What do you think?
Rate this book
Overboard
“Are you ready for your forever?”
“I work too hard to struggle so much.”
Self-employed carpenter Duncan Mills is sinking. He's already sold almost everything he owns, but there's still no end in sight. With his business in hot water, he can't even afford to attend his sister's cruise ship wedding. On the verge of homelessness, he might have to do the move back in with his parents who don't know he's gay.
“Why make something of myself when everything has been given to me my whole life?”
Sebastian Walker is swimming in cash... not that he ever had to lift a finger to earn it. He parties hard and lives large—all thanks to his father's success—and he’s used to men who fall into his lap and hang around until Sebastian gets bored of them. But when he loses a bet to his friends and has to try speed dating as a punishment, he meets a sexy mountain of a man who won't even give Sebastian his name. The stranger is definitely not boring. He might even be worth working for.
“The only man who can help is the jerk I hate the most.”
At the last second, Sebastian offers to pay for Duncan’s cruise trip... so long as he can come too. Duncan wants to say no, but he has nowhere else to turn. Sebastian is a trust-fund brat, a sexy, arrogant prick that Duncan can't possibly bring around his family, but he also can't let his sister down. With his family surrounding them, Duncan fears they'll get suspicious about his relationship with the other man, and Sebastian isn't helping at all. Once onboard, he proves to be too hot, too close, too damn irresistible. The two men are trapped in a small cabin together for the duration, and Sebastian is more than willing to take advantage of their situation. As the heat rises, Duncan's resistance—and his ability to stay in the closet with all eyes on him—is in serious jeopardy of going overboard. Overboard is a steamy, standalone gay romance novel with a HEA and no cliffhangers.
Audible Audio
First published March 23, 2016
31 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Sierra Riley
31 books452 followersSierra Riley was born and raised in a small town where she spent all her time reading under trees before she moved to the Bay area to pursue her own love story.
She writes the kinds of books she loves to read: rollercoaster rides with happily-ever-afters. She's rarely at a loss for ideas, and credits her wonderfully supportive friends with helping her stories actually make it onto the page, as well as her husband and kids for giving her the chance to follow her dreams.
When Sierra isn't busy writing, she enjoys knitting, traveling, listening to the Pet Shop Boys, or just curling up with her dogs and cats and devouring a good book.
She writes the kinds of books she loves to read: rollercoaster rides with happily-ever-afters. She's rarely at a loss for ideas, and credits her wonderfully supportive friends with helping her stories actually make it onto the page, as well as her husband and kids for giving her the chance to follow her dreams.
When Sierra isn't busy writing, she enjoys knitting, traveling, listening to the Pet Shop Boys, or just curling up with her dogs and cats and devouring a good book.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
April 5, 2016
This is possibly the WORST M/M romance of all time (or at least of recent memory). Sure, there are a few silly erotica stories out there, but they don't pretend to be anything but dirty fun.
This book is wrong on so many levels. It's full of typos and grammatical errors. And the DRAMA! Dear god, the DRAMA.
One of the MCs is a psycho with poor self-esteem prone to fits of possessiveness and anger. Duncan's all muscle, beard, and tats ... until he falls to the floor crying like a toddler and goes into a jealous rage because his new boyfriend dared to be massaged by a masseuse.
(Clearly, massages should not involve touching!)
Granted, Duncan has other perfectly valid reasons. The liar and scammer who stole his money (who also—SURPRISE!—happens to be his sister's mysterious fiancé) threatens him and then tells him his boyfriend is fucking around on him. So Duncan believes him. Of course, he does. I mean, wouldn't YOU?
The other MC, Sebastian, is a spoiled, rich-boy asshole who makes fun of everyone and doesn't seem to have one brain cell to rub together ... until he has a miraculous turn of heart and becomes the good we all want to see in the world.
This book is so atrociously bad and so ridiculous, I have no words for the fuckery.
Think of the worst, cheesiest soap opera on steroids: melodrama, hissy fits, cheating, backstabbing, incredible coincidences, two-faced family members, shady business dealings.
BUT WAIT. There's more!
How about a senior citizen talking about her cooch while her husband adjusts his boner?
And that's not all, folks!
In the middle of a cruise, Duncan is pushed overboard (quite a feat in and of itself considering the plexiglass walls are 4 feet high), and Sebastian jumps to the rescue. Obviously, cruise ships have no safety backup plans or certified personnel on board, so if you see someone drowning, the smartest thing to do is jump and drown with them.
Miraculously, even though Duncan doesn't know how to swim and falls approximately 72 meters (235 feet) without a life jacket, he's FINE!
I wish I could tell you the dirty sex made it better, but HA!, the joke would be on you, because there's barely any sex to be had here.
This book is one FUGLY MESS.
The author should be ashamed of putting out such garbage. I'm not usually this harsh in my reviews, but I absolutely cannot with this one. STAY FAR, FAR AWAY!
NEGATIVE STARS.
This book is wrong on so many levels. It's full of typos and grammatical errors. And the DRAMA! Dear god, the DRAMA.
One of the MCs is a psycho with poor self-esteem prone to fits of possessiveness and anger. Duncan's all muscle, beard, and tats ... until he falls to the floor crying like a toddler and goes into a jealous rage because his new boyfriend dared to be massaged by a masseuse.
(Clearly, massages should not involve touching!)
Granted, Duncan has other perfectly valid reasons. The liar and scammer who stole his money (who also—SURPRISE!—happens to be his sister's mysterious fiancé) threatens him and then tells him his boyfriend is fucking around on him. So Duncan believes him. Of course, he does. I mean, wouldn't YOU?
The other MC, Sebastian, is a spoiled, rich-boy asshole who makes fun of everyone and doesn't seem to have one brain cell to rub together ... until he has a miraculous turn of heart and becomes the good we all want to see in the world.
This book is so atrociously bad and so ridiculous, I have no words for the fuckery.
Think of the worst, cheesiest soap opera on steroids: melodrama, hissy fits, cheating, backstabbing, incredible coincidences, two-faced family members, shady business dealings.
BUT WAIT. There's more!
How about a senior citizen talking about her cooch while her husband adjusts his boner?
And that's not all, folks!
In the middle of a cruise, Duncan is pushed overboard (quite a feat in and of itself considering the plexiglass walls are 4 feet high), and Sebastian jumps to the rescue. Obviously, cruise ships have no safety backup plans or certified personnel on board, so if you see someone drowning, the smartest thing to do is jump and drown with them.
Miraculously, even though Duncan doesn't know how to swim and falls approximately 72 meters (235 feet) without a life jacket, he's FINE!
I wish I could tell you the dirty sex made it better, but HA!, the joke would be on you, because there's barely any sex to be had here.
This book is one FUGLY MESS.
The author should be ashamed of putting out such garbage. I'm not usually this harsh in my reviews, but I absolutely cannot with this one. STAY FAR, FAR AWAY!
NEGATIVE STARS.
September 13, 2016
DNF at 30%, which I had dragged myself screaming up to.
Ugh, what the...? When did the attraction between the two get born? When did they start falling for each other?
When I read Duncan's POV, I hated Sebastian. I felt that Sebastian was playing with Duncan. But then when I read Sebastian's POV, I felt sad for him. Sad that he didn't have any mentor in life.
But Duncan's POV was predominant and mentioned more than Sebastian's, and he confused me to no end. Hating Sebastian, not trusting him, but then saying he is falling for him? What?
Atrocius characteristation is the term for this mess.
I guess I should trust my instincts. I knew that I should not start Overboard or Devoted, but I love the author's other works and wanted to give these two a try, also. Fingers crossed that I don't get a repeat of this experience while reading the second book. :-/
Ugh, what the...? When did the attraction between the two get born? When did they start falling for each other?
When I read Duncan's POV, I hated Sebastian. I felt that Sebastian was playing with Duncan. But then when I read Sebastian's POV, I felt sad for him. Sad that he didn't have any mentor in life.
But Duncan's POV was predominant and mentioned more than Sebastian's, and he confused me to no end. Hating Sebastian, not trusting him, but then saying he is falling for him? What?
Atrocius characteristation is the term for this mess.
I guess I should trust my instincts. I knew that I should not start Overboard or Devoted, but I love the author's other works and wanted to give these two a try, also. Fingers crossed that I don't get a repeat of this experience while reading the second book. :-/
April 4, 2016
There was a video going around Facebook this week that was showing how people would act if they all behaved like they were in a telenovela. That was this book in a nutshell. The drama, the melodrama, the histrionics - it was so over the top that it was funny.
At the beginning, Sebastian wasn't just arrogant and spoiled - he was hideously rude and offensive.
"He rolled his eyes as he looked at the loser in the jelly shirt, making no effort to hide his disdain." (This is him making fun of some poor schlemiel at speed dating who had jelly on his shirt).
But wait! He was actually a victim, this poor little rich boy because, "Despite having been around wealth and powerful people his entire life, he had no idea how any of them actually did it. No one had ever stopped and taken the time to teach him."
Then he changes, quickly Sebastian becomes the sane one
in the couple when they hit the cruise ship. Duncan, a big burly bear with a voluminous beard, bad clothing and tattoos, suddenly develops a propensity for crying, low self esteem ("Sebastian was always so well pulled together that Duncan was starting to feel ugly around him."), and paranoid controlling behaviors ("He did worry about what would happen when Sebastian had free run of the ship on his own. All of their magic moments had happened when the two of them were alone. He might find another man, or find some other way to put their relationship in trouble." and "He just prayed that the more-entertaining thing was something he would approve of."). This was day 2 of their relationship on the ship? Maybe day 3. Duncan was one step from being a bunny boiler.
But the telenovela continued. Loud, dramatic fights, dropping to the floor and bursting into tears (picture that for a second, this big burly bearded tattooed flannel wearing mountain man falling to the ground in tears because his sister was going to be upset)... There was even a fabulous "good-bye, cruel world" speech.
If you like drama, I don't mean angst, I mean drama llama drama, you may enjoy this one. For me, all of the dramatics made the book seem very juvenile.
To end on a pro, by the end, Sebastian was a heck of a nice guy, and the epilogue was sweet.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.
At the beginning, Sebastian wasn't just arrogant and spoiled - he was hideously rude and offensive.
"He rolled his eyes as he looked at the loser in the jelly shirt, making no effort to hide his disdain." (This is him making fun of some poor schlemiel at speed dating who had jelly on his shirt).
But wait! He was actually a victim, this poor little rich boy because, "Despite having been around wealth and powerful people his entire life, he had no idea how any of them actually did it. No one had ever stopped and taken the time to teach him."
Then he changes, quickly Sebastian becomes the sane one
in the couple when they hit the cruise ship. Duncan, a big burly bear with a voluminous beard, bad clothing and tattoos, suddenly develops a propensity for crying, low self esteem ("Sebastian was always so well pulled together that Duncan was starting to feel ugly around him."), and paranoid controlling behaviors ("He did worry about what would happen when Sebastian had free run of the ship on his own. All of their magic moments had happened when the two of them were alone. He might find another man, or find some other way to put their relationship in trouble." and "He just prayed that the more-entertaining thing was something he would approve of."). This was day 2 of their relationship on the ship? Maybe day 3. Duncan was one step from being a bunny boiler.
But the telenovela continued. Loud, dramatic fights, dropping to the floor and bursting into tears (picture that for a second, this big burly bearded tattooed flannel wearing mountain man falling to the ground in tears because his sister was going to be upset)... There was even a fabulous "good-bye, cruel world" speech.
If you like drama, I don't mean angst, I mean drama llama drama, you may enjoy this one. For me, all of the dramatics made the book seem very juvenile.
To end on a pro, by the end, Sebastian was a heck of a nice guy, and the epilogue was sweet.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2016
This is everything I absolutely DESPISE about an M/M book [or any book for that matter]. What a mess >:-o!! Ridiculous and over-the-top hormonal men [who even thinks or acts like that?!!!?] and ludicrous plot devices. Wow did this book piss the ever living fuck outta me. It's so rare for me to say this but man oh man I couldn't refund this fast enough (I just read a bit of the beginning and started skimming and/or reading in chunky segments). No no no!! I'd give this one negative stars (read: MULTIPLE NEGATIVE STARS) if I could ... given the intense negative reaction I had to this book :-/.
I am really surprised because I really enjoyed the author's previous book, Guardian (which was FANTASTIC)!!
I MIGHT keep an eye out for more of Sierra Riley's books but this one was a complete and utter dud for me. Addendum: Though to be frank, after this clusterfuck of disasters (which I will now call "The Great Book Disaster of 2016"), I am going to be VERY wary of every new book of hers. Ugh. Just UGH!!
I am really surprised because I really enjoyed the author's previous book, Guardian (which was FANTASTIC)!!
I MIGHT keep an eye out for more of Sierra Riley's books but this one was a complete and utter dud for me. Addendum: Though to be frank, after this clusterfuck of disasters (which I will now call "The Great Book Disaster of 2016"), I am going to be VERY wary of every new book of hers. Ugh. Just UGH!!
April 24, 2016
*** Rich boy, Sebastian, slim, blue eyed blonde, is spoiled and at a "speed-dating" event. He's being a brat to most of the guys, until he sees Duncan. With his black wavy hair, beard, and green eyes, this big bear is rough edged, tattooed, and Sebastian wants him.
Duncan wants a meaningful relationship, not the guy who has been an ass to everyone, so he left. In need of money to pay for the trip to his sister's wedding, Duncan takes a basement remodel, and whose house is it? Sebastian's. A bargain is struck with one condition, after Duncan's boss didn't pay him. So, on the cruise they hang out, talk, have fun, explore pyramids, etc., and their feelings for each other grow. Duncan, however is not "out" to his family, and they have to make out in secret. Edith and Emil are cute side characters. We like our boys, but their banter is childish for grown men. But, Sebastian is spoiled, immature and sheltered, and Duncan is just a big, shy, bear of a man, afraid of his Dad, and insecure. There is a huge twist with the groom !! There are realizations, talk of a business venture, and a dramatic upheaval. It's very interesting, and at times fun, and other times we just need to smack somebody upside the head.
ENJOY !!
=============================
This is an honest review for a generous free copy.
======================================
Duncan wants a meaningful relationship, not the guy who has been an ass to everyone, so he left. In need of money to pay for the trip to his sister's wedding, Duncan takes a basement remodel, and whose house is it? Sebastian's. A bargain is struck with one condition, after Duncan's boss didn't pay him. So, on the cruise they hang out, talk, have fun, explore pyramids, etc., and their feelings for each other grow. Duncan, however is not "out" to his family, and they have to make out in secret. Edith and Emil are cute side characters. We like our boys, but their banter is childish for grown men. But, Sebastian is spoiled, immature and sheltered, and Duncan is just a big, shy, bear of a man, afraid of his Dad, and insecure. There is a huge twist with the groom !! There are realizations, talk of a business venture, and a dramatic upheaval. It's very interesting, and at times fun, and other times we just need to smack somebody upside the head.
ENJOY !!
=============================
This is an honest review for a generous free copy.
======================================
April 3, 2016
OMFG......this is just one huge hot mess and not in a good way.....
Where to even begin.......Duncan, behemoth, beard, tatts and skilled carpenter, in the closet with his paint splattered t.shirts and plaid shirts. Sebastian, the rich playboy with the sarcasm and Daddy's money covering a very lonely life who wants a purpose and a HEA.
Both aboard a cruise ship for Duncan's sister's wedding, it soon becomes an unmitigated effing mess.....just angst....OMG, the angst! Drama, tears, miscommunication, mistrust on an epic scale... and this all from Duncan - the biggest whiney arsed MC I have ever read!!! The only sane person out of this dysfunctional setup was Sebastian....I was a whole lot of surprised over that, bless him! The proposed groom is a wazzack and I wanted to do more than punch him in the nose......just WTF???? Let's just not talk about the soap-opera bust up on deck or the wedding, okay? *shudder*
The only saving grace was the epilogue, it was a sweet and fluffy ending..... shame the preceding chapters didn't do it any justice....
*meh*
Where to even begin.......Duncan, behemoth, beard, tatts and skilled carpenter, in the closet with his paint splattered t.shirts and plaid shirts. Sebastian, the rich playboy with the sarcasm and Daddy's money covering a very lonely life who wants a purpose and a HEA.
Both aboard a cruise ship for Duncan's sister's wedding, it soon becomes an unmitigated effing mess.....just angst....OMG, the angst! Drama, tears, miscommunication, mistrust on an epic scale... and this all from Duncan - the biggest whiney arsed MC I have ever read!!! The only sane person out of this dysfunctional setup was Sebastian....I was a whole lot of surprised over that, bless him! The proposed groom is a wazzack and I wanted to do more than punch him in the nose......just WTF???? Let's just not talk about the soap-opera bust up on deck or the wedding, okay? *shudder*
The only saving grace was the epilogue, it was a sweet and fluffy ending..... shame the preceding chapters didn't do it any justice....
*meh*
April 2, 2016
As always Riley seems to be on a winning streak with this effortless new release.My only criticism which may sound a bit strange is that the characters appear to be a bit too instantly likable at times as I generally enjoy a bit of drawn out angst.Other than that this novel is a joy to read as Sebastian & Duncan play a dirty game of hide & seek on a cruise ship where Duncan is attending a family wedding.
Despite Sebastian initial rich boy persona I bonded with his character faster than with Duncan's who eventually grew on me as well once he got over his fear of being open about his sexuality to his family.
*An ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Despite Sebastian initial rich boy persona I bonded with his character faster than with Duncan's who eventually grew on me as well once he got over his fear of being open about his sexuality to his family.
*An ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
April 1, 2016
An ARC was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
From the blurb I assumed the speed dating happened on a cruise. When I first started reading it really wasn't that clear where they were until Duncan (or Nunya Business) stormed off.
Sebastian came off a bit like a kicked puppy. He was cute when he was flirting with Duncan and when he was trailing after Duncan just while he was working on his basement. The instalove/lust that Sebastian felt really was a bit unexpected as it was for Sebastian.
For a second while reading I kind of thought there was a bit of a pride and prejudice feeling going on with how quickly Duncan and Sebastian kept on passing judgment on each other and throwing around accusations.
The last few chapters was really taxing on me. Up to that point, I had been enjoying the book but once I got to Duncan doubting Sebastian at the words of Jason things just started going downhill. For me, it became a hot hot mess. I was so angry by the time I got to 94% of the book that I didn't think I could finish it.
From the blurb I assumed the speed dating happened on a cruise. When I first started reading it really wasn't that clear where they were until Duncan (or Nunya Business) stormed off.
Sebastian came off a bit like a kicked puppy. He was cute when he was flirting with Duncan and when he was trailing after Duncan just while he was working on his basement. The instalove/lust that Sebastian felt really was a bit unexpected as it was for Sebastian.
For a second while reading I kind of thought there was a bit of a pride and prejudice feeling going on with how quickly Duncan and Sebastian kept on passing judgment on each other and throwing around accusations.
The last few chapters was really taxing on me. Up to that point, I had been enjoying the book but once I got to Duncan doubting Sebastian at the words of Jason things just started going downhill. For me, it became a hot hot mess. I was so angry by the time I got to 94% of the book that I didn't think I could finish it.
April 4, 2016
Two stars marking for me, to have finished reading this book:Overboard is very very bad romance . I'm also stunned because I liked very much Guardian and a bit less the other last two books, it is as a negative trend . What I loved about the writing of the author were the clever and sweet main characters and the absence of drama, tears, miscommunication: in Overboard we find Duncan that is ludicrous and unrealistic , how moody and irrational person into a circle of clowns( not offending the circus people) acting a trash screenplay. Sebastian was a bit better as character, but the plot not worked even for him.
April 4, 2016
Liked this book as well as the other books of the author altough I felt this was the weakest. The chemistry between the MC were a bit rushed and the development a bit surprising. Besides I couldn't stand Jamie and wanted to hurt him badly...
4,5 out of 5 stars, so rounded up to 5 stars. :)
I'm a bit surprised that the author presented another book, Exposed... I'm looking forward. :3 But first, I wait for the next book in May, Firewall.
4,5 out of 5 stars, so rounded up to 5 stars. :)
I'm a bit surprised that the author presented another book, Exposed... I'm looking forward. :3 But first, I wait for the next book in May, Firewall.
May 6, 2016
RIDICULOUS ... One of the worst ever read.
February 17, 2017
A quick read. Run of the mill plot, grown men crying like girls (yuck!!). Read better from this author.
April 3, 2016
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review
Sebastian is a trust fund baby who has no direction in life and lives the high life with his dad's money. He meets Duncan for the first time when he is doing speed dating because he lost a bet with friends. He's arrogant and a bit of a jerk. Sebastian is intrigued by Duncan, but Duncan doesn't give him the time of day because of his attitude toward all the other people who were there.
Duncan is a construction worker who gets a call for a job. Just so happens it is at Sebastian's house. They are very attracted to each other, but Duncan is a hard worker and doesn't want anything to do with one night stands or obnoxious jerks. Sebastian gets to know Duncan and realizes that he really is as self absorbed as Duncan thinks he is and strives to be better.
Circumstances lead to Sebastian and Duncan going on a cruise together and when they finally get together, DAYUM it is HOTTTTT! I ended up absolutely loving Sebastian. He matured a lot through the book (even though it really only took place over a few weeks), and Duncan worked to come to terms with his sexuality. I got a little annoyed with Duncan and his doubts, but considering they had really just met, it made sense that they would have to battle reputations and fears and self-esteem. I liked Duncan's sister (although she really seemed so much smarter than to consider marrying a jerk) and I thought the older couple they met (Edith and Emil) were adorable.
I really enjoyed reading this.
Sebastian is a trust fund baby who has no direction in life and lives the high life with his dad's money. He meets Duncan for the first time when he is doing speed dating because he lost a bet with friends. He's arrogant and a bit of a jerk. Sebastian is intrigued by Duncan, but Duncan doesn't give him the time of day because of his attitude toward all the other people who were there.
Duncan is a construction worker who gets a call for a job. Just so happens it is at Sebastian's house. They are very attracted to each other, but Duncan is a hard worker and doesn't want anything to do with one night stands or obnoxious jerks. Sebastian gets to know Duncan and realizes that he really is as self absorbed as Duncan thinks he is and strives to be better.
Circumstances lead to Sebastian and Duncan going on a cruise together and when they finally get together, DAYUM it is HOTTTTT! I ended up absolutely loving Sebastian. He matured a lot through the book (even though it really only took place over a few weeks), and Duncan worked to come to terms with his sexuality. I got a little annoyed with Duncan and his doubts, but considering they had really just met, it made sense that they would have to battle reputations and fears and self-esteem. I liked Duncan's sister (although she really seemed so much smarter than to consider marrying a jerk) and I thought the older couple they met (Edith and Emil) were adorable.
I really enjoyed reading this.
March 26, 2016
This is my second book from this author, and I did like it a little bit better than the first one I read. I liked the premise better in this one, and I especially enjoyed the first part when they met and then when Duncan was working on Sebastian's basement. They had some great early chemistry and banter.
However, as the story progressed and once they were on the cruise ship especially, I felt that there was SO much melodrama with everything, and so much back and forth in their actions and feelings for both Sebastian and Duncan. I'm not a fan of big misunderstandings, I want the characters to talk things out, and some of the drama near the end of the story could have been taken care of with a simple talk. And I remember thinking, "...really?" when Duncan collapsed and "curled up into a ball" and cried. Like, that was a bit much. That plus them basically asking each other the equivalent of "do you like like me" made me think they were more like 17 than grown ass men haha
I loved the epilogue and was overall happy with how things ended.
I received an ARC copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
However, as the story progressed and once they were on the cruise ship especially, I felt that there was SO much melodrama with everything, and so much back and forth in their actions and feelings for both Sebastian and Duncan. I'm not a fan of big misunderstandings, I want the characters to talk things out, and some of the drama near the end of the story could have been taken care of with a simple talk. And I remember thinking, "...really?" when Duncan collapsed and "curled up into a ball" and cried. Like, that was a bit much. That plus them basically asking each other the equivalent of "do you like like me" made me think they were more like 17 than grown ass men haha
I loved the epilogue and was overall happy with how things ended.
I received an ARC copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
April 8, 2016
I was not planning on liking this book after reading some of the negative reviewed but I decided to give it a chance anyway. Now I'm glad I read it. I think the book really deserved 3.5 stars because Duncan and Sebastian's relationship developed really fast without a lot of chemistry in the beginning. I still enjoyed the storyline.
April 22, 2016
DNF at 53%.
This book was a hot mess. As much as I was intrigued by the premise - I was turned off by nearly everything the heroes said or did. Especially Duncan..the guy was epically unlikable.
Can't believe this is by the same author who wrote Guardian... :/
This book was a hot mess. As much as I was intrigued by the premise - I was turned off by nearly everything the heroes said or did. Especially Duncan..the guy was epically unlikable.
Can't believe this is by the same author who wrote Guardian... :/
April 30, 2016
Not one of her best
I'm not sure what happened with this one but it's a mess. Neither of the characters behaves particularly well and there seems to be misunderstandings added just for the sake of it.
I'm not sure what happened with this one but it's a mess. Neither of the characters behaves particularly well and there seems to be misunderstandings added just for the sake of it.
avoid
April 4, 2016Note to self: See Dani's review for reason not to read this.
April 12, 2016
Title:Overboard
Author:Sierra Riley
Series:
Publisher:Createspace
Reviewer:Melissa
Release Date:March 29, 2016
Genre(s):M/M Romance
Page Count:215
Heat Level: 3 flames out of 5
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Review:
“I should have known to stay away from a bad boy. It never ends well.”
3 take me away stars! Not my favorite of Sierra’s but I still loved it!
Duncan is drowning in debt and on the verge of losing his carpentry business. He’s also upset because he can’t afford to go to his sister’s wedding cruise. If worse comes to worse, he’ll have to move back in with his parents, his parents who have no clue that he’s gay. Sebastian has grown up in the lap of luxury and has money coming out of his ears. He lives life on the edge and parties hard, having people fall all over him is something that he’s become custom to. Sebastian’s friends dare him to try a speed dating night, and this is where he meets Duncan. And he’s instantly attracted to this lumberman! During a conversation Sebastian offers to pay for Duncan’s cruise ticket… on one condition, Sebastian comes with. Duncan isn’t sure he wants to be stuck on a ship with arrogant Sebastian, but what other choice does he have? But how will he explain bringing another man to his family?? As their attraction grows, the more Duncan realizes he can’t keep his sexuality a secret anymore...can he confess?
This book was quirky and super cute! I really did love it, but it’s not like Sierra’s other books. I loved smug Sebastian and his love and leave em ways. And Duncan is the perfect balance to Sebastian. All and all I really liked this book!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club
Author:Sierra Riley
Series:
Publisher:Createspace
Reviewer:Melissa
Release Date:March 29, 2016
Genre(s):M/M Romance
Page Count:215
Heat Level: 3 flames out of 5
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Self-employed carpenter Duncan Mills is sinking. He's already sold almost everything he owns, but there's still no end in sight. With his business in hot water, he can't even afford to attend his sister's cruise ship wedding. On the verge of homelessness, he might have to do the unthinkable: move back in with his parents who don't know he's gay.
Sebastian Walker is swimming in cash... not that he ever had to lift a finger to earn it. He parties hard and lives large—all thanks to his father's success—and he’s used to men who fall into his lap and hang around until Sebastian gets bored of them. But when he loses a bet to his friends and has to try speed dating as a punishment, he meets a sexy mountain of a man who won't even give Sebastian his name.
The stranger is definitely not boring. He might even be worth working for.
At the last second, Sebastian offers to pay for Duncan’s cruise trip... so long as he can come too. Duncan wants to say no, but he has nowhere else to turn. Sebastian is a trust-fund brat, a sexy, arrogant prick that Duncan can't possibly bring around his family, but he also can't let his sister down.
With his family surrounding them, Duncan fears they'll get suspicious about his relationship with the other man, and Sebastian isn't helping at all. Once onboard, he proves to be too hot, too close, too damn irresistible. The two men are trapped in a small cabin together for the duration, and Sebastian is more than willing to take advantage of their situation.
As the heat rises, Duncan's resistance—and his ability to stay in the closet with all eyes on him—is in serious jeopardy of going overboard.
Review:
“I should have known to stay away from a bad boy. It never ends well.”
3 take me away stars! Not my favorite of Sierra’s but I still loved it!
Duncan is drowning in debt and on the verge of losing his carpentry business. He’s also upset because he can’t afford to go to his sister’s wedding cruise. If worse comes to worse, he’ll have to move back in with his parents, his parents who have no clue that he’s gay. Sebastian has grown up in the lap of luxury and has money coming out of his ears. He lives life on the edge and parties hard, having people fall all over him is something that he’s become custom to. Sebastian’s friends dare him to try a speed dating night, and this is where he meets Duncan. And he’s instantly attracted to this lumberman! During a conversation Sebastian offers to pay for Duncan’s cruise ticket… on one condition, Sebastian comes with. Duncan isn’t sure he wants to be stuck on a ship with arrogant Sebastian, but what other choice does he have? But how will he explain bringing another man to his family?? As their attraction grows, the more Duncan realizes he can’t keep his sexuality a secret anymore...can he confess?
This book was quirky and super cute! I really did love it, but it’s not like Sierra’s other books. I loved smug Sebastian and his love and leave em ways. And Duncan is the perfect balance to Sebastian. All and all I really liked this book!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club
March 27, 2016
(This ARC was received free from the author in return for an honest review.)
After a miserable read of Firewall (which author pulled - March 2016- to revamp, thank you very much), I'm happier to say that Overboard was a much better read, but not anywhere near Ms. Riley’s best.
An opposites attract story, Sebastian is a lazy rich twenty-something who never had to work a day in his life thanks to his father’s wealth in the real estate business. Duncan, on the other hand, is a poor construction worker, barely scraping by. A chance meeting at a speed dating event introduces the two men to each other. Sebastian is immediately taken by Duncan's rugged good looks, but Duncan is far from pleased with the way Sebastian had been treating all the other men before him. When Duncan readily accepts a job to remodel a basement, he wasn't expecting the homeowner to be Sebastian. Thus starts a back and forth of Sebastian teasing, and Duncan holding himself back.
Duncan is forced to accept Sebastian’s help when he runs into money issues, and one thing predictably leads to another (told to us AGAIN in the prologue. I truly wish the author would stop doing this because I'm knocking her down a star every time now). They finally get it on in some descriptive sex in which I didn't feel any emotional pull towards either guy. I don't remember if their ages are ever given, but I kept wanting to stick them into an age gap story, but their emotional levels were “young adult,” though I believe they were supposed to be older.
I had a few issues with the story that were glossed over like just what was Sebastian and Jason's prior relationship that they knew each other. And the doozy was the pregnant girl getting drunk off her ass!! There is a sign in every women's bathroom that cautions about fetal alcohol syndrome. Sheeze...
The epilogue was sweet but totally unnecessary. It didn't enhance the story except to tie up a loose end that didn't really have anything to do with them per se.
The saving grace of this whole story was the humor of Edith and Emil, a spry geriatric couple that Duncan and Sebastian meet on the cruise. There was also some cutesy flirting and innuendo that helped limp it along.
There’s still way too many errors for a published work. I'll always willing ignore a few, but when they get to excessive it just means you didn't care enough to give your work a final proof. Slow down...and regroup because these aren't necessarily getting better, it's just better than the last one.
After a miserable read of Firewall (which author pulled - March 2016- to revamp, thank you very much), I'm happier to say that Overboard was a much better read, but not anywhere near Ms. Riley’s best.
An opposites attract story, Sebastian is a lazy rich twenty-something who never had to work a day in his life thanks to his father’s wealth in the real estate business. Duncan, on the other hand, is a poor construction worker, barely scraping by. A chance meeting at a speed dating event introduces the two men to each other. Sebastian is immediately taken by Duncan's rugged good looks, but Duncan is far from pleased with the way Sebastian had been treating all the other men before him. When Duncan readily accepts a job to remodel a basement, he wasn't expecting the homeowner to be Sebastian. Thus starts a back and forth of Sebastian teasing, and Duncan holding himself back.
Duncan is forced to accept Sebastian’s help when he runs into money issues, and one thing predictably leads to another (told to us AGAIN in the prologue. I truly wish the author would stop doing this because I'm knocking her down a star every time now). They finally get it on in some descriptive sex in which I didn't feel any emotional pull towards either guy. I don't remember if their ages are ever given, but I kept wanting to stick them into an age gap story, but their emotional levels were “young adult,” though I believe they were supposed to be older.
I had a few issues with the story that were glossed over like just what was Sebastian and Jason's prior relationship that they knew each other. And the doozy was the pregnant girl getting drunk off her ass!! There is a sign in every women's bathroom that cautions about fetal alcohol syndrome. Sheeze...
The epilogue was sweet but totally unnecessary. It didn't enhance the story except to tie up a loose end that didn't really have anything to do with them per se.
The saving grace of this whole story was the humor of Edith and Emil, a spry geriatric couple that Duncan and Sebastian meet on the cruise. There was also some cutesy flirting and innuendo that helped limp it along.
There’s still way too many errors for a published work. I'll always willing ignore a few, but when they get to excessive it just means you didn't care enough to give your work a final proof. Slow down...and regroup because these aren't necessarily getting better, it's just better than the last one.
April 8, 2016
HORRIBLE. I wish I could give it NEGATIVE 5 stars. Very immature MCs. The drama just about killed me. I felt like it should have been set in a high school, or even a junior high the MCs were that immature.
Sebastian is a a$$hole playboy rich kids living on Daddy's money. Until he has a 5 minute conversation with Duncan during a speed dating session. Duncan tells him he is an a$$ and suddenly his whole life perspective changes. REALLY?
Duncan has the emotional stability of a teenage girl. He get jealous over NOTHING. ( I mean what reasonable adult sees their partner getting a professional massage and immediately thinks they are having an affair?) When meeting his sister's fiancee for the first time, he realized it was the guy who screwed him over on a job and does not tell his sister IMMEDIATELY? Same thing when he finds the guy cheating on his sister? I would be pissed off at my brother for keeping the info from me. Although the sister was pretty stupid too. The guy bragged about screwing over subcontractors in front of her and she could not see what a jerk he was?
Then there is the emotional BS. Adult men breaking down sobbing over imagined drama like a toddler?
What bugged me the most? The entire book was full of grammatical errors. I could hardly read some parts. The sentence structure was so bad I hardly knew what was going on.
There was not even hot sex scenes to make this book bearable. Just a couple mediocre poorly written sex scenes.
All in all, this book left me feeling angry at the stupid MCs. I am glad I did not actually pay for the book (read it on Kindle Unlimited).
Sebastian is a a$$hole playboy rich kids living on Daddy's money. Until he has a 5 minute conversation with Duncan during a speed dating session. Duncan tells him he is an a$$ and suddenly his whole life perspective changes. REALLY?
Duncan has the emotional stability of a teenage girl. He get jealous over NOTHING. ( I mean what reasonable adult sees their partner getting a professional massage and immediately thinks they are having an affair?) When meeting his sister's fiancee for the first time, he realized it was the guy who screwed him over on a job and does not tell his sister IMMEDIATELY? Same thing when he finds the guy cheating on his sister? I would be pissed off at my brother for keeping the info from me. Although the sister was pretty stupid too. The guy bragged about screwing over subcontractors in front of her and she could not see what a jerk he was?
Then there is the emotional BS. Adult men breaking down sobbing over imagined drama like a toddler?
What bugged me the most? The entire book was full of grammatical errors. I could hardly read some parts. The sentence structure was so bad I hardly knew what was going on.
There was not even hot sex scenes to make this book bearable. Just a couple mediocre poorly written sex scenes.
All in all, this book left me feeling angry at the stupid MCs. I am glad I did not actually pay for the book (read it on Kindle Unlimited).
April 2, 2016
When Duncan (stoic, quiet, honest carpenter) and Sebastian (rich, pretty, trust fund playboy) met it was far from love at first site, maybe a little lust. Their clandestine meeting was at speed dating. Duncan, looking for something more than a one-night stand, Sebastian, being his bad playboy self, making good on a bet he lost (and generally being a butt to everyone that came to his table). Duncan put him in his place, which really hit Sebastian hard and got him thinking about his life. When a remodeling job brings them back together Sebastian is determined to get Duncan to like him…only he cannot say the right thing to save his life. Of course, Duncan dreams of Sebastian even though he would never admit it! Money issues cause Duncan to accept Sebastian’s offer to pay for a trip to attend Duncan’s sister’s wedding, however, there is a catch, Sebastian is going too. Duncan agrees but is rife with insecurities; he has never come out to his family and is terrified Sebastian will accidentally out him. Despite his confusion, he and Sebastian become close and agree to a relationship but the stress of his family, insecure jealousy, family pressure, and a lying blackmailing jerk lead to a big melt down and Duncan yelling at Sebastian that everything is over with little hope of it being able to work out. Will Sebastian fight for him or go back to his easy playboy life? Have to read to find out! Great story, charming characters (except for Jason!) and heartfelt storyline that will keep you flipping pages until the end!
April 17, 2016
I liked Sierra Riley's first two books Guardian and Takedown. I had a research issue with her 3rd book Devoted, but the writing itself was excellent.
I have to ask: What happened?
I'm not sure where to start. The writing was less elegant and decidedly more stilted than Riley's previous books. I didn't really like either main character (although she does show them both maturing out of their worst foibles at the end). Duncan is a gullible businessman who doesn't even know the person he accepts work from (and then is surprised when the guy cheats him out of payment); Sebastian is a trust fund brat who seems to have no redeeming qualities whatsoever.
And I wanted to slap Duncan every time he started ruminating on how unworthy he was and how Sebastian was going to cheat on him--which leads to the Big Conflict, which is no more than a Big Misunderstanding (my least favorite trope in romance, particularly when it drives onward for page after page of angst). Except when Sebastian was doing the same thing. Then I wanted to slap him. :)
Riley has promise, but this is her fourth book in a month. I'm not sure what her goals are, but slowing down and producing work the quality of her first two books would be something that I would look forward to.
I have to ask: What happened?
I'm not sure where to start. The writing was less elegant and decidedly more stilted than Riley's previous books. I didn't really like either main character (although she does show them both maturing out of their worst foibles at the end). Duncan is a gullible businessman who doesn't even know the person he accepts work from (and then is surprised when the guy cheats him out of payment); Sebastian is a trust fund brat who seems to have no redeeming qualities whatsoever.
And I wanted to slap Duncan every time he started ruminating on how unworthy he was and how Sebastian was going to cheat on him--which leads to the Big Conflict, which is no more than a Big Misunderstanding (my least favorite trope in romance, particularly when it drives onward for page after page of angst). Except when Sebastian was doing the same thing. Then I wanted to slap him. :)
Riley has promise, but this is her fourth book in a month. I'm not sure what her goals are, but slowing down and producing work the quality of her first two books would be something that I would look forward to.
September 13, 2016
Angsty to the max, with flip-flopping emotions and out of control jealousy.
Duncan is a contractor, in debt up to his eyeballs, trying to make ends meet and go on a cruise for his sister's wedding. He is also gay, but in the closet to his family. Yet he wants to find a forever guy to introduce to his family. But he can't afford to date... you see the issue. He tries speed dating and meets Sebastian, who is a rich party boy, only there because he lost a bet. Sebastian instantly wants Duncan, but Duncan sees right through his shallow daddy issues, and refuses to get in bed with the bad boy.
Just when Duncan is getting ready to cancel his cruise, he gets a last minute job that could save him. Only, it's working in Sebastian's house. Working near Sebastian has Duncan wondering if there is more under the aimless party boy exterior than meats the eye. It's enough that when Sebastian offers to pay for the cruise, as long as he comes too, Duncan agrees. But no funny business, they'll go as friends.
Duncan pissed me off to no end in this book. Once on the cruise, he decides he'll break the rules and mess around with Sebastian, but then decides it's not worth getting hurt. But then decides he is falling for Sebastian. But then they have sex and he can't trust him. But then he LOVES him, but he's too jealous and quick to believe lies. It was an angsty mess. And I normally like angsty messes.
Duncan is a contractor, in debt up to his eyeballs, trying to make ends meet and go on a cruise for his sister's wedding. He is also gay, but in the closet to his family. Yet he wants to find a forever guy to introduce to his family. But he can't afford to date... you see the issue. He tries speed dating and meets Sebastian, who is a rich party boy, only there because he lost a bet. Sebastian instantly wants Duncan, but Duncan sees right through his shallow daddy issues, and refuses to get in bed with the bad boy.
Just when Duncan is getting ready to cancel his cruise, he gets a last minute job that could save him. Only, it's working in Sebastian's house. Working near Sebastian has Duncan wondering if there is more under the aimless party boy exterior than meats the eye. It's enough that when Sebastian offers to pay for the cruise, as long as he comes too, Duncan agrees. But no funny business, they'll go as friends.
Duncan pissed me off to no end in this book. Once on the cruise, he decides he'll break the rules and mess around with Sebastian, but then decides it's not worth getting hurt. But then decides he is falling for Sebastian. But then they have sex and he can't trust him. But then he LOVES him, but he's too jealous and quick to believe lies. It was an angsty mess. And I normally like angsty messes.
March 25, 2016
Oh wow. What can I say? I loved this book. The blurb is pretty self explanatory but the book is so much better than the blurb. We have 2 MC's that are delightful: Sebastian and Duncan: each came with their on set of insecurities but they were so cute. Sebastian with his spoilt rich boy "slumming" and Duncan his "down-to earth" bear personality. The ups and downs in this relationship to me at times hilarious. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. And as one would know it; I read it to fast and now I am in a fix. However, it had one glaring mistake that took me out of my enjoyment of the HEA and I had to look again at what I was reading: THE WRONG NAME. It sort of took me out of my bliss to what the heck? I do not want to say any more to spoil any thing. This was a great read and I would recommend this to anyone wanting a delightful romance with a touch of humor for an enjoyable read.
***
I received ARC for an honest review.
***
I received ARC for an honest review.
March 30, 2016
** ARC received in exchange for an honest review **
There's a saying "first impressions are lasting impressions"...Duncan Mills definitely left Sebastian Walker with that after being so royally shutdown at the speed dating but the seed was planted..firmly and Sebastian turns into a pit bull when his 'lumberjack' becomes his builder.
I quite enjoyed reading Overboard, 2 men (one out n proud the other still in the closet), sexual tension up the wazoo, stuck onboard a cruise, family drama, a wedding, 2 unlikely friends in OAP's Emil and Edith and a douchebag fiancé.
An enjoyable MM romance read.
** 3.5 stars **
There's a saying "first impressions are lasting impressions"...Duncan Mills definitely left Sebastian Walker with that after being so royally shutdown at the speed dating but the seed was planted..firmly and Sebastian turns into a pit bull when his 'lumberjack' becomes his builder.
I quite enjoyed reading Overboard, 2 men (one out n proud the other still in the closet), sexual tension up the wazoo, stuck onboard a cruise, family drama, a wedding, 2 unlikely friends in OAP's Emil and Edith and a douchebag fiancé.
An enjoyable MM romance read.
** 3.5 stars **
March 24, 2016
An ARC was given to me for an honest review. This is a well written and entertaining story. Duncan is a big, burly, sweet but insecure guy. He's afraid to come out to his family. Sebastian is a rich, cocky, insecure pretty boy who pretends to have it together. There first meeting was not good and their second one was marginally better, lol. But there is an attraction between them so they can't turn their backs on each other. Seeing how they navigate a secret new relationship is interesting. They need to learn to talk to each other and tap down those insecurities. Enjoy I did.
April 11, 2016
I love all of the books I have read from Sierra so far. I did like this book, but compared to the other ones she just wrote. It just fell a little le short. But overall it was well written. I just had a hard time with the characters. I wanted smack one for putting up with so much crap and Duncan for being a dumb @@@. But by the end there a happy ending. Which is what we all love about Sierra stories.
I was given this story for a hunt review.
I was given this story for a hunt review.
May 24, 2016
Cute read. At first i wasnt sure if i was going to like Sebastian. He really was a spoiled brat. But i really grew to love him and the way he got Duncan out of his shell. The only thing that was off for me in this book was Duncans father. When he first met Sebastian, they were buddy buddy and he liked talking to him. Then all of a sudden, Duncans dad was trying to warn him about how he thinks Sebastian is a loser and will use him. I didnt get it. It just didnt match. Anyway...cute read.
April 25, 2016
I'm sorry, but I just couldn't take it anymore! I was having a really hard time almost from the first oage, with connecting with the characters, but then things keep progressing and suddenly they're in love, but they can barely put one foot in front of the other and relying on daddy's money, and making stupid business decisions...I just can't.
(I've enjoyed the other Sierra Riley books that I've picked up, so I'm hoping this was simply an anomaly.)
(I've enjoyed the other Sierra Riley books that I've picked up, so I'm hoping this was simply an anomaly.)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews