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Giocatori d'azzardo
Quent Jackson ha seguito ogni mossa di Jason Spade negli affari e nel poker fin da quando si sono conosciuti il primo giorno di college. Otto anni dopo, quando Jace decide che Quent è l’unico uomo di cui non può fare a meno, non vede come questo debba cambiare.
Ma se Jace crede che il poker sia la vita, nessuno ha dato a Quent gli stessi insegnamenti. Dopo la loro prima notte di passione, inizia il vero gioco dell’amore e della fiducia, ma Jace ha giocato da solo troppo a lungo per poter insegnare le regole facilmente. Jace parla solo due lingue: una è quella del sesso, l’altra quella del poker. Fra le due, deve trovare il modo di convincersi a dare una possibilità all’amore, e convincere Quent a dare una possibilità a lui. È un bene che entrambi sappiano correre il rischio, perché stanno giocando seriamente, e l’alta posta in gioco è la loro relazione, che senza dubbio vale l’azzardo.
Ma se Jace crede che il poker sia la vita, nessuno ha dato a Quent gli stessi insegnamenti. Dopo la loro prima notte di passione, inizia il vero gioco dell’amore e della fiducia, ma Jace ha giocato da solo troppo a lungo per poter insegnare le regole facilmente. Jace parla solo due lingue: una è quella del sesso, l’altra quella del poker. Fra le due, deve trovare il modo di convincersi a dare una possibilità all’amore, e convincere Quent a dare una possibilità a lui. È un bene che entrambi sappiano correre il rischio, perché stanno giocando seriamente, e l’alta posta in gioco è la loro relazione, che senza dubbio vale l’azzardo.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2012
17 people are currently reading
809 people want to read
About the author
Amy Lane
203 books3,488 followersAmy Lane dodges an EDJ, mothers four children, and writes the occasional book. She, her brood, and her beloved mate, Mack, live in a crumbling mortgage in Citrus Heights, California, which is riddled with spiders, cats, and more than its share of fancy and weirdness. Feel free to visit her at www.greenshill.com orwww.writerslane.blogspot.com, where she will ride the buzz of receiving your e-mail until her head swells and she can no longer leave the house.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews
June 24, 2015
3.5 Stars!
There really wasn't anything wrong with this one...per say. Other than the fact I didn't see much point to it.
I mean absolutely nothing happened other than Quin and Jace going at it like rabbits. Which...whatever. It would have been a real snoozer without that. Even so there was some skimming involved.
Jace reminded me a lot of Bennett Ryan from the Beautiful Bastard series. He was so possessive and jealous and petty.
And don't get me started on all of the poker and gambling puns.
Over and over again with the puns!
This was definitely angst-free Amy Lane, which there's something to be said for that. But IDK, it was just meh for me.
There really wasn't anything wrong with this one...per say. Other than the fact I didn't see much point to it.
I mean absolutely nothing happened other than Quin and Jace going at it like rabbits. Which...whatever. It would have been a real snoozer without that. Even so there was some skimming involved.
Jace reminded me a lot of Bennett Ryan from the Beautiful Bastard series. He was so possessive and jealous and petty.
And don't get me started on all of the poker and gambling puns.
Over and over again with the puns!
This was definitely angst-free Amy Lane, which there's something to be said for that. But IDK, it was just meh for me.
August 8, 2013
**3.5 stars**
This book is definitely in the category of "Amy Lane lite". Though I enjoyed the fact that these two guys had a low angst story, I shamefully prefer the more gruesome Amy Lane reads. I like her books when her men are torn to shreds and then put back together again. Rip those boys up! Those types of books leave me a sobbing, emotional mess... and I love it.
What can I say, I'm an Amy Lane-variety masochist.
Anyway, "Gambling Men" was still a very lovely read. It was incredibly hot, like burning up my Kindle hot. However, the plot was almost non-existent. It was borderline PWP (porn without plot), actually. I mean, the book followed Jace and Quint through about a year in their life but nothing really happened. It was the journey of their relationship. But without the sex, it would be a bit... boring. A bit... mundane. Part of me was enthralled by the two men and their coming together (ahem...) as a unit, as both friends and lovers. They are a very romantic and endearing couple. However, a bigger part of me wanted something to happen. Still, it would have been a solid 4 star read for the amazing chemistry that Amy Lane created.
However...
Those damn gambling puns and references. Those irritated me to no end. I would have liked this book eons more without them. They just seemed really cheesy to me. Even Jace and Quint knew they were lame. Those constant insertions (ahem...) really knocked this book down in the ratings for me.
This book is still 3.5 stars and it is still deliciously readable but I have liked other Amy Lane books more.
Well, you can't win at every hand. Ba dum da!
This book is definitely in the category of "Amy Lane lite". Though I enjoyed the fact that these two guys had a low angst story, I shamefully prefer the more gruesome Amy Lane reads. I like her books when her men are torn to shreds and then put back together again. Rip those boys up! Those types of books leave me a sobbing, emotional mess... and I love it.
What can I say, I'm an Amy Lane-variety masochist.
Anyway, "Gambling Men" was still a very lovely read. It was incredibly hot, like burning up my Kindle hot. However, the plot was almost non-existent. It was borderline PWP (porn without plot), actually. I mean, the book followed Jace and Quint through about a year in their life but nothing really happened. It was the journey of their relationship. But without the sex, it would be a bit... boring. A bit... mundane. Part of me was enthralled by the two men and their coming together (ahem...) as a unit, as both friends and lovers. They are a very romantic and endearing couple. However, a bigger part of me wanted something to happen. Still, it would have been a solid 4 star read for the amazing chemistry that Amy Lane created.
However...
Those damn gambling puns and references. Those irritated me to no end. I would have liked this book eons more without them. They just seemed really cheesy to me. Even Jace and Quint knew they were lame. Those constant insertions (ahem...) really knocked this book down in the ratings for me.
This book is still 3.5 stars and it is still deliciously readable but I have liked other Amy Lane books more.
Well, you can't win at every hand. Ba dum da!
August 14, 2024
Well Amy Lane, I love your books. This one is a total keeper, gets 5 stars
, and made me feel all warm and snuggly inside...
Jace and Quentin have been best friends since college, now have their own brokerage business in San Francisco and are avid poker players
. Jace has always loved Quent but is scared to risk their friendship by acting on his attraction. One night in the gym’s locker room Jace takes the most important gamble of his life and Quent calls him on it. So, where do they go from here?.....
It’s very unusual I feel for a book to have the developing relationship between two people as it’s sole focus, but this book does it really well. Jace and Quent are both outstanding characters, Jace being particularly forceful and bossy and Quent is usually happy to follow his lead, but what happens as they take the first tentative steps towards defining their relationship is what makes this book tick for me. We, dear readers, are privy to the men’s thoughts and feelings, and the decisions they make as they become a committed couple. From first having sex (and it was Quent’s first time with a man), to moving in together, to coming out to their friends and employees, to arguing over how they spend the holidays, all of these steps are made in ‘full view’ of the reader, and are so warm and realistic, I was hooked!!
The novel covers a year in the men's lives as they become a committed couple. Jace has separation anxiety and attachment issues, and how he shares these with Quent and how Quent in turn patiently and lovingly deals with them is so...
..wonderful! This is a highly erotic romance with lots of emotional intensity. Jace and Quent don’t have sex, they make love dudes 
, and they’re smokin’ hot! 
Jace’s uncle who raised him taught him poker and how it can be a metaphor for life. Jace has adopted this metaphor throughout his life, and it means that his relationship with Quent also follows these rules. In effect, poker becomes the third ‘person’ in their relationship, and sometimes it’s extremely funny watching them and their friends make side bets, but also at times quite emotional as Quent forces Jace to break his own set of poker rules to keep their relationship safe. Of course, they don’t just play poker, but all sorts of card games, and I will never be able to think about a game of ‘Go Fish’ again, without remembering that scene from this book!
There are also great secondary characters. Jace and Quent have monthly poker games with five of their best friends and these five men play big roles in their romance, together with Elsie, their office manager and the other employees. Jace obviously has no family but Quent, and after Quent’s parents disown him, only Quent’s sister is there for him. There’s a big emotional finale, and I just loved it all!
, and made me feel all warm and snuggly inside...Jace and Quentin have been best friends since college, now have their own brokerage business in San Francisco and are avid poker players
. Jace has always loved Quent but is scared to risk their friendship by acting on his attraction. One night in the gym’s locker room Jace takes the most important gamble of his life and Quent calls him on it. So, where do they go from here?.....It’s very unusual I feel for a book to have the developing relationship between two people as it’s sole focus, but this book does it really well. Jace and Quent are both outstanding characters, Jace being particularly forceful and bossy and Quent is usually happy to follow his lead, but what happens as they take the first tentative steps towards defining their relationship is what makes this book tick for me. We, dear readers, are privy to the men’s thoughts and feelings, and the decisions they make as they become a committed couple. From first having sex (and it was Quent’s first time with a man), to moving in together, to coming out to their friends and employees, to arguing over how they spend the holidays, all of these steps are made in ‘full view’ of the reader, and are so warm and realistic, I was hooked!!
The novel covers a year in the men's lives as they become a committed couple. Jace has separation anxiety and attachment issues, and how he shares these with Quent and how Quent in turn patiently and lovingly deals with them is so...
..wonderful! This is a highly erotic romance with lots of emotional intensity. Jace and Quent don’t have sex, they make love dudes , and they’re smokin’ hot! Jace’s uncle who raised him taught him poker and how it can be a metaphor for life. Jace has adopted this metaphor throughout his life, and it means that his relationship with Quent also follows these rules. In effect, poker becomes the third ‘person’ in their relationship, and sometimes it’s extremely funny watching them and their friends make side bets, but also at times quite emotional as Quent forces Jace to break his own set of poker rules to keep their relationship safe. Of course, they don’t just play poker, but all sorts of card games, and I will never be able to think about a game of ‘Go Fish’ again, without remembering that scene from this book!
There are also great secondary characters. Jace and Quent have monthly poker games with five of their best friends and these five men play big roles in their romance, together with Elsie, their office manager and the other employees. Jace obviously has no family but Quent, and after Quent’s parents disown him, only Quent’s sister is there for him. There’s a big emotional finale, and I just loved it all!
May 10, 2012
3.5 Stars
Undeniable wonderful couple in Jace and Quent as friends, business partners and sizzling hot lovers. Unfortunately, the poker metaphors almost everywhere for almost everything got to me. What I found witty, clever and fun in the first half became much less so and felt like overkill in the second half to the point where they almost overtook Jace and Quent and made the book less enjoyable for me overall after an amazing start. I probably should've known better from reading the blurb, but I never imagined the poker lingo would take over as much as it did.
Undeniable wonderful couple in Jace and Quent as friends, business partners and sizzling hot lovers. Unfortunately, the poker metaphors almost everywhere for almost everything got to me. What I found witty, clever and fun in the first half became much less so and felt like overkill in the second half to the point where they almost overtook Jace and Quent and made the book less enjoyable for me overall after an amazing start. I probably should've known better from reading the blurb, but I never imagined the poker lingo would take over as much as it did.
November 24, 2014
This book was amazing! I loved the snarky humor and the general sexiness of this story. It was my first time from this author. She has been a bit of a hit and miss for me, mainly because of a certain thing in some of her books. I honestly adored this book. Bloody hell it was just my thing. How many more ways can I say how much I adored this book? Not many!!!
Quent and Jace have been best friends since college. They own their own business and they play poker together. Both of them have been in love from the beginning, but nothing happens. Until one night Jace makes the first move. From there we see this relationship grow. And let me say it was hot! I am serious the sex scenes were just smoking. Even with the emotionor lack of it depending on who you are the sex was not impacted.
There was a bit of drama because of poker. But Jace had a reason for loving it. One of his uncles thought about poker. It was sweet to see him carry it into his adult life. The history of Jace's past was sweet. Of course we get a lot of sex scenes. Who knew a card came could be so hot? Well in this book it can be.
While the relationship and poker are the main focuses. There was another one that I liked in this. The family aspect was always there. Even when you might not see it, it was there. We had Quent's family. And Jace's lack of it. But we also see their self made family. I always love that in books, especially when it's a family of friends. It just makes the story more special. It was funny too. I like when a book is funny.
If you are a fan of Amy Lane, then you should give this a go. It's my favourite of all her books, and also my first. I think this book had a lot going for it and it would be a pity if you don't read it. People who don't read much of this author because of the cheating in her books should give this one a go!
Really, highly recommend it!
Just to add, the cover can be a little off putting. But the book is worth reading.
Quent and Jace have been best friends since college. They own their own business and they play poker together. Both of them have been in love from the beginning, but nothing happens. Until one night Jace makes the first move. From there we see this relationship grow. And let me say it was hot! I am serious the sex scenes were just smoking. Even with the emotion
There was a bit of drama because of poker. But Jace had a reason for loving it. One of his uncles thought about poker. It was sweet to see him carry it into his adult life. The history of Jace's past was sweet. Of course we get a lot of sex scenes. Who knew a card came could be so hot? Well in this book it can be.
While the relationship and poker are the main focuses. There was another one that I liked in this. The family aspect was always there. Even when you might not see it, it was there. We had Quent's family. And Jace's lack of it. But we also see their self made family. I always love that in books, especially when it's a family of friends. It just makes the story more special. It was funny too. I like when a book is funny.
If you are a fan of Amy Lane, then you should give this a go. It's my favourite of all her books, and also my first. I think this book had a lot going for it and it would be a pity if you don't read it. People who don't read much of this author because of the cheating in her books should give this one a go!
Really, highly recommend it!
Just to add, the cover can be a little off putting. But the book is worth reading.
May 10, 2012
Amy Lane Owes Me A New Phone (a.k.a) This Book Set My Phone On FIRE!
Someone should make this book into an erotic indie film. It has more than a few elements that would make for a fantastic movie.
The set-up
Two men who have been friends since their first day of college. Quent is the easy-going guy everyone loves, the peacemaker, the boy that mothers want their society daughters to marry. Jace is the shark, the predator, the leader that people respect, that intense guy who excels at every damn thing because he focuses on things like the laser on a sniper's rifle.
Quent and Jace are inseperable and have been for eight years. They've wanted each other for just as long but each of them are oblivious to the other's desires. Then one day...oh, one day Jace ups the ante and takes things to a level that incendiary. This book is the story of Jace and Quent's first year as a couple. It's a rollercoaster ride and, man oh man, it's a ride that I was happy to be on.
The intensity that burns
The first reason that I would love to see this book on the big screen? The intensity of Jace and Quent's love is something that's almost too much. Right from the beginning of the book every look they give each other, every touch they share is electric. There is so much feeling in both their verbal and non verbal exchanges. There are so many layers to these men and the way that they love one another. Each breakthrough was monumental and completely believable. Not only did Jace and Quent want each other but they needed each other. They were dedicated. The way they connected was so intense that it was almost painful.
The character development
The second reason I thought "This needs to be a movie!"? The very clear development and evolution of both main characters. Jace is a character that starts out as a mystery. He's got his poker face on and he's not giving away anything. As the story progresses, the layers get peeled back, Jace opens up and we learn what makes the man tick. His development was so beautifully paced and the way he struggles with being vulnerable came across as very real. I never got frustrated with his character or felt like it was too dramatic.
Quent also finds a side of himself that he didn't know existed. He finds a little bit of a leader within himself that he never knew was there. The fact that he fights to take the lead so that Jace will know Quent is willing to fight for his love was interesting to watch. I loved that there was no magic moment where Quent was suddenly comfortable with being in charge. Just like Jace, Quent has mini-battles with himself that made him seem that much more real to me.
The sex. Good Lord the sex.
You might be thinking that all of the sex in this book would make any movie qualify as a porn but that's not so. The sex in this book was never just sex for the sake of getting off. Every time Jace and Quent make love in this book it has meaning. And yes, they make love every time. Even when they're fucking like sweaty, heaving beasts they are making love. There's just too much feeling in those times when they come together for it to be anything other than love.
In my head I could see these two men communicating in the most physical way possible. It was sexy, and deep, and moving, and meaningful, and absolutely riveting.
The absolutely excellent pacing
I am throughly impressed with how well paced this book was. There was never a dull moment. Each scene was neccessary. Nothing was rushed and nothing dragged. Things happened exactly when they should have and revelations came at just the right moments.
And Overall
I was not expecting to love this book as much as I did. This was freaking amazing though. As much as it was scorching hot, it was also a beautiful love story. I would recommend this book to anyone and this just might be another book I'll be buying in paperback. It deserves a spot on my bookshelf. Oh, yes it does.
Someone should make this book into an erotic indie film. It has more than a few elements that would make for a fantastic movie.
The set-up
Two men who have been friends since their first day of college. Quent is the easy-going guy everyone loves, the peacemaker, the boy that mothers want their society daughters to marry. Jace is the shark, the predator, the leader that people respect, that intense guy who excels at every damn thing because he focuses on things like the laser on a sniper's rifle.
Quent and Jace are inseperable and have been for eight years. They've wanted each other for just as long but each of them are oblivious to the other's desires. Then one day...oh, one day Jace ups the ante and takes things to a level that incendiary. This book is the story of Jace and Quent's first year as a couple. It's a rollercoaster ride and, man oh man, it's a ride that I was happy to be on.
The intensity that burns
The first reason that I would love to see this book on the big screen? The intensity of Jace and Quent's love is something that's almost too much. Right from the beginning of the book every look they give each other, every touch they share is electric. There is so much feeling in both their verbal and non verbal exchanges. There are so many layers to these men and the way that they love one another. Each breakthrough was monumental and completely believable. Not only did Jace and Quent want each other but they needed each other. They were dedicated. The way they connected was so intense that it was almost painful.
The character development
The second reason I thought "This needs to be a movie!"? The very clear development and evolution of both main characters. Jace is a character that starts out as a mystery. He's got his poker face on and he's not giving away anything. As the story progresses, the layers get peeled back, Jace opens up and we learn what makes the man tick. His development was so beautifully paced and the way he struggles with being vulnerable came across as very real. I never got frustrated with his character or felt like it was too dramatic.
Quent also finds a side of himself that he didn't know existed. He finds a little bit of a leader within himself that he never knew was there. The fact that he fights to take the lead so that Jace will know Quent is willing to fight for his love was interesting to watch. I loved that there was no magic moment where Quent was suddenly comfortable with being in charge. Just like Jace, Quent has mini-battles with himself that made him seem that much more real to me.
The sex. Good Lord the sex.
You might be thinking that all of the sex in this book would make any movie qualify as a porn but that's not so. The sex in this book was never just sex for the sake of getting off. Every time Jace and Quent make love in this book it has meaning. And yes, they make love every time. Even when they're fucking like sweaty, heaving beasts they are making love. There's just too much feeling in those times when they come together for it to be anything other than love.
In my head I could see these two men communicating in the most physical way possible. It was sexy, and deep, and moving, and meaningful, and absolutely riveting.
The absolutely excellent pacing
I am throughly impressed with how well paced this book was. There was never a dull moment. Each scene was neccessary. Nothing was rushed and nothing dragged. Things happened exactly when they should have and revelations came at just the right moments.
And Overall
I was not expecting to love this book as much as I did. This was freaking amazing though. As much as it was scorching hot, it was also a beautiful love story. I would recommend this book to anyone and this just might be another book I'll be buying in paperback. It deserves a spot on my bookshelf. Oh, yes it does.
June 1, 2012
Another great story from Amy Lane
It was such a sweet, hot, yummy story with no angst! Plus, I really liked Jace and Quentin, of course I almost always like stories about "het-friends-to-gay-lovers". I was really worried about it not holding my interest because the MCs were already having sex with each other before I was even 10% into the book, but it stayed pretty interesting and the pace was quick. I really enjoyed the dynamics of their relationship and how they (and Amy) integreated poker metaphors into their life and relationship. Remember: "Poker is life" and I think I will never be able to play a game of Go-Fish with a straight face again.
4 Stars because it had so much sex that I can only remember 2 scenes clearly. All the others have ran together in my memory.
It was such a sweet, hot, yummy story with no angst! Plus, I really liked Jace and Quentin, of course I almost always like stories about "het-friends-to-gay-lovers". I was really worried about it not holding my interest because the MCs were already having sex with each other before I was even 10% into the book, but it stayed pretty interesting and the pace was quick. I really enjoyed the dynamics of their relationship and how they (and Amy) integreated poker metaphors into their life and relationship. Remember: "Poker is life" and I think I will never be able to play a game of Go-Fish with a straight face again.
4 Stars because it had so much sex that I can only remember 2 scenes clearly. All the others have ran together in my memory.
June 28, 2014
2.5 stars
Reviewed for Covers Week at Boys in our Books
Cover thoughts: I originally saw this cover and thought this grown man was wearing a diaper. I think it's just ill-fitted boxer briefs. But then his feet looked disfigured to me for some reason. And just the pose was so...odd. Throw in some playing cards (it's called GAMBLING MEN...get it? Cards? Gambling? Yes...literal cover...I get it...)
Ok, the book...
What I liked about this book: friends-to-lovers, out-for-you, really really hot smexy times.
What I didn't like about this book: all the rest.
I'm really surprised by how hard I struggled to get through this book. I wanted to like these 2 best friends, Jace and Quent...and for awhile I was kinda getting into it. But, what was a promising beginning plummeted fairly quickly.
Repetitive.
Disorganized.
So much telling...and needless, extraneous information.
Are "vodka blue eyes" a thing? It's used as a description time & again. I've never seen blue vodka.
One-dimensional characters.
So much skimming
Almost...too much sex? Their whole relationships was sex and jibber jabber.
The puns & analogies were SO overdone.
And lastly...the poker was ALL. WRONG. Sorry, it just...was.
After a rocky start with Amy Lane books, I had recently jumped on the band wagon with a few I really enjoyed ( Clear Water being the latest one). This actually felt like a entirely different author. It was missing...something...and ultimately I just couldn't get into, no matter how much I wanted to. I was thinking 2 stars, but there were some really hot scenes that kept me mildly entertained...so I'll bump it a bit...
January 1, 2014
Not your typical Amy Lane fare but for me this was a really enjoyable read. I have to say that in terms of hotness this book rates high! It starts with a ' bang' so to speak and pretty much ends on one, although by the time you get to the finish these two guys are so much in love that its unfair to categorise the hot love scenes as just sizzling sex. There's a lot more depth to their lovemaking than that, but I've got to say that I had more than a few tingly moments with these two. Insatiable comes to mind!
I suppose you could call this a year in the lives of Jace and Quent. From the moment these two finally get together after years of underlying attraction and long term friendship, its more a study of a relationship, than an actual plot driven story. Jace's backstory with his two uncles has poignant moments and Quent has some family issues but really its all about the two of them finally coming to terms with how deeply they feel about each other and the insecurities around their ongoing, growing partnership. In the bedroom they fit like a glove, outside of it, sometimes, they bump stubborn heads ( no pun intended! ) and up come those uncertainties and doubts which they thrash out until ultimately they realise that unlike the game of Poker, which Jace practically models his life on, they are both winners in the game of love. Sometimes the poker references get a bit much but its part of Jaces mind set and Cards play a big part in their lives so I just got on with it. Then there is the fact that they play an EXTREMELY memorable game of Go Fish!!! ** Wink**
Both can be irritating, Jace especially so. because he was ultra needy at times, to the point of poutiness but being the soft touch I am, I fell hard for their charms and in doing so forgave a lot of their ' oh come on ' moments. To be honest without them I don't think the book would have been the same, plus it made for some great make up sex and yummy sexual tension build up that never failed to explode into some hawt m/m action.
I liked all the guys they played poker with, they just added an extra dimension to the story and lifted it from being too centered on the two MC's, and the guys at the office complimented them too.
So all in all it was a great read for my first in 2014 and I'm hoping bodes well for the next choices. Loved it and no doubt will pop back in again when I need a HOT fix.
I suppose you could call this a year in the lives of Jace and Quent. From the moment these two finally get together after years of underlying attraction and long term friendship, its more a study of a relationship, than an actual plot driven story. Jace's backstory with his two uncles has poignant moments and Quent has some family issues but really its all about the two of them finally coming to terms with how deeply they feel about each other and the insecurities around their ongoing, growing partnership. In the bedroom they fit like a glove, outside of it, sometimes, they bump stubborn heads ( no pun intended! ) and up come those uncertainties and doubts which they thrash out until ultimately they realise that unlike the game of Poker, which Jace practically models his life on, they are both winners in the game of love. Sometimes the poker references get a bit much but its part of Jaces mind set and Cards play a big part in their lives so I just got on with it. Then there is the fact that they play an EXTREMELY memorable game of Go Fish!!! ** Wink**
Both can be irritating, Jace especially so. because he was ultra needy at times, to the point of poutiness but being the soft touch I am, I fell hard for their charms and in doing so forgave a lot of their ' oh come on ' moments. To be honest without them I don't think the book would have been the same, plus it made for some great make up sex and yummy sexual tension build up that never failed to explode into some hawt m/m action.
I liked all the guys they played poker with, they just added an extra dimension to the story and lifted it from being too centered on the two MC's, and the guys at the office complimented them too.
So all in all it was a great read for my first in 2014 and I'm hoping bodes well for the next choices. Loved it and no doubt will pop back in again when I need a HOT fix.
July 30, 2023
Man this book was incendiary and in a good way. The two of them were so hot, there are so many brilliant moments. Never thought of life and love compared to the game of Poker, but you will when you read this book.
Quentin and Jace are just beautiful people and together they are perfect.
Go Fish is my new favorite game.
Off to re-read.
Quentin and Jace are just beautiful people and together they are perfect.
Go Fish is my new favorite game.
Off to re-read.
March 26, 2015
"Sometimes, you can't win unless you lay your cards on the table. "
It's official- I'm a friends-to-lovers/ GFY romance addict and I'm not ashamed at all, lol. On the contrary, I plan to indulge in my addiction for many years to come. I have read only one book by A. Lane before this one- The Locker Room and it was a 3 stars read for me -meaning it was an okay read, I liked it, but there were some "issues" which prevented me from rating it higher, f.e. some frustrating melodrama and cheesy content.
That's why I was a little worried before starting this book, because books with cheesy content are usually a miss for me, but I was too curious and as you know- weak when it comes to this particular theme, so I picked it up. Besides, I haven't had much luck with f/m romances lately and considering my "addiction" I thought that this should be a safe bet. And the answer is- yes, it was!
Sweet, fun, deeply emotional & way too hot.
The beginning could have been a bit better, it felt a bit rushed, but the more the story progressed the more I was falling in love with it and its main characters. Quent & Jason have been inseparable since the first day they met on collage. Jace was the typical jock- popular, fun and hot, the light of every party. Everybody wanted to be his friend, but the person with whom he connected the most was Quent. From best friends to roommates and soon enough business partners, they've been through a lot together and knew almost everything about each other except that one little secret which is about to come to light and change everything.
I loved both of the main characters. They were so fun and charming together and I was rooting for them since the very beginning. Jace, who seems closed off, short-tempered and distant at first glance and who rarely lets anyone get close to him and see him vulnerable, was perfectly balanced with the adorable, outgoing and a bit shy Quent. They simply completed each other and thank you Ms. Lane for not turning them into immature drama queens and commitment phobes when they faced some problems.
Their story was pretty light and drama-free. It wasn't anything unique or unpredictable, but for me the story made up for that with endearing character and their emotional journey. The ending was indeed a bit cheesy, at least for my taste, but it was the last few pages, so I could handle it.
Because of the shaky beginning and cheesy ending I was somewhat torn between rating it 3.5 or 4 stars, because to be honest I have read better books when it comes to this theme, books like Taboo For You by A. Sunday, but even if it wasn't perfect, I settled for 4 stars, because in-between A. Lane pulled out every possible card to make me love it.
Recommended to my fellow mm romance fans with friends-to-lovers/GFY addiction!
This review is posted on Way Too Hot Books.
May 13, 2012
This book is like a paean to the idea that guys don't talk to each other. The main characters were together for years, not just as friends but as roommates and then as business partners, before either of them made a move about their mutual attraction. And after they did admit their interest in each other, they are still completely unable to communicate their feelings and concerns except in scorchingly hot sex and cryptic poker metaphors and similes. I loved the guys and was irritated by them in equal measure. I read this book in one sitting, because Amy Lane does can't-put-it-down relationships better than anyone I know, and I felt for the guys even as I wanted to smack them. This book is hotter and (for all that building a relationship is the centerpiece of this book) less angsty than many others by this author.
January 15, 2014
disappointing.
felt rushed and unpolished.
please note i reviewed an early edition; this story has recently been revised.
felt rushed and unpolished.
please note i reviewed an early edition; this story has recently been revised.
May 15, 2012
I have to admit, I have a special warm love for Amy as a person.
Now that all the legal disclaimers are out of the way, let's talk about the book.
Without giving too much away, Jace and Quent's developing...and then established... relationship played out fantastically on the page. They gave and take in equal measures, although really Jace was the pushier of the two. Even though in a position of "more power" than Quent, he still had to learn when to bend to Quent's needs. Their own quibbles and the past influencing their love were solid support beams in the foundation they were building on.
The masculine quotient is off the charts with these two which made this a gorgeous read. Sex was a delight to read and quite exciting.
Well done, Amy love. I give it Five Alpacas.
Now that all the legal disclaimers are out of the way, let's talk about the book.
Without giving too much away, Jace and Quent's developing...and then established... relationship played out fantastically on the page. They gave and take in equal measures, although really Jace was the pushier of the two. Even though in a position of "more power" than Quent, he still had to learn when to bend to Quent's needs. Their own quibbles and the past influencing their love were solid support beams in the foundation they were building on.
The masculine quotient is off the charts with these two which made this a gorgeous read. Sex was a delight to read and quite exciting.
Well done, Amy love. I give it Five Alpacas.
May 22, 2012
Very good m/m romance about two guys who've been best friends and business partners since college, but suddenly up the ante to maybe being much more. I really enjoyed this... other than the pervasive sense of dread that things were going to become an angstfest at any minute. Fortunately, that didn't happen.
October 6, 2012
So that was pretty much a loosing hand. I should have folded at 30% when I have a feeling I should cut and run.
Jace and Quent, friends since they where at college together. Jace is the controlling dominant character. Sharp as a whip, a leader and a fierce competitor. Quent is Jace's opposite. His Ace of hearts to the King of Diamonds.
This is a story of when friendship becomes love. So after eight long years of Jace holding his cards close to his chest, just waiting for the perfect play. Quent unintentionally gives up a tell, Jace shows his hand. And it's a full house!!! And Quent is "all in"!
"Sometimes you can't win unless you lay all your cards on the table"
This is all played out in the first 10% by the way. Yep, all cards showing at 10%. So perhaps there might be a bit more in the game I ask myself. Well no, not really.
"Every chip I have is on the table Quent. You know that, right?
Jee, no Jace I wish I had, I wouldn't have really bothered if I'd known.
One positive is, they have lots and lots of really hot sex. But then they ruin it and converse in poker metaphors...a lot! They do play go fish...really erm...well! And enthusiastically break in a new poker table.
There wasn't much in character development apart from what can be deemed from the constant poker metaphors.
So if you think this review is annoying, try reading a full length novel and deciphering the true meanings behind it all.
It was redeemed in so much as that the sex was hot and I have nothing against the writing either. But that's the deal, no much else really.
I think I would like to bet on something else by this author as I have heard good things about her books. Sadly this one was a bust for me.
2.5 Stars!
Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamspinner Press for sending this to me for review.
Jace and Quent, friends since they where at college together. Jace is the controlling dominant character. Sharp as a whip, a leader and a fierce competitor. Quent is Jace's opposite. His Ace of hearts to the King of Diamonds.
This is a story of when friendship becomes love. So after eight long years of Jace holding his cards close to his chest, just waiting for the perfect play. Quent unintentionally gives up a tell, Jace shows his hand. And it's a full house!!! And Quent is "all in"!
"Sometimes you can't win unless you lay all your cards on the table"
This is all played out in the first 10% by the way. Yep, all cards showing at 10%. So perhaps there might be a bit more in the game I ask myself. Well no, not really.
"Every chip I have is on the table Quent. You know that, right?
Jee, no Jace I wish I had, I wouldn't have really bothered if I'd known.
One positive is, they have lots and lots of really hot sex. But then they ruin it and converse in poker metaphors...a lot! They do play go fish...really erm...well! And enthusiastically break in a new poker table.
There wasn't much in character development apart from what can be deemed from the constant poker metaphors.
So if you think this review is annoying, try reading a full length novel and deciphering the true meanings behind it all.
It was redeemed in so much as that the sex was hot and I have nothing against the writing either. But that's the deal, no much else really.
I think I would like to bet on something else by this author as I have heard good things about her books. Sadly this one was a bust for me.
2.5 Stars!
Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamspinner Press for sending this to me for review.
dnf
November 18, 2012Dear Book, this was the umpteenth try to get into you and now I call it quit. At 20% off to the DNF with you! Looks like this is the one book by Amy Lane that doesn't work for me. All the inner musings, the comparisons with the poker game were thoroughly getting on my nerves and in fact, during this 20% nothing really happened besides both MCs having sex for the first time and thoughts and thoughts and thoughts...
March 18, 2017
I thought this book would NEVER end. My GOD.
This book is an example of why too much of everything is very very bad.
It had too much sex(I KNOW!!), too much "Poker is Life", too much "He smiled his shark smile", too much "where ever he leads I will follow even though he is an asshole", too much "He gives me scraps of attention but he is Jase so I am content". In my mind, I was done after 40% but I promised myself not to DNF any book this year so I just had to finish.
[Please bear in mind that all those statements in " " are me paraphrasing things that annoyed me in the book.]
I actually liked Quentin a bit but the way he allowed emotionally stunted Jason to manipulate him was just annoying. Jase was not a nice person. Quentin just kept prodding and prodding and prodding Jase all throughout.It was exhausting to read about.
Usually I love anything Amy Lane, but I'm sure this was before she got her groove on because this was just... too much. Too too much.
This book is an example of why too much of everything is very very bad.
It had too much sex(I KNOW!!), too much "Poker is Life", too much "He smiled his shark smile", too much "where ever he leads I will follow even though he is an asshole", too much "He gives me scraps of attention but he is Jase so I am content". In my mind, I was done after 40% but I promised myself not to DNF any book this year so I just had to finish.
[Please bear in mind that all those statements in " " are me paraphrasing things that annoyed me in the book.]
I actually liked Quentin a bit but the way he allowed emotionally stunted Jason to manipulate him was just annoying. Jase was not a nice person. Quentin just kept prodding and prodding and prodding Jase all throughout.It was exhausting to read about.
Usually I love anything Amy Lane, but I'm sure this was before she got her groove on because this was just... too much. Too too much.
July 3, 2016
Quent and Jason have been best friends since their college days. They are partners in every way except romantically, until one day Jace realizes that the one person he cannot live without is the one person who's been living side-by-side with him all along.
Once they start their romantic relationship, Quent puts it all on the line, ready to have the life he's always wanted with Jace. Jace quickly goes all in and the story chronicles their relationship through all it's initial stages, rocky moments, mega-hot sexy times, and loving, romantic moments.
I really liked that Gambling Men is less angst-filled than most of Lane's other stories. The characters enjoy real growth in the story without being put through any terrible wringers. I loved the side characters and the way Quent and Jace burn up the sheets. Finally, I absolutely loved and adored Gomez Pugh's narration.
Gomez Pugh has never once let me down - he always gives an excellent performance that keeps me riveted.
There were two things that kept this from being a full knock-it-out-of-the-park story for me though. The overuse of all the gambling metaphors (I get it, okay? It's "Gambling Men", but come on...) and, ultimately, I kind of felt like it went on just a smidgeon too long.
Ultimately though, the story is a sweet, low angst, lovely romance with SUPER HOT sex and fabulous narration.
Audio copy of Gambling Men provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
May 23, 2012
The part at the beginning where Jace is looking up at the numbers as they light up in the elevator car gives you the man’s entire personality in a snapshot. He’s not a talker. He doesn’t tell Quent that he’s dying to get him upstairs into his bed, that would mean he’d have to form words. Instead he stands there and wills the damn car to move faster and Quent, because he’s Quent, and really sees Jace, understands that the intense concentration means Jace wants him. He melts. We melt too. Because Jason Spade is not a guy to come out and say, “I love you my darling you are my sun”. Instead, because his boyhood home is the most holy place in the world to him, a place where he saw the love between two men demonstrated and made real, he gives Quent half of that. He puts his life into Quent’s hands when he puts his name on everything he owns. That’s Jace’s way. For his part, Quent is the foundation of Jace’s life; he makes everything solid and gives Jace’s life a frame to work within. Without Quent, Jace is cold, a shark. With Quent, Jace makes allowances for the weakness in others and instead of attacking, helps. There’s is a true partnership. Jace is sort of a man out of time, more stoic cowboy than modern communicator. He was raised by two men who showed love by their actions and used poker as a metaphor about taking chances and knowing when to hold on and grind it out. Once Quent learns the language, sees the capacity for devotion in his friend, the hot, smoldering love affair really gets started. It’s a must read.
February 10, 2013
I thought this book was okay. This is the second book that I have read by Amy Lane... And I must say, although she seems to be a fan favorite, there is just something about her stories that does not fully captivate me.
I very much like the best friends-to-lovers genre, and this book fits that category, but I feel like it was one those situations where the reader is just told that the two MCs are best friends rather than feeling the bond between them. I didn't really feel the bond between the MCs throughout.
Also, how these characters initiate their friendship into a sexual relationship was rather crass and unrealistic I'd say. Authors, can we please work on how the two MCS actually get together? I think it is best done in Man to Man Coverage by Nico Jaye and Promises by Marie Sexton. Thank you, Nico Jaye and Marie Sexton. These were great stories and how the MCs began to act on their interest in each other was very believable and well done. And the sexual tension was beautifully balanced with feeling the joy between the characters.
Also, it was one of the situations where both of the MCs had apparently loved each other/been attracted to each other for years on end, but never acted on it. I mean, you love someone for 8 years and then you first act on it by what I mentioned above in the spoiler. Hmmm.. This mutual unrequited love thing seems to be a common theme in the m/m stories I have read.
Also, I don't know how I feel about Jace as a character. He is definitely dominant in the relationship. I would not consider this a piece of BDSM, but Jace was clearly the dominant person in the relationship (and the "toppy top") and Quent was the submissive, both in their business and sexual relationship. I just didn't like Jace that much. I liked Quent, though.
Also, I don't know if this should be considered "gay for you." Just in case you are reading this review and wondering. Jace is clearly bisexual whereas Quent had never had previous sexual experiences with a man. But he has clearly wanted Jace for a long time. And these characters are only 26 I believe. And 26 rich young kids with their own business! Lucky them!
Additionally, I had a hard time finding the joy between Jace and Quent. It wasn't so much angsty as it was conflict. The characters just seemed at odds with each other or in conflicted situations throughout the story. The only way they worked out their problems was having very intense and rough-sounding sex. That seemed to be what they did together most of the time.
Yes, this book has some explicit sexuality, in case you would like to know that before reading.
Also, like other reviews I have read of this book, the poker metaphors and puns just got to be too much. They were all over the place. The whole "poker is life" thing as well as the metaphors were just bad, I thought. I mean if people actually talked like that to each other, I don't even know how they could communicate effectively in even the slightest sense. And this is probably why the characters seemed to be in conflict with each other so often.
So again, I thought this story was ok. I didnt hate it, i didnt love it, it is in that zone in between. But I was glad I had something to read in the snow storm!
I very much like the best friends-to-lovers genre, and this book fits that category, but I feel like it was one those situations where the reader is just told that the two MCs are best friends rather than feeling the bond between them. I didn't really feel the bond between the MCs throughout.
Also, how these characters initiate their friendship into a sexual relationship was rather crass and unrealistic I'd say. Authors, can we please work on how the two MCS actually get together? I think it is best done in Man to Man Coverage by Nico Jaye and Promises by Marie Sexton. Thank you, Nico Jaye and Marie Sexton. These were great stories and how the MCs began to act on their interest in each other was very believable and well done. And the sexual tension was beautifully balanced with feeling the joy between the characters.
Also, it was one of the situations where both of the MCs had apparently loved each other/been attracted to each other for years on end, but never acted on it. I mean, you love someone for 8 years and then you first act on it by what I mentioned above in the spoiler. Hmmm.. This mutual unrequited love thing seems to be a common theme in the m/m stories I have read.
Also, I don't know how I feel about Jace as a character. He is definitely dominant in the relationship. I would not consider this a piece of BDSM, but Jace was clearly the dominant person in the relationship (and the "toppy top") and Quent was the submissive, both in their business and sexual relationship. I just didn't like Jace that much. I liked Quent, though.
Also, I don't know if this should be considered "gay for you." Just in case you are reading this review and wondering. Jace is clearly bisexual whereas Quent had never had previous sexual experiences with a man. But he has clearly wanted Jace for a long time. And these characters are only 26 I believe. And 26 rich young kids with their own business! Lucky them!
Additionally, I had a hard time finding the joy between Jace and Quent. It wasn't so much angsty as it was conflict. The characters just seemed at odds with each other or in conflicted situations throughout the story. The only way they worked out their problems was having very intense and rough-sounding sex. That seemed to be what they did together most of the time.
Yes, this book has some explicit sexuality, in case you would like to know that before reading.
Also, like other reviews I have read of this book, the poker metaphors and puns just got to be too much. They were all over the place. The whole "poker is life" thing as well as the metaphors were just bad, I thought. I mean if people actually talked like that to each other, I don't even know how they could communicate effectively in even the slightest sense. And this is probably why the characters seemed to be in conflict with each other so often.
So again, I thought this story was ok. I didnt hate it, i didnt love it, it is in that zone in between. But I was glad I had something to read in the snow storm!
August 9, 2013
Amy Lane has done it again. Will I ever read a book of hers that I don't like?! Probably not, because she writes the exact types of stories that I love with wonderful characters and lots of emotion. Plus plenty of hot stuff, too ;) I love how Amy's stories always manage to make me laugh my head off one moment, and then cry my heart out the next. To me, that's the sign of a truly great storyteller.
Gambling Men was fabulous. The characters, the story, the development of their relationship, everything... it was just so perfect. Ever since I first read about these characters in an anthology AGES ago, I've wanted to learn more. I certainly wasn't disappointed at all. I don't know much about poker - or any card games, for that matter - but the poker references and analogies were a nice touch and certainly were not lost on me.
There is really nothing more to say, other than that I would recommend it to anyone. Seriously, I've already prattled on and on about it to my friends, who just look at me with concern most of the time and don't seem to quite understand my obsession with the genre. I will turn them one day, damn it! I've also decided that Jace is my new favourite Amy Lane character, and possibly my new favourite character of the entire M/M genre. I absolutely LOVE him. He was such a complicated but lovely character. While he acts like a complete dick sometimes - okay, most of the time - you always know that he cares and his love for Quent is so real and strong. I just adored him.
Gambling Men was fabulous. The characters, the story, the development of their relationship, everything... it was just so perfect. Ever since I first read about these characters in an anthology AGES ago, I've wanted to learn more. I certainly wasn't disappointed at all. I don't know much about poker - or any card games, for that matter - but the poker references and analogies were a nice touch and certainly were not lost on me.
There is really nothing more to say, other than that I would recommend it to anyone. Seriously, I've already prattled on and on about it to my friends, who just look at me with concern most of the time and don't seem to quite understand my obsession with the genre. I will turn them one day, damn it! I've also decided that Jace is my new favourite Amy Lane character, and possibly my new favourite character of the entire M/M genre. I absolutely LOVE him. He was such a complicated but lovely character. While he acts like a complete dick sometimes - okay, most of the time - you always know that he cares and his love for Quent is so real and strong. I just adored him.
February 19, 2013
After years of friendship, Jason finally sees the sign he has been waiting for and makes a move on Quentin, revealing his true feelings.
There is no denying that these guys are hot and the sex that follows is sizzling!
Struggling to communicate, poker becomes the language to raise issues. Once they are able to admit their feelings to themselves, each other and their friends, the emotion is deep. When Quent and Jace are forced to acknowledge their feelings, they do so in a way that is honest, raw and passionate.
The only downside to this book was the overuse of the poker metaphors - too many and too often - but this is really only a minor complaint, easily overlooked.
There is no denying that these guys are hot and the sex that follows is sizzling!
Struggling to communicate, poker becomes the language to raise issues. Once they are able to admit their feelings to themselves, each other and their friends, the emotion is deep. When Quent and Jace are forced to acknowledge their feelings, they do so in a way that is honest, raw and passionate.
The only downside to this book was the overuse of the poker metaphors - too many and too often - but this is really only a minor complaint, easily overlooked.
May 29, 2012
Loved it!! I am never going to be able to play Go Fish the same again!! Enough said sooo hot!!
I loved this so much it was excellent!!
Poker Is life!!
Amy your a rock star!!
I loved this so much it was excellent!!
Poker Is life!!
Amy your a rock star!!
August 20, 2012
4+ stars.
I really enjoyed this book. It was less of a romance and more of a portrayal of the relationship. Regardless, the personalities and writing were vivid and engrossing, and I felt like I was right there with Jace and Quent as they learned how to express their love for each other and navigate the ins and outs of their relationship. I stayed up well past my bedtime (is that the sun rising? yes, yes it is...) because I just couldn't put it down.
THE STORY, IN BRIEF
Jason (Jace) and Quentin (Quent) are stockbrokers who have been best buds since the first day of college. Neither is aware of the other man's attraction to him - indeed, neither is aware the other man is even attracted to men, period. All that changes with a blush, a locker room encounter, and the opening of two hearts that had heretofore only exposed a platonic love, but that now were open to so much more.
THE CHARACTERS
I loved the characters, especially Jason. Jace is a shark-like alphole with a surprisingly vulnerable streak. He was a really interesting character to read about, dissect, and fawn over. He's all hard edges...except when it comes to Quent. I really melted when he loosened his grip on the cards and showed us a peek of his hand.
Quentin was a little too beta for my tastes. I really cheered when he went assertive and stood up to Jace. Quent had soft edges to balance out Jace's sharkiness. He was sweet, warm, and understanding - at times a little TOO understanding of Jace's alphole tendencies, in my opinion.
Each of the characters might have been a little too much or too little separately. However, they really were made as complements to each other, and it was lovely to see the yin-and-yang back and forth they presented throughout the book.
THE ROMANCE & SEXYTIMES
Like I said, this wasn't so much a romance as it was a relationship study. Even so, the portrayal of the relationship felt very real and raw, which I liked. The only real quibble I had was the poker metaphors. They were great...initially. After a while, though, I grew tired of how prevalent they were. I understood the point that was being made, but I also thought it was driven home a little too bluntly and frequently.
The sexytimes were really hot. All I have to say is...the copy room. *fans self* I like how honest they were with each other in terms of their physicality. They didn't hide in their physical relationship, even though they were working through the sometimes murky waters of their emotional one.
OVERALL
Great story about two very different guys who knew each other for years and didn't know they were meant for each other all along. I really enjoyed it and will seek out more from Amy Lane.
Note: Thanks to the author and Dreamspinner Press for providing a copy of this book through NetGalley.
I really enjoyed this book. It was less of a romance and more of a portrayal of the relationship. Regardless, the personalities and writing were vivid and engrossing, and I felt like I was right there with Jace and Quent as they learned how to express their love for each other and navigate the ins and outs of their relationship. I stayed up well past my bedtime (is that the sun rising? yes, yes it is...) because I just couldn't put it down.
THE STORY, IN BRIEF
Jason (Jace) and Quentin (Quent) are stockbrokers who have been best buds since the first day of college. Neither is aware of the other man's attraction to him - indeed, neither is aware the other man is even attracted to men, period. All that changes with a blush, a locker room encounter, and the opening of two hearts that had heretofore only exposed a platonic love, but that now were open to so much more.
THE CHARACTERS
I loved the characters, especially Jason. Jace is a shark-like alphole with a surprisingly vulnerable streak. He was a really interesting character to read about, dissect, and fawn over. He's all hard edges...except when it comes to Quent. I really melted when he loosened his grip on the cards and showed us a peek of his hand.
Quentin was a little too beta for my tastes. I really cheered when he went assertive and stood up to Jace. Quent had soft edges to balance out Jace's sharkiness. He was sweet, warm, and understanding - at times a little TOO understanding of Jace's alphole tendencies, in my opinion.
Each of the characters might have been a little too much or too little separately. However, they really were made as complements to each other, and it was lovely to see the yin-and-yang back and forth they presented throughout the book.
THE ROMANCE & SEXYTIMES
Like I said, this wasn't so much a romance as it was a relationship study. Even so, the portrayal of the relationship felt very real and raw, which I liked. The only real quibble I had was the poker metaphors. They were great...initially. After a while, though, I grew tired of how prevalent they were. I understood the point that was being made, but I also thought it was driven home a little too bluntly and frequently.
The sexytimes were really hot. All I have to say is...the copy room. *fans self* I like how honest they were with each other in terms of their physicality. They didn't hide in their physical relationship, even though they were working through the sometimes murky waters of their emotional one.
OVERALL
Great story about two very different guys who knew each other for years and didn't know they were meant for each other all along. I really enjoyed it and will seek out more from Amy Lane.
Note: Thanks to the author and Dreamspinner Press for providing a copy of this book through NetGalley.
May 22, 2015
Quent and Jace have been friends and roomies since college. Quent is the easy going type, content to let Jace lead, but not afraid to tell him off if he strays. Jace is the stoic, quiet type – strong, bull-headed and almost always right.
One day – seemingly out of the blue – Jace hits on Quent and suddenly their relationship has changed from friend to lover.
It turns out that both men have been pining for the other. Though Quent has never had a male sexual partner before, he’s always had eyes for Jace and is quite happy to explore that further.
**
First – this is my all time FAVORITE Amy book. I love these boys and have re-read this book over and over and over. (I PRAY they will make it into an Audio book – so please – go out and buy this!)
What I loved about this book is the sideways “non”conversations that the boys have with one another. They manage to navigate their relationship with a series of poker metaphors and pointed looks. It’s hysterical. The sex is phenomenal – neither is inhibited and Jace is so growly then cuddly – it’s a perfect blend.
Quent is both the social follower but their emotional leader in the relationship. Jace has so much to learn about expressing himself but when he does it just tears your heart out and makes you want to hug him.
I also LOVED Jace’s family – Mike and Jefferson were such great role-models and I loved their life lessons through poker.
In relative Amy terms – there is almost no angst in this book – but there is lots of deep emotional bonding and lovely relationship building and some fantastic “newbie” sex to be explored. Not to mention that it is hysterical.
If you haven’t read this wonderful book by Amy Lane I highly recommend it.
6 of 5 stars
One day – seemingly out of the blue – Jace hits on Quent and suddenly their relationship has changed from friend to lover.
It turns out that both men have been pining for the other. Though Quent has never had a male sexual partner before, he’s always had eyes for Jace and is quite happy to explore that further.
**
First – this is my all time FAVORITE Amy book. I love these boys and have re-read this book over and over and over. (I PRAY they will make it into an Audio book – so please – go out and buy this!)
What I loved about this book is the sideways “non”conversations that the boys have with one another. They manage to navigate their relationship with a series of poker metaphors and pointed looks. It’s hysterical. The sex is phenomenal – neither is inhibited and Jace is so growly then cuddly – it’s a perfect blend.
Quent is both the social follower but their emotional leader in the relationship. Jace has so much to learn about expressing himself but when he does it just tears your heart out and makes you want to hug him.
I also LOVED Jace’s family – Mike and Jefferson were such great role-models and I loved their life lessons through poker.
In relative Amy terms – there is almost no angst in this book – but there is lots of deep emotional bonding and lovely relationship building and some fantastic “newbie” sex to be explored. Not to mention that it is hysterical.
If you haven’t read this wonderful book by Amy Lane I highly recommend it.
6 of 5 stars
July 24, 2012
I was going to write a limerick review, but that wasn't going so well. Apparently rhyming with Lane while discussing awesome romance/writing skills is rather challenging. For me, at least. I'm pretty sure Amy could do it- she's achieving m/m romance-writer godliness for me.
What can I say in this review that I haven't said in others? It's an amazing awesome heart-rending, intensely gripping character-driven romance. Crap. I said that last time.
In all seriousness- Amy always hits it out of the park. This one felt slightly serialized (well, it does come from short story compilations). That doesn't detract from its impact, though. I remember stopping about 6% into the story, completely buried in the MC's lives. I really don't know how this author reels me in so completely, but even more so, as rapidly as she does. It's a good book :) there's lots of sex in this one, too!
Excuse me while I go build a shrine to Amy Lane for her continued awesomeness.
What can I say in this review that I haven't said in others? It's an amazing awesome heart-rending, intensely gripping character-driven romance. Crap. I said that last time.
In all seriousness- Amy always hits it out of the park. This one felt slightly serialized (well, it does come from short story compilations). That doesn't detract from its impact, though. I remember stopping about 6% into the story, completely buried in the MC's lives. I really don't know how this author reels me in so completely, but even more so, as rapidly as she does. It's a good book :) there's lots of sex in this one, too!
Excuse me while I go build a shrine to Amy Lane for her continued awesomeness.
October 28, 2012
This did nothing for me. And I think the writing left a lot to be desired. It was redundant and featured the most superficially thin stock characterisations. There was also an abundance of sex that strove to fill in the holes of there being little to no story here.
June 4, 2015
Hot, Hot, Hot!!! Jace and Quent were hot. Their romance was hot. Their sex scenes were Too Damn Hot!!! Must re-read soon :)
May 12, 2012
I absolutely adored this book. Jace was perfection personified -- the ultimate alpha predator, yet vulnerable too. A sublime reading experience.
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