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Foster Siblings #1
A Fostered Love
Christian Sanchez never thought he would see Jonah Roberts again. Foster brothers for a short time as teens, Christian developed a massive crush on Jonah, his tough, older roommate. That all ended when the cops came and arrested Jonah, stealing him from Christian's uncertain world.
Jonah never forgot Christian, even though he cut off all contact with the boy. Jonah knew the kid with the crush on him would be better off forgetting that Jonah ever existed. Jonah stayed in contact with his foster mother Marisol, but refused to hear stories about Christian, and made the woman promise never to tell Christian anything about him.
Upon her death fifteen years later, Marisol leaves a request that Jonah come home and help Christian renovate her house. Jonah can't refuse, even though he knows he will have to face Christian once again.
Although they haven't seen each other in years, neither man has forgotten the other. Neither man will deny Marisol her final request...even if it means facing their past, working together, sharing the room they had as teens, getting to know one another now as men, and discovering that the brief friendship they shared has altered into a consuming, abiding love.
Publisher's This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations some readers may find Anal play/intercourse, male/male sexual practices, violence.
237 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 24, 2009
52 people are currently reading
1880 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 183 reviews
November 13, 2012
Cameron Dane.
She's fabulous. I'm sure she hears this all the time. If not, Ms. Dane, kudos to you on this story.
Seriously.
How you can give such depth to these guys... Christian and Jonah?
Aw buddy. Both men, they were how I like my main characters to be. They were onions.
Onions?
*nods* Onions.
Do you see the wonderful layers? The unassuming textures? Onions might smell, might make you cry but damn it they are pretty awesome in my book.
I loved these two so much. It's quite a feat to write such damaged heroes without making them too depressing or annoying. Jonah is a good example of the quiet, strong yet socially awkward, possessive, alpha character. He's had a tough life but he got a gift in Christian. Both men deserved each other.
Plus they were not pink hearts and Lisa Frank unicorns kind of characters, you know. These were two men, who loved like men (oh boy, did they love) acted like men and had a believable HEA.
Eh, I could have done without the epilogue as I found the story ended pretty great anyway but I was happy with it. And the ending for the creepy stalker ex-boyfriend was not as satisfying (& felt a little random) but who cares?
I had my onions, they love each other and no one is pulling them part damn it!
This is Cameron Dane at her finest man, her fans will adore this one.
FOUR & A HALF STARS
It was:
She's fabulous. I'm sure she hears this all the time. If not, Ms. Dane, kudos to you on this story.
Seriously.
How you can give such depth to these guys... Christian and Jonah?
Aw buddy. Both men, they were how I like my main characters to be. They were onions.
Onions?
*nods* Onions.
Do you see the wonderful layers? The unassuming textures? Onions might smell, might make you cry but damn it they are pretty awesome in my book.
I loved these two so much. It's quite a feat to write such damaged heroes without making them too depressing or annoying. Jonah is a good example of the quiet, strong yet socially awkward, possessive, alpha character. He's had a tough life but he got a gift in Christian. Both men deserved each other.
Plus they were not pink hearts and Lisa Frank unicorns kind of characters, you know. These were two men, who loved like men (oh boy, did they love) acted like men and had a believable HEA.
Eh, I could have done without the epilogue as I found the story ended pretty great anyway but I was happy with it. And the ending for the creepy stalker ex-boyfriend was not as satisfying (& felt a little random) but who cares?
I had my onions, they love each other and no one is pulling them part damn it!
This is Cameron Dane at her finest man, her fans will adore this one.
FOUR & A HALF STARS
It was:
February 22, 2013
3.85 stars
I picked this up after reading the short sequel Snowfall. Christian and Jonah were sexy, hungry beasts and incredibly hot. So of course A Fostered Love became a must read, I couldn't help myself I needed to know more about them, its not all about the raunchy sex, really!
What worked so well was Christian and Jonah's fierce and unshakable love for each other. They haven't been in contact for years, only meeting up again to renovate and sell their foster mothers home. Old hurts and resentments are laid bare, Jonah's feelings of not being good enough for Christian get in the way. Christian works on that and its good too see a growing confidence building in Jonah. Not as much plot as I would have liked, more about the steam factor which is alive and well, flying off the page. Sweet outcome with the house, I was so happy it ended that way. A tiny niggle, Christian's obsessive ex-boyfriend was not my favourite part of the story. I liked it, another good story from the author.
I picked this up after reading the short sequel Snowfall. Christian and Jonah were sexy, hungry beasts and incredibly hot. So of course A Fostered Love became a must read, I couldn't help myself I needed to know more about them, its not all about the raunchy sex, really!
What worked so well was Christian and Jonah's fierce and unshakable love for each other. They haven't been in contact for years, only meeting up again to renovate and sell their foster mothers home. Old hurts and resentments are laid bare, Jonah's feelings of not being good enough for Christian get in the way. Christian works on that and its good too see a growing confidence building in Jonah. Not as much plot as I would have liked, more about the steam factor which is alive and well, flying off the page. Sweet outcome with the house, I was so happy it ended that way. A tiny niggle, Christian's obsessive ex-boyfriend was not my favourite part of the story. I liked it, another good story from the author.
May 25, 2011
Jon grew on me at first I didn’t like him but then I did like him then at the end I started to not like him, before liking him again… I give Jon a 3.5 star
Christian I liked at first but by the end he was a whinny bitch. Kinda dumb too so when he turned into Christina (A typo I think but it fit) he started just being plain boring Christy to me… 3 stars for Christy
Annie was always likeable and sweet and she thinks two guys kissing is hot so 5 stars for little orphantranny Annie
Roberto was big and take charge I would give him only 4 stars because as bossy as he was you’d think he would have done something about Annie by now. Come on Roberto sex her up already
The cop, Bernard wasn’t in the story much but I did like him but cannot rate him since he was only there a couple scenes
Overall I liked the book and the story even if it was frustrating at times and stuff but stuff happened blah blah sex fixes it blah blah more sex
Christian I liked at first but by the end he was a whinny bitch. Kinda dumb too so when he turned into Christina (A typo I think but it fit) he started just being plain boring Christy to me… 3 stars for Christy
Annie was always likeable and sweet and she thinks two guys kissing is hot so 5 stars for little orphan
Roberto was big and take charge I would give him only 4 stars because as bossy as he was you’d think he would have done something about Annie by now. Come on Roberto sex her up already
The cop, Bernard wasn’t in the story much but I did like him but cannot rate him since he was only there a couple scenes
Overall I liked the book and the story even if it was frustrating at times and stuff but stuff happened blah blah sex fixes it blah blah more sex
Read
October 11, 2018DNF en el 40% porque del rolling eyes a cada página por poco se me salen los ojos de las órbitas.
Algunos libros han envejecido muy mal.
Algunos libros han envejecido muy mal.
September 20, 2014
*Spoilers ahead*
It didn’t work for me.
Firstly, there is TOO much sex. It’s pointless, only to sell more pages. They have sex anytime, even in serious moments. I was tired of reading about…
And…
I don’t care about sex scenes, just the opposite. I love them when they’re worth it, but here they felt empty, pointless, useless. I didn’t feel the chemistry between the MC. I was even bored reading those scenes.
Too much sex, too little feelings. I found everything empty.
I didn’t like the way of describing Jonah. He’s suposed to be antisocial and weird but lovable but I found him very strained, forced. Christian is more natural but he didn’t save the book.
The language didn’t hook me. In fact, I wandered a lot. There were some flashbacks but they are confusing and I had to read those paragraphs several times because I couldn' tell they were parts from the past. I think that should have been a little more obvious, there was no “transition”.
I would say this is a meh book. But there was a scene in which I felt REALLY stupid. That scene ruined the book even more. It’s practically in the beginning, when they are laying on the floor after making the walls repairs and they fall asleep holding hands. Christian dreams about Jonah and the day he kissed him when the cops arrested him sixteen years before. Christian has a hard-on, so while dreaming, he opens his zip and masturbates himself with Jonah’s hand!
That is your way of breaking the ice? I think it’s stupid, childish and clumsy for a romance author. That excuse for making them closer and talk about the elephant in the room is just that, an excuse.
Also, there is cheap drama. Jonah was a kid living in a drug hell. His mother died, so his "father" took him to social services. He committed a crime, so he went into JD. A great soul taught them to repair cars and bikes and after he went out, that one soul employed him and when he retired, gave him the business. Jonah has only one wing tattooed because of that one selfless soul because he's not completely "free". Of course, we can guess he's going to have the other wing tattooed at the end of the book.
Christian's life is not that sad, lucky for me.
Furthermore, there plot is too predictable. There is an exboyfriend who is not happy to have the relationship ended, so he pursues Christian. With a pseudo-kidnapping and all of that included. That was the last straw.
I was very close to DNF the book but I guess I’m too stubborn.
It didn’t work for me.
Firstly, there is TOO much sex. It’s pointless, only to sell more pages. They have sex anytime, even in serious moments. I was tired of reading about…
And…
I don’t care about sex scenes, just the opposite. I love them when they’re worth it, but here they felt empty, pointless, useless. I didn’t feel the chemistry between the MC. I was even bored reading those scenes.
Too much sex, too little feelings. I found everything empty.
I didn’t like the way of describing Jonah. He’s suposed to be antisocial and weird but lovable but I found him very strained, forced. Christian is more natural but he didn’t save the book.
The language didn’t hook me. In fact, I wandered a lot. There were some flashbacks but they are confusing and I had to read those paragraphs several times because I couldn' tell they were parts from the past. I think that should have been a little more obvious, there was no “transition”.
I would say this is a meh book. But there was a scene in which I felt REALLY stupid. That scene ruined the book even more. It’s practically in the beginning, when they are laying on the floor after making the walls repairs and they fall asleep holding hands. Christian dreams about Jonah and the day he kissed him when the cops arrested him sixteen years before. Christian has a hard-on, so while dreaming, he opens his zip and masturbates himself with Jonah’s hand!
That is your way of breaking the ice? I think it’s stupid, childish and clumsy for a romance author. That excuse for making them closer and talk about the elephant in the room is just that, an excuse.
Also, there is cheap drama. Jonah was a kid living in a drug hell. His mother died, so his "father" took him to social services. He committed a crime, so he went into JD. A great soul taught them to repair cars and bikes and after he went out, that one soul employed him and when he retired, gave him the business. Jonah has only one wing tattooed because of that one selfless soul because he's not completely "free". Of course, we can guess he's going to have the other wing tattooed at the end of the book.
Christian's life is not that sad, lucky for me.
Furthermore, there plot is too predictable. There is an exboyfriend who is not happy to have the relationship ended, so he pursues Christian. With a pseudo-kidnapping and all of that included. That was the last straw.
I was very close to DNF the book but I guess I’m too stubborn.
July 21, 2020
First of all, loved the cover. I really like it when attention to that particular detail is taken. I will buy a book on the strength of a good cover.
I also liked the premise of the book when I first read it, it attracted me to take a read. I haven't read any of Ms Dane's books until now and I'm glad I did because it was a sweet, sexy read.
It's been said already, Jonah and Christian are back to what was once their home after the death of their (devoted) foster mother, Marisol. They aren't the only ones, two other characters, Abby and Rodrigo, have also been through Marisol's foster home and are helping as well. They are terrific characters one and all, you easily become invested emotionally in them. I can fully understand why they turned up to help with the renovations, to show respect for Marisol's life. They have their own little quirks and do things that can get on one anothers nerves, just like real life, and it makes them all the more likeable for mine.
I loved the chemistry that was, somewhat, pre existing, and most certainly building between Christian and Jonah as they got to know one another as men. They were all kinds of hot whilst building their respective interest in one another and that all kinds of hot, ramped up exponentially when they got together.
Christian was a nice guy who had made a poor choice with his last partner, David, that story built nicely alongside Christian and Jonah's burgeoning relationship. Jonah had been through the juvenile detention system and really didn't like himself, felt unworthy, even though he had become quite an astute businessman. This built on the back of his family life prior to Marisol's and JD. I liked the slight angst that came with it, it never became too much and never ended up being this tortured, eye rolling inner monologue that can bog stories down.
While the characters had moments of what if, they were both still willing to see where the relationship would take them and enjoyed their time together. While the MC's were sweet, they were believable and that's why I felt connected to them and the story. Sometimes sweet can mean boring, not the case here at all. I enjoyed the journey and felt the ending was good, leaving me completely satisfied and happy for Christian and Jonah.
This is my first Cameron Dane read and I have now bought several more of her books based on the strength of A Fostered Love. If you like sweet with sexy this book should satisfy.
ETA 21/07/2020: I just finished rereading this book for what feels like the 100th time. I'm going through Cameron Dane's back catalogue, yet again, and feeling at home with them. This was my first gay romance (MM) book and I'm so glad I came into the genre through Cameron Dane.
I also liked the premise of the book when I first read it, it attracted me to take a read. I haven't read any of Ms Dane's books until now and I'm glad I did because it was a sweet, sexy read.
It's been said already, Jonah and Christian are back to what was once their home after the death of their (devoted) foster mother, Marisol. They aren't the only ones, two other characters, Abby and Rodrigo, have also been through Marisol's foster home and are helping as well. They are terrific characters one and all, you easily become invested emotionally in them. I can fully understand why they turned up to help with the renovations, to show respect for Marisol's life. They have their own little quirks and do things that can get on one anothers nerves, just like real life, and it makes them all the more likeable for mine.
I loved the chemistry that was, somewhat, pre existing, and most certainly building between Christian and Jonah as they got to know one another as men. They were all kinds of hot whilst building their respective interest in one another and that all kinds of hot, ramped up exponentially when they got together.
Christian was a nice guy who had made a poor choice with his last partner, David, that story built nicely alongside Christian and Jonah's burgeoning relationship. Jonah had been through the juvenile detention system and really didn't like himself, felt unworthy, even though he had become quite an astute businessman. This built on the back of his family life prior to Marisol's and JD. I liked the slight angst that came with it, it never became too much and never ended up being this tortured, eye rolling inner monologue that can bog stories down.
While the characters had moments of what if, they were both still willing to see where the relationship would take them and enjoyed their time together. While the MC's were sweet, they were believable and that's why I felt connected to them and the story. Sometimes sweet can mean boring, not the case here at all. I enjoyed the journey and felt the ending was good, leaving me completely satisfied and happy for Christian and Jonah.
This is my first Cameron Dane read and I have now bought several more of her books based on the strength of A Fostered Love. If you like sweet with sexy this book should satisfy.
ETA 21/07/2020: I just finished rereading this book for what feels like the 100th time. I'm going through Cameron Dane's back catalogue, yet again, and feeling at home with them. This was my first gay romance (MM) book and I'm so glad I came into the genre through Cameron Dane.
August 28, 2013
This book was hot. Lots of steamy sex in this one!
I have to start off by saying I have read Cameron Dane books before. This would be in my favourites from him. A Fostered Love is full of hot sex, sweet enough characters and a great plot. Jonah and Christan's story will not be for everyone, some might find the sex too much, others wont like the story. But I found this to be a brilliant book.
Jonah and Christian met as teenagers. They were foster brothers. Jonah was the "troubled teen" and Christian the "good little boy". No relationship stated then, but they had a friendship. One that ended when Jonah was arrested. I liked the way their past was described. It gave me something to base their foundation on.
I found myself liking Jonah more than Christian in this. He had been through more in a lot of ways and because he was conflicted a lot, I found myself with a lot of sympathy for him. Christian had his struggles too. The present day one kind of made me want to slap something (or someone). But how everything was dealt with was great.
Overall I would say this was a very good entertaining book. I wont be reading the next one because mmf is not my thing. But for all Cameron Dane fans or fans of mm romance, try this!
I have to start off by saying I have read Cameron Dane books before. This would be in my favourites from him. A Fostered Love is full of hot sex, sweet enough characters and a great plot. Jonah and Christan's story will not be for everyone, some might find the sex too much, others wont like the story. But I found this to be a brilliant book.
Jonah and Christian met as teenagers. They were foster brothers. Jonah was the "troubled teen" and Christian the "good little boy". No relationship stated then, but they had a friendship. One that ended when Jonah was arrested. I liked the way their past was described. It gave me something to base their foundation on.
I found myself liking Jonah more than Christian in this. He had been through more in a lot of ways and because he was conflicted a lot, I found myself with a lot of sympathy for him. Christian had his struggles too. The present day one kind of made me want to slap something (or someone). But how everything was dealt with was great.
Overall I would say this was a very good entertaining book. I wont be reading the next one because mmf is not my thing. But for all Cameron Dane fans or fans of mm romance, try this!
December 22, 2015
Jonah
Christian
I loved this book. For some reason I thought this book would be a lot darker but it reads very easy. There is still some drama but ohhhh
the Hot, Hot smexing... Whoop, Whoop
Christian
I loved this book. For some reason I thought this book would be a lot darker but it reads very easy. There is still some drama but ohhhh
the Hot, Hot smexing... Whoop, Whoop
March 13, 2014
Oh god where to start.. I loved this book!! I loved where it went and how it got there. 5 wonderful stars. It made me even get teary and that doesn't happen often for me.
August 10, 2014
A book about two men with troubled pasts finding a home in each other. It manages to balance the sweet, the angsty, and the thrilling effortlessly.
July 12, 2014
This is my first book by this author and I think it will be my last, because her style didn’t work so good for me.
This book had a great premise but sadly, for me, it didn't deliver.
The characters were nothing special and they didn’t do anything for me. I found both main characters underdeveloped. I didn’t like how their relationship progressed and I didn’t feel any chemistry or something between them. In the end I didn’t care about them at all!
Like everybody I like sex scenes in my books, but this story has way too many, and this is not a good think every time, because in my opinion in some way affects the story. The sex scenes between MC were just…mehhh….
I found the storyline a little boring and the twist with this guy David was soooo predictable.
Overall, this book was just ok for me and barely hold my interest!
This book had a great premise but sadly, for me, it didn't deliver.
The characters were nothing special and they didn’t do anything for me. I found both main characters underdeveloped. I didn’t like how their relationship progressed and I didn’t feel any chemistry or something between them. In the end I didn’t care about them at all!
Like everybody I like sex scenes in my books, but this story has way too many, and this is not a good think every time, because in my opinion in some way affects the story. The sex scenes between MC were just…mehhh….
I found the storyline a little boring and the twist with this guy David was soooo predictable.
Overall, this book was just ok for me and barely hold my interest!
September 5, 2010
Three and three-quarter stars. I'm in two minds about this book. On one hand I loved the premise, but...for me the emotional connection wasn't as fulfilled as I would have wanted. I don't think it helped that I read an Amazon review that described this book as like JB MacDonald's By Degrees. It's not. Yes, one of the characters - Tim - in By Degrees was in foster care, but in By Degrees the foster care is part of the back story. In A Fostered Love it plays a far bigger role. And this might seem weird but I actually wanted less sex scenes in this book. They felt mechanical in a way - I really missed the emotional connection. I wanted to know what the characters were feeling, instead of a step-by-step guide, which is kind of how it felt. And maybe that's just where I'm at ATM. I also found it rather weird that right at the end of the book, in the middle of the 'big' emotional discussion the characters had sex...again. It just seemed...weird. And yes, maybe it helped one character express himself, but..
And, to be honest, I still don't understand why the characters fell in love. This is becoming a big issue with me. In book after book characters profess love for each other, or 'discover' they are in love. But....WHY? I want to see the process, not suddenly have it presented to me with a big shiny bow. Isn't half the fun of a present unwrapping it...trying to work out what it is, rather than just seeing it. The anticipation. Or maybe that's just me...
I did enjoy the banter between the secondary characters Rodrigo and Abby though and was thrilled to discover there is a sequel, which yes I want to read. Don't get me wrong, I didn't not like this book...I just wanted more of an emotional connection with the characters...
And, to be honest, I still don't understand why the characters fell in love. This is becoming a big issue with me. In book after book characters profess love for each other, or 'discover' they are in love. But....WHY? I want to see the process, not suddenly have it presented to me with a big shiny bow. Isn't half the fun of a present unwrapping it...trying to work out what it is, rather than just seeing it. The anticipation. Or maybe that's just me...
I did enjoy the banter between the secondary characters Rodrigo and Abby though and was thrilled to discover there is a sequel, which yes I want to read. Don't get me wrong, I didn't not like this book...I just wanted more of an emotional connection with the characters...
September 6, 2013
2.5 stars I liked the story and the characters, the thing that dropped this down for me was the dialogue. Just overly flowery and too formal in the way they discussed their emotions.
Pet Peeve #1: Talking like you're in a romance novel in my romance novel! "I've never hungered for anyone before." "I am throbbing inside for you." Uhg.
Pet Peeve #2: Self-deprecating 'tough-guy' constantly apologizing for stuff that's not even a big deal and in general, being a big fat weirdo. "question myself ... why I'm defective this way." "I didn't have a friend." Boo hoo.
Pet Peeve #3: Double sex-scene. We just had one, it was hot, but it was also thorough. A repeat just gets boring. Save it for a few chapters from now, poor Christians ass could not take this kind of abuse.
Pet Peeve #4: Icky synonym's for 'asshole'. In order of frequency - rectum, (flaming) channel, (quivering) sphincter, anus.
Pet Peeve #5: You ask your neighbors cop nephew for a favor and all of a sudden everyone's getting snippy asking "so what are you gonna do about this?!!?" Umm, nothing jackass, I was just looking into it as a favor.
Borrowed from Vicki for 2013 September Free-For-All in Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group
Pet Peeve #1: Talking like you're in a romance novel in my romance novel! "I've never hungered for anyone before." "I am throbbing inside for you." Uhg.
Pet Peeve #2: Self-deprecating 'tough-guy' constantly apologizing for stuff that's not even a big deal and in general, being a big fat weirdo. "question myself ... why I'm defective this way." "I didn't have a friend." Boo hoo.
Pet Peeve #3: Double sex-scene. We just had one, it was hot, but it was also thorough. A repeat just gets boring. Save it for a few chapters from now, poor Christians ass could not take this kind of abuse.
Pet Peeve #4: Icky synonym's for 'asshole'. In order of frequency - rectum, (flaming) channel, (quivering) sphincter, anus.
Pet Peeve #5: You ask your neighbors cop nephew for a favor and all of a sudden everyone's getting snippy asking "so what are you gonna do about this?!!?" Umm, nothing jackass, I was just looking into it as a favor.
Borrowed from Vicki for 2013 September Free-For-All in Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group
November 13, 2011
Jonah and Christian were foster brothers 15 years ago. They shared a room and Christian developed a strong crush on the older boy. After making a juvenile mistake, Jonah is arrested and sent to JD (Juvenile Detention) and Christian never hears from him again.
15 years later, their foster mother passes away with a request that the boys come home and help sell her house so she can donate the proceeds to her favorite charities. Hoping to get as much money from the house that they can for Marisol's charities, the men decide to remodel the house to increase the market value. Working closely together and living in the house again, reignites feelings that Christian has for the quiet and gruff Jonah. Just as they are exploring these feelings, a man from Christian's past returns.
I liked this book more than I thought that I was going to. Jonah and Christian were very likable characters, and I did like the changing POVs so that I could get inside both of their heads.
The secondary characters were pretty interesting as well. Abby is one of Jonah and Christian's foster siblings, Rodrigo is Christian's boss, and Braden is a cop.
I thought this was an interesting read and although I don't like menages, I'm slightly tempted to read the next book in the series starring the secondary characters.
15 years later, their foster mother passes away with a request that the boys come home and help sell her house so she can donate the proceeds to her favorite charities. Hoping to get as much money from the house that they can for Marisol's charities, the men decide to remodel the house to increase the market value. Working closely together and living in the house again, reignites feelings that Christian has for the quiet and gruff Jonah. Just as they are exploring these feelings, a man from Christian's past returns.
I liked this book more than I thought that I was going to. Jonah and Christian were very likable characters, and I did like the changing POVs so that I could get inside both of their heads.
The secondary characters were pretty interesting as well. Abby is one of Jonah and Christian's foster siblings, Rodrigo is Christian's boss, and Braden is a cop.
I thought this was an interesting read and although I don't like menages, I'm slightly tempted to read the next book in the series starring the secondary characters.
September 5, 2011
Absolutely loved this book. It was heartwarming, compelling and the characters are nuanced and honest-to-goodness lovable. With Jonah and Christian, I felt the author corrected many of the issues that bugged me with some of her other books. There was more 'showing' and less 'telling'; conversations were more evenly paced and didn't feel like info dump; sex scenes were not flowery and laced with corny declarations, and the men were very MALE even though they were loving. I cheered for Jonah and Christian every step of the way and the evolution of their relationship - from childhood crushes to an adult love - was very well done.
This book is beautifully written and I would not mind reading a followup story about Jonah and Christian *hint hint*..a novella..anything? :-)
Loved this book even more than Knowing Caleb and I didn't think that was possible.
This book is beautifully written and I would not mind reading a followup story about Jonah and Christian *hint hint*..a novella..anything? :-)
Loved this book even more than Knowing Caleb and I didn't think that was possible.
September 9, 2013
Emotional read about two guys who met during foster care and reunited again later.
Jonah took the hard road, but when called returns to fulfill a promise. After some hard knocks he's sorted out a lot of things, but there's still damage. Never having been emotionally invested he's having a hard time expressing himself.
Christian is a stand up guy. While his life wasn't easy he's managed just fine and is no one's doormat, but sometimes the past doesn't stay in the past. That can be good and bad, and in Christian's case--it's both.
Favorite quote:
Jonah took the hard road, but when called returns to fulfill a promise. After some hard knocks he's sorted out a lot of things, but there's still damage. Never having been emotionally invested he's having a hard time expressing himself.
Christian is a stand up guy. While his life wasn't easy he's managed just fine and is no one's doormat, but sometimes the past doesn't stay in the past. That can be good and bad, and in Christian's case--it's both.
Favorite quote:
“Deeper down, I didn't feel like I could fly like a real bird, so I only got the one wing.”
December 27, 2014
This is probably my favourite book written by Cameron Dane...the characteres are so vividly portrayed...their flaws and defects are so very real but it is wonderful to read about how, together, they are are able to overcome the damage done to them in their past and become whole, happy and functional within their relationship...yes the HEA is trite and twee...yes the angst is contrived and melodramatic...but who cares?...the sex is smoking hot...the characters are knicker-dampeningly handsome...it is a book I would recommend easily.
July 3, 2017
This was a good read that I liked. Jonah Roberts returned to the small town of Coleman to help his former foster brother Christian Sanchez after the death of his former foster mother Marisol. Christian never thought he would see Jonah again. Foster brothers for a short time as teens, Christian developed a massive crush on Jonah, his tough, older roommate. That all ended when the cops came and arrested Jonah 15 years later. When these two come together old feelings and fears begin to surface. In the 15 years since he has been away Jonah has made something of himself he owns two custom bike shops in Miami. Christian who was a baseball player and made it to the big league until he heard his knee in the minors now works for Rodrigo another former foster kid building things. As these two repair Marisol's house so they can sell it they get closer they each see a side of each other that not many people see. When Christian's ex David won't take no for an answer Jonah tells him to get a restraining order but he doesn't think David will do anything he was wrong. The sex scenes in this book were hot as hell although I did take off a star because they had sex without a condom the first time. I also liked the secondary character's in this book Abby, Rodrigo and Braden who are the character's in book two of this series. This book has been on my tbr list for awhile and I wanted a fast start it was it was a slow steady read. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
February 4, 2016
Oh wow I loved this book! I've avoided reading it for awhile because somewhere in the back of my head that while I'd liked some of Cameron Dane's books I hadn't been all that impressed. This story just blew me away. I fell in love with Jonah and Christian.
Jonah is such a tortured soul. He's locked away from feeling anything and his countenance makes people reluctant to approach him in the first place. His rough history hasn't made life easy for him and even though he's found success in life he's never had that human connection with anyone.
Christian may have had a rough start but Mari's foster home game him the love and encouragement he needed to grow. He flourished under her care and his only regret was losing touch with his roommate and first love Jonah after he was taken away. Mari's death though has brought both boys back together to honor her wishes and see her life squared away properly.
Jonah's feelings in this book were just so raw. I loved how out of his element he was. Christian's steadiness gave Jonah the framework he needed to start to understand and accept what he wanted and what those feelings could mean for him. Despite this big hulk of a guy, Jonah has an understated sweetness to him. Christian has such a good soul you just want everything in the world of happiness for the guy.
Love, love, loved this one!
Jonah is such a tortured soul. He's locked away from feeling anything and his countenance makes people reluctant to approach him in the first place. His rough history hasn't made life easy for him and even though he's found success in life he's never had that human connection with anyone.
Christian may have had a rough start but Mari's foster home game him the love and encouragement he needed to grow. He flourished under her care and his only regret was losing touch with his roommate and first love Jonah after he was taken away. Mari's death though has brought both boys back together to honor her wishes and see her life squared away properly.
Jonah's feelings in this book were just so raw. I loved how out of his element he was. Christian's steadiness gave Jonah the framework he needed to start to understand and accept what he wanted and what those feelings could mean for him. Despite this big hulk of a guy, Jonah has an understated sweetness to him. Christian has such a good soul you just want everything in the world of happiness for the guy.
Love, love, loved this one!
December 30, 2010
Christian and Jonah knew each other years ago whilst in foster care. They come together again after Marisol the foster mum who looked after them has died and they have to renovate the house and sell if for the money to go to charity. Now then, I was just sort of liking this book up and then when I got to around 45% it really took off for me.
Jonah was a bit of a bad boy (totally attracts me!) and also had a really crap childhood (another thing that I love to read about). I loved the way Christian took care of Jonah and I also have a thing for Tatts and the description of Jonah's tatt's just made me tear up.
Then we get to meet the nutter called David - I don't want to put too much about him but OMG my heart was in my mouth at the end of the book!
This was the first book I read by Cameron Dane and I will certainly be reading more.
Jonah was a bit of a bad boy (totally attracts me!) and also had a really crap childhood (another thing that I love to read about). I loved the way Christian took care of Jonah and I also have a thing for Tatts and the description of Jonah's tatt's just made me tear up.
Then we get to meet the nutter called David - I don't want to put too much about him but OMG my heart was in my mouth at the end of the book!
This was the first book I read by Cameron Dane and I will certainly be reading more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2011
3.5 Stars
This is my 3rd Cameron Dane novel and they have all remained consistent. A good love story frequently interrupted by really bad sex. I really liked Jonah and Christian and I liked their story ok. But the only way they could communicate was by having sex!
If you like Cameron's other books, then I recommend this book to you. I'm sure you will love it!
The next book in the series is menage, so I'm not sure if I will be reading that one or not.
This is my 3rd Cameron Dane novel and they have all remained consistent. A good love story frequently interrupted by really bad sex. I really liked Jonah and Christian and I liked their story ok. But the only way they could communicate was by having sex!
If you like Cameron's other books, then I recommend this book to you. I'm sure you will love it!
The next book in the series is menage, so I'm not sure if I will be reading that one or not.
May 15, 2016
Damn chemistry!!
I admit once upon a time I've read one of her books. And I didn't quite like it. But thank goodness my friend encouraging me to read this one. Thank you, Dani!
Maybe too much sex for me but I don't let it bother me. I loved them. I loved Jonah and Christian. I loved seeing them together. I almost tag this book in 'mates'. And that's little crazy because this is not PNR book, obviously.
Loved this book. :))
I admit once upon a time I've read one of her books. And I didn't quite like it. But thank goodness my friend encouraging me to read this one. Thank you, Dani!
Maybe too much sex for me but I don't let it bother me. I loved them. I loved Jonah and Christian. I loved seeing them together. I almost tag this book in 'mates'. And that's little crazy because this is not PNR book, obviously.
Loved this book. :))
October 29, 2012
Wow, never thought I'd say this, but there's waaaaaaaaay too much sex in this book. Didn't quite spend enough time out of the sack and working on the story for me.
August 15, 2009
This is a solidly written book with intense characters and some pretty hot sex scenes. That said, I struggled with this book and found my attention wandering at several points. There aren’t any huge glaring mistakes that I can point out as plot killers or even problems per se, although I’ll try to explain why I couldn’t seem to connect with the characters. For the majority of readers, you’ll really like this book. It has tight, concise writing with vivid scene detail and some interesting characters. It has enough intensity and emotion to be a thoroughly satisfying romance for most readers.
My problem was partially with the characters. Jonah is a thirty-something rough man with a broken home life growing up and eventually ended up in juvie for a few years. The culmination of a poor and dysfunctional childhood has left Jonah completely emotionally stunted and unable to have even casual communication with other people. He swings from angry and overbearing to fearful and tongue-tied. This dichotomy isn’t overcome but more so, Christian understands Jonah’s emotional distance and is able to counteract it. Jonah’s inherent emotional problems aren’t fully explained either, giving a brief glimpse of an unhappy drug filled childhood before going into foster care which lead him to petty and not-so-petty crime. Whatever problems he had in juvenile detention were not addressed at all, leaving me wondering which experience in his life really left him so emotionally crippled.
Christian is an interesting character, showing a solid depth and complex nature that compliments the almost wild unpredictably Jonah presents. Christian’s smooth and easy going nature give life to the cliché of “still waters run deep”, but in a good way. He goes from the quiet one of the duo to showing strength and dominance on his own by the end of the story. His low-key intensity, while seemingly contradictory, somehow works well with the whirlwind of conflicting emotions that Jonah experiences. Christian is a solid character with a more complicated personality than initially expected. Together, he and Jonah work well as long denied lovers who reconnect and find sparks kindle quickly and hotly.
The storylines, which involve the renovation of their foster mother’s house for sale and a subplot of an ex-boyfriend stalker, are a bit mediocre. Both are used as tropes to progress the relationship and throw Jonah’s emotional stability, or lack thereof, awry and fall short of believable. The resolution action scene to the stalker problem was over the top and had me wondering about the laws of physics with the speed Jonah accomplishes everything. It’s not that it is impossible per se, but it just seemed too much and unnecessary when the scene was working just fine as it was going. However, that is a relatively minor point amidst the story and easily overlooked.
Another problem I had was the language involved in the sex scenes. Now, the sex scenes were hot and rough with a refreshing alternating top/bottom positioning that added weight to the dynamic between the men. Yet the language tripped me up a few times with excessive euphemisms, which began to feel slightly clinical and detached from the intensity and emotional level the author was aiming for. Repeated use of the words “channel, chute, rectum, and ejaculate” during the sex scenes just jarred for me. I realize there are only so many words you can use when writing sex so “ass” isn’t used every other word, yet it just seemed a few too many sterile words that were in contrast to the rough and dirty sex between the men.
Even taking these problems into consideration, the characters were likeable and the story was solidly written with tight prose. Even if the plot devices were slightly thin, you can get by them without too many problems and most romance lovers will enjoy this offering. I still recommend this book, not only for the beautiful cover art, but the story itself. It’s not a keeper but it’s better than the average offering.
My problem was partially with the characters. Jonah is a thirty-something rough man with a broken home life growing up and eventually ended up in juvie for a few years. The culmination of a poor and dysfunctional childhood has left Jonah completely emotionally stunted and unable to have even casual communication with other people. He swings from angry and overbearing to fearful and tongue-tied. This dichotomy isn’t overcome but more so, Christian understands Jonah’s emotional distance and is able to counteract it. Jonah’s inherent emotional problems aren’t fully explained either, giving a brief glimpse of an unhappy drug filled childhood before going into foster care which lead him to petty and not-so-petty crime. Whatever problems he had in juvenile detention were not addressed at all, leaving me wondering which experience in his life really left him so emotionally crippled.
Christian is an interesting character, showing a solid depth and complex nature that compliments the almost wild unpredictably Jonah presents. Christian’s smooth and easy going nature give life to the cliché of “still waters run deep”, but in a good way. He goes from the quiet one of the duo to showing strength and dominance on his own by the end of the story. His low-key intensity, while seemingly contradictory, somehow works well with the whirlwind of conflicting emotions that Jonah experiences. Christian is a solid character with a more complicated personality than initially expected. Together, he and Jonah work well as long denied lovers who reconnect and find sparks kindle quickly and hotly.
The storylines, which involve the renovation of their foster mother’s house for sale and a subplot of an ex-boyfriend stalker, are a bit mediocre. Both are used as tropes to progress the relationship and throw Jonah’s emotional stability, or lack thereof, awry and fall short of believable. The resolution action scene to the stalker problem was over the top and had me wondering about the laws of physics with the speed Jonah accomplishes everything. It’s not that it is impossible per se, but it just seemed too much and unnecessary when the scene was working just fine as it was going. However, that is a relatively minor point amidst the story and easily overlooked.
Another problem I had was the language involved in the sex scenes. Now, the sex scenes were hot and rough with a refreshing alternating top/bottom positioning that added weight to the dynamic between the men. Yet the language tripped me up a few times with excessive euphemisms, which began to feel slightly clinical and detached from the intensity and emotional level the author was aiming for. Repeated use of the words “channel, chute, rectum, and ejaculate” during the sex scenes just jarred for me. I realize there are only so many words you can use when writing sex so “ass” isn’t used every other word, yet it just seemed a few too many sterile words that were in contrast to the rough and dirty sex between the men.
Even taking these problems into consideration, the characters were likeable and the story was solidly written with tight prose. Even if the plot devices were slightly thin, you can get by them without too many problems and most romance lovers will enjoy this offering. I still recommend this book, not only for the beautiful cover art, but the story itself. It’s not a keeper but it’s better than the average offering.
December 24, 2010
Wow, Where do I begin??
This has to be one of my fave reads this year!!
Just so many awwww that so cute moments....
First of all I love Jonah, He is so so I don't have the best words to describe him... but *Thud* I fell in love with him!!
"But I don't want to go.I don't want to leave you."He pressed his lips to Christian's and squeezed his eyes shut."I love you."
Christian and Jonah are meant to be together!! they meet when they were in Foster care so many yrs ago, and something sad happens that Jonah got sent to JD!! And they don't see each other until their Foster mum passes away..Now that they are much older men,so so Hot Adorable Men they are drawn to each other and cant keep there hand of each other... With a great Romance between them a Crazy Ex and Oh so Hot Moments this is a FANTASTIC book!!
I loved meeting Christian's Friends Abby, Rodrigo Santiago, and then we meet Braden Crenshaw...That Story is going to be Good, but its a PM, and im not into them.. But i will read it to see what happens between the three of them!!
Back to Jonah!! He has never let any one in before, has no idea what a relationship is,love is and never been with a Guy before,apart from a BJ!! But he Hungers for Christian, there Love Story is just so beautiful written, i want to re read it again!!
"Never, ever,had he kissed some one like this,where he clutched hair and rubbed his belly and...."
So Jonah comes back to town,and is there to help Christian with the House to renovate,and while he is there the boys re-kindle their friends ship and more!!
I cant say enough about this story, i just LOVED it so much! Jonah made it for me!!
but even Christian was really really Sweet!!
Quote from Christian when he was younger
"I wanted you to like me so you would tell me why you're sad and mad and dont like anybody.I wanted us to be friends and even though im smaller than you i wanted to have your back and hang out with you"
as one of my fave books i have read :)
"I've never taken a bath with anyone before."
Damn it.He kills me without even trying
Love Cameron Dane!! Cant wait to read more, So far every thing i have read I have Loved!!
I just have to add a few of my Fave Lines!!!! this being one of them and the others i have entered!!
"You are the other half of my freedom.I believe I can fly now because I have you."
***Thud Thud Thud***
This has to be one of my fave reads this year!!
Just so many awwww that so cute moments....
First of all I love Jonah, He is so so I don't have the best words to describe him... but *Thud* I fell in love with him!!
"But I don't want to go.I don't want to leave you."He pressed his lips to Christian's and squeezed his eyes shut."I love you."
Christian and Jonah are meant to be together!! they meet when they were in Foster care so many yrs ago, and something sad happens that Jonah got sent to JD!! And they don't see each other until their Foster mum passes away..Now that they are much older men,so so Hot Adorable Men they are drawn to each other and cant keep there hand of each other... With a great Romance between them a Crazy Ex and Oh so Hot Moments this is a FANTASTIC book!!
I loved meeting Christian's Friends Abby, Rodrigo Santiago, and then we meet Braden Crenshaw...That Story is going to be Good, but its a PM, and im not into them.. But i will read it to see what happens between the three of them!!
Back to Jonah!! He has never let any one in before, has no idea what a relationship is,love is and never been with a Guy before,apart from a BJ!! But he Hungers for Christian, there Love Story is just so beautiful written, i want to re read it again!!
"Never, ever,had he kissed some one like this,where he clutched hair and rubbed his belly and...."
So Jonah comes back to town,and is there to help Christian with the House to renovate,and while he is there the boys re-kindle their friends ship and more!!
I cant say enough about this story, i just LOVED it so much! Jonah made it for me!!
but even Christian was really really Sweet!!
Quote from Christian when he was younger
"I wanted you to like me so you would tell me why you're sad and mad and dont like anybody.I wanted us to be friends and even though im smaller than you i wanted to have your back and hang out with you"
as one of my fave books i have read :)
"I've never taken a bath with anyone before."
Damn it.He kills me without even trying
Love Cameron Dane!! Cant wait to read more, So far every thing i have read I have Loved!!
I just have to add a few of my Fave Lines!!!! this being one of them and the others i have entered!!
"You are the other half of my freedom.I believe I can fly now because I have you."
***Thud Thud Thud***
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2014
This is the best MM I have read in awhile, and I feel like I need to lower my ratings on some of the others in order to show that more clearly. It had the perfect balance between the emotional and physical sides of Christian and Jonah's relationship.
Jonah is a classic tortured hero, which were always my favourite kind of hero in MF, but I don't think I have ever met a tortured hero in MM before. Except for maybe Fen from Ghost, but he is so complicated that we are not going to get into that right now. I loved Jonah and his insecurities instantly. And Christian was so sweet. I loved when we finally got the full flashback of what happened between them when they were younger. It was so sweet and sad. I cried a bit, even though I knew they would see each other again.
I especially loved how their relationship started out so strong from the beginning. It wasn't just a physical attraction and they were able to admit that. There was no time wasted dancing around the facts. That left lots of time to focus on developing their relationship and it was wonderful to see. Jonah needed Christian so much. He was his rock. They both just opened up their hearts so easily, and the things they would say to each other were beautiful. They simply belonged together. Always had, and it is so clear that I cant even separate them in my mind. They always were and always will be 'Jonah and Christian'.
Jonah is a classic tortured hero, which were always my favourite kind of hero in MF, but I don't think I have ever met a tortured hero in MM before. Except for maybe Fen from Ghost, but he is so complicated that we are not going to get into that right now. I loved Jonah and his insecurities instantly. And Christian was so sweet. I loved when we finally got the full flashback of what happened between them when they were younger. It was so sweet and sad. I cried a bit, even though I knew they would see each other again.
I especially loved how their relationship started out so strong from the beginning. It wasn't just a physical attraction and they were able to admit that. There was no time wasted dancing around the facts. That left lots of time to focus on developing their relationship and it was wonderful to see. Jonah needed Christian so much. He was his rock. They both just opened up their hearts so easily, and the things they would say to each other were beautiful. They simply belonged together. Always had, and it is so clear that I cant even separate them in my mind. They always were and always will be 'Jonah and Christian'.
January 20, 2012
This was one of the lighter (almost no crime/suspense, not at all angsty plot) Cameron Dane books. I would categorize it somewhere between the Cabin Fever and the Quinten, Montana books.
The main characters were OK but felt a little underdeveloped. Especially Christian. I got the usual "good guy" vibes from him but nothing much apart from that. I would have also liked to learn more about his relationship with his mother. How he managed to keep the balance, forgive her for letting him get swallowed by the foster care system, not trying harder to keep him and protect him as a kid.
Jonah (I like the name, by the way) was a little too sentimental for someone who appeared as hardened and at the same time tormented by his past. But I liked him better than Christian. But maybe that's just because I got more info about him and because he was, admittedly, the more interesting of the two.
David, (should I call him "the villain"?) didn't feel that intimidating; he was rather pathetic, really.
I liked the way the author incorporated Abby, Santiago and Braden (the heroes of the next book in the series) in the story.
I consider this a typical m/m Cameron Dane story and I would recommend it as a first read by this author.
The main characters were OK but felt a little underdeveloped. Especially Christian. I got the usual "good guy" vibes from him but nothing much apart from that. I would have also liked to learn more about his relationship with his mother. How he managed to keep the balance, forgive her for letting him get swallowed by the foster care system, not trying harder to keep him and protect him as a kid.
Jonah (I like the name, by the way) was a little too sentimental for someone who appeared as hardened and at the same time tormented by his past. But I liked him better than Christian. But maybe that's just because I got more info about him and because he was, admittedly, the more interesting of the two.
David, (should I call him "the villain"?) didn't feel that intimidating; he was rather pathetic, really.
I liked the way the author incorporated Abby, Santiago and Braden (the heroes of the next book in the series) in the story.
I consider this a typical m/m Cameron Dane story and I would recommend it as a first read by this author.
April 11, 2013
3.0 Stars
Christian and Jonah were foster siblings separated 15 years ago. The death of their foster mother reunites the two towards a common cause: renovate her home to sell for a profit to be divided amongst her favorite charities. When Christian and Jonah see each other, the sparks fly. Between the home renovations, Christian's stalker ex, and Jonah overcoming his fear of intimacy, the two are hard pressed to earn their HEA.
I liked this book but it wasn't the best of Dane's work. I enjoyed both characters. The supporting characters (Abby, Rodrigo, and Braden - who happen to be the subject of the next book in the series) were flat and underwhelming IMHO. The stalker ex storyline had promise but the resolution there was anticlimactic.
Bottom line: I enjoyed both Christian and Jonah but their story was a little dry. I'll probably skip book two and jump to book three in this series.
Christian and Jonah were foster siblings separated 15 years ago. The death of their foster mother reunites the two towards a common cause: renovate her home to sell for a profit to be divided amongst her favorite charities. When Christian and Jonah see each other, the sparks fly. Between the home renovations, Christian's stalker ex, and Jonah overcoming his fear of intimacy, the two are hard pressed to earn their HEA.
I liked this book but it wasn't the best of Dane's work. I enjoyed both characters. The supporting characters (Abby, Rodrigo, and Braden - who happen to be the subject of the next book in the series) were flat and underwhelming IMHO. The stalker ex storyline had promise but the resolution there was anticlimactic.
Bottom line: I enjoyed both Christian and Jonah but their story was a little dry. I'll probably skip book two and jump to book three in this series.
March 18, 2016
It was more a 3.5 star than 4 but rounded it up because I'm a sucker for a sweet story. The premise of this story was a wonderful idea. The characters were vivid. The drawback was that everything seemed too easy which lead to a believability issue. Now don't get me wrong I really don't usually mind my romance having "reality" issues but this story seems more a "real" story than not. It really called for more reality than there seemed to be. I believe it is a solid story though and pushed all my "sweetness" buttons:)
August 23, 2012
I read a few reviews before deciding to read this, and from what I read, I was prepared for how good I thought this book was. The storyline had no big surprises for me, but I enjoyed the pace of the story, and I enjoyed all the characters.
Have read a few m/m romances lately, and this one wasn't my favourite, but it was not something I regret reading at all. I found it a sweet story that was a joy for me to read.
Have read a few m/m romances lately, and this one wasn't my favourite, but it was not something I regret reading at all. I found it a sweet story that was a joy for me to read.
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