V: The V in Vigilant

V #3

by J.M. Snyder

The sudden appearance of superpowers might transform most mild-mannered men into egomaniacs with visions of grandeur. Fortunately, Vic Braunson isn’t most men. His powers come from his lover, Matt diLorenzo, and Vic refuses to let the abilities control or change him.

But even he can’t stop the powers from enhancing who he is.

The V in Vigilant is the third installment in J. M. Snyder’s V series. When Vic has a rough day at work, his lover Matt puts their telepathic connection to good use, tapping directly into Vic’s needs to provide some relaxing downtime at home. Their sensual verbal massage, however, turns to serious talk, and Matt finally asks Vic the question he’s been wrestling with for the past few months.

The next day, Vic’s latest superpower almost makes him call in sick. But when a disabled bus passenger is attacked, Vic rushes to the rescue...

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Short Stories, Gay, Speculative Fiction, Paranormal, Superheroes

65 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

An author of gay erotic/romantic fiction, J.M. Snyder began in self-publishing and worked with Amber Allure, Aspen Mountain, eXcessica, and Torquere Presses.

Snyder's highly erotic short gay fiction has been published online at Amazon Shorts, Eros Monthly, Ruthie's Club, and Tit-Elation, as well as in anthologies by Alyson Books, Aspen Mountain, Cleis Press, eXcessica Publishing, Lethe Press, and Ravenous Romance.

In 2010, Snyder founded JMS Books LLC, a royalty-paying queer small press that publishes in both electronic and print format. For more information on newest releases and submission guidelines, please visit JMS Books LLC online.

Reviews

[Cole Riann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review posted at Brief Encounters Reviews.


**Contains spoilers for those who haven't read V: The V In Valor and V: The V In Vengeance**

To see the review, click the tag.
V is for Vigilant is the third book in the V Series, and this story continues the romance between Vic and Matt. In the second book, V is for Vengeance, we left Vic and Matt with a vandalized Jag after a date night out where Matt got giggly drunk and Vic got in his pants all the way home. Here we meet Roger, a wheelchair veteran who rides daily on Vic’s bus route. Also, once again in this installment there are the usual bits — Vic waking up with a strange superpower given to him by Matt’s sweet lovin’ the night before and finally the culmination of Matt’s desire to ask Vic to marry him, which he’s slowly been working up to over the whole series. The new superpower combined with their new awareness of the direction of their relationship lead Vic to watch over Roger, who consistently denies that he needs watching over.

The further I read in these stories, the more I love them. Though I’ve read several of the Vic & Matt stories JM Snyder has written over the years, they’ve been out of order. Yet with the V Series, there’s a real cohesion to their relationship that I love. There’s something so great about established relationships that is satisfying in a unique way in m/m romance. Vic and Matt are a great example of that and combined with the fact that most of the conflict is from an external source allow the couple to remain in a happy medium that is refreshing to read.

I love the cast of characters, who are better than ever here. Sadie is the cutest damn dog and has so much personality, just like the dogs we all know and love in real life. Roxie is as funny and annoying as ever. I really loved Roger, though, as a new character and hope he shows back up somehow in the series. For someone that has a pretty small part to play overall, I thought that he came through with quite a lot of personality, especially for a reserved and depressed man.

I was also happy (for someone who hasn’t read the other Vic & Matt series) to see more background on the duo. For the first time in this story we get much more about their past relationship, as well as their lives before they started dating, first from Vic who can’t believe that the solitary and depressed man he used to be was completely cured by falling in love, and then Matt, who has some very funny recollections about dating one of Vic’s co-workers and refusing to sleep with him because he was worried the resulting powers he’d transfer would go to the bodybuilder’s head, a man who apparently showed a little too much desire to have power over others.

Still, these stories are mostly easy going, as the ones before. They’re a delight to read and though easy and fun still have so much charm because of the characters. I’m very much looking forward to the rest!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third in the V series, and it continues the story of Vic Braunson and partner Matt diLorenzo. They are just like any other happy couple, completely in love with one another and looking to the future, but there is something special about their relationship. Each time they have sex, Vic gains a special ability from Matt’s semen and the manifestation is based on their positions during sex. Despite the powers often being quite an annoyance, Vic wouldn’t give them up for the world as that would mean giving up Matt, something Vic can’t imagine doing.

Here we get yet another glimpse into the everyday lives of Vic and Matt. Vic is a city bus driver and things like horrible weather and inconsiderate passengers make for very long and difficult days. Thankfully Matt knows just how to calm his lover and make a bad day end on a much happier note. During a relaxing massage when Vic gets a glimpse of something Matt’s keeping hidden in his thoughts, it leads to Matt asking Vic a question that’s been on his mind for some time. Vic’s answer will decide the future of their relationship.

"The V in Vigilant" is a wonderful addition to the Vic and Matt series, especially for readers who have been following these characters since the very first story. As with all stories, Vic gains a power that has a strange side effect yet allows Vic to help out a friend in need. It was obvious from the very beginning who was going to need Vic’s help and it was unsurprising and a bit clichéd. In this story, however, that plot point plays second fiddle to the much more personal and emotional aspects of the story. Here we have Vic and Matt making a decision about their future, one that’s been a long time coming, and it’s a beautiful moment to experience. The connection between these two men is quite palpable and always a joy to read.

The universe that Snyder has created for these stories is always a joy to jump into, and is fleshed out with secondary characters that are adored and fun, even in a shorter story such as this. Here we have Roxie who is yet again wild and over the top in the best way possible, and provides an infusion of humor to the story. And Sadie, Vic and Matt’s dog, after only two stories has become one of my favorites. She is adorable and bouncy and has Matt and Vic wrapped around her paw.

Just as with previous stories, fans will definitely want to read this continuation of Vic and Matt’s story. New readers could easily begin here as there usually is enough information provided so that no one would be lost but I recommend at least starting at the beginning of this series, or even better with the earlier stories that tell the tale of Vic and Matt meeting and falling in love. This is yet another wonderful story about two unforgettable characters and I look forward to the next in the series.

[CB · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these characters ~ they are sweet and fun and the sex is hot.

There are so many unique stories about these guys (38 right now!), it's a blast to follow them. I have their books from all different sources - I suggest going to the author's website to get a complete list and the order they should be read in.

[J.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Won't write a review because it's my book.