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Sticks and Stones
It's 1953, and the golden age of Hollywood musicals. Paul Dunham couldn't be hotter on the dancefloor or the silver screen. Hoping to capitalize on Paul's popularity, the studio pairs him with up-and-comer Jack Wells.On the marquee, it's a match made in heaven, but for Paul, it's a personal hell. He hates Jack's newfangled acting style, and he hates Jack's blue eyes, and he especially hates the fact that Jack is one of the most talented dancers he has ever met.Jack, however, doesn't hate Paul. In fact, everything Paul does fascinates him. After their first meeting, Jack is determined to win Paul over, and he won't back down until Paul admits the two of them are perfect partners ... in every way.
271 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2009
74 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Craig
114 books172 followersJamie Craig is actually a pen name for the collaboration of authors
Vivien Dean http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/... and
Pepper Espinoza http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
ABOUT JAMIE CRAIG
Vivien Dean and Pepper Espinoza have been writing and publishing together as Jamie Craig since 2006. They have published with Juno Books, Samhain Publishing, Liquid Silver Books, and multiple titles with Amber Quill Press.
Pepper Espinoza has been writing and publishing erotic romance since 2005. She grew up in Utah and lives there now, where the landscape and history provide a great deal of inspiration for her work. Besides writing, she enjoys playing video games, watching movies, and going to concerts.
Vivien Dean returned to writing in 2005, and has published with Liquid Silver Books, Samhain Publishing, and Amber Quill Press. She currently resides in northern California with her husband and two children.
Vivien Dean http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/... and
Pepper Espinoza http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
ABOUT JAMIE CRAIG
Vivien Dean and Pepper Espinoza have been writing and publishing together as Jamie Craig since 2006. They have published with Juno Books, Samhain Publishing, Liquid Silver Books, and multiple titles with Amber Quill Press.
Pepper Espinoza has been writing and publishing erotic romance since 2005. She grew up in Utah and lives there now, where the landscape and history provide a great deal of inspiration for her work. Besides writing, she enjoys playing video games, watching movies, and going to concerts.
Vivien Dean returned to writing in 2005, and has published with Liquid Silver Books, Samhain Publishing, and Amber Quill Press. She currently resides in northern California with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 12, 2009
4.5 stars but I'll bump it up to 5.
I am really becoming a fan of Jamie Craig’s works. Sticks and Stones was a fun and fast-paced story with lots of drama and hot sexual chemistry between the two heroes that discover an attraction and love that will not be denied between them.
Set during the time where Hollywood musicals were at its most popular, I loved the time period this story took place in. The old style Hollywood glamour and flair was addictive to read about. There aren’t many homoerotic romances written during this time, especially with such glitz and glamour and I loved it!
Paul Dunham is one of Hollywood’s most sought out leading men. The musicals he stars in are always a blockbuster because of his seductive smile and his talented moves on the dance floor.
When Paul is forced to star in his next buddy musical with Jack Wells, his steadily rising competition, he is incensed. Jack’s bad boy behavior, slick moves on the dance floor and roguish grin makes him a sought out actor and it makes him dangerous to Paul in more ways than one.
Paul has worked hard to obtain his spotless image and good reputation. He has had to hide his attraction he has for other men by very careful planning and many suppressed urges. He is aware if anyone finds out about his homosexuality his career is over. Unfortunately, the more he is around Jack he becomes more attracted to Jack’s charisma, talent and the person that Jack really is on the inside, hidden behind all of his bad boy ways.
Jack Wells has had a crush on Paul since he first laid eyes on him on the big screen. It has been a dream come true to star in a movie and to dance with his dream man. Hurt and more than a little put off by Paul’s standoffishness, he becomes more determined for Paul to give him a chance to prove that Jack is more than just a handsome face with a bad boy reputation.
I loved Paul and Jack. The chemistry between them was both intense and so addictive to read about. The cat and mouse game that they play together, made the story fast paced and such an enjoyable read.
I loved watching Jack break through the barriers Paul had put in between them. I liked how their relationship developed throughout the book, and I loved how Jack showed Paul the meaning of sacrifice and true love.
I am really becoming a fan of Jamie Craig’s works. Sticks and Stones was a fun and fast-paced story with lots of drama and hot sexual chemistry between the two heroes that discover an attraction and love that will not be denied between them.
Set during the time where Hollywood musicals were at its most popular, I loved the time period this story took place in. The old style Hollywood glamour and flair was addictive to read about. There aren’t many homoerotic romances written during this time, especially with such glitz and glamour and I loved it!
