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Something in Common #4
Irresistible
A Something in Common novella
Del Jenkins prefers to be alone—or so he tells himself until his younger brothers try to make him a playdate with bookstore owner Harper Hillman. Del’s brothers just want him to make a new friend, but there is no way he can be friends with Harper. Not unless Harper’s definition of “friends” includes jumping into bed together and getting naked and sweaty. When Harper turns him down flat because he doesn’t sleep with strangers, Del shrugs it off and suggests they get to know each other better. He already sees something wonderful in Harper, and he won’t give up so easily.
Harper is still mourning his dead husband, and a casual sexual encounter with Del is the last thing he wants. But getting to know each other—platonically, of course—should be harmless. In no way is Harper getting close to another man. But as he and Del spend more time together, Harper realizes it’s too late—he’s already involved. His heart is set on Del, and Harper is powerless to resist.
Del Jenkins prefers to be alone—or so he tells himself until his younger brothers try to make him a playdate with bookstore owner Harper Hillman. Del’s brothers just want him to make a new friend, but there is no way he can be friends with Harper. Not unless Harper’s definition of “friends” includes jumping into bed together and getting naked and sweaty. When Harper turns him down flat because he doesn’t sleep with strangers, Del shrugs it off and suggests they get to know each other better. He already sees something wonderful in Harper, and he won’t give up so easily.
Harper is still mourning his dead husband, and a casual sexual encounter with Del is the last thing he wants. But getting to know each other—platonically, of course—should be harmless. In no way is Harper getting close to another man. But as he and Del spend more time together, Harper realizes it’s too late—he’s already involved. His heart is set on Del, and Harper is powerless to resist.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 21, 2012
8 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
Talia Carmichael
60 books192 followersTalia Carmichael is a romantic who believes that family, no matter if it is by blood or those you choose as family, is integral to who you are. She is an author who writes sexy stories in a variety of genres. She believes in creating stories that encompass all that falling in love or lust entails, from the highs of that first blush of attraction to the lows of not knowing if you can make your coming together as a couple work, and then finally to the acceptance of the reality of making a life together. It's all about the journey.
Among her books you'll find contemporary, futuristic, fantasy, and paranormal settings with M/M themes that will have a happily-ever-after. Her books are passionate, intense, and real...to fill the craving.
Among her books you'll find contemporary, futuristic, fantasy, and paranormal settings with M/M themes that will have a happily-ever-after. Her books are passionate, intense, and real...to fill the craving.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 24, 2012
It took me quite a long time to finish this book. I can't say that it was bad but I just couldn't get into it and to be honest I didn't manage to do it almost till the very end. The story is simply about two men who were hurt in the past (Harper lost his husband and Del was abused by his parents) and their fight for a new start.
It's not a typical hurt-comfort story as I'd expect from said circumstances, because both of them already got over their worst pain.
The story is calm and slow and I was kind of bored, at least till the last 40 pages when it gets more emotional. I think there was a little too much dealing with their friends, family and kids that didn't allow the MC enough space.
It's not a typical hurt-comfort story as I'd expect from said circumstances, because both of them already got over their worst pain.
The story is calm and slow and I was kind of bored, at least till the last 40 pages when it gets more emotional. I think there was a little too much dealing with their friends, family and kids that didn't allow the MC enough space.
September 5, 2012
Who...wait...what...wait...WHO?!
Okay, so this is the latest installment in the fictional lives of what seems to be all of the gay men of Mapson County. Alright, it's not all of the gay men but at this point it seems like it.
This particular story is about Harper, who lost his husband in one of the previous books, and Del who is the last single triplet. Del is the legal guardian of the triplets' six year old twin brothers. The twins decide that the antisocial Del needs a friend and that Harper is going to be that friend. Del, though, declares that he and Harper aren't going to be friends but the two end up spending time together alone and with the boys. A romance slowly grows that is kind of sweet to watch.
So, why am I only giving this story two stars? It has kids and sweet romance. What's the problem? The problem is that there are too many freaking characters!
Seriously, people were popping up all over the place and all of them were men and all of them seemed to be gay and it seemed like everybody was someone's brother or cousin.
It felt like someone was telling me a story that started with "And then my cousin's brother's sister's baby daddy was there with his husband's best friend's second cousin removed who works with my sister's son's third grade classmate..."
In the end I just stopped trying to figure out who was who and how they were related or knew each other. It was just too much. Oh, and then one guy came along and took apart random cars and somehow broke into a garage and stole the rest of the cars. That was when I stopped trying to follow the mild insanity.
Will this be the last book I read in this series? Who knows...I think we all know by now that it takes more than a little WTF-ery to make me give up on a series.
Okay, so this is the latest installment in the fictional lives of what seems to be all of the gay men of Mapson County. Alright, it's not all of the gay men but at this point it seems like it.
This particular story is about Harper, who lost his husband in one of the previous books, and Del who is the last single triplet. Del is the legal guardian of the triplets' six year old twin brothers. The twins decide that the antisocial Del needs a friend and that Harper is going to be that friend. Del, though, declares that he and Harper aren't going to be friends but the two end up spending time together alone and with the boys. A romance slowly grows that is kind of sweet to watch.
So, why am I only giving this story two stars? It has kids and sweet romance. What's the problem? The problem is that there are too many freaking characters!
Seriously, people were popping up all over the place and all of them were men and all of them seemed to be gay and it seemed like everybody was someone's brother or cousin.
It felt like someone was telling me a story that started with "And then my cousin's brother's sister's baby daddy was there with his husband's best friend's second cousin removed who works with my sister's son's third grade classmate..."
In the end I just stopped trying to figure out who was who and how they were related or knew each other. It was just too much. Oh, and then one guy came along and took apart random cars and somehow broke into a garage and stole the rest of the cars. That was when I stopped trying to follow the mild insanity.
Will this be the last book I read in this series? Who knows...I think we all know by now that it takes more than a little WTF-ery to make me give up on a series.
August 22, 2012
While Harper and Carl were never the main characters in the previous book, their presence has been strong since the beginning. When Carl died, I didn't expect the author would pick Harper as the main character since there's a plethora of gay men in the stories. That he's paired with Del, the 'older' of the triplets we met in the previous books, makes me even more surprised.
The story is very simple. Majority of the pages are about mundane things they do with the 6.5 years old twins. Only at around 85% does the story turns into more serious issue. Some readers might find themselves bored by the time they reach 50%. I was a bit, but at the end I enjoyed reading it.
The story is very simple. Majority of the pages are about mundane things they do with the 6.5 years old twins. Only at around 85% does the story turns into more serious issue. Some readers might find themselves bored by the time they reach 50%. I was a bit, but at the end I enjoyed reading it.
August 24, 2012
Man I love this series. I loved this book and so glad to see Del get his man Harper. I loved the twins in here Dar and Rey, they're so so cute and smart. Once again the "family" was in this book all of them . I would recommend reading the other books in the series because if you don't you won't know who anyone is and plus the other books are great:-) A great read!!
October 20, 2012
I could not get into this book as much as the others. It was just I love when characters have no real emotional baggage. Harper was married to a wonderful man before and it was hard to accept this new relationship. It was well written though and most people will most likely love this. I just have a bit of a thing about these types of books. :)
April 22, 2020
Making friends, let alone finding someone to love, is not in the cards for loner Del Jenkins. Harper Hillman is reluctant to let anyone get too close after losing his husband nearly two years ago. Del's much younger brothers, whom he's raising, have other ideas about their brother's happiness. Not willing to be a one night stand Harper and Del decide to get to know each other better. Between the antics of the twins the two men not only get to know each other they suddenly realize that they've fallen into a relationship and in love with each other. In finding each other Del and Harper find a way to heal the scars from their pasts and move into the present. Ms Carmichael has yet again given us a story of hope and healing in a very engaging story.
June 8, 2024
Story is very good and solves some questions.
The story is very god but then again, It leaves you hanging on some chapters. I think, some of the chapters could have been expanded and others cut back on. I hope, the next book in this series informs you more.
The story is very god but then again, It leaves you hanging on some chapters. I think, some of the chapters could have been expanded and others cut back on. I hope, the next book in this series informs you more.
July 25, 2013
4.5 stars
“You intrigue me Harper. I want to figure out why. I find puzzles irresistible, and that’s what you are to me. A puzzle I want to uncover, one piece at a time.”
So begins Del single-minded pursuit of Harper, the bookstore owner and recent widower in the small town of Mapson where Del and his brothers live. Those familiar with Talia Carmichael’s Something in Common series will recall that Del is one of a pair of triplet set of brothers and guardian to their much younger twin brothers, Dar and Rey. All 5 brothers were abused by their parents who were killed in a fiery car crash at the end of the first novel in the series.
Irresistible picks up at that point and explores Del’s long kept secret and how it ultimately affects his desire to get to know Harper. At first, Del, who comes off as cold and distant, makes it clear that he is not interested in any kind of relationship. This is just fine with Harper who is still trying to cope with the loss of his husband some 19 months after his death. However, both men find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other and it soon becomes clear that both are in unchartered territory and falling hopelessly in love.
Set against the backdrop of the ongoing building of both the community center and the safe house Del and his brothers are both funding overseeing, the two men do something rarely seen in m/m romance novels and quite refreshing—they court one another—date. They allow their friendship to blossom and their regard for one another to take root. Unlike most contemporary novels in this genre, there is no rush to the furious hot sex scene—rather we see their love grow bit by bit—and as it does we get to know theses two men—their hurts and loves, their secrets and their fears.
It is in this courtship that the writing of Talia Carmichael really shines. This author builds the romance aspect of her story slowly—element by element and you fall helplessly in love with her characters as a result. She draws you into their lives and shows you their innermost emotions and sometimes leaves you absolutely breathless at the beauty of their hearts.
My only criticism of this novel stems from the sheer number of side characters—with what seemed to be an endless supply of more and more and more. Every chapter brought the mention of another brother—or friend and his brothers—so much so that after a while it was difficult to keep them straight. I wished that Ms. Carmichael had been more selective in her introduction of the side characters—giving us just a few that might be the focus of her next novel in this series. After a while it was just too overwhelming and became a distraction that pulled me from the story one too many times.
However this shortcoming paled in comparison to the strength of the love story that was simply beautiful to read. There were many quotable moments in this novel. In closing, I would like to leave you with one of my favorites and say to you, dear reader, that I hope you check out this novel for yourself. Despite its minor flaw, Irresistible is well worth the read. Now, for that quote:
“The only things capable of hurting you are those that you let do it. Instead of being a bystander in your own life, make your own path and conquer all that tries to bring you down.”
“You intrigue me Harper. I want to figure out why. I find puzzles irresistible, and that’s what you are to me. A puzzle I want to uncover, one piece at a time.”
So begins Del single-minded pursuit of Harper, the bookstore owner and recent widower in the small town of Mapson where Del and his brothers live. Those familiar with Talia Carmichael’s Something in Common series will recall that Del is one of a pair of triplet set of brothers and guardian to their much younger twin brothers, Dar and Rey. All 5 brothers were abused by their parents who were killed in a fiery car crash at the end of the first novel in the series.
Irresistible picks up at that point and explores Del’s long kept secret and how it ultimately affects his desire to get to know Harper. At first, Del, who comes off as cold and distant, makes it clear that he is not interested in any kind of relationship. This is just fine with Harper who is still trying to cope with the loss of his husband some 19 months after his death. However, both men find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other and it soon becomes clear that both are in unchartered territory and falling hopelessly in love.
Set against the backdrop of the ongoing building of both the community center and the safe house Del and his brothers are both funding overseeing, the two men do something rarely seen in m/m romance novels and quite refreshing—they court one another—date. They allow their friendship to blossom and their regard for one another to take root. Unlike most contemporary novels in this genre, there is no rush to the furious hot sex scene—rather we see their love grow bit by bit—and as it does we get to know theses two men—their hurts and loves, their secrets and their fears.
It is in this courtship that the writing of Talia Carmichael really shines. This author builds the romance aspect of her story slowly—element by element and you fall helplessly in love with her characters as a result. She draws you into their lives and shows you their innermost emotions and sometimes leaves you absolutely breathless at the beauty of their hearts.
My only criticism of this novel stems from the sheer number of side characters—with what seemed to be an endless supply of more and more and more. Every chapter brought the mention of another brother—or friend and his brothers—so much so that after a while it was difficult to keep them straight. I wished that Ms. Carmichael had been more selective in her introduction of the side characters—giving us just a few that might be the focus of her next novel in this series. After a while it was just too overwhelming and became a distraction that pulled me from the story one too many times.
However this shortcoming paled in comparison to the strength of the love story that was simply beautiful to read. There were many quotable moments in this novel. In closing, I would like to leave you with one of my favorites and say to you, dear reader, that I hope you check out this novel for yourself. Despite its minor flaw, Irresistible is well worth the read. Now, for that quote:
“The only things capable of hurting you are those that you let do it. Instead of being a bystander in your own life, make your own path and conquer all that tries to bring you down.”
November 9, 2015
Fast zwei Jahre ist Harper Hillman nun ohne Karl. Zwei Jahre der Trauer um den geliebten Menschen. Ohne die Hilfe seiner Freunde hätte Harper es wohl nicht geschafft. Und auch jetzt ist er noch nicht bereit sich einem neuen Partner zu öffnen. Weder körperlich, noch gefühlsmäßig. Platonischen Freundschaften – so wie mit Simon und den Jenkins-Brüdern Bru und Bernie – sind in Ordnung, aber für mehr ist er nicht bereit.
Doch das Schicksal hat andere Pläne und bringt ihn immer wieder mit Del, dem dritten Jenkins-Drilling zusammen. Der unterkühlte Geschäftsmann weiss die Dinge zu händeln und er weiss was er will. Dabei geht er im Privatleben genauso methodisch und strukturiert, wie auch im beruflichen Leben vor. Von Gefühlen will auch Del nichts wissen. Diese zeigt er nur im Bezug auf Bur und Bernie, sowie den kleinen Brüdern Rey und Dar. Diese sind sehr scheu, freunden sich jedoch mit Harper an. Und ehe Harper es sich versieht, muss er sich ständig mit dem selbstbewussten Del auseinandersetzen.
Während Harper nur Freundschaft anzubieten hat, möchte Del eigentlich nur Sex haben. Passt irgendwie nicht zusammen. Doch sie lernen sich besser kennen und einschätzen. Del kann gut zuhören und lässt Harper von Karl erzählen, was diesen bei der Trauerarbeit hilft. Dafür bringt Harper den Einzelgänger Del mit anderen Menschen zusammen und Del wird ein Teil des großen Freundeskreises um Harper – ob er nun will oder nicht. Obwohl sie ihre Gefühle und Herzen zu schützen glauben, entsteht zwischen Del und Harper doch mehr als nur Freundschaft, oder auch Sex.
Dieser vierte Teil hat mich wahnsinnig berührt, da ich mit Harper seit Teil eins mitgelitten habe. Die Trauer ist zwar in allen Büchern vorhanden, doch es gelingt der Autorin wirklich gut die Zeit die Wunden heilen zu lassen. Karl wird immer im Herzen von Harper und all seinen Freunden bleiben und sie werden ihn auch nicht vergessen, aber sie öffnen sich neuen Perspektiven. Und das fand ich bei dieser Geschichte großartig.
Del wirkt sehr arrogant und kalt. Doch kaum erlebt man ihn mit seinen kleinen Brüdern, ist er ein völlig anderer Mensch. Hingebungsvoll, beschützend und liebend. Und auch wenn er keine Liebe will, so findet er sie bei Harper. Nun erfährt man auch mehr von Del und den sadistischen Eltern, die ihre Kinder jahrelang gequält und mißhandelt haben. Eine sehr grausame Sache, die man sich gar nicht vorstellen kann und mag. Doch auch hier gelingt es der Autorin wieder wunderbar die Balance zu halten.
Doch das Schicksal hat andere Pläne und bringt ihn immer wieder mit Del, dem dritten Jenkins-Drilling zusammen. Der unterkühlte Geschäftsmann weiss die Dinge zu händeln und er weiss was er will. Dabei geht er im Privatleben genauso methodisch und strukturiert, wie auch im beruflichen Leben vor. Von Gefühlen will auch Del nichts wissen. Diese zeigt er nur im Bezug auf Bur und Bernie, sowie den kleinen Brüdern Rey und Dar. Diese sind sehr scheu, freunden sich jedoch mit Harper an. Und ehe Harper es sich versieht, muss er sich ständig mit dem selbstbewussten Del auseinandersetzen.
Während Harper nur Freundschaft anzubieten hat, möchte Del eigentlich nur Sex haben. Passt irgendwie nicht zusammen. Doch sie lernen sich besser kennen und einschätzen. Del kann gut zuhören und lässt Harper von Karl erzählen, was diesen bei der Trauerarbeit hilft. Dafür bringt Harper den Einzelgänger Del mit anderen Menschen zusammen und Del wird ein Teil des großen Freundeskreises um Harper – ob er nun will oder nicht. Obwohl sie ihre Gefühle und Herzen zu schützen glauben, entsteht zwischen Del und Harper doch mehr als nur Freundschaft, oder auch Sex.
Dieser vierte Teil hat mich wahnsinnig berührt, da ich mit Harper seit Teil eins mitgelitten habe. Die Trauer ist zwar in allen Büchern vorhanden, doch es gelingt der Autorin wirklich gut die Zeit die Wunden heilen zu lassen. Karl wird immer im Herzen von Harper und all seinen Freunden bleiben und sie werden ihn auch nicht vergessen, aber sie öffnen sich neuen Perspektiven. Und das fand ich bei dieser Geschichte großartig.
Del wirkt sehr arrogant und kalt. Doch kaum erlebt man ihn mit seinen kleinen Brüdern, ist er ein völlig anderer Mensch. Hingebungsvoll, beschützend und liebend. Und auch wenn er keine Liebe will, so findet er sie bei Harper. Nun erfährt man auch mehr von Del und den sadistischen Eltern, die ihre Kinder jahrelang gequält und mißhandelt haben. Eine sehr grausame Sache, die man sich gar nicht vorstellen kann und mag. Doch auch hier gelingt es der Autorin wieder wunderbar die Balance zu halten.
December 1, 2014
Like the second book in the series this on not only brings the two main characters together but helps them face some major issues. Harper lost his husband and has to deal with the guilt of moving on. Del like his brothers Bur and Bernie is still dealing with his parents abuse and raising his younger twin brothers. The ever expanding network of friends are there to help. With volume of people mention in the book it is sometimes difficult to remember which are couples and which are relatives.
October 20, 2012
I really like this series. I liked the development between Harper and Dev, and learning their back stories. The twins Dar and Rey are super cute.
You have to have read the entire series to really follow along, as the characters from the previous novels are heavily involved throughout. A reader would be lost reading this as a stand alone.
You have to have read the entire series to really follow along, as the characters from the previous novels are heavily involved throughout. A reader would be lost reading this as a stand alone.
November 13, 2012
I really liked the first two books in this series but the third didn't work for me.
This one is the fourth in the series and I enjoyed it more than the third but less than the first and second.
Now I shall have to think about whether or not to read the fifth.
This one is the fourth in the series and I enjoyed it more than the third but less than the first and second.
Now I shall have to think about whether or not to read the fifth.
October 16, 2012
3.5
Del. I thought he'd have to grow on me more, but he quickly won me over with how he treated the twins. Much gentler than the other books without the prior threat hanging over their heads. No real conflict, so read this when you are in the mood for something sweet or soothing.
Del. I thought he'd have to grow on me more, but he quickly won me over with how he treated the twins. Much gentler than the other books without the prior threat hanging over their heads. No real conflict, so read this when you are in the mood for something sweet or soothing.
August 10, 2013
I have to say that this is my favorite book of the series so far. I'm so glad that Del and Harper both got a happy ending. The both so deserved it. And I love the little twins so much! And I absolutely love that Gerald keeps winning all the bets!!
August 22, 2012
3.5 stars
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August 22, 20123,5
August 29, 2012
Love this series! Can't wait until the next installment!!!
September 18, 2012
When I began reading this book I didn't know that it was the fourth story in this series. Now I need to get the previous ones...
The ardship of having more books to read ;-)
The ardship of having more books to read ;-)
November 25, 2012
3.5 stars
I love this series
May 23, 2017
Only says two days because I couldn't hit finished before the clock rolled over to midnight. Read it in one sitting. Fast, easy read.
January 26, 2013
Among other flaws, really superficial treatment of past of MC.
September 6, 2013
Review to come soon
October 22, 2013
I fell in love with Harper in book 1, so I was so excited for his story. And it fell flat. I just felt NO connection between the MCs. Just didn't work for me.
April 6, 2020
Really enjoyed this it does have some hard moments in but mostly sweet .
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews