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Cold #1
Cold
Cold Series, Book 1:
Prison is a brutal, heartless, and demeaning environment. No one knows this better than a man sentenced to life in prison for murder. Lem Porter is a high-profile prisoner who had a solid career ahead of him in a field he loved until he killed his brother. He has spent almost eighteen years behind bars and doesn’t have much hope left.
Anderson Passero had it all. He built a career, a name, and a relationship with a man he thought he loved. Only after he very publicly landed in prison did he realize how ignorant he’d been. He has eight months left on his sentence and he is eager to go home and put prison life behind him. He doesn’t know it yet, but he will always carry these eight months with him, and they may just help him to understand what love really means.
Prison is a brutal, heartless, and demeaning environment. No one knows this better than a man sentenced to life in prison for murder. Lem Porter is a high-profile prisoner who had a solid career ahead of him in a field he loved until he killed his brother. He has spent almost eighteen years behind bars and doesn’t have much hope left.
Anderson Passero had it all. He built a career, a name, and a relationship with a man he thought he loved. Only after he very publicly landed in prison did he realize how ignorant he’d been. He has eight months left on his sentence and he is eager to go home and put prison life behind him. He doesn’t know it yet, but he will always carry these eight months with him, and they may just help him to understand what love really means.
215 pages, Paperback
First published May 14, 2013
19 people are currently reading
1160 people want to read
About the author
Brandon Shire
23 books402 followersGreat stories should not depend on gender or sexual preference of a character, but instead upon the strength of the characters and the honesty and urgency of the story.
Brandon Shire proves he understands the complexity of writing LGBT fiction from two very different viewpoints – serious and smexy. His serious fiction is written for those who enjoy a book which explores life’s darker elements in a more literary form, while the smexy fiction is for those who enjoy a graphically erotic romance.
Regardless of the differentiation above, Brandon writes for people who enjoy being challenged, and for those who strive to understand situations they don’t typically encounter. He pens raw, emotional stories about characters which readers will either love or love to hate.
Life and love are pretty damned special, but neither is always perfect. Life can be painful, and real love hard to find. Brandon’s fiction is an exploration of the (sometimes) arduous search for happiness we all desire.
10% of the proceeds from the sale of any of Brandon’s book are donated to LGBT Youth charities.
Learn more about Brandon Shire and the LGBT Youth charities he supports at BrandonShire.com
Brandon Shire proves he understands the complexity of writing LGBT fiction from two very different viewpoints – serious and smexy. His serious fiction is written for those who enjoy a book which explores life’s darker elements in a more literary form, while the smexy fiction is for those who enjoy a graphically erotic romance.
Regardless of the differentiation above, Brandon writes for people who enjoy being challenged, and for those who strive to understand situations they don’t typically encounter. He pens raw, emotional stories about characters which readers will either love or love to hate.
Life and love are pretty damned special, but neither is always perfect. Life can be painful, and real love hard to find. Brandon’s fiction is an exploration of the (sometimes) arduous search for happiness we all desire.
10% of the proceeds from the sale of any of Brandon’s book are donated to LGBT Youth charities.
Learn more about Brandon Shire and the LGBT Youth charities he supports at BrandonShire.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
May 19, 2013
“Sometimes you have to love the unlovable so they can see how it's done.”
~Brandon Shire
4.5 stars.****Review completed May 19, 2013
A master at work. I adore Brandon's subtlety and his writing provides ample food for thought.
Lem is a gorgeous male specimen and he is so much more than meets the eye. My GR friends know that I'm a sucker for older, sexy heroes. I can't deny it, Lem is right up my alley, and I will shamelessly admit that I was drooling something fierce whilst reading Cold. But underneath his gorgeous physic lies a pretty intellectual mind. Besides, Lem is a nature lover and since childhood my love for flora and fauna and especially the forests and Alps has been strongly rooted due to my family and upbringing. In consequence, my fondness for Lem is not all about his incredible physique, it's something that goes deeper; he brought back plenty of happy but also a few sad memories. He is the reason I took a trip down memory lane and ended up feeling a tiny bit sentimental. So, you see it's very obvious that my review is somewhat focused on Lem. Plus, there is Brandon…Brandon, who? Well, honor to whom honor is due and all that. Let's get started.
Meet Lem Porter who has been sentenced to life in prison for murdering his brother. He has already spent eighteen years behind bars when Ms. Whitfield ordered him to come to her office. She tells Lem that an investigator is coming from the parole board to interrogate him. Lem is surprised because he is not due for a hearing for another eighteen months. Besides, Lem is not keen on leaving prison since he has nowhere to go.
Anderson Passero is walking into his new prison dorm. Only eight months left and he'll be released from prison. That's all he can think of right now. And then he sees a huge man, built like a steadfast tower. Six foot six of solid and scary muscle, steel blue eyes, gray at the temples and scarred forearms. The man is intimidating as all get out. It's Lem Porter. And their paths will inevitably cross again.
Lem loves his work detail at the prison 'greenhouse.' It's his little sanctuary. Though it's not a 'real' greenhouse. In fact, it's a rather shabby, elongated cinderblock shed with sheets of hard, clear plastic for a roof. Nothing fancy at all. What I loved most about Cold was Lem's excellent characterization. Before Lem had been put behind bars he worked with the forest service. The man loves to dig in the dirt, to raise, nurture and cherish bonsai trees. He's got green fingers, for sure. Even though Lem's prison record denotes violence he came across as a rather quiet, remote and reserved human being. That's the reason I think Mother Nature with all its flora and fauna accommodates Lem's personality immensely. Besides, Lem is an austere character, he doesn't need much to be happy. He is incredibly gentle and careful with his plants, and he prefers the nature's stillness over noisy and boisterous people.
I believe that we should appreciate Lem's "deformity" to love him in his simplicity and with all his flaws. I love the connotations of this proverb--it reflects Lem's character perfectly. I find it intriguing that everything--from his personality to his life--is brought together by a short proverb. Brandon, that's so damn smart.
Also, what I found very interesting are the main protagonists' physical contrasts. While Lem is a huge and intimidating man, Anderson is short and a lightweight. At five seven and one hundred thirty pounds he was the polar opposite of Lem. I could go on and list other opposites, i.e. Anderson being a city slicker who loved clubbing while Lem prefers solitude and the vastness of land and forest.
Lem is sporting a huge and very profound tattoo on his back. I won't tell you what it is but it's SO Brandon and I'll give away its meaning:
Lem and Anderson hardly interact or spend time together during the first half of the story. If anything, the first half primarily depicts the MCs' life in prison. The author tells us why they have been convicted (well, I'm still waiting to be enlightened why Lem killed his brother though), it's about prison life in general and a few secondary characters will be introduced. I'm not an expert by any means, however, I *think* that Brandon did his homework and has written a realistic environment. Also, prison is a cold place to be and violence is pretty high on the agenda. On this account it's not surprising that an act of violence will bring these two together eventually. In a way the pent-up need, want and longing needed a valve. Hence, you can expect to savor some steamy and sexy men lovin', and I don't need to tell you that Brandon knows how to write hot sex scenes.
Though I must say that violence is not the focus of Cold. Not at all. If anything, the plot is very character driven and Brandon will really let you into Lem and Anderson's minds. In this context I think their inner dialogue was very well done and absolutely compelling. Plus, he conveyed their feelings and thoughts very clearly and yet there is always room for your own perceptions. I like to read between the lines, for sure, because it serves as a real eye-opener. A solid build-up and excellent pacing complemented Brandon's fabulous writing. Brandon used the term he's short several times and I believe he wasn't only referring to Anderson's physique. It is probably also about chronology or the timing of their impending "relationship". In fact, there wasn't much time left before Anderson would be released from prison; precious and little time that needed to be savored before Anderson had to leave Lem behind. They made the most of it.
The writing is different from Afflicted. It's not lyrical, there is no real poetry either, and yet I loved it nonetheless because it accommodated the storyline and its setting. It's beautiful in its sobriety, straightforward and very engaging. Cold is not a dark or gritty read; it is, however, a touching love story, sad and painful in parts and romantic in others. Lem offering Anderson was very romantic, a thoughtful gift that came straight from his heart and touched me very much. You know the saying "Actions speak louder than words."
In the beginning of Cold the author mentioned that there was only one person who knew Lem's secret and that person was dead. So, I'm still wondering what Lem's secret is. I might be totally wrong but I can't help and wonder what happened.
It's time to carve out a new life, Lem. You don't need to disappear into a forest, and you should give yourself a chance. Moreover, there is someone out there worth taking a chance on. I expect to see that happening in the sequel because I so want them to have a HEA.
Read it so you can see how it's done.
~Brandon Shire
4.5 stars.****Review completed May 19, 2013
A master at work. I adore Brandon's subtlety and his writing provides ample food for thought.
Lem is a gorgeous male specimen and he is so much more than meets the eye. My GR friends know that I'm a sucker for older, sexy heroes. I can't deny it, Lem is right up my alley, and I will shamelessly admit that I was drooling something fierce whilst reading Cold. But underneath his gorgeous physic lies a pretty intellectual mind. Besides, Lem is a nature lover and since childhood my love for flora and fauna and especially the forests and Alps has been strongly rooted due to my family and upbringing. In consequence, my fondness for Lem is not all about his incredible physique, it's something that goes deeper; he brought back plenty of happy but also a few sad memories. He is the reason I took a trip down memory lane and ended up feeling a tiny bit sentimental. So, you see it's very obvious that my review is somewhat focused on Lem. Plus, there is Brandon…Brandon, who? Well, honor to whom honor is due and all that. Let's get started.
Meet Lem Porter who has been sentenced to life in prison for murdering his brother. He has already spent eighteen years behind bars when Ms. Whitfield ordered him to come to her office. She tells Lem that an investigator is coming from the parole board to interrogate him. Lem is surprised because he is not due for a hearing for another eighteen months. Besides, Lem is not keen on leaving prison since he has nowhere to go.
"This ain't a day care, ma'am. Violence isn't an option you can always turn away from."
She looked at him curiously and cocked her head to the side. "You sound like you're trying to make me angry on purpose, Mr. Porter. Is that your intention?"
"Your anger is something which you control, not me," Lem replied, his face blank.
Anderson Passero is walking into his new prison dorm. Only eight months left and he'll be released from prison. That's all he can think of right now. And then he sees a huge man, built like a steadfast tower. Six foot six of solid and scary muscle, steel blue eyes, gray at the temples and scarred forearms. The man is intimidating as all get out. It's Lem Porter. And their paths will inevitably cross again.
