Jersey

Yin and Yang #2

by Edward Kendrick

Photojournalist Jersey Parma is a man alone, with few friends and no relationships, and he likes it that way, seeking momentary companionship from the men he meets in gay clubs. Then Darby Franklin comes into his life. Or does he? It seems, after their first meeting, that Darby will do anything possible to avoid Jersey until one fateful day when he shows up on Jersey's doorstep and proceeds to throw Jersey's life into a cocked hat.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary

153 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 2, 2013

About the author

Born and bred Cleveland, I earned a degree in technical theater, later switched to costuming, and headed to NYC. Finally seeing the futility of trying to become rich and famous in the Big Apple, I joined VISTA—Volunteers in Service to America—ending up in Chicago for three years. Then it was on to Denver, where I put down roots and worked as a costume designer until I retired in 2007.

I began writing a few years ago after joining an online fanfic group. Two friends and I then started a group for writers, where they could post any story they wished, no matter the genre or content. Since then I've been writing for publication. My first book came out in February of 2011. Most, but not all, of my work is M/M, either mildly erotic or purely 'romantic'. More often than not it involves a mystery or action/adventure, and is sometimes paranormal as well.

Reviews

[Monika · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

A Hearts on Fire Review

Sadly this story disappointed me I felt like huge pieces were missing, which is a shame it had potential. Jersey and Darby were likeable characters but there was no chemistry at all between them. There’s no angst or mystery it’s a simple read and the attempt at romance falls flat. I wish more time had been spent developing Jersey and Darby’s relationship, in my opinion it needed sexual tension and I don’t mean on page sex, it needed that thing that makes sparks ignite between the MC’s.

I’m not sure what the introduction of Jim was for. He was the type of character that I hate but also the one that would have made this story more interesting and I kept hoping something would come of it. Jersey and Jim meet at a club and Jersey takes him home but when Jersey decides he’s had enough and asks Jim to leave he won’t and he becomes violent. We meet Jim in one other place in the book, again a club scene, he starts harassing and threatening Jersey and in comes Darby to save the day, so sweet, but that’s it...it goes nowhere, unfortunately so does the end of this book it just ends, again what a shame.

I hope my review doesn’t come across as completely negative there are some good things in it, I loved Diesel (a dog) I want one just like him and Neal was a great kid, along with his foster dad’s Kenyon and Teo, funny how I felt more chemistry with these two characters who are barely in this story. I’ve never read the first book in series, this is my first introduction to them but I’m definitely going to check out their story.

This story has really good bones it just missed the mark with me.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boy... that sure ended abruptly! UGH!!! But, up until that moment I was really enjoying myself! Jersey is an island... well, he thinks he is! He is determined not to be hurt and to accomplish that, he had decided to be a f*ck em' and leave em' kind of guy. Then, in walks Darby... well, more like he lies his way in (for a good cause)... and then he disappears. Then things get all cuddly with Diesel (not what you are thinking! *grin*)... there are huge jumps in time (this was a little annoying) and then Darby shows up again... then disappears (again)... and then he shows up still yet again... This is one of those books that I almost like the cover better than the story (it IS a great cover) and I really did see why Jersey had his life planned out the way he did... but, Darby wasn't having any of that. It was good to visit with Teo, Kenyon and Neal again... they always add a smile to my face! I must admit that I am still on the fence about this story... I loved the emotional aspects of the work that Jersey and Darby do... and the story flowed along nicely... but that abrupt ending sure made me growl! *grin*

[Natalija · Rating 3 out of 5]

Edward Kendrick definitely has his own style, although not so much in writing as in storytelling, and it seems to be working for me very well. Jersey was my second book by this author, preceded by Yin and Yang, and I eagerly look forward to reading more of his work in the future.

[Katy Beth Mckee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like the story of Jersey. I love how Darby doesn't give up and they have a great time together and seem to have a great shot a wonderful future.

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

The story just seemed to be missing some spark! Disappointing read, which is a shame as I had enjoyed Yin and Yang.