Covet Thy Neighbor (Tucker Springs, #4) in Riptide Publishing

Jan 29, 2013 Heather C rated it really liked it

Shelves: m-m, series, contemporary-romance, ebook, cloud

Sweet story about a tattoo artist and a minister and lots of aggressive fucking.

I really wanted to scream at Seth most of the book because he was the one being the hypocrite about religion...not Darren!! I'm not really convinced that these two guys will make it in a relationship, but I still enjoyed their story. ...more

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Apr 12, 2013 Elisa Rolle added it

From an atheist point of view, I’m always surprised to see how much more atheist people seem to follow the original concept of the Christian teachings than many of the current churches. I still remember the priest who was teaching in my midterm school, how he was glad someone was listening to his lessons (religion was still a mandatory matter in school till 10/15 years ago); the ordinary kids were so bored because they had to hear the same story also afterschool, while for me everything was new From an atheist point of view, I’m always surprised to see how much more atheist people seem to follow the original concept of the Christian teachings than many of the current churches. I still remember the priest who was teaching in my midterm school, how he was glad someone was listening to his lessons (religion was still a mandatory matter in school till 10/15 years ago); the ordinary kids were so bored because they had to hear the same story also afterschool, while for me everything was new and moreover I was listening it from an external point of view and so more critical.

That was the feeling I had about the two main characters in this novel, Darren the minister and Seth the tattoo artist; truth be told, Seth is an atheist since he was kicked out from his ultra-conservative and Christian family, who apparently didn’t remember that Jesus Christ has never kicked out people (well, he did for those who were using the sacred place as a market but that is another story…), but exactly the opposite. And it’s not the hateful love the sinner but hate the sin, it’s really an unconditionally love. This is what Darren is trying to convey, but this is also what Seth is struggling to accept.

It’s really difficult for me to believe there are places where a minister can be gay, and where he has a church and a place where he can do good things, but luckily, it’s not the first time I read of true stories like this, so while reading about Darren, I was imagining him like a real person, and hoping someone as good as him was out there.

The story between Darren and Seth is hot too, lot of sex, and strange as it sounds, Darren wasn’t questioning the fact he was having a not-committed relationship. In a very simple answer he gave to Seth, he explained that, minister can marry and have kids, he cannot marry and so… well, he has to do in some other way.

I’m reading this series in bit and pieces, so I don’t have the full picture, but I’m starting to like this Tucker Springs setting, with its gay neighborhood and college town feeling.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1626490015/?... ...more

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Mar 26, 2013 Jody rated it it was amazing

L.A. Witt has crafted a compassionately well-balanced story about religion amidst the LGBT community and in doing so has thrown down a gauntlet of sorts to those who see homosexuality as a sin. In conveying this powerful message Ms. Witt also managed to write a steamy romance full of all the intense emotions we look for in choosing a romance novel.

Seth is strong in his beliefs and has no shame about the kind of man he is: a beer drinking, occasional pot smoking, tattoo artist, who just happens t L.A. Witt has crafted a compassionately well-balanced story about religion amidst the LGBT community and in doing so has thrown down a gauntlet of sorts to those who see homosexuality as a sin. In conveying this powerful message Ms. Witt also managed to write a steamy romance full of all the intense emotions we look for in choosing a romance novel.

Seth is strong in his beliefs and has no shame about the kind of man he is: a beer drinking, occasional pot smoking, tattoo artist, who just happens to like men and paid the ultimate price by being thrown away by his family, church, and community. He's found a new home and created a new family amongst the denizens of Tucker Springs. He's vowed to never go near religion ever again but finds that difficult once he starts a relationship with Darren, the pastor next door. Their relationship is combustible from the moment their eyes met but Seth's anger over his religious betrayal has him fighting his attraction to Darren and almost throwing away a chance at true happiness.

Darren's not your average man of the cloth. He's a beer drinking, occasional pot smoking, man who's instantly drawn to Seth. He's open-minded and his interpretation of the Bible promotes acceptance of all which confounds Seth. Everything about Darren confuses him and attracts him as much as it scares him. Darren enjoys the discussions of heavy issues he has with Seth and together it's the first time they both feel complete acceptance.

The scenes between these two crackle with invigoratingly witty banter and the constant undertones of sexual tension that's present whenever they're together or apart. Issues of religion are seamlessly incorporated into the story to allow for thoughtprovoking conversation. Nothing feels heavy-handed in this story, the ideas presented never feel preachy. There's never condemnation, just acceptance. And this acceptance is what leads to the immensely satisfying conclusion.

Ms. Witt has created an entertaining story with wonderfully witty dialogue with an intensely important underlying message woven into the storyline. She's crafted a wonderful romance as well as provided interesting ideas in regards to religion and homosexuality. I applaud the fine line she was able to walk in giving romance readers what they've come to expect as well as giving some important food for thought and I implore readers to read her story with a message. ...more

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Mar 02, 2013 Evaine rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance, e-books, m-m

What a fun, heartfelt read! Let me start by saying that I'm in love with Seth the tattoo artist. And quite honestly, I expected him to be the 'aggressor' in this story of two men falling in love. But you know what? He wasn't! It was the minister, Darren who was really pursuing Seth. And I really liked him too! We need more men of God like him. Seriously.

The story is told in the first person, and told well. Some writers don't handle first person POV very well, but L.A. certainly does. I didn't f ...more

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May 12, 2013 Trish rated it really liked it

Shelves: m-m

3.5 This was a good story, well written. Religion is a big part of the plot but it's not your typical topic. No Leviticus crap and so on...the religious story line was a general concept about faith vs atheism. I wasn't sure it was going to be my type of story but it held up.

Ready for # 5
...more

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Jan 30, 2013 Didi rated it liked it

Shelves: m-m, series, romance

A very unlikely couple, a minister and a tattoo artist, which is surprisingly rather likeable. Seth wasn't what I expected from when I read

Where Nerves End (Tucker Springs, #1) by L.A. Witt

. I sort of had this tough fella image of a Seth Wheeler. I guess meeting Darren brought out his hidden vulnerable side. Frustrating yet believable self-conflicts from both sides. This was a HFN although I foresee (hope???) a HEA on the other side of the last page for these two.
So, yeah, a surprised 3.5! :) ...more

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