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Learning to Samba
After traveling through Europe trying to recover from a loss, reclusive romance novelist Brian Oliver returns to his childhood home in order to find himself and re-establish a severed relationship with his sister. What he unexpectedly discovers, however, is that even an old dog like him can still learn new tricks. Especially if the one teaching is João da Silva, a 25-year-old Brazilian hot-ass with a major thing for Daddies.
Brian soon realizes that with forgiveness and acceptance comes great emotional freedom if he and João can rekindle the deep and burning lust for life he’d once had. Do love, sex, and passion have an expiration date, or can Brian Learn to Samba?
Brian soon realizes that with forgiveness and acceptance comes great emotional freedom if he and João can rekindle the deep and burning lust for life he’d once had. Do love, sex, and passion have an expiration date, or can Brian Learn to Samba?
203 pages, ebook
First published August 16, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
dnf
November 26, 2011Even with a COOL Brazilian character 
I didn't finish it, but I would certainly recommend it!
The positive aspects of this book
The age gap João, Brasilian and 25 and Brian USA citizen and 48 yeard old are the main characters. I must admit I was VERY enthusiast because I like, and rarely find, good age gap stories.
The kinky side of Brian reeeeeeeeeeeeeally made me sweat! Oh! SOOOOO GOOD! He is older than João, so find a older character submission to a younger is HOT!
The sad past of Brian broken my heart... even is I have no idea if I should add it in the positive or negative part of my review. Sometimes his "talks" with his deceased partner were not good placed... let's say, when he was with João I would love to read him full committed to the present, not "asking permission" to his ex partner while kissing João.
As a Brazilian I can say João is VERY realistic and is an almost perfect character! Why almost? Read my first statement of the negative aspects.
It was a pleasurable reading! because there is Brian's family too in this story, and I like his sister and the kids.
And now... unfortunately the reasons that made me stop read
João delude me, as a doctor. Ok, so maybe it's a sort of spoiler, but not to much, if I say there is a BJ scene in the middle of the night, on the streets. It was GOOD! I swear I like it a lot, because I was really in love with Brian and João... but then, I realize something. João, an infectologist, working in a infective facility, with a hell of a knowledge about risks so why did he forget it? A BJ in the streets, without protection?
No, I'm not one of those readers bitching about non protected sex in books. It' s book, a fiction, it's ok. The writer is not doing propaganda of non protect sex... it's not that... the fact is, it's not right, to the character. Just that. As an infectologist it's so damn wrong, what he did, exposing Brian to MANY infective diseases. Chlamydia, human papillomavirus (HPV), gonorrhea, herpes, hepatitis (multiple strains), and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) (there is still controversy about AIDS) can be transmitted through oral sex. And guys, this info I'm taking from wikipedia, if I grab one of the medical books from my work I think people would scream and cry... so well, it's not right, an infectologist, aka João, didn't caring about his partner.
The second reason that made me put it down is the use of some works, like "sphincter" or too many strange phrases about the Brian's hole... wait! hey, can I say hole in a review? Sorry if I can't but well it's true... to vivace to my view... it freak me out
I didn't finish it, but I would certainly recommend it!The positive aspects of this book
The age gap João, Brasilian and 25 and Brian USA citizen and 48 yeard old are the main characters. I must admit I was VERY enthusiast because I like, and rarely find, good age gap stories.
The kinky side of Brian reeeeeeeeeeeeeally made me sweat! Oh! SOOOOO GOOD! He is older than João, so find a older character submission to a younger is HOT!
The sad past of Brian broken my heart... even is I have no idea if I should add it in the positive or negative part of my review. Sometimes his "talks" with his deceased partner were not good placed... let's say, when he was with João I would love to read him full committed to the present, not "asking permission" to his ex partner while kissing João.
As a Brazilian I can say João is VERY realistic and is an almost perfect character! Why almost? Read my first statement of the negative aspects.
It was a pleasurable reading! because there is Brian's family too in this story, and I like his sister and the kids.
And now... unfortunately the reasons that made me stop read
João delude me, as a doctor. Ok, so maybe it's a sort of spoiler, but not to much, if I say there is a BJ scene in the middle of the night, on the streets. It was GOOD! I swear I like it a lot, because I was really in love with Brian and João... but then, I realize something. João, an infectologist, working in a infective facility, with a hell of a knowledge about risks so why did he forget it? A BJ in the streets, without protection?
No, I'm not one of those readers bitching about non protected sex in books. It' s book, a fiction, it's ok. The writer is not doing propaganda of non protect sex... it's not that... the fact is, it's not right, to the character. Just that. As an infectologist it's so damn wrong, what he did, exposing Brian to MANY infective diseases. Chlamydia, human papillomavirus (HPV), gonorrhea, herpes, hepatitis (multiple strains), and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) (there is still controversy about AIDS) can be transmitted through oral sex. And guys, this info I'm taking from wikipedia, if I grab one of the medical books from my work I think people would scream and cry... so well, it's not right, an infectologist, aka João, didn't caring about his partner.
The second reason that made me put it down is the use of some works, like "sphincter" or too many strange phrases about the Brian's hole... wait! hey, can I say hole in a review? Sorry if I can't but well it's true... to vivace to my view... it freak me out
"My hole puckered in reaction, twitching and spasming as if with a mind all its own"
So, I can't give an evaluation because I didn't finish it. I think most of the problems were very personal, so if someone ask me I would recommend this book. It's good, not kidding, but it's not for me.
September 17, 2011
This review was originally written for The Romance Reviews and can also be found there.
This is another age gap story where the younger man bravely takes the lead and the older one has a rather kinky side to him. The age difference in this one was more than noticeable but the guys didn't let that stop them and they still had their happy ending.
Brian comes home after seven years of absence where he traveled through Europe, trying to make peace with the loss of his partner, Joshua. When he familiarizes himself again with the streets of New York and finally comes to the house where he grew up, his sister is not the first person he sees.
Joao is a student trying to finish medical school. He's originally from Brazil and has all the seductive moves and lines you come to expect when someone speaks with an accent. He rents a room with Kay, Brian's sister, and is more than loved by all members of the family.
The two click instantly, love at first sight, touch and that first drop of sweat. But ghosts of the past are there to haunt them both and sometimes you need just a bit of trust and faith to find happiness.
I have to admit the title was rather deceiving for me, as the book has nothing to do with dancing except one halfhearted try at it. Still, I was kind of interested in what would happen with the story that I didn't miss the dance all that much. What bothered me, and usually does in similar books, is how the ex became a bad guy at the sight of the new lover. In fact, some sentences were conflicting with other thoughts and it pretty much made me dislike Brian.
Another thing that stuck out for me was the over emotional state of both guys. I do get that some situations are very special and touching, but that doesn't really mean every sex scene has to include tears. When it comes to Joao's relationship with his father, a few more details would have certainly helped. Maybe I have issues with believing in something if it's not shown and in this book I couldn't get rid of the impression how Joao blew the whole thing out of proportion. But like I said, it was just a feeling and a few more details would have helped.
I did second guess my decision about rating this with four stars. A few things bothered me and I thought they could have been better, but when not focusing on particular things that made me frown, LEARNING TO SAMBA is a very good story about letting go of the past and focusing on the future. Joao is very competent when it comes to his jumping in the role of a dominant man, and Brian so easily adapted I truly enjoyed their sexual endeavors and wanted more.
In a way they gave each other strength and encouragement where such was needed and I thought they were a great couple. Try the book and see what you think.
This is another age gap story where the younger man bravely takes the lead and the older one has a rather kinky side to him. The age difference in this one was more than noticeable but the guys didn't let that stop them and they still had their happy ending.
Brian comes home after seven years of absence where he traveled through Europe, trying to make peace with the loss of his partner, Joshua. When he familiarizes himself again with the streets of New York and finally comes to the house where he grew up, his sister is not the first person he sees.
Joao is a student trying to finish medical school. He's originally from Brazil and has all the seductive moves and lines you come to expect when someone speaks with an accent. He rents a room with Kay, Brian's sister, and is more than loved by all members of the family.
The two click instantly, love at first sight, touch and that first drop of sweat. But ghosts of the past are there to haunt them both and sometimes you need just a bit of trust and faith to find happiness.