Paul Dunham is one of Hollywood’s most sought out leading men. The musicals he stars in are always a blockbuster because of his seductive smile and his talented moves on the dance floor.
When Paul is forced to star in his next buddy musical with Jack Wells, his steadily rising competition, he is incensed. Jack’s bad boy behavior, slick moves on the dance floor and roguish grin makes him a sought out actor and it makes him dangerous to Paul in more ways than one.
Paul has worked hard to obtain his spotless image and good reputation. He has had to hide his attraction he has for other men by very careful planning and many suppressed urges. He is aware if anyone finds out about his homosexuality his career is over. Unfortunately, the more he is around Jack he becomes more attracted to Jack’s charisma, talent and the person that Jack really is on the inside, hidden behind all of his bad boy ways.
Jack Wells has had a crush on Paul since he first laid eyes on him on the big screen. It has been a dream come true to star in a movie and to dance with his dream man. Hurt and more than a little put off by Paul’s standoffishness, he becomes more determined for Paul to give him a chance to prove that Jack is more than just a handsome face with a bad boy reputation.
I loved Paul and Jack. The chemistry between them was both intense and so addictive to read about. The cat and mouse game that they play together, made the story fast paced and such an enjoyable read.
I loved watching Jack break through the barriers Paul had put in between them. I liked how their relationship developed throughout the book, and I loved how Jack showed Paul the meaning of sacrifice and true love.
August 15, 2009
This is thoroughly enjoyable classic Hollywood tale with really engaging and wonderful characters. It’s not a keeper but for those who love an authentic old time Hollywood setting with some incredibly hot sex scenes and writing that is engrossing and easy to read, get this book. Although it comes in at almost 250 pages, this story reads lightening fast and you won’t notice the pages turning until you hit the regrettable end (not a bad ending, only that it did end). The solutions to problems presented are very much in keeping with the era and time period as are the characters themselves with hints of more behind the surface to each. I’m not usually much of a Jamie Craig fan (though I do like Vivien Dean) so this book surprised me when I didn’t want to put it down and loved getting lost in the era and angst of the men.
The plot is basic at the core as the blurb suggests. Paul doesn’t want the outlandish Jack to star in the musical with him yet can’t get him thrown off the set. Unfortunately Jack idolizes Paul and goes out of his way to antagonize, rile, and otherwise work the other man into a fit. What starts as aggression soon turns to passion, as these two must navigate a world where they’re not allowed to be together and are practically owned by the studio. They must pretend to be other men just to get paid to be other men. The backdrop of the glamour and frustration of Hollywood mixes with an up and down emotional relationship with some surprising twists and fitting ending.
Jack is pretty fabulous as a scrappy, determined dancer blessed with good looks and a work ethic that allows him a place within the world of musicals even when his voice isn’t the best. His crush and slight hero worship of Paul is another facet of his character but one that doesn’t get in the way of Jack’s torment and perpetual riling of Paul. Jack may adore the man from afar but he’s also not going to put up with any attitude from Paul and works hard to ingratiate himself with the other dancer. Although his antics cause problems several times throughout the book, his intentions at the heart are always simply to get Paul to notice him and admit their attraction. Jack is more impulsive, spontaneous, and reactive to Paul’s cool calculation and it’s Jack’s emotions and devotion that make the relationship sing.
Whereas Jack wears his heart on his sleeve, Paul is very careful with his affections and is incredibly meticulous in ensuring his privacy and image stay untarnished. Even as the chemistry between Jack and Paul fairly sizzles and heats the page noticeably, Paul’s attraction and ultimately motivation to be with Jack is somewhat mystifying. He never really explains why he fell in love with Jack. Although there is no doubting his emotion, considering Paul’s careful handling of his reputation and even private life so as to satisfy the studio, his relationship with Jack is out of character and surprising. Even as his reasons are never fully understood, Paul is a great character attempting to balance his need for companionship and deep desire for Jack with his need to be a Hollywood star and appease his employer. His few missteps and stumbles keep him likeable and interesting as well as stop him from sliding into the trap of perfection.
Various secondary characters keep the cast flowing and enthralling from Betty and Wendy to Martin and Lilah. Although the swinging scene with Martin and Lilah made little sense in terms of the storyline and character progression, it was an unexpected and unique scene. Just as Jack’s friendship with the closeted lesbian Wendy showed how very few individuals could be open about their sexuality at that time even if they weren’t in the entertainment industry. Each character has a reason to be included and even those I suspected of being empty placeholders later showed purpose and weight. The well-rounded characterizations from Jack and Paul to each of the cast are one of the many strengths of this story, combined with the solid and tight writing. Descriptive prose lends itself to the era and the authors didn’t indulge too much but managed to give the essence and energy of dance through the written word.
The ending was more of a happy for now resolution than ride off into the sunset HEA, but it fit well with the time period and both men. As the ending was realistic, I can’t really complain although the romantic tones had me somewhat hoping the authors would pull off a HEA ending even if it wasn’t exactly fitting. With the story and progression of Jack and Paul’s relationship, I admit, I kind of wanted a ride off into the sunset ending. But you won’t be unhappy with the chosen resolution and it fits well. Although this is old Hollywood, so many of the themes and issues are still relevant and easily translated to current times, perhaps making this even more interesting to some readers.
The plot is basic at the core as the blurb suggests. Paul doesn’t want the outlandish Jack to star in the musical with him yet can’t get him thrown off the set. Unfortunately Jack idolizes Paul and goes out of his way to antagonize, rile, and otherwise work the other man into a fit. What starts as aggression soon turns to passion, as these two must navigate a world where they’re not allowed to be together and are practically owned by the studio. They must pretend to be other men just to get paid to be other men. The backdrop of the glamour and frustration of Hollywood mixes with an up and down emotional relationship with some surprising twists and fitting ending.
Jack is pretty fabulous as a scrappy, determined dancer blessed with good looks and a work ethic that allows him a place within the world of musicals even when his voice isn’t the best. His crush and slight hero worship of Paul is another facet of his character but one that doesn’t get in the way of Jack’s torment and perpetual riling of Paul. Jack may adore the man from afar but he’s also not going to put up with any attitude from Paul and works hard to ingratiate himself with the other dancer. Although his antics cause problems several times throughout the book, his intentions at the heart are always simply to get Paul to notice him and admit their attraction. Jack is more impulsive, spontaneous, and reactive to Paul’s cool calculation and it’s Jack’s emotions and devotion that make the relationship sing.
Whereas Jack wears his heart on his sleeve, Paul is very careful with his affections and is incredibly meticulous in ensuring his privacy and image stay untarnished. Even as the chemistry between Jack and Paul fairly sizzles and heats the page noticeably, Paul’s attraction and ultimately motivation to be with Jack is somewhat mystifying. He never really explains why he fell in love with Jack. Although there is no doubting his emotion, considering Paul’s careful handling of his reputation and even private life so as to satisfy the studio, his relationship with Jack is out of character and surprising. Even as his reasons are never fully understood, Paul is a great character attempting to balance his need for companionship and deep desire for Jack with his need to be a Hollywood star and appease his employer. His few missteps and stumbles keep him likeable and interesting as well as stop him from sliding into the trap of perfection.
Various secondary characters keep the cast flowing and enthralling from Betty and Wendy to Martin and Lilah. Although the swinging scene with Martin and Lilah made little sense in terms of the storyline and character progression, it was an unexpected and unique scene. Just as Jack’s friendship with the closeted lesbian Wendy showed how very few individuals could be open about their sexuality at that time even if they weren’t in the entertainment industry. Each character has a reason to be included and even those I suspected of being empty placeholders later showed purpose and weight. The well-rounded characterizations from Jack and Paul to each of the cast are one of the many strengths of this story, combined with the solid and tight writing. Descriptive prose lends itself to the era and the authors didn’t indulge too much but managed to give the essence and energy of dance through the written word.
The ending was more of a happy for now resolution than ride off into the sunset HEA, but it fit well with the time period and both men. As the ending was realistic, I can’t really complain although the romantic tones had me somewhat hoping the authors would pull off a HEA ending even if it wasn’t exactly fitting. With the story and progression of Jack and Paul’s relationship, I admit, I kind of wanted a ride off into the sunset ending. But you won’t be unhappy with the chosen resolution and it fits well. Although this is old Hollywood, so many of the themes and issues are still relevant and easily translated to current times, perhaps making this even more interesting to some readers.
