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Men of Smithfield #1
Mark and Tony
Previous Title: "Gobsmacked"
Coming home from work to find my boyfriend banging our hairy, married landlord -- in our bed -- was bad enough. Discovering Jamie had also cleaned out my bank accounts made it officially the worst day of my life. I think I can be forgiven for wanting revenge, even if a few little laws (and possibly Jamie's nose) got bent in the process.
Fortunately, the law is on my side in the form of my oldest friend, Tony Gervase. I've tried to deny my attraction to the sexy trooper for years. After all, he made it clear long ago that he wasn't interested in me that way. But if the hot encounter in his kitchen is any indication, he is now. At least the day is ending a whole lot better than it began...
But the morning after, the Jamie situation goes from bad to seriously messed up. The jerk's in more trouble than I could have imagined. And as it turns out, I don't know Tony as well as I thought I did either...
Coming home from work to find my boyfriend banging our hairy, married landlord -- in our bed -- was bad enough. Discovering Jamie had also cleaned out my bank accounts made it officially the worst day of my life. I think I can be forgiven for wanting revenge, even if a few little laws (and possibly Jamie's nose) got bent in the process.
Fortunately, the law is on my side in the form of my oldest friend, Tony Gervase. I've tried to deny my attraction to the sexy trooper for years. After all, he made it clear long ago that he wasn't interested in me that way. But if the hot encounter in his kitchen is any indication, he is now. At least the day is ending a whole lot better than it began...
But the morning after, the Jamie situation goes from bad to seriously messed up. The jerk's in more trouble than I could have imagined. And as it turns out, I don't know Tony as well as I thought I did either...
96 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 7, 2009
26 people are currently reading
892 people want to read
About the author
L.B. Gregg
25 books627 followersLB Gregg (Lisabea) writes fun, fast-paced contemporary male/male romances for a variety of publishers including Riptide, Samhain, and Carina Press. Her wildly successful Men of Smithfield books feature hot, hunky men looking for love in small town New England. Find more information about LB, The Men of Smithfield, and her fun series Romano and Albright at www.lbgregg.com.
You can also friend LB on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lb.gregg.1
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Or follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lb.gregg/
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Like her author page http://on.fb.me/216EIiF
Or follow her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lb.gregg/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 273 reviews
October 2, 2019
Audiobook - 4 stars
Story 3 stars
This was hilarious.
Story 3 stars
This was hilarious.
May 27, 2015
Written November 18, 2014
3.3 Stars - Strong feelings, much (justified) anger, sexy and quite fun
Book #1
I listened to this first novella audio (4:24 hrs) in the Men of Smithfield series. Pleasant, and with great enthusiasm, in a very nice way narrated by Shannon Gunn (4 stars to him).
•
•
Amusing freezing cold snowy story
...I was listening to this one some tropical warm evenings. An short and utterly perfect audiobook listening to sitting here on a balcony drinking something with a lot of ice and just keep smiling when this main character Mark tried to make sweet revenge over his former so deceitful and, as it shows also, thieving boyfriend.
***********************************************************
Mark Meehan finds his boyfriend Jaime in their bed with their (creepy ugly hetro...) landlord and a dramatic circus begins. Mark is angry, super hysterically angry, very disappointed and so damn badly fooled. — Then there is the old friend, the great confident, strong, sexy, a few years older, cop Tony Gervase.
Maybe will even this story have a happy ending after all?
***********************************************************
Funny, amusing crazy and with light suspense
When it was supposed to be hot - it really was yummy and steaming. When it was supposed to be exciting and scary - it really was quite thrilling.
I'm charmed, this was a fun smexy listening. Of course I must pick up the rest of them (four more lovebirds novellas). I like this short novella audio format as well. ~ Next up: #2 - Max and Finn's story in the Smithfield town.
I LIKE - fun and chuckle worthy
*********
3.3 Stars - Strong feelings, much (justified) anger, sexy and quite fun
Book #1
I listened to this first novella audio (4:24 hrs) in the Men of Smithfield series. Pleasant, and with great enthusiasm, in a very nice way narrated by Shannon Gunn (4 stars to him).
•
•
Amusing freezing cold snowy story
...I was listening to this one some tropical warm evenings. An short and utterly perfect audiobook listening to sitting here on a balcony drinking something with a lot of ice and just keep smiling when this main character Mark tried to make sweet revenge over his former so deceitful and, as it shows also, thieving boyfriend.
***********************************************************
Mark Meehan finds his boyfriend Jaime in their bed with their (creepy ugly hetro...) landlord and a dramatic circus begins. Mark is angry, super hysterically angry, very disappointed and so damn badly fooled. — Then there is the old friend, the great confident, strong, sexy, a few years older, cop Tony Gervase.
Maybe will even this story have a happy ending after all?
***********************************************************
Funny, amusing crazy and with light suspense
When it was supposed to be hot - it really was yummy and steaming. When it was supposed to be exciting and scary - it really was quite thrilling.
I'm charmed, this was a fun smexy listening. Of course I must pick up the rest of them (four more lovebirds novellas). I like this short novella audio format as well. ~ Next up: #2 - Max and Finn's story in the Smithfield town.
I LIKE - fun and chuckle worthy
*********
February 16, 2009
This book was really good. I didn't know how I would feel about it because it is written in first person, and it is NO secret how I HATE first person. But, it looked good, so I decided to bite the bullet. I am glad I did.
What surprised me about the book was how funny it was. I truly wasn't expecting to laugh out loud several times. Plus, I came to care about Mark. His inner thoughts rang true to me for some reason. He was very easy to relate to, and I would be proud to call him a friend. Not to say he doesn't do some outrageous things throughout the course of the book. But, I found myself cheering him on even though maybe he didn't make the best...er... wisest choices. I think he did to his cheating lover what MANY of us would gladly do if we had the balls to do it...no pun intended.
Mild mannered Mark Meehan didn't know his day was about to go to hell in a handbasket when he came home from work. When he finds his live in lover having sex with the creepy landlord he flips out. Although, their relationship has been quite tepid lately, he never thought the jerk off would cheat on him.
To say that Mark is angry is an understatement. When he attends weekly mass and spots his cheating lover in the aisle in front of him, he snaps and wallops his cheating lover upside the head with the bible, practically knocking the cheater out. Who knew that violence in the church would cause you to be "escorted" out in the middle of services?
On his way home, he is pulled over for driving UNDER the speed limit by a cop who happens to be his older sisters childhood friend and his crush Tony. Mark has deliberately avoided Tony for a while because of his feelings he has for him. But, seeing Tony again makes Mark want to unload his problems and reconnect with him.
To say that Tony is a sexy hero is an understatement. He is also the the glue that keeps Mark together. The more erratic Mark becomes, the calmer Tony is. They were perfect together.
I loved this book. Not only was it funny, but it had some VERY hot moments between Mark and Tony that had me turning on the ceiling fan. I really enjoyed watching Tony and Mark finally come together at the right time in their lives. They are the kind of characters that I would love for the author to continue their story. I hated for it to end!
If you are offended by laugh out loud moments, hot sex and different ways to get revenge on your cheating ex, this book is not for you.
What surprised me about the book was how funny it was. I truly wasn't expecting to laugh out loud several times. Plus, I came to care about Mark. His inner thoughts rang true to me for some reason. He was very easy to relate to, and I would be proud to call him a friend. Not to say he doesn't do some outrageous things throughout the course of the book. But, I found myself cheering him on even though maybe he didn't make the best...er... wisest choices. I think he did to his cheating lover what MANY of us would gladly do if we had the balls to do it...no pun intended.
Mild mannered Mark Meehan didn't know his day was about to go to hell in a handbasket when he came home from work. When he finds his live in lover having sex with the creepy landlord he flips out. Although, their relationship has been quite tepid lately, he never thought the jerk off would cheat on him.
To say that Mark is angry is an understatement. When he attends weekly mass and spots his cheating lover in the aisle in front of him, he snaps and wallops his cheating lover upside the head with the bible, practically knocking the cheater out. Who knew that violence in the church would cause you to be "escorted" out in the middle of services?
On his way home, he is pulled over for driving UNDER the speed limit by a cop who happens to be his older sisters childhood friend and his crush Tony. Mark has deliberately avoided Tony for a while because of his feelings he has for him. But, seeing Tony again makes Mark want to unload his problems and reconnect with him.
To say that Tony is a sexy hero is an understatement. He is also the the glue that keeps Mark together. The more erratic Mark becomes, the calmer Tony is. They were perfect together.
I loved this book. Not only was it funny, but it had some VERY hot moments between Mark and Tony that had me turning on the ceiling fan. I really enjoyed watching Tony and Mark finally come together at the right time in their lives. They are the kind of characters that I would love for the author to continue their story. I hated for it to end!
If you are offended by laugh out loud moments, hot sex and different ways to get revenge on your cheating ex, this book is not for you.
June 21, 2017
Audible
Rounded up to 4 stars!
And 12 points goooooes to Shannon Gunn!!!
Well, it was much better than I expected. Sexy, witty and smart.
It reminded me of series by C.Cardeno and Mary Calmes, but- forgive me the fans of these authors!-I found L.B.Gregg
Shannon Gunn's voice makes
I like the beginning of the series and look forward to reading MORE.
Run on the next book!
February 15, 2020
A mixture of misunderstandings and fear kept two lonely guys from true love. Mark's sister Sarah asks him why he didn't notice Tony loved him since he was 17. Mark doesn't believe her because when HE was 17, Tony rejected him. Time passed, and somewhere between Tony's homophobic dad dying and Jamie's betrayal of Mark, Tony finally grabbed what was always his, Mark.
This is the first book in the series and possibly the weakest. We know who the villain is from the first page and it only a matter of time before he gets punished. Tony and Mark getting together at last, makes you wonder what took them so long. If I was Sarah, I would smack them both up side the head for being so dumb.
This is the first book in the series and possibly the weakest. We know who the villain is from the first page and it only a matter of time before he gets punished. Tony and Mark getting together at last, makes you wonder what took them so long. If I was Sarah, I would smack them both up side the head for being so dumb.
