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Breaking the Rules #2
Temptation
Colton Davidson knew what his life was supposed to be like. Sports after school, Church on Sundays, meet a nice girl someday, get married, have children. He knew that his attraction to the other boys was nothing more than God testing him. He knew that if he just kept to his faith, he’d overcome the temptation of sin. If only he were stronger…
After being sent to a camp to fix boys like him, Colton knew his only chance for survival was to run. He didn’t know where the streets would take him, and he certainly didn’t think he’d end up at a place like Ted House, where boys like him were nurtured and cared for. Colton never thought he would amount to much, but Sage and Derek Osbourne never let him believe otherwise. And it was with a place he could call home that Colton let himself believe he had a future. If only that future involved the ridiculously attractive, much older man who just breezed into Fairfield. At nineteen, Colton knows he’s young, and he knows his life isn’t easy, but he also knows what he wants. If only Marcel would trust him to make those decisions. He’s ready to be with someone, to lose his virginity, to fall in love. He just needs that someone to trust him.
Marcel Tremblay’s life has been a strange juxtaposition of privilege and struggle. His wealthy parents in their nomadic lifestyle ensured that Marcel and his twin brother would want for nothing. But being born legally blind also meant that Marcel was under pressure from both his parents and society to perform far above average to prove his worth.
Marcel has never wanted anything more than average. A husband, a simple job, a house with a picket fence, and maybe a dog. All of that seems so far out of his reach, though, when in spite of how hard he works, he’s rarely given a chance to be just like everyone else. Marcel resigned himself to his part-time job as a yoga instructor, and his inattentive boyfriend in their relationship which has a very clear expiration date. But when Brad suggests relocating a thousand miles away in Fairfield, Colorado, Marcel sees it as a chance for something new. What he doesn’t expect is for his entire life to blow up in a matter of weeks. Marcel goes out for a drink to forget, and walks away with an attachment to a younger man who has no business wanting to be with someone as messy as Marcel. Colton insists he knows what he’s getting into, but Marcel likes him far too much to subject him to all the ways Marcel’s life will hurt him—whether he wants it to or not.
Will the two men find a way to come together, or will Marcel let his assumptions of what will be eclipse the joy and bliss of what could?
Temptation is the second book in the Breaking the Rules series, an Irons and Works spin-off. This book contains no cheating with an HEA.
After being sent to a camp to fix boys like him, Colton knew his only chance for survival was to run. He didn’t know where the streets would take him, and he certainly didn’t think he’d end up at a place like Ted House, where boys like him were nurtured and cared for. Colton never thought he would amount to much, but Sage and Derek Osbourne never let him believe otherwise. And it was with a place he could call home that Colton let himself believe he had a future. If only that future involved the ridiculously attractive, much older man who just breezed into Fairfield. At nineteen, Colton knows he’s young, and he knows his life isn’t easy, but he also knows what he wants. If only Marcel would trust him to make those decisions. He’s ready to be with someone, to lose his virginity, to fall in love. He just needs that someone to trust him.
Marcel Tremblay’s life has been a strange juxtaposition of privilege and struggle. His wealthy parents in their nomadic lifestyle ensured that Marcel and his twin brother would want for nothing. But being born legally blind also meant that Marcel was under pressure from both his parents and society to perform far above average to prove his worth.
Marcel has never wanted anything more than average. A husband, a simple job, a house with a picket fence, and maybe a dog. All of that seems so far out of his reach, though, when in spite of how hard he works, he’s rarely given a chance to be just like everyone else. Marcel resigned himself to his part-time job as a yoga instructor, and his inattentive boyfriend in their relationship which has a very clear expiration date. But when Brad suggests relocating a thousand miles away in Fairfield, Colorado, Marcel sees it as a chance for something new. What he doesn’t expect is for his entire life to blow up in a matter of weeks. Marcel goes out for a drink to forget, and walks away with an attachment to a younger man who has no business wanting to be with someone as messy as Marcel. Colton insists he knows what he’s getting into, but Marcel likes him far too much to subject him to all the ways Marcel’s life will hurt him—whether he wants it to or not.
Will the two men find a way to come together, or will Marcel let his assumptions of what will be eclipse the joy and bliss of what could?
Temptation is the second book in the Breaking the Rules series, an Irons and Works spin-off. This book contains no cheating with an HEA.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 16, 2020
250 people are currently reading
479 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Lindsey
142 books1,403 followersE.M. Lindsey is the author of MM contemporary romance. She presently lives and works in the southeastern United States.
EM Lindsey also writes MM Paranormal Romance under the pseudonym Ariel Millar.
EM Lindsey also writes MM Paranormal Romance under the pseudonym Ariel Millar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
February 24, 2020
Hmm...
Slow start. We got the backstories of Marcel and Colton in the first few chapters. And I have to say, I did not quite enjoy it. Can quite put my finger on it but it’s like it took away the gradual introduction to the character’s personality. Know what I mean?
It took away the fun of slowly getting to know the characters and coming to understand them. This was just, here’s this character, this is his backstory, this is his shitty life story. Go! 😑
It’s become more one dimensional. Which irks me because I loved the original series. It was so layered and the characters were so complexed.
Also, this universe has gotten too big. I don’t remember everyone anymore! 😱
Slow start. We got the backstories of Marcel and Colton in the first few chapters. And I have to say, I did not quite enjoy it. Can quite put my finger on it but it’s like it took away the gradual introduction to the character’s personality. Know what I mean?
It took away the fun of slowly getting to know the characters and coming to understand them. This was just, here’s this character, this is his backstory, this is his shitty life story. Go! 😑
It’s become more one dimensional. Which irks me because I loved the original series. It was so layered and the characters were so complexed.
Also, this universe has gotten too big. I don’t remember everyone anymore! 😱
October 9, 2024
Possible Trigger Warnings:/ Religious Conversation Camp
Colton never thought he would amount to much, but Sage and Derek Osbourne never let him believe otherwise. It was with a place he could call home that Colton finally let himself believe he might have a future. If only that future involved the ridiculously attractive, much older man who just blew into Fairfield.
At nineteen, Colton knows he’s young, and he knows his life is anything but easy, but he also knows what he wants. If he could just get Marcel to trust him to make those decisions. He’s ready to be with someone, to lose that big "V" word, and most of all...to fall in love. He just needs that special "someone" to trust him.
Then there's Marcel...Colton's future "special someone"! Marcel has never wanted anything more than what he considers to be "just average". Things like a husband, a good job, a house with a picket fence, and maybe a dog or two. To him, it all seems to be so far out of his reach. In spite of how hard he works; he’s rarely given a chance to be like everyone else. When Marcel goes out for a drink try and forget, he never expects what happened...he walks away with an attachment to a younger man. Marcel knows this young guy has no business wanting someone as messy as he is. Colton insists that he knows what he’s getting into, but Marcel likes him far too much to subject him to all the ways Marcel’s life will hurt him...it doesn't matter how much he wants it.
I've read and own a lot of books by this author so I was fairly sure that both guys would get their "happy." The story got 3 stars which is unusual for anything by E.M. Lindsay because she did have me wondering there for quite a bit longer before it happened.
Colton never thought he would amount to much, but Sage and Derek Osbourne never let him believe otherwise. It was with a place he could call home that Colton finally let himself believe he might have a future. If only that future involved the ridiculously attractive, much older man who just blew into Fairfield.
At nineteen, Colton knows he’s young, and he knows his life is anything but easy, but he also knows what he wants. If he could just get Marcel to trust him to make those decisions. He’s ready to be with someone, to lose that big "V" word, and most of all...to fall in love. He just needs that special "someone" to trust him.
Then there's Marcel...Colton's future "special someone"! Marcel has never wanted anything more than what he considers to be "just average". Things like a husband, a good job, a house with a picket fence, and maybe a dog or two. To him, it all seems to be so far out of his reach. In spite of how hard he works; he’s rarely given a chance to be like everyone else. When Marcel goes out for a drink try and forget, he never expects what happened...he walks away with an attachment to a younger man. Marcel knows this young guy has no business wanting someone as messy as he is. Colton insists that he knows what he’s getting into, but Marcel likes him far too much to subject him to all the ways Marcel’s life will hurt him...it doesn't matter how much he wants it.
I've read and own a lot of books by this author so I was fairly sure that both guys would get their "happy." The story got 3 stars which is unusual for anything by E.M. Lindsay because she did have me wondering there for quite a bit longer before it happened.
dnf
February 26, 2023DNF @ 66%
I was gonna stick it out till the end but for I just no longer wanted to read it.
My main issue with the book was a personal reason, I’m not a big fan of age gaps when the younger person is too close to 20 (Colton was 19 at the start and then 20 soon after), but I also didn’t realise Marcel would be 27/28 or whatever he is cause I don’t think they ever mentioned it. Once I did realise, I already started to like the character so I wanted to see it through. But for me Marcel always seemed like he was obviously talking to someone younger when he was talking to Colton. Even thought he is younger, I expect people who are heading towards a romantic relationship to speak to each other as equals regardless of age. So that whole thing kinda increased my dislike of the age gap. Then coincidentally I also had a convo with someone about age gaps after seeing that some author wrote an age gap book with a 16 year and her teacher 💀 and I know it’s absolutely not the same, but all of a sudden I got the ick and just didn’t wanna finish it 😅
So obviously if the age thing doesn’t bother anyone else then I think they’d enjoy it. The writing was good and so where the characters. But the author definitely expects you to have read their other books. They mentioned a lot of side characters but couldn’t even spare one sentence to explain who they were Like there was Sage and Derrick who ran the house Colton lived in, and I thought they were married because I assumed they lived together in the home but many chapter later I found out this wasn’t true when Derricks husband was mentioned and that was not Sage. Colton talks about working for Will in the kitchen, but it wasn’t until past 50% that I was told this kitchen was in a cafe. I had no idea up until then it it was a restaurant or anything else. It was just really irritating when the author could’ve said “Colton worked for Will in the kitchen of his cafe”, or “Colton loved with Sage and Derrick, two friends who ran the house”. The only introductions we got to characters were from Marcels POV since he didn’t actually know the people in the town, and those introductions weren’t done often.
That issue doesn’t necessarily make the story worse, I could still follow along the main points but it just made it really annoying when it was a simple fix. I know I’m not gonna know everyone’s full background since I haven’t read the other books, but one sentence extra per character could’ve made the world of difference.
I was gonna stick it out till the end but for I just no longer wanted to read it.
My main issue with the book was a personal reason, I’m not a big fan of age gaps when the younger person is too close to 20 (Colton was 19 at the start and then 20 soon after), but I also didn’t realise Marcel would be 27/28 or whatever he is cause I don’t think they ever mentioned it. Once I did realise, I already started to like the character so I wanted to see it through. But for me Marcel always seemed like he was obviously talking to someone younger when he was talking to Colton. Even thought he is younger, I expect people who are heading towards a romantic relationship to speak to each other as equals regardless of age. So that whole thing kinda increased my dislike of the age gap. Then coincidentally I also had a convo with someone about age gaps after seeing that some author wrote an age gap book with a 16 year and her teacher 💀 and I know it’s absolutely not the same, but all of a sudden I got the ick and just didn’t wanna finish it 😅
So obviously if the age thing doesn’t bother anyone else then I think they’d enjoy it. The writing was good and so where the characters. But the author definitely expects you to have read their other books. They mentioned a lot of side characters but couldn’t even spare one sentence to explain who they were Like there was Sage and Derrick who ran the house Colton lived in, and I thought they were married because I assumed they lived together in the home but many chapter later I found out this wasn’t true when Derricks husband was mentioned and that was not Sage. Colton talks about working for Will in the kitchen, but it wasn’t until past 50% that I was told this kitchen was in a cafe. I had no idea up until then it it was a restaurant or anything else. It was just really irritating when the author could’ve said “Colton worked for Will in the kitchen of his cafe”, or “Colton loved with Sage and Derrick, two friends who ran the house”. The only introductions we got to characters were from Marcels POV since he didn’t actually know the people in the town, and those introductions weren’t done often.
That issue doesn’t necessarily make the story worse, I could still follow along the main points but it just made it really annoying when it was a simple fix. I know I’m not gonna know everyone’s full background since I haven’t read the other books, but one sentence extra per character could’ve made the world of difference.
March 1, 2022
This could stand alone, but is much better IMO if you have read the Irons and Works and related books because at heart, it's about found family, and the guys around the MCs are familiar to us from that series. Colton's experience with conversion therapy and his biological family is on-page enough in retrospect to be clear, but not graphic. Still note the warnings.
I really liked the fact that Colton didn't come out of that experience as a wonderful person - he's damaged not just in sympathetic ways, but in ways that self-sabotage. He acts out, pushes boundaries, challenges people, screws things up. He means well, but loses control. We learn about him as a person before we see him start a relationship, and that's helpful at understanding who he is.
As always, I also appreciated EM Lindsey's portrayal of Marcel as a very imperfect man, whose visual impairment has been part of forming who he is, but isn't the only relevant thing about him.
My biggest issue with this book was the ending which went for ex-boyfriend-melodrama, instead of the encounter I was really waiting for of Marcel with his brother. I'm a fan of the low-key, psychological conflict, and there was a fascinating thread of how to deal with someone who loves you, wants the best, but doesn't see what you need clearly enough to avoid doing damage. I'd have loved to see that addressed on the page.
I really liked the fact that Colton didn't come out of that experience as a wonderful person - he's damaged not just in sympathetic ways, but in ways that self-sabotage. He acts out, pushes boundaries, challenges people, screws things up. He means well, but loses control. We learn about him as a person before we see him start a relationship, and that's helpful at understanding who he is.
As always, I also appreciated EM Lindsey's portrayal of Marcel as a very imperfect man, whose visual impairment has been part of forming who he is, but isn't the only relevant thing about him.
My biggest issue with this book was the ending which went for ex-boyfriend-melodrama, instead of the encounter I was really waiting for of Marcel with his brother. I'm a fan of the low-key, psychological conflict, and there was a fascinating thread of how to deal with someone who loves you, wants the best, but doesn't see what you need clearly enough to avoid doing damage. I'd have loved to see that addressed on the page.
May 31, 2020
O matulu... no dla mnie to znowu absolutne, cholerne 5.
Nic nie poradzę...
Wydawałoby się, że po tylu książkach można mieć dość - i zapewne są takie osoby, nie mam co do tego wątpliwości...
Jednak zdecydowanie się do nich nie zaliczam...
Ciągle mi mało i ciągle chce więcej...
Colton mnie wzruszył i ścisnął za serducho...
Jego przeżycia, determinacja, brak wiary w siebie, dobroć, pomniejszanie swojej wartości, lojalność, poddanie się i walka jednocześnie, serducho jak stąd do wieczności, wahania i chęć parcia do przodu na raz, niepewność, chęć bycia normalnym, chęć kochania i bycia kochanym, wiara, że nie jest tego wart ze względu na bałagan, jakim jest, miłość do zwierząt, a już zwłaszcza bezpańskich psów, które ratował bez względu na konsekwencje, chęć zrobienia czegoś ze swoim życiem i ciągłe kłody rzucane pod nogi, i cała masa innych rzeczy...
Chyba po raz pierwszy podczas czytania tej serii łapało mnie i trzymało za gardło podczas połykania jego historii. To najmłodszy - przynajmniej wiekiem - bohater całego świata I&W, zaledwie 20-letni. Ale co mają liczby na papierku do prawdziwego wieku? Nic...
Już pierwszy rozdział mnie po prostu dobił... Nie wiem, jak można takie rzeczy robić dzieciom czy nastolatkom tylko dlatego, że są inni niż by chcieli ich "religijni" rodzice. Te obozy, które mają naprostować "grzeszników" i sprowadzić ich na jedyną, prawdziwą drogę na której chciałby ich widzieć Bóg, czy raczej ci wszyscy dewoci, maniacy i fanatycy religijni... straszne. Z jednej strony po prostu nie mieści się w głowie, że coś takiego może istnieć, z drugiej, niestety... jestem w stanie w to uwierzyć i wszystko się we mnie przewraca na samą myśl... To takie nieludzkie, co człowiek potrafi zrobić drugiemu człowiekowi... A gdy dorosły robi to tym, którzy nie mogą się bronić, w imię wiary, to.. zbyt niecenzuralne słowa się cisną pod palce, by to tutaj napisać... Choć autorka nie wnikała za bardzo w szczegóły, w jaki sposób Colton był - nazwijmy to po imieniu - torturowany... Ale nie musiała...
W sumie tyle cytatów mi łaziło po głowie podczas czytania tej serii - i ten poniżej wcale nie jest najważniejszy i najlepszy, ale jest świetnym połączeniem prawie wszystkich książek, gdyż dom dla dzieci i młodzieży LGBT - wyrzuconych z domu, niechcianych przez nikogo, nieufających nikomu, skrzywdzonych, które przeżyły więcej, niż powinny, które widziały więcej, niż powinny, prowadzony przez Sage'a i Dereka - powstał w trzeciej części I&W... Co dobrego zrobiły brudne pieniądze pewnego kootasa, który miał nieszczęście (dla nich, nie dla niego) być ojcem tych, którzy ten dom założyli... I choć mało ma wspólnego z rzeczywistością, to sposób, w jaki myśleli o nim ci, którzy wiedzieli o jego istnieniu i chcieli tam trafić, oddaje chyba wszystko... Dom, do którego trafił Colton...
"But Ted House was different. It was supposed to be different, anyway. It was like this fairy tale whispered amongst the teens in bed late at night—a mythical place that no one ever got to see, but everyone knew about. He’d heard it was an old, haunted, Victorian style home set way back in the woods in a small town just outside the city. They got pizza and cake every night, and no one had to go to school or do homework."
Rozpisałam się, choć to nawet nie jest połowa tego, co mi w głowie siedziało...
Nic nie poradzę...
Wydawałoby się, że po tylu książkach można mieć dość - i zapewne są takie osoby, nie mam co do tego wątpliwości...
Jednak zdecydowanie się do nich nie zaliczam...
Ciągle mi mało i ciągle chce więcej...
Colton mnie wzruszył i ścisnął za serducho...
Jego przeżycia, determinacja, brak wiary w siebie, dobroć, pomniejszanie swojej wartości, lojalność, poddanie się i walka jednocześnie, serducho jak stąd do wieczności, wahania i chęć parcia do przodu na raz, niepewność, chęć bycia normalnym, chęć kochania i bycia kochanym, wiara, że nie jest tego wart ze względu na bałagan, jakim jest, miłość do zwierząt, a już zwłaszcza bezpańskich psów, które ratował bez względu na konsekwencje, chęć zrobienia czegoś ze swoim życiem i ciągłe kłody rzucane pod nogi, i cała masa innych rzeczy...
Chyba po raz pierwszy podczas czytania tej serii łapało mnie i trzymało za gardło podczas połykania jego historii. To najmłodszy - przynajmniej wiekiem - bohater całego świata I&W, zaledwie 20-letni. Ale co mają liczby na papierku do prawdziwego wieku? Nic...
Już pierwszy rozdział mnie po prostu dobił... Nie wiem, jak można takie rzeczy robić dzieciom czy nastolatkom tylko dlatego, że są inni niż by chcieli ich "religijni" rodzice. Te obozy, które mają naprostować "grzeszników" i sprowadzić ich na jedyną, prawdziwą drogę na której chciałby ich widzieć Bóg, czy raczej ci wszyscy dewoci, maniacy i fanatycy religijni... straszne. Z jednej strony po prostu nie mieści się w głowie, że coś takiego może istnieć, z drugiej, niestety... jestem w stanie w to uwierzyć i wszystko się we mnie przewraca na samą myśl... To takie nieludzkie, co człowiek potrafi zrobić drugiemu człowiekowi... A gdy dorosły robi to tym, którzy nie mogą się bronić, w imię wiary, to.. zbyt niecenzuralne słowa się cisną pod palce, by to tutaj napisać... Choć autorka nie wnikała za bardzo w szczegóły, w jaki sposób Colton był - nazwijmy to po imieniu - torturowany... Ale nie musiała...
W sumie tyle cytatów mi łaziło po głowie podczas czytania tej serii - i ten poniżej wcale nie jest najważniejszy i najlepszy, ale jest świetnym połączeniem prawie wszystkich książek, gdyż dom dla dzieci i młodzieży LGBT - wyrzuconych z domu, niechcianych przez nikogo, nieufających nikomu, skrzywdzonych, które przeżyły więcej, niż powinny, które widziały więcej, niż powinny, prowadzony przez Sage'a i Dereka - powstał w trzeciej części I&W... Co dobrego zrobiły brudne pieniądze pewnego kootasa, który miał nieszczęście (dla nich, nie dla niego) być ojcem tych, którzy ten dom założyli... I choć mało ma wspólnego z rzeczywistością, to sposób, w jaki myśleli o nim ci, którzy wiedzieli o jego istnieniu i chcieli tam trafić, oddaje chyba wszystko... Dom, do którego trafił Colton...
"But Ted House was different. It was supposed to be different, anyway. It was like this fairy tale whispered amongst the teens in bed late at night—a mythical place that no one ever got to see, but everyone knew about. He’d heard it was an old, haunted, Victorian style home set way back in the woods in a small town just outside the city. They got pizza and cake every night, and no one had to go to school or do homework."
Rozpisałam się, choć to nawet nie jest połowa tego, co mi w głowie siedziało...
March 10, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Temptation is the second book in E.M. Lindsey’s Breaking the Rules series, a spin-off to her Irons and Works series. As with all of the books in both series, Temptation stands alone just fine plot wise and you can follow along with Marcel and Colton’s journey without having read the other books. However, in both series there is a strong sense of found family and characters pop in and out of each other’s books and cross series. So I think the experience is richer if you are familiar with at least some of the stories, but it is not a requirement.
One of the things I love most about Lindsey’s writing is her rich, layered character development. No one is ever a cookie cutter character in Lindsey’s stories. Instead, people have interesting and detailed back stories and a lot of depth to their characters. This story really showcases that in the way that Lindsey starts the book, taking time to introduce each of the men and their back story before they even meet. Some readers might find this a slow start, but I actually liked how it gave us a chance to really get to know both men individually before they begin their relationship. The characters are so well developed, it was nice to get a sense of each of them before the friendship and romance really started growing.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Temptation is the second book in E.M. Lindsey’s Breaking the Rules series, a spin-off to her Irons and Works series. As with all of the books in both series, Temptation stands alone just fine plot wise and you can follow along with Marcel and Colton’s journey without having read the other books. However, in both series there is a strong sense of found family and characters pop in and out of each other’s books and cross series. So I think the experience is richer if you are familiar with at least some of the stories, but it is not a requirement.
One of the things I love most about Lindsey’s writing is her rich, layered character development. No one is ever a cookie cutter character in Lindsey’s stories. Instead, people have interesting and detailed back stories and a lot of depth to their characters. This story really showcases that in the way that Lindsey starts the book, taking time to introduce each of the men and their back story before they even meet. Some readers might find this a slow start, but I actually liked how it gave us a chance to really get to know both men individually before they begin their relationship. The characters are so well developed, it was nice to get a sense of each of them before the friendship and romance really started growing.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
Want to read
August 14, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/14/2020)! 🎁
December 13, 2024
I’m a big E. M. Lindsey fan. Honestly I didn’t love this as much as the first book. I just couldn’t seem to connect with Colton. The whole mess with Brad seemed strange. I loved them in the end it just took me a long time getting there.
February 21, 2020
If you're looking for a fluffy, light read this isn't your book. From the very first chapter, my heart hurt for Colton and everything he dealt with growing up. Colton's parents want to preserve the image of a perfect, religious family in public while privately shaming and criticizing him and his brothers. As someone who grew up with a parent like this, a parent who I could never please and who always looked for reasons to criticize my behavior, I relate to this childhood experience and wouldn't wish it on anyone. On top of that, Colton is struggling with his sexual identity. "I want to be him. I want to be like him. I want him." When his parents find out, they ship him off to "summer camp". Please pay attention to Elaine's trigger warnings. While we (thankfully) don't see most of what happens to Colton at the camp, the scars left behind on his body and memories of his trauma are difficult to read about. Eventually, Colton escapes and through a mix of hitch-hiking and bus rides ends up in Fairfield. He meets Amit (who I can already tell is going to be an amazing psychiatrist when he graduates) , gets accepted into Ted House, and starts to figure out his place in the world.
Meanwhile, Marcel has been going through his own personal struggles. He was born with glaucoma and has limited vision, but his parents still expected him to do the same activities as his unimpaired twin. He has a carefree childhood, never wanting to be more than an average kid, until he graduates from high school. He and his twin, who have similar performance in school, both apply to college. Marcel is rejected from every school, while his brother is easily accepted. The reason he's given is that it would be too difficult to accommodate him in the field he wants to study. His family doesn't understand why he won't fight harder to be accepted. "It would be overcoming disability and adversity to reach my goals, and I was tired of being someone else’s inspiration.” Instead, Marcel moves to San Francisco with his brother and teaches yoga. He meets Brad through one of his classes, and the two date for several months before moving to Fairfield. All Marcel really wants is to have a house and a husband and a dog, what he calls "an average dream". But Brad betrays him, and just as Marcel is left reeling he meets Colton.
What starts as a one-night stand turns into a cautious friendship. Marcel doesn't think he's ready to give Colton what he needs, and Colton is still full of doubts about himself so he doesn't push it. I really hated the way Colton kept talking so negatively about himself, but I get it. It's really hard to erase the messages you've been told since you were little. Colton and Marcel are so awkward and sweet as they become friends and try to navigate the tricky balance between wanting each other and not wanting to lose their closeness because of it. I loved the tiny hints of Colton's dominant nature that kept coming out around Marcel. “Trust me when I say, it’s better if you obey me. Sometimes I actually do know best.” When these two finally stopped resisting each other, their physical connection was explosive.
There's so much more I could say about this book: we get so many awesome cameos from characters from Irons and Works; Brad is an absolute menace and I can't believe how relentless he was; I love how adorable Colton is with his stray animals and how Marcel can't say no to him every time he brings one home. There's one line that stuck with me from this book and I think it sums up Colton and Marcel's relationship perfectly: "You’re careful with me but you don’t treat me like I’m fragile, like I’m broken, like I can’t take it."
**I received an ARC through Patreon. I am not obligated to review, and all opinions are my own.
Meanwhile, Marcel has been going through his own personal struggles. He was born with glaucoma and has limited vision, but his parents still expected him to do the same activities as his unimpaired twin. He has a carefree childhood, never wanting to be more than an average kid, until he graduates from high school. He and his twin, who have similar performance in school, both apply to college. Marcel is rejected from every school, while his brother is easily accepted. The reason he's given is that it would be too difficult to accommodate him in the field he wants to study. His family doesn't understand why he won't fight harder to be accepted. "It would be overcoming disability and adversity to reach my goals, and I was tired of being someone else’s inspiration.” Instead, Marcel moves to San Francisco with his brother and teaches yoga. He meets Brad through one of his classes, and the two date for several months before moving to Fairfield. All Marcel really wants is to have a house and a husband and a dog, what he calls "an average dream". But Brad betrays him, and just as Marcel is left reeling he meets Colton.
What starts as a one-night stand turns into a cautious friendship. Marcel doesn't think he's ready to give Colton what he needs, and Colton is still full of doubts about himself so he doesn't push it. I really hated the way Colton kept talking so negatively about himself, but I get it. It's really hard to erase the messages you've been told since you were little. Colton and Marcel are so awkward and sweet as they become friends and try to navigate the tricky balance between wanting each other and not wanting to lose their closeness because of it. I loved the tiny hints of Colton's dominant nature that kept coming out around Marcel. “Trust me when I say, it’s better if you obey me. Sometimes I actually do know best.” When these two finally stopped resisting each other, their physical connection was explosive.
There's so much more I could say about this book: we get so many awesome cameos from characters from Irons and Works; Brad is an absolute menace and I can't believe how relentless he was; I love how adorable Colton is with his stray animals and how Marcel can't say no to him every time he brings one home. There's one line that stuck with me from this book and I think it sums up Colton and Marcel's relationship perfectly: "You’re careful with me but you don’t treat me like I’m fragile, like I’m broken, like I can’t take it."
**I received an ARC through Patreon. I am not obligated to review, and all opinions are my own.
February 16, 2020
The wonderful thing about this book is that E.M. Lindsey made it so that I felt like Colton and Marcel grew up under my eyes, from when they were kids to present day. Neither had it easy, particularly Colton, his story almost braking my heart to pieces. I appreciated the insights, because it helped in better understanding their mindframes when they became part of each other's lives.
I loved the fact that they kept growing together, that they insisted on making it by themselves, not choosing the easiest way of becoming each other's crutches. They took the time to know each other at their best, and loved one another at their worst. I'm in awe with their courage, their resilience in the face of adversities. Incredibly strong as individuals but undoubtedly beautiful together.
So, pick up 𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 and get ready to meet fighters, people who have been punched by life time and time again, and always found the strength to fight back. And I'm not talking only about Colton and Marcel, but also about their friends, the amazing group that are always there to offer support, always having each other's backs.
I loved the fact that they kept growing together, that they insisted on making it by themselves, not choosing the easiest way of becoming each other's crutches. They took the time to know each other at their best, and loved one another at their worst. I'm in awe with their courage, their resilience in the face of adversities. Incredibly strong as individuals but undoubtedly beautiful together.
So, pick up 𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 and get ready to meet fighters, people who have been punched by life time and time again, and always found the strength to fight back. And I'm not talking only about Colton and Marcel, but also about their friends, the amazing group that are always there to offer support, always having each other's backs.
March 12, 2020
Needs better editing
Let's start with the easy stuff. Missing words, mixed up names, inconsistencies -as in one minute he has a t-shirt, the next it's a button down. First it's a house then an apartment. Really obvious stuff like that all over the place. It gives the impression of editors, beta readers and an ARC.team that just doesn't care enough.
As far as the characters are concerned, Marcel was a walking contradiction. He explains the relationship with his parents one way, but then I guess that changes as he sees fit. He gets upset because they basically pay his way, however he doesn't really do anything about it. He claims to hate the fact that they continue to deposit money in his account, but then says if he needs more income for his plans, he can just hit his parents up. Don't get me started with his whole ex boyfriend situation. That was just a hot mess of dude, grow the hell up. His feeling were mediocre at best. He knew the didn't really love each other at all, but he acts all kinds of hurt and betrayed when it ends, spends quite a bit of time letting their confrontation affect him, clear until his rebound - because let's be real, that is what Colton really was - pulls him out of his funk.
Surprisingly I don't have much to say about Colton. I actually liked his character. I liked the way he handled the crap show that was his life, and all the damn curve balls. So him, I wouldn't really change. Ultimately this book felt like it was rushed to get it published. Meh, I'm just glad it was KU.
Let's start with the easy stuff. Missing words, mixed up names, inconsistencies -as in one minute he has a t-shirt, the next it's a button down. First it's a house then an apartment. Really obvious stuff like that all over the place. It gives the impression of editors, beta readers and an ARC.team that just doesn't care enough.
As far as the characters are concerned, Marcel was a walking contradiction. He explains the relationship with his parents one way, but then I guess that changes as he sees fit. He gets upset because they basically pay his way, however he doesn't really do anything about it. He claims to hate the fact that they continue to deposit money in his account, but then says if he needs more income for his plans, he can just hit his parents up. Don't get me started with his whole ex boyfriend situation. That was just a hot mess of dude, grow the hell up. His feeling were mediocre at best. He knew the didn't really love each other at all, but he acts all kinds of hurt and betrayed when it ends, spends quite a bit of time letting their confrontation affect him, clear until his rebound - because let's be real, that is what Colton really was - pulls him out of his funk.
Surprisingly I don't have much to say about Colton. I actually liked his character. I liked the way he handled the crap show that was his life, and all the damn curve balls. So him, I wouldn't really change. Ultimately this book felt like it was rushed to get it published. Meh, I'm just glad it was KU.
February 6, 2020
Temptation by em lindsey
Normal. What is normal? What may be normal to you may not be to me. We each have our own definition of same
Both Marcel and Colton are craving a normal life.
Marcel is new to Fairfield. He wants a life where he is treated fair but not special. Doesn’t want others making decisions for him and he wants the house, fence, dog, and kids. He is happy being a yoga instructor and he meets a special man named Colton on the worst night he’s had since coming to town
Colton has had one heck of a life leading up to him living at Teds House. He’s sweet. Kind and has no confidence. When he meets Marcel, he makes an offer Marcel can’t refuse and their friendship builds from there
I fell in love with Elaines writing and this book is no different. She writes relatable characters and their struggles. She knows how to get these men to wiggle their was right into your heart. I just wanted to wrap them up and hug them. They are the perfect balance for each other.
I loved this book and can’t wait for the next one
Normal. What is normal? What may be normal to you may not be to me. We each have our own definition of same
Both Marcel and Colton are craving a normal life.
Marcel is new to Fairfield. He wants a life where he is treated fair but not special. Doesn’t want others making decisions for him and he wants the house, fence, dog, and kids. He is happy being a yoga instructor and he meets a special man named Colton on the worst night he’s had since coming to town
Colton has had one heck of a life leading up to him living at Teds House. He’s sweet. Kind and has no confidence. When he meets Marcel, he makes an offer Marcel can’t refuse and their friendship builds from there
I fell in love with Elaines writing and this book is no different. She writes relatable characters and their struggles. She knows how to get these men to wiggle their was right into your heart. I just wanted to wrap them up and hug them. They are the perfect balance for each other.
I loved this book and can’t wait for the next one
August 27, 2020
I quite enjoyed Colton's character. Marcel, not so much... especially with all the Brad drama.
I especially found Marcel annoying for hating how people make decisions for him, but then he goes and decides that he won't sleep with Colton because it's what's best for Colton... though at least he recognizes the hypocrisy and Colton calls him out on his BS excuse.
There was a few editing issues... typos and the age difference going from 9 years to 12 years (12 obviously being incorrect as Colton was 19/20 and Marcel approaching 30.
I didn't enjoy the sex scenes... they felt awkward and I think that was because I just didn't really get the chemistry between these two.
I especially found Marcel annoying for hating how people make decisions for him, but then he goes and decides that he won't sleep with Colton because it's what's best for Colton... though at least he recognizes the hypocrisy and Colton calls him out on his BS excuse.
There was a few editing issues... typos and the age difference going from 9 years to 12 years (12 obviously being incorrect as Colton was 19/20 and Marcel approaching 30.
I didn't enjoy the sex scenes... they felt awkward and I think that was because I just didn't really get the chemistry between these two.
February 27, 2020
Nothing is necessarily wrong here but for me it took a long time to get pumped for it. I had a hard time connecting with either character and the annoying EX kind of ruined this book for me. He was like an annoying pimple that just doesn't go away no matter what you throw at it. Those factors really killed it for me.
The relationship felt like it had no ummuffff. It was OK I didn't dislike it but I didn't really enjoy it either so I'm giving three stars.
The relationship felt like it had no ummuffff. It was OK I didn't dislike it but I didn't really enjoy it either so I'm giving three stars.
March 5, 2020
I’ve not found anyone else that can write disabled characters like this author. The stories are not really focused on the characters disabilities or differences but on how family, friends and the public perceive them. Never preachy or lecturing but emotional, entertaining and informative. This one’s also a steamy, very mildly kinky and well-paced romance.
March 13, 2024
Love Is Blind
This book features Marcel (twin brother of Antoine in a different series).
Marcel is blind and having got away from the smothering care of his parents and Antoine he was enjoying his life and his new boyfriend Brad.
Brad turns out to be a nasty piece of work and Marcel walked out. That was the night he met Colton, a 19 year old guy 10 years younger than him.
Colton’s story is a heartbreaking one, I don’t have triggers, but all cases like Colton’s have me a crying wreck, I won’t say more, spoilers etc.
Suffice to say that in Fairfield, faraway from their family and home, both Marcel and Colton find their own supportive family. They are a super set of men you have had their own journey to Fairfield.
Marcel and Colton, move very slowly, taking careful, even fearful steps for them to their own HEA.
I’m enjoying this ‘Breaking the Rules’ series, so on to next one.
This book features Marcel (twin brother of Antoine in a different series).
Marcel is blind and having got away from the smothering care of his parents and Antoine he was enjoying his life and his new boyfriend Brad.
Brad turns out to be a nasty piece of work and Marcel walked out. That was the night he met Colton, a 19 year old guy 10 years younger than him.
Colton’s story is a heartbreaking one, I don’t have triggers, but all cases like Colton’s have me a crying wreck, I won’t say more, spoilers etc.
Suffice to say that in Fairfield, faraway from their family and home, both Marcel and Colton find their own supportive family. They are a super set of men you have had their own journey to Fairfield.
Marcel and Colton, move very slowly, taking careful, even fearful steps for them to their own HEA.
I’m enjoying this ‘Breaking the Rules’ series, so on to next one.
November 6, 2023
Darum geht’s:
Marcel hat sich gerade von seinem Freund getrennt, nachdem dieser ihn betrogen hat. In einer Bar lernt er Colton kennen und hat eigentlich nur einen One Night Stand im Sinn. Als er merkt, wie jung und unerfahren Colton ist, und was für eine schwere Zeit er hinter sich hat, tritt Marcel auf die Bremse. Das, was Colton jetzt braucht, kann Marcel ihm nicht bieten. Doch Colton sieht das ganz anders.
Meine Meinung dazu gibt’s hier
Marcel hat sich gerade von seinem Freund getrennt, nachdem dieser ihn betrogen hat. In einer Bar lernt er Colton kennen und hat eigentlich nur einen One Night Stand im Sinn. Als er merkt, wie jung und unerfahren Colton ist, und was für eine schwere Zeit er hinter sich hat, tritt Marcel auf die Bremse. Das, was Colton jetzt braucht, kann Marcel ihm nicht bieten. Doch Colton sieht das ganz anders.
Meine Meinung dazu gibt’s hier
March 28, 2025
Audiobook Review
First off, since I read the ebook a few times, I already knew the story but we all know that the narrator makes or breaks the title and for this one, the narration was awesome.
Second off, this might be one of my favorite titles from this author, I absolutely loved both MCs in this book.
Third off, you do need to read the books before this one to understand the world. This one has a twin who is in a different series (which I adore).
Fourth off, I highly recommend the audio.
First off, since I read the ebook a few times, I already knew the story but we all know that the narrator makes or breaks the title and for this one, the narration was awesome.
Second off, this might be one of my favorite titles from this author, I absolutely loved both MCs in this book.
Third off, you do need to read the books before this one to understand the world. This one has a twin who is in a different series (which I adore).
Fourth off, I highly recommend the audio.
April 30, 2020
I’ve loved all of Lindsey’s books that I’ve read but this one is probably my favorite. It’s heartbreaking, there’s no sugarcoating that, but I just loved Colton and Marcel so much. They both had so much love to give and needed so much love in return and I found their story to be beautiful
February 22, 2020
I’m a big fan of this writer, but this book didn’t work for me. I couldn’t connect with the characters, they felt distant and a few times I didn’t understand them at all.
I love asshole exes, but Brad was weird with his creepy attempts to get Marcel back.
I love asshole exes, but Brad was weird with his creepy attempts to get Marcel back.
July 16, 2020
On to book 3...?
February 19, 2020
***********ARC REVIEW***********
E.M. Lindsey's writing continues to impress me. She consistently publishes works with full, rounded characters and approaches subject materials in a respectful manner. While large age gaps are not usually my favorite trope to read, I was willing to give Colton and Marcel's story a shot and I was not disappointed. Both men are wonderful. Dealing with their own struggles they form an unlikely friendship that develops into something more. Overall another wonderful story by E.M. Lindsey.
E.M. Lindsey's writing continues to impress me. She consistently publishes works with full, rounded characters and approaches subject materials in a respectful manner. While large age gaps are not usually my favorite trope to read, I was willing to give Colton and Marcel's story a shot and I was not disappointed. Both men are wonderful. Dealing with their own struggles they form an unlikely friendship that develops into something more. Overall another wonderful story by E.M. Lindsey.
February 21, 2020
Amazing read
I've said before in reviews of Ms. Lindsey's works that I love her writing, and this one is no different. Marcel and Colton start from such different places that you can't really see how they could wind up together. I'm glad one of my favorite background characters finally got his shot and the limelight and it was very much worth the wait.
I always love how the characters in Ms. Lindsey's work find an HEA despite being what some would think of as 'broken'. But I think what has always impresss me the most is that those HEAs aren't the 'love fixes everything' type I tend to see in any romance, no matter the sub-genre. Her's are the 'everything is slightly better because I have someone here with me' type. The emotional problems aren't magically cured. The phobias get better because they're worked on. The diapers are still dirty, the cars still need work, the lovers still fight. You know, the type of HEA people in the real world get. The kind everyone should actually aspire to, and not those pie in the sky, kissing makes irreconcilable differences go away, want-to-be-real-life-but-are-only-fairytales I usually find. Which is bloody refreshing for someone who spends far too much time reading all the sub-genres that Romance can fling my way.
This book was a (very little) bit less emotionally angsty than others in Ms. Lindsey's lineup, but also a bit more non-sexually graphic in some places. You might want to watch out for that if you have issues with descriptions of abusive situations.
I managed to get my greedy little paws on an ARC in exchange for my honest review. Which makes me one lucky reader. I hope you feel the same once you've read about my new favorite May/December couple!
I've said before in reviews of Ms. Lindsey's works that I love her writing, and this one is no different. Marcel and Colton start from such different places that you can't really see how they could wind up together. I'm glad one of my favorite background characters finally got his shot and the limelight and it was very much worth the wait.
I always love how the characters in Ms. Lindsey's work find an HEA despite being what some would think of as 'broken'. But I think what has always impresss me the most is that those HEAs aren't the 'love fixes everything' type I tend to see in any romance, no matter the sub-genre. Her's are the 'everything is slightly better because I have someone here with me' type. The emotional problems aren't magically cured. The phobias get better because they're worked on. The diapers are still dirty, the cars still need work, the lovers still fight. You know, the type of HEA people in the real world get. The kind everyone should actually aspire to, and not those pie in the sky, kissing makes irreconcilable differences go away, want-to-be-real-life-but-are-only-fairytales I usually find. Which is bloody refreshing for someone who spends far too much time reading all the sub-genres that Romance can fling my way.
This book was a (very little) bit less emotionally angsty than others in Ms. Lindsey's lineup, but also a bit more non-sexually graphic in some places. You might want to watch out for that if you have issues with descriptions of abusive situations.
I managed to get my greedy little paws on an ARC in exchange for my honest review. Which makes me one lucky reader. I hope you feel the same once you've read about my new favorite May/December couple!
February 21, 2020
An emotional look into Colton and Marcel’s beautiful love story of overcoming someone else's narrative and discovering a place to settle into. This is book two in E.M.s Breaking the Rules series. As expected from Elaine’s books; this is a touching story about two individuals wanting to just be seen for who they are and not what the world dictates for them.
In this installment of the series we meet Marcel, a visually impaired/legally blind man that just lands in Fairfield without much direction. He meets Colton, a young energetic firestorm that wants to be more than his circumstances laid out for him. The attraction between them is clear from the beginning but neither man wants to bring their specific brand of baggage to a relationship.
Colton had my whole heart in this book. The entire world dealt him a terrible hand and he overcame it despite all the hardship. Elaine’s book’s are always emotional and you feel everything so strongly. I loved this book and Marcel and Colton’s story. This is a HEA you do not want to miss!
In this installment of the series we meet Marcel, a visually impaired/legally blind man that just lands in Fairfield without much direction. He meets Colton, a young energetic firestorm that wants to be more than his circumstances laid out for him. The attraction between them is clear from the beginning but neither man wants to bring their specific brand of baggage to a relationship.
Colton had my whole heart in this book. The entire world dealt him a terrible hand and he overcame it despite all the hardship. Elaine’s book’s are always emotional and you feel everything so strongly. I loved this book and Marcel and Colton’s story. This is a HEA you do not want to miss!
August 31, 2020
Slow burn, hurt/comfort romance weakened by an annoying ex who had no real reason to keep showing up other than to keep the MCs apart for a little longer. Some nice character growth, with Colton especially; he starts out as a mess of a young adult with a traumatic history, ADHD and little self-esteem and he learns to appreciate his own value and accept help from others as well as Marcel's love. And Marcel is interesting in that he is just so tired of having to prove that a person with a disability can be exceptional - remember when characters with disabilities were portrayed as weak and helpless? He just wants a normal life and someone to love him without having to be Super Disabled Person.
One more book with the "tattooed gay mafia" and their friends in Fairfield Colorado (Forsaken), and then both E.M. Lindsey and I are putting them to bed.
One more book with the "tattooed gay mafia" and their friends in Fairfield Colorado (Forsaken), and then both E.M. Lindsey and I are putting them to bed.
May 12, 2020
Officially a 2.5.
I didn't necessarily dislike this and there were elements in it that I both liked and appreciated. Unfortunately, everything came together to create a less than spectacular whole. The beginning was particularly rough because the author Cliff Notes-ed us on each character's back story up until present day. That's one way to introduce the characters, and not a good one. I remember thinking as I read it, "Really? We're really doing this?"
There's just something about these novels, and I noticed this when reading the Irons and Works series, that just doesn't really hold up over multiple books. Each subsequent novel holds my attention less and less and I don't really think it's because the later novels are worse. It might be because they all seem kind of the same? The type of drama, the way it climaxes and gets resolved...nothing surprises or really excites me anymore. It's kind of a bummer because I like the premise of both Irons and Works and this new series.
I didn't necessarily dislike this and there were elements in it that I both liked and appreciated. Unfortunately, everything came together to create a less than spectacular whole. The beginning was particularly rough because the author Cliff Notes-ed us on each character's back story up until present day. That's one way to introduce the characters, and not a good one. I remember thinking as I read it, "Really? We're really doing this?"
There's just something about these novels, and I noticed this when reading the Irons and Works series, that just doesn't really hold up over multiple books. Each subsequent novel holds my attention less and less and I don't really think it's because the later novels are worse. It might be because they all seem kind of the same? The type of drama, the way it climaxes and gets resolved...nothing surprises or really excites me anymore. It's kind of a bummer because I like the premise of both Irons and Works and this new series.
February 13, 2021
I liked the first book but the second not so much I found that the couple had a bit of a lack of alchemy except in bed and marcel's ex was a pain, I didn't really hang on to the characters relationship maybe because it was going too fast, there was the impression something was missing.
the appointments at the ice cream shop were almost always ruined by brad, he watched the place every time or what, seriously...
And don't talk to me about the odd guy jason that was useless in the story and we have no explanation for his behaviour.
the appointments at the ice cream shop were almost always ruined by brad, he watched the place every time or what, seriously...
And don't talk to me about the odd guy jason that was useless in the story and we have no explanation for his behaviour.
October 5, 2020
What happened to the brother?
Over all the book was ok, but I had some issues that made me scratch my head.
First what happened with the brother? That storyline just fell away with no resolution.
Second the storyline with Brad did not get resolved. we get a big build up with lots of pieces and then it's over with nothing resolved.
Finally the epilogue didn't resolve anything(see 1 and 2) and felt more like the next chapter.
Over all the book was ok, but I had some issues that made me scratch my head.
First what happened with the brother? That storyline just fell away with no resolution.
Second the storyline with Brad did not get resolved. we get a big build up with lots of pieces and then it's over with nothing resolved.
Finally the epilogue didn't resolve anything(see 1 and 2) and felt more like the next chapter.
April 1, 2020
This book dragged on
I am not sure how this book got such rave reviews, it was boaring. There was alot of inner-monolog that just dragged on. The plot was not originally at all, virgin boy abuse meets older rich blind man.
And the cover, who is that supposed to be? I do not recommend this book.
I am not sure how this book got such rave reviews, it was boaring. There was alot of inner-monolog that just dragged on. The plot was not originally at all, virgin boy abuse meets older rich blind man.
And the cover, who is that supposed to be? I do not recommend this book.
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December 26, 2020FREE today (August 14, 2020) on Amazon.
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