What do you think?
Rate this book
Tales from Rainbow Alley #1
Hotwired Heart
A good car thief needs sixty seconds, but grand theft heart might take even less time than that.
Freedom and trust; opposite sides of the same coin that could give expert car thief, Marky, the win he's looking for. Little does he know escaping his gang ties will lead him through heartbreak and into cuffs he hadn't even thought to watch out for.
Now he can trust the powerful man who wants to help, or he can keep running. It all depends on how much he values his freedom, and whether or not Roland has managed the impossible; hijacking Marky's carefully guarded heart.
Freedom and trust; opposite sides of the same coin that could give expert car thief, Marky, the win he's looking for. Little does he know escaping his gang ties will lead him through heartbreak and into cuffs he hadn't even thought to watch out for.
Now he can trust the powerful man who wants to help, or he can keep running. It all depends on how much he values his freedom, and whether or not Roland has managed the impossible; hijacking Marky's carefully guarded heart.
50 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 3, 2011
154 people want to read
About the author
Jaime Samms
106 books279 followersJaime Samms is a plaid-hearted Canadian who spends the too-long winters writing stories about love between men and the too-short summers digging in the garden. There are dust bunnies in the corners of her house—which she blames on a husky named Kai. There are dishes on the counter—which is clearly because teenagers! There is hot coffee in the pot and the occasional meal to keep her from starving—because her husband is remarkable and patient.
A multi-published author whose work has been translated into French, Italian, and German, Jaime delights in the intricate dance of words that leads her through tales of the lost and broken hearted men she writes about to the love stories that find and mend them.
And when the muse is being stubborn, she also makes pretty things with yarn and fabric scraps because in her world, no heart is too broken to love, and nothing is too worn or tired it can’t be upcycled into something beautiful. All it takes is determination and the ability to see life a little bit left of center.
A multi-published author whose work has been translated into French, Italian, and German, Jaime delights in the intricate dance of words that leads her through tales of the lost and broken hearted men she writes about to the love stories that find and mend them.
And when the muse is being stubborn, she also makes pretty things with yarn and fabric scraps because in her world, no heart is too broken to love, and nothing is too worn or tired it can’t be upcycled into something beautiful. All it takes is determination and the ability to see life a little bit left of center.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 16, 2016
This is an interesting story about the process of 'reforming' a car thief/gang member. It kicks off with fast-paced action, throwing me right into the middle of things, and doesn't really stop until the main characters start figuring out their relationship is about more than getting Marky out of trouble.
Marky is the one who tells the story. Even though he was a 'willing' subject, sort of, having wanted to get out of his situation for a while, he still struggles with the actual steps of getting there. He needs to adjust his entire way of thinking, and that isn't easy.
Rolly is not only a great guy who wants to help, because he knows what it's like, he is also a man who finds it very hard to control his attraction to Marky. So he doesn't and the heat between them quickly rises.
I really liked that Marky starts to stand up for himself. It makes his change into a 'free' member of society more believable and shows how he's grown and changed from someone who wants to be free from the gang to someone who actually knows how to be free.
NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Marky is the one who tells the story. Even though he was a 'willing' subject, sort of, having wanted to get out of his situation for a while, he still struggles with the actual steps of getting there. He needs to adjust his entire way of thinking, and that isn't easy.
Rolly is not only a great guy who wants to help, because he knows what it's like, he is also a man who finds it very hard to control his attraction to Marky. So he doesn't and the heat between them quickly rises.
I really liked that Marky starts to stand up for himself. It makes his change into a 'free' member of society more believable and shows how he's grown and changed from someone who wants to be free from the gang to someone who actually knows how to be free.
NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
July 5, 2012
Of course I had to read the first book last *eyeroll*
Very enjoyable. I like the later books better, for their more in-depth plots, but I've always loved Rolly's possessiveness of Marky, so it was nice to see how that started.
Very enjoyable. I like the later books better, for their more in-depth plots, but I've always loved Rolly's possessiveness of Marky, so it was nice to see how that started.
August 21, 2015
A little too much instalove for my taste in BDSM stories, but still a good short read.
January 26, 2011
Hotwired Heart is a quick, enjoyable short story from Jaime Samms. I’ve been a longtime fan of Samms writing and consider her one of the most underappreciated great writers in this genre. Her skill with a short story is really quite impressive and this is a good example. The short is well written with enough character development and sex to satisfy but not overwhelm. There is an interesting story offered with a good ending that I really wish hadn’t been marred by the numerous editing mistakes of misspelled words, erroneously added words, and the like. If those won’t bother you, consider giving this fun short a chance.
The story starts with Marky, a gang member and car thief trying to get out of the life. He’s stealing his last car with his ex-boyfriend and hoping that the two will be able to get out of the gang with this last feat. Unfortunately everything goes wrong leaving Marky on the run and his ex-boyfriend dead. A twist of fate and bit of luck sends Marky into a nearby BDSM club and into the arms of its wealthy, gorgeous owner Roland. Roland wants to help but Marky needs to stand on his own in this fight.
The plot reads very similar to classic rags to riches themes. Marky is a penniless ex-gang member trying to go straight and Roland is a wealthy, kinky club owner who happens to fall in lust at first sight with Marky. Roland is willing to whisk Marky away from the gutter and give him everything he’s ever wanted. Thankfully the characters are developed enough and Marky has enough quirky spunk to not take this easy out and thus the story is far more interesting. Marky is an interesting young man in his confusion and growing independence. He doesn’t necessarily want the easy out and he’s stubborn, fearful, arrogant, and kind. He finally finds a good partnership with Roland and they fit well together.
The romance is a nice element and although there is a hint of BDSM with Marky often lightly bound, this is more for the symbolism of the emotions involved than any heavy kink. Roland is slightly too good to be true with his near instant love for Marky but the events that unfold do allow for a dramatic declaration and heightened feelings so while I’m no fan of instant love, I think the writing did a commendable job in selling why it could happen with this couple.
The writing is engaging and easy. There’s a warmth and charm to the prose that keep you reading and interested in what’s going to happen. The story is very good at showing action instead of telling and offering a few secondary characters that peak your interest without stealing the attention. These make for a nicely filled out, well rounded story that satisfies with the shorter length. I would have enjoyed this short more if there weren’t so many errors and I think Samms’ writing deserves a much more careful screening as these mistakes are often distracting and obvious.
That aside I think this fun and entertaining story may please a lot of fans and hopefully those new to this author will check out her great backlist. It’s definitely worthwhile.
The story starts with Marky, a gang member and car thief trying to get out of the life. He’s stealing his last car with his ex-boyfriend and hoping that the two will be able to get out of the gang with this last feat. Unfortunately everything goes wrong leaving Marky on the run and his ex-boyfriend dead. A twist of fate and bit of luck sends Marky into a nearby BDSM club and into the arms of its wealthy, gorgeous owner Roland. Roland wants to help but Marky needs to stand on his own in this fight.
The plot reads very similar to classic rags to riches themes. Marky is a penniless ex-gang member trying to go straight and Roland is a wealthy, kinky club owner who happens to fall in lust at first sight with Marky. Roland is willing to whisk Marky away from the gutter and give him everything he’s ever wanted. Thankfully the characters are developed enough and Marky has enough quirky spunk to not take this easy out and thus the story is far more interesting. Marky is an interesting young man in his confusion and growing independence. He doesn’t necessarily want the easy out and he’s stubborn, fearful, arrogant, and kind. He finally finds a good partnership with Roland and they fit well together.
The romance is a nice element and although there is a hint of BDSM with Marky often lightly bound, this is more for the symbolism of the emotions involved than any heavy kink. Roland is slightly too good to be true with his near instant love for Marky but the events that unfold do allow for a dramatic declaration and heightened feelings so while I’m no fan of instant love, I think the writing did a commendable job in selling why it could happen with this couple.
The writing is engaging and easy. There’s a warmth and charm to the prose that keep you reading and interested in what’s going to happen. The story is very good at showing action instead of telling and offering a few secondary characters that peak your interest without stealing the attention. These make for a nicely filled out, well rounded story that satisfies with the shorter length. I would have enjoyed this short more if there weren’t so many errors and I think Samms’ writing deserves a much more careful screening as these mistakes are often distracting and obvious.
That aside I think this fun and entertaining story may please a lot of fans and hopefully those new to this author will check out her great backlist. It’s definitely worthwhile.
October 25, 2013
This story would have been so much better with more development of the romance and a little less focus on the sex. They are just suddenly a couple and there was just no understanding of why they came to love each other. Also not sure why the gang issue was considered solved. I do plan to read the next book as I'm hoping the series gets better.
May 6, 2011
This story was such a lovely surprise. I was not expecting much because it's a short story, but unlike most shorts i have read it left me very satisfied at the end. I hope to at least see these characters on the other books in the series though, i really liked them!
Review to come soon!
Review to come soon!
February 9, 2011
a good story about an ex-gang member trying to get out and falling into the arms of a cute Dom ! the BDSM is light, only cuffs and love !
May 1, 2011
Good short kinky m/m romance about a guy, trying to escape from his life as a gang member, who ends up in the Rainbow Alley part of town.
January 18, 2018
I love, love, love this type of series. Lots of very complex characters, plenty of action and emotional depth. Book 6 just came out. This is a great time to start the series!!! Don't miss out.
This is one of the few series on my "re-read" list.
This is one of the few series on my "re-read" list.
May 31, 2011
Another spectacular book by Jaime Samms that shows real life angst with that super-special knack she has of making everything ok again. Hotwired Heart starts off with action, thrusting you into the meat of the tale so you’re catching your breath once that first splash slows down. I mean that in a good way—it’s a brilliant beginning that will have you rooting for Marky to get away from the bad guys.
He got himself involved with a gang, but he’d been set up, and they were out to get him. I’ve seen gang documentaries, which scared the hell out of me, so reading about them and how easily they take offence and do seek out those who slight them, I worried for Marky’s safety. I didn’t bargain on Rolly, though, the strong, sensual, perfect man for Marky who shows him he can trust again and can make a life outside the gang—and be safe.
Hotwired Heart is a journey two men take together, one distrustful, one longing to be trusted, and I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. Gorgeous writing, gorgeous plot, gorgeous men. What are you still reading this for? I’d have thought you’d have shot off to buy it by now!
He got himself involved with a gang, but he’d been set up, and they were out to get him. I’ve seen gang documentaries, which scared the hell out of me, so reading about them and how easily they take offence and do seek out those who slight them, I worried for Marky’s safety. I didn’t bargain on Rolly, though, the strong, sensual, perfect man for Marky who shows him he can trust again and can make a life outside the gang—and be safe.
Hotwired Heart is a journey two men take together, one distrustful, one longing to be trusted, and I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. Gorgeous writing, gorgeous plot, gorgeous men. What are you still reading this for? I’d have thought you’d have shot off to buy it by now!
July 25, 2011
Cute, I liked it - and I'm going to read the other ones.
Harmless novella about an incredibly articulate car thief whose gay gangbanger lover gets shot while they are making their Romeo and Juliet getaway. About a half-an-hour later, hiding out in a BDSM club, he meets the dom of his dreams and they live HEA.
This was better than it should have been and I'll happily credit Jaime Samms with creating likable characters whose motivations seem at least remotely plausible. It does feel a bit like someone gave her the title and then asked her to write the book though...
Harmless novella about an incredibly articulate car thief whose gay gangbanger lover gets shot while they are making their Romeo and Juliet getaway. About a half-an-hour later, hiding out in a BDSM club, he meets the dom of his dreams and they live HEA.
This was better than it should have been and I'll happily credit Jaime Samms with creating likable characters whose motivations seem at least remotely plausible. It does feel a bit like someone gave her the title and then asked her to write the book though...
June 15, 2011
A novella length story introducing the inhabitants of Rainbow Alley, and focussing on Rolly who owns a BDSM club and Mikey who is trying to escape the gang-culture he's slipped into.
Quite an intense story with drugs, violence, gangs and people, like Rolly, who want to "save" the underdogs like Mikey.
The Dominance and submission work out quite well in this relationship, as does the growth of love between the two MCs.
Quite an intense story with drugs, violence, gangs and people, like Rolly, who want to "save" the underdogs like Mikey.
The Dominance and submission work out quite well in this relationship, as does the growth of love between the two MCs.
November 5, 2011
I wasn't sure what to expect with this book, but I really enjoyed it. The story started off with a bang and had a few suprises and twists along the way. I haven't read that much bdsm, but this is a good lighter story I think. I'm looking forward to the next in this series which I bought in paperback at GRL. This is the third story I've read by this author and they have each been different and engaging. I'll continue to read her work.
September 16, 2012
The premise is good, but there was too much for how short it was. It was rushed and seemed too means-to-an-end. There seemed to be a lot of foregone conclusions that weren't developed because they didn't have the time to "develop naturally."
It seems more like a later recounting of the story to a friend who already has some background knowledge. Or, in literary terms, a companion short story. Still, it wasn't bad.
It seems more like a later recounting of the story to a friend who already has some background knowledge. Or, in literary terms, a companion short story. Still, it wasn't bad.
August 6, 2011
This is a 3.5 rounded up to 4. I found the start of the book confusing as to who was initiating the action. The writing in the latter books of the series is definitely better (or maybe the editing was, lol)!
It's a good intro to the cast of characters found in Rainbow Alley though.
It's a good intro to the cast of characters found in Rainbow Alley though.
December 8, 2014
Would love to see author rewrite this novella as a full length book. Add more depth, romance, relationship building, exiting gang, D/s play, etc.
I only read this book since I had read the rest of the Rainbow Alley series. Really can't recommend buying it.
I only read this book since I had read the rest of the Rainbow Alley series. Really can't recommend buying it.
January 27, 2011
Hm...the story is weird for my state. It's not bad or anything, just it didn't speak to me. Even with the characters I couldn't connect. But for everyone his own, lol...
November 12, 2013
I would love to see more of this couple.
Want to Read
February 27, 2012$5.11 for a 50 page read? Are you out of your ever loving mind? I think I'll wait for this one. Get out of here.
May 27, 2012
3.5 stars
Want to Read
January 25, 2018Part of the Stealing My Heart anthology
July 10, 2012
2.5 rounded up
June 24, 2016
DNF 50%. not my bag, baby, coupled with questionable writing.
do-i-want-to-read-this
October 2, 2016NTS: $5.11 for 50 pages?!
February 22, 2015
Enjoyed very much...
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews