What do you think?
Rate this book
Blue Moon and Red Sunset #2
Red Sunset
Sequel to Blue Moon
Finding love in the wrestling arena is unlikely, and a relationship based on the illusion of control isn't easy. Scott O’Doul and Brad Fraser have managed one night under a blue moon's light they found they meant more to each other than either expected. Their comfortable world is shattered when Brad is released, and he must head to Japan if he wants to keep wrestling. The work is exciting but lonely—six weeks seems an eternity. Once Brad and Scott reunite, they vacation at a lakeside cabin and find the miles apart have brought them closer—but they’ll need courage if illusion of control is to become the heart of love.
Finding love in the wrestling arena is unlikely, and a relationship based on the illusion of control isn't easy. Scott O’Doul and Brad Fraser have managed one night under a blue moon's light they found they meant more to each other than either expected. Their comfortable world is shattered when Brad is released, and he must head to Japan if he wants to keep wrestling. The work is exciting but lonely—six weeks seems an eternity. Once Brad and Scott reunite, they vacation at a lakeside cabin and find the miles apart have brought them closer—but they’ll need courage if illusion of control is to become the heart of love.
73 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 2013
40 people want to read
About the author
Rowena Sudbury
10 books49 followersRowena Sudbury lives in southern California with her husband, son, and their wonderful rescue dog. Her love of reading was born in the fifth grade, and she began writing soon after that. Writing has always been her passion and escape from the real world.
Rowena finds herself thinking through the minds of her characters quite often, to the point that she always has to carry a small journal with her so she can capture their thoughts and weave them into stories when she gets home.
Visit Rowena's blog at http://rowenasudbury.livejournal.com/ and e-mail her at rowenasudbury@gmail.com.
Rowena finds herself thinking through the minds of her characters quite often, to the point that she always has to carry a small journal with her so she can capture their thoughts and weave them into stories when she gets home.
Visit Rowena's blog at http://rowenasudbury.livejournal.com/ and e-mail her at rowenasudbury@gmail.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
April 27, 2013
A Hearts On Fire Review
TWO & A HALF STARS--Rowena Sudbury's "Red Sunset" is a sequel to "Blue Moon" a story about pro-wrestlers falling in love. And in "Red Sunset" the two MC are an established couple. I have not read the first book and would suggest to read book #1 to get a better understanding (I didn't know the MC physical characteristics - hair color, eye color, etc.)
I have never read MM featuring wrestlers as the main characters. And after reading, I hope there will be more MM with wrestler MC because there is an entire sports world waiting to be tapped. ;P
Brad is let go from his and Scott's wrestling association with a lame excuse for being a pothead. However both men know the real reason Brad was let go was due to both men being in a gay relationship. Anything done about legally? Nope. Brad had sex with Scott to get over being let go. Then accepts a job to wrestle in Japan for six weeks. Brad is successful in Japan with a minor hiccup. He misses his lover and comes home at the end of his contract.
Did he go back to his old American wrestling job? Nope.
Was anything resolved about being cut from his job in the first place? Nope.
What was his answer to being distraught? He has sex with Scott. They question each other's love. At the end of the story, they figured out saying 'I love you' means that 'I love you'. *eye roll*
The sex, while having a few variations here and there, was basically the same scene- Scott kisses Brad, there's some form of anal foreplay, Scott gets lube and a condom, insert, come and throw away used paraphernalia. No spice. No surprise. Just...rinse, repeat and recycle. There were D/s elements thrown in that I liked but I believed neither main character's conviction.
If both men are in a committed relationship with both partners understanding they are equals in their relationship, declarations of "love" has been made over and over...why are both men questioning something they both already know. Neither man had an inclination to cheat or look for an outside partner. It was confusing to me.
At the end of this book, I'm left questioning: WHY? What exactly was the purpose of this book? There's no conflict, any form or hint to possible problems was dropped to the wayside. There was a possible non-consensual scene, which did not happen. Yet the possible perpetrator had potential to be a bad guy, throw in some conflict to the weak story line but he didn't.
I didn't read book #1 but it seemed like there was not enough steam to carry book #2. Both main characters were talking to each other as if they just met. How are you in a relationship and you don't know where your lover called home prior to meeting you. The book states these two talk quite a bit to each other - don't you think that's maybe something to discuss?
*sighs*
Would I recommend? It's not a bad story. It's an okay story. But do you want to read the next okay story or would you rather search for the next great story?
