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Southern Beaus #4
Kissing Sherlock Holmes
“My dear Watson, how does one go about kissing a woman?”...
Sherlock Holmes’ question leads to a lesson Watson never expected to teach. And feelings he never thought to explore. A single kiss alters Watson’s world while the announcement of Holmes’ upcoming marriage sets an odd fear in his heart.
Amidst the beauty of an English country party, the greatest detective the world has ever known searches for a traitor. Somewhere among the glittering nobility a sadist lurks, using blackmail to destroy lives and endanger a nation.
Only Sherlock Holmes can save an innocent man and bring the traitor to justice. It’s a search that could cement the greatest friendship of all time into something far deeper and stronger...if the hunt doesn’t end Watson’s life first.
Sherlock Holmes’ question leads to a lesson Watson never expected to teach. And feelings he never thought to explore. A single kiss alters Watson’s world while the announcement of Holmes’ upcoming marriage sets an odd fear in his heart.
Amidst the beauty of an English country party, the greatest detective the world has ever known searches for a traitor. Somewhere among the glittering nobility a sadist lurks, using blackmail to destroy lives and endanger a nation.
Only Sherlock Holmes can save an innocent man and bring the traitor to justice. It’s a search that could cement the greatest friendship of all time into something far deeper and stronger...if the hunt doesn’t end Watson’s life first.
246 pages, Paperback
First published November 7, 2010
18 people are currently reading
1178 people want to read
About the author
T.D. McKinney
18 books65 followersT. D. McKinney was born with eclectic tastes. Author, artist, web designer - those tastes show in the careers she's chosen.
Growing up on the American Gulf Coast, she gained a great appreciation for all things Southern and a fascination with what the community around her termed the War of Northern Aggression. Frequent trips to New Orleans to visit relatives instilled an early love for that city and for the Cajun culture. One of her earliest memories is viewing Mardi Gras parades when she was three years old. She freely admits that at the tender age of six she fell in love with both Barnabas Collins of Dark Shadows’ fame and Jonny Quest’s scientist-father, Benton. Sherlock Holmes followed soon after as one of the great abiding interests of her life. A long time fan of science fiction and horror, she met her husband while selling art at a science fiction convention.
These early influences doubtless explain a great deal about the author and her writings. There is very little she doesn’t find interesting whether it’s art, music, history, vampires, web design, or forensic science. Everything is there to be explored, investigated, and attempted at least once. This trait often carries over into her writing. She loves exploring characters that are not afraid to take a risk or step outside the constraints of society or family. And if the character doesn’t want to take that chance, she likes creating situations that require they do so.
T. D. lives in the Dallas-Fort Worth area of north Texas with her husband and young daughter. With so many careers, she keeps quite busy. In her spare time, she shares her husband’s interest in vampires, the internet, science fiction, collecting swords, and all things Japanese.
Growing up on the American Gulf Coast, she gained a great appreciation for all things Southern and a fascination with what the community around her termed the War of Northern Aggression. Frequent trips to New Orleans to visit relatives instilled an early love for that city and for the Cajun culture. One of her earliest memories is viewing Mardi Gras parades when she was three years old. She freely admits that at the tender age of six she fell in love with both Barnabas Collins of Dark Shadows’ fame and Jonny Quest’s scientist-father, Benton. Sherlock Holmes followed soon after as one of the great abiding interests of her life. A long time fan of science fiction and horror, she met her husband while selling art at a science fiction convention.
These early influences doubtless explain a great deal about the author and her writings. There is very little she doesn’t find interesting whether it’s art, music, history, vampires, web design, or forensic science. Everything is there to be explored, investigated, and attempted at least once. This trait often carries over into her writing. She loves exploring characters that are not afraid to take a risk or step outside the constraints of society or family. And if the character doesn’t want to take that chance, she likes creating situations that require they do so.
T. D. lives in the Dallas-Fort Worth area of north Texas with her husband and young daughter. With so many careers, she keeps quite busy. In her spare time, she shares her husband’s interest in vampires, the internet, science fiction, collecting swords, and all things Japanese.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
June 25, 2013
This book greatly impressed me. A friend bought it and had it uploaded to my kindle as a joke, because he knows that the idea of Sherlock and Watson together in a romantic sense squicks me in ways that possibly boggle the mind. However, I figured that if my friend had spend six dollars on a joke the least I could do was read the first chapter.
Then the next thing I knew is that I had reached my train stop and was just starting chapter three.
I wasn't at all exaggerating when I say I hate the idea of Holmes and Watson being together, but if that's the case then how could I like this book at all? Simple, T. D. McKinney
and Terry Wylis understand Sherlock Holmes and Watson. When reading Watson sounds like Watson, which I have occasionally noticed to be my biggest critique of Sherlock Holmes books written by authors other than Doyle, and Sherlock Holmes sounds like Sherlock Holmes. Perhaps the reason them being together in this book doesn't bother me is because it takes place long after Holmes' return and thus Mary is not a point of discussion at all, and that's certainly part of it, but I think it more has to do with how the authors characterize the love between Holmes and Watson.
In Kissing Sherlock Holmes, Holmes and Watson are not lusting youths. They are grown men that a great love has fostered between as a result of long years of friendship and trust. I have always thought of Sherlock Holmes as an asexual. He shows no preference of women nor men and neither does he show desire of any sort of romantic or sexual interaction, and I feel in many ways that the Sherlock Holmes in this book expresses the same distance from sex. This relationship he has with Watson does not stem from a desire of sexual interaction but rather from the desire to bring his already substantial appreciation and love or his best friend one step further.
Regardless of my views of Sherlock Holmes' sexuality I would strongly recommend this book. The case is intriguing, the characters are delightfully written, and the love scenes are steamy while still being written with the same level of class Dr. John Watson always presents in his novels.
Then the next thing I knew is that I had reached my train stop and was just starting chapter three.
I wasn't at all exaggerating when I say I hate the idea of Holmes and Watson being together, but if that's the case then how could I like this book at all? Simple, T. D. McKinney
and Terry Wylis understand Sherlock Holmes and Watson. When reading Watson sounds like Watson, which I have occasionally noticed to be my biggest critique of Sherlock Holmes books written by authors other than Doyle, and Sherlock Holmes sounds like Sherlock Holmes. Perhaps the reason them being together in this book doesn't bother me is because it takes place long after Holmes' return and thus Mary is not a point of discussion at all, and that's certainly part of it, but I think it more has to do with how the authors characterize the love between Holmes and Watson.
In Kissing Sherlock Holmes, Holmes and Watson are not lusting youths. They are grown men that a great love has fostered between as a result of long years of friendship and trust. I have always thought of Sherlock Holmes as an asexual. He shows no preference of women nor men and neither does he show desire of any sort of romantic or sexual interaction, and I feel in many ways that the Sherlock Holmes in this book expresses the same distance from sex. This relationship he has with Watson does not stem from a desire of sexual interaction but rather from the desire to bring his already substantial appreciation and love or his best friend one step further.
Regardless of my views of Sherlock Holmes' sexuality I would strongly recommend this book. The case is intriguing, the characters are delightfully written, and the love scenes are steamy while still being written with the same level of class Dr. John Watson always presents in his novels.
January 5, 2013
Quite possibly one of the worst books I ever managed to finish. It took me two months to get through all the purple prose and dead horse romance tropes and predictable plot twists, and in the end I think it was just bile fascination.
This book doesn't just fail at being a believable romance, or a believable mystery, or a believed Sherlock Holmes story. It just... fails. Falls flat on his face after a couple of pages and doesn't manage to get up. Ever.
Holmes and Watson are two lovesick puppies who'd rather spend the day cuddling and promising undying love to each other rather than catch a criminal. They bumble through the case, with Holmes failing every important deduction ever, but luckily the solution to the mystery falls in their laps. But it doesn't matter because Holmes managed to impress the ladies at dinner with his deductions about cellos and gardening, so he's a proper detective, see? And anyway there's no need for any genius sleuth when the culprit is so obvious, they might as well have a sign that says "Hate Me, I'm Evil!" on their back. Everyone talks as if they were in the 21st century (save for one kid plagued by phonetic spelling) and they go around doing all kind of things that would have a Victorian lady in a faint, calling strangers by their first names and forgetting to wear gloves at dinner.
The thing that left me most baffled was that several reviews and blurbs state that the authors have a great knowledge of the characters and the historical period. Let me ask: where and when and how was that apparent? It takes more than offhand mentions of a country manor and horses and "English house parties" to make a historical novel. Just take the dinner scene. The characters address each other in the wrong way, address the servants in the wrong way, talk about all the wrong subjects, act inappropriately, and are improperly dressed.
Unless you're looking for bad fiction, don't read this book. It's not even hilariously bad fiction, just terribly written.
This book doesn't just fail at being a believable romance, or a believable mystery, or a believed Sherlock Holmes story. It just... fails. Falls flat on his face after a couple of pages and doesn't manage to get up. Ever.
Holmes and Watson are two lovesick puppies who'd rather spend the day cuddling and promising undying love to each other rather than catch a criminal. They bumble through the case, with Holmes failing every important deduction ever, but luckily the solution to the mystery falls in their laps. But it doesn't matter because Holmes managed to impress the ladies at dinner with his deductions about cellos and gardening, so he's a proper detective, see? And anyway there's no need for any genius sleuth when the culprit is so obvious, they might as well have a sign that says "Hate Me, I'm Evil!" on their back. Everyone talks as if they were in the 21st century (save for one kid plagued by phonetic spelling) and they go around doing all kind of things that would have a Victorian lady in a faint, calling strangers by their first names and forgetting to wear gloves at dinner.
The thing that left me most baffled was that several reviews and blurbs state that the authors have a great knowledge of the characters and the historical period. Let me ask: where and when and how was that apparent? It takes more than offhand mentions of a country manor and horses and "English house parties" to make a historical novel. Just take the dinner scene. The characters address each other in the wrong way, address the servants in the wrong way, talk about all the wrong subjects, act inappropriately, and are improperly dressed.
Unless you're looking for bad fiction, don't read this book. It's not even hilariously bad fiction, just terribly written.
May 14, 2013
It happened again.
I was sucked in by a title.
I was lulled into reading a story by the book write up. It sounded interesting.
For my ABC Challenge, I needed a title that started with K to substitute for another that I found I could not read after discovering it was a 5th in a series and I had not read the 4th, and I did not understand what was going on after I started.
I looked at the other book titles on my TBR list and picked this one. I got online, purchased it, opened my Nook and started reading.
Chapter 1 starts on page 10. The story proceeded in a typical fashion like those written by AC Doyle - Watson going to meet Holmes about a case in the country. Then, Holmes announcing to Watson that he needed a best man, because he's going to be married. Wow! I'm, hooked. This is going to be good.
On page 24: "My dear Watson, how does one go about kissing a woman?" I am just grinning away and cannot wait to see how Watson is to go about explaining this!
On page 30, I almost fell out of my chair laughing!
On page 35, my heart learched and I had to go back to page 34 and re-read the conversation again. Page 37, I am breathing again, releived. Sweet but, weird.
Page 42, my head is pounding. I could not believe I was reading what was going on. This was not real. This could not happen. I dropped my Nook onto my desk. I felt cheated. This was not my Holmes and Watson!
It took me some time to get over the shock. I kept trying to convince myself I wanted to quit reading this book. I am an adult. I was curious. I kept reading.
.
What can I say now? I finished it. Some of the detective story was okay, but mostly meh. Some of the characters were pretty good, others not so much. The language was so laughable in so many places and so out of character (sic). It actually could have been better if "darling" and "my dear" had not been so over used. It ended. Well? LOL!!!
My last word. Check out the listing a little more carefully in GR and note how readers have classified the book you think you want to read a little more closely to avoid having a shock like I got.
I was sucked in by a title.
I was lulled into reading a story by the book write up. It sounded interesting.
For my ABC Challenge, I needed a title that started with K to substitute for another that I found I could not read after discovering it was a 5th in a series and I had not read the 4th, and I did not understand what was going on after I started.
I looked at the other book titles on my TBR list and picked this one. I got online, purchased it, opened my Nook and started reading.
Chapter 1 starts on page 10. The story proceeded in a typical fashion like those written by AC Doyle - Watson going to meet Holmes about a case in the country. Then, Holmes announcing to Watson that he needed a best man, because he's going to be married. Wow! I'm, hooked. This is going to be good.
On page 24: "My dear Watson, how does one go about kissing a woman?" I am just grinning away and cannot wait to see how Watson is to go about explaining this!
On page 30, I almost fell out of my chair laughing!
On page 35, my heart learched and I had to go back to page 34 and re-read the conversation again. Page 37, I am breathing again, releived. Sweet but, weird.
Page 42, my head is pounding. I could not believe I was reading what was going on. This was not real. This could not happen. I dropped my Nook onto my desk. I felt cheated. This was not my Holmes and Watson!
It took me some time to get over the shock. I kept trying to convince myself I wanted to quit reading this book. I am an adult. I was curious. I kept reading.
.
What can I say now? I finished it. Some of the detective story was okay, but mostly meh. Some of the characters were pretty good, others not so much. The language was so laughable in so many places and so out of character (sic). It actually could have been better if "darling" and "my dear" had not been so over used. It ended. Well? LOL!!!
My last word. Check out the listing a little more carefully in GR and note how readers have classified the book you think you want to read a little more closely to avoid having a shock like I got.
August 15, 2011
I'd give this one a 4.5.
Changing the classic Holmes and Watson into lovers was a unexpected but great idea. I loved the changes they made in their personalities to fit into the M/M genre. It showed the restraint needed for the historical era but also exhibited their creative flair.
I loved the characters. They still maintained the base of who they were while still exploring the change in their relationship and seeing Holmes become protective of Watson was great.
The attention to period detail, whether characters, locale or social status were well done. And the dialogue was witty, often making me chuckle.
I certainly wouldn't mind seeing the authors give new lovers Holmes and Watson another mystery to solve in the future. A trilogy might be nice.
Changing the classic Holmes and Watson into lovers was a unexpected but great idea. I loved the changes they made in their personalities to fit into the M/M genre. It showed the restraint needed for the historical era but also exhibited their creative flair.
I loved the characters. They still maintained the base of who they were while still exploring the change in their relationship and seeing Holmes become protective of Watson was great.
The attention to period detail, whether characters, locale or social status were well done. And the dialogue was witty, often making me chuckle.
I certainly wouldn't mind seeing the authors give new lovers Holmes and Watson another mystery to solve in the future. A trilogy might be nice.
August 2, 2011
The dialogue was witty and I found myself laughing at odd moments, very cleverly written, enjoyable mystery and a fun read. That first kiss? Lets just say, interesting!
August 5, 2016
I can only say... thank you T.D. McKinney. I've been a Sherlock Holmes fan since I was a kid. I guess that's why I have a hard time liking modern mysteries. They just don't always measure up. But this thoughtful, caring, and romantic telling of the first kiss between these long time friends was wonderfully written. I'll never read my Holmes and Watson again without thinking of this story and how much more enriching their friendship will become. I can only give this story 5 stars here, but it is on my six star favs list.
I enjoyed the writing so much I had to get some more from this writer, so I'm currently reading "Portrait of a Kiss" and it's turning out just as good as I'd hoped.
1st read - Oct 30, 2011
2nd read - Nov 18, 2012
3rd read - Jul 05, 2013
4th read - Jun 14, 2014
This second read was even better than the first. I was in the mood for some Sherlock Holmes so I watched a movie, then found the series Sherlock and watched that. The last show of the second season was Reichenbach Falls and we know how that ended. It was so sad, I just had to have something happy after that, so I pulled this up to give myself one of the happiest Holmes stories. I love Holmes but the true blue Dr. Watson has always been one of my favorite literary characters and in this story we see how much he meant to Sherlock and how much Sherlock always meant to him. Thank goodness for this happy ending!!!
Fourth reading - I guess no matter how many times I read and re-read this story, I always have more to say. I was reading some Sherlock Holmes this weekend as well as viewing the third season of "Sherlock" where he returns. Nothing tops off one of my Sherlock Holmes marathons better than a re-read of Kissing Sherlock Holmes. We've always known that Dr. Watson and Holmes have a high regard for each other, but when Watson's "demonstration" turns into more, we find that the regard they have for each other is so much deeper. This story is placed after Holmes return after his apparent death at Reichenbach, so they both know how much they missed each other during those years of separation. I also like that Watson is revealed as more worldly therefore not afraid to share his love for Sherlock. I find I can keep re-reading and always finding layers to this. But I guess what it boils down to is that I love Sherlock and John together and this story is the cherry on top of all the other Holmes/Watson writings.
I enjoyed the writing so much I had to get some more from this writer, so I'm currently reading "Portrait of a Kiss" and it's turning out just as good as I'd hoped.
1st read - Oct 30, 2011
2nd read - Nov 18, 2012
3rd read - Jul 05, 2013
4th read - Jun 14, 2014
This second read was even better than the first. I was in the mood for some Sherlock Holmes so I watched a movie, then found the series Sherlock and watched that. The last show of the second season was Reichenbach Falls and we know how that ended. It was so sad, I just had to have something happy after that, so I pulled this up to give myself one of the happiest Holmes stories. I love Holmes but the true blue Dr. Watson has always been one of my favorite literary characters and in this story we see how much he meant to Sherlock and how much Sherlock always meant to him. Thank goodness for this happy ending!!!
Fourth reading - I guess no matter how many times I read and re-read this story, I always have more to say. I was reading some Sherlock Holmes this weekend as well as viewing the third season of "Sherlock" where he returns. Nothing tops off one of my Sherlock Holmes marathons better than a re-read of Kissing Sherlock Holmes. We've always known that Dr. Watson and Holmes have a high regard for each other, but when Watson's "demonstration" turns into more, we find that the regard they have for each other is so much deeper. This story is placed after Holmes return after his apparent death at Reichenbach, so they both know how much they missed each other during those years of separation. I also like that Watson is revealed as more worldly therefore not afraid to share his love for Sherlock. I find I can keep re-reading and always finding layers to this. But I guess what it boils down to is that I love Sherlock and John together and this story is the cherry on top of all the other Holmes/Watson writings.
August 26, 2013
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. Loved the characters' "voice". Even though I immediately had the bad guy figured out, I still enjoyed the process Holmes took to reveal the mystery. I was a bit disappointed that there was no smexin' after the first 30% of the book (the beginning was HOT!)...although the story wouldn't have appropriately allowed for it. I still wanted more lovin' between Holmes and Watson.
July 3, 2012
Reviewed by Joe: I am a huge Holmes fan. I’ve read all the stories, seen all the movies. Holmes and Watson have given me much companionship on many nights so I was a little hesitant when I saw this title but also knew I had to pick it up and I was not disappointed in the least. McKinney and Wylis write with a grace and elegance that would make Doyle himself proud. It’s almost as if they channelled his creative spirit to create a wonderful tale that feels as if it’s a part of the official Holmes’ cannon.
The authors write with great respect for these beloved iconic characters and it was obvious that I was reading work by two fans. The language they used made me feel like I was reading a book that had been published during the 1800s, not a modern book that was trying to feel old fashioned which I loved.
I also cared deeply for Holmes and Watson and could relate to them. McKinney and Wylis have not written some kind of gay pornographic slash fantasy between the two characters but have rather created a world that show two men who are best friends, as close as brothers, and who love each other deeply and have started to question just what kind of love they have for each other.
So rather you are a dedicated Holmesaholic or are just curious about the great detective, I highly recommend that you pick up a copy.
A+
http://manohmanreviews.blogspot.ca/20...
The authors write with great respect for these beloved iconic characters and it was obvious that I was reading work by two fans. The language they used made me feel like I was reading a book that had been published during the 1800s, not a modern book that was trying to feel old fashioned which I loved.
I also cared deeply for Holmes and Watson and could relate to them. McKinney and Wylis have not written some kind of gay pornographic slash fantasy between the two characters but have rather created a world that show two men who are best friends, as close as brothers, and who love each other deeply and have started to question just what kind of love they have for each other.
So rather you are a dedicated Holmesaholic or are just curious about the great detective, I highly recommend that you pick up a copy.
A+
http://manohmanreviews.blogspot.ca/20...
November 2, 2011
3.5-4
This was a nice story! Understated British comes to mind.
Watson feels real in his narration of the story and it feels true to the time it is set in.
The mystery wasn't very mysterious to me, but I found it enjoyable anyway!
I would definitely read another one of Sherlock and Watson's adventures, and see the new aspect of their relationship developed.
This was a nice story! Understated British comes to mind.
Watson feels real in his narration of the story and it feels true to the time it is set in.
The mystery wasn't very mysterious to me, but I found it enjoyable anyway!
I would definitely read another one of Sherlock and Watson's adventures, and see the new aspect of their relationship developed.
September 17, 2011
It seems delightfully in character that Sherlock Holmes would launch this story by precipitating a change in his and Watson's relationship in the name of acquiring information. While Kissing Sherlock Holmes does not break new ground in assuming a homosexual attraction between them, TD McKinney and Terry Wylis do provide a sexually charged pastiche with a mystery to solve.
The mystery elements have a well-weighted share of page time: the problem is worthy of Sherlock Holmes' attention before Watson arrives at Toddington Oaks. Once he's there, the danger is no longer confined to treason and blackmail, but becomes personal when a freshly kissed Watson is repeatedly endangered. The culprit becomes evident far too early in the book, but there is a certain entertainment value to watching Holmes flounder around before he figures it out.
The authors pay attention to the late Victorian sensibilities very well at some times, though not so well at others. Holmes and Watson pay lip service to not being caught, but when they are found out by one person, Watson does not even contemplate the possible consequences, and not because they are too horrid to think about. The entire matter takes on the same social importance as spitting in the potted plants – it disappears entirely. The "whirlwind romance" of a few weeks from first meeting to wedding that Holmes and Winnifred are planning would have been a scandal; everyone would have assumed he'd gotten her pregnant with such a short engagement. Yet Holmes does play the stern male authority figure, putting her in her place when she steps out of the assigned female role.
The unfolding of Holmes and Watson's physical explorations is very sweetly done – they need to invent everything for themselves, every small touch is new and wondrous. The change in their relationship is marked with vast numbers of "darlings" and "dearests" which rather stepped on the sheer intimacy of Holmes using Watson's given name. I boggled at Watson using "darling" in front of another person, no matter how sympathetic that person was.
The language, "darlings" aside, matched the tone of Holmes canon nicely, and the ending was certainly the best that could be hoped for as far as the Toddingham family was concerned. The mystery was tragic in the classical sense, being made inevitable by the character's fatal flaw; I had sympathy for the villain, though to explain why is a spoiler. Some of the villainous behavior was just over the top, requiring a huge amount of collusion from other parties, and could have been dispensed with.
All in all, the joys of this well done pastiche outweigh the flaws: Kissing Sherlock Holmes is a good, solid read, and the prospect of Holmes and Watson's return to 221b Baker Street is a joyful one.
The mystery elements have a well-weighted share of page time: the problem is worthy of Sherlock Holmes' attention before Watson arrives at Toddington Oaks. Once he's there, the danger is no longer confined to treason and blackmail, but becomes personal when a freshly kissed Watson is repeatedly endangered. The culprit becomes evident far too early in the book, but there is a certain entertainment value to watching Holmes flounder around before he figures it out.
The authors pay attention to the late Victorian sensibilities very well at some times, though not so well at others. Holmes and Watson pay lip service to not being caught, but when they are found out by one person, Watson does not even contemplate the possible consequences, and not because they are too horrid to think about. The entire matter takes on the same social importance as spitting in the potted plants – it disappears entirely. The "whirlwind romance" of a few weeks from first meeting to wedding that Holmes and Winnifred are planning would have been a scandal; everyone would have assumed he'd gotten her pregnant with such a short engagement. Yet Holmes does play the stern male authority figure, putting her in her place when she steps out of the assigned female role.
The unfolding of Holmes and Watson's physical explorations is very sweetly done – they need to invent everything for themselves, every small touch is new and wondrous. The change in their relationship is marked with vast numbers of "darlings" and "dearests" which rather stepped on the sheer intimacy of Holmes using Watson's given name. I boggled at Watson using "darling" in front of another person, no matter how sympathetic that person was.
The language, "darlings" aside, matched the tone of Holmes canon nicely, and the ending was certainly the best that could be hoped for as far as the Toddingham family was concerned. The mystery was tragic in the classical sense, being made inevitable by the character's fatal flaw; I had sympathy for the villain, though to explain why is a spoiler. Some of the villainous behavior was just over the top, requiring a huge amount of collusion from other parties, and could have been dispensed with.
All in all, the joys of this well done pastiche outweigh the flaws: Kissing Sherlock Holmes is a good, solid read, and the prospect of Holmes and Watson's return to 221b Baker Street is a joyful one.
January 12, 2013
A very well written Sherlock-Holmes-Slash-Fiction.
The language and voice of Dr. Watson are well done, sound realistic and make for a very pleasant and interesting read. The romantic development between Holmes and Watson starts rather abruptly and only in some small flashbacks more of their backgrounds is explained.
The main crime plot was unfortunately very obvious from the very beginning - so much so that I doubted it exactly because of the obviousness. Still there were some interesting turns, although the main culprit was clear from the start imo.
I like the characterizations very much and especially Holmes and Watson were very likable and made for great MCs. The romance turns out rather sweet and not very explicit.
The language and voice of Dr. Watson are well done, sound realistic and make for a very pleasant and interesting read. The romantic development between Holmes and Watson starts rather abruptly and only in some small flashbacks more of their backgrounds is explained.
The main crime plot was unfortunately very obvious from the very beginning - so much so that I doubted it exactly because of the obviousness. Still there were some interesting turns, although the main culprit was clear from the start imo.
I like the characterizations very much and especially Holmes and Watson were very likable and made for great MCs. The romance turns out rather sweet and not very explicit.
October 9, 2011
Usually I try to avoid historical M/M romances. Usually they make me sad, cause those times were hard. But I decided to give a try and I don't regret :)
The investigation in old-style and easy romance in the background. Something like Agatha Christie's books, but with male-male love. I really like it. I was more interested in the mystery, than in a romance, and that means something ;) The 'crime part' was good. My only issuse, not enough of 'romance part', cause it's not part of series, so there's no place for deepen relationship. Too bad. All in all, really entertaining story.
The investigation in old-style and easy romance in the background. Something like Agatha Christie's books, but with male-male love. I really like it. I was more interested in the mystery, than in a romance, and that means something ;) The 'crime part' was good. My only issuse, not enough of 'romance part', cause it's not part of series, so there's no place for deepen relationship. Too bad. All in all, really entertaining story.
August 14, 2011
Whee!! We just got a 5-STAR review from BookWenches - http://www.bookwenches.com/august11re... - "If you are at all a fan of Sherlock Holmes and 221B Baker Street, then I highly recommend Kissing Sherlock Holmes. It is very well-written, highly absorbing and undeniably romantic."
January 19, 2011
Quinton Wolfe and Max Bowman (from “The Wolfe Proxy” , reviewed by Wave here) have been lovers for two years now, and the need to keep their relationship secret starts to get to them. As CEO of a big business concern, WolfeCorp, Quint is dependant on his investors’ money, and he’s afraid that coming out as a gay man will affect their interest and willingness to invest in his businesses. Quint has decided that the jobs and livelihoods of thousands of WolfeCorp’s employees outweigh his own need to live openly with Max, who he deems the love of his life. Although sculptor and artist Max agreed to this in the first place, he can’t help feeling overlooked, even more so since Quint is such a workaholic. Thus Max is more than happy to accompany Quint to the opening of a new WolfeCorp plant in a small town in Alabama, since he’s looking forward to at least a few hours of alone time with Quint.
Arriving at their destination, they find to their unexpected pleasure that their hotel isn’t only gay friendly, but seems populated with gay men. Even the architect in charge of Quint’s new plant, Cameron, turns out to be gay, introducing them to the man he plans to have a commitment ceremony with in the near future, Bolt. Their landlord, David, is also married to a man, although his husband, Brian, happens to be a ghost who only Max can see, but Quint cannot.
Well, it’s a delightful surprise for Max. At first depressed and frustrated about the need to keep his love for Quint under the radar, Max flourishes in the company of the other openly gay couples. The afternoon he spends with Bolt, in particular, brings new hope of a better future with Quint to him, since Bolt is an active DEA agent, obviously accepted among his fellow law enforcers despite his unashamed openness about his sexual preferences. Nevertheless, Bolt is also stunningly attractive, which doesn’t sit too well with Quint, whose jealousy and possessiveness are woken by the growing friendship between Max and Bolt.
I liked the way Quint slowly came to open his eyes to the most important things in his life. The other couples’ examples go a long way to show Quint that it is Max who really matters to him; Max’s own insistence and ultimately, Max’s accident are only the last straw. Max, on the other hand, could have come across as pathetic, but he didn’t; he’s a man in love who puts up with adverse conditions in order to be with the one he loves and ultimately, gets rewarded for his patience. Both men were endearing, well-rounded characters whose only fault might be that they appeared, at times, better than life, especially Max.
The same could be said about the secondary cast, although every one of them was a person in their own right. Both couples, Cameron and Bolt as well as Brian and David starred in their own stories in earlier instalments of the “Southern Beaus” series. It was a pleasure to meet them again, watching them interact with Max and Quint, ultimately contributing to the main couple’s HEA. There’s enough background information on either of them that Tensaw Blues can be read as a standalone, although it doesn’t hurt to know the other books.
Although this book is labeled “suspense/ mystery”, the actual mystery takes a backseat to Quint’s and Max’s relationship. Even so, there’s a considerable amount of action. The “showdown”, in particular, is very well-crafted and really exciting.
Tensaw Blues is a solid piece of skillfully cooked-up entertainment, funny, enticing, with a liberal sprinkling of suspenseful action and laced with sweet and passionate eroticism. I can recommend it.
Full review and comments at www.reviewsbyjessewave.com
Arriving at their destination, they find to their unexpected pleasure that their hotel isn’t only gay friendly, but seems populated with gay men. Even the architect in charge of Quint’s new plant, Cameron, turns out to be gay, introducing them to the man he plans to have a commitment ceremony with in the near future, Bolt. Their landlord, David, is also married to a man, although his husband, Brian, happens to be a ghost who only Max can see, but Quint cannot.
Well, it’s a delightful surprise for Max. At first depressed and frustrated about the need to keep his love for Quint under the radar, Max flourishes in the company of the other openly gay couples. The afternoon he spends with Bolt, in particular, brings new hope of a better future with Quint to him, since Bolt is an active DEA agent, obviously accepted among his fellow law enforcers despite his unashamed openness about his sexual preferences. Nevertheless, Bolt is also stunningly attractive, which doesn’t sit too well with Quint, whose jealousy and possessiveness are woken by the growing friendship between Max and Bolt.
I liked the way Quint slowly came to open his eyes to the most important things in his life. The other couples’ examples go a long way to show Quint that it is Max who really matters to him; Max’s own insistence and ultimately, Max’s accident are only the last straw. Max, on the other hand, could have come across as pathetic, but he didn’t; he’s a man in love who puts up with adverse conditions in order to be with the one he loves and ultimately, gets rewarded for his patience. Both men were endearing, well-rounded characters whose only fault might be that they appeared, at times, better than life, especially Max.
The same could be said about the secondary cast, although every one of them was a person in their own right. Both couples, Cameron and Bolt as well as Brian and David starred in their own stories in earlier instalments of the “Southern Beaus” series. It was a pleasure to meet them again, watching them interact with Max and Quint, ultimately contributing to the main couple’s HEA. There’s enough background information on either of them that Tensaw Blues can be read as a standalone, although it doesn’t hurt to know the other books.
Although this book is labeled “suspense/ mystery”, the actual mystery takes a backseat to Quint’s and Max’s relationship. Even so, there’s a considerable amount of action. The “showdown”, in particular, is very well-crafted and really exciting.
Tensaw Blues is a solid piece of skillfully cooked-up entertainment, funny, enticing, with a liberal sprinkling of suspenseful action and laced with sweet and passionate eroticism. I can recommend it.
Full review and comments at www.reviewsbyjessewave.com
April 5, 2012
GoodReads should really allow half-start ratings, because while this isn't a 4-star book, it's a bit better than a 3-star book.
Anyway, it's another short but enjoyable pastiche of the Holmes stories, and like My Dearest Holmes , views the Holmes-Watson relationship under a romantic lens. Unlike My Dearest Holmes, however, which was very introspective, very bleak and mostly pining, Kissing Sherlock Holmes is more upbeat, pining limited to the first chapter and there was certainly a lot of kissing, to say nothing of the endearments uttered. I also liked McKinney and Wylis's Watson a lot more than I liked Piercy's.
However, the does use a lot of the tropes you'd trip over in the Holmes fanfiction world. Kissing lessons for a case, for example, is the instigator for Watson and Holmes to realise that hey, they're madly in love with each other. Hurting Watson to see Holmes have ~feelings is another one. I won't go on, since I'll give away a lot of the book. They are carried off well, though.
The mystery that Holmes is trying to solve – identifying a spy and blackmailer – is really secondary to the story. I got the sense that Holmes was pushed towards the revelation of the spy, rather than being, well, Sherlock Holmes and deducing it. I also suspected the identity of the spy very early on, and yep, I was proved right. When Holmes finally realises who the spy is, he then spouts off his reasoning that makes it pretty clear he should have seen it long before.
Kissing Sherlock Holmes is not a strong book – the mystery is secondary, the romance uses a lot of tropes – but it is an enjoyable read.
Anyway, it's another short but enjoyable pastiche of the Holmes stories, and like My Dearest Holmes , views the Holmes-Watson relationship under a romantic lens. Unlike My Dearest Holmes, however, which was very introspective, very bleak and mostly pining, Kissing Sherlock Holmes is more upbeat, pining limited to the first chapter and there was certainly a lot of kissing, to say nothing of the endearments uttered. I also liked McKinney and Wylis's Watson a lot more than I liked Piercy's.
However, the does use a lot of the tropes you'd trip over in the Holmes fanfiction world. Kissing lessons for a case, for example, is the instigator for Watson and Holmes to realise that hey, they're madly in love with each other. Hurting Watson to see Holmes have ~feelings is another one. I won't go on, since I'll give away a lot of the book. They are carried off well, though.
The mystery that Holmes is trying to solve – identifying a spy and blackmailer – is really secondary to the story. I got the sense that Holmes was pushed towards the revelation of the spy, rather than being, well, Sherlock Holmes and deducing it. I also suspected the identity of the spy very early on, and yep, I was proved right. When Holmes finally realises who the spy is, he then spouts off his reasoning that makes it pretty clear he should have seen it long before.
Kissing Sherlock Holmes is not a strong book – the mystery is secondary, the romance uses a lot of tropes – but it is an enjoyable read.
August 29, 2011
I was never a Sherlock Holmes fan - like I have read NONE of the books/stories and I was bored out of my mind when the old Basil Rathbone movies were on WGN Family Classics when I was a kid, so I didn't go into this with any preconceived notions - which might be good. Anyway, I sort of know the deal with Holmes and Watson, but not more than passing stuff that everybody knows. So whether that is an advantage or a disadvantage to reading this book, I'll let the reader decide.
Anyway, I rather liked the book. Certainly the language seemed definitely true to the period as well as the discussion of the English class system, the issues of gender roles, etc. Frankly I didn't get caught up in all the discussion between Holmes and Watson about what I've subsequently learned is basically the stuff of two of the stories that apparently occur before and after a haitus of writing for Doyle. Anyway - it didn't really interfere with the story for me - I was away from my computer when I was reading and couldn't be bothered to stop to go and look it all up.
I was kind of surprised that the story took up a budding physical relationship for Holmes and Watson so early in the story - since I really wasn't expecting it. Immediately jumping into the change in their relationship worked out OK though as the mystery had already been set in motion before Watson's arrival. Even though I figured out the true villain fairly early on, I still enjoyed the twists and turns of the tale. I also liked the ending and how Holmes handled the aftermath. Overall an easy and enjoyable read.
I've read a couple of other works by these authors and liked them as well and I have a few more in my TBR pile that I also need to read.
Anyway, I rather liked the book. Certainly the language seemed definitely true to the period as well as the discussion of the English class system, the issues of gender roles, etc. Frankly I didn't get caught up in all the discussion between Holmes and Watson about what I've subsequently learned is basically the stuff of two of the stories that apparently occur before and after a haitus of writing for Doyle. Anyway - it didn't really interfere with the story for me - I was away from my computer when I was reading and couldn't be bothered to stop to go and look it all up.
I was kind of surprised that the story took up a budding physical relationship for Holmes and Watson so early in the story - since I really wasn't expecting it. Immediately jumping into the change in their relationship worked out OK though as the mystery had already been set in motion before Watson's arrival. Even though I figured out the true villain fairly early on, I still enjoyed the twists and turns of the tale. I also liked the ending and how Holmes handled the aftermath. Overall an easy and enjoyable read.
I've read a couple of other works by these authors and liked them as well and I have a few more in my TBR pile that I also need to read.
December 25, 2011
If you, like me, watched the current Sherlock Holmes films, or are a fan of the ACD canon or the modern BBC series, and during which asked yourself of Holmes and Watson: “When are they going to kiss?” then you will truly enjoy this decadent little Holmes pastiche!
Kissing Sherlock Holmes does a good job of taking the characters of the Holmes ‘verse and creates an entertaining mystery tale sprinkled with bedroom dalliances as the (b)romance between Holmes and Watson becomes more intimate. Even though this story is a take on the books, it is not so immersed in the canon that those who have not read any of the books could not follow; and, those wishing to imagine the characters from the films or TV series could do so easily.
If you're expecting graphic love making scenes with little plot then you may not enjoy this. Not that the sex scenes lacked descriptiveness, but they flowed with the style of the book. So expect something you may read in a risqué Victorian tale enjoyed by those frequenting Cleveland Street in 1800’s London or blushing noble ladies in private.
One complaint I do have would be that the mystery was far too easy to solve. After reading about one third of the book, I already knew who the traitor was. Not a difficult task if you are observant to the way characters are described. However, that was minor and if you wish to see Sherlock having it off with his dear Watson (or Watson having his dear Sherlock in this book’s case), then do not hesitate to read it!
Kissing Sherlock Holmes does a good job of taking the characters of the Holmes ‘verse and creates an entertaining mystery tale sprinkled with bedroom dalliances as the (b)romance between Holmes and Watson becomes more intimate. Even though this story is a take on the books, it is not so immersed in the canon that those who have not read any of the books could not follow; and, those wishing to imagine the characters from the films or TV series could do so easily.
If you're expecting graphic love making scenes with little plot then you may not enjoy this. Not that the sex scenes lacked descriptiveness, but they flowed with the style of the book. So expect something you may read in a risqué Victorian tale enjoyed by those frequenting Cleveland Street in 1800’s London or blushing noble ladies in private.
One complaint I do have would be that the mystery was far too easy to solve. After reading about one third of the book, I already knew who the traitor was. Not a difficult task if you are observant to the way characters are described. However, that was minor and if you wish to see Sherlock having it off with his dear Watson (or Watson having his dear Sherlock in this book’s case), then do not hesitate to read it!
October 23, 2013
I first heard of this book when my obsession with Sherlock Holmes was extremely high. I had just seen Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows and was anxious to get my hands on anything with them in it or at least anything "Victorian-esque." I already loved the 1st movie and the Victorian era before seeing the 2nd film. Actually, I had planned on reading some Sherlock Holmes in the past along with learning to play chess but A Game of Shadows pushed it to the front of my list of things I love and must read/do NOW. I bought the complete Sherlock Holmes collection from Barnes and Noble and read ALOT of Holmes/Watson fanfiction, which I tended to look down on before. Ha! How wrong I was...
But I'm rambling! Here's the book review:
It was really well written! I felt I was watching a little snippet of this exciting life in the late 1800s.
As far as plot goes, it was so-so but interactions between Holmes and Watson made up for it. I was actually surprised that the book ended so quickly (or maybe I was just enjoying it too much).
Also, I have to give 5-stars on how their first kiss played out. Whew! My eyes were glued.
The only down-side was how further along in the book, after the reader knows the love that Watson and Holmes share is genuinely real, the conversations between the two seemed a bit overly sentimental but that was just a minor thing and didn't take anything else away from...well anything else!
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and would love to read more.
But I'm rambling! Here's the book review:
It was really well written! I felt I was watching a little snippet of this exciting life in the late 1800s.
As far as plot goes, it was so-so but interactions between Holmes and Watson made up for it. I was actually surprised that the book ended so quickly (or maybe I was just enjoying it too much).
Also, I have to give 5-stars on how their first kiss played out. Whew! My eyes were glued.
The only down-side was how further along in the book, after the reader knows the love that Watson and Holmes share is genuinely real, the conversations between the two seemed a bit overly sentimental but that was just a minor thing and didn't take anything else away from...well anything else!
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and would love to read more.
September 13, 2011
This was a relatively easygoing story. The angst level was fairly low – virtually non-existent between the main characters whose intimate relationship was established very early. The “mystery” element to the book (i.e., the case that Sherlock was trying to solve) added some intrigue and angst when Watson gets inadvertently caught in the proverbial crosshairs of the perpetrator, but wasn’t too difficult to figure out the “whodunit” part. It was a little challenging to keep track of some of the characters when at times they were referred to by their title and other times by their given names. I’m not a major history buff, but the period references seemed fairly authentic as did some of the dialogue between Watson and Holmes.
All in, I enjoyed the book. I’ve read several pieces by this writing duo and really like their style. I do tend to enjoy contemporaries more than historicals, so a historical romance usually has to have some really unique element to bump up my interest level for rating purposes. Granted, a non-traditional twist on Sherlock Holmes probably qualifies as unique from a plot perspective, but not quite enough. So why bother reading historicals if they are not really my thing? Well, I was assigned this book as part of a monthly reading challenge, and I’ll give anything a whirl under that context. So, I keep trying. I like diversity and you never know when you’ll discover a hidden gem when you least expect it!
All in, I enjoyed the book. I’ve read several pieces by this writing duo and really like their style. I do tend to enjoy contemporaries more than historicals, so a historical romance usually has to have some really unique element to bump up my interest level for rating purposes. Granted, a non-traditional twist on Sherlock Holmes probably qualifies as unique from a plot perspective, but not quite enough. So why bother reading historicals if they are not really my thing? Well, I was assigned this book as part of a monthly reading challenge, and I’ll give anything a whirl under that context. So, I keep trying. I like diversity and you never know when you’ll discover a hidden gem when you least expect it!
October 13, 2024
This was EXACTLY the book I was hoping for when I bought it.
A Sherlock Holmes novel was the very first m/m book I ever read, over 20 years ago now. There aren't enough of them.
That said, this book was perfect for me. The relationship was picked up from canon and just expanded into twoo wuv . The two men weren't horrifically OOC, I could so see ACD's originals in them. There was just enough plot to keep me interested (I'm a total plot whore and will take plot over sex ) I did guess whoodunit, but there was still enough doubt that I was kept from being positive. I like many of the secondary characters, including one of the female characters who was outstanding.
Authors, please please please write a sequel picking up from the hints in the last chapter (if you read, you will know what I mean)
LOVE!
LOVE LOVE LOVE
LOVE!
A Sherlock Holmes novel was the very first m/m book I ever read, over 20 years ago now. There aren't enough of them.
That said, this book was perfect for me. The relationship was picked up from canon and just expanded into twoo wuv . The two men weren't horrifically OOC, I could so see ACD's originals in them. There was just enough plot to keep me interested (I'm a total plot whore and will take plot over sex ) I did guess whoodunit, but there was still enough doubt that I was kept from being positive. I like many of the secondary characters, including one of the female characters who was outstanding.
Authors, please please please write a sequel picking up from the hints in the last chapter (if you read, you will know what I mean)
LOVE!
LOVE LOVE LOVE
LOVE!
November 12, 2010
I really like this story!! Quint and Max travel Bay Mignon, Alabama for the opening of a Plant talked about in "The Wolfe Proxy" (2nd in series).
And they meet David and Brian from "Portrait Of A Kiss" and Cam and Bolt from "Copperhead Road". They stay at David's Inn and Cam works for Quint, so they all are in the whole story.
I like that they were all together in this story along with other characters from the town (read about in the other books) they don't take the story away from Quint and Max, but add to it, and help them along the way.
IMO, I think it's best to read the first 3 in this series first. You don't have to, but it will help to understand all the people in this book. (especially Brian) and the whole town.
And they meet David and Brian from "Portrait Of A Kiss" and Cam and Bolt from "Copperhead Road". They stay at David's Inn and Cam works for Quint, so they all are in the whole story.
I like that they were all together in this story along with other characters from the town (read about in the other books) they don't take the story away from Quint and Max, but add to it, and help them along the way.
IMO, I think it's best to read the first 3 in this series first. You don't have to, but it will help to understand all the people in this book. (especially Brian) and the whole town.
August 5, 2011
4.5 stars
It's not a full 5 stars imo because the book is a romance/mystery novel and I guessed who the spy/villain was early on from those hateful looks and what happened with Jack.
Aside from that I loved the book. The romance between Holmes and Watson felt real and I would definitely read more books with them as a couple instead of just friends.
It's not a full 5 stars imo because the book is a romance/mystery novel and I guessed who the spy/villain was early on from those hateful looks and what happened with Jack.
Aside from that I loved the book. The romance between Holmes and Watson felt real and I would definitely read more books with them as a couple instead of just friends.
November 4, 2012
A decent mystery, but one the reader can solve very quickly without much help from H and W. Characterization mediocre-- very flowery, not too convincing. As a consumer of H/W fanfiction, which this decidedly is, I know that there is better stuff on the internet for free. A fun read, all the same.
October 12, 2012
The authors really captured Sir Conan Doyle's style, although Holmes and Watson were slightly out of character, and the mystery was easy to unravel, which knocked one star off the rating. However, the romance had the right amount of heat, and there were a couple of twists in the plot that were amusing. I hope there will be a sequel.
August 2, 2011
4,5 stars... I love old-fashioned detective stories. And SH is one of my favourite detectives of all times. Whole book is really good. I would like some longer epiloq in the end but all and all it was fantastic.
February 28, 2015
Aww, I thought that was one of the most charming, well written and entertaining things!
Ever.
Those characters! Endearing as hell. And the mystery. Aarrrgh.
I LOVED IT so hard.
Ever.
Those characters! Endearing as hell. And the mystery. Aarrrgh.
I LOVED IT so hard.
May 27, 2020
dnf 5%
واتسون يقول انه شيرلوك كاره للنساء وميسوجيني وما مستوعب ليش قرر يتزوج فجأة، وشيرلوك يقول انه ما يثق أبداً بالنساء فالعادة ...لانه مثل ما قال واتسون ...كاره للنساء وميسوجيني ......معرف بالضبط من اقنع اللي يكتبون بيال انه القيز فالكتاب لازم يكون عندهم فوبيا وكره للنساء ؟؟؟؟؟ مافي رابط بين الرغبة الجنسية والاحترام يا ناس+ما اسمح لأحد يخرب شخصيتي المفضلة علشان رومنس غبي! شيرلوك يحترم الجنسين بنفس القدر(اللي هو صفر لانه ما يعرف كيف يحترم البشر بشكل عام بس ذا افضل من انه يكون ذكوري لعين)
واتسون يقول انه شيرلوك كاره للنساء وميسوجيني وما مستوعب ليش قرر يتزوج فجأة، وشيرلوك يقول انه ما يثق أبداً بالنساء فالعادة ...لانه مثل ما قال واتسون ...كاره للنساء وميسوجيني ......معرف بالضبط من اقنع اللي يكتبون بيال انه القيز فالكتاب لازم يكون عندهم فوبيا وكره للنساء ؟؟؟؟؟ مافي رابط بين الرغبة الجنسية والاحترام يا ناس+ما اسمح لأحد يخرب شخصيتي المفضلة علشان رومنس غبي! شيرلوك يحترم الجنسين بنفس القدر(اللي هو صفر لانه ما يعرف كيف يحترم البشر بشكل عام بس ذا افضل من انه يكون ذكوري لعين)
January 5, 2012
Originally posted on Joyfully Reviewed: http://www.joyfullyreviewed.com/new-r...
When Doctor John Watson arrives in Toddington Oaks, he isn’t shocked to find that his closest friend, Sherlock Holmes, is on a case. Watson is, however, startled to learn that Holmes is planning to marry. Yet Holmes’s impending nuptials have nothing on the famous detective’s biggest surprise: the revelation that his feelings for Watson are far more intimate than he’s ever let on. Watson himself has hidden his desire for Holmes, so discovering that his feelings are returned make him want to leave the countryside and return to Baker Street immediately so that the two of them may explore the boundaries of their altered relationship in privacy. Sadly, neither Holmes nor Watson can ignore the case of the spy in Toddington Oaks. But as the pair hunt the traitor in their midst their newfound relationship may be cut short – for someone is out to kill Watson.
One of literature’s most famous friendships is taken to the next level in Kissing Sherlock Holmes. T. D. McKinney and Terry Wylis capture the tone and feel of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s beloved characters, which was a true delight for me. The story of Watson and Holmes going from friends to lovers was what initially attracted me to Kissing Sherlock Holmes. But although the Holmes-Watson love story is what captured my interest, it was the intrigue of the spy storyline that truly made Kissing Sherlock Holmes exciting. Though the book’s villain was glaringly obvious (to me), I nevertheless enjoyed the mounting sense of danger Mses. McKinney and Wylis’ brought to the page as Watson and Holmes searched for clues as to the spy’s identity. Kissing Sherlock Holmes starts off at a leisurely pace, but with the help of the non-romantic plotline, it picks up steam as it goes along, ending with a most satisfying conclusion. All in all, Kissing Sherlock Holmes was an entertaining read and I still smile to think of how they managed to romantically entangle the infamous Sherlock Holmes and his esteemed partner, Doctor Watson.
When Doctor John Watson arrives in Toddington Oaks, he isn’t shocked to find that his closest friend, Sherlock Holmes, is on a case. Watson is, however, startled to learn that Holmes is planning to marry. Yet Holmes’s impending nuptials have nothing on the famous detective’s biggest surprise: the revelation that his feelings for Watson are far more intimate than he’s ever let on. Watson himself has hidden his desire for Holmes, so discovering that his feelings are returned make him want to leave the countryside and return to Baker Street immediately so that the two of them may explore the boundaries of their altered relationship in privacy. Sadly, neither Holmes nor Watson can ignore the case of the spy in Toddington Oaks. But as the pair hunt the traitor in their midst their newfound relationship may be cut short – for someone is out to kill Watson.
One of literature’s most famous friendships is taken to the next level in Kissing Sherlock Holmes. T. D. McKinney and Terry Wylis capture the tone and feel of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s beloved characters, which was a true delight for me. The story of Watson and Holmes going from friends to lovers was what initially attracted me to Kissing Sherlock Holmes. But although the Holmes-Watson love story is what captured my interest, it was the intrigue of the spy storyline that truly made Kissing Sherlock Holmes exciting. Though the book’s villain was glaringly obvious (to me), I nevertheless enjoyed the mounting sense of danger Mses. McKinney and Wylis’ brought to the page as Watson and Holmes searched for clues as to the spy’s identity. Kissing Sherlock Holmes starts off at a leisurely pace, but with the help of the non-romantic plotline, it picks up steam as it goes along, ending with a most satisfying conclusion. All in all, Kissing Sherlock Holmes was an entertaining read and I still smile to think of how they managed to romantically entangle the infamous Sherlock Holmes and his esteemed partner, Doctor Watson.
July 27, 2012
Full review here: http://wordwearyreviews.wordpress.com...
Oh, how I wanted to love this novel. After all, it’s not as if I have terribly high standards for romance novels. Let alone erotic romance novels. Let alone gay erotic romance novels written by presumably heterosexual women. From such novels, I require only a believable relationship between the two protagonists, some semblance of a plot beyond the main relationship, and prose that doesn’t make me vomit. Really, by all rights, I should have loved Kissing Sherlock Holmes. I need no elaborate proof of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson’s eternal love for one another, and I found the title charming despite the danger of seeming trite (Kissing Jessica Stein, Kissing Kate, etc.). What’s more, the premise really is adorable and all too believable. I can imagine Sherlock asking how to kiss a woman, John providing a demonstration, and the result being something more than John had bargained for. Really. It shouldn’t have been difficult for this novel to render me incoherent in my fangirling.
But it didn’t. Quite the opposite. In fact, I’ve awarded Kissing Sherlock Holmes one pipe for the very reason that it failed so dismally at what should have been an astonishingly easy task. And that, dear reader, takes an abysmal sort of talent.
What do I really want from a Holmes novel? A mystery; a real honest-to-god mystery, not a paper-thin plot an idiot could deduce two pages in. A Sherlock who expresses sentiment sparingly but genius frequently. And, nine times out of ten, a good romp around London. Kissing Sherlock Holmes has none of that. I can forgive the lack of London, but not idiot-in-love Sherlock and the stupidly simple case he can’t seem to solve.
Oh, how I wanted to love this novel. After all, it’s not as if I have terribly high standards for romance novels. Let alone erotic romance novels. Let alone gay erotic romance novels written by presumably heterosexual women. From such novels, I require only a believable relationship between the two protagonists, some semblance of a plot beyond the main relationship, and prose that doesn’t make me vomit. Really, by all rights, I should have loved Kissing Sherlock Holmes. I need no elaborate proof of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson’s eternal love for one another, and I found the title charming despite the danger of seeming trite (Kissing Jessica Stein, Kissing Kate, etc.). What’s more, the premise really is adorable and all too believable. I can imagine Sherlock asking how to kiss a woman, John providing a demonstration, and the result being something more than John had bargained for. Really. It shouldn’t have been difficult for this novel to render me incoherent in my fangirling.
But it didn’t. Quite the opposite. In fact, I’ve awarded Kissing Sherlock Holmes one pipe for the very reason that it failed so dismally at what should have been an astonishingly easy task. And that, dear reader, takes an abysmal sort of talent.
What do I really want from a Holmes novel? A mystery; a real honest-to-god mystery, not a paper-thin plot an idiot could deduce two pages in. A Sherlock who expresses sentiment sparingly but genius frequently. And, nine times out of ten, a good romp around London. Kissing Sherlock Holmes has none of that. I can forgive the lack of London, but not idiot-in-love Sherlock and the stupidly simple case he can’t seem to solve.
February 29, 2016
Not what I was expecting. I was thinking it would be glorified fanfic with a dash of male on male erotica and nod or so a case here and there. In fact in was a perfect balance of case and Hotson. It wasn't a Hotson "case fic", it was better. The case was lightly sprinkled with Hotson, but it was perfect this way. After all the book is titled Kissing Sherlock Holmes, not snagging Sherlock Holmes.
I am not a Hotson/Johnlock shipper. I believe in their friendship. There are elements of it that reflect my real life relations with my best friends, and to romantically ship these two characters is equal to shipping myself with my best friend, whom I have no desire to be in the pants of. . .
There were a few disappointments which didn't outweigh the fact that the book exceeded my initial expectations.
Winnie was a disappointment. Another power woman who's only weakness was her love for a man, and her jealously of the other attachments he makes. Her death seemed rather convenient, as not only did it tie up a lot of loose ends, but stopped questioned being answered, and got Holmes out of a rather tricky situation. She almost got away with murder and espionage. . .
The plot and the "twist" especially was obvious. I found myself not being as shocked as Sherlock!
But overall it was an enjoyable read.
I am not a Hotson/Johnlock shipper. I believe in their friendship. There are elements of it that reflect my real life relations with my best friends, and to romantically ship these two characters is equal to shipping myself with my best friend, whom I have no desire to be in the pants of. . .
There were a few disappointments which didn't outweigh the fact that the book exceeded my initial expectations.
Winnie was a disappointment. Another power woman who's only weakness was her love for a man, and her jealously of the other attachments he makes. Her death seemed rather convenient, as not only did it tie up a lot of loose ends, but stopped questioned being answered, and got Holmes out of a rather tricky situation. She almost got away with murder and espionage. . .
The plot and the "twist" especially was obvious. I found myself not being as shocked as Sherlock!
But overall it was an enjoyable read.
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