I have to admit the title was rather deceiving for me, as the book has nothing to do with dancing except one halfhearted try at it. Still, I was kind of interested in what would happen with the story that I didn't miss the dance all that much. What bothered me, and usually does in similar books, is how the ex became a bad guy at the sight of the new lover. In fact, some sentences were conflicting with other thoughts and it pretty much made me dislike Brian.
Another thing that stuck out for me was the over emotional state of both guys. I do get that some situations are very special and touching, but that doesn't really mean every sex scene has to include tears. When it comes to Joao's relationship with his father, a few more details would have certainly helped. Maybe I have issues with believing in something if it's not shown and in this book I couldn't get rid of the impression how Joao blew the whole thing out of proportion. But like I said, it was just a feeling and a few more details would have helped.
I did second guess my decision about rating this with four stars. A few things bothered me and I thought they could have been better, but when not focusing on particular things that made me frown, LEARNING TO SAMBA is a very good story about letting go of the past and focusing on the future. Joao is very competent when it comes to his jumping in the role of a dominant man, and Brian so easily adapted I truly enjoyed their sexual endeavors and wanted more.
In a way they gave each other strength and encouragement where such was needed and I thought they were a great couple. Try the book and see what you think.
dnf
August 1, 2012Off to the unfinished shelf with this book. I'm on my last vacation days and time's too short to waste on this stupid book. First, it missed a tag 'd/s'. Then it was ok up to 66%, when one moment Brian thinks he is in love and wants to go bareback, then the next moment when Joao asked about taking a test he gets all frozen and has to leave and needs time? Huh? From then on it was totally harebrained. Sorry, but at 77% I have to stop.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2011
Brian comes home after 7 years. He returns to his childhood home where his sister and her children live. She has taken in a boarder who is a medical student, Joao. Brian and Joao are instantly attracted but with their difference in age, culture,and wealth will they be able to make the relationship work? I enjoyed Learning to Samba. I liked the intensity of the scenes between Brian and Joao. Brian is finally able to let go his past love. Wathcing Brian struggle with his feelings for his old love and his new feelings for Joao shows a contrast between what he thought he knew about himself and learning who he is. Good read
August 24, 2011
I just finished reading Johnny's latest novel "Learning to Samba" (LTS). It lived up to my expectations.
I will say again that LTS is the best in Johnny's ongoing evolution as an author. You can feel the difference between this piece and the previous "Lauderdale Hearts" (LH), both of which I was privileged to see in their earlier incarnations. Both are unmistakably Johnny Miles, but LTS has a "feel" to it that LH was only just exploring. I wonder how much more his voice is going to refine itself along the way? And is that process ever completed or do we all just continue to open our hearts like a flower unfolding, showing our inner thoughts and self to the world?
But this is a review of a book, a great book, and not a philosophical debate of why anyone chooses to share themselves in such a potentially intimate fashion.
Brian's and João's story touches on many things. Learning to deal with loss and moving on with one's own life chief among them. It's also a story about family and doesn't just confine itself to our two heroes. In LTS, Johnny explores some broad family issues and interactions. I think the most important message is that one shouldn't allow assumptions to limit one's choices. Never imagine that your family can't or won't forgive and be there for you. It's what families do. Some may take longer to come around and some may never understand you, but don't assume they won't. Give them the chance to be what you need.
And of course the naughty parts explored new ground both for his characters and his readers, ranging from classic candles-and-roses romantic to mild BDSM. Handcuffs and blindfolds and tails, oh my!
Overall I found "Learning to Samba" to be a great read and recommend it to anyone.
I will say again that LTS is the best in Johnny's ongoing evolution as an author. You can feel the difference between this piece and the previous "Lauderdale Hearts" (LH), both of which I was privileged to see in their earlier incarnations. Both are unmistakably Johnny Miles, but LTS has a "feel" to it that LH was only just exploring. I wonder how much more his voice is going to refine itself along the way? And is that process ever completed or do we all just continue to open our hearts like a flower unfolding, showing our inner thoughts and self to the world?
But this is a review of a book, a great book, and not a philosophical debate of why anyone chooses to share themselves in such a potentially intimate fashion.
Brian's and João's story touches on many things. Learning to deal with loss and moving on with one's own life chief among them. It's also a story about family and doesn't just confine itself to our two heroes. In LTS, Johnny explores some broad family issues and interactions. I think the most important message is that one shouldn't allow assumptions to limit one's choices. Never imagine that your family can't or won't forgive and be there for you. It's what families do. Some may take longer to come around and some may never understand you, but don't assume they won't. Give them the chance to be what you need.
And of course the naughty parts explored new ground both for his characters and his readers, ranging from classic candles-and-roses romantic to mild BDSM. Handcuffs and blindfolds and tails, oh my!
Overall I found "Learning to Samba" to be a great read and recommend it to anyone.
October 21, 2011
Not a book about learning to dance at all; however, I let my imagination run away with me and I’m drawing a comparison between learning to dance and learning to love all over again. In either case, it requires letting go of one’s fear in order to try something new and exciting that might just become your life’s passion!
Brian was trying to join the land of the living again after being emotionally lost following the death of his partner. Joao was avoiding conflict with his father by hiding out in another country. They both had their demons, but they were each able to help one another face up to those demons in order to move on and live life. They found their passion in each other and the reason to keep on fighting the good fight.
I really liked Brian and Joao (man, I had a hard time with that name despite having the pronunciation clue). They were instantly attracted to one another and got very emotionally entangled pretty quickly. I would consider them unconventional as compared to most couples in the books I’ve read. There was a significant age gap between them (23 years) and the younger Joao was the dominant partner in the relationship. They also enjoyed a bit of light BDSM kink which was pretty hot!
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and it felt like he has a very unique voice. I will most definitely look forward to trying out more of his work. Really enjoyed this book!
Brian was trying to join the land of the living again after being emotionally lost following the death of his partner. Joao was avoiding conflict with his father by hiding out in another country. They both had their demons, but they were each able to help one another face up to those demons in order to move on and live life. They found their passion in each other and the reason to keep on fighting the good fight.
I really liked Brian and Joao (man, I had a hard time with that name despite having the pronunciation clue). They were instantly attracted to one another and got very emotionally entangled pretty quickly. I would consider them unconventional as compared to most couples in the books I’ve read. There was a significant age gap between them (23 years) and the younger Joao was the dominant partner in the relationship. They also enjoyed a bit of light BDSM kink which was pretty hot!
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and it felt like he has a very unique voice. I will most definitely look forward to trying out more of his work. Really enjoyed this book!
April 3, 2013
★☆ rounded up to ★★
So I'm 50% through the book so far & I'm not connecting with the characters at all dammit. I kinda just want to DNF but don't know if I can be bothered finding a new book to fit the challenge ... I'm not even enjoying the smex ... Brian sounds more like he has gonorrhea than arousal-induced pre-cum with the amount of 'leaking' he does...
I managed to finish but I'm still a bit meh about it ... I don't think I really liked either of the MC's & all the sobbing & melodrama just ... just ... meh ... & why carry around lube if you're not going to use it? ... meh ... meh ... meh ...
So I'm 50% through the book so far & I'm not connecting with the characters at all dammit. I kinda just want to DNF but don't know if I can be bothered finding a new book to fit the challenge ... I'm not even enjoying the smex ... Brian sounds more like he has gonorrhea than arousal-induced pre-cum with the amount of 'leaking' he does...
I managed to finish but I'm still a bit meh about it ... I don't think I really liked either of the MC's & all the sobbing & melodrama just ... just ... meh ... & why carry around lube if you're not going to use it? ... meh ... meh ... meh ...
September 2, 2011
From the cover and title I thought there is a good book to read but then I started it and both main characters João and Brian are not interesting. I haven't felt wish to end it. It got boring and I just stopped.
October 5, 2012
Still mourning 7 years after his partner's death, Brian returns home to NY to visit family and try to find direction. He finds a hot Brazillian medical exchange student as well and chemistry between them flares. A hot love at first sight story, with some funny moments and poignant ones too.
November 6, 2012
4.5 stars
Fast and enjoyable . I loved it.
Full Review coming soon. I have lots to say about this one.
Fast and enjoyable . I loved it.
Full Review coming soon. I have lots to say about this one.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews