J.J. CassidyBesprekingen

Read as part of [b:Juicy Bits|22028935|Juicy Bits (A Dreamspinner Press Anthology)|John Amory|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1398957262s/22028935.jpg|41348323] Anthology.

4.5 rounded up because it's free.

Fun free read. I found both MCs really engaging.

I cannot say the chemistry between the MCs is perfect, I felt very little of it, considering the boys are destined for each other. I cannot claim each twist and turn to be unpredictable and non-cliche. But the writing is incredible, the world is rich and mythology quite interesting. Most important part, I want more. Much more. In the end I am rounding my rating up to 5 stars.

4.5 rounded up because it's free.

Fun free read. I found both MCs really engaging.

As one of the group who worked on editing and proofing these stories and helped put the anthologies together I might be considered biased, but these anthologies are definitely worthy of the 5 star rating.

First thing? Best title EVER! :)

Well written, with a touch of humour, and great characters that left a big ol' smile on my face!

Good story. Good characters. Well written.

I did have a problem with one thing though...(trying not to reveal too much) the 2 MCs making plans with regard to the sister but showing no agreement on her part even going so far as to mention the use of drugs to keep her calm and complaisant. Yup, that really bothered me. Particularly with what was revealed of her history.

3.5 stars. Fantastic world building. Interesting characters.

There was nothing about this that I didn't love. It reminded me a bit of Laurann Dohner's New Species series a couple generations down the line, only with hot man on man action. The world building was great, especially for a free read, and every single character was likable and left me wanting more. Even all the kids were lots of fun, interesting, and likable.

~~~

So, I think this has been my favorite of my holiday reads this year. It was a little far fetched, but it could happen, so that was okay. It was a little too quick to develop, but I didn't mind. It was a little too sexy, but....naw, you know that's not true.

THE STORY

Berg, just out of the army, finds himself cold, wet and alone on Christmas eve. Rescued by DJ, Berg hesitantly accepts a kindness and is soon overwhelmed with company, food and heat. Lots and lots of body heat.

THE CHARACTERS

(Berg) - Kissing wasn't usually on the menu for Berg; the kind of sex he had mostly involved getting off as fast as possible and never involved horizontal surfaces, except for kneeling on the floor.

Berger Pedersen- Loved him. Those of you who know will understand if I say this character reminded me of the best parts of Vadim. The gentle, insecure Vadim. Plus the physically strong Vadim. A great combination.

(DJ) - DJ fell flat on his back. Dear Santa, thank you so very fucking much. I always believed in you. Double cookies next year, I swear. Treats for the reindeer, too. I owe you big time.

DJ Delaney- He is confident, forward and so, so sexy. He's perfect in this story, it needed his tentative boldness to drive the story forward and make the pace work.

THE WRITING

I had a ridiculous shock during this book. Just after starting it I glanced to see how far along I was and my heart actually jumped to see I was 74% done. NO! There wasn't going to be enough of this story. I didn't want it to end. I really wanted to stay with these characters for much, much longer. I'd love to see more DJ and Berg in the future.

With the exception of the pushy pace, which was necessary for this short, the writing was tight. No cheesy holiday sentiment here, just straight-forward writing. Very clean. This is all about character development and the author hit the nail on the head. Well done.



I'm off to see what else J.J. Cassidy has for me to read.

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A hot and very sweet (in a manly man way - including poor communication skills :-)) christmas read. Though rather short a story both MCs are clearly outlined and characterized and their meeting and the attraction they feel is very well written. Berg, ex-military, shows some unexpected vulnerability as he meets DJ, a cop, more confident and secure, on Christmas under less than optimal circumstances. I love that there is no insta-love at all - instead it is a honest-feeling beginning of a relationship: getting to know each other, being attracted, acting on it and see where this promising start will lead.

This story is really different. Haven't read a MM story from this time period and it was a great engaging story.

This tale starts so bittersweet with Berg showing up to surprise his army buddy and ends up being the one surprised. But the story takes a magical turn with a meet up in the driveway with DJ who comes to his rescue. It seems both of them have been very good boys this year.

Funny, light-hearted, got the research spot on: I like it!