Robert Berkus’s steady academic life seemed to be an open road until the day he took a detour... right into Officer Miguel Rodriguez’s path. When Miguel helps the sexy professor change a flat tire, Robert is absolutely oblivious to Miguel's interest. That suits Miguel just fine, though. He’s used to being the aggressor although it sure would be nice to get this sweet and staid college professor to make the first move.
When Robert gets his act in gear, the results prove explosive. Miguel wants Robert in his bed and in his life permanently, and Robert enthusiastically agrees - but they've already learned that life makes detours. Sometimes it takes love a little courage to arrive at its chosen destination.
Talia Carmichael is a romantic who believes that family, no matter if it is by blood or those you choose as family, is integral to who you are. She is an author who writes sexy stories in a variety of genres. She believes in creating stories that encompass all that falling in love or lust entails, from the highs of that first blush of attraction to the lows of not knowing if you can make your coming together as a couple work, and then finally to the acceptance of the reality of making a life together. It's all about the journey.
Among her books you'll find contemporary, futuristic, fantasy, and paranormal settings with M/M themes that will have a happily-ever-after. Her books are passionate, intense, and real...to fill the craving.
I'm going not even going to try to play nice with this one. There is no getting around it, this book was horrible.
I read this book as part of my RT reading challenge, my quest to read new-to-me authors before the convention (https://www.rtconvention.com). Whenever I read a new author I'm hoping for the best but anticipating some rotten eggs. This one was rotten, unfortunately.
I knew from the first few pages that it was going to be a rough read. Style-wise, it was choppy, tell-y, and very amateur-ish. Lots of explaining and stilted writing. However, I was determined to soldier on.
Then it transitioned to "what not to do 101 when talking about a POC character." I'm not always great at recognizing no-nos with POCs, but I'm getting vastly better over time. Even I know that you aren't supposed to describe a Hispanic man as having a "butterscotch" skin-tone that is very "exotic." Combine that with the Hispanic cop inserting random Spanish words into his sentences as he spoke, which NONE of my Hispanic friends ever do, and I was rolling my eyes with every paragraph. And the white MC happens to recognize a bunch of Native American-looking men and guess that they must be from different tribes because they had different features. How the F does he know??
Of course, the Hispanic cop has THREE gay brothers, and there is some weird playing around with not telling the guy that he likes that is gay, just to mess with him (???). The plot was non-nonsensical and frustrating.
Oh, and just because we haven't fully checked off my "hate" check list yet, there is also INSTALOVE.
This book is huge cocks, boners all the time, the densest scientist around, and just cheesy, horrible dialogue. Do not recommend.
Read as part of my RT reading challenge, my quest to read new authors before the convention (https://www.rtconvention.com).
was pretty simple and cute but the name bombs made it very confusing and with so many names being dropped all the time i never knew who anyone was... Robin and Alex were the only two i could keep track of, even the MC and a name so similar to at least two other characters I kept getting them confused. basically it felt like shit loads of characters were introduced but there was no character development or anyway to keep track of them…
Hard to get into the story when you have to keep reading pages over again to try and know who they are talking about
I got pulled out of the story right at the beginning, when descriptions of Robert, his TA/RA, the dept, and the mentor made me go huh? While I realize different departments and different schools do things very differently, there were so many oddities within the first few pages, I sat there for a few minutes trying to make sense of it all. When I couldn't, I shrugged and decided I'd just have to work that much harder to suspend my disbelief.
But then I got annoyed by Miguel's little game to let Robert figure it out. And then Robert's repeated "He's straight!" got to me. Couldn't he ask? Also, they spent that much time together and there was nothing that made him pause and reconsider? Dude's supposed to be a scientist. Even if he's a socially-clueless genius, as a scientist it should be second-nature for him to evaluate evidence and reconsider his hypotheses as he gets more data.
That's when I stopped reading. I never even made it to the sex scene I heard good things about. I just got too annoyed by Robert's obtuseness, even with Miguel freakin' telling him he's gay. How the frack did he manage to get a PhD in science with that extreme inability to see the facts even when they're stated plainly? Had it been a paper book, I probably would have thrown it across the room at that point. Grrrr.
This story kind of made me think of a gay version of an m/f romance novel. Not in a bad way or a chick-with-a-dick way either, but simply because it was a tale of two people who meet, learn about each other and fall in love in the process without all the bed-hopping and drama I find so much of in m/m books these days.
Personally I thought it was great, I don’t understand the low ratings at all. The only issue I had with this book was the awful Spanish that was used. The endearments were totally wrong and they had me rolling my eyes a lot. Truthfully the only time I can envision someone calling another querido, is in South American soap operas or old women to their grandchildren. Cariño, amor, or many other terms would have worked much better. And don’t get me started on the food. Since I live in Valencia, which is where Paella comes from it felt like a sin to hear the dish was being cooked along with roast chicken since it contains chicken in the first place. I’ve also never heard so much Spanglish used in my life. It’s unrealistic to think that people actually speak that way.
On the other hand, the story and characters were great. From the main characters to the posse of family, friends and co-workers that were introduced. Robert and Miguel were infatuated with each other and it was so sweet to watch. Cute, clueless professor meets hot, sexy policeman.
There were happy moments, sweet moments, funny moments, very, very sad moments and a lot of hot moments and I can’t wait for the next books in the series. Especially since I have no clue who will be the lead as we aren’t really told who is straight and who is actually gay. I can’t wait for the mystery to be solved.
There are some friends that should stay far far away from this book (Mel, Kate). It has an over load of sugar - insta-love, moving in within 3 weeks, melding of worlds without strife..etc. It also has horrible Spanish and I am not even good at the language. I liked it because it does make you want a perfect world where things are like this book. Don't get me wrong, there is a point where I shed a tear and another towards the end where well...I will let you read.
This book was set up with a series in mind. One family has so many gay brothers it is hard to believe. This will be my go to series when I need relief from those deep dark emotional books that happen all to often.
Why does Robert need a laboratory at home if he has one in the university... is it even legal? I've never heard "amante" used as an endearment. "Amante" usually means a paramour. Also, don't you think that "querido mio" sounds much better than "mi querido"? And when used as an edearment usually it's only "querido" without the "mi". "Papá de miel"? Really? That means "honey dad", and it's a really, really weird and ridiculous thing to say. I don't understand why some authors insist in using languages they don't know well enough in their novels.
This was much too sweet for my liking. I also didn't find the humor funny, let alone grown men rolling on the floor laughing because of some lines. Insta-love, insta-move-in, both mothers are pint size, most brothers are gay. I'm sorry to say, this book just wasn't for me.
I just didn't take to this book. I thought the writing was poor, and the lack of editing was obvious (something that I've learned to take for granted when reading Dreamspinner releases). The story seemed to ramble about without any purpose. The characterisation didn't work for me. Robert the scientist acted like a twink most of the time.
Also was the naming of Miguel's boss and boss's wife (Gibbs and Abby) a coincidence or a strange homage to NCIS? I just laughed out loud (and not in a good way) when I read that.
Detour, by Talia Charmichael was a book that was funny, sweet and sappy. So be warned if you do not like sappy books then do not read this. I love sappy romances so this was my kind of book. I have to say this is one of those books you will either love or hate. To be honest I cannot remember reading a book like this before, some of it has aspects of other books. But the multiple gay characters is a first for me in a book.
Robert, was a character I loved and found quite adorable at times. He was so naive in many ways it was actually humorous. His and Miguel's relationship had me feeling very happy and sappy. He was intelligent and I loved his family. I laughed in the scene they were introduced.
Miguel, was a very sexy character. He added a great deal of the sappiness to the book. I could picture his sexy accent and loved his family. It was amazing that so many of his family members were gay. A few times I wanted to hug Miguel and smile up at him.
Overall this book was great. As I said, it will not be for everyone so be warned! :)
I blame Aleksandr Voinov, Josh Lanyon, Jordan Castillo Price, Amy Lane, J.L. Langley, Tere Michaels, Kaje Harper, Z.A. Maxfield, Heidi Cullinan, Abigail Roux, Marie Sexton, Megan Derr, Anne Tenino, M.L. Rhodes, Cardeno C., J.P. Barnaby (who I can barely read without feeling so emotionally drained that I need a week vacation from everything), K.A. Mitchell, Ally Blue, T.C. Blue, Chris Owen.....and so many many more. They all have style, amazing stories and distinctive prose. They've spoiled me. Why all this for a DNF, because I am finding myself with more DNF because I expect excellence like the writers above. This isn't a bad story but it wanders with no set direction. It is clipped and boring. And maybe this story is getting the brunt of my numerous DNF's of late and for that I apologize. Still doesn't change the fact that I had no desire to finish or to continue with the series.
I believe this may be my new DNF review. It pretty much covers it.
I didn't like it. There were too many people and way too many names being thrown around. At one point a guy died and everyone was upset. I had trouble figuring out who the guy was and how he even fit into the story. I didn't connect with Miguel or Robert. It just never felt even remotely plausible and was very predictable.
Fun read and a great start to a series. We get to meet what I'm assuming are some of the MCs from future stories as well as fall in love with Robert and Miguel. And Miguel has the best family ever! I can't wait to read about the brothers. Yum!
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
DNF @37% = automatic 3 stars
Read as part of the Something in Common bundle.
This is a case of the writing style not for me. I won't go in depth, but the lower rated reviews pretty much voice exactly what my issues are. Sappy, when I need a hefty dose of realism in my books. The dialogue doesn't sound as real people would speak- wooden and stilted. Telling and more telling, instead of showing. Insta-love/lust/HEA. Miscommunication. Silly &/or immature behavior by grown men. An abundance of gay characters, especially within a singular family, as if no other orientations exist.
After trying out 3 books in the bundle, giving each one at least 20%, trying to ascertain whether it was my mood, the individual book's plot, or the author, I've decided the writing style is not for me. While I won't be reading any more books by this author, that doesn't mean you won't enjoy them. We each read differently.
I have a love hate relationship with the plot. I really hated the idea of Robert running the red light no matter how rushed he was in and even if it wasn't intentional. The consequences such action is tragic and so when it was used as a starter point to how our MC met, I was frowning at it. Aside from that, THIS IS SO SWEET. Robert, a university professor was totally oblivious that I felt so bad for Miguel, a police officer. There was definitely insta-attraction but because of Robert obliviousness and Miguel stubbornness that he doesn't want to take the first step, both became amazing friends to each other. So when the leap was taken, the rush was so amazing that Im gonna lay off sweets for today. :D
This was a short quick that I thought was ok. Robert Berkus is a college professor who is running late for dinner with an old friend when he gets a flat tire. Officer Miguel Rodriguez comes upon Robert and offers to help him change his tire. Miguel comes from a large Spanish family is very interested in Robert but he's not getting it although he is interested in Miguel. Robert grew up back east so Southern California weather takes him awhile to get use to. He has four brothers who are all bigger than him. This was my first time reading this author and with that being said I felt at times that the book was slow and disjointed. I also had issues with all the names. This book was well written with no errors in spelling or grammar.
In her author bio, you can read: “Talia Carmichael is a romantic who believes that family, no matter if it is by blood or those you choose as family, is integral to who you are”. I think that from these words you can understand, and appreciate, most of this debut novel, Detour. It’s basically a very positive intake on what the life of a gay man could be, when you don’t loose the support of your own family, a support that gives you the strength, and hope, to believe you will find a loving relationship as the one your parents have.
Both Robert, a nerdy like science professor in a small college, and Miguel, an hunky patrol cop, come from loving and supporting family; this allows them to be comfortable with being gay, and happy, and ready to fall in love and talk of long-term commitment almost as soon as they meet. True, at first it was a little disconcerting to read about Miguel, a cop, that was not only out with his family, but also at work, and no one, absolutely no one, had something against it. Not only that, at least 2 of his brothers are gays too, plus some of his colleagues and most of his poker night friends. I was like, well, I’m reading again one of that modern fantasy tale, is not possible this situation, and place, exist somewhere in this world. But then I thought, why not? Why everytime I read about “happy” gay men, I have always to be pessimistic? Why I couldn’t believe there is this chance for them? And so I decided to let it go the pessimistic attitude and read the story.
It’s a funny and light story, with a lot of supporting characters I think the author is introducing for following stories. True there are also some sad events, it’s almost a necessary step when talking about cops and the dangers of being one, but that doesn’t unbalance the general light tone of the novel. Robert and Miguel respect all the cliché of the top and bottom couple, where Miguel, the cop, is of course the top and Robert, the professor, the bottom. Robert is all blushes and babbling, Miguel is all teasing and hot. Robert is so clueless he doesn’t realize Miguel is gay until Miguel practically doesn’t undress in front of him with an obvious hard on. From that moment one, Miguel and Robert are like octopuses to each other, not letting one moment they are together go without a kiss, a stroke or a love word. It’s sugary, it’s pink glasses perspective, but it’s also so tender and sweet. Is it realistic? Sincerely, I don’t care, I like romance, that is all.
3.5 stars (give me a half-star people. Is that so much to ask?)
Robert is a chemistry professor and rushing to meet his friend for lunch he gets pulled over for running a red light, and as well has a flat tire. The cop helps him with the tire and gives him a warning and then lo and behold he runs into the cop at the restaurant later, but he's sure the guy is straight. They run into each other again when a lab is vandalized at the university, and Miguel invites him to a poker game. He's still sure he's straight. He ends up spending the next month hanging out with Miguel and still clueless, thinks he's straight until Miguel FINALLY breaks the news. They quickly move forward since they've practically been dating for a month although Robert didn't know it. *eye roll* There is some drama when one of the poker buddies and Miguel's coworkers is killed (which was very sad) and when Robert walks in on a robbery and is shot. I think this is a start of a series (based on the title) and there were tons of guys at the poker night and many of them are gay including a couple of Miguel's brothers, Robert's lab assistant and his best friend who just moved to California. So I see them getting their stories and I was quite curious about his friend's story as stuff was hinted at. If I had any complaint it was that everyone was so damn perfect and nice and went out of their way to help people, donating furniture to his impoverished lab assistant, helping his friend landscape. Not that I want people to be assholes, but it just seemed like everyone was so perfect. But I will definitely check out more in the series when they come to see what happens to everyone.
I've had a hard time trying to figure out how to explain why this book didn't work for me. The best I can come up with is that it felt rushed. A lot of time was skipped over and I felt like you missed the deeper connection between the characters because there wasn't a lot of talk of family or values or their jobs or the future. They did go through a couple of trials throughout the book but I felt like once again they were skipped over with just some passing of time. It wasn't for me and despite there being a cop in this story do not look for any kind of suspense or case work.
I don't know if I will read the next book. I am curious about the other characters but if this author consistently writes her books by skipping a lot of time I just don't think I can continue. Maybe I will try 1 more in the future but for now I've got more interest in whats next on my TBR pile.
Good fun to read! Light fluff that makes you smile.
Lets mention the ticks:
Romance - Tick Hot Sex - Tick Cute factor - Tick Funny Factor - Tick Bit of Angst - Tick Enjoyable Plot - Tick Great Characters - Tick
Now lets mention the crosses:
3-4 Gay brothers in one family - Cross 3-4 Gay policeman out and proud - Cross Entire police precinct gay friendly - Cross One main character getting injured un-necessarily - Cross
For me I enjoyed the light heartedness and the fun of the plot. However by having SOOOO many gay brothers and gay policemen and PERFECT world - I just got thrown from the plot alot. Its completely unbelievable.
Perfect for those that just want a bit of fluff to read!!
While I didn't think it was horrible, it's definitely one I wouldn't recommend. I'm not sure if the author meant for this to be read as almost a modern fairytale, but it was ridiculously unrealistic. The stereotypical racial characterizations was rather insulting; the insta-love and little or no drama/tension until the near end left me feeling cheated of any substance. I read this as the first story in Talia's Something in Common bundle, and I didn't continue. When I started I thought that the cover art on all her books did her a disservice. The art feels immature and not well done. But after reading this story I guess the cover art fits the writing style.
This book and I have a history. It was in my Wishlist at fictionwise for weeks and then I took it out because I'd ummed and ahhhed too long over it. Then it kept reappearing and taunting me. After deleting it from my Wishlist about 20 times, it stopped showing up. Then it started showing up in my cart. I give up, universe! I read the book! And, dammit, I enjoyed it too!!
It was a lovely book. I loved the family and thhe characters. It was exactly what I needed... A nice, simple romance with characters I want to know more about.
This book has me in two minds regarding what to think about it. On the one hand, it's a very sweet story, funny in places, and with two very lovable characters. On the other hand, there is no real conflict, everything is easy and there are a ton of confusing characters who add nothing (other than confusion). On the whole, I did like reading it, though, it just didn't particularly grip me.
If you're looking for a light, entertaining read with nice characters, you will like this book.
Nothing terribly wrong with this one...just nothing all that great either. It skirted the surface for pretty much the entire book, and I never really felt anything from any of the characters. Plus it really felt like the ending is just kinda thrown in there for some type of climax so the book can end. For such a quick read, it was pretty hum-drum.
This is a sappy story, but it's a nice one. The MCs are a policeman and a scientist, an interesting combination. A little twist on occupational hazard makes this novella a bit different.