Would I read more from this author? Probably. The ideas are there.
TWO & A HALF STARS--Rowena Sudbury's "Red Sunset" is a sequel to "Blue Moon" a story about pro-wrestlers falling in love. And in "Red Sunset" the two MC are an established couple. I have not read the first book and would suggest to read book #1 to get a better understanding (I didn't know the MC physical characteristics - hair color, eye color, etc.)
I have never read MM featuring wrestlers as the main characters. And after reading, I hope there will be more MM with wrestler MC because there is an entire sports world waiting to be tapped. ;P
Brad is let go from his and Scott's wrestling association with a lame excuse for being a pothead. However both men know the real reason Brad was let go was due to both men being in a gay relationship. Anything done about legally? Nope. Brad had sex with Scott to get over being let go. Then accepts a job to wrestle in Japan for six weeks. Brad is successful in Japan with a minor hiccup. He misses his lover and comes home at the end of his contract.
Did he go back to his old American wrestling job? Nope.
Was anything resolved about being cut from his job in the first place? Nope.
What was his answer to being distraught? He has sex with Scott. They question each other's love. At the end of the story, they figured out saying 'I love you' means that 'I love you'. *eye roll*
The sex, while having a few variations here and there, was basically the same scene- Scott kisses Brad, there's some form of anal foreplay, Scott gets lube and a condom, insert, come and throw away used paraphernalia. No spice. No surprise. Just...rinse, repeat and recycle. There were D/s elements thrown in that I liked but I believed neither main character's conviction.
If both men are in a committed relationship with both partners understanding they are equals in their relationship, declarations of "love" has been made over and over...why are both men questioning something they both already know. Neither man had an inclination to cheat or look for an outside partner. It was confusing to me.
At the end of this book, I'm left questioning: WHY? What exactly was the purpose of this book? There's no conflict, any form or hint to possible problems was dropped to the wayside. There was a possible non-consensual scene, which did not happen. Yet the possible perpetrator had potential to be a bad guy, throw in some conflict to the weak story line but he didn't.
I didn't read book #1 but it seemed like there was not enough steam to carry book #2. Both main characters were talking to each other as if they just met. How are you in a relationship and you don't know where your lover called home prior to meeting you. The book states these two talk quite a bit to each other - don't you think that's maybe something to discuss?
*sighs*
Would I recommend? It's not a bad story. It's an okay story. But do you want to read the next okay story or would you rather search for the next great story?
Would I read more from this author? Probably. The ideas are there.
September 18, 2015
This is a sequel to one of my favorite reads Blue Moon, the story of two professional wrestlers who find love. And how odd for me to actually like a story like that, much less love it? I find that silly wrestling nonsense ridiculous at best. But the fabulous Rowena Sudbury weaves a beautiful tale of love and romance into a story of drugs and BDSM and bigotry. I loved every word!
Red Sunset starts off right where Blue Moon ends and we get to see our lovely MCs interact while in love with one another. MC Scott, quite the harsh alpha male in Blue Moon, softens quite a bit in this book and it just made me love him all the more. MC Brad is the same, lovable submissive man from the first book.
I can highly recommend Blue Moon and this sequel Red Sunset (don't try to read Red Sunset without reading Blue Moon first. You will be completely lost) to all M/M romance fans with a love of BDSM. Don't let the wrestling theme throw you! These books rock.
April 20, 2013
2.5 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
This was a decent enough story I didn’t mind read, but it held no real interest for me. Reading the blurb I expected wrestling, fighting, and tension. Didn’t get them and perhaps that is the main reason why it didn't do much for me.
Going back and recalling the entire read I’m afraid the whole plot was a bit bland.
The characters have already been introduced at Blue Moon and here it’s them simply continuing their journey. Brad is fired from his team and although unfair he must go on and look for something else. His previous Japan team wants him back and therefore a separation from his lover Scott is imminent. Brad leaves. Scott remains, they both miss each other and when he comes back they feel even more attached and in love and their relationship more real.
But it was just that; a plain plot with no tension, no big highs or lows. There was the part in the middle of the book where things were supposed to go south, but even that was plainer than plain, it held nothing to make your blood boil. I think I spent most of the read waiting for something to happen.
Even the romantic relationship between the men was mild and lukewarm. The slight mention of a slap and the illusion of kink will put every kink lover off. The dynamic of such relationship was lost in this book and any appeal it could have had on that part was lost.
