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Jungle Heat
Congo Free State, 1888
On a mission deep in the jungle, Oxford anthropologist James Litchfield comes face-to-face with a local legend: a wild man who wanders with mountain gorillas and lives as one of their own.
The chance encounter with the savage, whom James calls Michael, leads to a game of observation and exploration. Their mutual curiosity turns to an attraction—one that Michael has never experienced and James is desperate to deny.
When members of the expedition unearth James's secret discovery—a living specimen of man at his most primitive—Michael becomes a pawn in their quest for fame.
As their relationship deepens, James is compelled to protect Michael from the academics who would treat him as nothing more than a scientific acquisition and London society, which threatens to destroy their passionate bond...
On a mission deep in the jungle, Oxford anthropologist James Litchfield comes face-to-face with a local legend: a wild man who wanders with mountain gorillas and lives as one of their own.
The chance encounter with the savage, whom James calls Michael, leads to a game of observation and exploration. Their mutual curiosity turns to an attraction—one that Michael has never experienced and James is desperate to deny.
When members of the expedition unearth James's secret discovery—a living specimen of man at his most primitive—Michael becomes a pawn in their quest for fame.
As their relationship deepens, James is compelled to protect Michael from the academics who would treat him as nothing more than a scientific acquisition and London society, which threatens to destroy their passionate bond...
231 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2010
13 people are currently reading
392 people want to read
About the author
Bonnie Dee
131 books697 followersI began telling stories as a child. Whenever there was a sleepover, I was the designated ghost tale teller. I still have a story printed on yellow legal paper in second grade about a ghost, a witch and a talking cat.
I enjoy dabbling in many genres. Whether you're a fan of contemporary historical or fantasy romance, you'll find something to enjoy among my books. I'm interested in flawed, often damaged, people who find the fulfillment they seek in one another. To stay informed about new releases, please sign up for my newsletter. You can join my street team at FB. Learn more about my backlist at http://bonniedee.com and find me on FB and Twitter @Bonnie_Dee.
I enjoy dabbling in many genres. Whether you're a fan of contemporary historical or fantasy romance, you'll find something to enjoy among my books. I'm interested in flawed, often damaged, people who find the fulfillment they seek in one another. To stay informed about new releases, please sign up for my newsletter. You can join my street team at FB. Learn more about my backlist at http://bonniedee.com and find me on FB and Twitter @Bonnie_Dee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
April 15, 2014
MM version of a Tarzan tale?
Bonnie Dee tells a remarkable, well researched and thought out tale of angst and primal needs. Odd One has been raised by gorillas for most of his life, not knowing what he was but just that he was different. Until a group of anthropologists make camp close by in his African jungle home. He saves one of the anthropologists from a leopard attack and his life will be forever changed.
The anthropologist Odd One saves ends up becoming Odd One's teacher of all things human. James Litchfield, Scottish and in the closet (It's 1888, so can you blame him?) can't help but feel a pull towards Odd One who James' christens Michael.
Michael is a wonderful character who will stay in my mind for awhile because of the hard life his had lived. The way The author conveys his emotions without actual dialogue spoken from Michael in the beginning and throughout the story...it was beautiful.
Reading James and Michael's friendship and trust built...it was so good. The sacrifices they made (Michael did sacrifice more than James but James learns how to be the man Michael deserves)
And the elemental passion they felt for one another? The way James would try to hold it together and all Michael had to do was say "Stay. Now", grab James' arm and manhandle him to a flat surface?
Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!
Michael and James together? In one word:
I need to pound my chest and do some animalistic mating calls out like Michael...it was...he was...when he...Oh...My...*fans self*
These two men face hardships throughout their trip (Africa and in the UK). Of course there's a bad guy, Sir Lewis. He and his lackey capture Michael and treat him like property, not as a man. It's sad. But justice and love prevails and an excellent story was told (Okay I did feel the judge was too nice and the outcome came too easy but you know what? I don't care as long a HEA was provided. And it was. So I'm shutting up.)
MM fans should definitely give this story a try, because it's a scorcher. I wished I learned this version of Tarzan instead. It's so much better MM style. ;)
February 4, 2016
~4.5~
Poignant, heartwrenching, and thought provoking.
"Civilized" men take a human raised by apes and turn him into a sideshow freak. The Odd One is christened Michael by James, the man who found him, the man whose life Michael saved.
This book takes Michael on a terrifying journey from the jungles of Africa to late 19th century London, where he becomes a pawn in a game of greed and power.
Michael only wants James. James is Michael's mate. But James keeps telling him, "Man and man not good. Secret."
Michael doesn't understand. And why should he? Where he comes from, there are no rules about love. Who's civilized now?
Michael being caged like a violent animal turned me inside out, and I needed James to do more, to BE more.
In the end, there's only this: a thatch-roofed cottage, the scent of herbs, sunlight gleaming, and paint streaking canvas in a symphony of joy.
Poignant, heartwrenching, and thought provoking.
"Civilized" men take a human raised by apes and turn him into a sideshow freak. The Odd One is christened Michael by James, the man who found him, the man whose life Michael saved.
This book takes Michael on a terrifying journey from the jungles of Africa to late 19th century London, where he becomes a pawn in a game of greed and power.
Michael only wants James. James is Michael's mate. But James keeps telling him, "Man and man not good. Secret."
Michael doesn't understand. And why should he? Where he comes from, there are no rules about love. Who's civilized now?
I found myself back in the sepulchral city resenting the sight of people hurrying through the streets to filch a little money from each other, to devour their infamous cookery, to gulp their unwholesome beer, to dream their insignificant and silly dreams. They trespassed upon my thoughts.
—Joseph Conrad, Heart of Darkness
Michael being caged like a violent animal turned me inside out, and I needed James to do more, to BE more.
In the end, there's only this: a thatch-roofed cottage, the scent of herbs, sunlight gleaming, and paint streaking canvas in a symphony of joy.
September 1, 2016
I am LITERALLY the only person out of all my friends to not love this book, so please feel free to ignore me. However, there is no way around it... this book made me really uncomfortable. I've read a few slave/captor type fics, and I tend to enjoy them in a sci-fi setting. However, in a historical setting, I read most of this story feeling disturbed.
This is a retelling of the Tarzan story, where Tarzan is a Caucasian boy raised in the jungles of Africa by a family of apes and is only discovered as an adult and "rescued." This is obviously an M/M version, with the romance coming from Michael (aka, Tarzan) and James, his "rescuer."
Now, I've read a lot of reviews of this book, even the critical ones, and no one else seemed to be disturbed or uncomfortable with the whole captured/enslaved aspect. However, that power dynamic between Michael and James really got to me. I didn't feel like they were coming to the relationship as equals because once Michael got captured, he literally was dependent on James to free him in order to survive. It turned my stomach to read about all of the stuff that "modern man" put Michael through, and I wanted to put down the story more than once.
I also didn't feel much emotional connection between Michael and James. I think it had to do with the perceived power dynamics in my head, because I kept getting an icky feeling while reading about the more romantic elements. I didn't really see why Michael loved James, who didn't seem to deserve his love, IMO. Even though James fought for Michael in the best way that he thought he could, it didn't seem to be enough for me.
Interestingly, I found that I often have these sorts of issues while reading Bonnie Dee books. I've read many of her works, and I've had numerous occasions where I found myself in a moral or ethical quandary. For example, I really struggled with Finding Home, in which there are issues with age of consent and power disparities (my review here), and even in Bone Deep, where there was another case of a historical with a pseudo-captive/slave theme (my review here). Bonnie Dee pushes me, and sometimes it works for me and sometimes it doesn't.
In terms of the narration, I thought it was okay but lacking a little in emotion. I actually didn't love the voice for Michael because it sounded a bit like a parody of an "ape man" to my ears. I thought the narration by Philip Rose was okay but nothing special.
I see why my friends all loved this one, but, for some reason, it just rubbed me the wrong way.
January 19, 2016
"I met you on somebody's island
You thought you had known me before
I brought you a crate of papaya
Then waited all night by your door
You probably wouldn't remember
I probably couldn't forget
Jungle love in the surf in the pouring rain
Everything's better when wet"
You thought you had known me before
I brought you a crate of papaya
Then waited all night by your door
You probably wouldn't remember
I probably couldn't forget
Jungle love in the surf in the pouring rain
Everything's better when wet"
January 8, 2016
Written December 31, 2015
4 Stars - Adorable characters, a well done Tarzan re-tale and a good audio listening
Jungle Heat is a M/M re-tale of the old famous Tarzan of the Apes story by Edgar Rice Burroughs (from 1912). This time told by Bonnie Dee who writes a lot of nice historical M/M romances I usually like. — As this one.
~ 4 stars and Happy New Years cheers!!!
I truly enjoyed this 9 hrs audiobook (very well narrated by Philip Rose). Recommended listening for all fans of hot jungle men, aka a sexy well shaped amazing Tarzan, and romantic yummy men loves men romances set in a historical time.
**********************************************
Congo Free State, 1888
The Oxford anthropologist James Litchfield is on a mission in the Congo jungle when he meet a wild man (‘Odd One’) who wanders with mountain gorillas and lives as one of their own. He gives the name Michael to the beautiful "Tarzan" man. — The adventure begins...
**********************************************
A lovely touching story..
I really truly liked this storyline topic. Jungle Heat isn't the very super best 5 star novel I listened to this 2015-year but with a moderate amount of added hearbreaking parts, lovely romantic M/M steam, interesting characters (loved both MC's at once) and a believable development of things and the characters, was this all in all a very nice and pleasing audiobook listening.
This story is set in a time over hundred years ago and there are (of course) some very touching parts —like racism, superiority and cruelty to those who were different— here. Thankfully not too much evil och explicit cruelty though. Most of all was this about love and the jungle man Michael's journey to a completely new way of life. I believed in these men since and strong love, the steamy parts were nicely done and the way it all ended (with a romance novel's HEA 'course) was heartwarming.
It's New Years Eve...
Add a good narrator with a perfect way of reading this book.
Conclusion: my $4 was well spent (..a bargain) audiobook bucks.
**********************************************
I LIKE - old interesting stories in new shapes
*****
Next summer (2016) will there be a new Tarzan movie. This time with the Swedish gorgeous actor Alexander Skarsgård. Not M/M 'course but anyway...
4 Stars - Adorable characters, a well done Tarzan re-tale and a good audio listening
Jungle Heat is a M/M re-tale of the old famous Tarzan of the Apes story by Edgar Rice Burroughs (from 1912). This time told by Bonnie Dee who writes a lot of nice historical M/M romances I usually like. — As this one.
~ 4 stars and Happy New Years cheers!!! I truly enjoyed this 9 hrs audiobook (very well narrated by Philip Rose). Recommended listening for all fans of hot jungle men, aka a sexy well shaped amazing Tarzan, and romantic yummy men loves men romances set in a historical time.
**********************************************
Congo Free State, 1888
The Oxford anthropologist James Litchfield is on a mission in the Congo jungle when he meet a wild man (‘Odd One’) who wanders with mountain gorillas and lives as one of their own. He gives the name Michael to the beautiful "Tarzan" man. — The adventure begins...
‘Something had crackled like lightning between them and whispered like the wind through the leaves. This stranger had signaled with his eyes all kinds of things Odd One couldn’t understand. He needed to look into those eyes again—eyes as blue as the sky, as blue as his own.’
‘While they were occupied, Michael worked one foot then the other out of the shoes.
He sighed in relief when his stocking-clad feet sank into the thick carpet, and then he began struggling to undo the tie that held the stiff white collar around his throat.’
**********************************************
A lovely touching story..
I really truly liked this storyline topic. Jungle Heat isn't the very super best 5 star novel I listened to this 2015-year but with a moderate amount of added hearbreaking parts, lovely romantic M/M steam, interesting characters (loved both MC's at once) and a believable development of things and the characters, was this all in all a very nice and pleasing audiobook listening.
This story is set in a time over hundred years ago and there are (of course) some very touching parts —like racism, superiority and cruelty to those who were different— here. Thankfully not too much evil och explicit cruelty though. Most of all was this about love and the jungle man Michael's journey to a completely new way of life. I believed in these men since and strong love, the steamy parts were nicely done and the way it all ended (with a romance novel's HEA 'course) was heartwarming.
It's New Years Eve...
Add a good narrator with a perfect way of reading this book.
Conclusion: my $4 was well spent (..a bargain) audiobook bucks.
**********************************************
I LIKE - old interesting stories in new shapes
*****
Next summer (2016) will there be a new Tarzan movie. This time with the Swedish gorgeous actor Alexander Skarsgård. Not M/M 'course but anyway...
July 31, 2018
Audio 2.5 stars
Story 2 stars
I knew before starting this book, I would have to suspend belief and I was prepared to do just that.
This story did not meet my “what if Tarazan was gay” expectations. I was expecting some level of action and didn’t get much of anything. All I got was an anthropologist (James) who encounters a wild man (Michael) while out on a mission in the jungle. James tries to protect Michael and makes promises he is too powerless to keep. James making empty promises had me disliking him. Michael gets confused and hurt countless times, which was damn heartbreaking.
Yes, these two form a sweet relationship in secret, and get their HEA but it was a very dull journey.
If I’m willing to suspend belief, I want to be wowed not bored.
Story 2 stars
I knew before starting this book, I would have to suspend belief and I was prepared to do just that.
This story did not meet my “what if Tarazan was gay” expectations. I was expecting some level of action and didn’t get much of anything. All I got was an anthropologist (James) who encounters a wild man (Michael) while out on a mission in the jungle. James tries to protect Michael and makes promises he is too powerless to keep. James making empty promises had me disliking him. Michael gets confused and hurt countless times, which was damn heartbreaking.
Yes, these two form a sweet relationship in secret, and get their HEA but it was a very dull journey.
If I’m willing to suspend belief, I want to be wowed not bored.
April 13, 2017
3.5 Stars
Reimagined from the classic Tarzan and Jane romance, this nice m/m featuring primitive Michael and the scholar James who discovers him, was really quite enjoyable.
This had a little bit of everything - initial jungle adventure, steamy sexual awakening, and apt angst. Throw in a self serving benefactor and academics fighting for the right to study such a scientific wonder, and you've got a story with some interesting plot points.
The interactions between James and Michael were well portrayed and realistic, wonderfully showing how their feelings begin and evolve. The love they have for each other despite external and internal forces constantly trying to tear them apart, was very romantic and sweet. James simply wants what's best for Michael - he just has to realize that it's him that Michael not only desires, but knows steadfastly that James is all he'll ever need.
Again, this was an easy, interesting, sexy read (and audio listen, if you're interested).
Reimagined from the classic Tarzan and Jane romance, this nice m/m featuring primitive Michael and the scholar James who discovers him, was really quite enjoyable.
This had a little bit of everything - initial jungle adventure, steamy sexual awakening, and apt angst. Throw in a self serving benefactor and academics fighting for the right to study such a scientific wonder, and you've got a story with some interesting plot points.
The interactions between James and Michael were well portrayed and realistic, wonderfully showing how their feelings begin and evolve. The love they have for each other despite external and internal forces constantly trying to tear them apart, was very romantic and sweet. James simply wants what's best for Michael - he just has to realize that it's him that Michael not only desires, but knows steadfastly that James is all he'll ever need.
Again, this was an easy, interesting, sexy read (and audio listen, if you're interested).
January 30, 2016
**4.5 stars**
Magnificent. Absolutely fantastic and, probably, my favorite by the author. Read it!
"He was no longer alone, no longer Odd One. He had family, a mate and a place where he belonged.
He was a man. He was Michael.
Magnificent. Absolutely fantastic and, probably, my favorite by the author. Read it!
February 25, 2025
re-read Feb 2025 - Still such a wonderful story (read not listened again this time). So easy to read and such the perfect MM adaptation of Tarzan.
March 2019 - read it this time. It was good fun and very sweet. I probably should have listened to the audiobook again given my raving review last time.
PERFECTION!!
Absolutely loved this book! James and Michael were amazing, I adored their characters and their love story!
The narration was SUPERB, Phillip's voice for Michael was spot on! Absolutely perfect!
Highly highly recommend this audio book!
March 2019 - read it this time. It was good fun and very sweet. I probably should have listened to the audiobook again given my raving review last time.
PERFECTION!!
Absolutely loved this book! James and Michael were amazing, I adored their characters and their love story!
The narration was SUPERB, Phillip's voice for Michael was spot on! Absolutely perfect!
Highly highly recommend this audio book!
January 26, 2016
- Narrator: Philip Rose*3,5 Me-Tarzan-You-James stars*
Very nice Tarzan re-tale but now in MM version. I enjoyed the Brittish narrating.
The audio was a bit too long for my liking, so I read the last 25%.
In the jungle, he’d lived in the moment, passing through one day and the next without an idea of a future. Now he saw many days stretched out ahead of him, all of them spent with James.
But being human had taught him that having something he cared about meant he had something to lose. Perhaps being human meant always having a slight fear of loss floating at the edge of his mind.
July 1, 2010
This review was originally posted at my blog.
Genre & Keywords:
M/M, Historical Romance, Expedition, Anthropology, Savage, Africa/London/Scotland
Why I read it:
I received an ARC from the Publisher, through NetGalley
Storyline:
While on an anthropological expedition in the jungle of Africa, James is saved from a leopard by a savage man. The man turns out to be living among the mountain gorillas. James succeeds in winning his trust and calls him Michael. They develop a friendship and explore their physical attraction until James’ colleagues learn about Michael too, James becomes seriously ill and Michael is captured. The group ships back to England and takes Michael with them, treating him as an animal. Recovered from his illness, James fights for recognition of Michael’s humanity and continues this fight back in London, while he and Michael have to conceal their blooming love.
My opinion in short:
I loved this M/M version of Tarzan. The premise intrigued me but could’ve easily turned into a ridiculous story if not handled carefully. Ms. Dee made it into a unique story that remains erect. The image of Tarzan never popped into my head while reading this book, because the heroes are refreshing, likeable, well developed, three dimensional characters. They have a beautiful and genuine chemistry that had a great appeal. The historical setting, which is not really my favorite, added in this case to the internal conflict of the relationship. I felt involved with James and Michael, from the first to the last page, even at those moments when I wasn’t reading in Jungle Heat. I can highly recommend this novel, especially to those who are willing to take an exotic journey with two sexy and sweet men from the 19th century.
~~~~~
Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Heat level: 2.5 of 3 flames
~~~~~
What’s more to know about this book:
• Characters
Both main characters were very refreshing and quite unique compared to those I’ve read about in the m/m genre so far. Now, these are not necessarily qualities I look for in my romance characters, but I found both James and Michael rather interesting personalities to spend some time with. They could’ve easily become caricatures because of the Tarzan-like plot and setting, but thank goodness they had way more depth and substance than that.
James is endearing because of his primness - formed by the social rules of his time - and, on paradoxically, his passion for Michael and his cause. Aside from that he worries about how genuinely Michael’s attraction and feelings for him can be: he’s sure Michael will realize he’s not gay once he sees the first woman. Michael on the other hand has none of those worries. He has no shame or sexual awareness beyond his own feelings, and no social pressure. He doesn’t understand why he can’t show his feelings and he feels conflicted by James’ behavior in public. This relational conflict, which is based on their very different backgrounds and social awareness, is portrayed very well by the author. This compelling romance thrives on that conflict and it’s what keeps me as a reader invested in both protagonists due to the way the author handled it.
• POV
The story is told in third person from both men’s point of view, alternating from one to the other. Michael’s POV is, especially in the beginning when he’s still more primitive, rather interesting. It’s easy to pick on little errors as Michael knowing things he couldn’t know, like his own eye color in the next sentence: “He needed to look into those eyes again – eyes as blue as the sky, as blue as his own.” But I choose to focus on the uniqueness of Michael’s intriguing perspective, and maybe it was my mistake to read this type of examples as his own thoughts (although they felt that way rather than an omniscient narrator’s).
