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Acrobat
Forty-five-year-old English professor Nathan Qells is very good at making people feel important. What he’s not very good at is sticking around afterward. He’s a nice guy; he just doesn’t feel things the way other people do. So even after all the time he’s spent taking care of Michael, the kid across the hall, he doesn’t realize that Michael’s mob muscle uncle and guardian, Andreo Fiore, has slowly been falling in love with him.
Dreo has bigger problems than getting Nate to see him as a potential partner. He’s raising his nephew, trying to leave his unsavory job, and starting his own business, a process made infinitely more difficult when a series of hits takes out some key underworld players. Still, Dreo is determined to build a life he can be proud of—a life with Nate as a cornerstone. A life that is starting to look like exactly what Nate has been looking for. Unfortunately for Dreo—and for Nate—the last hits were just part of a major reorganization, and Dreo’s obvious love for Nate has made him a target too.
Dreo has bigger problems than getting Nate to see him as a potential partner. He’s raising his nephew, trying to leave his unsavory job, and starting his own business, a process made infinitely more difficult when a series of hits takes out some key underworld players. Still, Dreo is determined to build a life he can be proud of—a life with Nate as a cornerstone. A life that is starting to look like exactly what Nate has been looking for. Unfortunately for Dreo—and for Nate—the last hits were just part of a major reorganization, and Dreo’s obvious love for Nate has made him a target too.
250 pages, Paperback
First published May 7, 2012
135 people are currently reading
3807 people want to read
About the author
Mary Calmes
125 books5,016 followersMary Calmes believes in romance, happily ever afters, and the faith it takes for her characters to get there. She bleeds coffee, thinks chocolate should be its own food group, and currently lives in Kentucky with a six-pound furry ninja that protects her from baby birds, spiders and the neighbor’s dogs. To stay up to date on her ponderings and pandemonium (as well as the adventures of the ninja) follow her on Twitter @MaryCalmes, connect with her on Facebook, and subscribe to her Mary’s Mob newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 686 reviews
July 2, 2012
This went from my I Don't Think So shelf to my Faves shelf!!
Disclaimer: I am NOT a Mary Calmes fan, so don't think for a second that this is one of those mushy, gushy, gaga, groupie reviews!
What you should expect:
♦ Everyone loves Nate. Either they want to fuck him, work with him, be his best friend, be in his family, or be him. Wait, wait! There are a few people out there that want to kill him, but I'm sure they would have loved him if they ever got to know him!
♦ Dreo was ITALIAN
♦ Nate was older, mature, intelligent and only a little TSTL.
♦ Dreo was BADASS
♦ It was fast paced. Nate was hopping from one urgency to the next and getting pulled back and forth between all the people who adore him. He was a very needed man!
♦ Dreo was POSSESSIVE
♦ It wasn't 100% predictable. There were quite a few surprises neither Nate, nor I, saw coming. Plus, some parts were a little outrageous. But hey, its Fiction. I can forgive it.
♦ Dreo was ALPHA
♦ It was slow burn. Nate and Dreo didn't even kiss until after 50%. But, OMG, when they finally did it was HOT HOT HOT!! And all the sex that followed was SCORCHING!!
♦ Dreo was TOPPY
♦ It was insta-love and insta-lets-move-in-together-and-live-happily-ever-after
♦ Dreo was HOT
♦ It had a great cast of secondary characters. I loved and immediately connected with Micheal (he was my 2nd favorite character). And I also loved Melissa, the ex-wife. How awesome was her and Nate's relationship?!
♦ Did I mention that Dreo was a badass, hot, possessive, toppy, alpha Italian?
To be honest, this isn't the most amazing, creative or unique story. But I was immediately hooked and obsessed and couldn't put it down until I was finished. Just because of that, I do not hesitate in giving it 5 stars. On another day under a different moon, my opinion may have been very different, but not today.
I really, really hope that Nate and Dreo don't get a sequel! But if they do...and it ruins this book for me, then Lauraadriana OWES me BIG since she made me read this. On the other hand, I would really love for Duncan to have his own story.
Disclaimer: I am NOT a Mary Calmes fan, so don't think for a second that this is one of those mushy, gushy, gaga, groupie reviews!
What you should expect:
♦ Everyone loves Nate. Either they want to fuck him, work with him, be his best friend, be in his family, or be him. Wait, wait! There are a few people out there that want to kill him, but I'm sure they would have loved him if they ever got to know him!
♦ Dreo was ITALIAN
♦ Nate was older, mature, intelligent and only a little TSTL.
♦ Dreo was BADASS
♦ It was fast paced. Nate was hopping from one urgency to the next and getting pulled back and forth between all the people who adore him. He was a very needed man!
♦ Dreo was POSSESSIVE
♦ It wasn't 100% predictable. There were quite a few surprises neither Nate, nor I, saw coming. Plus, some parts were a little outrageous. But hey, its Fiction. I can forgive it.
♦ Dreo was ALPHA
♦ It was slow burn. Nate and Dreo didn't even kiss until after 50%. But, OMG, when they finally did it was HOT HOT HOT!! And all the sex that followed was SCORCHING!!
♦ Dreo was TOPPY
♦ It was insta-love and insta-lets-move-in-together-and-live-happily-ever-after
♦ Dreo was HOT
♦ It had a great cast of secondary characters. I loved and immediately connected with Micheal (he was my 2nd favorite character). And I also loved Melissa, the ex-wife. How awesome was her and Nate's relationship?!
♦ Did I mention that Dreo was a badass, hot, possessive, toppy, alpha Italian?
To be honest, this isn't the most amazing, creative or unique story. But I was immediately hooked and obsessed and couldn't put it down until I was finished. Just because of that, I do not hesitate in giving it 5 stars. On another day under a different moon, my opinion may have been very different, but not today.
I really, really hope that Nate and Dreo don't get a sequel! But if they do...and it ruins this book for me, then Lauraadriana OWES me BIG since she made me read this. On the other hand, I would really love for Duncan to have his own story.
May 27, 2013
Let’s go through the Mary Calmes checklist:
1. Is there a Jory?
Yes, his name is Nate and he’s a professor
2. Is there a Sam?
Yes, his name is Dreo and he’s a mob enforcer/hitman/bodyguard–turned-contractor
3. Are there children?
Yes, one grown and one teenager, Michael
4. Does everyone, including straight people want the Jory?
Yes, all the men, women, and children (and parents) all love Nate.
5. Is there instalove that was actually hidden love for many years?
Yes, Dreo has loved Nate for four years.
6. Is there danger for Jory?
Yes, Nate’s in danger.
7. Does Jory end up in the hospital?
Yes, Nate ends up in the hospital.
8. Is there one big happy family at the end?
Yes, Nate & Dreo’s families all love each other and live HEA.
True to form…and most definitely a black-out level of drunkenness if playing Emma’s Mary Calmes Drinking Game…this is classic Queen o’Fluff.
And though I’m usually one of those that eats up QoF’s standard MO, this is one of my lesser-enjoyed reads of hers. Nate is an older, wiser Jory. Dreo is a younger, less-interesting, less-alpha Sam. The story is the same. But this one was just…boring. That, and, *gasp*, the sex was kinda tame! I’m so used to body bending, slam-it-on-home sex from Calmes books.
*For all you Dreo fans out there, yeah…he’s ok. But Rand remains my favorite Sam.
If you’ve never read QoF, there are better books out there of hers.
If you’re a fan, this one will scratch the itch, but probably won’t be a favorite.
1. Is there a Jory?
Yes, his name is Nate and he’s a professor
2. Is there a Sam?
Yes, his name is Dreo and he’s a mob enforcer/hitman/bodyguard–turned-contractor
3. Are there children?
Yes, one grown and one teenager, Michael
4. Does everyone, including straight people want the Jory?
Yes, all the men, women, and children (and parents) all love Nate.
5. Is there instalove that was actually hidden love for many years?
Yes, Dreo has loved Nate for four years.
6. Is there danger for Jory?
Yes, Nate’s in danger.
7. Does Jory end up in the hospital?
Yes, Nate ends up in the hospital.
8. Is there one big happy family at the end?
Yes, Nate & Dreo’s families all love each other and live HEA.
True to form…and most definitely a black-out level of drunkenness if playing Emma’s Mary Calmes Drinking Game…this is classic Queen o’Fluff.
And though I’m usually one of those that eats up QoF’s standard MO, this is one of my lesser-enjoyed reads of hers. Nate is an older, wiser Jory. Dreo is a younger, less-interesting, less-alpha Sam. The story is the same. But this one was just…boring. That, and, *gasp*, the sex was kinda tame! I’m so used to body bending, slam-it-on-home sex from Calmes books.
*For all you Dreo fans out there, yeah…he’s ok. But Rand remains my favorite Sam.
If you’ve never read QoF, there are better books out there of hers.
If you’re a fan, this one will scratch the itch, but probably won’t be a favorite.
July 7, 2012
REVIEW EDITED JULY 7, 2012
2.5 stars.
Welcome to Nicelandia. Introducing Nate Qells…
Dear Nate,
I've read your story Acrobat and I think it is best to write you a letter to properly express how I felt about your book. First of all, let me tell you that I really adore your ex-wife, Mel. As it is, I've read quite a lot of books that feature super bitchy ex-wives. Your ex is definitely the opposite of bitchy and annoying. I was delighted to read that you and Mel are best friends even after you've been divorced and you care for one another. That's no mean feat, after all. I hope you will agree when I'm saying that Mel is seriously cool; she is very open-minded and outspoken. On top of that, she is even funny. The beginning of your story was good and entertaining. Further, I loved the lovey-dovey between you and Dreo. I was glad that you enjoyed the sex so much since it was pretty hot and I liked to feel your chemistry. Well done, Nate! Did you know that French and Italian are very romantic languages? I know whereof I speak because I've heard the phrase "Je t'aime, mon amour" and "J'ai envie de toi" a few times. Hearing it makes you feel precious, desired, and loved.
"Voglio fare l'amore con te," he whispered into my hair.
Nate, I truly understand why you wanted to make love with Dreo. I really do. Oh, before I forget…thank you, thank you for shaving off your beard!
Now that we have the good parts covered, let me please write down some of the not so nice stuff. Actually, the more I read the less I liked your story. The whimpering. I don't like whimpering men--neither in the bedroom nor outside the bedroom. Nate, please believe me, whimpering is so NOT sexy.
Even though you said that you're not a touchy-feely guy, some scenes were too emotive and sugary, as a matter of fact. Additionally, some scenes of your story felt quite a bit comical. I didn't know that you have such hidden talents, tesoro. You acted like a comedian at times. OMG…do you remember when your son was calling you and he told you that he was getting Amazing…astounding…incredible. Uh, I'm being ironic, caro. Yeah, you know you were almost freaking out at that time. You worried me quite a bit, and I found myself thinking "My oh my, Nate, caro, get a grip please!"
Dreo and you have been neighbors for a few years and then just out of the blue there's this insta' attraction? Please forgive me that I can't relate but it felt kinda odd and too contrived for my liking. Well, and now we're coming to this huge issue of mine: have you noticed that everyone is gorgeous? Ah, stupid me. Of course you have because your POV is proof enough, after all. Everyone is in awe of everyone; everyone likes everyone. And everyone loves you. That said, I just felt that some of the 'gorgeous' descriptions were OTT, and so many gorgeous characters make a story gorgeously overpopulated and monotonous. Even burgeoning conflicts between Sean and you have been suffocated instantly because you are so, so nice, tesoro. Admittedly, I don't know in which world you're living, but believe me there is so much more variety to be found where I'm living. Variety gives my life more depth and I don't mind at all if I have to resolve some issues from time to time.
And then…wonders never cease for I had to agree with your inner monologue. You didn't move in a minute after you said "ready, set, go." Nothing fell into place that easy, after all, without overcoming any problems. But hey, I have to remind you this is fiction and it did fell into place nonetheless.
What bugged me as well was the amount of secondary characters. They added nothing substantial to your story. It was distracting and keeping track of all those characters was tedious. Finally, I want multifaceted and interesting characters. Unfortunately your story provided the nice and one-dimensional people. And last but not least…the mob muscle: I don't get it why the mob muscle was mentioned--too much telling and not enough showing. Then again, you Honestly, this was so weird and took me by surprise because I never saw enough of the so-called bad guys. And when you were I was like…seriously??? Well, if you are willing to suspend belief…unfortunately I was so NOT willing anymore.
Don't get me wrong, Nate, sometimes I need and like nice and fluffy, however, your story provided too much of those conveniences. Simply put, Acrobat was a bland read.
Nate, caro, believe me I really love this genre and I have read quite a few fabulous m-m books. That said, compared to my favorite m-m stories, Acrobat fell totally flat. I have to be honest and I'm sorry but in the end this was not even a 3-star rating anymore. Overall, Acrobat was good enough to finish, and I'm glad I gave it a shot, however, I think I won't be giving your creator another go. A book among many others, once read and easily forgotten. I'm sorry.
Take care and all the best,
Baba
Acrobat was kindly provided by NetGalley in behalf of Dreamspinner Press. I appreciate it--thank you.
2.5 stars.
Welcome to Nicelandia. Introducing Nate Qells…
Dear Nate,
I've read your story Acrobat and I think it is best to write you a letter to properly express how I felt about your book. First of all, let me tell you that I really adore your ex-wife, Mel. As it is, I've read quite a lot of books that feature super bitchy ex-wives. Your ex is definitely the opposite of bitchy and annoying. I was delighted to read that you and Mel are best friends even after you've been divorced and you care for one another. That's no mean feat, after all. I hope you will agree when I'm saying that Mel is seriously cool; she is very open-minded and outspoken. On top of that, she is even funny. The beginning of your story was good and entertaining. Further, I loved the lovey-dovey between you and Dreo. I was glad that you enjoyed the sex so much since it was pretty hot and I liked to feel your chemistry. Well done, Nate! Did you know that French and Italian are very romantic languages? I know whereof I speak because I've heard the phrase "Je t'aime, mon amour" and "J'ai envie de toi" a few times. Hearing it makes you feel precious, desired, and loved.
"Voglio fare l'amore con te," he whispered into my hair.
Nate, I truly understand why you wanted to make love with Dreo. I really do. Oh, before I forget…thank you, thank you for shaving off your beard!
Now that we have the good parts covered, let me please write down some of the not so nice stuff. Actually, the more I read the less I liked your story. The whimpering. I don't like whimpering men--neither in the bedroom nor outside the bedroom. Nate, please believe me, whimpering is so NOT sexy.
Even though you said that you're not a touchy-feely guy, some scenes were too emotive and sugary, as a matter of fact. Additionally, some scenes of your story felt quite a bit comical. I didn't know that you have such hidden talents, tesoro. You acted like a comedian at times. OMG…do you remember when your son was calling you and he told you that he was getting Amazing…astounding…incredible. Uh, I'm being ironic, caro. Yeah, you know you were almost freaking out at that time. You worried me quite a bit, and I found myself thinking "My oh my, Nate, caro, get a grip please!"
Dreo and you have been neighbors for a few years and then just out of the blue there's this insta' attraction? Please forgive me that I can't relate but it felt kinda odd and too contrived for my liking. Well, and now we're coming to this huge issue of mine: have you noticed that everyone is gorgeous? Ah, stupid me. Of course you have because your POV is proof enough, after all. Everyone is in awe of everyone; everyone likes everyone. And everyone loves you. That said, I just felt that some of the 'gorgeous' descriptions were OTT, and so many gorgeous characters make a story gorgeously overpopulated and monotonous. Even burgeoning conflicts between Sean and you have been suffocated instantly because you are so, so nice, tesoro. Admittedly, I don't know in which world you're living, but believe me there is so much more variety to be found where I'm living. Variety gives my life more depth and I don't mind at all if I have to resolve some issues from time to time.
And then…wonders never cease for I had to agree with your inner monologue. You didn't move in a minute after you said "ready, set, go." Nothing fell into place that easy, after all, without overcoming any problems. But hey, I have to remind you this is fiction and it did fell into place nonetheless.
What bugged me as well was the amount of secondary characters. They added nothing substantial to your story. It was distracting and keeping track of all those characters was tedious. Finally, I want multifaceted and interesting characters. Unfortunately your story provided the nice and one-dimensional people. And last but not least…the mob muscle: I don't get it why the mob muscle was mentioned--too much telling and not enough showing. Then again, you Honestly, this was so weird and took me by surprise because I never saw enough of the so-called bad guys. And when you were I was like…seriously??? Well, if you are willing to suspend belief…unfortunately I was so NOT willing anymore.
Don't get me wrong, Nate, sometimes I need and like nice and fluffy, however, your story provided too much of those conveniences. Simply put, Acrobat was a bland read.
Nate, caro, believe me I really love this genre and I have read quite a few fabulous m-m books. That said, compared to my favorite m-m stories, Acrobat fell totally flat. I have to be honest and I'm sorry but in the end this was not even a 3-star rating anymore. Overall, Acrobat was good enough to finish, and I'm glad I gave it a shot, however, I think I won't be giving your creator another go. A book among many others, once read and easily forgotten. I'm sorry.
Take care and all the best,
Baba
Acrobat was kindly provided by NetGalley in behalf of Dreamspinner Press. I appreciate it--thank you.
August 23, 2014
Why bother with Jesus when Nate is around. Nate is perfect, can do no wrong. Everyone loves him. And this makes for a very boring protagonist, not to mention narrator.
I wouldn't mind so much, but the plot was so loopy, so meandering, it required vast amounts of patience not to sneer and roll my eyes every other page.
There were so many plot lines, so many secondary characters, so much randomness, it was like dumping in three cups of sugar when one will do.
The focus was more on Nate and the convoluted details about the mob, his exes, his coworkers, etc., than on the relationship between Nate and Dreo. Nate barely noticed Dreo for four years, and then they're in love within a day. There's sweet, and then there's cavity inducing, and this was most definitely the latter.
I wouldn't mind so much, but the plot was so loopy, so meandering, it required vast amounts of patience not to sneer and roll my eyes every other page.
There were so many plot lines, so many secondary characters, so much randomness, it was like dumping in three cups of sugar when one will do.
The focus was more on Nate and the convoluted details about the mob, his exes, his coworkers, etc., than on the relationship between Nate and Dreo. Nate barely noticed Dreo for four years, and then they're in love within a day. There's sweet, and then there's cavity inducing, and this was most definitely the latter.
September 7, 2021
“Alla prossima is like see you again, or see you later.”
“Oh. It sounds better in Italian.”
“Everything sounds better in Italian.”
Okay so I can completely understand why so many love this book. But I am definitely not one of them.
For starters, Mary Calmes has this thing where one of her MC is always a fucking saint. Like everyone loves them, they do no wrong, self-less, always got time for everyone kind of people and in this case, it was Nate. He was the one everyone counted on, everyone looked up to, and it really got on my nerves.
Drey on the other hand. Ugh. 😩🤤. Possessive Italian man. That’s all I’m saying. He was fucking perfect. He was vulnerable and sweet and tender with the perfect mix of dominance.
“I call you tesoro all the time,” he told me, “and you've never asked before.”
“It's not ‘pain in the ass’ in Italian?”
“No,” he breathed out before kissing up my jaw, rubbing his face in my beard. “It means treasure, Nate Qells, and you're mine”
I wouldn’t mind the slow burn aspect of this book if Dreo and Nate had more interactions before the 50% mark. The first half was basically Nate’s dating life with the occasional mention of Dreo. We got more moments of Nate and Michel (Dreo’s nephew) which was undeniably sweet but not what I wanted out of the book.
“Unlike that man back there, I don't date many, only one at a time. So if I'm in your bed, then I'm the only one who is and you're the only one in mine. Are we clear?”
I stuck around because I hoped it would get better and it did. More or less. They’re relationship was steamy and hot and fast paced, and it might be worth the wait but it took so long for them to confess and talk and meh. It just didn’t do much for me.
“Come home with me and get in my bed. Let me show what it can be, and then let me hold you after all night long. Don't go home. Stay with me,” I pleaded”
There were definitely moments I enjoyed in the book. I loved the sex and the raw possessiveness shown by Dreo. But besides that? There wasn’t much that held my attention.
“Oh. It sounds better in Italian.”
“Everything sounds better in Italian.”
Okay so I can completely understand why so many love this book. But I am definitely not one of them.
For starters, Mary Calmes has this thing where one of her MC is always a fucking saint. Like everyone loves them, they do no wrong, self-less, always got time for everyone kind of people and in this case, it was Nate. He was the one everyone counted on, everyone looked up to, and it really got on my nerves.
Drey on the other hand. Ugh. 😩🤤. Possessive Italian man. That’s all I’m saying. He was fucking perfect. He was vulnerable and sweet and tender with the perfect mix of dominance.
“I call you tesoro all the time,” he told me, “and you've never asked before.”
“It's not ‘pain in the ass’ in Italian?”
“No,” he breathed out before kissing up my jaw, rubbing his face in my beard. “It means treasure, Nate Qells, and you're mine”
I wouldn’t mind the slow burn aspect of this book if Dreo and Nate had more interactions before the 50% mark. The first half was basically Nate’s dating life with the occasional mention of Dreo. We got more moments of Nate and Michel (Dreo’s nephew) which was undeniably sweet but not what I wanted out of the book.
“Unlike that man back there, I don't date many, only one at a time. So if I'm in your bed, then I'm the only one who is and you're the only one in mine. Are we clear?”
I stuck around because I hoped it would get better and it did. More or less. They’re relationship was steamy and hot and fast paced, and it might be worth the wait but it took so long for them to confess and talk and meh. It just didn’t do much for me.
“Come home with me and get in my bed. Let me show what it can be, and then let me hold you after all night long. Don't go home. Stay with me,” I pleaded”
There were definitely moments I enjoyed in the book. I loved the sex and the raw possessiveness shown by Dreo. But besides that? There wasn’t much that held my attention.
March 8, 2016
**3.5 stars**
This book was on its way to being a 5 star read for me. I was loving Nate, Dreo, and all of the secondary characters. I dug the age difference and I didn't even mind the mafia angle, which I normally hate. However, as I read more and more, I grew increasingly irritated. Here is why:
1) Why is everyone so freaking perfect? I hated how Nate did everything (volunteered, taught, fought off rowdy kids, organized events, mentored, cooked) and did everything perfectly. He had NO flaws, which was beyond annoying. And every character (male or female) was stunningly beautiful. It got old.
2) The way Nate and Dreo's relationship moved WAYYYY too fast.
Then why, do you ask, did I give this book 4 stars in the end? Well, for one, I knew what this book would be like this ahead of time because it is Mary Calmes that we are talking about. If there isn't a hot doctor or a flawless man who loves to bottom, I'm a monkey's uncle. So I knew about these issues ahead of time and kind of just went with it. Again, I also like that there was an age difference. It was a little out of the ordinary and I enjoyed it (I also have an age difference with my hubby so I like those sort of things!). And who wouldn't love Mr. Aggressive in bed, Dreo!? I loved him and thought his character was HOT. The Italian dirty talk... yum!
Though I ended up enjoying this one, I think I'm going to steer clear of Mary Calmes for a little while. I'll end up getting annoyed at her angst-free beauty brigade and I'll end up writing a big ranty review.
**Thanks to Dreamspinner Press for this fab Tweetaway!!**
This book was on its way to being a 5 star read for me. I was loving Nate, Dreo, and all of the secondary characters. I dug the age difference and I didn't even mind the mafia angle, which I normally hate. However, as I read more and more, I grew increasingly irritated. Here is why:
1) Why is everyone so freaking perfect? I hated how Nate did everything (volunteered, taught, fought off rowdy kids, organized events, mentored, cooked) and did everything perfectly. He had NO flaws, which was beyond annoying. And every character (male or female) was stunningly beautiful. It got old.
2) The way Nate and Dreo's relationship moved WAYYYY too fast.
Then why, do you ask, did I give this book 4 stars in the end? Well, for one, I knew what this book would be like this ahead of time because it is Mary Calmes that we are talking about. If there isn't a hot doctor or a flawless man who loves to bottom, I'm a monkey's uncle. So I knew about these issues ahead of time and kind of just went with it. Again, I also like that there was an age difference. It was a little out of the ordinary and I enjoyed it (I also have an age difference with my hubby so I like those sort of things!). And who wouldn't love Mr. Aggressive in bed, Dreo!? I loved him and thought his character was HOT. The Italian dirty talk... yum!
Though I ended up enjoying this one, I think I'm going to steer clear of Mary Calmes for a little while. I'll end up getting annoyed at her angst-free beauty brigade and I'll end up writing a big ranty review.
**Thanks to Dreamspinner Press for this fab Tweetaway!!**
January 7, 2021
1/7/21
*sigh* Due to various unsettling things going on, I found myself reading this again today. I love them both, and Dreo and Nate always make everything better. Or hotter. Same thing. 🥰
******
3/12/20
My regularly scheduled reading was interrupted by the sudden desire for my favorite comfort read. Though it’s not exactly soothing, LOL! 🔥 Always amazing though. 😍
******
1/15/2019
Even more amazing on audiobook with Sean Crisden's narration being more delicious than I hoped for. *swoon* I loved it. Thank you again Jolly Sparkledust! xxx
*****
This is my comfort read, I don't even bother listing when I read it anymore. Now the lovely Jolly Sparkledust has gifted me the audible edition so I can swoon over Dreo Fiore in audio too! Thank you!!!! <3
*******
Re-read for me today. I'm in the mood for some hot Italian, and that's all Dreo!
Just as delicious as I remember it the first time. Like I said before, I really liked a lot of the characters, especially Nate. But truthfully I read this for Andreo Fiore alone, and he was worth it!
First read from October 09 to 13, 2012
This is 3.5 stars for me but I liked it enough to round up instead of down. I had to think about this one for a while to decide what I wanted to say. It was a pretty good story. I liked it a lot, but there were some things that didn't work for me. Not enough for me to not like the book but enough for me to notice.
I really liked Nate Quells. He wasn't perfect and he knew his faults. But he was a good guy and didn't mind standing up to others for what he thought was right. He was happy and comfortable with who he was and probably the thing I liked best about him was how he didn't ever hesitate to help someone when they needed it.
And Andreo Fiore. What is there NOT to like about Dreo? He's a hot-blooded Italian, dark and gorgeous, possessive and apparently, I have a type, LOL. Not that I didn't know this anyway but Dreo was just all kinds of yummy. Luckily, I also liked his character. He didn't seem like much at first but the development was wonderful for him and as you got to know him more, there was so much more to like.
The secondary characters were great and in some cases, almost stole the show. Like with Melissa, Nate's ex-wife and Michael, Dreo's nephew. Loved both of them, so much.
What didn't work for me was in part what did. Nate was such a good guy. And he was gorgeous (naturally) and EVERYBODY loved him. Like loooved him, and Nate was just so unaware. I lost track of how many times this would be pointed out to him and he would scoff and someone would say to him "you just don't get it, do you?" or "you really don't see it". That caused a little eye-rolling, to be honest. It made him just a little bit 'Gary-Stu' (phrase which made me LMAO the first time I read it).
Also the fact that Dreo is just so drop-dead gorgeous and Nate never noticed it? After 4 years of living next door and taking care of Michael just as much as Dreo did, AND HE NEVER NOTICED? It's not like he never talked to him or anything. And Dreo has . I'm pretty good at suspending belief for the sake of the story, but I couldn't get around that one.
That said, I still enjoyed reading it. The things that bothered me were minor annoyances. The story on a whole was sweet, hot (was it EVER!) and made me laugh as well as having it's share of drama. There was much more to like than not.
*sigh* Due to various unsettling things going on, I found myself reading this again today. I love them both, and Dreo and Nate always make everything better. Or hotter. Same thing. 🥰
******
3/12/20
My regularly scheduled reading was interrupted by the sudden desire for my favorite comfort read. Though it’s not exactly soothing, LOL! 🔥 Always amazing though. 😍
******
1/15/2019
Even more amazing on audiobook with Sean Crisden's narration being more delicious than I hoped for. *swoon* I loved it. Thank you again Jolly Sparkledust! xxx
*****
This is my comfort read, I don't even bother listing when I read it anymore. Now the lovely Jolly Sparkledust has gifted me the audible edition so I can swoon over Dreo Fiore in audio too! Thank you!!!! <3
*******
Re-read for me today. I'm in the mood for some hot Italian, and that's all Dreo!
Just as delicious as I remember it the first time. Like I said before, I really liked a lot of the characters, especially Nate. But truthfully I read this for Andreo Fiore alone, and he was worth it!
First read from October 09 to 13, 2012
This is 3.5 stars for me but I liked it enough to round up instead of down. I had to think about this one for a while to decide what I wanted to say. It was a pretty good story. I liked it a lot, but there were some things that didn't work for me. Not enough for me to not like the book but enough for me to notice.
I really liked Nate Quells. He wasn't perfect and he knew his faults. But he was a good guy and didn't mind standing up to others for what he thought was right. He was happy and comfortable with who he was and probably the thing I liked best about him was how he didn't ever hesitate to help someone when they needed it.
And Andreo Fiore. What is there NOT to like about Dreo? He's a hot-blooded Italian, dark and gorgeous, possessive and apparently, I have a type, LOL. Not that I didn't know this anyway but Dreo was just all kinds of yummy. Luckily, I also liked his character. He didn't seem like much at first but the development was wonderful for him and as you got to know him more, there was so much more to like.
The secondary characters were great and in some cases, almost stole the show. Like with Melissa, Nate's ex-wife and Michael, Dreo's nephew. Loved both of them, so much.
What didn't work for me was in part what did. Nate was such a good guy. And he was gorgeous (naturally) and EVERYBODY loved him. Like loooved him, and Nate was just so unaware. I lost track of how many times this would be pointed out to him and he would scoff and someone would say to him "you just don't get it, do you?" or "you really don't see it". That caused a little eye-rolling, to be honest. It made him just a little bit 'Gary-Stu' (phrase which made me LMAO the first time I read it).
Also the fact that Dreo is just so drop-dead gorgeous and Nate never noticed it? After 4 years of living next door and taking care of Michael just as much as Dreo did, AND HE NEVER NOTICED? It's not like he never talked to him or anything. And Dreo has . I'm pretty good at suspending belief for the sake of the story, but I couldn't get around that one.
That said, I still enjoyed reading it. The things that bothered me were minor annoyances. The story on a whole was sweet, hot (was it EVER!) and made me laugh as well as having it's share of drama. There was much more to like than not.
June 23, 2014
Dreo, you smooth bastard!
He was taller than my own six one, and I had to tip my head back to meet a gaze that was so dark brown it looked black. He had thick brows, so the effect together with the deep-set eyes was altogether dangerous. He shared glossy black hair and olive skin with his nephew, but whereas Michael was handsome, Andreo was scary... We looked up and Andreo Fiore was there, towering over both of us, all six four of him, broad-shouldered, muscular, and V-shaped, making me look small by comparison and Michael absolutely puny.
I wanted that committed monogamous relationship, but no one else seemed to want to be in one with me.
Nate has been divorced for 20 years, having only one child. He has been searching all that time for the right man, and little did he know, there was a perfectly fine suitor just across the hall, Dreo.
Nate is 45 and getting old fast, or so he thinks. He has had more than his fair share of admirers, but he hasn't truly loved a single one. Michael lives opposite his apartment, he takes care of him as if he were his son. Dreo is Michael's uncle and guardian, but he's never around. Nate jumps in to save a woman being robbed, or worse, and is punched. Dreo finds out and acts oddly, telling Nate that they will be there no more, and lo-and-behold they're there no longer. Nate doesn't think anything of it though, but when Dreo comes back scared and covered in blood Nate begins to see him in a new light, maybe he's not so cold after all.
As per my fashion as of late, I did not read the blurb. A bit of a risky way to go; but it was well worth the surprise!
The first love interest is Dr. Sean Cooper, an old student of Nate. He is described as being attractive and charming, and yet I did not like him. Not. One. Little. Bit. I don't know why though, I hadn't even read the blurb to know that they weren't going to be together. But I had my fingers crossed that he would not get in a relationship with him, or I would have likely have stopped listening to it (Which would have been a real waste of money.). Sean does have an awful nice description though!
I quickly returned my eyes to the vision in front of me. The long, thick golden eyelashes were just beautiful, but the eyes were an even bigger thrill...With his big blue eyes and golden honey-blond hair, the man looked good enough to eat.
Nate works at a university as an English literature professor, and I thought it was really interesting and funny. I wasn't bothered about him not being in a relationship asap, I guess I was in the mood for something light and fluffy. Sean, his work, and his family were the majority of the first half, which I enjoyed. But when I couldn't help not get excited though, because I fancied a change of pace! I really wasn't bothered by their insta-love, which is a huge faux-pas for me, I think it was because it took over half the book for them to even kiss... but I'm not quite sure.
I enjoyed that Dreo's descriptions gradually changed from being scary and unnoticed which showed how Nate was changing in his views towards him, which I think must have helped me enjoy the insta-love (If it was even insta-love?). I was really rooting for Dreo from the beginning also...
Andreo Fiore seemed cold to me, not the kind of man who should be raising a child. I had never once seen the man smile, and I had lived next door to him and his nephew for the last four years.
he is eventually described as being attractive and yum...
he had a heavy zippered cardigan on over a T-shirt that fit snug, clinging to his sculpted chest, showing the definition in the hard pecs and washboard abdomen. Of course the man would be covered in rippling muscle. That just followed since he was gorgeous everywhere else... They were really something, those eyes of his, so dark that you couldn't ever see his pupils. The brown was so close to black, only the way the light caught them sometimes, making them glint and fire, let you know you were looking at a color and not the absence of it. Being fringed in long, thick black lashes only added to their allure.
When they finally show their interest in each other, Dreo is really cute and adorable (and yummy). I think his accent by the narrator made him even better...
“Voglio fare l’amore con te,” he whispered into my hair.
“I don’t—”
“I wanna make love to you.”
“I never thought—” He caught his breath. “—that you could want me.”
“You’re so beautiful. Anyone would want you.”
“No,” he said, his voice a deep rumble in his chest.
When Nate and Dreo further develop their relationship (after like half a day) and he becomes all dominant, alpha, and yum... (and still fucking adorable)
“I have thought of nothing for over four years but putting your legs over my shoulders and being buried inside of you,” he said, his voice husky and low, sending tendrils of heat through me.
My all time favourite part of romance books are super-hot kissing scenes, so as long a romance has a super hot kissing scene, with maybe a little groping, I'm a happy bunny. (I'm not a ginormous fan of YA anymore because most of them don't even have kissing.)
I eased him down, my eyes closing as our lips met again, my mouth slanting over his, my tongue sliding into the wet heat, tasting him, tangling with his as we rubbed and ground together. It was slow and languid, deep and building, and I moved my hands, one behind his head, stroking the nape of his neck, the other on his chest, sliding over the hard pectorals, gentling him.
The growl in the back of his throat was very low, very sexy, and as I stroked my tongue over his, I felt his hands slide over my ass, his fingers squeezing tight.
Why a 4.75 and not a 5 you say? Because of Nate I say. While it is still better than Promises where they were , it was still ridiculous and annoying. I don't see why it needed to be added.
The ending made me smile though, it was super-dooper cute!
“You know, I’m gonna have you so many times tonight: I want you on your knees, on the bed, in the shower…. I just fuckin’ want you.”
“Why?”
“Because I love you… amore mio… my love….”
“Me too.” I smiled up into those gorgeous eyes. “You’re my love.”
The grin I got was so full of complete and utter happiness that all I could do was kiss him and kiss him and kiss him.
There didn't need to be any more words.
The development of the characters were fantastic, although from other reviews, they are apparently one dimensional, I may not have noticed because it was read out to me... oh em gee and Dreo's voice. *drools* thank you very fucking much Mr. Narrator!
The Narrator is awesome. I would very much like to marry his vocal cords, alas, I don't see that happening though, because it is likely attached to a body. At first I was a little skeptical, maybe thinking he was just having a play around, where the female characters were given a more high pitched voice (reminded me a lot of White Girls.)... which sounded ridiculous, at first, but then I got more used to it, and it was really nice to be able to differ between characters without using too much brain power. He also pronounced the Italian really well, easily switching between the two languages.
The plot was great, with the exception of above. Fluffy kittens and pies.
4.75 “Tesoro… dammi un bacio…” stars.You know what? I tried to find a picture of someone that looked like my Dreo, but nada, nothing. I couldn't find anyone who looked like him... it would be a really good idea to watch some mafia movies and see whether any of them look like him. But anyway, I can only provide you with someone who looks a little like my Nate, he also doesn't look very similar, but it was the closest I could get. I did find some yummy descriptions of Dreo which you may enjoy though...
He was taller than my own six one, and I had to tip my head back to meet a gaze that was so dark brown it looked black. He had thick brows, so the effect together with the deep-set eyes was altogether dangerous. He shared glossy black hair and olive skin with his nephew, but whereas Michael was handsome, Andreo was scary... We looked up and Andreo Fiore was there, towering over both of us, all six four of him, broad-shouldered, muscular, and V-shaped, making me look small by comparison and Michael absolutely puny.
I wanted that committed monogamous relationship, but no one else seemed to want to be in one with me.
Nate has been divorced for 20 years, having only one child. He has been searching all that time for the right man, and little did he know, there was a perfectly fine suitor just across the hall, Dreo.
Nate is 45 and getting old fast, or so he thinks. He has had more than his fair share of admirers, but he hasn't truly loved a single one. Michael lives opposite his apartment, he takes care of him as if he were his son. Dreo is Michael's uncle and guardian, but he's never around. Nate jumps in to save a woman being robbed, or worse, and is punched. Dreo finds out and acts oddly, telling Nate that they will be there no more, and lo-and-behold they're there no longer. Nate doesn't think anything of it though, but when Dreo comes back scared and covered in blood Nate begins to see him in a new light, maybe he's not so cold after all.
As per my fashion as of late, I did not read the blurb. A bit of a risky way to go; but it was well worth the surprise!
The first love interest is Dr. Sean Cooper, an old student of Nate. He is described as being attractive and charming, and yet I did not like him. Not. One. Little. Bit. I don't know why though, I hadn't even read the blurb to know that they weren't going to be together. But I had my fingers crossed that he would not get in a relationship with him, or I would have likely have stopped listening to it (Which would have been a real waste of money.). Sean does have an awful nice description though!
I quickly returned my eyes to the vision in front of me. The long, thick golden eyelashes were just beautiful, but the eyes were an even bigger thrill...With his big blue eyes and golden honey-blond hair, the man looked good enough to eat.
Nate works at a university as an English literature professor, and I thought it was really interesting and funny. I wasn't bothered about him not being in a relationship asap, I guess I was in the mood for something light and fluffy. Sean, his work, and his family were the majority of the first half, which I enjoyed. But when I couldn't help not get excited though, because I fancied a change of pace! I really wasn't bothered by their insta-love, which is a huge faux-pas for me, I think it was because it took over half the book for them to even kiss... but I'm not quite sure.
I enjoyed that Dreo's descriptions gradually changed from being scary and unnoticed which showed how Nate was changing in his views towards him, which I think must have helped me enjoy the insta-love (If it was even insta-love?). I was really rooting for Dreo from the beginning also...
Andreo Fiore seemed cold to me, not the kind of man who should be raising a child. I had never once seen the man smile, and I had lived next door to him and his nephew for the last four years.
he is eventually described as being attractive and yum...
he had a heavy zippered cardigan on over a T-shirt that fit snug, clinging to his sculpted chest, showing the definition in the hard pecs and washboard abdomen. Of course the man would be covered in rippling muscle. That just followed since he was gorgeous everywhere else... They were really something, those eyes of his, so dark that you couldn't ever see his pupils. The brown was so close to black, only the way the light caught them sometimes, making them glint and fire, let you know you were looking at a color and not the absence of it. Being fringed in long, thick black lashes only added to their allure.
When they finally show their interest in each other, Dreo is really cute and adorable (and yummy). I think his accent by the narrator made him even better...
“Voglio fare l’amore con te,” he whispered into my hair.
“I don’t—”
“I wanna make love to you.”
“I never thought—” He caught his breath. “—that you could want me.”
“You’re so beautiful. Anyone would want you.”
“No,” he said, his voice a deep rumble in his chest.
When Nate and Dreo further develop their relationship (after like half a day) and he becomes all dominant, alpha, and yum... (and still fucking adorable)
“I have thought of nothing for over four years but putting your legs over my shoulders and being buried inside of you,” he said, his voice husky and low, sending tendrils of heat through me.
My all time favourite part of romance books are super-hot kissing scenes, so as long a romance has a super hot kissing scene, with maybe a little groping, I'm a happy bunny. (I'm not a ginormous fan of YA anymore because most of them don't even have kissing.)
I eased him down, my eyes closing as our lips met again, my mouth slanting over his, my tongue sliding into the wet heat, tasting him, tangling with his as we rubbed and ground together. It was slow and languid, deep and building, and I moved my hands, one behind his head, stroking the nape of his neck, the other on his chest, sliding over the hard pectorals, gentling him.
The growl in the back of his throat was very low, very sexy, and as I stroked my tongue over his, I felt his hands slide over my ass, his fingers squeezing tight.
Why a 4.75 and not a 5 you say? Because of Nate I say. While it is still better than Promises where they were , it was still ridiculous and annoying. I don't see why it needed to be added.
The ending made me smile though, it was super-dooper cute!
“You know, I’m gonna have you so many times tonight: I want you on your knees, on the bed, in the shower…. I just fuckin’ want you.”
“Why?”
“Because I love you… amore mio… my love….”
“Me too.” I smiled up into those gorgeous eyes. “You’re my love.”
The grin I got was so full of complete and utter happiness that all I could do was kiss him and kiss him and kiss him.
There didn't need to be any more words.
The development of the characters were fantastic, although from other reviews, they are apparently one dimensional, I may not have noticed because it was read out to me... oh em gee and Dreo's voice. *drools* thank you very fucking much Mr. Narrator!
The Narrator is awesome. I would very much like to marry his vocal cords, alas, I don't see that happening though, because it is likely attached to a body. At first I was a little skeptical, maybe thinking he was just having a play around, where the female characters were given a more high pitched voice (reminded me a lot of White Girls.)... which sounded ridiculous, at first, but then I got more used to it, and it was really nice to be able to differ between characters without using too much brain power. He also pronounced the Italian really well, easily switching between the two languages.
The plot was great, with the exception of above. Fluffy kittens and pies.
September 20, 2019
Reread September 2019
Okay, this is one of those times when I reread a book and wonder what I was thinking when I read it the first time. Timing really is everything. So many things annoyed me this go round. Like, Nate and Dreo don't really have any interaction until after 50%. Up until then, Nate is trying to date someone else and helping with Michael. There was really very little romance between the two.
Then, I keep wondering why I thought Dreo was very alpha. While he probably was, we get very little examples. I don't know...I loved it at the time and I'm not changing my rating but if this was the first time I read it, it would probably be more like 2.5-3 stars.
Originally read June 2018
Well, once I realized Dreo was the other mc and not Sean, all was golden. I was ready to DNF right then and there when I was reading Sean had a date with someone else but was still trying to get with Nate. But that's my bad for not really reading the blurb.
See, I've been on a Mary Calmes kick lately and I knew most of my friends loved this one so I just wanted to read it. Who cares what it's about was my motto lol. Well, I'm glad I decided to take a gander at the blurb instead of DNF'ing because I really loved this one.
Dreo is the kind of hero I love...hot, possessive and alpha to the extreme. Mmmhmmm...yes. I loved Nate too even if he was a bit "perfect" and everyone wanted him but he didn't realize it. I loved how he was with Michael and took care of him. He was kind of clueless and blind to Dreo at first but he finally gets it.
Definitely another Mary Calmes winner for me.
Okay, this is one of those times when I reread a book and wonder what I was thinking when I read it the first time. Timing really is everything. So many things annoyed me this go round. Like, Nate and Dreo don't really have any interaction until after 50%. Up until then, Nate is trying to date someone else and helping with Michael. There was really very little romance between the two.
Then, I keep wondering why I thought Dreo was very alpha. While he probably was, we get very little examples. I don't know...I loved it at the time and I'm not changing my rating but if this was the first time I read it, it would probably be more like 2.5-3 stars.
Originally read June 2018
Well, once I realized Dreo was the other mc and not Sean, all was golden. I was ready to DNF right then and there when I was reading Sean had a date with someone else but was still trying to get with Nate. But that's my bad for not really reading the blurb.
See, I've been on a Mary Calmes kick lately and I knew most of my friends loved this one so I just wanted to read it. Who cares what it's about was my motto lol. Well, I'm glad I decided to take a gander at the blurb instead of DNF'ing because I really loved this one.
Dreo is the kind of hero I love...hot, possessive and alpha to the extreme. Mmmhmmm...yes. I loved Nate too even if he was a bit "perfect" and everyone wanted him but he didn't realize it. I loved how he was with Michael and took care of him. He was kind of clueless and blind to Dreo at first but he finally gets it.
Definitely another Mary Calmes winner for me.
September 25, 2018
Re-read September 2018
Yes, still deliciously ridiculous. It was awesome.
------------------
Dreo!! I loved Dreo. So alpha.
"You wanna be mine so badly.
Nate. Say yes… you wanna be mine.”
“Yours. Yes,” I barely whispered the words.
Lots of people said that Mary Calmes is like crack, and they’re right. But after reading this book I think Mary Calmes is actually on crack.
This book was ridiculous. And I loved it.
Nate is absolutely perfect. Everyone loves him. Women throw themselves at his feet as do men. People are always crying in his vicinity because they’re so grateful he is in their lives.
I did learn that when you are 27, you are too young to have a child. At least that’s what everyone says when Nate’s son gets his girlfriend pregnant. Everyone except for perfect Nate of course. Nate says just the right things. (Isn’t he the BEST!)
When a co-worker offers Nate her apple, which she had already started, Nate of course accepts and eats the rest. Because that is what you do when you are buddy buddy with everyone.
This also has all the insta-love. Like REALLY instant. But it’s okay, it’s Mary…
I was however totally shocked to find out these guys use condoms! Like all the way until they’re tested. That was a first! What happened to your condom allergy, Mary?
This book still gave me all these warm fuzzies that I love so much. And how everyone just got over the fact that Dreo was gay…. lovely, and so realistic.
Yeah, it was awesome.
Yes, still deliciously ridiculous. It was awesome.
------------------
Dreo!! I loved Dreo. So alpha.
"You wanna be mine so badly.
Nate. Say yes… you wanna be mine.”
“Yours. Yes,” I barely whispered the words.
Lots of people said that Mary Calmes is like crack, and they’re right. But after reading this book I think Mary Calmes is actually on crack.
This book was ridiculous. And I loved it.
Nate is absolutely perfect. Everyone loves him. Women throw themselves at his feet as do men. People are always crying in his vicinity because they’re so grateful he is in their lives.
I did learn that when you are 27, you are too young to have a child. At least that’s what everyone says when Nate’s son gets his girlfriend pregnant. Everyone except for perfect Nate of course. Nate says just the right things. (Isn’t he the BEST!)
When a co-worker offers Nate her apple, which she had already started, Nate of course accepts and eats the rest. Because that is what you do when you are buddy buddy with everyone.
This also has all the insta-love. Like REALLY instant. But it’s okay, it’s Mary…
I was however totally shocked to find out these guys use condoms! Like all the way until they’re tested. That was a first! What happened to your condom allergy, Mary?
This book still gave me all these warm fuzzies that I love so much. And how everyone just got over the fact that Dreo was gay…. lovely, and so realistic.
Yeah, it was awesome.
November 13, 2012
You Want To Read About A REAL Alpha Male? Look No Further!
4.75
A lot of authors try to do the alpha male; sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. Mary Calmes' character Dreo is an alpha male and holy crappola is the man a big hunk of hotness.
But first the synopsis...
Nate Qells is a sexy 45 year old English professor. He's got a great life. An awesome kid in his mid 20s, an ex-wife Melissa who's his best friend and the mother of his child, and a fulfilling career. Nate, though, has never been in love and his last relationship was with a closeted police detective who walked out on him.
Two of the most constant things in Nate's life, for the last four years, are his next door neighbors. Michael, who's now 16, lost his mother when he was 12 and now lives with his uncle, Dreo. This story, oh this story, is about Dreo finding his way to the family he wants and Nate adding something great to the family he already has.
And now we talk about Dreo...
Dreo. What can I say about Dreo? He's 28, the sole guardian of Michael since Michael was 12. When you're 24 what do you do when you suddenly have a preteen to take care of? If you're Dreo then you do what you have to do and for him that was becoming muscle for a mob boss. Dreo puts his life in danger and does things that he's not exactly proud of because he wants the best life he can provide for Michael.
I loved Dreo. Loved him. Why? Because even though he's mob he still has a heart as big as the sky. He's affectionate with his nephew, kisses him on the cheek, hugs him, lets him know that he's loved. Because he keeps his job with the mob away from Michael. He wants something better for the boy whose care he's been entrusted with. Because as alpha as he is, he has no problem letting Nate know that he likes things that say home like Nate's comfortable and inviting furniture. Because Dreo lets himself be vulnerable and good lord the scene where he opens himself up to Nate at the funeral...I just wanted to hug the man. It was subtle but that's what made it powerful.
Why did I mostly love Dreo? I loved him because of the way he loved Nate and Michael. He was so HONEST about how much he wanted them to be a family unit. The same way he did what he had to do to make a home for Michael, Dreo sets his mind to getting out of the life because he knows that's what needs to happen for the three of them to be happy.
Dreo stole my heart.
And now for Nate and the rest of the cast...
Nate was that guy that everyone loves, whether he knows it or not. He was there for Michael when Dreo couldn't be. I loved that Nate provided parental guidance for a kid who needed it just because he genuinely wanted to help and he enjoyed the kid's company. He gives Michael structure without smothering him and Nate manages to be Michael's friend too while still being an adult.
What did I love best about Nate? The way he didn't judge Dreo. Nate is just there for Dreo. No judgements, no condescension and all understanding. He was what Dreo needed and I could definitely see why Dreo loved him from afar for the four years they've been neighbors.
Between this book and Frog I am so, so happy with the female characters that Mary Calmes creates. They're sweet, they're funny and they're sassy. Melissa, Nate's best friend and the mother of his son, had me chuckling more than once.
Our teenage Michael. Michael was awesome. Usually teens are written as these surly creatures that make me want to shake them but Michael was smart, sweet and just a cool kid all around. All he wants is stability and a family. Dreo and Nate are that stability, they are that family and Michael is cool with that.
Overall...
Mary Calmes is 2 for 2 with this book and Frog. Whatever she writes next is on my autobuy list because she's doing a great job with her books lately. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was sweet, funny, hot, sensual and touching. Bring on the next one!
Read for the 3rd time on 11/11/12: I still LOVE Dreo!! The End.
4.75
A lot of authors try to do the alpha male; sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. Mary Calmes' character Dreo is an alpha male and holy crappola is the man a big hunk of hotness.
But first the synopsis...
Nate Qells is a sexy 45 year old English professor. He's got a great life. An awesome kid in his mid 20s, an ex-wife Melissa who's his best friend and the mother of his child, and a fulfilling career. Nate, though, has never been in love and his last relationship was with a closeted police detective who walked out on him.
Two of the most constant things in Nate's life, for the last four years, are his next door neighbors. Michael, who's now 16, lost his mother when he was 12 and now lives with his uncle, Dreo. This story, oh this story, is about Dreo finding his way to the family he wants and Nate adding something great to the family he already has.
And now we talk about Dreo...
Dreo. What can I say about Dreo? He's 28, the sole guardian of Michael since Michael was 12. When you're 24 what do you do when you suddenly have a preteen to take care of? If you're Dreo then you do what you have to do and for him that was becoming muscle for a mob boss. Dreo puts his life in danger and does things that he's not exactly proud of because he wants the best life he can provide for Michael.
I loved Dreo. Loved him. Why? Because even though he's mob he still has a heart as big as the sky. He's affectionate with his nephew, kisses him on the cheek, hugs him, lets him know that he's loved. Because he keeps his job with the mob away from Michael. He wants something better for the boy whose care he's been entrusted with. Because as alpha as he is, he has no problem letting Nate know that he likes things that say home like Nate's comfortable and inviting furniture. Because Dreo lets himself be vulnerable and good lord the scene where he opens himself up to Nate at the funeral...I just wanted to hug the man. It was subtle but that's what made it powerful.
Why did I mostly love Dreo? I loved him because of the way he loved Nate and Michael. He was so HONEST about how much he wanted them to be a family unit. The same way he did what he had to do to make a home for Michael, Dreo sets his mind to getting out of the life because he knows that's what needs to happen for the three of them to be happy.
Dreo stole my heart.
And now for Nate and the rest of the cast...
Nate was that guy that everyone loves, whether he knows it or not. He was there for Michael when Dreo couldn't be. I loved that Nate provided parental guidance for a kid who needed it just because he genuinely wanted to help and he enjoyed the kid's company. He gives Michael structure without smothering him and Nate manages to be Michael's friend too while still being an adult.
What did I love best about Nate? The way he didn't judge Dreo. Nate is just there for Dreo. No judgements, no condescension and all understanding. He was what Dreo needed and I could definitely see why Dreo loved him from afar for the four years they've been neighbors.
Between this book and Frog I am so, so happy with the female characters that Mary Calmes creates. They're sweet, they're funny and they're sassy. Melissa, Nate's best friend and the mother of his son, had me chuckling more than once.
Our teenage Michael. Michael was awesome. Usually teens are written as these surly creatures that make me want to shake them but Michael was smart, sweet and just a cool kid all around. All he wants is stability and a family. Dreo and Nate are that stability, they are that family and Michael is cool with that.
Overall...
Mary Calmes is 2 for 2 with this book and Frog. Whatever she writes next is on my autobuy list because she's doing a great job with her books lately. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was sweet, funny, hot, sensual and touching. Bring on the next one!
Read for the 3rd time on 11/11/12: I still LOVE Dreo!! The End.
March 15, 2016
So the first 50% was kind of like this.
It’s the Everybody Loves Nate Show. I had to endure scene after pointless scene where Mary shows just how perfectly awesome ProfessorJory Nate is. Everyone loves him or is in love with him. He is beautiful and charming and changes people’s lives. Even scary mob bosses can’t help adoring him.
Then there’s Dreo.
There wasn’t enough Dreo, IMO. He’s possessive and hot and speaks Italian and bends Nate like an accordion when he fucks him. Yep, I'm in love with Dreo Fiore, so...
You would think that I hate Calmes but nope. She’s completely entertaining even when she’s irritating the ever-living shit out of me.
For Scientific Purposes
8 eyebrow waggles
5 lifted eyebrows
1 arched eyebrow
1 raised eyebrow
6 peacoats
2 hospital stays
It’s the Everybody Loves Nate Show. I had to endure scene after pointless scene where Mary shows just how perfectly awesome Professor
Then there’s Dreo.
There wasn’t enough Dreo, IMO. He’s possessive and hot and speaks Italian and bends Nate like an accordion when he fucks him. Yep, I'm in love with Dreo Fiore, so...
You would think that I hate Calmes but nope. She’s completely entertaining even when she’s irritating the ever-living shit out of me.
For Scientific Purposes
8 eyebrow waggles
5 lifted eyebrows
1 arched eyebrow
1 raised eyebrow
6 peacoats
2 hospital stays
September 15, 2014
Another reread cause I need a sweet treat. YUMMY GOODNESS.
My review boils down to this: DREO. DREO, DREO, DREO. OMIGAHILUVYOUSOMUCH, DREO!
Tesoro...dami un bacio...
Voglio fare l'amore con te.
Ti amo, tu sei tutta la mia vita!
I'm gonna put an ad on match.com and the only thing I'm going to say is, "Do you have chocolate brown eyes that turn black with lust when you wanna fuck me on a bathroom floor?"
No?
Then FUCK OFF !
Okay, fine, I'm not that mean.
I just love Dreo.
P.S. Why did Mary have to wait till 55 FUCKING % to finally get Dreo's tongue down Nate's throat? Huh, Mary? Huh? I didn't even reread the first 54%. WHO GIVES A SHIT ABOUT NATE'S PERFECTION.
P.P.S. Fuck you, Nate. YOU DON'T DESERVE DREO.
P.P.S.S. Ok, Nate, that was mean. I'm just super jealous. But you're fine. Really.
November 9, 2014
"Acrobat"?
Oh I get the reference and metaphor Ms. Calmes with Nate contorting himself for everyone and I mean everyone because Nate was so saint like in this story that it almost made me gag. Nate was a good person (I get it) But how good is he if he's lived next door to sexual napalm aka Andreo Fiore and didn't even notice it until fate stepped in?
Saint Nate, shame on you! I'm going to get ready to strip you of your sainthood for sleeping on this hot alpha, male of a delicious Italian man.
Dreo!
I'm all aquiver for Andreo Fiore! He's so great in his quiet, obsessive, dominant, criminal stalker like mentality. I'll eat him up anyway I can get him.
Um...the story? The story is Mary Calmes typical fare with a fairy tale like quality to it (Can I see these events of a gay mobster coming out and being accepted with his professor lover in reality? Nope but thank Cheesus for fiction, eh?). There's light suspense going on but, really, who gives a flying F when it comes to Fiore. He made and saved this story from Yawnsville.
The sex? I give it 10 Fiores!
The intense love between Saint Nate and Dreo? I give it 10 Fiores!
The adorable secondary characters? I give them 10 Fiores!
Nate's goody-goodyness? Only 1 Fiore!
So I'm rating FOUR & A HALF STARS because seriously this book's more about Dreo than anything else.
Oh I get the reference and metaphor Ms. Calmes with Nate contorting himself for everyone and I mean everyone because Nate was so saint like in this story that it almost made me gag. Nate was a good person (I get it) But how good is he if he's lived next door to sexual napalm aka Andreo Fiore and didn't even notice it until fate stepped in?
Saint Nate, shame on you! I'm going to get ready to strip you of your sainthood for sleeping on this hot alpha, male of a delicious Italian man.
Dreo!
I'm all aquiver for Andreo Fiore! He's so great in his quiet, obsessive, dominant, criminal stalker like mentality. I'll eat him up anyway I can get him.
Um...the story? The story is Mary Calmes typical fare with a fairy tale like quality to it (Can I see these events of a gay mobster coming out and being accepted with his professor lover in reality? Nope but thank Cheesus for fiction, eh?). There's light suspense going on but, really, who gives a flying F when it comes to Fiore. He made and saved this story from Yawnsville.
The sex? I give it 10 Fiores!
The intense love between Saint Nate and Dreo? I give it 10 Fiores!
The adorable secondary characters? I give them 10 Fiores!
Nate's goody-goodyness? Only 1 Fiore!
So I'm rating FOUR & A HALF STARS because seriously this book's more about Dreo than anything else.
October 7, 2016
Written November 29, 2014
3.3 Stars - Sweet amusing, cute hot and well made 'feel-good' & 'forget-reality' M/M reading
This was what I could call a niceness-romance.
A sweet story with all of Ms. Calmes well-known attributes. I was amused and moderately engaged. Nothing tumultuous memorable but a nice M/M reading (or listening).
I listened to the 6:34 hrs audiobook and it was very well narrated by Sean Crisden. ()
***********************************************
Acrobat is a story about the forty-five-year-old English professor Nathan Qells and his friends, ex wife, children, neighbors, university colleagues, former students and hundreds of other nice people. ~ There were a lot of second characters (...and they all LOVED Nath).
For four years has Nath spent time taking care of Michael, the kid across the hall. He doesn't realize that Michael's young goodlooking mob muscle uncle and guardian, Andreo (Dreo) Fiore, has slowly been falling in love with him.
Dreo is determined to build a life he can be proud of - a life with Nate as a cornerstone. ~ He is also happy to sneak in some sexy Italian endearments now and then.
***********************************************
This IS very much a Mary Calmes story (..if you know what I mean). It is a cute pleasing comfort romance with a perfect sweet "Jory" kind of man (see A Matter of Time, Vol. 1) once again.
A book read like delightful background music. — You hear it but remember it hardly a moment later.
A few extra plus from me, of course, for this somewhat older (45) main character. Mature and experienced, with an adult son, but he still felt very fresh sexy and "young" in the mind. I liked that of course....lots. ~ Cheer, for these "older" hunk men in my romances!!
I LIKE - yes just so: enjoyment of the moment
3.3 Stars - Sweet amusing, cute hot and well made 'feel-good' & 'forget-reality' M/M reading
This was what I could call a niceness-romance.
A sweet story with all of Ms. Calmes well-known attributes. I was amused and moderately engaged. Nothing tumultuous memorable but a nice M/M reading (or listening).
I listened to the 6:34 hrs audiobook and it was very well narrated by Sean Crisden. ()
***********************************************
Acrobat is a story about the forty-five-year-old English professor Nathan Qells and his friends, ex wife, children, neighbors, university colleagues, former students and hundreds of other nice people. ~ There were a lot of second characters (...and they all LOVED Nath).
‘It was something I did, something I had always done—poured on the charm, made myself into the ideal partner, lover, friend, indispensable and irreplaceable, and then, when I got bored or tired or tapped out, instead of fighting, I just quit.’
For four years has Nath spent time taking care of Michael, the kid across the hall. He doesn't realize that Michael's young goodlooking mob muscle uncle and guardian, Andreo (Dreo) Fiore, has slowly been falling in love with him.
Dreo is determined to build a life he can be proud of - a life with Nate as a cornerstone. ~ He is also happy to sneak in some sexy Italian endearments now and then.
***********************************************
This IS very much a Mary Calmes story (..if you know what I mean). It is a cute pleasing comfort romance with a perfect sweet "Jory" kind of man (see A Matter of Time, Vol. 1) once again.
A book read like delightful background music. — You hear it but remember it hardly a moment later.
A few extra plus from me, of course, for this somewhat older (45) main character. Mature and experienced, with an adult son, but he still felt very fresh sexy and "young" in the mind. I liked that of course....lots. ~ Cheer, for these "older" hunk men in my romances!!I LIKE - yes just so: enjoyment of the moment
February 3, 2019
Gay contemporary romance, May December. English professor gets accidentally involved with a hot young mob hit man, hyjinks and happily ever afters ensue.
Mary Calmes is probably one of my favorite romance authors. Many of her books are comfort reads for me, and this is definitely one of them. Nate is a truly appealing main character and great central voice, incredibly likable. The drama is fun and fast-paced, there are lots of themes of found family which I always enjoy. The sex is hot yet also super romantic. So really, what's not to love? Oh also it tackles one of my personal favorite romance themes: May December where the younger man is the aggressor.
However, if you are expecting the traditional style and pace of a bog-standard romance novel, with Mary you're likely to be disappointed. Like many of her books, Acrobat (not about an acrobat) is conversational and gentle and rambling. This feels more realistic to me, and more like actual relationships. Everything still ends happily, and many of the standard romance archetypes are in place, it's just that the execution pattern is abnormal. I really like that. Her books often read more like windows into the life of the main character at the time when they meet their eventual forever love.
Thus we see Nate dating and even liking another man, even though we know that's not the man he ends up.
I enjoy Mary's characters so much, that I don't mind simply spending time with them, even if they are dating other people. Although, there is never any cheating and it will all come out fine in the end.
If you like'd this book in particular, I suggest trying Frog next.
Mary Calmes is probably one of my favorite romance authors. Many of her books are comfort reads for me, and this is definitely one of them. Nate is a truly appealing main character and great central voice, incredibly likable. The drama is fun and fast-paced, there are lots of themes of found family which I always enjoy. The sex is hot yet also super romantic. So really, what's not to love? Oh also it tackles one of my personal favorite romance themes: May December where the younger man is the aggressor.
However, if you are expecting the traditional style and pace of a bog-standard romance novel, with Mary you're likely to be disappointed. Like many of her books, Acrobat (not about an acrobat) is conversational and gentle and rambling. This feels more realistic to me, and more like actual relationships. Everything still ends happily, and many of the standard romance archetypes are in place, it's just that the execution pattern is abnormal. I really like that. Her books often read more like windows into the life of the main character at the time when they meet their eventual forever love.
Thus we see Nate dating and even liking another man, even though we know that's not the man he ends up.
I enjoy Mary's characters so much, that I don't mind simply spending time with them, even if they are dating other people. Although, there is never any cheating and it will all come out fine in the end.
If you like'd this book in particular, I suggest trying Frog next.
May 19, 2012
To understand Acrobat, you have to understand Dreo. Patient, self-sacrificing, and brave, Dreo will do anything for family, including wait for Nate to come around and see him as a man and not just as a shadowy figure lurking in his life and across the hall. But when Dreo finally unleashes all of that pent up yearning? *melt* I also loved Nate, the guy who wanted to be everything to everybody, the guy who would contort his psyche to be what a lover wanted and then walk away when he felt the performance was done.
This is not Mary's usual whirlwind (although there are definitely some full days that would have leveled me after the first hour!) The romance between he two men is the product of four years of acquaintanceship followed by an epiphany. The epiphany is sudden, yes, but it's been building between the two of them, and when Dreo finally sees his chance... well. BOOOM! Huge payoff-- and it's lovely. The book was lovely, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This is not Mary's usual whirlwind (although there are definitely some full days that would have leveled me after the first hour!) The romance between he two men is the product of four years of acquaintanceship followed by an epiphany. The epiphany is sudden, yes, but it's been building between the two of them, and when Dreo finally sees his chance... well. BOOOM! Huge payoff-- and it's lovely. The book was lovely, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
October 7, 2022
*3.5* This story was a flaming pile of cow dung until it wasn't anymore.
There were too many characters, everyone was beautiful, there was way too much drama, and for the first hundred pages I thought the H was going to get together with the doctor, and that would've made me furious. How shocking and lovely when it turned out to be the incredibly hot, 27 year-old Italian mobster neighbor across the hall?!
✔️18 year MM age gap
✔️English professor vs mob muscle
✔️Sweet love whispered in Italian
I am once again a victim to my own, "I downloaded this book months ago and completely forgot the premise." But yay for continuing the ongoing battle to clear out my Kindle of older stories.
There were too many characters, everyone was beautiful, there was way too much drama, and for the first hundred pages I thought the H was going to get together with the doctor, and that would've made me furious. How shocking and lovely when it turned out to be the incredibly hot, 27 year-old Italian mobster neighbor across the hall?!
✔️18 year MM age gap
✔️English professor vs mob muscle
✔️Sweet love whispered in Italian
I am once again a victim to my own, "I downloaded this book months ago and completely forgot the premise." But yay for continuing the ongoing battle to clear out my Kindle of older stories.
October 2, 2020
If you are not looking for anything complicated and just need a comfort read/listen then Acrobat fits the bill.
This was more of a character driven story rather than situation driven as Nate, our 45 year old professor starts to see what has been under his eyes for so long.
One of the things I loved about Acrobat is the fact that we have a mature protagonist even though Nate can be kind of clueless at times. Just because you are over 30 doesn't mean you cannot still seek love, or a good old hook-up.
I'l admit my rating is based on the fact that this wasn't a deep and meaningful story full of allegory, symbolism, and metaphor; it's a nice easy read for those times when the world ails you. This is a solid comfort read.
This was more of a character driven story rather than situation driven as Nate, our 45 year old professor starts to see what has been under his eyes for so long.
One of the things I loved about Acrobat is the fact that we have a mature protagonist even though Nate can be kind of clueless at times. Just because you are over 30 doesn't mean you cannot still seek love, or a good old hook-up.
I'l admit my rating is based on the fact that this wasn't a deep and meaningful story full of allegory, symbolism, and metaphor; it's a nice easy read for those times when the world ails you. This is a solid comfort read.
July 5, 2015
Forgive me if I don't make sense or ramble. My mind is still... yeah. It's total goo from this.
Sweet Saint Brigid and all the other patron saints that I could call upon to deal with the man that is Andreo Fiore. Le Sigh. Le Ugh and Le Unf. That man is so freaking sexy.
But the story isn’t just about Dreo. There is actually a story here and it was one that I adored. I loved Nate, Dr. Nathan Qells, our narrator. Nate is the kind of person who will bend over backwards, forwards, sideways and do somersaults for those he loves… hence the title of the book. It’s not a weakness for Nate, its how he honestly shows his feelings and I never once felt that it was a burden to him. It’s simply who he is and being who he is, he is brought into the life of Michael Fiore, one teenaged nephew of Dreo. Sigh. Dreo.
Speaking of the sexy Italian man who made me translate more Italian than I have in my life so I could melt over and over again, there is a bit of the acrobatic in his man as well. From the hoops he jumps through to have the life he wants to the bullets he, literally ducks and dodges, to save his life, to the twisting of his heart to get the man he wants. Dreo is simply stunning.
Sure, I won’t lie, there is total insta love here and I bought hit hook line and sinker. It was fast and it was hot but it was good and it was recognized by the characters. I have said it before, moving fast isn’t always a bad thing though the masses won’t agree with it. Had my husband and I not moved fast, we wouldn’t be where we are almost 15 years later. Insta love, moving in together in a matter of weeks or months, it happens and when it works and you work at it, it’s beautiful.
Though I am new to the Calmes den of addiction, I don’t feel jaded enough to say that one character from this book was like another. For me, they are all separate though they may share some traits, but that is what authors do, they build a brand. But quite frankly, I never felt either man was a “Jory” or a “Sam”. I just felt that Dreo was a sexy as hell and fucks like a God and Nate is an honest and pure soul and deserves the one that will put everything on the line for him.
Ugh. So, I read this to get more of Duncan Stiel and see his story with Nate. It was bittersweet to see him and the sadness in a man so deep in the closet. I hate to say I like how broken he was, but I did like it because I want to see Aaron Sutter step up and be a man to take care of Duncan in Parting Shot. Yup, I am reading that one next.
Another book I am stupidly in love with. I adore the cover and the painting this story inspired. I hope that Nate grows his beard back and that he, Dreo, Michael and the rest of the family they are building and acquiring keeps them blissfully happy for many years. Because you know what?
My plan is to get you to really see me.
Sweet Saint Brigid and all the other patron saints that I could call upon to deal with the man that is Andreo Fiore. Le Sigh. Le Ugh and Le Unf. That man is so freaking sexy.
But the story isn’t just about Dreo. There is actually a story here and it was one that I adored. I loved Nate, Dr. Nathan Qells, our narrator. Nate is the kind of person who will bend over backwards, forwards, sideways and do somersaults for those he loves… hence the title of the book. It’s not a weakness for Nate, its how he honestly shows his feelings and I never once felt that it was a burden to him. It’s simply who he is and being who he is, he is brought into the life of Michael Fiore, one teenaged nephew of Dreo. Sigh. Dreo.
“I never thought—” He caught his breath. “—that you could want me.”
“You’re so beautiful. Anyone would want you.”
“No,” he said, his voice a deep rumble in his chest. “When I’m with you, just standing with you, I’m different, lighter, softer…. Your influence, you change me.”
Speaking of the sexy Italian man who made me translate more Italian than I have in my life so I could melt over and over again, there is a bit of the acrobatic in his man as well. From the hoops he jumps through to have the life he wants to the bullets he, literally ducks and dodges, to save his life, to the twisting of his heart to get the man he wants. Dreo is simply stunning.
And it was just insane. I wasn’t in love; I had barely spoken to the man in the four years I’d known him. His motivations, his thoughts, these were all unknowns, but what I did know of him, of his heart, I was crazy about. He was always there, so close, taken for granted and yet utterly depended on.
Sure, I won’t lie, there is total insta love here and I bought hit hook line and sinker. It was fast and it was hot but it was good and it was recognized by the characters. I have said it before, moving fast isn’t always a bad thing though the masses won’t agree with it. Had my husband and I not moved fast, we wouldn’t be where we are almost 15 years later. Insta love, moving in together in a matter of weeks or months, it happens and when it works and you work at it, it’s beautiful.
Though I am new to the Calmes den of addiction, I don’t feel jaded enough to say that one character from this book was like another. For me, they are all separate though they may share some traits, but that is what authors do, they build a brand. But quite frankly, I never felt either man was a “Jory” or a “Sam”. I just felt that Dreo was a sexy as hell and fucks like a God and Nate is an honest and pure soul and deserves the one that will put everything on the line for him.
Ugh. So, I read this to get more of Duncan Stiel and see his story with Nate. It was bittersweet to see him and the sadness in a man so deep in the closet. I hate to say I like how broken he was, but I did like it because I want to see Aaron Sutter step up and be a man to take care of Duncan in Parting Shot. Yup, I am reading that one next.
Another book I am stupidly in love with. I adore the cover and the painting this story inspired. I hope that Nate grows his beard back and that he, Dreo, Michael and the rest of the family they are building and acquiring keeps them blissfully happy for many years. Because you know what?
Who gives a damn what a man does in his bed? It only matters what the man does in the world, for the people he loves.
May 26, 2020
There was a lot I enjoyed about Acrobat.
It was far from perfect, but it worked for me on many levels.
Most of all it was well written, witty, funny centered around a wonderfully personal, and genuine likable guy. The rest of the cast was equally charming. The three endearing and lovable main characters, that made up their own little family which I adored, had me wrapped around their little fingers in no time.
Nathan Qells was almost too good to be true. He had an amazing and carefree attitude, cherished wonderful friendships and was adored and loved by his students. I myself was enamored with him. I liked his personality and would have loved to call him my friend, actually I would have been honored if he would have been my friend. He was an amazing human being, well rounded, smart, witty and just someone that was fun to be around.
His relationship with 16 year old Michael was heartwarming. And a relationship that added layers and complexity to the story. Now Nathan and Andreo were a different story all together. Even though they lived years in the same building, their life never really fused until one fateful day. According to the author, Andreo had plans regarding Nathan, future, long-term, relationship plans, that nobody was not aware of. That's where it got a little unbelievable and far-fetched, but I'm not really complaining, I loved them together, so it worked for me.
And I must admit they were SEXY together - WOWZER!!!! I don't know why m/m scenes are as hot as they are, but this author delivered in this aspect tenfold.
At the end, some of the scenes between Nathan and his students, were unnecessary and felt more like fillers. Students were introduced but were never really an important part of the storyline. They helped cement Nathan's reputation as a beloved professor, but it also felt repetitive and redundant after awhile.
But, aside all that, this book got me out of my reading slump, so kudos to the author. She achieved something that ten other authors couldn't - I DNFed books left and right before I landed on Acrobat. And I'm definitely going to keep an eye out for her next standalone novel.
___________________________________
Find more reviews and book recommendations on my blog.
Find me on Bookstagram.
It was far from perfect, but it worked for me on many levels.
Most of all it was well written, witty, funny centered around a wonderfully personal, and genuine likable guy. The rest of the cast was equally charming. The three endearing and lovable main characters, that made up their own little family which I adored, had me wrapped around their little fingers in no time.
Nathan Qells was almost too good to be true. He had an amazing and carefree attitude, cherished wonderful friendships and was adored and loved by his students. I myself was enamored with him. I liked his personality and would have loved to call him my friend, actually I would have been honored if he would have been my friend. He was an amazing human being, well rounded, smart, witty and just someone that was fun to be around.
His relationship with 16 year old Michael was heartwarming. And a relationship that added layers and complexity to the story. Now Nathan and Andreo were a different story all together. Even though they lived years in the same building, their life never really fused until one fateful day. According to the author, Andreo had plans regarding Nathan, future, long-term, relationship plans, that nobody was not aware of. That's where it got a little unbelievable and far-fetched, but I'm not really complaining, I loved them together, so it worked for me.
And I must admit they were SEXY together - WOWZER!!!! I don't know why m/m scenes are as hot as they are, but this author delivered in this aspect tenfold.
At the end, some of the scenes between Nathan and his students, were unnecessary and felt more like fillers. Students were introduced but were never really an important part of the storyline. They helped cement Nathan's reputation as a beloved professor, but it also felt repetitive and redundant after awhile.
But, aside all that, this book got me out of my reading slump, so kudos to the author. She achieved something that ten other authors couldn't - I DNFed books left and right before I landed on Acrobat. And I'm definitely going to keep an eye out for her next standalone novel.
___________________________________
Find more reviews and book recommendations on my blog.
Find me on Bookstagram.
June 20, 2019
Ok, so here's the thing...
I was feeling a little out of sorts for a couple days so I decided I needed some comfort food...translate stories. Needless to say I went to my go to stories and it became 'Mary Calmes' time.
I've read 'Acrobat' and a while ago I decided I wanted the audio book so it's been sitting patiently waiting for me. Well, it's patience as rewarded when I went scrolling through my list of books and my brain lite-up an said "Yes, this is exactly what I need."
So my original review was 5 stars and nothings changed on that, however, I did read this one back before I started writing reviews and so I apologize because other than to say that I loved it the first time and I truly loved listening to the audio book. Sean Crisden did an awesome job with the narration and I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. So much so that I have zero doubt that this will be listened to again and again and yes, very probably again...I think you get my point.
At the end of it all...it's Mary Calmes and if you love her books as much as I do and haven't at least read this one? Seriously, what are you waiting for...you need to get on this one ASAP! Happy reading? Listening? Whichever, enjoy, a good story is a good story no matter how you choose to enjoy it.
Oct. 2/3 - I know, I know...it's Mary Calmes and I'm an addict...willpower I has none...unapologetically so when it comes to this author and this time it was Sean Crisden reading to me and he did a marvelous job :)
July 5/18 - Oops, I did it again...what can I say Mary Calmes just make me happy!
I was feeling a little out of sorts for a couple days so I decided I needed some comfort food...translate stories. Needless to say I went to my go to stories and it became 'Mary Calmes' time.
I've read 'Acrobat' and a while ago I decided I wanted the audio book so it's been sitting patiently waiting for me. Well, it's patience as rewarded when I went scrolling through my list of books and my brain lite-up an said "Yes, this is exactly what I need."
So my original review was 5 stars and nothings changed on that, however, I did read this one back before I started writing reviews and so I apologize because other than to say that I loved it the first time and I truly loved listening to the audio book. Sean Crisden did an awesome job with the narration and I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. So much so that I have zero doubt that this will be listened to again and again and yes, very probably again...I think you get my point.
At the end of it all...it's Mary Calmes and if you love her books as much as I do and haven't at least read this one? Seriously, what are you waiting for...you need to get on this one ASAP! Happy reading? Listening? Whichever, enjoy, a good story is a good story no matter how you choose to enjoy it.
Oct. 2/3 - I know, I know...it's Mary Calmes and I'm an addict...willpower I has none...unapologetically so when it comes to this author and this time it was Sean Crisden reading to me and he did a marvelous job :)
July 5/18 - Oops, I did it again...what can I say Mary Calmes just make me happy!
September 21, 2024
3.5 Stars
Whelp. There’s not much to say here.
I’m going to deem this another “cozy” Mary Calmes. I was pleasantly stoked to find this loosely connected to the A Matter of Time series, intermittently featuring supporting character Duncan Stiel, but that’s beside the point.
Here, Nate doesn’t even know he wants his handsome neighbor until said handsome neighbor makes it known. And in grand Mary fashion, things move hot, wet, and fast. Literally.
Totally absurd in that you know there’s going to be a little drama, there’s going to be lots of oohing and ahhing and “I love you’s”, and there’s going to be some insta-love with very nice smexy.
So if you know that going in, there shouldn’t be any surprises or disappointments. Go forth and enjoy!
Whelp. There’s not much to say here.
I’m going to deem this another “cozy” Mary Calmes. I was pleasantly stoked to find this loosely connected to the A Matter of Time series, intermittently featuring supporting character Duncan Stiel, but that’s beside the point.
Here, Nate doesn’t even know he wants his handsome neighbor until said handsome neighbor makes it known. And in grand Mary fashion, things move hot, wet, and fast. Literally.
Totally absurd in that you know there’s going to be a little drama, there’s going to be lots of oohing and ahhing and “I love you’s”, and there’s going to be some insta-love with very nice smexy.
So if you know that going in, there shouldn’t be any surprises or disappointments. Go forth and enjoy!
May 13, 2012
Plot = 3/5 2/5, Dreo = 10/5
Oh Dreo *sigh*
Manly, forceful, firearm-wielding, Italian-speaking, hoodlum-killing, lover-cherishing Dreo.
Mary Calmes, get out of my head, and cease writing my dream alpha-male archetypes.
Oh Dreo *sigh*
Manly, forceful, firearm-wielding, Italian-speaking, hoodlum-killing, lover-cherishing Dreo.
Mary Calmes, get out of my head, and cease writing my dream alpha-male archetypes.
June 12, 2012
I have this theory that at least one main character in every Mary Calmes book is Jesus. Seriously, it's been my experience that the primary character is usually this perfect paragon of manhood. He's beautiful (of course), kind to the point of canonization, everyone in the whole world loves him, he's modest and gutsy, he's just... Jesus, basically.
When I read a Calmes book I think of that old Carpenter's song Close to You, you know; birds falling out of the sky and angels singing and shit. And you know what it makes me want to do? It makes me want to punch this guy in the throat.
I haven't, of course, read all of her books; so I reckon I need to read a couple more to test my hypothesis. But I'll do it for science.
When I read a Calmes book I think of that old Carpenter's song Close to You, you know; birds falling out of the sky and angels singing and shit. And you know what it makes me want to do? It makes me want to punch this guy in the throat.
I haven't, of course, read all of her books; so I reckon I need to read a couple more to test my hypothesis. But I'll do it for science.
November 8, 2024
Loved it!
I am not one to like age gaps but this one was done with such flare that it worked.
The characters were just perfect for each other and made a cute couple and a great family.
This book did what Again tried to and failed...I dont mind the dominance game if that is what is wanted, but I am not fond of the whole I am going to tell you what to do and you are going to do it thing.
I am not one to like age gaps but this one was done with such flare that it worked.
The characters were just perfect for each other and made a cute couple and a great family.
This book did what Again tried to and failed...I dont mind the dominance game if that is what is wanted, but I am not fond of the whole I am going to tell you what to do and you are going to do it thing.
September 16, 2017
DNF al 65% Diosmíodemivida
El primer Mary Calmes que leo y me temo que el último...
Por lo visto Chicago tiene la misma superficie y población que Hornillos de Cameros (La Rioja) porque los personajes se encuentran casualmente en varias ocasiones, en el hospital, en el súper... Lo habitual en las grandes ciudades.
Además me están entrando ganas de emigrar porque se ve que en esta ciudad todos están buenísimos o son súperatractivos, una cosa...
Estereotipos a tutiplén, el italiano medio mafioso con su crucifijo de oro (jaaaaa me maten) que queda con el resto de hampones en el restaurante italiano de mantel de cuadros... Vengaaaaa...
Y ya lo que me termina de matar son las frases en italiano que le suelta continuamente Dreo a Nate. Dreo, rey, a ver, que el otro NO TE ENTIENDE. Y Nate continuamente: ¿Mande? ¿Me lo traduces?? Ay, Dreo, qué cosas más bonitas me dices... ¡Y eso en medio del polvo!! Acabad con mi dolor.
Reconozco que esta manía de algunos autores de que uno de los protas suelte frases en otro idioma en medio de la conversación es uno de mis pet peeves más grandes, lo encuentro muy forzado y antinatural, además de parecerme una cursilada.
Manías mías aparte, el libro no me ha gustado nada. Ni la trama (aquello era un WTF tras otro), ni los personajes (meh) ni el romance, que no lo he visto por ninguna parte... Vamos, que no me explico cómo he llegado al 65%
El primer Mary Calmes que leo y me temo que el último...
Por lo visto Chicago tiene la misma superficie y población que Hornillos de Cameros (La Rioja) porque los personajes se encuentran casualmente en varias ocasiones, en el hospital, en el súper... Lo habitual en las grandes ciudades.
Además me están entrando ganas de emigrar porque se ve que en esta ciudad todos están buenísimos o son súperatractivos, una cosa...
Estereotipos a tutiplén, el italiano medio mafioso con su crucifijo de oro (jaaaaa me maten) que queda con el resto de hampones en el restaurante italiano de mantel de cuadros... Vengaaaaa...
Y ya lo que me termina de matar son las frases en italiano que le suelta continuamente Dreo a Nate. Dreo, rey, a ver, que el otro NO TE ENTIENDE. Y Nate continuamente: ¿Mande? ¿Me lo traduces?? Ay, Dreo, qué cosas más bonitas me dices... ¡Y eso en medio del polvo!! Acabad con mi dolor.
Reconozco que esta manía de algunos autores de que uno de los protas suelte frases en otro idioma en medio de la conversación es uno de mis pet peeves más grandes, lo encuentro muy forzado y antinatural, además de parecerme una cursilada.
Manías mías aparte, el libro no me ha gustado nada. Ni la trama (aquello era un WTF tras otro), ni los personajes (meh) ni el romance, que no lo he visto por ninguna parte... Vamos, que no me explico cómo he llegado al 65%
May 11, 2023
Listened 7/7/2015 I could, and have, listened to this over and over. Sean Crisden did such a wonderful job on this. The Italian phrases when spoken in that deep, rich voice used for Dreo were panty melting.
Re-listen 6/26/2016
Re-listen... I've given up on counting
1/6/2020 New decade with Dreo.
5/5/2020 Month of Mary reread
3/28/2021 I needed Dreo’s sexy voice in hopes of starting this week on a positive note. After this past week, I need ALL of the positive. 😳😳
Re-listen 6/26/2016
Re-listen... I've given up on counting
1/6/2020 New decade with Dreo.
5/5/2020 Month of Mary reread
3/28/2021 I needed Dreo’s sexy voice in hopes of starting this week on a positive note. After this past week, I need ALL of the positive. 😳😳
April 5, 2018
Well , I don't know how to review this book .
On the one hand there are elements that are crazy ! I believe that this author is renowned for having a character who is universally loved by all , and that would be Nate .
Nate is perfect , really perfect ! Men and women fall at his feet ( although he is oblivious ) , he teaches , mentors colleagues , and takes teenagers under his wing .
Everyone loves him , even ex-students that he gave a hard time too ( they are grateful ) , he can't walk around the supermarket without multiple random strangers asking his advise on which wine to buy ( like you do ) .
Nate falls for Dreo , his neighbour of the past four years , who is guardian to his nephew ( one of the mentioned teenagers ) .
Dreo is Mafia muscle , and there is drama and hit men , before Dreo is able to leave and start a new career .
However , here is the difficulty , despite the crazy I really enjoyed it !!!
Hence the 4 stars !
Dreo was yummy and possessive and I became fond of Nate's all round perfectness in the end .
I read it quickly , lapped it up and felt strangely drawn to reading another Mary Calmes immediately , there is something comforting about it all #addict .
On the one hand there are elements that are crazy ! I believe that this author is renowned for having a character who is universally loved by all , and that would be Nate .
Nate is perfect , really perfect ! Men and women fall at his feet ( although he is oblivious ) , he teaches , mentors colleagues , and takes teenagers under his wing .
Everyone loves him , even ex-students that he gave a hard time too ( they are grateful ) , he can't walk around the supermarket without multiple random strangers asking his advise on which wine to buy ( like you do ) .
Nate falls for Dreo , his neighbour of the past four years , who is guardian to his nephew ( one of the mentioned teenagers ) .
Dreo is Mafia muscle , and there is drama and hit men , before Dreo is able to leave and start a new career .
However , here is the difficulty , despite the crazy I really enjoyed it !!!
Hence the 4 stars !
Dreo was yummy and possessive and I became fond of Nate's all round perfectness in the end .
I read it quickly , lapped it up and felt strangely drawn to reading another Mary Calmes immediately , there is something comforting about it all #addict .
August 23, 2023
1.5 stars
I literally have no words for how stupid I felt this story was. Nate was so ridiculously NICE and loved by all and good looking and helpful and fantastic that my eyes hurt from rolling into the back of my head. The MCs goes from not talking for 4 years to then moving in together within 24 hours and proclaiming everlasting love. Urgh! Spare me!
There was a character gallery of 126 superflous characters that brought NOTHING to the story, except telling us all how faboulous Nate was. Gag.
For the socalled plot / action? There was none, but suffice to say, that had I been playing the Mary Calmes Drinking Game I would have been rip roaring drunk about 20% into the book.
That might have helped though. It was such a chore to read this book that it took me almost two weeks and I had to devise a reward system, where I was allowed to read another book for each chapter I finished.
It gets 1 star for lovely writing and editing and the extra half star because
I literally have no words for how stupid I felt this story was. Nate was so ridiculously NICE and loved by all and good looking and helpful and fantastic that my eyes hurt from rolling into the back of my head. The MCs goes from not talking for 4 years to then moving in together within 24 hours and proclaiming everlasting love. Urgh! Spare me!
There was a character gallery of 126 superflous characters that brought NOTHING to the story, except telling us all how faboulous Nate was. Gag.
For the socalled plot / action? There was none, but suffice to say, that had I been playing the Mary Calmes Drinking Game I would have been rip roaring drunk about 20% into the book.
That might have helped though. It was such a chore to read this book that it took me almost two weeks and I had to devise a reward system, where I was allowed to read another book for each chapter I finished.
It gets 1 star for lovely writing and editing and the extra half star because
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