In the end this was a read that while not bad or awful I felt I gained nothing from.
Thommie
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
This was a decent enough story I didn’t mind read, but it held no real interest for me. Reading the blurb I expected wrestling, fighting, and tension. Didn’t get them and perhaps that is the main reason why it didn't do much for me.
Going back and recalling the entire read I’m afraid the whole plot was a bit bland.
The characters have already been introduced at Blue Moon and here it’s them simply continuing their journey. Brad is fired from his team and although unfair he must go on and look for something else. His previous Japan team wants him back and therefore a separation from his lover Scott is imminent. Brad leaves. Scott remains, they both miss each other and when he comes back they feel even more attached and in love and their relationship more real.
But it was just that; a plain plot with no tension, no big highs or lows. There was the part in the middle of the book where things were supposed to go south, but even that was plainer than plain, it held nothing to make your blood boil. I think I spent most of the read waiting for something to happen.
Even the romantic relationship between the men was mild and lukewarm. The slight mention of a slap and the illusion of kink will put every kink lover off. The dynamic of such relationship was lost in this book and any appeal it could have had on that part was lost.
In the end this was a read that while not bad or awful I felt I gained nothing from.
Thommie
June 2, 2013
The first book in this series, Blue Moon, dealt with two pro-wrestlers who forged a convenient arrangement of sex, protection, and companionship—only to fall in love. As a result, in Red Sunset the two men are at a crossroads where they must define their relationship anew, or forget the whole thing. But when Brad is fired and Scott is not, it seems the choice to stay together is taken from their hands.
Brad is a small pro-wrestler to work as counter-balance to the bigger men on the circuit. Scott is one these men, but he is far from a violent macho battle machine. Scott is protective of Brad who is smaller in stature and who has had problems in the past, such as drugs and casual sex. Scott is dominant, yes, but he has a tender, caring side which he shows to no one else but his lover. Brad, on the other hand, craves pain during sex for a lot of reasons, and Scott gives him this, but always mixed with pleasure. As such, they complement each other perfectly. And the sex is super hot!
When the PCW throws Brad out in their campaign to smoke out smaller men in favor of the big muscled guys, the two men are forced into a situation where work puts them in different parts of the world. Staying together long-distance is not what either of them signed up for, so troubles lay ahead.
Rowena Sudbury has a curious plain way of writing that gets to me. We get very little insight into where these men come from, but we see right into their minds and their hearts, into their hopes and dreams. Even apart, the affection these two men show each other is palpable and present. When reading her books I always get the sense there’s more going on beneath the surface than what is shown with words. I like that a lot. The men are real, with real problems, and they struggle to find solutions to them. There are no easy resolutions here, and some things remain unsolved even at the final words. I’m hoping there will be more of Brad and Scott. Their dynamic has shifted toward balance, and I’m left wanting to know more about these two survivors.
Recommended!
Red Sunset is the second book in this series, and as a direct continuation to Blue Moon, I suggest reading these in order.
Brad is a small pro-wrestler to work as counter-balance to the bigger men on the circuit. Scott is one these men, but he is far from a violent macho battle machine. Scott is protective of Brad who is smaller in stature and who has had problems in the past, such as drugs and casual sex. Scott is dominant, yes, but he has a tender, caring side which he shows to no one else but his lover. Brad, on the other hand, craves pain during sex for a lot of reasons, and Scott gives him this, but always mixed with pleasure. As such, they complement each other perfectly. And the sex is super hot!
When the PCW throws Brad out in their campaign to smoke out smaller men in favor of the big muscled guys, the two men are forced into a situation where work puts them in different parts of the world. Staying together long-distance is not what either of them signed up for, so troubles lay ahead.
Rowena Sudbury has a curious plain way of writing that gets to me. We get very little insight into where these men come from, but we see right into their minds and their hearts, into their hopes and dreams. Even apart, the affection these two men show each other is palpable and present. When reading her books I always get the sense there’s more going on beneath the surface than what is shown with words. I like that a lot. The men are real, with real problems, and they struggle to find solutions to them. There are no easy resolutions here, and some things remain unsolved even at the final words. I’m hoping there will be more of Brad and Scott. Their dynamic has shifted toward balance, and I’m left wanting to know more about these two survivors.
Recommended!
Red Sunset is the second book in this series, and as a direct continuation to Blue Moon, I suggest reading these in order.
