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Solitude
When his whirlwind life in LA became too much, Liam Barton escaped to Solitude, a Utah ski resort. Not only did Liam leave his career as a gay porn star, he said good-bye to Gael Torres, his costar at Woodspring Manor Entertainment.
Rumors run rampant that Liam is dead. But Gael doesn’t believe the gossip. Knowing something is wrong with Liam, Gael hunts him down to get his answers.
Liam is shocked when Gael turns up in Solitude and takes up residence. To Liam's chagrin, Gael is determined to stick around to help Liam through whatever spooked him enough to run away. As Gael breaks through Liam’s armor, both men begin to realize that no matter what life throws their way, they don’t have to deal with it alone.
Rumors run rampant that Liam is dead. But Gael doesn’t believe the gossip. Knowing something is wrong with Liam, Gael hunts him down to get his answers.
Liam is shocked when Gael turns up in Solitude and takes up residence. To Liam's chagrin, Gael is determined to stick around to help Liam through whatever spooked him enough to run away. As Gael breaks through Liam’s armor, both men begin to realize that no matter what life throws their way, they don’t have to deal with it alone.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 27, 2014
4 people are currently reading
306 people want to read
About the author
Anna Martin
48 books478 followersAnna Martin is from a picturesque seaside village in the south west of England. After spending most of her childhood making up stories, she studied English Literature at university before attempting to turn her hand as a professional writer.
Apart from being physically dependent on her laptop, she is enthusiastic about writing and producing local grassroots theatre (especially at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where she can be found every summer), travelling, learning to play the ukulele, and Ben & Jerry’s New York Super Fudge Chunk.
Although her most recent work is in the LGBT romance genre, in the past Anna has worked on a variety of different projects including short stories, drabbles, flash fiction, fan fiction, plays for both children and adults, and poetry. She has written novels in the Teen or Young Adult genre, Romance and Fantasy novels.
Anna is, by her own admission, almost unhealthily obsessed with books. The library she has amassed is both large and diverse; "My favourite books," she says, "are 'The Moonstone' by Wilkie Collins, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee and 'Oryx and Crake' by Margaret Atwood." She also owns multiple copies of Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park books and re-reads the Harry Potter novels with almost startling regularity.
Anna claims her entire career is due to the love, support, pre-reading and creative ass-kicking provided by her closest friend Jennifer. Jennifer refuses to accept any responsibility for anything Anna has written.
Apart from being physically dependent on her laptop, she is enthusiastic about writing and producing local grassroots theatre (especially at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where she can be found every summer), travelling, learning to play the ukulele, and Ben & Jerry’s New York Super Fudge Chunk.
Although her most recent work is in the LGBT romance genre, in the past Anna has worked on a variety of different projects including short stories, drabbles, flash fiction, fan fiction, plays for both children and adults, and poetry. She has written novels in the Teen or Young Adult genre, Romance and Fantasy novels.
Anna is, by her own admission, almost unhealthily obsessed with books. The library she has amassed is both large and diverse; "My favourite books," she says, "are 'The Moonstone' by Wilkie Collins, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee and 'Oryx and Crake' by Margaret Atwood." She also owns multiple copies of Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park books and re-reads the Harry Potter novels with almost startling regularity.
Anna claims her entire career is due to the love, support, pre-reading and creative ass-kicking provided by her closest friend Jennifer. Jennifer refuses to accept any responsibility for anything Anna has written.
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October 6, 2015
A Hearts On Fire Review
FOUR & A HALF STARS-- "Porn didn't know what the fuck it was doing."
"Solitude" is definitely one of my favorite reads of the year.
And not because it had a SRAL guaranteed list of ingredients: porn stars, rent boys, angst, damaged heroes, emotional turmoil, big guy bottoming and a HEA with a sense of realism.
This story brought me up, brought me down, made me feel. I laughed, I whimpered, pouted, raged, smiled. It was a journey to read about these two. An unconventional pair but they worked and most importantly, they worked for each other.
I enjoy Tia Fielding's writing. I adore Anna Martin's. I think this pairing works. I hope they write more together. Solid writers make solid writing!
Set in Solitude, Utah and Los Angeles, "Solitude" is a story about a damaged soul finding his own piece of happy. Liam is a twenty three hooker/ porn star that has not had the best of life. Escaping his ultra religious Mormon background in Utah (or kind of kicked out for being gay), he makes his way to L.A. and does what he does best...has sex. And gets paid for it. Five years of hooking and finally landing a reputable porn company, Woodspring, there he meets and works with a top, Gabriel Knightly. Gabriel Knightly is legendary in the gay porn world for his skills, looks and being in a relationship with a fellow porn actor Johny. But things aren't what they seem. Gabriel, real name Gael Torres is a calm soul. He's an ex-Finn, who had a great childhood but can understand where others who didn't have stellar lives. Gael and Liam have a connection that was instant and it works for those two.
Insta-love? Not really. But there is some angst and a lot of cracked layers to delve into. (Someone is prickly but I love the feisty characters)
This is not a story for everyone. Why? There is a trigger: mention of past sexual abuse. Also this is not your standard HEA. Both main characters are porn stars and one of them also prostitutes as a side job. Do you get what I'm hinting at? Good. If you can't handle these items, I wouldn't recommend.
This will push a hearts-and-flowers romantic's monogamy boundaries.
This was a realistic HEA for two individuals who work in the sex industry. I commend both authors for telling Gael and Liam's story this way. For giving a view into the porn industry without sugar coating or delivering unrealistic ultimatums that wouldn't fit either man's personality.
Oh, I was invested in their characters. Unexpectedly. Full throttle.
I wanted to thank Gael for being who he was, for always putting Liam first even when it killed him on the inside. And Liam? Oh Liam. So damaged, so cracked and broken on the inside. He doesn't know his worth. I'd love to sit with him and explain to him why he's worth it. Because underneath his defense mechanisms and brittle, twink veneer...he's human just everyone else. And he needs someone to tell him this everyday. Not everyone would be up for the job.
But Gael is.
There are alternating flashbacks and first person POV's. The timelines aren't exactly linear and the storytelling might come off as odd at first. Once I read for awhile I could connect the dots. It's like one POV would be two steps ahead and the other POV was one step back But they'd connect in the long run.
This story still lingers on my brain. The characters were wonderfully displayed. I came to care for Liam. And the secondary characters...I wouldn't mind a follow up on Elliot and Indy. I think there is a novel waiting to happen over there.
Perfect length. I could've read these two for more pages but it ended before becoming cloying. The main thing is to recognize this isn't my perfect HEA, this probably won't be yours either (one of the MC does some reckless behavior) but it is theirs. And it works.
A copy provided for an honest review.
FOUR & A HALF STARS-- "Porn didn't know what the fuck it was doing."
"Solitude" is definitely one of my favorite reads of the year.
And not because it had a SRAL guaranteed list of ingredients: porn stars, rent boys, angst, damaged heroes, emotional turmoil, big guy bottoming and a HEA with a sense of realism.
This story brought me up, brought me down, made me feel. I laughed, I whimpered, pouted, raged, smiled. It was a journey to read about these two. An unconventional pair but they worked and most importantly, they worked for each other.
I enjoy Tia Fielding's writing. I adore Anna Martin's. I think this pairing works. I hope they write more together. Solid writers make solid writing!
Set in Solitude, Utah and Los Angeles, "Solitude" is a story about a damaged soul finding his own piece of happy. Liam is a twenty three hooker/ porn star that has not had the best of life. Escaping his ultra religious Mormon background in Utah (or kind of kicked out for being gay), he makes his way to L.A. and does what he does best...has sex. And gets paid for it. Five years of hooking and finally landing a reputable porn company, Woodspring, there he meets and works with a top, Gabriel Knightly. Gabriel Knightly is legendary in the gay porn world for his skills, looks and being in a relationship with a fellow porn actor Johny. But things aren't what they seem. Gabriel, real name Gael Torres is a calm soul. He's an ex-Finn, who had a great childhood but can understand where others who didn't have stellar lives. Gael and Liam have a connection that was instant and it works for those two.
Insta-love? Not really. But there is some angst and a lot of cracked layers to delve into. (Someone is prickly but I love the feisty characters)
This is not a story for everyone. Why? There is a trigger: mention of past sexual abuse. Also this is not your standard HEA. Both main characters are porn stars and one of them also prostitutes as a side job. Do you get what I'm hinting at? Good. If you can't handle these items, I wouldn't recommend.
This will push a hearts-and-flowers romantic's monogamy boundaries.
This was a realistic HEA for two individuals who work in the sex industry. I commend both authors for telling Gael and Liam's story this way. For giving a view into the porn industry without sugar coating or delivering unrealistic ultimatums that wouldn't fit either man's personality.
“You could get a real job," he said with a little smile.
"Fuck that," I said emphatically. "Anyway, doing what? I've got a high school diploma from years ago and no employment history whatsoever. If I got an interview for McDonald's, what am I supposed to tell them? My idea of interpersonal skills is taking two dicks at the same time.”
Oh, I was invested in their characters. Unexpectedly. Full throttle.
I wanted to thank Gael for being who he was, for always putting Liam first even when it killed him on the inside. And Liam? Oh Liam. So damaged, so cracked and broken on the inside. He doesn't know his worth. I'd love to sit with him and explain to him why he's worth it. Because underneath his defense mechanisms and brittle, twink veneer...he's human just everyone else. And he needs someone to tell him this everyday. Not everyone would be up for the job.
But Gael is.
"Tell me you don't love me. I don't care. I'm not asking you to love me back, I'm asking you to just let me have this one thing."
"This one thing is me, though. I don't know if I can give you that."
There are alternating flashbacks and first person POV's. The timelines aren't exactly linear and the storytelling might come off as odd at first. Once I read for awhile I could connect the dots. It's like one POV would be two steps ahead and the other POV was one step back But they'd connect in the long run.
This story still lingers on my brain. The characters were wonderfully displayed. I came to care for Liam. And the secondary characters...I wouldn't mind a follow up on Elliot and Indy. I think there is a novel waiting to happen over there.
Perfect length. I could've read these two for more pages but it ended before becoming cloying. The main thing is to recognize this isn't my perfect HEA, this probably won't be yours either (one of the MC does some reckless behavior) but it is theirs. And it works.
A copy provided for an honest review.
August 23, 2014
Two porn stars falling in love.
Well written, flawlessly researched, and far away from the usual pink-bubblegum fare.
Awesome...
Well written, flawlessly researched, and far away from the usual pink-bubblegum fare.
Awesome...
September 1, 2014
Both, Anna Martin and Tia Fielding are great storytellers, their novels are always sexy, sweet and satisfying. When I heard about the collaboration I couldn’t wait to get their first joint work into my greedy hands! :) After devouring the story I’m sure Solitude is an excellent starting point for a successful partnership between these two skillful authors.
I think most of us have watched gay porn, right? Watching anonymous guys having sex is one thing but have you ever thought about the people behind the scenes, the men beneath the hot bodies? What kind of life do they live? What's their background story? Why are they doing porn anyway? Do they live in a committed relationship? Or do they long for it but don’t see any chance because their lovers can’t live with a person who’s having sex regularly with different partners? Solitude is a story that might bring you to the edge of your comfort zone or even beyond that and that was the main reason the book touched me so deeply.
Gael is from Finland, his liberal European upbringing makes him the laid back guy he is. He’s living in LA and sharing an apartment with his best friend John. They've both been doing porn for five years now and are working for Woodspring Manors Entertainment, a porn studio in LA. Although everything is very professional the owners Parker and his brother Elliot, and the staff of Woodspring are like a family to Gael and John.
When Gael talks about his parents… *swoons*… you instantly know where his strength, his ease of mind are coming from. If you’d ask him he would tell you it’s all about sisu, a Finnish word that means something like perseverance and willpower but isn’t properly translatable into other languages. *Deep sigh and big smile* You can’t not fall in love with Gael and his wonderful family. I loved his Finnish mom and Spanish dad to bits! Wonderful people, their acceptance of Gael’s lifestyle blew me away!
Anyway, Liam is another story. Coming from an ultra-religious family in Utah, his life was never a piece of cake. After coming out to his family, and them only wanting to pray the gay away (or better beat the gay away) he didn’t seem to have any other choices than running away and surviving on the streets by hooking. At some point in his life he grabbed the chance to get his feet into the porn business and ‘Lithium’, the hot power bottom was born. His true self is so very different from his outer appearance, he feels like damaged goods, there’s so much hurt and self-doubt in him. Aside from that he has an inner strength and the will to survive. Oh, I loved that boy!
Gael and Liam meet at work and have sex for the first time before even knowing their real names. Reading about them not knowing each other and having sex in front of a camera was a hot and simultaneously strange experience. They just shake hands and go for it! The guys are used to keeping an emotional distance from their co-workers but they both immediately feel that something is very different from their usual acting in front of the camera, there’s this undeniable attraction they don’t know how to deal with. After a few months Liam suddenly disappears, he needs his equilibrium back, something he can’t achieve with Gael around him. Without giving Gael or his boss Parker notice he goes to Solitude, a winter sport site in the mountains of Utah, and seemingly it’s a good place to hide. Plus, snowboarding, tending bars and doing some extra work on the side is everything Liam needs right now. Of course Gael can’t forget Liam and begins to search for him…
Despite everything I’d felt from the first moment I saw Liam at Woodspring, I hadn’t felt ready to address those feelings. But the thing about life is that it doesn’t always allow us to take the time we want. The thought of losing him scared me to death. That was what made me understand how far-gone I truly was for him. I wanted to be with Liam, problems and secrets and all...
Holy hotness snowboarding batman! Solitude is a fantastic, challenging read that kept me on the edge of my seat. Once started I couldn't put the book down. The pacing is excellent, the dialogue authentic. Tia and Anna did a great job not only in writing the novel but also in the field of research. Okay, which hot gay porn star gave you behind the scenes access? Spill, girls!
I loved everything about this story, from the interesting plot to the amazing characters. The romance is emotional and passionate but it isn't exaggerated by corny lines and situations, it’s more subtle, be it a simple touch or a word of deeper meaning. Marvellously done!
“You know nothing about what I feel for him,” I said quietly. “But he’s here, in my chest.” I thumped my fist over my heart. “I don’t know if it’s love, I don’t even know if I believe I’m worthy of loving him, but I’d gladly spend every remaining day of my life trying to earn the right to call him mine.”
Tia and Anna brilliantly manage to convey the heart and soul of these two guys, and when the heat turns up, it gets damn hot! Erotic moments written separately by each of these authors are always scorching, but the sex scenes penned together reach level 100 on the hotness scale. When the guys have private sex it’s sheet burning, their chemistry just sizzles from the screen!
This book was a pure joy to read, while giving me plenty to think about at the same time. Like I said earlier I loved Gael and his wonderful parents... I’m European myself, but not so sure that I would be as laid back, if my son, daughter or partner was doing porn and having public sex with hundreds of partners. It would certainly test my boundaries or even cross them. I’m not only talking about moral and health-issues, there's so much emotional baggage involved. Can you imagine sharing the man you love with others, even when its only job related and no feelings are involved?
Can you be faithful to your partner whilst living in a sexual open relationship? How much love and acceptance are required to live and work like Gael and Liam do, without losing focus and drawing the line between private life and work? I once read a statement from a gay porn star, he answered this loaded question so easily as if he was talking about fixing a car or doing an office job and then going home to his partner.
“We don’t have to have sex only with each other to be faithful. I’m completely faithful to him, emotionally and with my heart. I can still get gang-banged and want to go back home to him.”
I’m still mulling over the quote and I’m not sure if I’ll ever reach a conclusion…
Anyway, other readers may think differently but I can only speak for myself…I thoroughly enjoyed this thought-provoking, charming, sexy and captivating love story. With both of these writers nothing could go wrong, each scene is skilfully elaborated, each word perfectly placed, each character wonderfully drawn.
Btw, I loved the ending, it’s not all sunshine and roses, Gael doesn’t morph into a knight in shining armour and they all live happily ever after. Liam's many emotional issues, that we learn about over the course of the story, don't just disappear overnight. Plus, they are still working in various fields of the sex business. But they don’t give up, they are building a life together, they stay faithful to their individual beliefs, they live their sisu. Together!
“I have… a really, really fucked-up past, Gael. Like… more fucked- up than your average eighteen -year-old who escapes Utah right-wing religious hell and runs away to Los Angeles and ends up staring in twink porn and hooking.”
“I thought you were fairly normal.”
“I got therapy.”
For some reason this made him laugh and squeeze me tighter and kiss my head.
“Oh, Liam,” he sighed.
“What?”
“Nothing. Don’t stop surprising me, yeah?”
I’m sure Solitude is just begging to be a series! I want more of cute, tender Gael and sweet, damaged, determined Liam, I want more of the super hot supporting characters. How about Parker and John? Or Elliot and Indy? Pretty please?
So, are you open-minded enough and in the mood for a story that challenges traditions most of us are used to, one that shows that true love doesn’t need boundaries? A story that shows us that love can grow beyond mountains of hurt and is able to heal a broken soul? Then don’t hesitate...Read it! Highly recommended!
Read Tia’s wonderful guest post here:
August 31, 2016
I'm having a difficult time putting my feelings into words, so this review might not be very complete or coherent.
This was an inconsistent read for me. It started off strong, capturing my interest right away. I liked the MCs and their voices, and the story was engaging. But then it got more serious and parts started to drag for me, with moments of too much telling. Other times, it felt like the story was just touching the surface of some of the heavier story points.
I read it straight through, though, and I was vested in the characters and their story. Sweet, hot , and emotional, the story had more depth to it than I expected from a story about porn stars.
I also thought the parts about the porn industry were interesting and felt realistic (although it's my understanding scenes aren't usually shot in order- foreplay might be shot last, etc.- and the shoots can take hours.)
One thing made me uncomfortable..., but it also felt realistic, maybe? I liked that it wasn't a fairytale story.
There were some writing issues I'll list below, but they were balanced by some of the sweetest scenes, with beautiful examples of showing not telling.
Overall, four stars from me :)
Writing issues:
-In the beginning, Liam's POV was told in present day while Gael's was told in flashbacks and it took me awhile to get used to jumping back and forth. The time differences made it easy to keep track of whose POV it was, though.
-Once their timelines merged, I got confused by the POV changes as that time difference was removed. The changes were clearly marked, but it took me a bit to adjust to them each time.
-Some line editing errors, a few awkward transitions, and continuity issues occasionally took me out of the story.
This was an inconsistent read for me. It started off strong, capturing my interest right away. I liked the MCs and their voices, and the story was engaging. But then it got more serious and parts started to drag for me, with moments of too much telling. Other times, it felt like the story was just touching the surface of some of the heavier story points.
I read it straight through, though, and I was vested in the characters and their story. Sweet, hot , and emotional, the story had more depth to it than I expected from a story about porn stars.
I also thought the parts about the porn industry were interesting and felt realistic (although it's my understanding scenes aren't usually shot in order- foreplay might be shot last, etc.- and the shoots can take hours.)
One thing made me uncomfortable..., but it also felt realistic, maybe? I liked that it wasn't a fairytale story.
There were some writing issues I'll list below, but they were balanced by some of the sweetest scenes, with beautiful examples of showing not telling.
Overall, four stars from me :)
Writing issues:
-In the beginning, Liam's POV was told in present day while Gael's was told in flashbacks and it took me awhile to get used to jumping back and forth. The time differences made it easy to keep track of whose POV it was, though.
-Once their timelines merged, I got confused by the POV changes as that time difference was removed. The changes were clearly marked, but it took me a bit to adjust to them each time.
-Some line editing errors, a few awkward transitions, and continuity issues occasionally took me out of the story.
September 2, 2014
I admit that I approached this with slight hesitation due to my perception when it comes to stories involving porn stars or rent boys. I imagined tons of sex and over-dramatic angst. Not a huge fan of those. Only because a friend who had read this prior to me gave her thumbs up and I trusted her (she is kind of picky too *lol*) did I decide to give it a go.
And I must say I was pleasantly surprised.
First, a little writing ‘technicality’ because it did throw me a bit when I first started – the story was written from both Gael’s and Liam’s POV’s. But the Liam chapters started in the present time, when he already came to Solitude. While Gael’s chapters started in the past, when he first met Liam on the porn set, and realized that he was attracted to the younger guy. They merged halfway though, when Gael finally came to Solitude.
I thought the strength of this story was that it seemed the authors really did their research about the porn industry. ThoughI would not be able to know how authentic it truly was, the way that these porn stars were presented seemed to be very natural. For example, I thought the part where Gael and his best friend John had a ‘pretend relationship’ as the poster-couple for the porn industry was eye-opening. Never thought that such campaigning was needed to elevate the support from within the industry.
Yes, there were quite a lot of sex, but it was a ‘different’ kind – it described the way these actors came to their roles when they had to do sex in front of camera and numbers of people, the kind of emotional detachment of doing so, but at the same time the chemistry that might happen when you were doing it with your best friends or when you were attracted to your on-screen partner.
It also felt different for me because the story did not sugarcoat the romance for the sake of an ‘ideal relationship’ where you would only have sex with your partner. Gael and Liam are porn stars and they have to do sex with other people for their job. But at the same time, it doesn’t mean they can’t be faithful to only each other when it comes to emotional feelings. So yes, it was truly refreshing for me to read.
I wouldn't go deep into how Gael and Liam found their way into their love – I found it difficult to explain it with words. I would say that it was quite captivating to read because Liam had issues. But Gael was such a solid person and he was wonderful for Liam.
I did have a slight problem with how they both seemed to be indifferent about the possibility of catching HIV though. While I know that HIV is not AIDS and people who are HIV+ could live a long time with proper medication, Liam and Gael’s actions (well, especially Gael) were a bit too blasé about it for me.
In conclusion, this was a very well-written, very engaging, DIFFERENT kind of romance involving porn stars and rent boys. I would love to read more about these characters – there are at least two more couples whose love-story would be very good to be written *wink wink nudge nudge*
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
And I must say I was pleasantly surprised.
First, a little writing ‘technicality’ because it did throw me a bit when I first started – the story was written from both Gael’s and Liam’s POV’s. But the Liam chapters started in the present time, when he already came to Solitude. While Gael’s chapters started in the past, when he first met Liam on the porn set, and realized that he was attracted to the younger guy. They merged halfway though, when Gael finally came to Solitude.
I thought the strength of this story was that it seemed the authors really did their research about the porn industry. ThoughI would not be able to know how authentic it truly was, the way that these porn stars were presented seemed to be very natural. For example, I thought the part where Gael and his best friend John had a ‘pretend relationship’ as the poster-couple for the porn industry was eye-opening. Never thought that such campaigning was needed to elevate the support from within the industry.
Yes, there were quite a lot of sex, but it was a ‘different’ kind – it described the way these actors came to their roles when they had to do sex in front of camera and numbers of people, the kind of emotional detachment of doing so, but at the same time the chemistry that might happen when you were doing it with your best friends or when you were attracted to your on-screen partner.
It also felt different for me because the story did not sugarcoat the romance for the sake of an ‘ideal relationship’ where you would only have sex with your partner. Gael and Liam are porn stars and they have to do sex with other people for their job. But at the same time, it doesn’t mean they can’t be faithful to only each other when it comes to emotional feelings. So yes, it was truly refreshing for me to read.
I wouldn't go deep into how Gael and Liam found their way into their love – I found it difficult to explain it with words. I would say that it was quite captivating to read because Liam had issues. But Gael was such a solid person and he was wonderful for Liam.
I did have a slight problem with how they both seemed to be indifferent about the possibility of catching HIV though. While I know that HIV is not AIDS and people who are HIV+ could live a long time with proper medication, Liam and Gael’s actions (well, especially Gael) were a bit too blasé about it for me.
In conclusion, this was a very well-written, very engaging, DIFFERENT kind of romance involving porn stars and rent boys. I would love to read more about these characters – there are at least two more couples whose love-story would be very good to be written *wink wink nudge nudge*
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
October 13, 2015
I have to agree with everyone that liked this book, it was great, I especially loved how the porn industry was approached in this book. However I didn't love it but I can't quite figure out why.
The whole porn star thing was done in a very professional manner, it made them staying in the industry at the end of the story much easier. All of the porn stars saw their careers as just that, careers. They had sex in a very mechanical way, what was best for lighting and angles etc, although of course they enjoyed it to :-)
Gael was a sweetie, kind of the perfect guy with the perfect family which was in contrast to Liam and his disfunction and lack of family. The feelings Gael hakd were very strong very fast but Ithink the relationship progressed nicely when you think the story took place over several months.
I think maybe Liam annoyed me a little, I guess I don't completely understand his motives for needing more money when he already has a not so small amount saved.
The whole porn star thing was done in a very professional manner, it made them staying in the industry at the end of the story much easier. All of the porn stars saw their careers as just that, careers. They had sex in a very mechanical way, what was best for lighting and angles etc, although of course they enjoyed it to :-)
Gael was a sweetie, kind of the perfect guy with the perfect family which was in contrast to Liam and his disfunction and lack of family. The feelings Gael hakd were very strong very fast but Ithink the relationship progressed nicely when you think the story took place over several months.
I think maybe Liam annoyed me a little, I guess I don't completely understand his motives for needing more money when he already has a not so small amount saved.
October 8, 2015
A surprisingly realistic romance that delves into the porn industry without hitting any of the tired tropes. Sex work is treated as simply work, and none of the conflict touches upon jealousy. In fact, if you're looking for a cozy romance where the two guys end up monogamous in a traditional sense, then this is not the book for you.
Solitude is about embracing solitude. Liam and Gael are both introverts, and not in a pretentious way. It's the first time I've seen characters in a romance be allowed to have their space, to even ask for space. There are ample scenes devoted to introvert recharging-- being away from people, in silence, doing their own thing. I'm highly impressed by the handling of Liam's need for independence, how he's allowed to want a separate bed and his own room, and how that doesn't damage his closeness with Gael. Being apart makes being together become more intimate.
The portrayal of the porn industry feels well researched, from scene prepping to shooting. Gael has a on-screen relationship with his best friend John, and for the sake of authenticity (and sales), they have to also pretend the relationship is real in their daily life. The instant chemistry between Gael and Liam creates tension--for Liam because he believes Gael's commitment to John is real, and for Gael because he can't break his professional facade. By the time Liam mysteriously disappears, Gael's obligation is over and he wants to begin something real.
The book is told in alternating first-person POV. The issue is there's no time stamps to warn the reader of the time hopping. We begin after Liam's disappearance, where we see him settling into his new life in Solitude, Utah. Then we jump back to the day Gael and Liam first meet. It continues to jump back and forth until the middle when Liam and Gael finally reunite at the resort. I was fortunate enough to read about this in advance, so I didn't get disoriented.
Liam has had a rough life. His strict, religious family didn't accept him coming out, and he ran away at eighteen. I'd like to call Liam genre-saavy because he's aware of the tropes connecting his past to his decision to do sex work. He makes it clear he has sex on screen and with clients because he wants to, not because of circumstance. He's also aware of the dangers of prostitution, and proves he's competent enough to handle himself. Gael isn't depicted as some saving grace either. He offers Liam his love, and Liam has to decide what to do with it.
Perhaps my one peeve is the way Liam withholds information from the reader. The details of why he left and why he's so on edge aren't brought up until the latter part of the book. There are hints throughout the story, though, and looking back, I finally understand the extent of Liam's quirks and odd behavior. Still, it was from his POV, so there were plenty of opportunities to casually bring it up. It's obvious this was done to force suspense, and that's a cheap move. Thankfully, the omissions are not striking enough make me pissed, so I'll let this slide. I like Liam a lot.
Gael is a more subdued character. He comes from a loving home, and his big struggle is tip-toeing around Liam's apprehensions. Gael has to hold himself back to earn Liam's trust, and he does it wonderfully. For a character with so little going on, I never felt bored or dragged in his POV.
When Liam and Gael do finally end up together, they are emotionally committed to each other. That is their monogamy. Both of them continue to do porn with other men, and Liam continues his prostitution, albeit through an agency. Work is work, and love is love.
[Originally reviewed at Entropy Alarm Reviews]
Solitude is about embracing solitude. Liam and Gael are both introverts, and not in a pretentious way. It's the first time I've seen characters in a romance be allowed to have their space, to even ask for space. There are ample scenes devoted to introvert recharging-- being away from people, in silence, doing their own thing. I'm highly impressed by the handling of Liam's need for independence, how he's allowed to want a separate bed and his own room, and how that doesn't damage his closeness with Gael. Being apart makes being together become more intimate.
The portrayal of the porn industry feels well researched, from scene prepping to shooting. Gael has a on-screen relationship with his best friend John, and for the sake of authenticity (and sales), they have to also pretend the relationship is real in their daily life. The instant chemistry between Gael and Liam creates tension--for Liam because he believes Gael's commitment to John is real, and for Gael because he can't break his professional facade. By the time Liam mysteriously disappears, Gael's obligation is over and he wants to begin something real.
The book is told in alternating first-person POV. The issue is there's no time stamps to warn the reader of the time hopping. We begin after Liam's disappearance, where we see him settling into his new life in Solitude, Utah. Then we jump back to the day Gael and Liam first meet. It continues to jump back and forth until the middle when Liam and Gael finally reunite at the resort. I was fortunate enough to read about this in advance, so I didn't get disoriented.
Liam has had a rough life. His strict, religious family didn't accept him coming out, and he ran away at eighteen. I'd like to call Liam genre-saavy because he's aware of the tropes connecting his past to his decision to do sex work. He makes it clear he has sex on screen and with clients because he wants to, not because of circumstance. He's also aware of the dangers of prostitution, and proves he's competent enough to handle himself. Gael isn't depicted as some saving grace either. He offers Liam his love, and Liam has to decide what to do with it.
Perhaps my one peeve is the way Liam withholds information from the reader. The details of why he left and why he's so on edge aren't brought up until the latter part of the book. There are hints throughout the story, though, and looking back, I finally understand the extent of Liam's quirks and odd behavior. Still, it was from his POV, so there were plenty of opportunities to casually bring it up. It's obvious this was done to force suspense, and that's a cheap move. Thankfully, the omissions are not striking enough make me pissed, so I'll let this slide. I like Liam a lot.
Gael is a more subdued character. He comes from a loving home, and his big struggle is tip-toeing around Liam's apprehensions. Gael has to hold himself back to earn Liam's trust, and he does it wonderfully. For a character with so little going on, I never felt bored or dragged in his POV.
When Liam and Gael do finally end up together, they are emotionally committed to each other. That is their monogamy. Both of them continue to do porn with other men, and Liam continues his prostitution, albeit through an agency. Work is work, and love is love.
[Originally reviewed at Entropy Alarm Reviews]
August 24, 2016
*SIGH* Okay, I have now determined that Anna Martin is not the author for me. I did not like her book Five Times My Best Friend Kissed Me and this one was an EVEN bigger miss if that is possible!
Let me just start with some navel-gazing of my own: If I want to know what horrors are happening in the world, I turn on the news. If I want to be even more horrified or know more about a subject, I search for the topics that I have seen on the news, or read papers from all over the world.
When I read a book, I want to fucking get away from reality, and live in a world where HEAs, true love and getting out of the 'slum' are a "normal" possibility!
This book was 'REALITY', but still making use of some good ol' clichés from romance-books all over, which is why I hated it.
There was some sort of love sure, between Gabe and John, but the rest was just... UGH!
Gabe and Liam both work for Woodspring Manor Entertainment where they're doing porn.
Gabe is an old pro at this shit, and has been in a fake relationship with John for almost all of the years he's been doing porn. (This was some sort of set-up between Woodspring and G&J). Gabe's family is enormously accepting, and when he's in doubt about anything he seeks them out.
Liam comes from a family who's practicing -a close relative to- the 'Latter Day Saint movement', and has been on his own since he came out at 18. Also there is a darker back-story which is thankfully never fully detailed (which is ironically also enormously annoying!!)
They are both relatively smart men (both have a freaking portfolio with stocks and bonds and savings), and Gabe also works as an accountant for some of the other porn stars at Woodspring.
Let us just be clear, I have nothing against porn stars or sex workers, but this book was so freaking disconnected from reality while at the same time, making use of some really realistic, sad solutions, and it did not work AT ALL!
Liam left Woodspring after an AIDS scare, and Gabe HAS TO track him down, since they spent 2 days together one weekend where John was away, and G&L KISSED... They kissed guys!!!!!!! But stopped it, because Gabe was in a (fake) relationship with John.
In the following 5-6 months G&L have not spent time together alone, but Gabe still believes he's in love with Liam. And when Liam disappears, Gabe is loosing weight and shit... UGH!
The connection wasn't there, and when Gabe finds Liam in Solitude, Liam is acting defensive while servicing 'Johns' on the side and suddenly they are making love... *SIGH* COME ON PEOPLE!
Also the thoughts Liam has of hooking, the term: 'There is no such thing as a happy hooker' comes to mind. After sleeping with this one 'John' Liam is crying his eyes out and having a good-old breakdown because he does not like hooking!!!!!! Keep this in mind for the spoiler...
This book... UGH... I was skimming pages when Gabe had to go back, because his parents were in L.A. And when they both sleep with someone else, while they are away from each other, my eyes were doing roller coaster rides!
My last straw was:
This book is everything that is wrong with the real world and everything that is wrong with romance books... No more Anna Martin (and Tia Fielding) for me!
Let me just start with some navel-gazing of my own: If I want to know what horrors are happening in the world, I turn on the news. If I want to be even more horrified or know more about a subject, I search for the topics that I have seen on the news, or read papers from all over the world.
When I read a book, I want to fucking get away from reality, and live in a world where HEAs, true love and getting out of the 'slum' are a "normal" possibility!
This book was 'REALITY', but still making use of some good ol' clichés from romance-books all over, which is why I hated it.
There was some sort of love sure, between Gabe and John, but the rest was just... UGH!
Gabe and Liam both work for Woodspring Manor Entertainment where they're doing porn.
Gabe is an old pro at this shit, and has been in a fake relationship with John for almost all of the years he's been doing porn. (This was some sort of set-up between Woodspring and G&J). Gabe's family is enormously accepting, and when he's in doubt about anything he seeks them out.
Liam comes from a family who's practicing -a close relative to- the 'Latter Day Saint movement', and has been on his own since he came out at 18. Also there is a darker back-story which is thankfully never fully detailed (which is ironically also enormously annoying!!)
They are both relatively smart men (both have a freaking portfolio with stocks and bonds and savings), and Gabe also works as an accountant for some of the other porn stars at Woodspring.
Let us just be clear, I have nothing against porn stars or sex workers, but this book was so freaking disconnected from reality while at the same time, making use of some really realistic, sad solutions, and it did not work AT ALL!
Liam left Woodspring after an AIDS scare, and Gabe HAS TO track him down, since they spent 2 days together one weekend where John was away, and G&L KISSED... They kissed guys!!!!!!! But stopped it, because Gabe was in a (fake) relationship with John.
In the following 5-6 months G&L have not spent time together alone, but Gabe still believes he's in love with Liam. And when Liam disappears, Gabe is loosing weight and shit... UGH!
The connection wasn't there, and when Gabe finds Liam in Solitude, Liam is acting defensive while servicing 'Johns' on the side and suddenly they are making love... *SIGH* COME ON PEOPLE!
Also the thoughts Liam has of hooking, the term: 'There is no such thing as a happy hooker' comes to mind. After sleeping with this one 'John' Liam is crying his eyes out and having a good-old breakdown because he does not like hooking!!!!!! Keep this in mind for the spoiler...
This book... UGH... I was skimming pages when Gabe had to go back, because his parents were in L.A. And when they both sleep with someone else, while they are away from each other, my eyes were doing roller coaster rides!
My last straw was:
This book is everything that is wrong with the real world and everything that is wrong with romance books... No more Anna Martin (and Tia Fielding) for me!
October 10, 2014
4.5 stars- Really great read. Loved the characters and their flaws.
October 10, 2014
My Thoughts:
I ended up reading this book into the wee hours one morning when I couldn't sleep. I had fallen asleep earlier in the night and woke up some time after midnight and couldn't get back to sleep. For whatever reason, the book I had been reading wasn't doing it for me so on a whim, I started this one. Then I stayed awake reading it until about two hours before I had to get up to go to work and then finished the rest of it on the way into work. For some reason, this book just worked for me. The relationship isn't a typical one, even with porn star MCs. The way that they work out their relationship may not work for some people, but I think it worked out best for them.
I really liked both Liam and Gael, though Liam shouldn't have just run off the way that he did. Gael was awesome for tracking him down and making him face what was between them. I was glad when Gael finally got to tell Liam the truth.
I ended up reading this book into the wee hours one morning when I couldn't sleep. I had fallen asleep earlier in the night and woke up some time after midnight and couldn't get back to sleep. For whatever reason, the book I had been reading wasn't doing it for me so on a whim, I started this one. Then I stayed awake reading it until about two hours before I had to get up to go to work and then finished the rest of it on the way into work. For some reason, this book just worked for me. The relationship isn't a typical one, even with porn star MCs. The way that they work out their relationship may not work for some people, but I think it worked out best for them.
I really liked both Liam and Gael, though Liam shouldn't have just run off the way that he did. Gael was awesome for tracking him down and making him face what was between them. I was glad when Gael finally got to tell Liam the truth.
September 4, 2014
This moves at a slow considered pace, but I never felt bored or weighed down.
I like the alternative pov style, especially with the time change-up. This initial back and forth worked well to help create drama.
I think we learned a lot more about Gael than we did about Liam. It seemed we only touched on his secrets, and even though I didn't need ALL the gritty details, I wouldn't have minded a little more information.
But the emotion is here, the connection between the characters, and the smexy (porny) times are well written.
Enjoyed this a lot.
I like the alternative pov style, especially with the time change-up. This initial back and forth worked well to help create drama.
I think we learned a lot more about Gael than we did about Liam. It seemed we only touched on his secrets, and even though I didn't need ALL the gritty details, I wouldn't have minded a little more information.
But the emotion is here, the connection between the characters, and the smexy (porny) times are well written.
Enjoyed this a lot.
September 11, 2014
I think I am in the minority with rating this book. I normally don't mind porn/rent boys stories, but his one didn't work for me. The alternating povs in different times in the storyline was distracting and disrupted the flow of the story for me. Once the characters were together, that changed so it got better. However, while I liked Gael, there was just something about Liam that didn't click and I didn't feel any chemistry between Gael and Liam.
October 6, 2015
I honestly believe there is a perfect timing for a perfect book. This one, I’ve had it for some time and while trying to figure out something to read, I did the uber scientific deal of closing my eyes and pointing to a book. This was what I pointed to and it was exactly what I needed.
Told in the dual POV’s of our MC’s, this story starts off different and it’s a good different for me. The timeline is not what is standard because you get Liam in the first present telling us what’s going on and then we get Gael in the past letting us know what happened. It’s a different way to tell the story but one I fell into easily when the feelings start to come forward and they come forward pretty fast. Yeah, the feelings come and being told this way, you have NO CHOICE but to fall head over heels for both Liam and Gael.
Liam, you – as a friend put it – are your own worst enemy and now and then you seem to like to kick the living shit out of yourself and I would love for you to stop it and stop it now! Ugh. You are the kind of boy I want to bundle up and cuddle until you see how worthy you are of all the love, of all the trust and just all of the everything. You are my lost boy and of course it would take the gorgeous strapping and so fucking in love with you I am nothing without you Gael to show you, your worth.
Gael… I love you and that is about all the words I can come up with right now because you stole my heart so damn fast and not just due to your cheesy porn name you witty man. I love you and your friendships and your appreciation of yoga. *winks* I adore your parents more than I can express. I love you and your want for Liam and I love you because my dear, you are hella sexy. Yeah, totally superficial but fuck it and let me hear you, okay?
Now this story, it has it some beautiful angst and while not as dark as another story of porn stars that is my favorite, the angst was delicious. And I will leave it at that.
I love the take on the porn industry this has. Sure, I have read a few books about porn stars and rent boys but no one has removed the shiny hairless veil the way this book did. It wasn’t disrespectful or in depth at all but it was done nicely and lets you know; Porn didn’t know what the fuck it was doing. *grins*
So, I have to say… While I am a major fan of the over the top Hollywood HEA's of the prince rescuing the prince and the other prince rescuing him right back, I am in love with how this book ends. I will mark the next bit as a spoiler but I don't really consider it one as I stay pretty damn vague, but some might...
This book, it made me happy. It made me laugh, cry, fan myself - because of scene I don’t think I had read before and it was smoking hot - and swoon many times over. I can’t believe I waited so long to read it but at least we found one another.
I will stop now but just know, I could and would gush about this until the California desert I live in is out of a drought and I have a front and back lush lawn again because for me, it was THAT good.
August 29, 2015
There were so many things wrong with this story I can hardly name them all.
Liam is a porn star and male prostitute with a typically bad past who made a mistake that might have a lasting impact on his life. He therefore escapes to a small skiing town in Utah - not to think, mind you, but to snowboard and to work as a hooker.
His porn colleague Gael is in love with him (don't ask me why, Liam did NOTHING to deserve it) and finds him in Solitude - nice word play ;-)
Gael is an unusual porn guy. He's nice and caring, with a loving family who even accepts his porn job. That's so silly. There were so many potential conflicts that didn't get discussed in this book. Instead everyone is fine and happy and understanding. The porn guys are all good friends and even though both porn bosses sleep with their performers, everyone is just fine with it. Incredible.
And worst of all, by the end of the story both guys are still doing porn and Liam is still hooking. Even though there is no need to, financially. And Gael is of course fine with it.
Lesson learned here: none.
Sorry, but that book was really a waste of time and did not reflect the porn business realistically at all. It didn't mention any of the conflicts that come with that kind of career.
I cannot recommend it at all. Not as a romance and not as an insight into the porn business. The writing was solid though.
Liam is a porn star and male prostitute with a typically bad past who made a mistake that might have a lasting impact on his life. He therefore escapes to a small skiing town in Utah - not to think, mind you, but to snowboard and to work as a hooker.
His porn colleague Gael is in love with him (don't ask me why, Liam did NOTHING to deserve it) and finds him in Solitude - nice word play ;-)
Gael is an unusual porn guy. He's nice and caring, with a loving family who even accepts his porn job. That's so silly. There were so many potential conflicts that didn't get discussed in this book. Instead everyone is fine and happy and understanding. The porn guys are all good friends and even though both porn bosses sleep with their performers, everyone is just fine with it. Incredible.
And worst of all, by the end of the story both guys are still doing porn and Liam is still hooking. Even though there is no need to, financially. And Gael is of course fine with it.
Lesson learned here: none.
Sorry, but that book was really a waste of time and did not reflect the porn business realistically at all. It didn't mention any of the conflicts that come with that kind of career.
I cannot recommend it at all. Not as a romance and not as an insight into the porn business. The writing was solid though.
October 5, 2015
I read this in one sitting.
The characters gripped me and sucked me into their world. They made my heart pound and my breath catch.
I wanted to crawl inside the pages and hug them all, especially Liam. That poor, poor boy.
I absolutely adore Gael. I want him to come and live with me and do my accounts...or something.
A couple of things stopped this being a 5 star read for me.
I am uncomfortable with how blasé they were about their own health.
I also felt there were far too many unanswered questions about Liam's past.
I didn't like some of the choices Liam made. I assume it's somehow tied in with his past but as this was never explained it's difficult to understand.
The characters gripped me and sucked me into their world. They made my heart pound and my breath catch.
I wanted to crawl inside the pages and hug them all, especially Liam. That poor, poor boy.
I absolutely adore Gael. I want him to come and live with me and do my accounts...or something.
A couple of things stopped this being a 5 star read for me.
I am uncomfortable with how blasé they were about their own health.
I also felt there were far too many unanswered questions about Liam's past.
I didn't like some of the choices Liam made. I assume it's somehow tied in with his past but as this was never explained it's difficult to understand.
December 18, 2014
aww...a sweet, romantic lovestory before the background of the shark-eats-shark business that is porn and prostitution, softened by the most amazing set of parents I've ever met in m/m romance... loved it!
January 13, 2018
Unfortunately this was not for me. It was messy, overly dramatic and lacked flow. I know lots of other people love it, but It just didn’t work. I think this author tried to fit in so many issues that it became diluted- way way way too many issues
August 30, 2014
5 star review by Vicki.
Yes! Porn stars and rent boys…. Oh my!
Liam is the child of hateful Mormon’s, leaving home at 18 to avoid having the gay beaten out of him by his father and/or uncle. He makes it to LA, falls in to porn and hooking as a way to make money. He makes it very clear throughout the story that he was not forced in to either, he is happy doing what he is doing, likes to have sex and this seems to be a good way to make money. He may be strong on the outside, but inside is a different story. He gets a contract with Woodspring Manor, a gay porn studio owned by two brothers who actually seem to be very ethical. He is safe and fairly happy where he is, but definitely has a wall around his heart.
Gael is awesome… he’s the child of a Finnish mother and Spanish father, who love each other and Gael perfectly. They are fine with him being gay, and with him working in porn. As long as he is safe and happy, they are happy. He also is using his big brain to increase not only his income, but his fellow models, by the careful management and investing of income. Gael is in a fake relationship with costar John, and is happy to be for now.
Liam and Gael meet on set one day, and the sparks are apparent to all immediately! But Liam thinks Gael is in love with John. Gael doesn’t realize Liam is as interested as he is. Some shit happens, and Liam runs. He heads for the mountains, ending up at Solitude, a snow resort in Utah. Eventually Gael finds him. That’s all I’ll say about the plot!
I like LOTS about this book. I love books about porn stars and rent boys, at least the safe and sane ones that are basically fine with what they are doing. Not the icky forced porn stars or rent boys, but the ones that are using the skills that they have at the time they have them, to make a decent living. That’s how Gael and Liam are. It’s not a big deal, what they are doing, no different than any other job. They are able to separate the sex in their work from the sex in their lives. I can’t even imagine that personally, but it seems to work for them. I liked the plot, Liam running and Gael following, then them working through their shit. There is enough drama between them and from external sources to make it quite interesting. The sex on the porn set and between the two of them on their own was great. Liam and Gael are very well written, with some depth and history, and they are fabulous together. I also enjoyed the extra characters, Parker and Elliot the owners of Woodspring, John the “boyfriend”, and Indy a fellow model, and August, a coworker at Solitude.
I do need to say one more thing about the plot, I hope it doesn’t give too much away. I liked that they didn’t get out of the business. This isn’t Pretty Woman, they aren’t “saved” from their horrible life as porn stars and prostitutes. They seem to be able to live a life together, going to work and having sex. Again, I can’t see it for me, but in this world, in this story, it works. I like that. They are happy, leave them be! I’d actually like to see another story from a couple of other characters, but with glimpses of Gael and Liam and their life together.
The writing is fantastic, great story, great characters, great dialogue, enough drama and sex to be interesting, but not an angst-fest by any means. I chuckled a couple of times, almost got a bit teary eyed over poor Liam, and was very happy to see how it ended. I’ve read one other book by Anna Martin and liked it very much as well. She’s one I need to go look up and get some more books! Tia Fielding is new to me, I would also go check out her other books to see what she’s got!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
Yes! Porn stars and rent boys…. Oh my!
Liam is the child of hateful Mormon’s, leaving home at 18 to avoid having the gay beaten out of him by his father and/or uncle. He makes it to LA, falls in to porn and hooking as a way to make money. He makes it very clear throughout the story that he was not forced in to either, he is happy doing what he is doing, likes to have sex and this seems to be a good way to make money. He may be strong on the outside, but inside is a different story. He gets a contract with Woodspring Manor, a gay porn studio owned by two brothers who actually seem to be very ethical. He is safe and fairly happy where he is, but definitely has a wall around his heart.
Gael is awesome… he’s the child of a Finnish mother and Spanish father, who love each other and Gael perfectly. They are fine with him being gay, and with him working in porn. As long as he is safe and happy, they are happy. He also is using his big brain to increase not only his income, but his fellow models, by the careful management and investing of income. Gael is in a fake relationship with costar John, and is happy to be for now.
Liam and Gael meet on set one day, and the sparks are apparent to all immediately! But Liam thinks Gael is in love with John. Gael doesn’t realize Liam is as interested as he is. Some shit happens, and Liam runs. He heads for the mountains, ending up at Solitude, a snow resort in Utah. Eventually Gael finds him. That’s all I’ll say about the plot!
I like LOTS about this book. I love books about porn stars and rent boys, at least the safe and sane ones that are basically fine with what they are doing. Not the icky forced porn stars or rent boys, but the ones that are using the skills that they have at the time they have them, to make a decent living. That’s how Gael and Liam are. It’s not a big deal, what they are doing, no different than any other job. They are able to separate the sex in their work from the sex in their lives. I can’t even imagine that personally, but it seems to work for them. I liked the plot, Liam running and Gael following, then them working through their shit. There is enough drama between them and from external sources to make it quite interesting. The sex on the porn set and between the two of them on their own was great. Liam and Gael are very well written, with some depth and history, and they are fabulous together. I also enjoyed the extra characters, Parker and Elliot the owners of Woodspring, John the “boyfriend”, and Indy a fellow model, and August, a coworker at Solitude.
I do need to say one more thing about the plot, I hope it doesn’t give too much away. I liked that they didn’t get out of the business. This isn’t Pretty Woman, they aren’t “saved” from their horrible life as porn stars and prostitutes. They seem to be able to live a life together, going to work and having sex. Again, I can’t see it for me, but in this world, in this story, it works. I like that. They are happy, leave them be! I’d actually like to see another story from a couple of other characters, but with glimpses of Gael and Liam and their life together.
The writing is fantastic, great story, great characters, great dialogue, enough drama and sex to be interesting, but not an angst-fest by any means. I chuckled a couple of times, almost got a bit teary eyed over poor Liam, and was very happy to see how it ended. I’ve read one other book by Anna Martin and liked it very much as well. She’s one I need to go look up and get some more books! Tia Fielding is new to me, I would also go check out her other books to see what she’s got!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
September 5, 2014
I did not have an issue with the technical aspects of the book. Although seems well edited, the time difference between the alternating pov's was distracting at times.
The reason behind the 2 star rating is more about the characters. I did not feel a connection with Liam. He comes from a religious anti-gay family and even though we learn a little about his past, I never felt like I knew much about who Liam was. Gael on the other hand was a bit more likeable. His background is opposite of Liam's; we meet Gael's parents and see pieces of his past and the positive influence acceptance has had on his life. Even so I didn't buy the relationship between Liam and Gael, there just wasn't enough interaction outside of sex.
I'm putting the rest under a spoiler just in case.
All in all, I could have taken a pass on this one.
The reason behind the 2 star rating is more about the characters. I did not feel a connection with Liam. He comes from a religious anti-gay family and even though we learn a little about his past, I never felt like I knew much about who Liam was. Gael on the other hand was a bit more likeable. His background is opposite of Liam's; we meet Gael's parents and see pieces of his past and the positive influence acceptance has had on his life. Even so I didn't buy the relationship between Liam and Gael, there just wasn't enough interaction outside of sex.
I'm putting the rest under a spoiler just in case.
All in all, I could have taken a pass on this one.
Read
October 1, 2014I was going to give a porn story another shot, but seriously can these authors please stop already. I may as well just go to a porn site and read their blurb for a scene, because that is ALL these books are.
I know some authors are friends with these porn "stars" and clearly find it great that they're writing books based on their pals and use their photographs for their covers. (I'm not saying these two authors did the same. I have no idea. But there are a few authors who make it their business that even I know about it). It's creepy but okay. I have no issues about porn start tropes, I just have an issue about these authors being so incredibly bad at writing them.
Liam has a traumatic past with a creepy uncle and a religious family - AS PER USUAL. He does porn (but guess what he did bareback, and was so young looking he looked illegal - cause clearly that's what I want to read in my books). Then he joins the fun family of porn stars and the decent bosses and somewhere during his first sex scene with the "Top Dog" he falls in love with Gael and vice versa. The he runs away, and Gael comes after him, then they get together, but continue to do porn and Liam hooks on the side.
Yup. That's it. Good grief.
I know some authors are friends with these porn "stars" and clearly find it great that they're writing books based on their pals and use their photographs for their covers. (I'm not saying these two authors did the same. I have no idea. But there are a few authors who make it their business that even I know about it). It's creepy but okay. I have no issues about porn start tropes, I just have an issue about these authors being so incredibly bad at writing them.
Liam has a traumatic past with a creepy uncle and a religious family - AS PER USUAL. He does porn (but guess what he did bareback, and was so young looking he looked illegal - cause clearly that's what I want to read in my books). Then he joins the fun family of porn stars and the decent bosses and somewhere during his first sex scene with the "Top Dog" he falls in love with Gael and vice versa. The he runs away, and Gael comes after him, then they get together, but continue to do porn and Liam hooks on the side.
Yup. That's it. Good grief.
December 21, 2014
3.75 stars and I'm all over the place with this book
I loved how flawed Liam and Gael are, even at the end.
I really liked that they ended with their own version of a HFN ending which worked for them, even though some readers may not love it.
I am left with a couple niggles by things which weren't settled for some of the peripheral characters.
I downright disliked the changing POV.
I hated the time jumps.
The time jumps were mostly in the beginning so that was obviously something I could get through. The other complaints were just minor irritations when I look back. The overall story was pretty damn good.
I loved how flawed Liam and Gael are, even at the end.
I really liked that they ended with their own version of a HFN ending which worked for them, even though some readers may not love it.
I am left with a couple niggles by things which weren't settled for some of the peripheral characters.
I downright disliked the changing POV.
I hated the time jumps.
The time jumps were mostly in the beginning so that was obviously something I could get through. The other complaints were just minor irritations when I look back. The overall story was pretty damn good.
August 30, 2014
Wow what can I say this book was different to others that I normally read not bad just different. And I didn't know a thing about the porn industry but I certainly do now! The ending was how it should be you couldn't wrap that story up in one sweet little bow. Well written and I would recommend it to others.
October 20, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. Neither Gael nor Liam had experience with "real" relationships but they were willing to try for one another. One thing I didn't like though was
I would love to read a story about Indy and Elliott next.
I would love to read a story about Indy and Elliott next.
Read
August 21, 2014See Love Bytes Reviews for my review!
February 24, 2019
It took me a while to get into Solitude, but I am ultimately thrilled with this Anna Martin and Tia Fielding gem! I think it was the timeline of things that confused me at first, but once I caught on, I fell in love. The story is beautiful and the men are exquisite together.
Liam and Gael meet at work, but complications lead to misunderstandings and jealousy, and then fear took over. The attraction was instant, and hot, but Liam doesn't realize that the relationship Gael is in with his best friend, is pretend.
Liam's fear is beautifully written, full of so much emotion. Eventually when Gael finds Liam, they are already halfway in love, but don't really know each other outside of sex.
They are two men who are so deeply love. They have vastly different upbringings, as one comes from a great family and the other comes from a family who sucks.
Ultimately this is a story of hope and promise. It's a story of realizing one's self worth; that you're more than a porn star, more than someone who enjoys sex. It's a story with a sense of hope and promise. The exploration of the difference between sex and making love is remarkably written.
Solitude is an important character in itself. This town plays a vital role in this story.
I absolutely love and highly recommend Solitude. Anna Martin and Tia Fielding once again manage to wow me.
Liam and Gael meet at work, but complications lead to misunderstandings and jealousy, and then fear took over. The attraction was instant, and hot, but Liam doesn't realize that the relationship Gael is in with his best friend, is pretend.
Liam's fear is beautifully written, full of so much emotion. Eventually when Gael finds Liam, they are already halfway in love, but don't really know each other outside of sex.
They are two men who are so deeply love. They have vastly different upbringings, as one comes from a great family and the other comes from a family who sucks.
Ultimately this is a story of hope and promise. It's a story of realizing one's self worth; that you're more than a porn star, more than someone who enjoys sex. It's a story with a sense of hope and promise. The exploration of the difference between sex and making love is remarkably written.
Solitude is an important character in itself. This town plays a vital role in this story.
I absolutely love and highly recommend Solitude. Anna Martin and Tia Fielding once again manage to wow me.
April 6, 2021
J'ai adoré cette histoire pour le lien qui unit Gael et Liam.
Gaël et Liam ont un gros coup de coeur lors du tournage de leur première scène de porno gay, lors de l'arrivée de Liam dans le label dont fait partie Gaël. Sauf que Gaël est en couple avec Johnny, un autre acteur du label...
C'est difficile de ne pas trop spoiler car pour une fois, le résumé du livre ne dévoile pas trop de choses ...
Le personnage de Liam a un gros passif, qu'il dévoile à Gaël par petites touches, tout en n'en dévoilant pas trop, laissant son amant découvrir les non-dits et deviner... mais une fois qu'il laisse Gaël l'attraper, c'est que du bonheur. Je trouve que leur couple se fait assez facilement en fait, c'est une évidence, et Gaël fait preuve d'une empathie et d'une patience absolument énormes. Le réaménagement de la chambre d'ami m'a énormément touchée...
Après j'avoue avoir eu un peu de mal, à la fin, avec le fait que Liam poursuive sa seconde activité, mon petit coeur de midinette sans doute, mais après tout, why not... tant que ça leur va à tous les deux.
Un coup de coeur.
Gaël et Liam ont un gros coup de coeur lors du tournage de leur première scène de porno gay, lors de l'arrivée de Liam dans le label dont fait partie Gaël. Sauf que Gaël est en couple avec Johnny, un autre acteur du label...
C'est difficile de ne pas trop spoiler car pour une fois, le résumé du livre ne dévoile pas trop de choses ...
Le personnage de Liam a un gros passif, qu'il dévoile à Gaël par petites touches, tout en n'en dévoilant pas trop, laissant son amant découvrir les non-dits et deviner... mais une fois qu'il laisse Gaël l'attraper, c'est que du bonheur. Je trouve que leur couple se fait assez facilement en fait, c'est une évidence, et Gaël fait preuve d'une empathie et d'une patience absolument énormes. Le réaménagement de la chambre d'ami m'a énormément touchée...
Après j'avoue avoir eu un peu de mal, à la fin, avec le fait que Liam poursuive sa seconde activité, mon petit coeur de midinette sans doute, mais après tout, why not... tant que ça leur va à tous les deux.
Un coup de coeur.
August 1, 2025
I think Anna Martin could write a book about plumbing and I'd read it. Just love her words. Combined with Tia Fielding, this was a honey of a book! The whole situation is rather odd but still an engaging story. Liam has fled LA and his job as a porn star and ends up working at a bar (and other things :)) at a ski resort in Utah. His former co-star, Gael, finds him and is determined to help him overcome whatever sent him running to Utah. Damaged men, second chance love, rough circumstances, a hint at some real trouble. Not a hearts and flowers kind of romance. Hard won HFN.
April 8, 2018
Un très jolie lecture. J’ai rapidement accroché à l’histoire et aux personnages, pas que les 2 principaux d’ailleurs. Même si je me suis tout de suite doutée du ‘’pourquoi’’ du départ de Liam, l’histoire est sympathique et bien menée. Par contre, la fin m’a un peu surprise, ce n’est pas exactement ce à quoi je m’attendais mais elle très juste par rapport au reste du roman. Je pense que ça pourrais devenir une lecture doudou.
April 22, 2018
DNF : 59 %
May 23, 2019
I was a little disappointed in this book. I am not sure why, as I had very few expectations going in.
I liked how sex positive it was and that there was no slut-shaming.
I liked how sex positive it was and that there was no slut-shaming.
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