September 1, 2016
**3.5 stars**
I think I would have liked this better on my Kindle and rated it a solid 4 stars instead of 3.5 stars. This was my first audiobook and I'm not completely sold on it. Most of my friends loved this narration. I think the narrator did a great job except for the voice of Tony, which kiiiillllleeeeddd me. He sounded like a constipated Tony Soprano, and I couldn't feel much for him as a character because I hated the voice so much.
This book had many things that I like. It was funny, it was paced well, and it had a lot of action. It confirmed that L.B. Gregg is an author to watch for me. However, I didn't like how the romance part of the book went down. I didn't really get why either of them didn't make a move until now, and I certainly didn't feel the love from them. I wanted more development of their romantic relationship. Also, Mark, who I thought was really funny and endearing, bordered on too-stupid-to-live some of the time. I honestly thought he was going to get his butt killed for most of the story. Silly man.
February 8, 2009
No more Mr. Nice Guy.
Mild mannered Mark Meehan’s good judgment flies out the window when he finds his lover banging another man. Things go from bad to worse as Mark’s crazy revenge scheme uncovers shocking secrets-sending him straight into the arms of hunky lawman and old friend, Tony Gervase, a man of limited patience and secrets of his own.
From Aspen Mountain Press.
I liked Mark. In fact no, I more than liked Mark I just adored this character. He was smart and sexy, but most appealing was his very human and real nature; which is what made this book so charming. Tony was a sex god of course with his whole tall, dark and chest hair going on, but it was wanting to see what Mark would do next that kept me up till way past my bedtime.
The writing was crisp with some beautiful use of language, without it looking like the author had fallen into a thesaurus. I liked this. Sometimes it’s nice if an author feels you’re intelligent enough to cope with the big words. heh. The pace of the story was quite fast, not short, just quick with no down time. This made for real edge of your seat reading. I was just dying to know what happened next and it felt like no words were wasted. The humor was also a nice suprise, although I did not spend the whole story laughing my ass of it was enough that my partner asked me what I was reading several times… which eventually turned into, ‘are you still reading that book?’
And hot. Holy shit, I do try and suppress my prurient side and not focus solely on this, it is a romantic story after all not Hot Cops (which does look rather interesting…) so there is loads of lovely sweet stuff, but this was just so good - or maybe I just have a thing for bathroom sex! heh.
I can honestly say I did not know quite what to expect going into reading this book, especially after reading the synopsis where I wondered if the crazy revenge theme was really going to be my cup of tea. But it was a great read, seriously! Memorable and one I cannot wait to see in paperback.
http://sharrow.wordpress.com/
Mild mannered Mark Meehan’s good judgment flies out the window when he finds his lover banging another man. Things go from bad to worse as Mark’s crazy revenge scheme uncovers shocking secrets-sending him straight into the arms of hunky lawman and old friend, Tony Gervase, a man of limited patience and secrets of his own.
From Aspen Mountain Press.
I liked Mark. In fact no, I more than liked Mark I just adored this character. He was smart and sexy, but most appealing was his very human and real nature; which is what made this book so charming. Tony was a sex god of course with his whole tall, dark and chest hair going on, but it was wanting to see what Mark would do next that kept me up till way past my bedtime.
The writing was crisp with some beautiful use of language, without it looking like the author had fallen into a thesaurus. I liked this. Sometimes it’s nice if an author feels you’re intelligent enough to cope with the big words. heh. The pace of the story was quite fast, not short, just quick with no down time. This made for real edge of your seat reading. I was just dying to know what happened next and it felt like no words were wasted. The humor was also a nice suprise, although I did not spend the whole story laughing my ass of it was enough that my partner asked me what I was reading several times… which eventually turned into, ‘are you still reading that book?’
And hot. Holy shit, I do try and suppress my prurient side and not focus solely on this, it is a romantic story after all not Hot Cops (which does look rather interesting…) so there is loads of lovely sweet stuff, but this was just so good - or maybe I just have a thing for bathroom sex! heh.
I can honestly say I did not know quite what to expect going into reading this book, especially after reading the synopsis where I wondered if the crazy revenge theme was really going to be my cup of tea. But it was a great read, seriously! Memorable and one I cannot wait to see in paperback.
http://sharrow.wordpress.com/
January 29, 2011
Hard for me to like a story when i don't like any of the characters.
Jaimie you obviously weren't supposed to like
The MC (Forgot his name already) was just not likable IMO. He was stupid and handle everything poorly and just annoyed me to read about
Tony was ok until he admits why he pushed the forgettable main character away...
yeah this book just was not for me
Jaimie you obviously weren't supposed to like
The MC (Forgot his name already) was just not likable IMO. He was stupid and handle everything poorly and just annoyed me to read about
Tony was ok until he admits why he pushed the forgettable main character away...
yeah this book just was not for me
July 13, 2014
I think this would have been the perfect plot for a longer book, with more space for feels and meaningful conversations between Mark and Tony, but as it stands, it was still enjoyable enough.
October 29, 2013
Serious but humorous
I can't remember having read many stories that feature bad break ups in all their glory. This one does and it does it very well and in a way that is authentic. It isn't angsty either but has a humorous tone although the issues dealt with are serious.
Mark discovers his boyfriend is a louse. The louse lies, cheats and steals. Mark confronts him in a way that is public, but illegal, but also comical and so the story begins.
What follows is a journey through a bad break up to a new authentic relationship, a relationship with someone who has been waiting on the sidelines for Mark for some time. Tony the town cop has loved Mark for ages but done nothing about it (buffoon). Mark has never known about Tony's love for him and although he really liked Tony he always felt Tony didn't want him so Mark ends up with the lying, cheating, thieving Jamie (the louse).
Of course Jamie wasn't always a louse but as Mark discovers people are like onions with many layers and sometimes these layers conceal deeply hidden lousiness and a myriad of other creepy crawlies. It also appears that Mark is the last to recognise that Jamie is a louse and that Tony has feelings for Mark. Everyone else seems to know but no one cared to inform Mark. Ignorance is only bliss to a certain extent. Ah well you live and you learn.
I liked this story because it has a cast of unlikely characters and it has a witty dialogue. Mark is deeply trusting, very hurt, but totally clueless and unthinking when it comes to the break up. He takes matters into his own hands and let's his emotions take charge and he gets into and out of all kinds of scapes and skirmishes. Mark kind of unravels but Tony is there solid and steady with good advice and practical help. Alas it is the kind of droning sensible help that Mark needs but at the same time embarrasses him because it shows Mark that his actions are not really wise actions. Also everything is played out on the stage of small home town life where life's dramas become entertainment for everyone else (cringe).
So there is this big break up, anger, violence, and pain but in the midst of this is realisation, family support and new love and kindness all delivered in a snarky, comical tone. It is a quirky story with some serious issues that are dealt with in a lively and sometimes humorous way.
As Mark weaves his unsteady way through the mess, confusion and loss he eventually manages to recognise the way home and find the way home. Home is Tony.
I am so pleased this is part of a series. It was quite lively and an enjoyable despite the fact it dealt with a crooked boyfriend. I liked the way Tony became a hero even though he appeared to be a bit droning and stiff. At the very end true love wins and that is what it is all about!! I am now looking forward to meeting the other men of Smithfield. I hope they will be just as entertaining.
I can't remember having read many stories that feature bad break ups in all their glory. This one does and it does it very well and in a way that is authentic. It isn't angsty either but has a humorous tone although the issues dealt with are serious.
Mark discovers his boyfriend is a louse. The louse lies, cheats and steals. Mark confronts him in a way that is public, but illegal, but also comical and so the story begins.
What follows is a journey through a bad break up to a new authentic relationship, a relationship with someone who has been waiting on the sidelines for Mark for some time. Tony the town cop has loved Mark for ages but done nothing about it (buffoon). Mark has never known about Tony's love for him and although he really liked Tony he always felt Tony didn't want him so Mark ends up with the lying, cheating, thieving Jamie (the louse).
Of course Jamie wasn't always a louse but as Mark discovers people are like onions with many layers and sometimes these layers conceal deeply hidden lousiness and a myriad of other creepy crawlies. It also appears that Mark is the last to recognise that Jamie is a louse and that Tony has feelings for Mark. Everyone else seems to know but no one cared to inform Mark. Ignorance is only bliss to a certain extent. Ah well you live and you learn.
I liked this story because it has a cast of unlikely characters and it has a witty dialogue. Mark is deeply trusting, very hurt, but totally clueless and unthinking when it comes to the break up. He takes matters into his own hands and let's his emotions take charge and he gets into and out of all kinds of scapes and skirmishes. Mark kind of unravels but Tony is there solid and steady with good advice and practical help. Alas it is the kind of droning sensible help that Mark needs but at the same time embarrasses him because it shows Mark that his actions are not really wise actions. Also everything is played out on the stage of small home town life where life's dramas become entertainment for everyone else (cringe).
So there is this big break up, anger, violence, and pain but in the midst of this is realisation, family support and new love and kindness all delivered in a snarky, comical tone. It is a quirky story with some serious issues that are dealt with in a lively and sometimes humorous way.
As Mark weaves his unsteady way through the mess, confusion and loss he eventually manages to recognise the way home and find the way home. Home is Tony.
I am so pleased this is part of a series. It was quite lively and an enjoyable despite the fact it dealt with a crooked boyfriend. I liked the way Tony became a hero even though he appeared to be a bit droning and stiff. At the very end true love wins and that is what it is all about!! I am now looking forward to meeting the other men of Smithfield. I hope they will be just as entertaining.
November 9, 2015
Book 1: Mark & Tony - 4 stars
SERIES REVIEW
I think if I'd read this series years ago, or even just months ago, I wouldn't have enjoyed it as much as I did having read it just recently. Don't get me wrong...I love LB Gregg's stories and the books were, at varying degrees, really enjoyable. But, what made them very special for me is that 4 months ago, I bought a house in a small, remote country location in northwest Connecticut. And the closest restuarant, coffee shop, grocery store...all were in the neighboring town, Litchfield. And it just so happened to be where the not-so-fictional town of Smithfield was based on.
Familiarty and recognition make reading that much more fun!
And just for fun, I went and snapped a picture of The Village, often mentioned throughout the series as the place to eat, drink, and be merry!
Each of these books focuses on a new couple in the town of Smithfield. They can be read as standalones for plot, but it's fun seeing some of the characters make pop-up appearaces in the other books. As I mentioned, they were all fun, quick reads. So, I do recommend tackling the whole series!
For me:
Favorite book of the series: Mark & Tony - childhood friends to lovers, a crazy ex-boyfriend, danger, a cop, a nurse, and some sexy attraction between the two!
Favorite couple of the series: Max & Finn - I love the nerdy teacher and the sexy growly security specialist. And their first scene together was hubba hubba.
Sweetest couple of the series: Seth & David - I didn't mind the age difference. And I liked the kids in the mix!
Weirdest couple of the series: Sam & Aaron - considering most of the book questioned if they were related, it was hard and strange finally picturing them together.
Least convincing couple of the series: Adam & Holden - I don't know that I understood their connection, to be honest. Yet, I really enjoyed their quirkiness.
Best mystery storyline: Mark & Tony tied with Max & Finn.
Best cameo: Tony in Sam & Aaron's book.
Best "Smithfield" focuses storyline: Adam & Holden tied with Sam & Aaron
Reason to read this series: LB Gregg writes unexpected contemporary romances. She always throws a wrench of some sort into the storyline. She also writes fun couples w/ sexy connections.
November 2, 2015
There really isn't anything terribly innovative, twisty or different about this story. Mark is a bit down on his luck and unlucky in love. Tony is a rock, but a bit elusive. I attribute my liking this to Tony's affinity to fill a pantry with stuff from Costco and Mark recognizing a dick-pic as his ex's fat bastard. In other words, the author seems to have a knack for just the right amount of relateable detail needed for a contemporary romance. What she is doing definitely is working for me. I only wish it were longer. In looking at this author's catalog, most her work appears to be under 200 pages. It makes me wonder what she might do with a further fleshed out story.
February 11, 2013
On Amazon.com this book is marketed under the name...
Men of Smithfield: Mark and Tony.
This is a fast-paced story with a slightly hysterical queen having a major life-crisis & melt down. I did enjoy the craziness of the story & found myself snorting in laughter. Amongst the chaos & smelly landlords, there is a sweet romance too. I will definitely continue with the series to see how the romance blossoms & grows. This was a really nice read & I would recommend it to anyone who doesn't take their romance too seriously.
Men of Smithfield: Mark and Tony.
This is a fast-paced story with a slightly hysterical queen having a major life-crisis & melt down. I did enjoy the craziness of the story & found myself snorting in laughter. Amongst the chaos & smelly landlords, there is a sweet romance too. I will definitely continue with the series to see how the romance blossoms & grows. This was a really nice read & I would recommend it to anyone who doesn't take their romance too seriously.
December 9, 2014
This was pretty average but fun. I wasn't impressed by either characters, romance or story. It was still a fun read and it ended before I could get bored!
September 15, 2024
The men of Smithfield are interesting
March 16, 2013
This was a 3.5 star story that I enjoyed via the audio version. This humorous story starts with Mark catching his cheating boyfriend and then turning to Tony, local cop and unrequited love-of-his-life, for help.
The narrator (Shannon Gunn) was excellent. The pacing was good and the story progressed at a good rate. His accents were brilliant, particularly Tony, so it was easy to differentiate the characters. The inflections and humour really came through in the narration. The sex scenes were also terrifically done.
All in all I would prefer to actually read a book than listen to it (I prefer my own imagination and read a lot faster) but for situations were this isn't possible, this audio version hits the mark
The narrator (Shannon Gunn) was excellent. The pacing was good and the story progressed at a good rate. His accents were brilliant, particularly Tony, so it was easy to differentiate the characters. The inflections and humour really came through in the narration. The sex scenes were also terrifically done.
All in all I would prefer to actually read a book than listen to it (I prefer my own imagination and read a lot faster) but for situations were this isn't possible, this audio version hits the mark
July 18, 2014
This series has often been recommended to me, but I kept pushing it back, because the title did do nothing for me. Might be weird, but with only two names as title my expectations were low and I wasn't hooked.
I finally did listen to the audiobook and was pleasently surprised. A great narration, a dynamic between the MCs that reminded me a bit of the MCs of the 'A Matter of Time' series, action, hot sex and a lot of fun *g*
There are also some stupid decisions by the MCs and I still don't really get why the MCs only got together after such a long time.
BUT a hot and fun read <3 and a great audiobook *g*
I finally did listen to the audiobook and was pleasently surprised. A great narration, a dynamic between the MCs that reminded me a bit of the MCs of the 'A Matter of Time' series, action, hot sex and a lot of fun *g*
There are also some stupid decisions by the MCs and I still don't really get why the MCs only got together after such a long time.
BUT a hot and fun read <3 and a great audiobook *g*
April 28, 2013
A quick easy read, told over the space of 4 days. Nothing to make it stand out, but still enjoyable.
I enjoyed Mark and Tony’s little will they wont they romance.
Jamie was a typical jerk you wanted to see get his comeuppance, which I’m glad to say he did, in more ways than one.
Overall a simple read with a touch of mystery and a few chuckles courtesy of Mark’s thought process.
I enjoyed Mark and Tony’s little will they wont they romance.
Jamie was a typical jerk you wanted to see get his comeuppance, which I’m glad to say he did, in more ways than one.
Overall a simple read with a touch of mystery and a few chuckles courtesy of Mark’s thought process.
August 3, 2013
3.8
Audible version
I like this one best in the whole series. The funny thing is that I attempted to read this book many months ago and couldn't get past the first few chapters. Definitely lets me know that it can all come down to timing every once in a while because I really enjoyed this one.
Audible version
I like this one best in the whole series. The funny thing is that I attempted to read this book many months ago and couldn't get past the first few chapters. Definitely lets me know that it can all come down to timing every once in a while because I really enjoyed this one.
July 21, 2020
Oooh this was a good one. I enjoyed the characters and it's non-stop action. Fun and diverting and for Shannon Gunn fans this series is turning out to be a treasure.
March 20, 2013
3.5 stars – The first story in Gregg’s Men of Smithfield series, this one focusing on Mark, who just caught his live-in boyfriend cheating, and his kneejerk quest for revenge starts with “gobsmacking” his bf with a bible and then leads to dumping his now-ex’s stuff, and then careens into finding out that all his money was stolen and he’s about to be evicted. In swoops Officer Tony, stalwart friend and his crush of long ago, but Mark is still busy fuming, so isn’t too quick on the uptake as his ex’s behavior becomes more erratic and Tony’s attentions become more overt.
I like Gregg’s writing, and am a big fan of her Romano and Albright series, but it always takes me time to warm up to the characters, and this time, I never really warmed up to Mark. His anger and confusion is very warranted, but I still had a hard time sympathizing with his behavior at times, and some of his choices felt a little TSTL. (Good thing Tony was so close behind to swoop in.) I did like that there was some mystery thrown in though since Mark was trying to figure out what the hell his ex was doing behind his back.
Overall, the writing was good, and at a little less than a 100 pages, is a pretty light, fast read, but just an okay read for me though.
If you're looking for this, it's been re-released by Carina Press under the title Men of Smithfield: Mark and Tony.
I like Gregg’s writing, and am a big fan of her Romano and Albright series, but it always takes me time to warm up to the characters, and this time, I never really warmed up to Mark. His anger and confusion is very warranted, but I still had a hard time sympathizing with his behavior at times, and some of his choices felt a little TSTL. (Good thing Tony was so close behind to swoop in.) I did like that there was some mystery thrown in though since Mark was trying to figure out what the hell his ex was doing behind his back.
Overall, the writing was good, and at a little less than a 100 pages, is a pretty light, fast read, but just an okay read for me though.
If you're looking for this, it's been re-released by Carina Press under the title Men of Smithfield: Mark and Tony.
February 11, 2015
3.5 stars
I loved the beginning of this. The retribution Mark gets for catching his boyfriend in their bed with another guy. There are some very funny bits in this, too. I really like Mark’s random, out of control freak-out. I don’t blame him at all.
But, the timeline in this didn’t work for me. I mean Mark and Tony have known each other, been friends, for what, thirteen years? But they were too young to get involved way back when, and there was too much going on with their families for it. They are now thirty and thirty-three years old, respectively. At the start of the story, Mark had been with boyfriend, Jamie for only about a year (?) So… what were Mark and Tony waiting for before Jamie came on the scene? Couldn’t figure that out.
Also, Mark and Tony finally acting on those long-held feelings right after Jamie’s betrayal smells like rebound to me. It’s all a little too soon.
Maybe I'm just thinking too hard. The sex was great. And again, some seriously funny parts around the bittersweet stuff. Those were very entertaining.
February 23, 2013
Whoa...slow your jets! This story takes off at the very beginning and doesn't slow down...at all!!
Mark is pissed...his boyfriend has played him and he is not going to take it lying down, oh no...he is gonna figure out how things got so screwed up, how he could have been so blind, and exact his revenge...even if he has to walk a fine line between the law (and Tony) to do it.
Jamie is a douche, plain and simple. Did he deserve what he got? Maybe.
Tony is only guilty of not speaking up sooner and allowing another man to take what (who) he considered his. I wasn't thrilled with him the whole time, but he explains himself at the end and I love him.
Mark and Tony get their HFN but I'd like to think that they will get their HEA eventually too.
Mark is pissed...his boyfriend has played him and he is not going to take it lying down, oh no...he is gonna figure out how things got so screwed up, how he could have been so blind, and exact his revenge...even if he has to walk a fine line between the law (and Tony) to do it.
Jamie is a douche, plain and simple. Did he deserve what he got? Maybe.
Tony is only guilty of not speaking up sooner and allowing another man to take what (who) he considered his. I wasn't thrilled with him the whole time, but he explains himself at the end and I love him.
Mark and Tony get their HFN but I'd like to think that they will get their HEA eventually too.
March 4, 2014
2.5!
Well, this was my first audiobook.
I'm not sure I can listen to romances on audiobook because of the hilarity. I actually think this book was pretty swell and I might've even liked it more if I read it. It's not the books fault the narrator gave Tony a hilarious voice.
Also the book was cute and funny!
Well, this was my first audiobook.
I'm not sure I can listen to romances on audiobook because of the hilarity. I actually think this book was pretty swell and I might've even liked it more if I read it. It's not the books fault the narrator gave Tony a hilarious voice.
Also the book was cute and funny!
September 9, 2015
This series is cute, if not a little frustrating thanks to all the constant strife between the characters. I mean, it's charming at times, but can quickly turn grating. Good for a quick read, a distraction when you need it, but not something I'd bother with more than once.
Removed from Kindle
Removed from Kindle
friends-say-no
June 6, 2017Yikes!! So not for me!
August 24, 2012
Very good m/m romance about a guy who goes a little nuts after finding his boyfriend screwing their landlord in their bedroom and things start to spiral out of control. Then there's the friend he's had a crush on for years, who turns out to have a few secrets of his own...
April 3, 2019
Reread
4 ⭐️
I love these guys. Doesn’t matter how many times I read it I enjoy it. I love Mark, he is having a crap time and making some questionable decisions making everything just pile up. Seeing how it works out in the end is enjoyable
4 ⭐️
I love these guys. Doesn’t matter how many times I read it I enjoy it. I love Mark, he is having a crap time and making some questionable decisions making everything just pile up. Seeing how it works out in the end is enjoyable
August 21, 2012
3.5 stars.
I liked this book, but I didn't love it. I actually enjoyed it more for the story/suspense elements than for the romance development.
THE STORY, IN BRIEF
Mark goes postal on his now-ex-boyfriend Jamie when he discovers Jamie in their bed, cheating on him with his hairy and disgusting landlord. Unfortunately, Jamie's betrayal of their relationship is only the tip of the iceberg. Jamie is in some hot water, but luckily, Mark has his longtime police officer friend, Tony, in his corner to ensure he doesn't get scalded by Jamie's craziness and idiocy. Mark and Tony have known each other since Mark was a gawky fourteen year old to Tony's comparatively mature (and developed) eighteen. Mark has nursed what he thought was an unrequited crush on Tony all of these years, but he's about to find out...things may not always appear to be what they seem.
THE CHARACTERS
This is a first person narration, and I'm not sure if that served the story well. Mark's POV is pretty humorous, and I liked reading about his feelings towards Tony, especially in the flashback to their teen years. However, I had difficulties swallowing some of the consistency aspects at the end. Throughout the story, Mark was going ballistic over Jamie's actions, which, in addition to cheating, included embezzling all of Mark's life savings. At the end, though, Mark goes kind of zen about the whole "lost all of my life savings" thing. It just seemed kind of odd, considering his first person POV thought process was so intense and vitriolic earlier.
Tony was an enigma. The big reveal of his feelings at the end of the story was gratifyingly earnest and romantic, but I could have done with a little more foreshadowing over the course of the story. It just didn't feel like the romance aspect was as developed as I would have liked.
THE ROMANCE & SEXYTIMES
I liked the ending (or...beginning? of the relationship, that is...), which was romantic as they shared their feelings and hot as they expressed themselves physically. The sexytimes in general were hot, steamy, and passionate.
The quibble I have is with the romance, which I didn't feel was shown or built up very much in actions or statements. Instead, we hear about it in Mark's head and through Mark's sister, who reveals Tony's feelings for Mark. It just felt a little removed and not very satisfying. The romance felt secondary to the action of the story and the revealing of Jamie's deceptions.
OVERALL
This story was good, and the sexytimes were passionate and hot. I enjoyed it, but I didn't get as much out of the romance aspect as I would have liked, in part because I didn't know enough about Tony and his feelings throughout the story. The writing was good, though, and I would try more from this author.
Note: Thanks to the author and Carina Press for providing a copy of this book through NetGalley.
I liked this book, but I didn't love it. I actually enjoyed it more for the story/suspense elements than for the romance development.
THE STORY, IN BRIEF
Mark goes postal on his now-ex-boyfriend Jamie when he discovers Jamie in their bed, cheating on him with his hairy and disgusting landlord. Unfortunately, Jamie's betrayal of their relationship is only the tip of the iceberg. Jamie is in some hot water, but luckily, Mark has his longtime police officer friend, Tony, in his corner to ensure he doesn't get scalded by Jamie's craziness and idiocy. Mark and Tony have known each other since Mark was a gawky fourteen year old to Tony's comparatively mature (and developed) eighteen. Mark has nursed what he thought was an unrequited crush on Tony all of these years, but he's about to find out...things may not always appear to be what they seem.
THE CHARACTERS
This is a first person narration, and I'm not sure if that served the story well. Mark's POV is pretty humorous, and I liked reading about his feelings towards Tony, especially in the flashback to their teen years. However, I had difficulties swallowing some of the consistency aspects at the end. Throughout the story, Mark was going ballistic over Jamie's actions, which, in addition to cheating, included embezzling all of Mark's life savings. At the end, though, Mark goes kind of zen about the whole "lost all of my life savings" thing. It just seemed kind of odd, considering his first person POV thought process was so intense and vitriolic earlier.
Tony was an enigma. The big reveal of his feelings at the end of the story was gratifyingly earnest and romantic, but I could have done with a little more foreshadowing over the course of the story. It just didn't feel like the romance aspect was as developed as I would have liked.
THE ROMANCE & SEXYTIMES
I liked the ending (or...beginning? of the relationship, that is...), which was romantic as they shared their feelings and hot as they expressed themselves physically. The sexytimes in general were hot, steamy, and passionate.
The quibble I have is with the romance, which I didn't feel was shown or built up very much in actions or statements. Instead, we hear about it in Mark's head and through Mark's sister, who reveals Tony's feelings for Mark. It just felt a little removed and not very satisfying. The romance felt secondary to the action of the story and the revealing of Jamie's deceptions.
OVERALL
This story was good, and the sexytimes were passionate and hot. I enjoyed it, but I didn't get as much out of the romance aspect as I would have liked, in part because I didn't know enough about Tony and his feelings throughout the story. The writing was good, though, and I would try more from this author.
Note: Thanks to the author and Carina Press for providing a copy of this book through NetGalley.
November 6, 2019
This was hard to like, because 2 out of 3 main characters were impossible to like.
Jamie, Mark's (ex) boyfriend is not only caught cheating on him, but has been cheating on him all along, a lot in Mark's own bed. On top of that, he stole all of Mark's $20,000 savings, whatever else was in his chequing account, stole at least 2 months rent ($3000) which resulted in Mark being evicted. Then he assaulted Mark, punching him in the face. What a winner, but at least we aren't supposed to like him.
Then we have Tony. Not only did Tony know that Jamie cheated on Mark right from the get-go, he let Jamie give him a blowjob, while Jamie was dating Mark (though prior to moving in with him), even though Tony has apparently been in love with Mark for 13 years. I'm pretty sure the way to woo your man isn't to have his man suck your cock. You don't get to use your homophobic father being terminally ill (and later dying) as an excuse for fucking your best friend and one true love's boyfriend and not even tell him about it. Because, if you think about it, if Tony had said something 9 months ago, Jaime wouldn't have stolen Mark's money, Mark wouldn't have spent months sleeping and living with someone who was sleeping with half the town (good thing they used condoms), and Mark wouldn't have behaved like an idiot, as Tony accused him of. On top of all that, Tony, who is apparently Mr. Morals (though not from what I've seen), is not only a huge dick to Mark, but throws Jamie's infidelity in Marks face moments after having sex. Sex that started off as dub-con at best. Mark only has Tony to back off two or three times before "giving in" to his lust/feelings or whatever. You have a man with 40+lbs and the physicality to back it up restraining your hands and kissing you when you tell him 'no' and try to push him off, that's not romantic. That's sexual assault. Good job, Mr. Morals Policeman.
I'm going to give Mark the benefit of the doubt, because were I in his shoes, I don't think I would have stopped with just one or two whacks with a Bible and a trip to the dump, I'd probably be making an unplanned stop at a pig farmer's. And given the really shitty 72 hours Mark had, a moment of weakness when the guy you've been crushing on for half your life "seduces" you, it would probably be tempting to try to cash in on something good in an otherwise shitty few days. Though I'd like to think that if there was one more chapter, it would be Mark coming to his sensing and kicking Tony to the curb. And aside from Mark's entirely questionable taste in romantic partners, he was a really enjoyable character.
Jamie, Mark's (ex) boyfriend is not only caught cheating on him, but has been cheating on him all along, a lot in Mark's own bed. On top of that, he stole all of Mark's $20,000 savings, whatever else was in his chequing account, stole at least 2 months rent ($3000) which resulted in Mark being evicted. Then he assaulted Mark, punching him in the face. What a winner, but at least we aren't supposed to like him.
Then we have Tony. Not only did Tony know that Jamie cheated on Mark right from the get-go, he let Jamie give him a blowjob, while Jamie was dating Mark (though prior to moving in with him), even though Tony has apparently been in love with Mark for 13 years. I'm pretty sure the way to woo your man isn't to have his man suck your cock. You don't get to use your homophobic father being terminally ill (and later dying) as an excuse for fucking your best friend and one true love's boyfriend and not even tell him about it. Because, if you think about it, if Tony had said something 9 months ago, Jaime wouldn't have stolen Mark's money, Mark wouldn't have spent months sleeping and living with someone who was sleeping with half the town (good thing they used condoms), and Mark wouldn't have behaved like an idiot, as Tony accused him of. On top of all that, Tony, who is apparently Mr. Morals (though not from what I've seen), is not only a huge dick to Mark, but throws Jamie's infidelity in Marks face moments after having sex. Sex that started off as dub-con at best. Mark only has Tony to back off two or three times before "giving in" to his lust/feelings or whatever. You have a man with 40+lbs and the physicality to back it up restraining your hands and kissing you when you tell him 'no' and try to push him off, that's not romantic. That's sexual assault. Good job, Mr. Morals Policeman.
I'm going to give Mark the benefit of the doubt, because were I in his shoes, I don't think I would have stopped with just one or two whacks with a Bible and a trip to the dump, I'd probably be making an unplanned stop at a pig farmer's. And given the really shitty 72 hours Mark had, a moment of weakness when the guy you've been crushing on for half your life "seduces" you, it would probably be tempting to try to cash in on something good in an otherwise shitty few days. Though I'd like to think that if there was one more chapter, it would be Mark coming to his sensing and kicking Tony to the curb. And aside from Mark's entirely questionable taste in romantic partners, he was a really enjoyable character.
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