The Perils of Intimacy by Rick R. Reed

May 01, 2017 Sandra rated it it was amazing

Shelves: naughties, cry-me-a-river, flowers-and-chocolates, nailbiters, angst-and-drama, m-m-yeah-baby, contemporary, made-of-win, character-driven, arc-publisher-direct

"I'm Jimmy, and I'm an addict."

Two years ago, Jimmy and Mark met for a night of sex. Jimmy was high on crystal meth and hoped to steal whatever he could find in Mark's home to feed his addiction, and Mark was feeding a different addiction, one he doesn't admit to himself until toward the end of this book.

That night changed both of them - it set Jimmy onto his path to beat his relationship with "Tina", and it destroyed Mark's trust in people.

They've both been alone since.

Now two years later, Jimm ...more

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Apr 04, 2017 CrabbyPatty rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2017-reads, arcs-received, sinfullygoodblog, loved-the-writing, age-gap, hurt-comfort-healing, second-chance, 2020-reads, met-at-grl

Second Edition of book originally published by Dreamspinner Press in 2017.

In reading The Perils of Intimacy I am reminded of the phrase "Dying is easy, comedy is hard." Sex is easy but intimacy, true intimacy, is hard. It's easy to say "I forgive you" but true forgiveness of someone and acceptance of "the flawed, broken, and beautiful things they are" can be difficult.

Mark and Jimmy meet two years ago when each man is at a critical point in their life - Jimmy in the throes of a powerful addicti Second Edition of book originally published by Dreamspinner Press in 2017.

In reading The Perils of Intimacy I am reminded of the phrase "Dying is easy, comedy is hard." Sex is easy but intimacy, true intimacy, is hard. It's easy to say "I forgive you" but true forgiveness of someone and acceptance of "the flawed, broken, and beautiful things they are" can be difficult.

Mark and Jimmy meet two years ago when each man is at a critical point in their life - Jimmy in the throes of a powerful addiction to meth and Mark lost, lonely and unknowingly suffering an addiction of his own. When Jimmy steals from Mark, he steals more than trinkets: “You took my trust. Not just in you, but in people. You stole my judgment, which I was naïve enough to think was pretty good. Now I doubt myself so much that it’s hard for me to let anyone else in.”

While their one-night stand didn't instantly change Jimmy, it sets in motion his going into a recovery program, where he meets Miriam, his sponsor:

"Love yourself, Jimmy. With all your heart. That’s the only way you’ll ever find real happiness. We all make mistakes. But I always remember what my sponsor told me—mistakes are the soil we grow from. Every mistake, every bad thing we did shouldn’t be a regret, because everything we do is simply one more step on our journey. Without the mistakes, we’d never grow.”

What follows isn't a sweet HEA - and I think if you read this book solely as a romance you'll miss out on something very extraordinary - but rather a difficult process of transformation and acceptance, and real forgiveness. I loved "The Perils of Intimacy" and yeah, I sobbed at points in this story for Jimmy and for Miriam, and for anyone going through a struggle with addiction of any kind. I highly recommend this book.

... no one knows better than I do that the key to unlock our chains is not in someone else’s hands, but in our own. Always.

I received an ARC from NineStar Press, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews ...more

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May 03, 2017 Sheri rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: amazing-yet-tragic, angst-fest, tragically-beautiful

This is rather difficult for me to review. I enjoyed many things but on the other hand, I also struggled with some aspects. I loved the writing because…this is Reed and I adore slipping into his angsty love-filled playland. I enjoyed the second chance romance because I believe in forgiveness and moving forward. The recovering addict thread was…critical and painful. This feature holds great significance in Jimmy’s story and by default, Mark’s story. And that was hard for me. It’s personal but as This is rather difficult for me to review. I enjoyed many things but on the other hand, I also struggled with some aspects. I loved the writing because…this is Reed and I adore slipping into his angsty love-filled playland. I enjoyed the second chance romance because I believe in forgiveness and moving forward. The recovering addict thread was…critical and painful. This feature holds great significance in Jimmy’s story and by default, Mark’s story. And that was hard for me. It’s personal but as much as I try, I can’t stop personal influences from affecting my reading enjoyment.
Meth is…a debilitating drug. The poisonous venom burns from the user to every connection they have. It not only destroys the life of the addict but invades the lives of everyone they know. Which in this case, is when Mark and Jimmy first meet. Jimmy is hanging by a thread. He has tunnel vision and the only thing he cares about is his next high. Taking advantage of Mark’s trust grants him exactly what he desired, goods to hock for cash for drugs. Chasing that elusive endless high. He tricked countless tricks yet for some reason the sweet kind-hearted stranger from his past wasn’t easy to forget. When he runs into him in another lifetime he longs for a chance to start anew. But it’s hard to wipe the slate clean when it’s hidden in a mysterious shroud of memories…and deceit.

What's to like: Both Mark and Jimmy have a solid sense of authenticity that rings clearly within this story. Mark is lonely and convinced himself that love isn’t in the cards for him. He’s tried and failed to find the perfect match. Jimmy is beating his demons and determined to pave bright new roads for his future. He wants to stay clean. He wants to find someone to love and someone to love him. He wants to be…happy. He can attest to the saying, “once you hit rock bottom the only way to go is up”. He leans on his mentor and his roommate when temptations attempt to seduce him. From the main to the supporting cast, all the characters bring a great deal to the table. Fantastic characters are certainly one of Rick’s strongest suits.

What's to love: The emotional surge is staggering. If there’s one thing you should know about this tale, it’s the fierce intensity of unrestrained feelings that will accompany their perils. I ached for them. I cheered for them. I was…terrified and afraid to turn the page along with them. I loved the passion that vibrates from this book. There was one particular surprise that left me speechless. I did not see it coming and was dumbfounded when it hit me from left field. Nice one Rick!

Beware of: An up close and personal perspective of the daily battles of an addict. If you are familiar with Reed’s work, you know he doesn’t pussyfoot around when it comes to harsh truths. It’s real and at times, ugly but I can guarantee you’ll be hooked and want to know how it all plays out.

This book is for: Second chance suckers. And this is a double feature for it’s not only another go at a relationship but a second chance at life. Although I personally don’t have loved ones that battle drug addictions, I’ve seen firsthand the devastation it can bring. If you have an intimate experience with the toxicity of meth, this might cross the comfort line.

*4 stars*
Book UNfunk ...more

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Jun 17, 2017 *J* Too Many Books Too Little Time rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: male-action

3.5 Stars!

I can appreciate this one for what it was - an interesting take on a second chance story. I felt for both characters. Really makes you think. Forgiving and forgetting are two really different things.

But it's not my typical preferred read. And it wasn't really what I was expecting. Not that that's a bad thing necessarily. I sort of picked it up on a whim.

It was mostly inner monologue. And little to no dialogue. No steam to be found. But I guess ultimately it wasn't about that....
...more

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Mar 23, 2020 Annery rated it it was amazing

Shelves: haunting-past, love-stories, own-digital, lgb, m-m, age-difference, older-younger, grown-up-love-story, all-the-feelz, angst

***4.5***

Jimmy Kilpatrick is 23, waiting tables at a cheap diner, and two years into recovery. Our Jimmy is a meth addict, is being the operative word. Everyday is a new day to choose not to use though the lure is always just around the corner. On a Monday morning, his past and a possible future come knocking in the form of 39 y.o. Marc Kelly. If you’re expecting some kind of Daddy story think again. This is so much better. It’s real.

This is my first dance with Rick R. Reed and I’m pretty sure ***4.5***

Jimmy Kilpatrick is 23, waiting tables at a cheap diner, and two years into recovery. Our Jimmy is a meth addict, is being the operative word. Everyday is a new day to choose not to use though the lure is always just around the corner. On a Monday morning, his past and a possible future come knocking in the form of 39 y.o. Marc Kelly. If you’re expecting some kind of Daddy story think again. This is so much better. It’s real.

This is my first dance with Rick R. Reed and I’m pretty sure it won’t be my last. If you’re in the mood for a low key, sort-of second chance this little gem hits just the right notes.

Jimmy and Marc’s story, in the space of the book, takes place over the course of a week but they have history, a bit sordid, which Marc at first is slow to pick up on and which Jimmy would love to erase. It turns out that during his time as a tweaker, Jimmy would hook up via dating apps and steal from his tricks. Marc was one of them. (None of this is a spoiler. It’s all in the blurb.) It’s now two years later and the sores-riddled, dirty, scrawny, dread-locked Jimmy has emerged (thanks to recovery) from his chrysalis into an attractive, healthy, and outgoing young man and Marc is smitten. Meanwhile Jimmy is on tenterhooks wondering when/if Marc will remember or when/if he should tell him because Marc, or more accurately the memory or promise of Marc has been living, quiescently, in his soul since that ill-fated date.

This is absolutely a love story, but more importantly and more definitely a story about recovery, the hard earned self-love required to survive in a world that’s not always kind, particularly for those who color outside the box, and the people who make this journey possible, even when they’re not physically present. Jimmy’s day-to-day struggles with his sobriety and the harsh reality of the scorched earth devastation that is meth addiction in the gay community isn’t glossed over with rainbows & unicorns, but the author also imbues this story with hope and even a touch of mysticism, which didn’t read as treacle. Sweet. It’s also nice that Jimmy isn’t the only one with issues. Marc is an almost 40 year old gay man who’s dealing with aging in the gay community, questioning if his life of hook-ups (sometimes dangerous ones) have led him to a future of being old, alone, and lonely. They’re both looking for what we all want: someone we matter to, connection, and acceptance.

The more I think about it the more I love this story. I love that it’s about ordinary people dealing with real issues. No blindingly beautiful super humans, Masters of the Universe billionaires, or superheroes, just two guys trying to find a safe place to land. Also their larger issues aren’t solved by the glory of love or magic D. How refreshing. Whenever you’re in the mood for a quiet but moving romance about recognizable humans this will leave you satisfied.

...more

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Mar 19, 2020 True Loveislovereview rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2020, lgbtq, addicts

They met before, Marc doesn’t realize it, yet. But when he does, Jimmy knows he will walk away. It was at a time Jimmy was in another state of mind. Physically and emotionally.
No wonder Marc doesn’t recognize Jimmy.

Marc, almost forty, alone, lonely, and is kind of a pessimist. When he meets the much younger Jimmy, he’s smitten. Jimmy gives him his number and they have a date. And they connect right away.
Jimmy has a story to tell, a devastating one. One you wish no one had.

“Then why wouldn’t you ...more

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Aug 21, 2017 Sara added it · review of another edition

Shelves: goo-is-good, unicorn-reads, stellar, boys-who-love-boys, hurt-comfort, review-copy, angst, can-t-miss-book, favorites, romance

5 Hearts

I am going to preface this review with a disclaimer that there will be a bit of rambling and the rambling may be of a personal nature. Books that have characters with addiction hit a special place for me and that place is close to home. You’d think with as much addiction in my life that I have dealt with I would steer clear of books with the content but maybe it’s my own sort of addiction that keeps me coming back? I am not sure but the dedication of this book had me tearing up with its ...more

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Apr 03, 2017 Cindi rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m, on-blog, dsp-arc, rick-r-reed, 2017, faves-published-in-2017

My #1 book of 2017.

4.5 stars, rounded up.

Full review can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.

Jimmy, twenty-three, is a recovering addict. He's been in recovery for two years and is working hard to be the man he could've been before meth came into his world.

Marc, almost forty, works a boring office job and pretty much lives by routine. That wasn't always the case. It wasn't that long ago when he was hooking up with strangers he met online every chance he got.

Jimmy a ...more

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May 02, 2019 Kirstin rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

The emotions in this story were so real and raw and powerful. Two broken souls both fighting to be better, hurting others in the process. How much forgiveness can be expected when you've caused so much hurt? This story is about second chances and mending what's broken to be deserving of them.

Jimmy is a recovering addict. It's been two years and he's got it together. But when Marc walks into his cafe and asks for a cinnamon roll, Jimmy has to figure out if he's worthy a second chance.

Marc has a s ...more

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Apr 08, 2020 Keith Chawgo rated it liked it

Reed’s second novel that I have read in the past two weeks has the same construct as the previous one I read. As this strictly works as a two character device, this works very well and each character gives their points of view which is well balanced.

The characters are interesting and come from two different spectrums of their world. We have the more conservative person who led a promiscuous life but has settled into a more self isolated due to previous experiences. The other character is someone Reed’s second novel that I have read in the past two weeks has the same construct as the previous one I read. As this strictly works as a two character device, this works very well and each character gives their points of view which is well balanced.

The characters are interesting and come from two different spectrums of their world. We have the more conservative person who led a promiscuous life but has settled into a more self isolated due to previous experiences. The other character is someone heavily involved in the chem sex, promiscuous thief who has turned his life around as he too self isolates from people to ensure he stays on the road of sobriety. This is the story of Mark, the former and Jimmy the later.

The characters are very well developed and as we are seeing the story fold out from their points of view, we are privy to their insecurities and inner thoughts. The supporting characters are well developed and at times, come off more interesting than the main characters. Jimmy and Mark are two damaged souls who are unsure of their place in the world. As these are two very flawed characters, their point of views can sometimes be a bit jarring as they come across as self obsessed but this is not the case but more of the storytelling format.

The plot is interesting and it flows at a good pace. The juxtaposition of points of view keeps the story moving. The story hinges on the likability of the characters and the empathy you have for these characters. There are some plot points that seem sort of force but doesn’t take away from the overall flow and enjoyment of the story.

Overall, this is quite a tightly woven cautionary tale that is told with emotion, likability and empathy based on the characters. Given an interesting look at a subculture found within a community gives it an interesting perspective. Supporting characters help hold up the main characters for a novel that takes a look of two people going through their own changes within their lives whilst holding on to someone for support. Enjoyable. 3.5 stars ...more

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May 30, 2019 J.P. Jackson rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m-romance, gay, 2019, novella, addiction

Full review to follow.

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May 12, 2017 Joyfully Jay rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: sammy

A Joyfully Jay review.

5 stars

It is no secret that I am a Rick R. Reed fan and have enjoyed many of his past works. However, nothing could have prepared me for the way in which this novel would crawl under my skin and capture my heart and imagination so utterly. Reed has struck literary gold with these two characters and the story he weaves about their lives then and now is incredibly forceful and emotionally rich. I doubt I have ever loved an anti-hero such as Jimmy quite so much. Broken and de ...more

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Apr 14, 2017 Erica Chilson rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 4-star, mm, m-m, contemporary-romance, wickedreads, addiction

I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads

4 Angsty Stars

The Perils of Intimacy is a difficult book to review, because to give certain plot points away will spoil the journey. The author doesn't outright explain Jimmy's first encounter with Marc until nearly halfway into the book, so out of respect for the author and my fellow readers, I'm going to try my best to avoid it.

Jimmy is a recovering addict, trying to get his life in order- he works at a local diner and lives w I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads

4 Angsty Stars

The Perils of Intimacy is a difficult book to review, because to give certain plot points away will spoil the journey. The author doesn't outright explain Jimmy's first encounter with Marc until nearly halfway into the book, so out of respect for the author and my fellow readers, I'm going to try my best to avoid it.

Jimmy is a recovering addict, trying to get his life in order- he works at a local diner and lives with another man who's in recovery, both for the support and the companionship. Marc shows up to eat breakfast, and Jimmy recognizes him from two years prior. The heat and intensity is instantaneous between the two- a nice bit of banter and humor. Jimmy is thankful, yet struggling, over the fact that Marc doesn't recognize Jimmy.

The journey is more about Jimmy's struggle with addiction. I give a solid 5 stars on the portrayal, and mad props to the author for not dumbing down, or lessening the dark and gritty of the reality of addiction. Through the arc of the book, there are ups and downs with Jimmy's journey, yet there is always an underlying sense of hope.

The romance, which is why I can't hand out a 5-star review, it felt like a passenger to Jimmy's addiction- a byproduct. I'm pleased it didn't overshadow such an important message, though. But I do have to rate how the romance was executed.

Jimmy obviously has issues with his recent past, and the few pages where he shared his childhood with Marc was the only true intimacy in the novel. I felt more intimacy between Jimmy and Miriam, Jimmy and the new kid, Jimmy and his roommate, than I did between Jimmy and Marc. It was as if, after their two destined meetings, the connection was instantaneous and it was love-at-first-sight, and no more work was done to solidify them as a couple. Yes, there was angst when the truth finally came out, which I loved, but the resolution was just 'Okay, we're past that- we're together now.' I apologize for going on a tangent. I just felt the romance suffered due to the focus on Jimmy's addiction, and the wonderful character building and connection Jimmy had with everyone BUT Marc.

I enjoyed both Marc & Jimmy, but found their inner monologue difficult to wade through- it became repetitious and bogged the story down a bit. When in inner-monologue-mode their voices seemed to meld into more of the author's voice. I'm not saying that is a bad thing, as I do enjoy RRR's writing style and voice. But other than whatever the character was angsting over, it sounded too similar to stay in character with the narrator. There was an abundance of inner monologue by both narrators.

Overall, I enjoyed The Perils of Intimacy. As I said, I found the author's take on addiction done with compassion, research, highly realistic, and pulled no punches. Being that the title is focusing on Intimacy, I felt the romance, the connection and intimacy between the two narrators should have been stronger.

I do believe MM Romance fans will adore Jimmy and Marc. For obvious reasons, those who find addiction a trigger while reading will want to avoid this book. I look forward to whatever Rick R. Reed publishes next. ...more

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Apr 26, 2017 justanya rated it liked it · review of another edition

3.5 stars

Rick R. Reed's latest story is difficult to rate. The biggest irony of all lays within the title. We get an in-depth view of each characters' insecurities, shame and fears but that's as intimate as the story gets. We don't really know these guys outside of their inner monolog. Both of these guys live a pretty lonely existence. Mark's only friend is an older coworker. Mark reveals he used to be very promiscuous, hooking up with random guys and sometimes taking unnecessary risks. That's t ...more

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May 21, 2017 TT rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

4.5 phenomenal stars! What an amazing read! Absolutely recommend it, great price on Google Play Books too!

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Jul 07, 2017 Sammy Goode rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

In his latest release, The Perils Of Intimacy, Rick R. Reed draws us into the wrenching story of a young man who dares to dream that his life can truly be different the second time around. Two years clean, Jimmy has clawed his way back from a drug-addicted life that had led him to do despicable things and nearly killed him. Now working in a diner, he defies the odds each day by staying clean and slowly rebuilding his life piece by piece. When he catches sight of the beautiful fox at one of his t In his latest release, The Perils Of Intimacy, Rick R. Reed draws us into the wrenching story of a young man who dares to dream that his life can truly be different the second time around. Two years clean, Jimmy has clawed his way back from a drug-addicted life that had led him to do despicable things and nearly killed him. Now working in a diner, he defies the odds each day by staying clean and slowly rebuilding his life piece by piece. When he catches sight of the beautiful fox at one of his tables, he feels immediately drawn to the man and takes a risk by slipping him his number. When he realizes why the man seems so familiar Jimmy is devastated but some small part of himself refuses to abandon the hope that somehow fate will be kind and for once let him have the man who has haunted his past for so long.

Marc has lived a life driven by the need to be accepted and wanted. Now approaching middle age, he is finding it hard to accept that he can no longer be satisfied by a quick one night stand that has always hidden the deeper need for the relationship he has craved. His past is not something Marc likes to look at too closely for it is riddled with risky behavior and dangerous hook-ups that has left him empty and alone. One particular past encounter with a nameless stranger left a violent mark on his memory and has become a painful reminder of how close to the edge he danced in his desperation to be noticed. When Mar meets the boy in the diner, there is something so familiar about him, something that tugs at him in a way that lures him into taking a chance once more to discover if a stranger can become something more. Little does either man know that they are intimately connected and that their last time together was a turning point in both their lives.

It is no secret that I am a Rick R. Reed fan and have enjoyed many of his past works. However, nothing could have prepared me for the way in which this novel would crawl under my skin and capture my heart and imagination so utterly. Mr. Reed has struck literary gold with these two characters and the story he weaves about their lives then and now is incredibly forceful and emotionally rich. I doubt I have ever loved an anti-hero such as Jimmy quite so much. Broken and definitely soiled, Jimmy has done some truly awful things in his past in his pursuit of his next high. Besides nearly killing himself on his drug of choice, he has a string of petty crimes and meaningless, risky sexual encounters that left him filled with self-loathing and despair. Two sponsors will step into his life and help him cling to a clean life while also forcing him to begin to understand that he must love himself first before he will ever be able to love another person.

Jimmy is a writer’s triumph when it comes to creating a character that moves the reader so fully. To say the young man tugs at your heartstrings and pulls you into his story completely is an understatement. The way in which the author makes Jimmy so achingly vulnerable prompts every protective emotion a reader has and you are instantly rooting for him to finally succeed in finding someone to love and be loved by in return. It’s not so much that you overlook what a monster the drugs had turned Jimmy into but rather you see how desperately hard he is trying to be a different man—one that has earned forgiveness despite what he has done.

Then there is Marc who has dealt with his own demons—one nearly as addictive as Jimmy’s dance with drugs. For Marc, this novel is about discovering himself and finally seeing the real man in the mirror—one that is not nearly as innocent a victim as he had believed himself to be all those years. His story is vastly different from Jimmy’s and yet I fear will be achingly familiar to many. His past is littered with meaningless sexual encounters that were not only laced with a bit of dangerous behavior but also repeatedly acted out night after night in pursuit of an elusive relationship that masked an underlying need to be desired and wanted. The coupling of these two men was genius and created a story that left lasting impressions and fierce desires to see them both happy, safe and in love.

...more

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Apr 23, 2017 Rachael Orman rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

4.5 Stars
I received a copy to read and review for Wicked Reads

I have to admit that I will pick up any book that Rick R. Reed writes. I am a huge fan of his. Some of his stories are more romance focused than others and this is one where there is most definitely something more important than the budding relationship between the two men.

Jimmy is dealing with a Crystal Meth addiction. He's been clean for two years, but that doesn't mean that temptation is there always trying to pull him back into i ...more

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May 02, 2017 Jessie G. rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: rick-r-reed

In the current, this story takes place over a short period of time—just 7 days—however, there’s that first encounter from two years ago that left an indelible impression on both characters. Through their thoughts, we see that not all their memories of that night are in sync, but one thing remains true: they never forgot each other.

Jimmy is two years into his recovery and looks completely different. He’s working as a waiter when Mark comes in for breakfast. They flirt and it doesn’t take long to In the current, this story takes place over a short period of time—just 7 days—however, there’s that first encounter from two years ago that left an indelible impression on both characters. Through their thoughts, we see that not all their memories of that night are in sync, but one thing remains true: they never forgot each other.

Jimmy is two years into his recovery and looks completely different. He’s working as a waiter when Mark comes in for breakfast. They flirt and it doesn’t take long to realize the cute older man is actually someone he wronged. He knows the right thing to do, but he’s drawn and can’t stop himself from giving Mark his number. Mark, a painfully shy introvert who lost any of his trust and self-esteem after their first encounter, doesn’t recognize Jimmy at all and is flattered by the attention. It takes him most of the day to get up the nerve to call, starting them on the road to uncovering more than just their shared past.

Told in first person alternate POVs, we see both men make discoveries about themselves and each other. Some often-enlightening and hard-to-face truths that leave them both floundering. With Jimmy vigilant about his recovery and the triggers that could push him to back slide, he actually has better coping methods than Mark who is only just realizing his own culpability in what happened that night and what always happens to him. His bad choices aren’t an accident and he’s not just an innocent bystander in his own unfulfilled life.

The correlation between Jimmy’s addiction and Mark’s never ending quest for affection in all the wrong places was a little bit of a stretch, for me, but it worked here. My only complaint was that Mark didn’t find real forgiveness that he could articulate until after he was robbed. Finding that in himself would have been a great growth arc for his character and without it, some of the things he said after made me wonder if he would ever let it go (i.e. “don’t steal the teakettle”).

There is a small, but powerful support cast here with Jimmy’s friends Miriam and Kevin, and Mark’s friend Don. I was completely blindsided by the Miriam twist, but it was her epilogue that gave me confidence in the HFN w/HEA potential of Jimmy and Mark’s relationship.

4.5 Stars from me
I was given a copy of The Perils of Intimacy from the publisher in return for an honest review ...more

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Jul 08, 2017 Nagisa Furukawa rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

4.5!
Definitely a different story. New. Addicting kinda, and oh look, the irony! (That is an irony, right?) anyway.
I haven't read a book like this ever. Not that I remember anyway. And I loved it. I stayed up until 2:30 AM reading! I haven't done that in a long while! This book was totally worth it.

Thank you, Rick R. Reed for this wonderful story. ...more

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May 14, 2017 Barb ~rede-2-read~ rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: age-gap, favorites, best-books-ever, for-review, angst-a-lot, older-mc-over-40, read-2017

Note: This book was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.

A powerfully moving story, this is told in first person POV—something I don’t usually like, but I found it to be perfect for conveying the character’s thoughts and emotions in this story.

When Jimmy spots Mark in the restaurant where he waits tables, he’s immediately attracted to the older man—a silver fox with bright eyes staring right back at him. Flirting comes easy to the t Note: This book was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.

A powerfully moving story, this is told in first person POV—something I don’t usually like, but I found it to be perfect for conveying the character’s thoughts and emotions in this story.

When Jimmy spots Mark in the restaurant where he waits tables, he’s immediately attracted to the older man—a silver fox with bright eyes staring right back at him. Flirting comes easy to the twenty-three-year-old Jimmy, even though he doesn’t expect the cute guy to flirt back. But there’s something about the man that’s familiar and Jimmy can’t deny his attraction.

Marc is equally attracted to Jimmy. Though older, he’s a single gay man who’s rather shy and to be shown such interest by a cute young guy is flattering. Encouraged by his coworker, Marc decides to ask Jimmy out and the two find they could easily spend an enjoyable evening without sex. But Jimmy has a secret and when he realizes that Marc was one of the tricks he robbed a few years ago while heavily using and dealing meth, he tries to decide whether or not to go forward or to back off and not disrupt the status quo.

Sometimes decisions are out of our hands, and fate steps in to bring them closer. And then that same nasty fate steps in to drive them apart. A highly emotional story, the author does an excellent job getting inside the psyche of an addict, exploring the very good person who lives inside the very out-of-control, drug-induced behavior person who manifests a totally different personality.

This story really hit me in the gut. I know addiction. I’ve lived with it. I’ve worked with recovering addicts and alcoholics, and I’m intimately familiar with not only the 12-step recovery programs, but also with the guilt and remorse that comes when one is finally free of the substance and is able to look at the behaviors they’ve been taking as “the norm.” Showing the MC as being involved in a 12-step program is a very positive action, and one not all authors include when they portray those in recovery. For many, it’s the only chance they have to lose that sense of loneliness that leads to self-pity and despair. So I’m stopping a moment to send kudos and heartfelt thanks to you, Rick Reed.

This is such a realistic portrayal of addiction that being inside Jimmy’s head when he was at the bathhouse was very emotional for me. That segment of the story truly portrayed the “stinkin’ thinkin’” so many in early recovery fall into. Justified behaviors war with self-caretaking and it’s a difficult choice for many. I do want to add this warning to readers, however: Those in recovery from drug addiction should be sure to have strong recovery under their belt and their support system standing by as the author takes us to the depths of despair with a very realistic portrayal of drug paraphanelia, the effects of the drug on the system as the high commences, and the struggle to use, even after establishing time in recovery. On the one hand, the descriptions were powerful, spot-on, and outstanding, and on the other, it was very scary and could trigger some readers newly in recovery or struggling with addiction. Please don’t get me wrong—I appreciate every word the author wrote, and I’m impressed by how accurately he portrays the struggle. I just needed to offer a warning to those who might not be able to read that section.

I also appreciated Marc’s own self-exploration and his realization that the excessive sex he sought in the past may have been beyond the norm. The time the men took to explore their issues, and the thoughtful way each was addressed honestly and thoroughly was exemplary. And, of course, my heart greatly appreciated their journey to forgiveness and their strong possibility of a HEA. And the bit of spiritual guidance through paranormal activity, which I won’t reveal in detail as it’s a spoiler, was the perfect touch.

I highly recommend this one to those who love a gritty, emotional MM romance. And if you like the works of Stephen King, you will likely appreciate that extra little touch this author, who I happen to know admires Mr. King, offers at the end of this story. Just sayin’.
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May 02, 2017 Lisa The Novel Approach rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary

I finished Rick R. Reed’s The Perils of Intimacy late last week, and I’m still thinking about it days later. I imagine Jimmy and Marc are going to leave a lasting impression on most readers; it’s that kind of book. This isn’t an easy-breezy romance, but it’s also not a total angst fest. There are light moments—moments where you’ll chuckle at some funny reference or cute bit of dialogue—but, there are also lots of gut checks, and things that will make you stop and think.

Marc is quickly approachin ...more

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Apr 24, 2017 Lila Hunter rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: profession-restaurant-bar-cafe, genre-lgbtq-fiction, 2017-arc-strw, zz-04-uc-twister-mm, usa-washington

4.5 stars

Review to follow at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words.

ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.

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May 19, 2017 Lee rated it really liked it · review of another edition

What an enjoyable read. Well written, realistic characters, and witty dialogue.
Four Stars!

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May 17, 2017 Bogusia rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: mm, 2017

4.75 stars
I really can't express how much I loved this book :)
Highly recommended. ...more

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May 01, 2017 Cathy Brockman rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, favorite-authors, favorites, m-m

The Perils of Intimacy is a very deep story. It is about a young man that is a recovering addict and cleaning himself up. He has been clean for two years, works in a restaurant and attends NA meetings.
One morning a man comes into the restaurant that he wants to get to know then he realizes where he has seen him before. It is from his dark past, and he did tings he wishes he hadn't. But you cant take back the past. Will that ruin his future?

The story is written in first person alternating views w ...more

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Jan 27, 2020 Shirley rated it liked it

3.5 - 4

Yeah, you've probably noticed that I've been on a Rick R. Reed binge lately. The main reason is because a lot of his books have been offered for review in the past month or so. One of the things I've learned through all these reads is that some of these books have been hit or miss. Granted, most have been really good, unfortunately The Perils of Intimacy wasn't one of them.

Okay, so the book wasn't that bad. There were parts of it that were pretty good actually, it just never really pull ...more

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May 14, 2017 Tristan rated it it was ok · review of another edition

2.5/5

For some reason, I got an impression that the pairing is already in an established relationship. They aren't, which is fine in itself. However, I will get to the issue with this later.

As the blurb had already covered, the book is about a recovering addicted who mistakes from his past is catching up to him. Consequently, the story is about second chance, accepting and forgiveness. All fairly novel messages, except for its delivery and its attitude towards the issue here: drugs.

I understa 2.5/5

For some reason, I got an impression that the pairing is already in an established relationship. They aren't, which is fine in itself. However, I will get to the issue with this later.

As the blurb had already covered, the book is about a recovering addicted who mistakes from his past is catching up to him. Consequently, the story is about second chance, accepting and forgiveness. All fairly novel messages, except for its delivery and its attitude towards the issue here: drugs.

I understand that different people have different experience with addictions, as for me I just can't agree with the author's point of view here.

(view spoiler)

Another factor that just made it harder to believe in the book was the nature of their relationship. As I said, had they been in a sturdy relationship, before the cat is out of the bag, I might accept the forgiveness. However, these guys were only on what second date? when the shit hit the fan. The foundation of their relationship isn’t solid enough to build the broken trust imo.

Add in the tone of the writing which seem misfitted in the overall theme of the book, I just can't recommend this.
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Sep 19, 2017 Donna rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 0-lgbtq-read

For me, this was a 4-star read up until the very end... and then it became a 5-star read because I like to think we all have a "Mariam" in our lives. I would say more, but I don't want to spoil the story!

Mr. Reed took on a very complex issue with this story and threw in another just to make things even more poignant... and made a huge success of it all! I think the thing that surprised me the most if the fact that I didn't cry... this story will take your heart and twist it inside out and hopef ...more

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Apr 19, 2020 Malkhai rated it really liked it

Original review: https://myshelfbooks.wordpress.com/20...

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

There are books that have no need of convulated drama or nail-biting mysteries. In their simplicity they shine brighter than many. That is the case with all the books by Rick R. Reed I have read so far. Granted, only two… but I see a pattern!! Let’s grab a box of tissues and see what perils our poor main characters are facing this time!

In th Original review: https://myshelfbooks.wordpress.com/20...

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

There are books that have no need of convulated drama or nail-biting mysteries. In their simplicity they shine brighter than many. That is the case with all the books by Rick R. Reed I have read so far. Granted, only two… but I see a pattern!! Let’s grab a box of tissues and see what perils our poor main characters are facing this time!

In this book we follow Mark (or was it Marc?), an almost forty-years-old man who seems vaccinated against love. He is kind of a manizer, using social media to pick his next conquest. At least it was like that until he meets Jimmy, a way younger waiter that catches his eye since the first encounter. Well, actually is not the first one. Mark met Jimmy a couple of years earlier, but the guy has changed so much he doesn’t recognize him. That is rather good for Jimmy, because in that first meeting he robbed Mark blind in order to get fresh money to pay for his drugs… Will they get a fresh start or will the past’s shadow be too big to handle?

As I said earlier, the story is quite simple and slow. If the author weren’t so good in the emotional aspect of it, we will be facing a mighty boring book. Thankfully, once again he presents us with a story masterfully crafted to move the reader emotionally and provoke in several occasions the leak of a couple of tears or twenty. Jimmy’s life is a hard pill to swallow (not pun intended). One that, sadly, is way too common in real life. So I love, really LOVE, the undertone of unrelenting hope this story displays. It is a warm sensation to see that even in the most dark situations, we are not alone. I feel lucky for not knowing anyone fighting against an addiction, but it is good to know that, if the opposite were the case, they could have access to such great support groups.

Jimmy’s reality is the strength of this story. Other parts are not so fulfilling, but they do their part. Maybe, the most disappointing one is the obvious drama that happens when Mark discovers that he met the younger guy earlier. It is obvious, but I can’t deny that is also utterly logical. The disappointing part is the short time invested in the drama itself. In my opinion, all is forgiven waaay too easily. I would even dare to say that the ending is too abrupt. It is not a happily ever after, but I wouldn’t call a happily for now, either. I don’t usually mind that, but this time I needed to know that their love was unbeatable. Jimmy deserves it.

About the characters there is not much to say. I have a love/hate relationship with Mark, a character that sometimes doesn’t make much sense and others is almost book boyfriend material. I know there is an explanation for his introvert behaviour, but taking into account he doesn’t behave like an introvert… I’m not sure if that explanation holds any water… Jimmy is a much better character, thanks to the fact that all the emotional burden rests in the shoulder of that poor guy. He has much more layers and his development is more precise and better thought. The romance between them leans more toward the sweet than the sexy, which works great for the setting. If you are one of those who read Romance just for the sex, you better look elsewhere. No narrated naughty time for this couple.

Really good book, but not perfect. I need to check more stories by this author. He has a nice style and a superb way of wrting about the human nature and its perils. ...more

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May 11, 2020 Veronica of V's Reads rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: adult, grief-loss, contemporary, male-male, some-heat

4.5 Stars
Mark and Jimmy meet for the second time at Becky's Diner in Seattle. Jimmy is the cute 23 year old waiter, and Mark is the 40-something flirtatious customer. They feel a spark, and set a date for a date. Jimmy has a sense of deja vu regarding this man, which is unsettling. Jimmy is a recovering meth addict and he hurt himself and a lot of other people when he was using. He's been sober two years now, and is rebuilding his life. His intuition bears out when Jimmy remembers...Mark was a m 4.5 Stars
Mark and Jimmy meet for the second time at Becky's Diner in Seattle. Jimmy is the cute 23 year old waiter, and Mark is the 40-something flirtatious customer. They feel a spark, and set a date for a date. Jimmy has a sense of deja vu regarding this man, which is unsettling. Jimmy is a recovering meth addict and he hurt himself and a lot of other people when he was using. He's been sober two years now, and is rebuilding his life. His intuition bears out when Jimmy remembers...Mark was a man he robbed during a meth-fueled hook-up shortly before Jimmy hit rock bottom and sought recovery.

Now, Jimmy is a whole different man. He lives with a fellow recovering addict and makes his meetings. He's really got a spark with Mark, and he doesn't want to lose out on the possibility of something good just because he was out of control years before. Mark hasn't forgotten the violation of Jimmy's theft. What he'd taken wasn't that expensive, but the sense of violation was far more destructive for Mark. It makes him skittish around new lovers, and particularly when he connects the dots back to that terrible night. Sure, Jimmy has his life together at this moment, but what guarantee could he make to Mark not to hurt him again? What if he goes back to using? Can he really ever trust this Jimmy--knowing what he does about Jimmy's past?

This story really hit home for me, having close family members who struggle with, and have overcome, addiction. Jimmy can only accept the responsibility for his actions, and continue to demonstrate how much he has changed in his sobriety. This situation with Mark is definitely stressful, and Jimmy reaches out to his supports to keep him from using when he feels triggered. Mark has to decide: can he forgive Jimmy for the man he was, and accept him for the man he is? They have a shot at getting a happy ending, but only if they are both able to be honest and trust one another.

I liked the compressed time frame of this story, that they connect on a Monday and their lives intersect several times in the course of a tumultuous week. This gave a lot of space to a deep dive into the character's mindsets and struggles. Neither Jimmy nor Mark are simple men--even if they truly want something simple: a steady life and a loving partner. There's a little bit of mystic running in here, too, especially for Jimmy who seems in tune with his past, present and future in the way of heightened awareness. This comes through in glimpses, with the deja vu, intuition, conversations with trusted "spirits" and the call to assist people--from junkies cleaning up, to Mark in the heat of a bad moment.

I really liked this one, with its messages of forgiveness--of both self and others--of redemption, and finding the right partner at the right time in one's life. It stuck with me long after I turned the last page. The romance was low-key, but solidly based in connection of spirit and emotion. ...more

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