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Lines in the Sand
Three years ago, Carl Ragar turned on the mob. His conscience couldn’t handle the murder of an innocent bystander, and he had to turn his back on his mentor, Petroc “Pete” Barbu, a man he’d admired and lusted after. Pete made no apologies for his job as an enforcer, but he’d never planned to get himself or Carl involved in the murder of a reporter. When Carl turned state’s evidence, Pete couldn’t even pretend to be surprised. Now Pete’s still on the run, and Carl is unceremoniously dumped out of witness protection. Two men tangled in their own pasts, they will have to face the shifting moral lines in the sand that drove them to make disastrous choices. Once Pete and Carl were partners who trusted each other with their lives—now they’re struggling to save their souls.
110 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 14, 2011
5 people are currently reading
220 people want to read
About the author
Lyn Gala
49 books1,170 followersLynsey "Lyn" Gala started writing in the back of her science notebook in third grade and hasn’t stopped since. Westerns starring men with shady pasts gave way to science fiction with questionable protagonists which eventually gave in to any story with a morally ambiguous character. Even the purest heroes have pain and loss and darkness in their hearts, and that’s where she likes to find her stories. Her characters seek to better themselves and find the happy ending (or happier anyway), but it’s writing the struggle that inspires her muse. When she isn’t writing, Lyn Gala teaches in New Mexico.
She first cut her teeth on fanfic: gen, slash, het, and femslash. She prefers to focus on plot: mysteries and monsters and disasters, oh my, but sex can and does happen. Some of her stories focus on power exchange, bondage or bdsm. In her worlds, tops and bottoms are all mature, consenting adults. In fact, stories where they aren't squick her badly, so don't expect to find abuse stories in her journal.
She first cut her teeth on fanfic: gen, slash, het, and femslash. She prefers to focus on plot: mysteries and monsters and disasters, oh my, but sex can and does happen. Some of her stories focus on power exchange, bondage or bdsm. In her worlds, tops and bottoms are all mature, consenting adults. In fact, stories where they aren't squick her badly, so don't expect to find abuse stories in her journal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
September 2, 2011
This was one thrilling and emotional book, it grabbed me and didn't let go till the end. I felt it represented real men and how hard it is for them to express their feelings openly and honestly. I liked it a lot especially in comparison to most m/m romance out there. Its a good story.
August 1, 2011
Lines in the Sand is a pretty hot and entertaining read. It deals with the moral ambiguity of criminals and crimes. The two main characters are interesting with a lot of chemistry. The story is pretty internal with both men in their heads a lot, almost too much, but for the most part Gala’s clean writing and evocative descriptions are what keep me reading. This particular story is just long enough to satisfy without being too long and the situations are handled well with an appreciative eye to the future. If you’re a fan of the author you’ll likely really enjoy this one.
The plot deals with ex-mobster driver Carl three years after he turned in his employers. One of those is Pete, mob hit man and part time crush of Carl’s. Carl’s been kicked out of the witness protection program and Pete has found him. Carl’s worried that Pete is there to kill him but Pete has a much different future in mind. Together the two head for Mexico and Pete’s auto-body shop but there is a lot between the men that has to be worked out.
The story is very internal and character driven with a stark desert background. The isolation is necessary given the men’s pasts but at the same time really limits what and who is involved. There are several secondary characters but none is that important and easily forgettable. The Mexico setting is so desolate and empty that there is little description and interest. Instead it falls on the characterization to carry the story, which it does pretty well. Pete and Carl are both flawed men with their own morality. They’ve both been in jail and committed crimes without much guilt. They accept their lives and their choices for the reasons they had – some good, some bad. For the most part neither man is wallowing in guilt.
There are some issues from their past that don’t always make sense – such as Carl’s obsession with a widow of a man Pete killed and this entire exchange changing Pete’s perspective. This didn’t ring true given their moral and intellectual reasoning up until then but as it fits the flow of the story I just went with it rather than taking it apart. Some of these personality changes are more for effect than in keeping with the true character of the men but they’re well crafted and written in such a way you can buy into the rationalization. Additionally the moral questions both Pete and Carl ponder are interesting and how they relate to their past and future form the core premise that holds up well over the course of the story.
There are a few additional stumbles as the writing and internal monologue gets very repetitive. We’re told the same information numerous times and although it’s meant to reinforce the basis of the relationship, it’s not needed. I certainly didn’t forget the information that quickly and kind of grew tired of the same internal thoughts. There are also several obvious editing mistakes that could distract for some readers.
However these are relatively minor qualms since the strength of the characterization and writing really carries the story. The moral questions are intriguing, especially so in such flawed men, and adds another layer of interest. It’s a story I’d recommend for fans of the author first and others if the few issues won’t bother you.
The plot deals with ex-mobster driver Carl three years after he turned in his employers. One of those is Pete, mob hit man and part time crush of Carl’s. Carl’s been kicked out of the witness protection program and Pete has found him. Carl’s worried that Pete is there to kill him but Pete has a much different future in mind. Together the two head for Mexico and Pete’s auto-body shop but there is a lot between the men that has to be worked out.
The story is very internal and character driven with a stark desert background. The isolation is necessary given the men’s pasts but at the same time really limits what and who is involved. There are several secondary characters but none is that important and easily forgettable. The Mexico setting is so desolate and empty that there is little description and interest. Instead it falls on the characterization to carry the story, which it does pretty well. Pete and Carl are both flawed men with their own morality. They’ve both been in jail and committed crimes without much guilt. They accept their lives and their choices for the reasons they had – some good, some bad. For the most part neither man is wallowing in guilt.
There are some issues from their past that don’t always make sense – such as Carl’s obsession with a widow of a man Pete killed and this entire exchange changing Pete’s perspective. This didn’t ring true given their moral and intellectual reasoning up until then but as it fits the flow of the story I just went with it rather than taking it apart. Some of these personality changes are more for effect than in keeping with the true character of the men but they’re well crafted and written in such a way you can buy into the rationalization. Additionally the moral questions both Pete and Carl ponder are interesting and how they relate to their past and future form the core premise that holds up well over the course of the story.
There are a few additional stumbles as the writing and internal monologue gets very repetitive. We’re told the same information numerous times and although it’s meant to reinforce the basis of the relationship, it’s not needed. I certainly didn’t forget the information that quickly and kind of grew tired of the same internal thoughts. There are also several obvious editing mistakes that could distract for some readers.
However these are relatively minor qualms since the strength of the characterization and writing really carries the story. The moral questions are intriguing, especially so in such flawed men, and adds another layer of interest. It’s a story I’d recommend for fans of the author first and others if the few issues won’t bother you.
September 11, 2012
3.5
This had a really slow start for me. It was about the half way mark that it really started growing on me and I ended up really enjoying it.
Carl is in a bit of bind. Former convict, mob driver and FBI snitch. He's left the witness protection program so that he can do the only thing that makes him feel worthy, work on cars, but by doing that he's put himself at risk for exposure to the mob he's turned on.
In walks his old boss, Peter. He was one of the men that Carl gave up to the feds who managed to evade the cops.
I enjoyed the dynamic between Carl and Peter and how it changed over the course of the book. That handcuffs moment when Carl realizes why Peter came looking for him was fun to read. I also really enjoyed Carl's car analogy for love, so very appropriate for how his mind works.
These are two very tough men who have gone through a lot to be together. The ending was particularly enjoyable because of how they both get a shock to how they see the world. These aren't feelings guys, they're very physical men, there is a lot of emotion but it's internalized and most of what they feel for each other is unspoken. This is a very charming story. Mob men in love.
This had a really slow start for me. It was about the half way mark that it really started growing on me and I ended up really enjoying it.
Carl is in a bit of bind. Former convict, mob driver and FBI snitch. He's left the witness protection program so that he can do the only thing that makes him feel worthy, work on cars, but by doing that he's put himself at risk for exposure to the mob he's turned on.
In walks his old boss, Peter. He was one of the men that Carl gave up to the feds who managed to evade the cops.
I enjoyed the dynamic between Carl and Peter and how it changed over the course of the book. That handcuffs moment when Carl realizes why Peter came looking for him was fun to read. I also really enjoyed Carl's car analogy for love, so very appropriate for how his mind works.
These are two very tough men who have gone through a lot to be together. The ending was particularly enjoyable because of how they both get a shock to how they see the world. These aren't feelings guys, they're very physical men, there is a lot of emotion but it's internalized and most of what they feel for each other is unspoken. This is a very charming story. Mob men in love.
July 17, 2011
Very good m/m romantic suspense about a driver for the mob who turned informant. He removed himself from witness protection and is back in his home town, working, when the former mob enforcer (and former friend) shows up...
November 25, 2013
Sometimes the heroes of books are men you wish you knew in your own life, sometimes... not. But that just means that the author is even more skilled, if they are able to make you feel for them, and understand them, and care about them, and still see them as real. In this book, the MCs are both men who worked for a mob boss, and who still see problems as likely to have violent solutions. They don't suddenly transcend that past, but they do become men you care about.
Carl Ragar was a driver and mechanic. He wasn't a killer, but he stood by while the deed was done, and sometimes helped bury the bodies. Petroc "Pete" Barbu was older, established, hired muscle and a stone killer, when it was called for. He kept order in his boss's empire, and took out those who were too greedy and stupid to follow the rules.
Pete's a tough guy, with a soft spot for his young protégé Carl, that he successfully hid from everyone, including Carl himself. When an accidental killing of an innocent woman sent Carl to the Feds, Pete managed to avoid capture, and some of his schemes didn't completely go down with the rest of the empire. When Pete tracks down Carl, after he ditches witness protection, what Pete is feeling is a long way from hate and revenge. If Carl can only believe it.
These men are redeemed to a degree by their separation from the mob life, and their growing relationship. They both move away from the easy violent answers that solve problems within the mob. They are interesting men, not always brilliant, not always compassionate, but moving toward empathy, with some core of worth and caring that you feel might have made them truly honorable, if they'd had a different early life. The relationship has ups and downs that feel real and are fun to follow. This book was a solid, entertaining read that I finished in one sitting. And as the second book by this author that I enjoyed a lot, it sent me off to track down
Lyn Gala's backlist.
Carl Ragar was a driver and mechanic. He wasn't a killer, but he stood by while the deed was done, and sometimes helped bury the bodies. Petroc "Pete" Barbu was older, established, hired muscle and a stone killer, when it was called for. He kept order in his boss's empire, and took out those who were too greedy and stupid to follow the rules.
Pete's a tough guy, with a soft spot for his young protégé Carl, that he successfully hid from everyone, including Carl himself. When an accidental killing of an innocent woman sent Carl to the Feds, Pete managed to avoid capture, and some of his schemes didn't completely go down with the rest of the empire. When Pete tracks down Carl, after he ditches witness protection, what Pete is feeling is a long way from hate and revenge. If Carl can only believe it.
These men are redeemed to a degree by their separation from the mob life, and their growing relationship. They both move away from the easy violent answers that solve problems within the mob. They are interesting men, not always brilliant, not always compassionate, but moving toward empathy, with some core of worth and caring that you feel might have made them truly honorable, if they'd had a different early life. The relationship has ups and downs that feel real and are fun to follow. This book was a solid, entertaining read that I finished in one sitting. And as the second book by this author that I enjoyed a lot, it sent me off to track down
Lyn Gala's backlist.
November 21, 2014
A good book, but very dark due to the history of MCs and their present circumstances. The prison and murder themes, as well as moral question tied to them kept popping up until the very end, weighing the flow of the story, slowing it down.
No BDSM, tho there was clearly a D/S relationship between the characters.
Overall - 4 stars.
No BDSM, tho there was clearly a D/S relationship between the characters.
Overall - 4 stars.
June 30, 2013
I'm impressed by the author's skill in creating and developing characters.
June 28, 2011
Ever since Carl walked up to him in prison, all balls and no sense of self-protection, asking for a job, Pete wanted the kid. But he’ll never force himself onto another man. Not even on this man, who ratted him out, who made him flee to Mexico. Not this man, who showed him a strange kind of loyalty, keeping Pete’s finances a secret from the feds even as he lead them to the graves of Pete’s victims. Which is why Pete can afford a rather comfortable life now, and which is also why Pete felt obliged to save Carl from vengeful mobsters as well as from himself, since the man is obviously too dumb or too stubborn to watch his own back.
With two so flawed heroes, a murderer and a traitor as the main characters - in a romance, of all things - it’s not an easy task to get readers to like those men. And yet, I couldn’t help doing exactly this.
The author doesn’t make excuses for them, they are what they are, but for all the crimes they committed, they have consciences. Even better, each becomes the other man’s conscience out of care for each other. While their relationship started out on an utter imbalance of powers, their mutual care makes them equals in the end.
Over the course of almost a year they spend together, they don’t suddenly turn into saints. Nevertheless, the new morals they come to accept for themselves make them fit in with the society they are now a part of.
This society is portrayed in a matter-of-fact, non-judgmental way through well – wrought supportive characters: Jose, Pete’s best friend and business partner; Castellan, a federale and Jose’s cousin; Vincente, a cop who attempts to blackmail Pete. They may appear openly corrupt and their values may appear as strange as they’re peculiar, but those people, too, are who they are, trying to make the best of what Fate dealt them by drawing their own lines in the sand.
As much as I loved this book, it had its flaws, the biggest being repetitive writing. Some of the character’s reflections were rehashed so often I eventually felt hit over the head with them. And unfortunately, there were typos and grammar errors too numerous and too obvious for me to ignore, particularly towards the end.
This aside, I can only recommend this book. The characters grew on me a lot, and I finished their story with a happy smile for them.
Find the full review here: http://www.reviewsbyjessewave.com/201...
With two so flawed heroes, a murderer and a traitor as the main characters - in a romance, of all things - it’s not an easy task to get readers to like those men. And yet, I couldn’t help doing exactly this.
The author doesn’t make excuses for them, they are what they are, but for all the crimes they committed, they have consciences. Even better, each becomes the other man’s conscience out of care for each other. While their relationship started out on an utter imbalance of powers, their mutual care makes them equals in the end.
Over the course of almost a year they spend together, they don’t suddenly turn into saints. Nevertheless, the new morals they come to accept for themselves make them fit in with the society they are now a part of.
This society is portrayed in a matter-of-fact, non-judgmental way through well – wrought supportive characters: Jose, Pete’s best friend and business partner; Castellan, a federale and Jose’s cousin; Vincente, a cop who attempts to blackmail Pete. They may appear openly corrupt and their values may appear as strange as they’re peculiar, but those people, too, are who they are, trying to make the best of what Fate dealt them by drawing their own lines in the sand.
As much as I loved this book, it had its flaws, the biggest being repetitive writing. Some of the character’s reflections were rehashed so often I eventually felt hit over the head with them. And unfortunately, there were typos and grammar errors too numerous and too obvious for me to ignore, particularly towards the end.
This aside, I can only recommend this book. The characters grew on me a lot, and I finished their story with a happy smile for them.
Find the full review here: http://www.reviewsbyjessewave.com/201...
August 11, 2016
Beautiful cover, so I thought "Why not?".
Pretty decent story but leans more on GFY. The plot isn't anything new but the dialogue between the two characters made it enjoyable. I like how Petroc kept it a secret that he was protecting Carl even while they were in prison.
The sex was hot and Petroc was just so filthy with words it was entertaining. It just irked me that there was somewhat a poor execution of Spanish phrases in the story. It's actually one of my pet peeves whenever a foreign language is featured in book. Still an okay read overall.
July 8, 2015
I'm figuring out that Gala may just be the Queen of crafting the perfect anti-heroes. There's a lot of moral ambiguity in her stories, and it's refreshing after slogging through a genre teeming with unrealistic Marty Stu's. Pete and Carl showcase the often unrealistic ideals of our society. They're both men who thought they were doing the right thing, while not being sure what the right thing was. And they've reformed a bit, sure, but they're still not paragons of morality. I love 'em both.
August 18, 2012
Not your average m/m fare. Quite enjoyable.
Aftertaste: pleased
Re-read. I love this book more the second time.
Aftertaste: pleased
Re-read. I love this book more the second time.
June 24, 2011
Lyn Gala would have to write a really horrible book to move off from my auto-buy list. Lines in the Sand isn't that book, although Gathering Storm remains my favorite author's story.
I like Gala's writing, but more than anything I like her characters - they always feel like real people and real men. Both Carl and Pete changed during the novel or, better said, they changed each other. I also liked the acknowledgement that morals are not something universal and that even the people the majority considers bad have the lines they cannot and would not cross.
The world through which Carl and Pete move was very limited and that bothered me. Among secondary characters, only José was little more than a sketch. Both men belonged to Romanian/Serbian mafia and the way it was described it could have been any gang or criminal group in the world. A better part of the book was set in Mexico and it could have been any place with corruptible cops, desert and cacti.
Overall, this is a solid book, but Lyn Gala can do better. Close, but not exactly, 4 stars.
I like Gala's writing, but more than anything I like her characters - they always feel like real people and real men. Both Carl and Pete changed during the novel or, better said, they changed each other. I also liked the acknowledgement that morals are not something universal and that even the people the majority considers bad have the lines they cannot and would not cross.
The world through which Carl and Pete move was very limited and that bothered me. Among secondary characters, only José was little more than a sketch. Both men belonged to Romanian/Serbian mafia and the way it was described it could have been any gang or criminal group in the world. A better part of the book was set in Mexico and it could have been any place with corruptible cops, desert and cacti.
Overall, this is a solid book, but Lyn Gala can do better. Close, but not exactly, 4 stars.
July 11, 2011
Carl Ragan is a man with a conscience. The problem is that he couldn't take the killing anymore and turned state's evidence on the mob family he worked for. Carl did protect one man and his money and that was Pete Barbu, the man that got Carl into the mob. Carl tried the witness protection game but couldn't take it and moved back to his old home. Pete arrives one day and drags Carl to his place in Mexico to keep him safe. This was a well written book with two very likable men. It took a while for Carl and Pete to admit their feelings for each other but once they did things got hopping. Ms Gala has taken two tough men and the wilds of Mexico and painted a good story of love, danger and life on the run. A well done book in my opinion.
July 18, 2015
More nuanced than I expected.
So for an ex-con and a rat getting together story this had a lot more thoughts and emotions than the usual. The characters spent a good deal of time transitioning from their previous lives to their new lives and it was internal, not just a change of scenery.
As part of the mob Carl and Pete had their roles to play, but these are dramatically different men and the way that was portrayed was really good. Engaging read with some suspense, hot alpha male exploring submission and road trips. Worthwhile read.
This is a solid 3.5 Star read and one of the few times I'm contemplating a round up instead of my usual rating. Of course, half ratings would be great GR.
So for an ex-con and a rat getting together story this had a lot more thoughts and emotions than the usual. The characters spent a good deal of time transitioning from their previous lives to their new lives and it was internal, not just a change of scenery.
As part of the mob Carl and Pete had their roles to play, but these are dramatically different men and the way that was portrayed was really good. Engaging read with some suspense, hot alpha male exploring submission and road trips. Worthwhile read.
This is a solid 3.5 Star read and one of the few times I'm contemplating a round up instead of my usual rating. Of course, half ratings would be great GR.
May 19, 2019
Charming. Not what one would necessarily expect from a love affair between two career criminals, but Gala makes it work.
August 12, 2011
Originally posted at: http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/201...
Is it wrong to kill if you only kill bad guys? That’s the moral dilemma ex-mob driver Carl and ex-mob hit man Pete grapple with south of the border. Carl thinks Pete is there to kill him after ratting out the mob, including Pete, yet Pete has a few other ideas in store. Carl goes to work for Pete in his car repair shop in Mexico but the sexual tension between the two doesn’t die down. If anything after three years apart the sparks are flying quick and heavy. The two men must come to terms with their past before they can have a chance at a future.
Lines in the Sand deals with the moral gray area of flawed characters. As former criminals both Carl and Pete have a different set of morals and guidelines. They each have reasons for their crimes, some good and some not so good but they evaluate just what their limits really are in this story. For example Pete feels no guilt over killing men he sees as bad men, while Carl accepts that he got into the mob because he wanted the money and the recognition. He wanted to be someone while Pete felt he was choosing the best of the worst options. Due to the focus on such internal and private dilemmas, much of the story takes place within thoughts. Both men spend most of their time silently debating their past and present and where it stands on their sliding moral scale.
The characterization is the key to making this a successful story and I think both men are three dimensional and very real. They’re definitely not average heroes but their personalities are vibrant and interesting and the overarching question of morality keeps the story moving. There is very little to the story outside of the question of both men and how they will handle their past and future since the story is set in an isolated garage in Mexico. Both Pete and Carl share narrating duties and it’s nice to see how each responds, usually differently, to the same memory or event. Both change and grow over the course of the story, becoming perhaps different men or different shades of the same men.
Fans of this author are likely to be the main audience but those new to her writing may appreciate the unique qualities afforded here. The story is interesting and deals with characters and situations not often tackled in romance, which is enough to draw some readers. Others may like the clean writing and descriptive, yet not verbose, prose. Overall, Lines in the Sand is a very enjoyable story that tackles some of the lesser used themes in romance.
Is it wrong to kill if you only kill bad guys? That’s the moral dilemma ex-mob driver Carl and ex-mob hit man Pete grapple with south of the border. Carl thinks Pete is there to kill him after ratting out the mob, including Pete, yet Pete has a few other ideas in store. Carl goes to work for Pete in his car repair shop in Mexico but the sexual tension between the two doesn’t die down. If anything after three years apart the sparks are flying quick and heavy. The two men must come to terms with their past before they can have a chance at a future.
Lines in the Sand deals with the moral gray area of flawed characters. As former criminals both Carl and Pete have a different set of morals and guidelines. They each have reasons for their crimes, some good and some not so good but they evaluate just what their limits really are in this story. For example Pete feels no guilt over killing men he sees as bad men, while Carl accepts that he got into the mob because he wanted the money and the recognition. He wanted to be someone while Pete felt he was choosing the best of the worst options. Due to the focus on such internal and private dilemmas, much of the story takes place within thoughts. Both men spend most of their time silently debating their past and present and where it stands on their sliding moral scale.
The characterization is the key to making this a successful story and I think both men are three dimensional and very real. They’re definitely not average heroes but their personalities are vibrant and interesting and the overarching question of morality keeps the story moving. There is very little to the story outside of the question of both men and how they will handle their past and future since the story is set in an isolated garage in Mexico. Both Pete and Carl share narrating duties and it’s nice to see how each responds, usually differently, to the same memory or event. Both change and grow over the course of the story, becoming perhaps different men or different shades of the same men.
Fans of this author are likely to be the main audience but those new to her writing may appreciate the unique qualities afforded here. The story is interesting and deals with characters and situations not often tackled in romance, which is enough to draw some readers. Others may like the clean writing and descriptive, yet not verbose, prose. Overall, Lines in the Sand is a very enjoyable story that tackles some of the lesser used themes in romance.
October 11, 2013
This review was posted on:
www.faceboook.com/slitsread
When I found this book…
When I read the Serbian MAFIA, Serbian references in the first 2 %
Seriously growing up I always has aspirations of being a Mafia man’s mistress… such is life that didn’t happen for me… because I grew up with a bunch of punks that took being anything “gang” related to the extreme. Ever been with a Serb? We are intense bunch without adding guns and being gay into the mix.
This book was a good easy breezy read for me as it was intense. The line in the sand on morals. Right and wrong.
I could feel Carl’s anxiety off the pages. It made me wanna bite all my nails down to the quick.
Petroc~ GEEZ
He was intense, he was a hit man, an enforcer… he was infatuated for years with Carl. Thoughts of Carl came in 3′s… (such a Serbian/Orthodox thing) Everything happens in 3′s. For Carl and Pete~3 year divides.
The road for these 2 too get where they were going… Long… the communication that didn’t happen… torturous
And then came:
The BDSM theme that slapped me in the ass out of nowhere. I mean I got that Pete was intense but I didn’t realize how intense.
If you like the MOB and M/M books this is a good read
3.5 I liked this book stars
Mare~Slitsread
www.faceboook.com/slitsread
When I found this book…
When I read the Serbian MAFIA, Serbian references in the first 2 %
Seriously growing up I always has aspirations of being a Mafia man’s mistress… such is life that didn’t happen for me… because I grew up with a bunch of punks that took being anything “gang” related to the extreme. Ever been with a Serb? We are intense bunch without adding guns and being gay into the mix.
This book was a good easy breezy read for me as it was intense. The line in the sand on morals. Right and wrong.
I could feel Carl’s anxiety off the pages. It made me wanna bite all my nails down to the quick.
Petroc~ GEEZ
He was intense, he was a hit man, an enforcer… he was infatuated for years with Carl. Thoughts of Carl came in 3′s… (such a Serbian/Orthodox thing) Everything happens in 3′s. For Carl and Pete~3 year divides.
The road for these 2 too get where they were going… Long… the communication that didn’t happen… torturous
And then came:
The BDSM theme that slapped me in the ass out of nowhere. I mean I got that Pete was intense but I didn’t realize how intense.
If you like the MOB and M/M books this is a good read
3.5 I liked this book stars
Mare~Slitsread
April 16, 2016
I decided to read this one because I had just finished reading the first 3 books in Charlie Cochet's series Thirds and I really liked them so I was at a bit of a loss as to what to read next.
You know how it is when you read a book you really, really like and you want to keep reading but you're sure that nothing is going to be as good as what you just finished, that's what I was feeling like. So I'm here on BL and I see a review for this book by my friend Mammarella and she gave it 4 stars. So I'm thinking hmmmm...this has been on my e-reader for awhile maybe I should take a look at it and I did.
So I'm looking and I'm thinking "This is different from what I just read and different from what I've read in a while and I start reading and now I'm done and I'm glad I decided to give this book a read.
It was a little bit on the dark side but not excessively so and given the history of and between the MC's that worked quite well. I hadn't realized that this is my first book for this author and I doubt that it will be my last.
Lyn Gala writes a solid and engaging story, with interesting and slightly unusual characters. I look forward to reading more of her books and would be more than a little happy if there was more about Carl & Petroc (or Pete as he's called).
You know how it is when you read a book you really, really like and you want to keep reading but you're sure that nothing is going to be as good as what you just finished, that's what I was feeling like. So I'm here on BL and I see a review for this book by my friend Mammarella and she gave it 4 stars. So I'm thinking hmmmm...this has been on my e-reader for awhile maybe I should take a look at it and I did.
So I'm looking and I'm thinking "This is different from what I just read and different from what I've read in a while and I start reading and now I'm done and I'm glad I decided to give this book a read.
It was a little bit on the dark side but not excessively so and given the history of and between the MC's that worked quite well. I hadn't realized that this is my first book for this author and I doubt that it will be my last.
Lyn Gala writes a solid and engaging story, with interesting and slightly unusual characters. I look forward to reading more of her books and would be more than a little happy if there was more about Carl & Petroc (or Pete as he's called).
January 29, 2014
Rating: 2.5 stars
I think my expectations led to my downfall with this book.
I think the tag of romantic suspense and thriller would not be my choice for Lines in the Sand. I was expecting gunfights and two men (who would be deeply in love with one another) on the run from the mafia or police. What I got instead was these two guys meeting, having a nice (i.e. quiet) drive down south, and living together. And in the span of time that Carl and Pete are trying to etch a life for themselves, there's misunderstandings, realizations and great sex.
All pretty tepid and domesticated, if you ask me.
I'm also not a fan of the whole "bad guy" (i.e. former hit man) developing a guilty conscious all in the name of love. I dunno, it didn't jibe very well for me and happened all-sudden like for me to buy this change. Meh.
I think my expectations led to my downfall with this book.
I think the tag of romantic suspense and thriller would not be my choice for Lines in the Sand. I was expecting gunfights and two men (who would be deeply in love with one another) on the run from the mafia or police. What I got instead was these two guys meeting, having a nice (i.e. quiet) drive down south, and living together. And in the span of time that Carl and Pete are trying to etch a life for themselves, there's misunderstandings, realizations and great sex.
All pretty tepid and domesticated, if you ask me.
I'm also not a fan of the whole "bad guy" (i.e. former hit man) developing a guilty conscious all in the name of love. I dunno, it didn't jibe very well for me and happened all-sudden like for me to buy this change. Meh.
August 31, 2014
This was not your typical love story. Carl and Pete have done some bad things in the past but now all they want is a future together. I enjoyed the realism of this book and was glad it didn't devolve into a fairytale of romantic love.
June 27, 2011
3,5 stars
August 4, 2013
Easy and enjoyable read. Borders on short story, but has plenty of plot and action.
September 30, 2018
These are not good guys; both of them have worked for hardened criminals and were involved in unsavory things. However, Carl's guilt got the best of himself and he turned to the FBI for help and now he is living a miserable life in hiding until the day Pete shows up and takes him away.
It takes Carl a long time to realize that Pete does not want him dead and in a fit of drunken bravery he asks for what he really wants from Pete. Pete is not a man who is used to talking about what he feels and he has a very tough time giving Carl the emotional support he needs. They get the sex thing down really quickly, but the communication part takes a little time.
Even knowing these were not necessary guys you would invite home to meet your mother it is interesting to see the steps that they are taking to change their lives.
It takes Carl a long time to realize that Pete does not want him dead and in a fit of drunken bravery he asks for what he really wants from Pete. Pete is not a man who is used to talking about what he feels and he has a very tough time giving Carl the emotional support he needs. They get the sex thing down really quickly, but the communication part takes a little time.
Even knowing these were not necessary guys you would invite home to meet your mother it is interesting to see the steps that they are taking to change their lives.
November 3, 2022
It was a pretty messy story. You're just thrown into it when they meet again and it ends just as randomly when their problems are solved. I think it tried to do a little too much in such a short book where it would be hard to do any proper build up.
January 29, 2023
It's one of those books that you read without much though. A lotta f++king and a lot of weird what ifs going on in my mind. Character development is present but not intensely there. I wish that more content and life that happened within the book but it also kinda asking for a lot.
December 8, 2019
Read this because Gail Carriger said she loved this author. It was surprisingly great? Not what I expected at all, but pretty wonderful. I'll definitely read more from this author.
February 6, 2017
3.5* Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
Three years after betraying the organization he worked for, Carl Ragar is right back where he started: a rundown little neighborhood in the back end of nowhere. When his former mentor tracks him down, Carl figures this is the end of the line for him but that if he has to get taken out by someone for his betrayal, he’d rather it be at the hands of the one person he actually cared about. Pete Barbu has made a lot of mistakes in his life but is determined to make at least a few of them right. He’s never blamed Carl for turning traitor and when he finally manages to track him down and finds out the other man has basically given up on living, he makes the decision to take him home. Lines have a way of shifting, however, and both men will have to decide just how far the lines of loyalty and morality extend.
The blurb is what caught my attention with this story; ex-mafia men finally acknowledging their feelings for one another while on the run from the cops and others that want them dead? Yes please! I found that while the premise was great, however, that the execution was a little lack luster, unfortunately. I did like the characters quite a bit; you learn about them both more through remembered memories and conversations about the past, which I kind of liked since you could see who they were now while comparing them to who they each were then. Pete comes off as a total hard ass but time, and Carl, have blunted his edges somewhat and you get to see, over the course of the story, just how much he’s changed. What I liked best about that was that the changes were gradual right up until you get smacked in the face right alongside Pete with the evidence that he really isn’t the man he used to be. Carl was pretty obviously the softer touch in the relationship but while he’s ideas about right and wrong have fluctuated over the years, his willingness to go for what he wants has stayed the same; I liked how the two men fit together though I do wish I could’ve seen more of them before everything fell apart.
Now, as for the story itself, like I said, I loved the premise but the story I got wasn’t the one I was expecting. I honestly expected there to at least be a little bit of action bearing in mind that both men are on the run from various others and with them both being ex-mafia, I was really looking forward to some kind of confrontation. Alas, it was not to be, however. There is actually a blatant lack of action in the book as the focus is more on the main characters and how they’ve changed over the years. I did enjoy that, don’t get me wrong, its just that I’m having a bit of trouble identifying what, exactly, the plot was here.
This was, essentially, a very low key, easy read about two men moving on from their pasts. I enjoyed the story for what it was but I also came away a bit disappointed at the end because there just wasn’t more to it. If you enjoy low angst stories with a type of redemption theme, you might enjoy this but anyone looking for a bit more excitement probably won’t.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2016/11/0...
Three years after betraying the organization he worked for, Carl Ragar is right back where he started: a rundown little neighborhood in the back end of nowhere. When his former mentor tracks him down, Carl figures this is the end of the line for him but that if he has to get taken out by someone for his betrayal, he’d rather it be at the hands of the one person he actually cared about. Pete Barbu has made a lot of mistakes in his life but is determined to make at least a few of them right. He’s never blamed Carl for turning traitor and when he finally manages to track him down and finds out the other man has basically given up on living, he makes the decision to take him home. Lines have a way of shifting, however, and both men will have to decide just how far the lines of loyalty and morality extend.
The blurb is what caught my attention with this story; ex-mafia men finally acknowledging their feelings for one another while on the run from the cops and others that want them dead? Yes please! I found that while the premise was great, however, that the execution was a little lack luster, unfortunately. I did like the characters quite a bit; you learn about them both more through remembered memories and conversations about the past, which I kind of liked since you could see who they were now while comparing them to who they each were then. Pete comes off as a total hard ass but time, and Carl, have blunted his edges somewhat and you get to see, over the course of the story, just how much he’s changed. What I liked best about that was that the changes were gradual right up until you get smacked in the face right alongside Pete with the evidence that he really isn’t the man he used to be. Carl was pretty obviously the softer touch in the relationship but while he’s ideas about right and wrong have fluctuated over the years, his willingness to go for what he wants has stayed the same; I liked how the two men fit together though I do wish I could’ve seen more of them before everything fell apart.
Now, as for the story itself, like I said, I loved the premise but the story I got wasn’t the one I was expecting. I honestly expected there to at least be a little bit of action bearing in mind that both men are on the run from various others and with them both being ex-mafia, I was really looking forward to some kind of confrontation. Alas, it was not to be, however. There is actually a blatant lack of action in the book as the focus is more on the main characters and how they’ve changed over the years. I did enjoy that, don’t get me wrong, its just that I’m having a bit of trouble identifying what, exactly, the plot was here.
This was, essentially, a very low key, easy read about two men moving on from their pasts. I enjoyed the story for what it was but I also came away a bit disappointed at the end because there just wasn’t more to it. If you enjoy low angst stories with a type of redemption theme, you might enjoy this but anyone looking for a bit more excitement probably won’t.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2016/11/0...
March 8, 2013
Originally reviewed for The Book Vixen
In a Nutshell: I really enjoyed this story with morally ambiguous leads and would highly recommend this nuanced story to other MM readers.
The Set Up: Carl turned on the mob three years ago and has since been expecting a bullet to the head from his former mentor, Pete, the mob enforcer. When Pete tracks Carl down his life changes in ways he can’t even imagine.
Why I Read this Book: This synopsis totally captured my interest.
What I Liked: This isn’t an easy read because the characters are morally ambiguous. This book is about how many shades of grey there are in the choices people make and I love this nuanced romance for its refusal to whitewash Carl and Pete. Carl and Pete start off on a bang as Pete locates Carl who’s been dumped out of witness protection after testifying against the mob they both worked for. Carl and readers are unclear what Pete’s intentions are and my attention was hooked within three pages of the opening and it never wavered. The messages about self-acceptance, the possibility of redemption and self-determination in the face of great obstacles is captivating but never heavy-handed. One of the most powerful scenes is when Pete is debating killing someone on the chance that the man threatens Carl and the life they’ve built; I could understand Pete’s moral dilemma here and it illustrates his character development and what role Carl plays in it.
What I Also Liked: The romance between Carl and Pete is just as tenuous as the life they lead as mobsters and the new one they’re trying to forge. The romance develops within the framework of these two men deciding how they want to live and figuring out if their new lives include each other. This dual focus produced a tightly woven story I couldn’t put down. Carl and Pete have an extremely explosive sexual chemistry when they finally give in to it but it’s balanced by a wordless emotional intensity that is delicious.
What I Didn’t Like: I’m a romance fan and I want the three little words and though the actions were there, the words not quite. I’d love a short story revisiting Carl and Pete but don’t think that’s going to happen.
IMO: I highly recommend this complicated romance to fans looking for a unique romance with complicated leads.
In a Nutshell: I really enjoyed this story with morally ambiguous leads and would highly recommend this nuanced story to other MM readers.
The Set Up: Carl turned on the mob three years ago and has since been expecting a bullet to the head from his former mentor, Pete, the mob enforcer. When Pete tracks Carl down his life changes in ways he can’t even imagine.
Why I Read this Book: This synopsis totally captured my interest.
What I Liked: This isn’t an easy read because the characters are morally ambiguous. This book is about how many shades of grey there are in the choices people make and I love this nuanced romance for its refusal to whitewash Carl and Pete. Carl and Pete start off on a bang as Pete locates Carl who’s been dumped out of witness protection after testifying against the mob they both worked for. Carl and readers are unclear what Pete’s intentions are and my attention was hooked within three pages of the opening and it never wavered. The messages about self-acceptance, the possibility of redemption and self-determination in the face of great obstacles is captivating but never heavy-handed. One of the most powerful scenes is when Pete is debating killing someone on the chance that the man threatens Carl and the life they’ve built; I could understand Pete’s moral dilemma here and it illustrates his character development and what role Carl plays in it.
What I Also Liked: The romance between Carl and Pete is just as tenuous as the life they lead as mobsters and the new one they’re trying to forge. The romance develops within the framework of these two men deciding how they want to live and figuring out if their new lives include each other. This dual focus produced a tightly woven story I couldn’t put down. Carl and Pete have an extremely explosive sexual chemistry when they finally give in to it but it’s balanced by a wordless emotional intensity that is delicious.
What I Didn’t Like: I’m a romance fan and I want the three little words and though the actions were there, the words not quite. I’d love a short story revisiting Carl and Pete but don’t think that’s going to happen.
IMO: I highly recommend this complicated romance to fans looking for a unique romance with complicated leads.
June 16, 2011
Three years ago, Carl Ragar turns in evidence against the mob family he worked for but he tries to keep Petroc "Pete" Barbu from being captured as well. Carl has admired Pete. He also has feeling for the slightly older man though never really do anything about it. Now, Pete returns to his life, whisking Carl to his house in Mexico. Unbeknownst to Carl, Pete also has feeling for him, and this time, he might start acting on it ...
This is an example of book, whose cover I love so much to give it a try. The cover speaks something to me, two guys "roughed by experience", meeting in a motel, and there's passion between them. Then the summary intrigues me and yep, I am reading it. Does the story delivers? Oh, yeah. I might have a niggle with the writing, some past scenes are written in between present times without any warning (I prefer to have what has happened in the past to be "marked" by some sort of pointers, it can be italic, it can be separated by border) but character wise, I'm sold.
Carl is a character that progresses throught the novella. When Pete first found him, there is a sense of "giving up" in Carl's attitude. He is tired of running, of looking over his shoulder. It's like, "Go ahead, kill me, and finish with it". He has worries and doubts. He doesn't know how to deal with his feeling for Pete. When Pete and himself finally doing the deeds, he wants Pete to take control but he still doesn't know how to voice his needs. It takes some stern words from Pete until Carl finally accepts the relationship.
Pete has better grasp of his feeling. After he finds out that Carl is also interested, there is no way for Pete to keep their relationship in the closet. And somehow, Carl makes Pete think about his actions, his choices and in the end, he becomes a better person because of it. When faces with a threat, Pete doesn't quickly jump into kill the man (like he might done in the past), but willing to accept help from others.
There are no "I love yous" being said but somehow, I feel like the two guys are going to make it just fine, at the south of the border ...
This is an example of book, whose cover I love so much to give it a try. The cover speaks something to me, two guys "roughed by experience", meeting in a motel, and there's passion between them. Then the summary intrigues me and yep, I am reading it. Does the story delivers? Oh, yeah. I might have a niggle with the writing, some past scenes are written in between present times without any warning (I prefer to have what has happened in the past to be "marked" by some sort of pointers, it can be italic, it can be separated by border) but character wise, I'm sold.
Carl is a character that progresses throught the novella. When Pete first found him, there is a sense of "giving up" in Carl's attitude. He is tired of running, of looking over his shoulder. It's like, "Go ahead, kill me, and finish with it". He has worries and doubts. He doesn't know how to deal with his feeling for Pete. When Pete and himself finally doing the deeds, he wants Pete to take control but he still doesn't know how to voice his needs. It takes some stern words from Pete until Carl finally accepts the relationship.
Pete has better grasp of his feeling. After he finds out that Carl is also interested, there is no way for Pete to keep their relationship in the closet. And somehow, Carl makes Pete think about his actions, his choices and in the end, he becomes a better person because of it. When faces with a threat, Pete doesn't quickly jump into kill the man (like he might done in the past), but willing to accept help from others.
There are no "I love yous" being said but somehow, I feel like the two guys are going to make it just fine, at the south of the border ...
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