Lem loves his work detail at the prison 'greenhouse.' It's his little sanctuary. Though it's not a 'real' greenhouse. In fact, it's a rather shabby, elongated cinderblock shed with sheets of hard, clear plastic for a roof. Nothing fancy at all. What I loved most about Cold was Lem's excellent characterization. Before Lem had been put behind bars he worked with the forest service. The man loves to dig in the dirt, to raise, nurture and cherish bonsai trees. He's got green fingers, for sure. Even though Lem's prison record denotes violence he came across as a rather quiet, remote and reserved human being. That's the reason I think Mother Nature with all its flora and fauna accommodates Lem's personality immensely. Besides, Lem is an austere character, he doesn't need much to be happy. He is incredibly gentle and careful with his plants, and he prefers the nature's stillness over noisy and boisterous people.
He stared at the bonsai on the table, lost in his thoughts. He missed that kind of space, the thousands of acres he had to roam because he was charged to watch over it. There were weeks when he wouldn't see a single soul. It was just him and the forest. There was one spot he particularly liked when he was out west. He'd camp out by Stillwater River and watch the wildlife come in for a drink while he held himself steady in a tree a hundred feet above their head, in awe of their beauty and grace.
I believe that we should appreciate Lem's "deformity" to love him in his simplicity and with all his flaws. I love the connotations of this proverb--it reflects Lem's character perfectly. I find it intriguing that everything--from his personality to his life--is brought together by a short proverb. Brandon, that's so damn smart.
You got more invested in that f@cking tree than you do in your own self. That's the difference between a man and an inmate. A man values himself and the people around him more than he does the things he has. One day you're going to wake up to that fact."
Also, what I found very interesting are the main protagonists' physical contrasts. While Lem is a huge and intimidating man, Anderson is short and a lightweight. At five seven and one hundred thirty pounds he was the polar opposite of Lem. I could go on and list other opposites, i.e. Anderson being a city slicker who loved clubbing while Lem prefers solitude and the vastness of land and forest.
Lem is sporting a huge and very profound tattoo on his back. I won't tell you what it is but it's SO Brandon and I'll give away its meaning:
(…)
"Because when I looked out at a forest from the top of a ridge, I saw the cycle and beauty of life. It was something I used to believe in."
"And you don't now?"
"That's a hard question to answer," Lem said.
Anderson remained silent, hoping he would fill in the gap.
"It's a cycle I'm not a part of anymore," Lem finally replied. "It's all around us outside of this place, but not in here with us."
(…)
"What about us, right here and now?" Anderson asked, feeling slightly wounded by his words.
Lem cupped the side of his head and ran his fingers through his hair. "A false spring," Lem answered, a sincere sadness in his eyes.
Lem and Anderson hardly interact or spend time together during the first half of the story. If anything, the first half primarily depicts the MCs' life in prison. The author tells us why they have been convicted (well, I'm still waiting to be enlightened why Lem killed his brother though), it's about prison life in general and a few secondary characters will be introduced. I'm not an expert by any means, however, I *think* that Brandon did his homework and has written a realistic environment. Also, prison is a cold place to be and violence is pretty high on the agenda. On this account it's not surprising that an act of violence will bring these two together eventually. In a way the pent-up need, want and longing needed a valve. Hence, you can expect to savor some steamy and sexy men lovin', and I don't need to tell you that Brandon knows how to write hot sex scenes.
Though I must say that violence is not the focus of Cold. Not at all. If anything, the plot is very character driven and Brandon will really let you into Lem and Anderson's minds. In this context I think their inner dialogue was very well done and absolutely compelling. Plus, he conveyed their feelings and thoughts very clearly and yet there is always room for your own perceptions. I like to read between the lines, for sure, because it serves as a real eye-opener. A solid build-up and excellent pacing complemented Brandon's fabulous writing. Brandon used the term he's short several times and I believe he wasn't only referring to Anderson's physique. It is probably also about chronology or the timing of their impending "relationship". In fact, there wasn't much time left before Anderson would be released from prison; precious and little time that needed to be savored before Anderson had to leave Lem behind. They made the most of it.
The writing is different from Afflicted. It's not lyrical, there is no real poetry either, and yet I loved it nonetheless because it accommodated the storyline and its setting. It's beautiful in its sobriety, straightforward and very engaging. Cold is not a dark or gritty read; it is, however, a touching love story, sad and painful in parts and romantic in others. Lem offering Anderson was very romantic, a thoughtful gift that came straight from his heart and touched me very much. You know the saying "Actions speak louder than words."
In the beginning of Cold the author mentioned that there was only one person who knew Lem's secret and that person was dead. So, I'm still wondering what Lem's secret is. I might be totally wrong but I can't help and wonder what happened.
It's time to carve out a new life, Lem. You don't need to disappear into a forest, and you should give yourself a chance. Moreover, there is someone out there worth taking a chance on. I expect to see that happening in the sequel because I so want them to have a HEA.
"Don't forget me?" he whispered.
Lem's eyes opened. He shook his head slightly. "Never. Don't think I could even if I wanted to," he admitted.
Read it so you can see how it's done.
May 18, 2013
4.5 stars... Brandon Shire has completely WOWED me with his excellent prose and masterful storytelling!
Cold by Brandon Shire is not only the first book of a new series, but it is also the first book I have had the pleasure to read from this author. This book is an excellent example of great storytelling, and I was totally enthralled from the start… there is no flowery prose, nor is this a raw and gritty tale. It is not a roller coaster ride and you will not find any angst or gratuitous sex thrown in for the sake of it, and for the most part we don’t even get to see the romance. So, by now you are probably wondering why I would even read this book. Simple… the WOW factor for me was the writing, just amazing and at times beautiful, especially watching the relationship grow between these two, their character development had me captivated and swept along on this journey with two men I just fell in love with.
In Cold, Brandon Shire paces the book perfectly and drip feeds the information allowing us to absorb and digest, running the ramifications through our minds before the next piece is slipped into place helping us build a detailed and vivid picture of… Lem the gentle giant with a secretive past… and Anderson the fallen media darling and nightclub owner, neither of which had the perfect upbringing and both of them have been damaged by the cruelties life has dealt them. Not all the secrets are revealed in this first book and I still have many questions unanswered, the impatient side of me wants it all NOW but alas we will have to wait!
PRISON IS A HEARTLESS PLACE ~ Even more so if you are a renowned gay man, and five feet, seven inches of scrawny! Anderson has spent eight years in prison for a crime that although he was culpable, he was not the instigator, he was betrayed by his lover and lost everything, but most of all he lost his freedom. Now prison is a ticking clock, counting down the months to his release… He has one objective, stay out of trouble and get out of prison! Anderson is an open book and his thoughts fly freely enabling us as readers to understand him more and we learn some of his secrets and the events that led up to his conviction.
Lem, is not quite so forthcoming, he has spent eighteen years incarcerated and has created a necessary persona to survive, to others his size was immediately intimidating and follow that up with his steely gaze and stoical manner and Lem was to be avoided at all costs. At this point in the series, Lem is still an enigma, his mind like the man is stoically guarded, internalizing and even hiding from himself. We see the dangerous side to Lem and have yet to find out why, but in my opinion, this belies his true disposition, he is an intelligent, gentle and caring man who wanted nothing more than to be left alone in his self inflicted isolation, maintaining his sanity with his passion for nature, working with plants and happy to while away his spare time reading magazines with his thoughts drifting to his one love and passion… the forest, but to him it is an empty dream as Lem has nothing and no one and that’s the way he likes it… until Anderson. Now Lem is confused by his own behaviour, for the first time since the death of his brother he wants someone to see past all the bravado and see the real him.
He stared at the bonsai on the table, lost in his thoughts. He missed that kind of space, the thousands of acres he had to roam because he was charged to watch over it. There were weeks when he wouldn’t see a single soul. It was just him and the forest. There was one spot he particularly liked when he was out west. He’d camp out by Stillwater River and watch the wildlife come in for a drink while he held himself steady in a tree a hundred feet above their head, in awe of their beauty and grace.
Anderson fears Lem the murderer yet lusts for Lem the man who uttered the words “I would never hurt you” and battling with his conscience is only exasperating his longing for Lem and ramping up the fear factor. But when he looks into Lem’s eyes, he knows he is safe with his gentle giant and after eight years of living in fear and anxiety – in that moment he feels free and the connection, although silent was palpable and he felt safe to just let go.
He took another step back and looked at Lem fully, studying him; something which he had been terrified to do since he saw Lem the first time. He had a rugged, angled face, weathered by pain and something he guessed was an internal misery. He saw emotion and a deep hurt etched around Lem’s eyes.
What I loved about the emotional and physical connection between these two men was the hope I felt, it was profound and my heart was full reading it, and to be honest, personally I can’t say I felt it was hot sex, I almost felt like a voyeur, it was intimate and beautiful, the passion was intense, they were just grabbing a moment in time and it had to be perfect and Brandon Shire truly made me feel that emotion with his words, with an ending that made me both smile and cry.. yep, that would be me again with the ugly tears!!
"I think I love you" Anderson whispered as he heard his footsteps fade away
I can only guess as to why Brandon chose the title for this series, my own impression would be the Cold that had for so long rendered Lem numb to anything but existing and Anderson was the warmth that was slowly melting the ice within the man and fanning the flames of desire that had long ago been forgotten… that would be the romantic in me, but I am sure Mr Shire will enlighten me at some point! I also wish that Anderson could have a nickname or something shortened… as Anderson seems so formal, unfortunately our two MC’s barely had time to get to know one another let alone for them to develop endearments, something that I am hoping will change with the coming books in the series. I know I mentioned before that Brandon Shire blew me away with his writing and believe me he did, I am all kinds of wowed by his literary skills, however my only gripe would be some repetition which in this case became noticeable, a couple of times I had to look back thinking I was reading the same page again, plus the use of the word short referring to his stature and time to serve, I think Anderson was obsessing about the two and understandably because his main focus was to get out and repeating it was becoming a mantra and his size he was more than aware of because he lived in fear.
This is an excellent book and I am suitably impressed with this start to the Cold series, we are also introduced to a few well developed secondary characters that I would like to see more of, I was pulling a high five for Anderson’s Mum at one point and his sister although she seems innocent and naive, I can see the fierce protector in her, and Officer Jefferson… he has already won a place in my heart!
Also, check out this song from ZZ Ward it's from the soundtrack to the book, Loved it so much I and bought the whole album! Very atmospheric and I will listen whilst I read.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiPL2S...
This book was provided by the Author in exchange for a fair and honest review
May 17, 2013
You know when a character just gets you…grabs your heart & doesn’t let go…snakes under your skin and weaves into your mind…and you just won’t, don’t, can’t forget him?
Meet Lem Porter. He’s a convicted murderer. He’s a lifer. He’s a loner. He’s a mystery. And I love him.
When you get this affected by a character, it’s hard to review the book as a whole.
Much of Cold is about Lem and his life in prison, his refusal to hope, his secrets, his resignation to his fate.
Much is about Anderson, just months away from being released, trying to look forward, keep to himself, and rebuild his life on the outside.
Some of this book is about the two of them and their unlikely relationship, their attraction, and the brutality AND beauty of their short time together.
And some secrets just remain untold…
Yes…there is some repetition, some suspension of what I assume-to-be prison reality is required, and some holes to the story.
BUT…the characters are just so well-written and impossible to forget.
Lem...stop invading my dreams…
***some people have asked if this is "dark" or "violent" like other prison books. I would say there are some dark parts and some suggestions of violence, but it's not in your face or uncomfortably so. Hope that helps!
May 16, 2013
~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~
When Brandon Shire said he wanted to write a character based prison story he was serious. I couldn’t believe how caught up I got in Lem and Anderson. The prison is there, no doubt, and, at least for Lem it’s not going anywhere. But the focus is on the internal dialog these two men have. The emphasis on who they are, their fears, their passions, their regrets and that’s what makes this book work.
If you’ve ever read Brandon Shire you know he connects you to the characters. This book proves his mastery of this skill.
THE CHARACTERS
Anderson Passero - Although we only get to see Anderson in the last eight months of his incarceration you are able to see how he changes. Always wary of others because of his smaller size, he’s been living a nightmare where he trusts no one, keeps to himself and analyzes everything.
Lem Porter - I don’t think I have ever wanted to reach out to a character more than I do with Lem. Days, weeks later I’m still thinking about him. A beautiful, unique human who lets his guilt rule him. How Mr. Shire created a murderer that I would trust with my children I don’t know.
He’s a smart, tender, gentle man who is one with the natural world. Locked within cement walls, he has given up on beauty. Lem’s nature will speak to you and reach you in ways only very memorable characters do. He truly touched me.
THE STORY
You need to know this isn’t about prison brutality or guard dominance, this is a beautiful love story in a prison setting. While there is a brutal act, it isn’t the focus. While there is heart-ache that had me crying for a full chapter, you shouldn’t be afraid to read this because of the setting.
I’ve said it before, I have a true fear of prison. This book made me want to stay inside.
THE WRITING
Brandon Shire uses this technique which counts down the time until Anderson is released. It is extremely effective in causing a certain tension. It plays with your head because you want Anderson out, but there’s not enough time, he's short. I know that doesn’t make sense, but that’s why its brilliant.
Shire’s writing feels perfectly paced. I didn’t find any lag. He weaves in enough questions to have us demanding another book, while completing everything he set out to accomplish. I think this author has found his stride here. There’s less poetry than in his previous books, but more solid story-telling. He drove this with perfect pacing, stellar characters and gripping emotions.
~ ~ ~
I sincerely thank Brandon Shire for allowing me to beta-read this book and providing me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
~ ~ ~
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
http://www.attentionisarbitrary.blogspot.com
Brandon Shire donates 10% of the proceeds from the sale of any of his books to:
Lost-n-Found Youth,Inc
http://www.lost-n-found.org/
and
GLBT Advocacy & Youth Services,Inc.
http://www.glbtays.org/
~ ~ ~
About the only thing of beauty he had seen within these walls in a long, long time was Anderson, and like most others in his life, Anderson had looked at Lem like he was someone to fear.
When Brandon Shire said he wanted to write a character based prison story he was serious. I couldn’t believe how caught up I got in Lem and Anderson. The prison is there, no doubt, and, at least for Lem it’s not going anywhere. But the focus is on the internal dialog these two men have. The emphasis on who they are, their fears, their passions, their regrets and that’s what makes this book work.
If you’ve ever read Brandon Shire you know he connects you to the characters. This book proves his mastery of this skill.
THE CHARACTERS
All these new faces he would forget when he hit the door in eight months, every single one of them. He was sure of it.
Eight months. It was the only thing that ran through his brain. Eight months.
Anderson Passero - Although we only get to see Anderson in the last eight months of his incarceration you are able to see how he changes. Always wary of others because of his smaller size, he’s been living a nightmare where he trusts no one, keeps to himself and analyzes everything.
“You’ve spent almost twenty years behind bars, don’t you think it’s time you forgave yourself?”
Lem Porter - I don’t think I have ever wanted to reach out to a character more than I do with Lem. Days, weeks later I’m still thinking about him. A beautiful, unique human who lets his guilt rule him. How Mr. Shire created a murderer that I would trust with my children I don’t know.
He’s a smart, tender, gentle man who is one with the natural world. Locked within cement walls, he has given up on beauty. Lem’s nature will speak to you and reach you in ways only very memorable characters do. He truly touched me.
THE STORY
You need to know this isn’t about prison brutality or guard dominance, this is a beautiful love story in a prison setting. While there is a brutal act, it isn’t the focus. While there is heart-ache that had me crying for a full chapter, you shouldn’t be afraid to read this because of the setting.
I’ve said it before, I have a true fear of prison. This book made me want to stay inside.
THE WRITING
Brandon Shire uses this technique which counts down the time until Anderson is released. It is extremely effective in causing a certain tension. It plays with your head because you want Anderson out, but there’s not enough time, he's short. I know that doesn’t make sense, but that’s why its brilliant.
Shire’s writing feels perfectly paced. I didn’t find any lag. He weaves in enough questions to have us demanding another book, while completing everything he set out to accomplish. I think this author has found his stride here. There’s less poetry than in his previous books, but more solid story-telling. He drove this with perfect pacing, stellar characters and gripping emotions.
”It’s the god of vegetation and plant life, the Green Man. He symbolizes life and rebirth after the long hard winter and predates many religions,” Lem offered.
[…]
“So why do you have him on your back?” Anderson pressed him.
Lem held him for a moment before he answered. “Because when I looked out at a forest from the top of a ridge, I saw the cycle and beauty of life. It was something I used to believe in.”
“And you don’t now?”
[…]
“It’s a cycle I’m not a part of anymore,” Lem finally replied.
[…]
What about us, right here and now?” Anderson asked, […]
Lem cupped the side of his head and ran his fingers through his hair. “A false spring,” Lem answered, a sincere sadness in his eyes.
~ ~ ~
I sincerely thank Brandon Shire for allowing me to beta-read this book and providing me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
~ ~ ~
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
http://www.attentionisarbitrary.blogspot.com
November 12, 2014
There better be a book #2 currently in the works (involving the same characters) or I'm gonna beat someone's ASS!
SPOILERS!!
Have you ever wanted to cry for all of eternity? I have. It began moments ago when I finished this book and now I'm sad that Anderson and Lem aren't together and have so much unresolved business. I need more. It's not even an option. I'm so sad.
WARNING: This is not what I'd call a HEA. It's a GREAT ending, but not your typical HEA... I want to cry. In the rain.
Edited review to add awesome, appropriate gif.
Awesome book, awesome characters, and I was totally engaged the entire time. Love it.
SPOILERS!!
Have you ever wanted to cry for all of eternity? I have. It began moments ago when I finished this book and now I'm sad that Anderson and Lem aren't together and have so much unresolved business. I need more. It's not even an option. I'm so sad.
WARNING: This is not what I'd call a HEA. It's a GREAT ending, but not your typical HEA... I want to cry. In the rain.
Edited review to add awesome, appropriate gif.
Awesome book, awesome characters, and I was totally engaged the entire time. Love it.
March 3, 2014
false spring.
a fragile romance by turns brutal and tender.
unfolds gracefully, with hypnotic passages and wild surges of vivid imagery.
gorgeous, in other words.
the pain you know is coming is no less beautiful or savage for being forewarned; it ends the way it is supposed to, and we are better off for it.
recommended.
a fragile romance by turns brutal and tender.
unfolds gracefully, with hypnotic passages and wild surges of vivid imagery.
gorgeous, in other words.
the pain you know is coming is no less beautiful or savage for being forewarned; it ends the way it is supposed to, and we are better off for it.
recommended.
December 5, 2014
I loved this story, has a nice build up to the flaming romance that perfectly suited the characters. Even if the attraction was present at the start, it wasn’t insta-love. But Cold is a little different from other romance is not a typical one, we have a lot of surprises , the story is set within the confines of a prison it´s a harsh world so to see a love story built in such a environment is a pleasure to read!
I loved Lem! He was so strong, yet tender and vulnerable inside. What a delightful combination. And them together… Hmmmm!!
So If you're looking to get lost in a Man romance with a bittersweet ending and characters that just grab you, then I would definitely recommend that you read this book.
November 11, 2013
Pounding passion. Premium page-turner. Compelling con’s.
I was awed with the electrifying vibrations pulsating from the story. I felt their struggles, their fears, and their passion. With the focus on two unlikely souls drawn together by a magnetic force, the big house was merely the condition that brought them together, not the essence of the story.
The story was Lem.
The story was Anderson.
The story was forgiveness, courage and unforeseen love.
Per usual, the writing was pristine; woven with a complexity that was astounding. As if each letter had been carefully placed, words strung together creating a harmony of emotions.
I am always captivated by Shire’s inclusive visions.
Lem
A manslayer who is more than meets the eye. A Redwood whose roots may have been cut, but his strength prevails. Determined to keep his nose clean and just ‘be’, he is mystified by continued efforts from all directions for his release back into society. Convinced his course has been set, he is startled when a brown-eyed beauty causes him second thought.
Anderson
High society luxuries allowed him to sail through life. Naïve mistakes snowballed into sticky trouble he couldn’t shake off. Wrapping up his time, he is pacing the calendar away until a terrifying incident flips his remaining days from tedious to fleeting.
I was petrified. I was saddened. I was hopeful.
Even secondary characters shone brightly and made a lasting impression.
I did not see any holes in the story, only meticulously carved room for interpretation. I have hopes for their future; and if I could be granted a single wish this year, it would be for a sliver of seclusion, and the freedom for a passionate reunion under the canopy of the forest.
Everyone deserves a second chance, most importantly from yourself.
*4.5 vicious-vibrant-veiled stars*
**on a personal note~
I was apprehensive to give this story a shot because of the environment and panic of non-con. While there was a dose of terror, it was manageable and crucial to their coming together. I am delighted I went out on a limb with this story (Thanks to my girls the gentle encouragement that I needed), for I am forever touched by Lem. He leapt from the pages straight into my heart. I understand his desires to wander in the splendor of nature. I studied Forestry at Michigan State University and I have a deep appreciation for his longing for a blanket of peace and content only the forest can provide. And he’s right; I’ve yet to see beauty that compares to the Upper Peninsula.
......I very rarely reread. I'm still playing catch up with my ever-growing tbr list. But this was just what I needed! Still good, maybe better the second time around.
I was awed with the electrifying vibrations pulsating from the story. I felt their struggles, their fears, and their passion. With the focus on two unlikely souls drawn together by a magnetic force, the big house was merely the condition that brought them together, not the essence of the story.
The story was Lem.
The story was Anderson.
The story was forgiveness, courage and unforeseen love.
Per usual, the writing was pristine; woven with a complexity that was astounding. As if each letter had been carefully placed, words strung together creating a harmony of emotions.
I am always captivated by Shire’s inclusive visions.
Lem
A manslayer who is more than meets the eye. A Redwood whose roots may have been cut, but his strength prevails. Determined to keep his nose clean and just ‘be’, he is mystified by continued efforts from all directions for his release back into society. Convinced his course has been set, he is startled when a brown-eyed beauty causes him second thought.
Anderson
High society luxuries allowed him to sail through life. Naïve mistakes snowballed into sticky trouble he couldn’t shake off. Wrapping up his time, he is pacing the calendar away until a terrifying incident flips his remaining days from tedious to fleeting.
I was petrified. I was saddened. I was hopeful.
Even secondary characters shone brightly and made a lasting impression.
I did not see any holes in the story, only meticulously carved room for interpretation. I have hopes for their future; and if I could be granted a single wish this year, it would be for a sliver of seclusion, and the freedom for a passionate reunion under the canopy of the forest.
Everyone deserves a second chance, most importantly from yourself.
*4.5 vicious-vibrant-veiled stars*
**on a personal note~
I was apprehensive to give this story a shot because of the environment and panic of non-con. While there was a dose of terror, it was manageable and crucial to their coming together. I am delighted I went out on a limb with this story (Thanks to my girls the gentle encouragement that I needed), for I am forever touched by Lem. He leapt from the pages straight into my heart. I understand his desires to wander in the splendor of nature. I studied Forestry at Michigan State University and I have a deep appreciation for his longing for a blanket of peace and content only the forest can provide. And he’s right; I’ve yet to see beauty that compares to the Upper Peninsula.
......I very rarely reread. I'm still playing catch up with my ever-growing tbr list. But this was just what I needed! Still good, maybe better the second time around.
May 17, 2013
4.5 stars. I was totally glued to the pages of this story to the point where several hours passed before I even looked up from the book. It's the gripping story of two prisoners, one due for freedom in 8 months and the other resolutely determined to stay on the inside. They are both at the end of their tether when a dangerous incident puts them at risk.
The chapter headings counting down Anderson's last few months are really effective. When I got to Two Months I could feel my heart sinking to my boots and when I got to Last Days I could feel the anxiety kick in. The ending is a cliffhanger but I don't even care because this story was so interesting and involving. Can't wait till book 2 and I might go back and take a second look at this author's other books. I DNF'd one of them a year or so ago due to the over-flowery writing but here it's pared down and a pleasure to read.
Oh and who knew prison sex could be so shatteringly perfect!
The chapter headings counting down Anderson's last few months are really effective. When I got to Two Months I could feel my heart sinking to my boots and when I got to Last Days I could feel the anxiety kick in. The ending is a cliffhanger but I don't even care because this story was so interesting and involving. Can't wait till book 2 and I might go back and take a second look at this author's other books. I DNF'd one of them a year or so ago due to the over-flowery writing but here it's pared down and a pleasure to read.
Oh and who knew prison sex could be so shatteringly perfect!
November 14, 2014
I love this story, the only negative is having it split between two books. I need an HEA for Lem and Anderson!
****** After re-reading in anticipation of the sequel, Heart of Timber, here is an actual review. *******
I struggled with this review because my love for the story is all emotional, and difficult to put into words. My favorite MC, Lem, was serving a life sentence for killing his brother. Determined to stay in prison, he sabotaged his parole interview. Why? There are hints of self-punishment, and maybe lack of hope, but no clear reason why. The other MC, Anderson, was eager to get out, and determined to keep his head down and stay out of trouble for the remaining eight months of his term.
The two men, distinct opposites in terms of appearance, personality, and circumstances, came together in an ill-fated romance. I loved their initial observations of and reactions to each other, and when they finally got together? Yikes, time out for a cool down.
Mixed in with the hotness, though, was a sweet vulnerability that drew me in. So gentle and hesitant, with some hope and even awe, overlaid with the bittersweet truth of reality. Reality, because with prison as a background, they hardly had a chance. The small details that showed the lack of privacy, the lack of autonomy in prison life, had me cringing in sympathy. Other details weren't so small. One violent scene had me flinching but even though it wasn't airbrushed, it wasn't overpowering, either.
As the final weeks of Anderson's term wind down, there is a sense of imminent loss and sadness. Every moment is dear, but overshadowed by the reality of their situation. As expected, the ending was sad, but knowing a sequel was on the way, I was hopeful.
Side notes:
I loved getting to know Lem through his love of nature, work in the nursery, and memories of his of old job. The scene with Anderson and the bonsai was especially touching.
Niggles:
The "short" business tripped me up, pulled me out of the story as I had to think about the unfamiliar meaning, and it's used a lot.
Unless I missed something, Anderson didn't know old Lem was when he went to prison, how did he figure Lem's age from time served? There were a few other niggles, but I set them aside to better enjoy the story and to wait for answers in the sequel.
Previously published on
****** After re-reading in anticipation of the sequel, Heart of Timber, here is an actual review. *******
I struggled with this review because my love for the story is all emotional, and difficult to put into words. My favorite MC, Lem, was serving a life sentence for killing his brother. Determined to stay in prison, he sabotaged his parole interview. Why? There are hints of self-punishment, and maybe lack of hope, but no clear reason why. The other MC, Anderson, was eager to get out, and determined to keep his head down and stay out of trouble for the remaining eight months of his term.
The two men, distinct opposites in terms of appearance, personality, and circumstances, came together in an ill-fated romance. I loved their initial observations of and reactions to each other, and when they finally got together? Yikes, time out for a cool down.
Mixed in with the hotness, though, was a sweet vulnerability that drew me in. So gentle and hesitant, with some hope and even awe, overlaid with the bittersweet truth of reality. Reality, because with prison as a background, they hardly had a chance. The small details that showed the lack of privacy, the lack of autonomy in prison life, had me cringing in sympathy. Other details weren't so small. One violent scene had me flinching but even though it wasn't airbrushed, it wasn't overpowering, either.
As the final weeks of Anderson's term wind down, there is a sense of imminent loss and sadness. Every moment is dear, but overshadowed by the reality of their situation. As expected, the ending was sad, but knowing a sequel was on the way, I was hopeful.
Side notes:
I loved getting to know Lem through his love of nature, work in the nursery, and memories of his of old job. The scene with Anderson and the bonsai was especially touching.
Niggles:
The "short" business tripped me up, pulled me out of the story as I had to think about the unfamiliar meaning, and it's used a lot.
Unless I missed something, Anderson didn't know old Lem was when he went to prison, how did he figure Lem's age from time served? There were a few other niggles, but I set them aside to better enjoy the story and to wait for answers in the sequel.
Previously published on
November 14, 2014
This book has me a mess, a full on Charlie Brown style sobbing, as I write this mess. It has me a complete and beautiful mess and I have no idea how to review it. I will be honest and tell you I bought this book last year and like the true book hoarder I am, it got lost in the massive to be read pile I have. But then, then I decided to fall down the rabbit hole of prison sex and read this. So, I came for the prison sex, but I stayed for the heart wrenching gorgeous love story.
Lem… how can a character grip your heart in less than one page? I don’t know how the author did it but I was a mess with a simple exchange between Lem and Mrs. Whitfield about him going home. Why doesn’t he want the redemption and the forgiveness that most seek? Why did he kill his brother? So many questions swirled around my mind and I wanted to know more about Lem. I wanted to climb the tall “forest fairy” and wrap my arms and legs around him until he told me all his secrets. Ugh. I love Lem. *whispers* Sorry, Susan.
And then there is Anderson. The owner of the gay night club who did things in the name of love that have him short in his new prison home. The story starts with Anderson having eight months left of his sentence. Eight months of ticking off the days until he can get out and try to rebuild his life on the outside. When Anderson moves into his cell, drama begins to swirl around him and it’s not what he wants. Anderson doesn’t fool around, he keeps his head down and just wants to go home. But when keeping watch for the dorm’s house bottom bunny makes him the object of infatuation from the latest thug with rape on his mind - let’s just say - shit goes down.
I am a huge fan of the dual POV and with this, I really needed it. I loved being inside both men’s head as they dealt with their feelings toward one another. The first time Lem calls Anderson beautiful, I was a puddle of goo. This big man who loves the earth, the trees, the outdoors and the peaceful solitude that the forest can give him is locked up in this prison of concrete and steel and good lord. Lem, the man breaks my heart in so many ways. I am a mess just writing this and thinking about all that he has done.
Anderson, he just wants to go home but when fate, or Lem, intervenes on his behalf, he goes from fear, to confusion, to fear, understanding and then full blown lust for this gentle giant. JHFC the lust. I said I came for the prison sex and Sweet Saint Brigid did I get it. You get it, the smexy and the hot but the feels. Ouch, they hurt and I am still crying because I can’t stop. Dammit. This wasn’t supposed to hurt like this.
What killed me with this is how do you fall in love in prison? With no time to yourself without someone watching every move you make? The small moments of intimacy the men find with one another hit me hard and made me cry. Did I mention the tears yet? I had to take my glasses off. I can’t see through the tears. Ugh. The men and their moments, they were so full of angst and longing and just deep emotion and I wanted to free them, to make them free to love without fear or judgment or time. Time, there is never enough time.
This book was amazing. It was brutal and raw and as gorgeous as Lem’s Bonsai tree and Anderson’s newly awoken heart. This is a book, these are characters that are infused in my soul and heart and they won’t leave. Ever. I will never forget them. How could I?
Lem… how can a character grip your heart in less than one page? I don’t know how the author did it but I was a mess with a simple exchange between Lem and Mrs. Whitfield about him going home. Why doesn’t he want the redemption and the forgiveness that most seek? Why did he kill his brother? So many questions swirled around my mind and I wanted to know more about Lem. I wanted to climb the tall “forest fairy” and wrap my arms and legs around him until he told me all his secrets. Ugh. I love Lem. *whispers* Sorry, Susan.
And then there is Anderson. The owner of the gay night club who did things in the name of love that have him short in his new prison home. The story starts with Anderson having eight months left of his sentence. Eight months of ticking off the days until he can get out and try to rebuild his life on the outside. When Anderson moves into his cell, drama begins to swirl around him and it’s not what he wants. Anderson doesn’t fool around, he keeps his head down and just wants to go home. But when keeping watch for the dorm’s house bottom bunny makes him the object of infatuation from the latest thug with rape on his mind - let’s just say - shit goes down.
I am a huge fan of the dual POV and with this, I really needed it. I loved being inside both men’s head as they dealt with their feelings toward one another. The first time Lem calls Anderson beautiful, I was a puddle of goo. This big man who loves the earth, the trees, the outdoors and the peaceful solitude that the forest can give him is locked up in this prison of concrete and steel and good lord. Lem, the man breaks my heart in so many ways. I am a mess just writing this and thinking about all that he has done.
Anderson, he just wants to go home but when fate, or Lem, intervenes on his behalf, he goes from fear, to confusion, to fear, understanding and then full blown lust for this gentle giant. JHFC the lust. I said I came for the prison sex and Sweet Saint Brigid did I get it. You get it, the smexy and the hot but the feels. Ouch, they hurt and I am still crying because I can’t stop. Dammit. This wasn’t supposed to hurt like this.
What killed me with this is how do you fall in love in prison? With no time to yourself without someone watching every move you make? The small moments of intimacy the men find with one another hit me hard and made me cry. Did I mention the tears yet? I had to take my glasses off. I can’t see through the tears. Ugh. The men and their moments, they were so full of angst and longing and just deep emotion and I wanted to free them, to make them free to love without fear or judgment or time. Time, there is never enough time.
This book was amazing. It was brutal and raw and as gorgeous as Lem’s Bonsai tree and Anderson’s newly awoken heart. This is a book, these are characters that are infused in my soul and heart and they won’t leave. Ever. I will never forget them. How could I?
April 12, 2023
OK so here's my review:
I liked it. Clearly, given the rating. I like the prison thing. I LOVE Lem: the silent, reserved, still-waters-run-deep BIG man (all muscle), BIG everywhere (hehehehe). A man better suited to long ago times than the modern world. He's a lifer for killing his brother in cold blood. Said nothing to defend himself. Has been punishing himself and slowly withering away due to regret and guilt.
Not that he says any of that. He's very self-contained. He's 50+ year old, but described as having the body and strength of a much younger man.
I don't like whatever the Queen's name is... see this is how I've blocked him out of my mind. The other MC. 5'7" skinny "beauty." He's spoiled, immature, selfish and afraid. I really don't see what Lem sees in him!
But I still give this book 5 stars for the story, the pace and tension. Made me want to read book 2.
BUT.
I am dreading book 2, given its lower rating...
I liked it. Clearly, given the rating. I like the prison thing. I LOVE Lem: the silent, reserved, still-waters-run-deep BIG man (all muscle), BIG everywhere (hehehehe). A man better suited to long ago times than the modern world. He's a lifer for killing his brother in cold blood. Said nothing to defend himself. Has been punishing himself and slowly withering away due to regret and guilt.
Not that he says any of that. He's very self-contained. He's 50+ year old, but described as having the body and strength of a much younger man.
I don't like whatever the Queen's name is... see this is how I've blocked him out of my mind. The other MC. 5'7" skinny "beauty." He's spoiled, immature, selfish and afraid. I really don't see what Lem sees in him!
But I still give this book 5 stars for the story, the pace and tension. Made me want to read book 2.
BUT.
I am dreading book 2, given its lower rating...
December 17, 2013
Maybe I've read too many books this year that would make society want to hurl rocks at me while I'm suspended in chains, dangling from a wooden pole. These same people would be chanting in some ancient language, getting ready to lit the pyre that would ultimately cleanse my unholy soul as to not allow me to contaminate others.
I mean, looking at the title, that cover art, and the prison setting, I expected something...more. More violence. More hardships. More angst. Just overall, more feelings. And don't get me wrong, there was a little bit of everything (i.e. attempted rape, murder, sex, some FEELS), but none of it really met my expectations. It felt kind of tepid.
You have Anderson, who has pretty much cruised through about 8 years of prison time without a problem. He lived on the down low, and is ready to bust out in 8 months. He was probably the most unremarkable imprisoned character I have ever read. I felt Lem was single handedly dragging all the dead (Anderson's) weight in this story. Lem is the guy with the mysterious past. The gentle giant of sorts, who has a lot of potential. It's just unfortunate that most of the story is told from Anderson's third-person POV.
It also didn't help that Anderson and Lem didn't regularly start interacting with one another until about 62% into the story. I was getting impatient once I hit the 50% mark and there was NOTHING in terms of a steady interaction. And when they did meet at that point, I had to scratch my head wondering when Anderson's mind did a 180 degree spin from "i am soooo scared of this hulking giant" to "i want his dick up my ass nao!" It was such a sudden change in his attitude towards Lem that made it hard for me to really connect with the relationship. This further made it difficult for me to get choked up with feelings regarding the progression of their relationship. Maybe if their mutual attraction made more sense to me, then I would have started gushing the big-fat-man-tears. But it just didn't happen.
I've been bitching a lot about this book, but it wasn't a bad read. In fact, I'll probably pick up the sequel just to see where it all goes. As I mentioned, Lem alone made this book pretty interesting to me. And once they started having sex......sorry, my eyes were glazing over from remembering the scenes. Ahem, anyways, the sex was pretty damn amazing. It's just that the book didn't meet my expectations for the "dark prison story" I was expecting. And really, that's on me and not on the author.
I mean, looking at the title, that cover art, and the prison setting, I expected something...more. More violence. More hardships. More angst. Just overall, more feelings. And don't get me wrong, there was a little bit of everything (i.e. attempted rape, murder, sex, some FEELS), but none of it really met my expectations. It felt kind of tepid.
You have Anderson, who has pretty much cruised through about 8 years of prison time without a problem. He lived on the down low, and is ready to bust out in 8 months. He was probably the most unremarkable imprisoned character I have ever read. I felt Lem was single handedly dragging all the dead (Anderson's) weight in this story. Lem is the guy with the mysterious past. The gentle giant of sorts, who has a lot of potential. It's just unfortunate that most of the story is told from Anderson's third-person POV.
It also didn't help that Anderson and Lem didn't regularly start interacting with one another until about 62% into the story. I was getting impatient once I hit the 50% mark and there was NOTHING in terms of a steady interaction. And when they did meet at that point, I had to scratch my head wondering when Anderson's mind did a 180 degree spin from "i am soooo scared of this hulking giant" to "i want his dick up my ass nao!" It was such a sudden change in his attitude towards Lem that made it hard for me to really connect with the relationship. This further made it difficult for me to get choked up with feelings regarding the progression of their relationship. Maybe if their mutual attraction made more sense to me, then I would have started gushing the big-fat-man-tears. But it just didn't happen.
I've been bitching a lot about this book, but it wasn't a bad read. In fact, I'll probably pick up the sequel just to see where it all goes. As I mentioned, Lem alone made this book pretty interesting to me. And once they started having sex......sorry, my eyes were glazing over from remembering the scenes. Ahem, anyways, the sex was pretty damn amazing. It's just that the book didn't meet my expectations for the "dark prison story" I was expecting. And really, that's on me and not on the author.
August 6, 2014
3.5 stars
What we have here are two men left in the cold. Both of them incarcerated for crimes committed through weakness, negligence, or anger… two very different men… can they find warmth in each other, can they find their way to home?
The story starts with Anderson Passero’s transfer into what seems to be a lower-security, open facility (the cells have no doors, there is a shared dormitory). He is counting down the months to the end of his eight-year sentence for drug running in the nightclub he co-owned. He comes from wealth and privilege and has so far, been adrift, unsure, and ultimately, gullible. He is pretty and charismatic, and wants to prove himself; but he loses his way and attracts trouble. Estranged from his homophobic father, Anderson lives his life out and proud. Anything to dig at the old man. Now, all he wants is to stay low, to get out, to go home. Wherever that is...
Lem has served eighteen years for having murdered his brother. He is a “lifer,” a huge, mountain of a man, instilling fear in all around him including the prison guards. Never understood or accepted -- at the age of eight he was as big and strong as a teen-ager -- he cuts himself off to feeling, walls himself away, only wanting to tend his beloved plants in the prison greenhouse.
But there is a hidden side to this silent giant. There is a mystery begging to be uncovered. Lem could fight for parole (his prison counselor wants to help), if he would just explain the circumstances of the murder, why he killed his brother. But Len remains silent, he doesn’t want redemption. He’s been shut away so long that this has become his world, these prison walls. Life inside is confined to what he can handle, as long as everyone will just leave him alone. Besides, there’s no one on the outside waiting for him...
Who are these two disparate men, convicted felons, who, on the surface, don’t seem to have much to redeem them? Why should we care about them? I am drawn to Lem. He’s such a puzzle, he hides so much away… a sharp intelligence, a love for nature -- he was a forester in a previous life, he’s a country boy at heart. And despite the decades of denial, within those concrete walls, he yearns for something softer. Still waters run deep. He sees the fear and vulnerability in Anderson and that brings out the gentleness, feeds the craving. He is the ‘war-daddy’ with a heart; and for Anderson, he is the stability, the protector ever longed for. I want to root for these men; they are so opposite in many ways, and yet they somehow forge a deep connection in the last days of Anderson’s sentence. I really want to know if there is a future for them.
So while we see the dynamic working between Lem and Anderson and the magnetic, carnal attraction, we don’t get much story before their incarceration. We don’t really get to see where they came from, we must rely mostly on what we get in the here and now. The writing colors them with care and yet, is more spare, the prose stripped down, quite different from Shire’s previous work in “Afflicted.” Still, there are glimmers of loveliness…
“...when I looked out at a forest from the top of a ridge, I saw the cycle and beauty of life… something I used to believe in… it’s a cycle I’m not a part of anymore,” Lem finally replied. “It’s all around us outside of this place, but not in here with us… “What about us, right here and now?” Anderson asked... Len cupped the side of his head… a sincere sadness in his eyes “A false spring,”
Cold is an intriguing look at love against all odds and Shire asks us to take a close look at two difficult characters, to empathize. What is frustrating is that there are factors in the story-telling that never get addressed, that pull me away from my sympathies. At one point in the story, Lem commits an act of unspeakable violence, and it is witnessed by Anderson. It seemed to me that Lem’s act wasn’t the only solution he could have chosen and it isn’t really resolved. It makes me wonder how Anderson can go anywhere near him. And yet he does, again and again. After eight years in the slammer, Anderson still seems rather naive and I’m not convinced that he has learned everything he needs to grow. And, there is still that mystery of Lem’s fratricide -- why did he do it? -- it keeps nagging at me, I say to myself that I must learn this one thing, here, if nothing else. I must learn why Lem was driven to such violence. It is chilling that almost two decades later, he can so coldly give himself over to it again...
For the rest of the review please visit: The Blog of Sid Love
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher/author in exchange for an honest review.
August 23, 2016
This was a masterful piece of storytelling, a brilliantly told tale that was impossible to put down.
The story is set within the confines of a prison. It is a harsh world and portrayed that way. The story is beautifully crafted and takes the reader right into the world of inhabited by Lem and Anderson.
For me this was a story of contrasts. Contrasts between characters, contrasts within characters, contrasts in the environment.
Please be aware that this review might be slightly spoilerish
Lem is a long-time prisoner, spending most of his adult life incarcerated for the murder of his brother. He is a huge man physically, tall and muscular and feared by most other inmates. However there is little sign of him being violent or providing a reason for this fear. In contrast to the stereotype of his physical appearance, he is actually a thoughtful, intelligent, college educated man. He feels a true affinity to nature and works in the prison greenhouse. He has never caused any problems in his eighteen years of imprisonment which allows him some favours with certain prison officials and guards.
In contrast, Anderson is smaller man and unlike Lem, he has experienced a lot more of life outside of prison. He had a thriving business, a relationship and a family. Anderson is nearing the end of his sentence and his prime goal is to just get through the next few months without trouble. After many years in prison without proper human contact, Lem somehow manages to break through his shell, illustrating the true power of their relationship.
Lem's story is one of mystery. He has never admitted to why he killed his brother. He purposely jeapardises his chance of parole. I am not sure whether he is punishing himself or protecting someone but he is resigned to spending the rest of his life in prison. His feelings for Anderson are obviously so strong that he finally is prepared, after many long years, to put himself through the inevitable sadness and sorrow that caring about Anderson would bring, their parting being unavoidable."When Anderson left, Lem would be left with the cold winter again."
There are a few moments where the author takes us from within the prison confines to the world that Lem remembers - nature, the forest. "There was no sense in dreaming about it; he knew he would never witness that kind of beauty again." His love for the outside is obvious in the small pleasures he derives from working in the greenhouse and waiting patiently for the bonsai to bloom. The bonsai finally bloomed for the first time in twenty years, much like Lem blooming with his feelings for Anderson.
This is not an easy or gentle story. There is an incident which is the true catalyst for Lem and Anderson being fully aware of each other. In some ways their relationship starts with a truly violent act. Anderson's feelings for Lem must be truly strong for him to overcome his fear, start to trust and open his heart. "Lem had opened his vulnerability, touched him with something that was not just sex."........"He felt safe and wanted and secure, and it was the first time he really felt it in his entire life."
There are people who are supporting both men. Anderson has him sister and his mother on the outside. For Lem, he manages to wrangle favours from the guards which allow him and Anderson to spend time together. These 'favours' also extend to protecting his own life. It is these favours that give the men a truly special night "I think I love you," Anderson whispered as he heard his footsteps fade away."
This book is intense and emotional. There is no happy ending for the men. For me there were tears. But for Anderson, there is hope on the outside. "I'll never forget you," he whispered as they turned toward the highway."
I am desperately hoping that the next book is both released soon and has the happy ending that I am craving.
The story is set within the confines of a prison. It is a harsh world and portrayed that way. The story is beautifully crafted and takes the reader right into the world of inhabited by Lem and Anderson.
For me this was a story of contrasts. Contrasts between characters, contrasts within characters, contrasts in the environment.
Please be aware that this review might be slightly spoilerish
Lem is a long-time prisoner, spending most of his adult life incarcerated for the murder of his brother. He is a huge man physically, tall and muscular and feared by most other inmates. However there is little sign of him being violent or providing a reason for this fear. In contrast to the stereotype of his physical appearance, he is actually a thoughtful, intelligent, college educated man. He feels a true affinity to nature and works in the prison greenhouse. He has never caused any problems in his eighteen years of imprisonment which allows him some favours with certain prison officials and guards.
In contrast, Anderson is smaller man and unlike Lem, he has experienced a lot more of life outside of prison. He had a thriving business, a relationship and a family. Anderson is nearing the end of his sentence and his prime goal is to just get through the next few months without trouble. After many years in prison without proper human contact, Lem somehow manages to break through his shell, illustrating the true power of their relationship.
Lem's story is one of mystery. He has never admitted to why he killed his brother. He purposely jeapardises his chance of parole. I am not sure whether he is punishing himself or protecting someone but he is resigned to spending the rest of his life in prison. His feelings for Anderson are obviously so strong that he finally is prepared, after many long years, to put himself through the inevitable sadness and sorrow that caring about Anderson would bring, their parting being unavoidable."When Anderson left, Lem would be left with the cold winter again."
There are a few moments where the author takes us from within the prison confines to the world that Lem remembers - nature, the forest. "There was no sense in dreaming about it; he knew he would never witness that kind of beauty again." His love for the outside is obvious in the small pleasures he derives from working in the greenhouse and waiting patiently for the bonsai to bloom. The bonsai finally bloomed for the first time in twenty years, much like Lem blooming with his feelings for Anderson.
This is not an easy or gentle story. There is an incident which is the true catalyst for Lem and Anderson being fully aware of each other. In some ways their relationship starts with a truly violent act. Anderson's feelings for Lem must be truly strong for him to overcome his fear, start to trust and open his heart. "Lem had opened his vulnerability, touched him with something that was not just sex."........"He felt safe and wanted and secure, and it was the first time he really felt it in his entire life."
There are people who are supporting both men. Anderson has him sister and his mother on the outside. For Lem, he manages to wrangle favours from the guards which allow him and Anderson to spend time together. These 'favours' also extend to protecting his own life. It is these favours that give the men a truly special night "I think I love you," Anderson whispered as he heard his footsteps fade away."
This book is intense and emotional. There is no happy ending for the men. For me there were tears. But for Anderson, there is hope on the outside. "I'll never forget you," he whispered as they turned toward the highway."
I am desperately hoping that the next book is both released soon and has the happy ending that I am craving.
October 8, 2013
Oh wow - will review later but thanks Umer's for recommending it. When's the next one,out??
ETA:
I really, really enjoyed this book. My GR friends had been singing it's praises but I was reluctant - a book set in a prison, it wasn't really doing it for me. But the name kept popping up so i decided to give it a try, and boy am I glad I did.
Lem, the lifer in for murdering his brother. We see him brutally kill another man, he shows no remorse, gives no reasoning for his brothers death, yet he is a character to love. You know there is more to him than first appears. His prison officer believes in him, so much so he lied for him. We see how gentle he is with Anderson. We feel the yearning he has for the outdoors, the forest he is so much at home in and that he misses so much. We see the opportunities given to him to clear his name or at least show remorse - opportunities that could lead to his early discharge from prison - yet he doesn't utilise any of them and you have to wonder why.
Anderson is the kind of criminal you do feel an affinity for straight away. Nearing the end of his sentence he is counting down the days til he can get out. Although he did do the crime of which he is accused - it was driven by his ex-lover and Anderson 'did it for love'. A pathetic excuse maybe, but he's done his time. I loved seeing his relationship with Lem develop, the longing for something more than their current 'lifestyle' would allow. I also enjoyed Anderson's interactions with his sister and learning more about his past.
Thankfully this is the first book in a series because I seriously finished wanting to read more. Though this is a complete story, no way am I done with these characters. there are far to many unanswered questions and unresolved mysteries.
My one complaint with this book is the sex - well, no, I liked the sex just fine, but i do hate it when shower gel/soap etc is used as lube. It's a personal thing that makes me feel so uncomfortable - I know in prison they're not exactly spoilt for choice, but really, I just don't like it, it makes me think things are going to get sore and really...well, you get the idea. It's for external use only folks. But that really was my only complaint, I loved it otherwise!
ETA:
I really, really enjoyed this book. My GR friends had been singing it's praises but I was reluctant - a book set in a prison, it wasn't really doing it for me. But the name kept popping up so i decided to give it a try, and boy am I glad I did.
Lem, the lifer in for murdering his brother. We see him brutally kill another man, he shows no remorse, gives no reasoning for his brothers death, yet he is a character to love. You know there is more to him than first appears. His prison officer believes in him, so much so he lied for him. We see how gentle he is with Anderson. We feel the yearning he has for the outdoors, the forest he is so much at home in and that he misses so much. We see the opportunities given to him to clear his name or at least show remorse - opportunities that could lead to his early discharge from prison - yet he doesn't utilise any of them and you have to wonder why.
Anderson is the kind of criminal you do feel an affinity for straight away. Nearing the end of his sentence he is counting down the days til he can get out. Although he did do the crime of which he is accused - it was driven by his ex-lover and Anderson 'did it for love'. A pathetic excuse maybe, but he's done his time. I loved seeing his relationship with Lem develop, the longing for something more than their current 'lifestyle' would allow. I also enjoyed Anderson's interactions with his sister and learning more about his past.
Thankfully this is the first book in a series because I seriously finished wanting to read more. Though this is a complete story, no way am I done with these characters. there are far to many unanswered questions and unresolved mysteries.
My one complaint with this book is the sex - well, no, I liked the sex just fine, but i do hate it when shower gel/soap etc is used as lube. It's a personal thing that makes me feel so uncomfortable - I know in prison they're not exactly spoilt for choice, but really, I just don't like it, it makes me think things are going to get sore and really...well, you get the idea. It's for external use only folks. But that really was my only complaint, I loved it otherwise!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2013
Call me jaded but after reading Protection by S.A. Reid...this left me cold.
The odd short Beauty & the big Beast dialogue/references had zero-characterization-appeal. Instead it evoked a circus/freak show affect. First met with...head-scratching. Then came the eye-rolls. Finally...sick of it.
Anderson:
...."I’m short and trying to avoid drama"
...."No, I’m too short"
...."I’m too short, César"
...."I’m too short for this"
...."I’m too short to be fucking around with psychos"
Lem's short/big exchange (just 1/there's more):
....But he was too big, and Anderson was too short"
David/Anderson's cellmate short exchange:
..."They’ll pull in anyone who’s short and try to scare them up.”
BTW turns out Anderson was 5 feet 7 inches...short.
Of note: Writer awards 10% proceeds to GLBT Advocacy & Youth charities on all of his work.
The odd short Beauty & the big Beast dialogue/references had zero-characterization-appeal. Instead it evoked a circus/freak show affect. First met with...head-scratching. Then came the eye-rolls. Finally...sick of it.
Anderson:
...."I’m short and trying to avoid drama"
...."No, I’m too short"
...."I’m too short, César"
...."I’m too short for this"
...."I’m too short to be fucking around with psychos"
Lem's short/big exchange (just 1/there's more):
....But he was too big, and Anderson was too short"
David/Anderson's cellmate short exchange:
..."They’ll pull in anyone who’s short and try to scare them up.”
BTW turns out Anderson was 5 feet 7 inches...short.
Of note: Writer awards 10% proceeds to GLBT Advocacy & Youth charities on all of his work.
October 31, 2013
Gahhhhh! What kind of ending was that?? Why did Lem kill his brother? What’s the favor that Anderson asked his sister about? You can’t leave me hangin’ like this!! It’s a darn good thing that book #2 comes out in a few weeks. I loved Lem and Anderson and need to know how things work out for them.
Want to read
April 18, 2013Prison Love? I am so effing there. I'm so there, I'm here!!!
December 10, 2023
Re-read 1/20/16. Yep! Still love it.
--------------
I loved this story so much. Loved the characters, the pacing, the glimpse into prison life. I love a big, protective, 'deadly when needed' man and Lem was a 6'6 wall of muscle. Loved his quiet intelligence, his lack of false swagger and his slow slide into emotion for Anderson. Loved Anderson too. 5'7, so afraid of Lem in the beginning, especially after witnessing Lem commit a brutal act, but then realizing that Lem had done it to protect him and would never harm him.
This book hit all the right notes for me in a prison story...until I got to the end. But just know that there IS a part 2. I spent a good 10mins having a heart attack before I noticed that there is a sequel and that, yes, it's already out. I was totally panicking as the page count dwindled while Lem and Anderson still weren't where I wanted them to be, but I guess the ending here is 'realistic'. Looking forward to the sequel, especially since we never learned the story of Lem's brother, and he still has that upcoming parole hearing. So, to be clear, there is no HEA in this book. And they so need one. I love my boys!
Barring the ending, the book was pretty much flawless except for the way the author dealt with the height difference. It's not easy for a 5'7 person to reach up and touch the face of a 6'6 person without some kind of help on the taller person's part. I would have liked to see Lem pick Anderson up more during sex. It was more realistic than Lem trying to crouch. The goal is an orgasm, not a back spasm. All the height reference interactions seemed off to me, but that's the only thing that took me out of the story. I just kind of rolled with it though, because the rest of the story was so freaking good. Sigh. My boys. Oh yeah, I already said that lol. 4.5
--------------
I loved this story so much. Loved the characters, the pacing, the glimpse into prison life. I love a big, protective, 'deadly when needed' man and Lem was a 6'6 wall of muscle. Loved his quiet intelligence, his lack of false swagger and his slow slide into emotion for Anderson. Loved Anderson too. 5'7, so afraid of Lem in the beginning, especially after witnessing Lem commit a brutal act, but then realizing that Lem had done it to protect him and would never harm him.
This book hit all the right notes for me in a prison story...until I got to the end. But just know that there IS a part 2. I spent a good 10mins having a heart attack before I noticed that there is a sequel and that, yes, it's already out. I was totally panicking as the page count dwindled while Lem and Anderson still weren't where I wanted them to be, but I guess the ending here is 'realistic'. Looking forward to the sequel, especially since we never learned the story of Lem's brother, and he still has that upcoming parole hearing. So, to be clear, there is no HEA in this book. And they so need one. I love my boys!
Barring the ending, the book was pretty much flawless except for the way the author dealt with the height difference. It's not easy for a 5'7 person to reach up and touch the face of a 6'6 person without some kind of help on the taller person's part. I would have liked to see Lem pick Anderson up more during sex. It was more realistic than Lem trying to crouch. The goal is an orgasm, not a back spasm. All the height reference interactions seemed off to me, but that's the only thing that took me out of the story. I just kind of rolled with it though, because the rest of the story was so freaking good. Sigh. My boys. Oh yeah, I already said that lol. 4.5
January 15, 2015
Between 2 and 2,5 stars
I am in a tiny minority here.
But this book didn't make my heart race.
There are some really hot scenes towards the end of the book, but even they were not able to save the impression of the whole story for me.
My thoughts are very similar to the opinion of Smith Barney, it is a perfect review for me for this book.
I could add only some more quotes with "huge" and "big".
Because I didn't mark any others.
I am in a tiny minority here.
But this book didn't make my heart race.
There are some really hot scenes towards the end of the book, but even they were not able to save the impression of the whole story for me.
My thoughts are very similar to the opinion of Smith Barney, it is a perfect review for me for this book.
I could add only some more quotes with "huge" and "big".
Because I didn't mark any others.
May 23, 2013
I enjoyed this fairly well executed story a lot but my mind kept going back to T. Baggins fabulous book Protection. The parallels between the two are many. That said, this story is still well worth reading. The story is spread over the eight months that Anderson has left to his sentence and paces itself well. The story has its "wtf?" moments that better editing would have taken care of but all in all it read smoothly. I enjoyed the character Lem and the man of integrity he was. He played the game but never let the system tear him down. Anderson was wishy-washy to my not in his lack of love for Lem but by his attitude in general. The gift of the bonsai brought a tear to my eye as that tree was the sum of Lem's being. Oddly, I really don't care why Lem killed his brother but I imagine that there was rape involved. I'm looking forward to the next book in this prison series.
May 26, 2013
After having spent months following the progress Brandon Shire was making on this book,which included reading a brief profile of who Lem and Anderson were and endlessly trying to figure out how Mr. Shire was going to bring it all together, all I have to say is "Bravo, Mr. Shire. You have done it again!"
Brandon Shire did a wonderful job of giving me an ample view of Lem and Anderson's surroundings - how it affected their thoughts and actions. But he outdid himself in bringing these complex characters to the page by providing enough of their thoughts, regrets, needs and wants for me to be drawn into this story fully. To the point that I did not mind what wasn't revealed.
Lem, facing life in prison, won my heart from the moment he stepped into the story. I wish I could take him out into nature and seemy this gentle giant in his environment. Quiet, strong and considerate. He may be a murderer, but his heart is good. His actions, his guilt - everything came together to endear him to me. I can't wait to read more about him.
Anderson was not on my list of favorites. Slowly but surely he burrowed under my skin until I came to enjoy him too. His development throughout the story was great to see. Even if at times I wanted to smack him upside the head, the times when I wanted to comfort him outnumbered them. This was only possible because even though Brandon showed his faults - his selfishness and arrogance - he also showed his yearning to find someone who saw him for who he was and not the persona he put out for the media and the club scene. I believe he found that in Lem. Of course, only Brandon's Muse and time will tell if I'm correct, but for this story I chose to believe that it was.
I wish I could say more about this wonderful story but it's not something I can talk about without giving too much away. So if you take anything from this review, take this:
I received this title from the author in exchange of my honest opinion and participation in the blog hop tour for its release.
Lem and Anderson
Check these out!
Blog Hop & Giveaway: Cold by Brandon Shire - Q & A with Brandon Shire about Lem and Anderson
Brandon Shire did a wonderful job of giving me an ample view of Lem and Anderson's surroundings - how it affected their thoughts and actions. But he outdid himself in bringing these complex characters to the page by providing enough of their thoughts, regrets, needs and wants for me to be drawn into this story fully. To the point that I did not mind what wasn't revealed.
Lem, facing life in prison, won my heart from the moment he stepped into the story. I wish I could take him out into nature and see
Anderson was not on my list of favorites. Slowly but surely he burrowed under my skin until I came to enjoy him too. His development throughout the story was great to see. Even if at times I wanted to smack him upside the head, the times when I wanted to comfort him outnumbered them. This was only possible because even though Brandon showed his faults - his selfishness and arrogance - he also showed his yearning to find someone who saw him for who he was and not the persona he put out for the media and the club scene. I believe he found that in Lem. Of course, only Brandon's Muse and time will tell if I'm correct, but for this story I chose to believe that it was.
I wish I could say more about this wonderful story but it's not something I can talk about without giving too much away. So if you take anything from this review, take this:
Cold is not a story about the brutality of prison, nor is it not a fairytale. It has its rough moments, its passionate moments and its painful moments but it also has life affirming moments - life is but one, beauty can be found in the most unexpected of places and precious moments should be enjoyed for all they're worth.
I received this title from the author in exchange of my honest opinion and participation in the blog hop tour for its release.
Lem and Anderson
Check these out!
Blog Hop & Giveaway: Cold by Brandon Shire - Q & A with Brandon Shire about Lem and Anderson
Cold by Brandon Shire Blog Tour - The Character Interview with Lem - Awesome interview with Lem
June 24, 2013
Note: Beta'ed for author, so I was exposed to the story before final editing. My review, though, is on the finished product. It was a pleasure and a privilege to help get this story published.
The romance genre has some tried and true tropes, well-established, easily identifiable formulas that work time and again. So does erotica, for that matter. For gay erotica in particular, one of the favorites is the prison scenario. It's perfect! Even straight guys are "prison gay," or "booty bandits," as they are called. Circumstances force a bunch of men to coexist and survive as well as they can, while they do their time.
The first sentence in the blurb for this book can fool you into thinking this is just another prison romance. And fooled you'd be, because regardless of the setting, this is one story nobody should miss.
I have to confess, I am a dedicated fan of Mr. Shire. His previous works have earned my admiration, mostly because of the lyricism of the prose. In this case, my loyalty is once again justified, beyond the writing. For one thing, the characters in this story, all of them, leap off the page. Not just Lem and Anderson, but Doe, and Cesar, and David. The guards, Anderson's sister, and even his Mom, even though she only has one scene. They are all unique individuals, acting and reacting as maybe even I would do in similar circumstances.
The setting is efficiently painted through the action, not described to the point of boredom. It is understandable, though, that as the first book in a series, many things are left "hanging." But it's not a "cliff hanger" type of ending, don't worry. I hate those, with a vengeance.
No, this is a taste, just enough to hook the reader as a pilot would do for a cable series. Each person will have an idea of what will happen next, what we'd like to see these guys achieve, what the back story to them is, before they get their well-deserved HEA.
One thing is certain, Mr. Shire will have a few surprises for us, when the next book comes out. I can hardly wait.
The romance genre has some tried and true tropes, well-established, easily identifiable formulas that work time and again. So does erotica, for that matter. For gay erotica in particular, one of the favorites is the prison scenario. It's perfect! Even straight guys are "prison gay," or "booty bandits," as they are called. Circumstances force a bunch of men to coexist and survive as well as they can, while they do their time.
The first sentence in the blurb for this book can fool you into thinking this is just another prison romance. And fooled you'd be, because regardless of the setting, this is one story nobody should miss.
I have to confess, I am a dedicated fan of Mr. Shire. His previous works have earned my admiration, mostly because of the lyricism of the prose. In this case, my loyalty is once again justified, beyond the writing. For one thing, the characters in this story, all of them, leap off the page. Not just Lem and Anderson, but Doe, and Cesar, and David. The guards, Anderson's sister, and even his Mom, even though she only has one scene. They are all unique individuals, acting and reacting as maybe even I would do in similar circumstances.
The setting is efficiently painted through the action, not described to the point of boredom. It is understandable, though, that as the first book in a series, many things are left "hanging." But it's not a "cliff hanger" type of ending, don't worry. I hate those, with a vengeance.
No, this is a taste, just enough to hook the reader as a pilot would do for a cable series. Each person will have an idea of what will happen next, what we'd like to see these guys achieve, what the back story to them is, before they get their well-deserved HEA.
One thing is certain, Mr. Shire will have a few surprises for us, when the next book comes out. I can hardly wait.
May 16, 2013
Ummm...WOW... That's kind of all I have to say right now, seeing as I'm exhausted from staying up until 5am to read this book. I knew it would be a bad idea to start this so late at night!
Anyway, you don't want to hear about that. You want to know if you should read this book. Yes you should! It is intense and steamy like only Brandon Shire can do. It will leave you hot and bothered. It will make you think, and that is the sign of a true master story teller.
The only thing I can say that I didn't like was the myriad of times that Anderson mentioned that he was "too short". This either referred to his stature or his designation as a short-timer or was a play on words for both. Either way, it bothered me after awhile. Other than that I have no complaints. Oh, and there were two instances of the word "waiver" instead of "waver", which bothered me. An m/m romance with only two grammatical errors? Huzzah!
Anyone who likes HEAs, well...
Now I just can't wait for the next one. When will that be out again??
Anyway, you don't want to hear about that. You want to know if you should read this book. Yes you should! It is intense and steamy like only Brandon Shire can do. It will leave you hot and bothered. It will make you think, and that is the sign of a true master story teller.
The only thing I can say that I didn't like was the myriad of times that Anderson mentioned that he was "too short". This either referred to his stature or his designation as a short-timer or was a play on words for both. Either way, it bothered me after awhile. Other than that I have no complaints. Oh, and there were two instances of the word "waiver" instead of "waver", which bothered me. An m/m romance with only two grammatical errors? Huzzah!
Anyone who likes HEAs, well...
Now I just can't wait for the next one. When will that be out again??
May 17, 2013
WOW!! Idk what to say except...if you haven't read Brandon's books? You're missin out on a rare treat. Crazy talented author IMO
BUT lol. My raw reaction?
Really?? Really?? That good of a story and then.....UGH!!!
I knew goin in this wouldn't be sunshine and rainbows. I guess I wasn't prepared to crave more from these two. I NEED to know what happens in their lives!
I don't even know right now lol. It's not that it's a cliff really. I just NEED more. I wasn't done w/them lol. I may even lose sleep over worrying about Lem:/ Yes, even tho he's a big boy and can take care of himself;))
And Anderson...oh Anderson!!
Grrrrrr!!! When is book 2????
BUT lol. My raw reaction?
Really?? Really?? That good of a story and then.....UGH!!!
I knew goin in this wouldn't be sunshine and rainbows. I guess I wasn't prepared to crave more from these two. I NEED to know what happens in their lives!
I don't even know right now lol. It's not that it's a cliff really. I just NEED more. I wasn't done w/them lol. I may even lose sleep over worrying about Lem:/ Yes, even tho he's a big boy and can take care of himself;))
And Anderson...oh Anderson!!
Grrrrrr!!! When is book 2????
May 28, 2013
I really liked this story: setting, characters, scenes. I did feel like the connection between Lem and Anderson bordered on insta-love, but I still believe in them/the relationship. Very much looking forward to the continuation of the story, and hoping that #2 comes sooner rather than later!
May 29, 2014
This is truly a character driven novel. I can't put my finger on just one thing that I liked about this story. It was all done superbly.
There were some hard, intense, & sometimes just flat out brutal things going on here, but this one is beautiful in it's brutality.
This book is not an extremely long novel, but it's chock full of story.
The journey here with these two main characters, Lem & Anderson is just.. There are no words here. It's colorful in it's prose. You just feel like you're right there with these men & the world that surrounds them.
The only thing I hate is that I didn't get the truth of the mystery behind why Lem did what he did to wind up in prison. It drove me bonkers. I was dying to know. But it never came to light. So imagine my joy when I realized today that there is a book 2. So yes, I'm running to get that book now LOL. Maybe the answers I seek are there.
If you're looking to get lost in a M/M romance with a bittersweet ending and characters that just grab you, then I would definitely recommend that you read this book.
There were some hard, intense, & sometimes just flat out brutal things going on here, but this one is beautiful in it's brutality.
This book is not an extremely long novel, but it's chock full of story.
The journey here with these two main characters, Lem & Anderson is just.. There are no words here. It's colorful in it's prose. You just feel like you're right there with these men & the world that surrounds them.
The only thing I hate is that I didn't get the truth of the mystery behind why Lem did what he did to wind up in prison. It drove me bonkers. I was dying to know. But it never came to light. So imagine my joy when I realized today that there is a book 2. So yes, I'm running to get that book now LOL. Maybe the answers I seek are there.
If you're looking to get lost in a M/M romance with a bittersweet ending and characters that just grab you, then I would definitely recommend that you read this book.
June 25, 2013
4,5 Stars. I can't wait to have the next book.
“What about us, right here and now?” Anderson asked, feeling slightly wounded by his words. Lem cupped the side of his head and ran his fingers through his hair. “A false spring,”
“What about us, right here and now?” Anderson asked, feeling slightly wounded by his words. Lem cupped the side of his head and ran his fingers through his hair. “A false spring,”
June 4, 2013
A 4.75 stars but I'm rounding it up to 5 stars :D
Another beautifully written book by the wonderful Brandon Shire. I know when I open a book by this author I am not going to be blindsided by hearts and flowers but it will be a real, in your face absorption of a read. Cold therefore did not disappoint.
The story centres on Lem and Anderson and their connection when they meet in the dim and soulless place of prison.
Lem is a lifer who was convicted for the murder of his brother some twenty years ago. He is a giant of a man but a gentle one at that. He has lost all hope of ever having the life he set out to have when he was a younger man. Living his life with his love for the outdoors and the forestry job he so passionately adored but which was cruelly taken from him after he committed the ultimate crime of his brother’s murder. Lem has accepted his punishment and will not consider any other life other that what he now has inside the prison walls. He is a man with no life, no fear and no hope. Each day he plods on with his now monotonous life, keeping himself to himself with his protective shield of fear he portrays to the other prisoners.
Anderson has served eight years in prison after being betrayed by his lover and being a party to a crime he was blinded to avoid. We meet Anderson in the final eight months of his sentence which is also the books timespan. He has spent his time keeping his head down and out of trouble, waiting for the day he can walk out of the prison walls and continue with his life. But then he comes to the attention of an inmate who will not take no for an answer which results in a barbaric episode that brings a together Lem and Anderson in an explosive connection.
OK just let me get this off my chest… I LOVE LEM! There I said it and I want to rave about with a placard proclaiming this. I just wanted to grab hold of that gentle giant and pour all my love for him in one enormous hug. He had me in bits, absolutely so. He was so misunderstood and such a tragic soul. Little was said of his full background and why he came to be as he was so there is so much more to understand about Lem.
Anderson was the more open of the pairing and at first he was petrified of Lem after what happened in that prison corridor but after time he could not ignore the invisible pull that transpired between them. It was a slow and torturous build up to their final connection but it was blissfully portrayed when the scenes of their togetherness were read.
I loved the interaction with Anderson and his sister on her weekly visits (she is kick ass and a great secondary character!) and his mother was a force to be reckoned with. Talk about a lioness and her cubs!
The ending was a heart wrench of a read. When I was reading it I was not aware there was another book in the making (yay!) so thinking there was nothing else but what happened I was in blubs. That beautiful man and that beautiful last night have left a lasting impression on me. I thought about it for days afterwards and still now get that heart stutter of a feeling. Wonderful read and cannot wait for the next in the series.
Another beautifully written book by the wonderful Brandon Shire. I know when I open a book by this author I am not going to be blindsided by hearts and flowers but it will be a real, in your face absorption of a read. Cold therefore did not disappoint.
The story centres on Lem and Anderson and their connection when they meet in the dim and soulless place of prison.
Lem is a lifer who was convicted for the murder of his brother some twenty years ago. He is a giant of a man but a gentle one at that. He has lost all hope of ever having the life he set out to have when he was a younger man. Living his life with his love for the outdoors and the forestry job he so passionately adored but which was cruelly taken from him after he committed the ultimate crime of his brother’s murder. Lem has accepted his punishment and will not consider any other life other that what he now has inside the prison walls. He is a man with no life, no fear and no hope. Each day he plods on with his now monotonous life, keeping himself to himself with his protective shield of fear he portrays to the other prisoners.
Anderson has served eight years in prison after being betrayed by his lover and being a party to a crime he was blinded to avoid. We meet Anderson in the final eight months of his sentence which is also the books timespan. He has spent his time keeping his head down and out of trouble, waiting for the day he can walk out of the prison walls and continue with his life. But then he comes to the attention of an inmate who will not take no for an answer which results in a barbaric episode that brings a together Lem and Anderson in an explosive connection.
OK just let me get this off my chest… I LOVE LEM! There I said it and I want to rave about with a placard proclaiming this. I just wanted to grab hold of that gentle giant and pour all my love for him in one enormous hug. He had me in bits, absolutely so. He was so misunderstood and such a tragic soul. Little was said of his full background and why he came to be as he was so there is so much more to understand about Lem.
Anderson was the more open of the pairing and at first he was petrified of Lem after what happened in that prison corridor but after time he could not ignore the invisible pull that transpired between them. It was a slow and torturous build up to their final connection but it was blissfully portrayed when the scenes of their togetherness were read.
I loved the interaction with Anderson and his sister on her weekly visits (she is kick ass and a great secondary character!) and his mother was a force to be reckoned with. Talk about a lioness and her cubs!
The ending was a heart wrench of a read. When I was reading it I was not aware there was another book in the making (yay!) so thinking there was nothing else but what happened I was in blubs. That beautiful man and that beautiful last night have left a lasting impression on me. I thought about it for days afterwards and still now get that heart stutter of a feeling. Wonderful read and cannot wait for the next in the series.
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