Chris Owen (1)Críticas

I don't think that I have ever been as sorry to see a series end as I am this one. Glad that I bought all the books so I can visit Tobias, Noah and even Phan again whenever I want. I wasn't happy to have had Phan become a part of Tobias and Noah's relationship but was glad to see that he didn't divide them but actually was a good part of blending them together more. Tobias had never stopped loving Phan and Noah was crazy about him. Phan did totally understand and respect his place. Lots of changes happened for the guys...all really good ones. I was proud of how Noah handled Phan's horrible parents and was also happy to see Bradford and Nicky becoming closer. Overall...it was the characters more than the lifestyle that made this series such as success for me and I was happy to see them get so much "more" with all the big changes in their lives. The wonderful characters and the intricate and detailed world/lifestyle make the whole series a joy to read...but be aware that it is not going to be something that will appeal to all readers.

I didn't want Phan to have this much of a place in Tobias and Noah's life at first. He is a little drama queen, but eventually became very likable...and Noah and Tobias love him...so he'll find his place in their lives. Actually, the inclusion of Phan into the relationship was just meant to be, as there just wasn't another answer for Phan. This series has been wonderful allowing us to watch the character’s growth. Noah is the outstanding character of this series. His transformation from the broken, unsure man who wanted desperately to submit to the confident and settled sub in tis the final book was fantastic to read. Before reading this series, I would have pictured Tobias, as the key to keeping the threesome together, but it was Noah’s ability to communicate clearly and naturally and to be able to give each member of the relationship what they needed, was what kept them working. I did so enjoy this series and will visit Tobias, Noah and Phan by re-read these books again and again.

Again, I warn that the subject laid out in this series is not for everyone. I don't understand the "whys" of the lifestyle, but I will fight to defend anyone's right to live it if they wish to. That being said...Tobias and Noah need one another like they need air. They meet in the club on the night of Tobias's birthday. The club owner, a personal friend of Tobias's, sets them up knowing that Noah needs someone like Tobias. There's an immediate almost electric connection between the two & Tobias, not wanting to put undue pressure on the sub, reluctantly gives Noah a way to contact him if he so chooses. The rest, as they say, "is history". Tobias had just ended a relationship with another sub, Phantom (Phan), who he still has feelings for. He gave him up because he knew that the young sub needed someone with more time to devote to him than Tobias had. Phan reappears throughout the remainder of the books in the series, so we haven't given up on him. Noah's courage was admirable when he entered a contract with Tobias after such a short period of time and watching him grow was simply beautiful. You could feel Tobias' pride when Noah achieved a task or overcame an obstacle. You really came to understand the depth of Noah's feelings as he grows closer to Tobias and Tobias to him. They are a really fun couple that really love one another. I'm glad I bought the entire series so I can continue on with them.

The book nor the series, nor the subject is for everybody. I absolutely love these 2 main characters, Tobias, a veterinarian and Noah, a police officer. Where the first book of the series was not focused so much on submission but more on two people meeting, getting to know each other and getting accustomed to one another's needs and expectations, This, the second book, dwells deeper on the nature of their relationship. Dominants are not always strictly dominant and submissives are not always only submissive. I was pleasantly surprised at how "ordinarily and delightfully human" these two guys were portrayed to be. The authors depicted feelings and reactions which are very believable in a situation which most readers have never experienced, or wish to experience, yet are still curious. If an author can cause a reader to believe in the characters and their reactions in a situation which is unfamiliar then the author has done a really good job. This is the kind of book which makes most of those unexpected situations believable and realistic. Tobias and Noah are fast becoming one of my favorite romantic couples. Their love for each other is yet on the side of new but seems to be boundless. This will certainly be on the re-read list.

Common Tropes: Blind Date, Opposites Attract, Valentine's Day

The Magician and the Mortician by A.E. Wasp -3 stars

The Professional Gamer and the Paranormal Photographer by Alison Hendricks - 3 stars

The Assassin and the Dog Walker by Charlie Cochet - 4 stars

The Criminal and the Sommelier by Chris Owen - 3.5 stars

The Superhero and the NSA Agent by Hailey Turner - 3.5 stars

The Tattoo Artist and the Writer by Lily Morton - 3.5 stars

The Uber Driver and the Phone Sex Operator by Lucy Lennox - 3 stars

The Baker and the SEAL by May Archer - 4.5 stars

The Event Planner and the Electrician by Poppy Denison - 3.5 *need-a-bit-more* stars

The Lawyer and the Lobsterman by Ruthie Luhnow - 4 *need-much-more* stars

The Florist and the Lawyer by Sloane Kennedy - 3.5 stars

The Setup / The Fallout by ¿¿?? - 3 stars

3,5 stars

2.5 stars

I respect the meticulous approach to the BDSM lifestyle, but I felt this book too long and tedious; I ended up getting bored. I'm putting this series aside; maybe I'll pick it up later.

Reading notes and later opinions

* Scarcely 16% an I'm already tired of so many sex. I think that I'll skip many sex scenes, if not I will not finish this book."

* Characters, plot and the picture of country work life are so good that the ginormous quantity of sex is forgivable; I skipped most of them but there's a couple of sex scenes that... wow, a glass of iced tea and a fan here, please. And the Legos? that scenes kill me of tenderness. (52%)

* Part Síx is so bitter and sad... but is credible and consistent with the rest of the story. (75%). I'm not a fan of cheating, in my books, like most romance readers.But infidelity exists, although on this issue I agree with the Erica's way of thinking.: Even if people are having problems, it doesn't allow them to cheat. I'm glad Tor himself was kicking his own ass for the cheating.The cheating and most of the following was well handled.(Erica dixit)

* The real name of Hound is Conscience. Can't put this down.(82%)

Overall, I agree with Kaje's review from A to Z.

This is a really strong 3.5 star for me so I rounded up. I had moments where I teared up due to the impact of such raw emotions. The MCs are likable and the supporting cast doesn't hinder the story. LOTS of sex. At first I was put off by the large amount of sex considering I picked this up as a romance not erotica. But I came to the conclusion that the MCs needed that amount of intimacy to grow emotionally.

This story is incredible. It's hot, it's funny, but most of all, it's real, and it's absolutely stunningly beautiful. Chris Owen does a fantastic job of writing lots of sex with actual meaning; the developing relationship between the three men is subtle and mostly off-screen, but obviously present, and it gives the story so much backbone.

Every short story in this anthology is a gem. Some of them deserved to be a full novel.
I have to praise the editor here, or whoever was in charge of how the stories were lined up. I liked that they grow in intensity.
There were some authors I knew would be great, and didn't disappoint, like Lucy Lennox, and Ruthie Luhnow. May Archer is one of my favorite up and coming authors.
Sloane Kennedy and Charlie Cochet was a pleasant surprise.
And a couple, who I didn't know yet, but definitely going to check out other books from them: Hailey Turner, Poppy Dennison.
If I have to chose a favorite, that would be a tie between Lucy Lennox and Sloane Kennedy. Ha! ;D I swear it's a coincidence. I just read the hole Twist of Fate series from them. :)

2.5 stars

For all my bitching, this book managed to hold my attention quite well.
I admit to skimming through the sex scenes (of which there were way too many, especially at first 20% of the book), but other than that, and a slight leaning towards melodrama at one point, this was a nice story.

SLIGHT SPOILERS AHEAD

Unlike most people I've met so far (online and irl), I don't have a slightest problem with reading about cheating. I get that most people want romance that doesn't touch the ugly side of reality, especially if it's a character you've grown to like, but exactly that moment in the book is what made me like it instead of not. Because that stuff is real and painful and probably everyone had to deal with it at one point in their lives.
I liked that the blame was not put all on the one who cheated, and that the issue was not skimmed over. I liked that everyone who cheats isn't a cheating bastard, or in a relationship with someone he doesn't love.

For a book that has the amount of (hot, sweaty) sex that this one has, I wasn't expecting any kind of issue-resolving that doesn't include more sex.

It took a while for me to finally read this book because the angst scared me but this was a great book. Very well written with a great story of two guys staying together, not just a fairy tale perfect relationship. Definitely recommend this!

This has been on my TBR for ages! It's taken a while to finally sit down and read it, and I am so glad I did. This was completely and totally hot and steamy through most of the book. Time flies and a few years span the book, so we get a good understanding of the solidity of the relationship and HEA. Scott and Drew were great together, and Eric was the perfect addition to their family. The angst and drama that occurred seemed rather realistic. I was glad to see them work through their problems as a unity. I really loved these guys together.

5 stars

June 2, 2010

5 stars

June 20, 2010

First and last were good, middle two average.

4.5 stars.

I love the pairing of Jodi Payne and Chris Owen. I have yet to find a book that I don't truly enjoy.

And this one is no different. Although I'll admit that I did have a moment of two where I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy it as much as the others. But I needn't have worried. As usual I got picked up and carried away into the lives of these MC's. And as an additional bonus Celia was a fun and engaging secondary character who added a lot to the story in general.

I wasn't sure if these two could pull of a HEA and I suppose in all fairness, they still had a lot of work ahead of them at the end of the book. But I'm convinced that they would pull it off!

I loved being able to revisit Tor and Jack. It felt like catching up with old friends. Just the way I like it!

This book is just as good as the first one. Hot, sexy and very well written. It's no wonder that Chris Owen is an auto-buy for me.

I honestly don't have the words to tell you how much I loved this book. This series is truly just getting better and better. Again it is firmly on my favourites shelf!

Again we get to spend time with Tobias and Noah. Their relationship is growing constantly, but not without some bumps along the way. Again Chris and Jodi make us a part of this relationship. We learn some of the motivations behind Tobias' actions and watch Noah grow in his role as well. We're also a part of their love story as it grows stronger daily.

The BDSM scenes are extremely hot, as is the sex! At times I felt I really needed a cold shower...

We get to spend an evening again with Tobias and Noah, just having some fun in their own unique way. This is a great little snippet and loads of fun to read (and let's not forget...quite hot and sexy, as usual)

Okay, I know I'm starting to sound like a broken record, but it's the truth; I love this series!

I love getting further involved with Tobias and Noah. Their relationship is still growing and it's beautiful to be a part of that. This book once again offers everything we have come to expect (and need) from these two. Phan and Bradford are once again very nicely a part of the whole. I truly admire the authors' ability to create strong secondary characters that whilst taking part in the story, don't take over, or detract from it. Rather their company enriches it overall.

Truly firmly on my favourites list this series will be reread in the very near future!

2nd Read: same feelings about this book!

The book ends pretty much passing over Drew's recovery which, in my opinion, should have earned more attention; moreover I was still trying to understand what the deal was with James and Eric's relationship...
In few words I would have liked it more if the main plot of the book had been the characters story and not their sexual adventures!

A lot of the book is about the sex but there's a good plot too and it shows Jake & Tor relationship in a time frame of 10 years so it's quite realist in the up&down a story that long can have. My favorites parts are the ones at the beginning when the two characters are still at each other throats for this or that...the mud scene in particular was awesome!