With only a little suspension of disbelief regarding Michael’s POV, the choice for the alternating perspectives worked perfectly in this story, since the characters come from such different worlds, literally. It was an intriguing journey into those opposite men’s thoughts and feelings and it resulted in a wonderful exploration of their relationship.
• Plot
The plot is well developed and rich of unexpected twists and turns. It’s not completely set in the jungle (where the story has a more universal feel to it) but also partly in 19th century London and Scotland and on a ship (where the historical time period has more influence on the relationship). The developing romance between the two protags is the main focus of the plot, but not without them having to deal with threats from other people and society. Luckily they also have people in their team with whom they can fight against the enemy’s team, literally and figuratively. So, there’s enough conflict (from within as well as from outside the relationship) to bring suspense to the story. The ending was happy and satisfying, although I didn’t care too much about the last chapter in which we got treated to a look in the future where James and Michael continued their HEA, it was a bit too sweet for my taste. But it gave the story a nice round closure.
• Smexing
M/M. The sex scenes are very erotic. Especially when the heroes are still in the exploring phase of their physical attraction, the sexual tension is very tangible. After that phase, tenderness and emotions become more and more part of their love making. Then the sex scenes, still hot and explicit, support their growing connection and show their love.
• Writing style
Ms. Dee’s writing is lucid and expressive. I didn’t have to make much of an effort to picture the setting or situation in which the characters were. The short sentences were descriptive and clear enough to make an image of the events without having to reread parts of the scenes. I enjoyed it very much that she wrote this story mainly from within both heroes, which helped to see the depth of the characters.
Favorite scene/quote:
The scene where Michael allows James to touch him for the first time (to see to his wound). This is from Michael’s POV, he’s Odd One, and he has named James Sky Eyes:
Linking:
Bonnie Dee’s website | Yahoo group | on Goodreads
Buy Jungle Heat here
Read an excerpt here
Genre & Keywords:
M/M, Historical Romance, Expedition, Anthropology, Savage, Africa/London/Scotland
Why I read it:
I received an ARC from the Publisher, through NetGalley
Storyline:
While on an anthropological expedition in the jungle of Africa, James is saved from a leopard by a savage man. The man turns out to be living among the mountain gorillas. James succeeds in winning his trust and calls him Michael. They develop a friendship and explore their physical attraction until James’ colleagues learn about Michael too, James becomes seriously ill and Michael is captured. The group ships back to England and takes Michael with them, treating him as an animal. Recovered from his illness, James fights for recognition of Michael’s humanity and continues this fight back in London, while he and Michael have to conceal their blooming love.
My opinion in short:
I loved this M/M version of Tarzan. The premise intrigued me but could’ve easily turned into a ridiculous story if not handled carefully. Ms. Dee made it into a unique story that remains erect. The image of Tarzan never popped into my head while reading this book, because the heroes are refreshing, likeable, well developed, three dimensional characters. They have a beautiful and genuine chemistry that had a great appeal. The historical setting, which is not really my favorite, added in this case to the internal conflict of the relationship. I felt involved with James and Michael, from the first to the last page, even at those moments when I wasn’t reading in Jungle Heat. I can highly recommend this novel, especially to those who are willing to take an exotic journey with two sexy and sweet men from the 19th century.
~~~~~
Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Heat level: 2.5 of 3 flames
~~~~~
What’s more to know about this book:
• Characters
Both main characters were very refreshing and quite unique compared to those I’ve read about in the m/m genre so far. Now, these are not necessarily qualities I look for in my romance characters, but I found both James and Michael rather interesting personalities to spend some time with. They could’ve easily become caricatures because of the Tarzan-like plot and setting, but thank goodness they had way more depth and substance than that.
James is endearing because of his primness - formed by the social rules of his time - and, on paradoxically, his passion for Michael and his cause. Aside from that he worries about how genuinely Michael’s attraction and feelings for him can be: he’s sure Michael will realize he’s not gay once he sees the first woman. Michael on the other hand has none of those worries. He has no shame or sexual awareness beyond his own feelings, and no social pressure. He doesn’t understand why he can’t show his feelings and he feels conflicted by James’ behavior in public. This relational conflict, which is based on their very different backgrounds and social awareness, is portrayed very well by the author. This compelling romance thrives on that conflict and it’s what keeps me as a reader invested in both protagonists due to the way the author handled it.
• POV
The story is told in third person from both men’s point of view, alternating from one to the other. Michael’s POV is, especially in the beginning when he’s still more primitive, rather interesting. It’s easy to pick on little errors as Michael knowing things he couldn’t know, like his own eye color in the next sentence: “He needed to look into those eyes again – eyes as blue as the sky, as blue as his own.” But I choose to focus on the uniqueness of Michael’s intriguing perspective, and maybe it was my mistake to read this type of examples as his own thoughts (although they felt that way rather than an omniscient narrator’s).
With only a little suspension of disbelief regarding Michael’s POV, the choice for the alternating perspectives worked perfectly in this story, since the characters come from such different worlds, literally. It was an intriguing journey into those opposite men’s thoughts and feelings and it resulted in a wonderful exploration of their relationship.
• Plot
The plot is well developed and rich of unexpected twists and turns. It’s not completely set in the jungle (where the story has a more universal feel to it) but also partly in 19th century London and Scotland and on a ship (where the historical time period has more influence on the relationship). The developing romance between the two protags is the main focus of the plot, but not without them having to deal with threats from other people and society. Luckily they also have people in their team with whom they can fight against the enemy’s team, literally and figuratively. So, there’s enough conflict (from within as well as from outside the relationship) to bring suspense to the story. The ending was happy and satisfying, although I didn’t care too much about the last chapter in which we got treated to a look in the future where James and Michael continued their HEA, it was a bit too sweet for my taste. But it gave the story a nice round closure.
• Smexing
M/M. The sex scenes are very erotic. Especially when the heroes are still in the exploring phase of their physical attraction, the sexual tension is very tangible. After that phase, tenderness and emotions become more and more part of their love making. Then the sex scenes, still hot and explicit, support their growing connection and show their love.
• Writing style
Ms. Dee’s writing is lucid and expressive. I didn’t have to make much of an effort to picture the setting or situation in which the characters were. The short sentences were descriptive and clear enough to make an image of the events without having to reread parts of the scenes. I enjoyed it very much that she wrote this story mainly from within both heroes, which helped to see the depth of the characters.
Favorite scene/quote:
The scene where Michael allows James to touch him for the first time (to see to his wound). This is from Michael’s POV, he’s Odd One, and he has named James Sky Eyes:
To have this foreign creature touch his skin was beyond description. Powerful warmth shot through him, filling him with heat like sunlight. His cock, which had been growing steadily harder from the nearness of the stranger, began to ache, and he wanted to reach out and touch Sky Eyes in return. He needed to know what his brown hair felt like, to stroke his fingers over smooth skin instead of fur. He wanted to see the stranger stripped bare of the layers he wore on top of his skin.
Odd One held still while the stranger smeared the sweet-smelling stuff on his wound. The area was sore, especially when Sky Eyes pressed against it, but he didn’t care. He whimpered in pleasure and submitted to the tender touch.
Linking:
Bonnie Dee’s website | Yahoo group | on Goodreads
Buy Jungle Heat here
Read an excerpt here
January 2, 2014
I've always found the Tarzan story really sexy. I loved the film version with Andie McDowell. When I saw that Bonnie Dee had written a m/m version of the story, it went right to the top of my TBR pile.
This was a tough nut to crack, because not only do you have the regular story (British explorers discover a man raised by apes and take him back to England as a sort of oddity attraction), but you have the complication of a gay relationship in a time when it was illegal and unthinkable in England. Bonnie handled that realistically, with the British MC being secretly gay and very conflicted over his attraction to Michael, the Tarzan character.
I particularly enjoyed the scenes written from Michael's POV, and seeing his thinking evolve. The love scenes were appropriately hot and there is a lot of angst over Michaels fate but, of course a good HEA. I think maybe overall it had a little more 'ugliness of man' angst than i really needed, even though it was totally appropriate and realistic, just a bit hard to read at times. Recommended.
This was a tough nut to crack, because not only do you have the regular story (British explorers discover a man raised by apes and take him back to England as a sort of oddity attraction), but you have the complication of a gay relationship in a time when it was illegal and unthinkable in England. Bonnie handled that realistically, with the British MC being secretly gay and very conflicted over his attraction to Michael, the Tarzan character.
I particularly enjoyed the scenes written from Michael's POV, and seeing his thinking evolve. The love scenes were appropriately hot and there is a lot of angst over Michaels fate but, of course a good HEA. I think maybe overall it had a little more 'ugliness of man' angst than i really needed, even though it was totally appropriate and realistic, just a bit hard to read at times. Recommended.
January 18, 2016
I truly enjoyed this fun yet touching story.
It's impossible not to fall in love with Michael.
The combination of his physical strength and the life he lived for years among the apes, with his naïveté, his child-like behaviors, is absolutely adorable!
My only "problem" was the somewhat rushed ending.
It's impossible not to fall in love with Michael.
The combination of his physical strength and the life he lived for years among the apes, with his naïveté, his child-like behaviors, is absolutely adorable!
My only "problem" was the somewhat rushed ending.
January 27, 2026
4.5 stars
Loved it!! Lush historical with a beautiful love story of two men who are true soul mates. This seemed to be so much more than just an m/m Tarzan. It was exotic, fascinating and gripping yet with a tender and sensual romance. The hard-earned HEA was perfect. Very much recommended for any fan of historical m/m romance!
Loved it!! Lush historical with a beautiful love story of two men who are true soul mates. This seemed to be so much more than just an m/m Tarzan. It was exotic, fascinating and gripping yet with a tender and sensual romance. The hard-earned HEA was perfect. Very much recommended for any fan of historical m/m romance!
December 27, 2024
AMAZING. AMAZING. AMAZING!!!!!! I absolutely ADORED this book and definitely didn't want it to end. I want more!! I give this ALL the stars ... way WAYYY more than just 5!!!
February 29, 2016
This novel is sweet, romantic and everything that the other reviewers have already said about it, but I couldn't get past the way author chose to write Michael's POV.
Although thinking is possible without words (as shown in form of pictures on the walls of caves) which was the case with primitive people, author went too far here. Even if we assume that Micheal has spent his childhood with his parents, he couldn't speak and from his very poor memories of his parents I'd say he has been living with the animals since he was 4-5 years old and the way author has written his POV should have been much much more primitive. He basically thought as a modern man of that time, and the only thing he couldn't do is, well, speak. He is capable of abstract thinking (the type not limited to present objects) which is simply not possible without the language.
Honestly, I don't think author did any research on this before she wrote this novel, and if she did, it was very poor. I can refrain myself from being realistic in some measure, but I can't exactly un-know something, and from psychological point of view this is not a small thing and it bothered me throughout the whole book. So, thus only 2 stars from me.
Although thinking is possible without words (as shown in form of pictures on the walls of caves) which was the case with primitive people, author went too far here. Even if we assume that Micheal has spent his childhood with his parents, he couldn't speak and from his very poor memories of his parents I'd say he has been living with the animals since he was 4-5 years old and the way author has written his POV should have been much much more primitive. He basically thought as a modern man of that time, and the only thing he couldn't do is, well, speak. He is capable of abstract thinking (the type not limited to present objects) which is simply not possible without the language.
Honestly, I don't think author did any research on this before she wrote this novel, and if she did, it was very poor. I can refrain myself from being realistic in some measure, but I can't exactly un-know something, and from psychological point of view this is not a small thing and it bothered me throughout the whole book. So, thus only 2 stars from me.
March 12, 2015
He was a man. He was Michael.
Fabulous.
Fabulous.
January 18, 2016
4.5 STARS****This was exactly what I was wanting to read exactly when I wanted to read it.
I think I'm in love with Bonnie Dee's historical M/M books. True, I've only read 2 (This one and
) but that's 2-for-2, which definitely gets me to one-click more.
This wasn't a perfect read, but it was hitting my sweet spots, fulfilling a need for forbidden/taboo/dangerous/fun reading without heading into any icky territory that would make me feel like a pervert. I think the reason this sort of sexual relationship worked for me was due to Michael being the aggressor, the dominant one and also being so intelligent and empathetic/wise. Other than not understanding that homosexual relationships were forbidden, he really came across as just someone with a language barrier and not someone who was child-like or simple or a mark for being duped. Michael was sharp in every way yet still retained a kindness, tenderness and trust that made him a great hero. Also, it helped that James was a little resistant to Michael's overtures despite his own raging attraction.
"Enough. Stop," he gritted between his teeth.
Immediately the other man released him. He didn't appear offended at the rejection, but merely transferred his hand to his own penis, idly stroking the thick length and pulling the foreskin up and down over the reddened tip.
C'mon... it's Tarzan but sexier. How can it not be good?
I did feel somewhat sad throughout this story because I was having a hard time feeling positive about the outcome. Obviously I felt very sorry for Michael, but James' awareness of the limits, the fleetingness of his happiness with Michael was heart-wrenching.
He'd lived without connection to another man because he knew it was what he must do. But now he discovered what it felt like to lie next to someone and be held by him all night long, the realization of what he'd been missing all his life washed over him. Knowledge wasn't always freedom. Sometimes it was sheer pain.
James' delicate position between a rock and a hard place and Michael's treatment as little more than a circus side-show caused me a little bit of anxiety. But, hey, it can't be smooth sailing the whole way, right? Where's the fun in that?
To sum up, this book gets a 5-star rating (rounded up a bit), two thumbs up and a Happy Jungle Dance GIF.
I think I'm in love with Bonnie Dee's historical M/M books. True, I've only read 2 (This one and
) but that's 2-for-2, which definitely gets me to one-click more.This wasn't a perfect read, but it was hitting my sweet spots, fulfilling a need for forbidden/taboo/dangerous/fun reading without heading into any icky territory that would make me feel like a pervert. I think the reason this sort of sexual relationship worked for me was due to Michael being the aggressor, the dominant one and also being so intelligent and empathetic/wise. Other than not understanding that homosexual relationships were forbidden, he really came across as just someone with a language barrier and not someone who was child-like or simple or a mark for being duped. Michael was sharp in every way yet still retained a kindness, tenderness and trust that made him a great hero. Also, it helped that James was a little resistant to Michael's overtures despite his own raging attraction.
"Enough. Stop," he gritted between his teeth.
Immediately the other man released him. He didn't appear offended at the rejection, but merely transferred his hand to his own penis, idly stroking the thick length and pulling the foreskin up and down over the reddened tip.
C'mon... it's Tarzan but sexier. How can it not be good?
I did feel somewhat sad throughout this story because I was having a hard time feeling positive about the outcome. Obviously I felt very sorry for Michael, but James' awareness of the limits, the fleetingness of his happiness with Michael was heart-wrenching.
He'd lived without connection to another man because he knew it was what he must do. But now he discovered what it felt like to lie next to someone and be held by him all night long, the realization of what he'd been missing all his life washed over him. Knowledge wasn't always freedom. Sometimes it was sheer pain.
James' delicate position between a rock and a hard place and Michael's treatment as little more than a circus side-show caused me a little bit of anxiety. But, hey, it can't be smooth sailing the whole way, right? Where's the fun in that?
To sum up, this book gets a 5-star rating (rounded up a bit), two thumbs up and a Happy Jungle Dance GIF.
July 19, 2010
3.5 stars, I think. While I'd always fantasized what a remake of Tarzan would be (and a gay version once I discovered M/M romances 2 years ago) I realized, as I read this book, that this kept pulling me out of the story: Tarzan's, or in this case Michael's language. However, I accepted that to describe words like "cum" the way an ape-man would- perhaps using descriptive phrases to communicate ape-man thought would make the book unreadable.
Small matter, I suppose, but I did stop several times to wonder what "words" were in Michael's head.
I also discovered that any remake of Tarzan ought to have him returning to Africa. I hated this innocent man being forced to return to London and while James and Michael have their HEA, I have to say Jungle Heat has cured me of my Tarzan-remake fantasies. I liked the Bonnie Dee books I've read and Jungle Heat is worth reading but I will likely stay away from books with this theme from now on. I liked the ending with the thought that Michael and James could now be together, at last, and the prospect of Michael seeing the world with James.
I probably wasn't in the mood for something as serious as life and times in Victorian England (for freaks, anyway) and have to say I prefer the screwball movie interpretation, George of the Jungle starring Brendan Fraser.
Small matter, I suppose, but I did stop several times to wonder what "words" were in Michael's head.
I also discovered that any remake of Tarzan ought to have him returning to Africa. I hated this innocent man being forced to return to London and while James and Michael have their HEA, I have to say Jungle Heat has cured me of my Tarzan-remake fantasies. I liked the Bonnie Dee books I've read and Jungle Heat is worth reading but I will likely stay away from books with this theme from now on. I liked the ending with the thought that Michael and James could now be together, at last, and the prospect of Michael seeing the world with James.
I probably wasn't in the mood for something as serious as life and times in Victorian England (for freaks, anyway) and have to say I prefer the screwball movie interpretation, George of the Jungle starring Brendan Fraser.
October 27, 2014
I loved this remake of the Tarzan story. I've always been fascinated by the idea of a human being raised by animals in the wild, then finding himself thrust back into so-called polite society.
The author did a great job of conveying Michael's life in the wild jungles of Africa, his life with the apes, and how he comes to interact with the other MC James. I loved the parts of the story that were told from his POV. He was a very sympathetic character and I totally wanted him to win against all of the obstacles he faced.
I had mixed feelings about James. On the one hand I could sympathize with his difficulty in standing up for Michael, but on the other, I wanted him to be the rescuing hero and face down everyone who wanted to hurt or use Michael. It made for some nice tension in the story and kept me glued to the pages to see how it would all be resolved in the end.
March 8, 2015
This was a great story. It kept me on pins and needles. It had hot jungle sex; sexual tension off the charts, intrigue, and humor. I love how James referred to Odd One as Jungle Joe, Jungle Jasper, Jungle Jerry, Jungle Jake, and Jungle John before settling on Ranger and finally Michael. Too funny.
This story highlights how some men can be cruel to things they don't understand. I detested Smythe. Rutherford was interesting. I like that he wasn't completely evil. My heart ached for all the times Michael thought James betrayed him. I love how accepting James' father was of his relationship with Michael, given the time period of this story.
Now that I know that we get our happy ending I would gladly re-read this hot jungle love story!
This story highlights how some men can be cruel to things they don't understand. I detested Smythe. Rutherford was interesting. I like that he wasn't completely evil. My heart ached for all the times Michael thought James betrayed him. I love how accepting James' father was of his relationship with Michael, given the time period of this story.
Now that I know that we get our happy ending I would gladly re-read this hot jungle love story!
May 17, 2014
Recommended highly. Fabulous retelling of the Tarzan story. Remember that Tarzan movie with Christopher Lambert? It used to get me so hot and bothered, with him strutting around the ancestral estate half-tamed and looking for love. Well, this novella tipped me over the edge into swoon territory. A m/m Tarzan? Sexual awakenings in the jungle? Hot, forbidden man sex? A fairy tale ending? Please, can I have some more? Bonnie Dee always writes deeply moving and very thought provoking romance. Thoroughly devoured this in one sitting.
August 18, 2014
This was a great book to listen to. An awesome narrator with the perfect British accent and great voices plus not too many characters that it got jumbled when I couldn't listen for a few days.
March 31, 2013
3.5 stars. I liked the story and was immediately captivated by the time spent in the jungle. I was emotionally invested and pissed that people saw one character as property. Michael was absolutely awesome.