February 2, 2021
I was very surprised by this story. First of all, I was surprised I'd bought it. But, I guess that is why it's been languishing in my TBR pile for years. 2nd of all, I was surprised by how much I liked it. I'm not a huge fan of historical, even less so of "recent history" ones that come close to contemporary. That being said, I really liked this story. I thought the authors who make up Jamie Craig did a wonderful job of world building. The detailing felt authentic down to how hard it would be to find someone prior to the internet, cell phones, and many other things we take for granted. The details of name changing by studios or having to sit through show after show brought depth. There were serious consequences back then, but lives were a little more easily hidden. I think back to Rock Hudson, but what I really loved were the two m/c's. The young and brash versus the controlling and established. Both had to bend and grow some to make it work. It was a definitely more HFN than HEA, because they knew it wouldn't be an easy road. There would be no easy answers, but that too made it feel more real. The sex scenes were really sweet and hot. That is harder and harder to find the longer and more m/m books one reads. This was a great read for me. I would have no problem recommending this book. I feel even if one didn't love it like I did, that it would still be an enjoyable read.
I felt compelled to add to my review after reading others' reviews. There is a scene that involves girl cooties which typically is an issue for me too in my m/m books. Though I wasn't fond of it, I understood its purpose in this story. He wanted to feel loved and a connection. It was the closest he could get to his BF who wouldn't be intimate with him in any other way.
I felt compelled to add to my review after reading others' reviews. There is a scene that involves girl cooties which typically is an issue for me too in my m/m books. Though I wasn't fond of it, I understood its purpose in this story. He wanted to feel loved and a connection. It was the closest he could get to his BF who wouldn't be intimate with him in any other way.
June 13, 2011
There's a joyless quality to this book at times that made it difficult to get into. Perhaps it's due to the time period it depicts and a problem with me really getting into m/m historical romances. You're already writing off the HEA before reading it.
The writing was competent but I didn't sense any great chemistry between the two characters. They weren't particularly witty or compelling & the writing for the Brit character Jack just never felt quite natural. I wasn't feeling the romance in the beginning either. There was an unnecessary 3 way that was shown with Paul & his producer & wife. Then there was another encounter that Paul has that was probably done as a plot point. All that delayed the romance in the book. It was only until about 50 percent into the book that we start really showing the attraction between Jack & Paul & that quickly devolves into long protracted sex scenes. At these points we see the sexual attraction between Jack & Paul but the emotional connected is more told than shown. In the end they did get their HFN ending which is probably the best you could do here. OK book but not one of my favorites.
The movie making aspects & the dance sequences described did throw me back to my love of old movies with Fred Astaire & also reminded me of other closeted actors such as Rock Hudson so that bumped up the rating to 3 stars.
The writing was competent but I didn't sense any great chemistry between the two characters. They weren't particularly witty or compelling & the writing for the Brit character Jack just never felt quite natural. I wasn't feeling the romance in the beginning either. There was an unnecessary 3 way that was shown with Paul & his producer & wife. Then there was another encounter that Paul has that was probably done as a plot point. All that delayed the romance in the book. It was only until about 50 percent into the book that we start really showing the attraction between Jack & Paul & that quickly devolves into long protracted sex scenes. At these points we see the sexual attraction between Jack & Paul but the emotional connected is more told than shown. In the end they did get their HFN ending which is probably the best you could do here. OK book but not one of my favorites.
The movie making aspects & the dance sequences described did throw me back to my love of old movies with Fred Astaire & also reminded me of other closeted actors such as Rock Hudson so that bumped up the rating to 3 stars.
January 15, 2012
This is an enjoyable romance set in 1950's Hollywood. The characters were likable and the descriptions of the dance numbers were surprisingly engaging. The sexual tension in the beginning was sizzling, but once the characters started hooking up, the sex scenes went on way too long.
3.75 stars (4.25 stars if you love the Golden Age of Hollywood)
3.75 stars (4.25 stars if you love the Golden Age of Hollywood)
January 22, 2010
I liked this book quite a bit, although I felt the ending was too rushed and a bit too "pat." The loose ends and final resolution was just to quick and not wholly realistic, given what the characters had gone through for the first 3/4s of the book. Still, I enjoyed it, and it had a really really hot sex in the shower scene.
August 16, 2012
This is a satisfying, interesting, often arousing romance that takes extra steps to make sure everything (even the sex!) helps tell the story of these two men and their hectic relationship.
Click to read the full review on my book blog.
Click to read the full review on my book blog.
September 12, 2011
I've always been a huge fan of the incredible over the top MGM musicals of the 1950s and this charming romance takes us right into that world via a rivals-to-lovers m/m romance that is fresh, believable and hot as the dancefloor. One of my all time favourites in the m/m romance genre.
May 27, 2009
Nothing enjoyable about this one.
July 2, 2009
weak
July 17, 2012
Could use a M/F tag so readers aren't surprised by a voyeuristic menage. DNF.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews