David was very needy/emotional and Ben craved the neediness/obsession. The sex scenes were very hot and explicit. 🔥🔥🔥
I absolutely love Ben and David together. If you read the first foster sibling book you will know who David is. I did not expect this author to redeem David but she made me really feel for him. David was still getting to know himself and what he liked. Ben was certainly the more dominant one in the relationship but David had his moments. I enjoy m/m romances like this where both characters top and bottom.
Yes this was a pretty dysfunctional relationship but it works for them. David was very needy/emotional and Ben craved the neediness/obsession. The sex scenes were very hot and explicit. 🔥🔥🔥
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