January 5, 2011
“A re-imagining of the Tarzan legend” pretty much leaves you in no doubt as to what to expect with this book, and if you keep that in mind throughout, then you won’t be disappointed, because that’s exactly what it is for most of the book.
That’s not to say it’s not entertaining, because it is, it’s just that if you already know the Tarzan story–and few don’t I’d imagine–then there won’t be much here to surprise you.
However! I’d certainly advise you to give it a go because I found it immensely entertaining.
The first section particularly impressed me because of the method Dee uses to communicate through the Ape-man’s point of view. She could have cheated and done it all from James’ point of view, glimpses of the ape-man (Michael, as he later is dubbed) through the trees and such-like but she takes the brave step of attempting to explain things that the ape-man can think in his head but can’t translate universally, as he struggles with these new sights of intruders in his land.
It might not be to everyone’s taste, but I really enjoyed it. It reminded me very much of The Inheritors by William Golding, which is written from the point of view of the soon-to-be-extinct Neanderthals, and Jordan Taylor uses the same device in The Ninth Language.
Here’s a taste of Michael (obviously not named at this point) – the ape-man’s thoughts.
His heart pounded and he breathed faster as he glimpsed one of the creatures between the leaves. It walked upright on two legs just as he did and like the Others did some of the time. He wanted to leap forward, to see all of it at once instead of flashes through the undergrowth.
There were two of them, one walking behind the other. The pair communicated back and forth with their strange calls. He caught his breath. These were like the sounds he sometimes made when he was all alone in the forest, the noises his throat and tongue made that none of the Others could duplicate.
The pair moved into the clearing in front of him where they stopped and stood looking around. His heart raced even faster. The two creatures looked like him, or what he’d seen of himself reflected in still water. Their faces and hands were naked like his with the same prominent noses and fully formed lips. Hair grew on the lower part of their faces. Their bodies were covered with something that was neither fur, skin nor scales but something completely foreign.
One of them took a thing off the top of his head and ran a hand through sweat-flattened hair—hair like his, not fur as most animals had—and white like the streaks in Old Grunt’s ruff. These animals were his kind. There were more in the world like him. He wasn’t alone.
Obviously there are concepts there that the ape-man couldn’t know, like numbers and proper nouns, but overall, I like the feel of the prose, it sets a nice balance between bafflement and comprehension, and it’s nice to see an author doing something like this.
The friendship between the two is sweet, and the teaching and learning scenes were some of my favourites. I loved the protective nature that each had toward the other. Of course, with stories like this one has to have a certain suspension of disbelief, as if I’m going to be really picky then I’ll have to say that feral children have huge learning difficulties after a certain age…But – if like most rational adults and readers you don’t give a stuff about that, you’ll find yourself rooting for the pair of them and wanting them to be happy.
I’ve tried to make this review longer, but it’s a bit difficult–with the Burroughs parallel. I think I would have liked to have seen something a bit more different than gay Tarzan–a wild child in South America, or Russia, or India even…
But I did enjoy it, for all the familiarity, and I recommend it if you are a fan of the original!
That’s not to say it’s not entertaining, because it is, it’s just that if you already know the Tarzan story–and few don’t I’d imagine–then there won’t be much here to surprise you.
However! I’d certainly advise you to give it a go because I found it immensely entertaining.
The first section particularly impressed me because of the method Dee uses to communicate through the Ape-man’s point of view. She could have cheated and done it all from James’ point of view, glimpses of the ape-man (Michael, as he later is dubbed) through the trees and such-like but she takes the brave step of attempting to explain things that the ape-man can think in his head but can’t translate universally, as he struggles with these new sights of intruders in his land.
It might not be to everyone’s taste, but I really enjoyed it. It reminded me very much of The Inheritors by William Golding, which is written from the point of view of the soon-to-be-extinct Neanderthals, and Jordan Taylor uses the same device in The Ninth Language.
Here’s a taste of Michael (obviously not named at this point) – the ape-man’s thoughts.
His heart pounded and he breathed faster as he glimpsed one of the creatures between the leaves. It walked upright on two legs just as he did and like the Others did some of the time. He wanted to leap forward, to see all of it at once instead of flashes through the undergrowth.
There were two of them, one walking behind the other. The pair communicated back and forth with their strange calls. He caught his breath. These were like the sounds he sometimes made when he was all alone in the forest, the noises his throat and tongue made that none of the Others could duplicate.
The pair moved into the clearing in front of him where they stopped and stood looking around. His heart raced even faster. The two creatures looked like him, or what he’d seen of himself reflected in still water. Their faces and hands were naked like his with the same prominent noses and fully formed lips. Hair grew on the lower part of their faces. Their bodies were covered with something that was neither fur, skin nor scales but something completely foreign.
One of them took a thing off the top of his head and ran a hand through sweat-flattened hair—hair like his, not fur as most animals had—and white like the streaks in Old Grunt’s ruff. These animals were his kind. There were more in the world like him. He wasn’t alone.
Obviously there are concepts there that the ape-man couldn’t know, like numbers and proper nouns, but overall, I like the feel of the prose, it sets a nice balance between bafflement and comprehension, and it’s nice to see an author doing something like this.
The friendship between the two is sweet, and the teaching and learning scenes were some of my favourites. I loved the protective nature that each had toward the other. Of course, with stories like this one has to have a certain suspension of disbelief, as if I’m going to be really picky then I’ll have to say that feral children have huge learning difficulties after a certain age…But – if like most rational adults and readers you don’t give a stuff about that, you’ll find yourself rooting for the pair of them and wanting them to be happy.
I’ve tried to make this review longer, but it’s a bit difficult–with the Burroughs parallel. I think I would have liked to have seen something a bit more different than gay Tarzan–a wild child in South America, or Russia, or India even…
But I did enjoy it, for all the familiarity, and I recommend it if you are a fan of the original!
July 13, 2011
Have I mentioned before how much I love Bonnie Dee's books?? This one was a little different, a different take on the story of Tarzan, a little boy raised by apes.
This book wasn't too terribly long (about 150 pdf pages) but I was really impressed with how the author was able to make it read like it was much longer. She was able to pack quite a story in there. The first part of the book finds James in the wilds of Africa with his expedition group, where he meets Odd One (later called Michael). This part of the story was the best as it showcased the sweet romantic build-up between James and Michael. James of course is afraid that Michael is only attracted to him because he's the only human he's ever come across; he's sure that once he sees a women, he will most definitely be heterosexual. Of course, Michael continuously throughout the book, beginning-to-end, makes it clear he desires James only.
The second half of the story was about poor Michael being forced out in London Society and having to adapt to the human world. This part dragged a little for me but not much.
I was a little reluctant to read this book because of the plot (jungle man, really?) but I shouldn't have worried since Bonnie Dee is a master storyteller. And wow! were the sex scenes hot. The way Michael "claims" James as his "mate" made for some very steamy lovemaking. The author also made a risky move by telling the story from not just James POV, but Michael's as well; she was able to beautifully convey his thoughts and feelings towards James and later, life in London, with the limited vocabulary of a jungle man, with little disbelief on the part of the reader.
The ending was a little too convenient, but I have always felt this way with most gay historical books since HEAs were most likely out of the question for gay men back then. What's a romance author to do?
This book wasn't too terribly long (about 150 pdf pages) but I was really impressed with how the author was able to make it read like it was much longer. She was able to pack quite a story in there. The first part of the book finds James in the wilds of Africa with his expedition group, where he meets Odd One (later called Michael). This part of the story was the best as it showcased the sweet romantic build-up between James and Michael. James of course is afraid that Michael is only attracted to him because he's the only human he's ever come across; he's sure that once he sees a women, he will most definitely be heterosexual. Of course, Michael continuously throughout the book, beginning-to-end, makes it clear he desires James only.
The second half of the story was about poor Michael being forced out in London Society and having to adapt to the human world. This part dragged a little for me but not much.
I was a little reluctant to read this book because of the plot (jungle man, really?) but I shouldn't have worried since Bonnie Dee is a master storyteller. And wow! were the sex scenes hot. The way Michael "claims" James as his "mate" made for some very steamy lovemaking. The author also made a risky move by telling the story from not just James POV, but Michael's as well; she was able to beautifully convey his thoughts and feelings towards James and later, life in London, with the limited vocabulary of a jungle man, with little disbelief on the part of the reader.
The ending was a little too convenient, but I have always felt this way with most gay historical books since HEAs were most likely out of the question for gay men back then. What's a romance author to do?
October 22, 2018
I was really impressed with the handling of the Tarzan twist. It was handled a lot more believably than I expected. I mean, it's still fantasy, but there was no Disney musical scene where he goes from ape man to suddenly a semi-civilized man- it took time and development and honestly he remains a wild man, as to be expected. And I loved the characters! They felt fully realized and incredibly sympathetic and I was rooting for them so hard.
And man, this has an actual plot. A good plot! With serious suspense. I had to take a break a few times because I was so emotionally involved with the main characters that the conflicts of the story filled me with terror for them. Which considering this is a romance with a guaranteed happy ending, I think that it's a testament to Dee's writing that she managed to scare me.
And can we talk about the smut for a moment? Because if you're like me you've read a fuck ton of m/m smut so you may be a bit desensitized to it, right? Well, Dee writes it really well, and something about a Tarzan wild man taking you (er, I mean James) is really, really, really extra super savage and hot. Hot.
I really don't have anything negative to say. BTW, I listened to this on audible and it was very worth it.
And man, this has an actual plot. A good plot! With serious suspense. I had to take a break a few times because I was so emotionally involved with the main characters that the conflicts of the story filled me with terror for them. Which considering this is a romance with a guaranteed happy ending, I think that it's a testament to Dee's writing that she managed to scare me.
And can we talk about the smut for a moment? Because if you're like me you've read a fuck ton of m/m smut so you may be a bit desensitized to it, right? Well, Dee writes it really well, and something about a Tarzan wild man taking you (er, I mean James) is really, really, really extra super savage and hot. Hot.
I really don't have anything negative to say. BTW, I listened to this on audible and it was very worth it.
August 12, 2010
This was a stay-up-until-2am-to-finish book because I had to know how things worked out for the characters. There are some tiny flaws (historical inaccuracies and also Michael is way too competent at everything) but I found it to be a fun, fantasy adventure with a lot of delicious tension (sexual tension between Michael and James; tension between James and, well, everyone; tension in the plot).
July 15, 2016
The Tarzan story, from the first time I watched Johnny Weismueller swing through the jungle, has been one of my favorites. I've read many versions and of course viewed the many movie adaptations.
I totally loved this one. James and Michael growing together and soon falling in love while dealing with all the problems intrinsic to the time period as well as the greed and villainy of those around them.
I liked that Michael did not turn out to be a long lost son of an Earl or Duke and was able to finally make a decision on how he wanted to live his own life.
James was also very lucky in his family, all of whom love and support him and by extension... Michael.
As always Bonnie Dee's characters are truly well written and give the reader a chance to really see what they are dealing with, James guilt over the fate of Smythe, Michael confusion over what he sees as James betrayal in forcing him into yet another "cage".
I do like it that the ending turns out so well for these men... as well as sticking it to that wicked Sir Rutherford. :)
Recommended.
==============================
1st read - Jan 5, 2013
2nd read - Jul 15, 2016
I totally loved this one. James and Michael growing together and soon falling in love while dealing with all the problems intrinsic to the time period as well as the greed and villainy of those around them.
I liked that Michael did not turn out to be a long lost son of an Earl or Duke and was able to finally make a decision on how he wanted to live his own life.
James was also very lucky in his family, all of whom love and support him and by extension... Michael.
As always Bonnie Dee's characters are truly well written and give the reader a chance to really see what they are dealing with, James guilt over the fate of Smythe, Michael confusion over what he sees as James betrayal in forcing him into yet another "cage".
I do like it that the ending turns out so well for these men... as well as sticking it to that wicked Sir Rutherford. :)
Recommended.
==============================
1st read - Jan 5, 2013
2nd read - Jul 15, 2016
December 17, 2014
Me Michael, You James
As she did with Peter & Wendell (aka Loving Peter), Bonnie Dee has taken an English literature classic and turned it on its head to look at it from a gay point0of-view. In Peter & Wendell, she gave us a rakish, free-spirited Peter Pan and a somewhat reclusive, shy, and ultimately willing Wendy.
In Jungle Heat, we've got Tarzan meets Jane. And it's a heck of a meeting and a jungle full of heat and danger and intrigue and Victorian stupidity and even some evil thrown in along the way.
But in the end, even though this can be a slow-moving narrative at times, this one not only hits the mark, but swings from the trees. A superb retelling of an original idea, and a book no one interested in true historical m/m romance should miss.
As she did with Peter & Wendell (aka Loving Peter), Bonnie Dee has taken an English literature classic and turned it on its head to look at it from a gay point0of-view. In Peter & Wendell, she gave us a rakish, free-spirited Peter Pan and a somewhat reclusive, shy, and ultimately willing Wendy.
In Jungle Heat, we've got Tarzan meets Jane. And it's a heck of a meeting and a jungle full of heat and danger and intrigue and Victorian stupidity and even some evil thrown in along the way.
But in the end, even though this can be a slow-moving narrative at times, this one not only hits the mark, but swings from the trees. A superb retelling of an original idea, and a book no one interested in true historical m/m romance should miss.
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