December 15, 2013
This is the sequel to Blue Moon, the story of Brad and Scott who are wrestlers in the weird world of professional choreographed wrestling. They are an established couple now where Scott, who is the strong silent type, runs their combined lives and makes all the decisions while giving Brad all the rough sex he craves, and Brad gets to give up control and be taken care of. Again, this isn’t exactly formal BDSM, which is fine, but just the emotional arrangement that works best for them.
But Brad faces a problem when his wrestling employees don’t renew his contract but they do renew Scott’s. They would like to ease Brad out because they want big guys rather than little agile ones like him, and they are uncomfortable with him being in a gay relationship. He can’t fight this legally because there is a loophole in the contract where a wrestler can be let go for “creative” reasons. Like his look doesn’t fit the new direction the company wants to go or something.
Brad knows he can keep wrestling if he goes to Japan where he has contacts. This takes a lot of courage and drive, which shows some character development for Brad since the first book. Obviously being with Scott has been good for him and given him self-confidence and maturity, but ironically it turns out that his bravery means he and Scott have to separate for six months. Neither is happy with this, but they hope that it will give Brad a chance to keep his skills up and return when his original employer has a change of heart.
This is a good sequel to Blue Moon with the same good pro-wrestling details. I loved the early scene where Brad has to fight an untrustworthy wrestler named Ace and what happens when Ace disregards the preplanned choreography while the whole match is being televised, which is an extremely stressful situation. I liked the Japan details and how wrestling is more respected there (but I would have liked way, way more of a sense of the place). The overall story has a quiet arc that follows Brad’s maturing as a person and his and Scott’s relationship reaching a new place of appreciation. I would totally read another sequel in this series.
But Brad faces a problem when his wrestling employees don’t renew his contract but they do renew Scott’s. They would like to ease Brad out because they want big guys rather than little agile ones like him, and they are uncomfortable with him being in a gay relationship. He can’t fight this legally because there is a loophole in the contract where a wrestler can be let go for “creative” reasons. Like his look doesn’t fit the new direction the company wants to go or something.
Brad knows he can keep wrestling if he goes to Japan where he has contacts. This takes a lot of courage and drive, which shows some character development for Brad since the first book. Obviously being with Scott has been good for him and given him self-confidence and maturity, but ironically it turns out that his bravery means he and Scott have to separate for six months. Neither is happy with this, but they hope that it will give Brad a chance to keep his skills up and return when his original employer has a change of heart.
This is a good sequel to Blue Moon with the same good pro-wrestling details. I loved the early scene where Brad has to fight an untrustworthy wrestler named Ace and what happens when Ace disregards the preplanned choreography while the whole match is being televised, which is an extremely stressful situation. I liked the Japan details and how wrestling is more respected there (but I would have liked way, way more of a sense of the place). The overall story has a quiet arc that follows Brad’s maturing as a person and his and Scott’s relationship reaching a new place of appreciation. I would totally read another sequel in this series.
April 20, 2013
Red Sunset is a long short story about two American Professional Wrestlers who become lovers. Brad and Scott are the two main characters. At one point, the two are both wrestling in the same professional league in the United States, but Brad gets fired and ends up taking a professional wrestling job in Japan. Of course, the question comes down to whether their relationship can survive living in different countries.
My major issue with this story is that it is too short. There are a lot of pieces in this 60 page story that are simply missing. Interesting plot lines are relegated to a few sentences or paragraphs.
The two main characters are generally likable, but I found them very hard to distinguish as I was reading the story -- I started substituting US for Scott's name (since States in US was the same letter that started Scott's name). I needed to use this little trick to keep in mind which character was speaking. I think with more character development, I would not have needed to use that trick.
The story has good bones, and an interesting topic. But, with a little expansion and development, it could have been so much better. Overall, I give it 2.5 stars.
My major issue with this story is that it is too short. There are a lot of pieces in this 60 page story that are simply missing. Interesting plot lines are relegated to a few sentences or paragraphs.
The two main characters are generally likable, but I found them very hard to distinguish as I was reading the story -- I started substituting US for Scott's name (since States in US was the same letter that started Scott's name). I needed to use this little trick to keep in mind which character was speaking. I think with more character development, I would not have needed to use that trick.
The story has good bones, and an interesting topic. But, with a little expansion and development, it could have been so much better. Overall, I give it 2.5 stars.
Read
April 21, 2013
This book is a sequel for Blue Moon. In my humble opinion, as the author, it's essential to read Blue Moon before you read Red Sunset.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews