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When things come to a head, there’s nowhere to go but down…
On the surface, Derek “Call Me Dare” Nelson’s life is simple, doing up custom campervans while living in a slightly illegal caravan in his riverfront yard. When a handsome, smooth-talking developer offers to buy the land out from under his feet, Dare realizes it’s the same man he had to escort home from a party months ago for causing a drunken scene.
Grant Matravers lives a double life, attempting to adjust to weekends as a single, divorced gay man while staying closeted at work. The strain of keeping up the part-time pretense, missing his kids, and now a problematic attraction to the shave-headed, tattooed Dare, has worn his emotional barriers dangerously thin.
Dare blasts through those barriers in a way Grant isn’t prepared for, challenging everything he thought he knew about himself as a gay man. But as their chemistry heats up and the intimacy between them grows, Grant edges toward a decision that could blow up in his face. Exposing a hornet’s nest of complications that could destroy any chance for happily ever after.
On the surface, Derek “Call Me Dare” Nelson’s life is simple, doing up custom campervans while living in a slightly illegal caravan in his riverfront yard. When a handsome, smooth-talking developer offers to buy the land out from under his feet, Dare realizes it’s the same man he had to escort home from a party months ago for causing a drunken scene.
Grant Matravers lives a double life, attempting to adjust to weekends as a single, divorced gay man while staying closeted at work. The strain of keeping up the part-time pretense, missing his kids, and now a problematic attraction to the shave-headed, tattooed Dare, has worn his emotional barriers dangerously thin.
Dare blasts through those barriers in a way Grant isn’t prepared for, challenging everything he thought he knew about himself as a gay man. But as their chemistry heats up and the intimacy between them grows, Grant edges toward a decision that could blow up in his face. Exposing a hornet’s nest of complications that could destroy any chance for happily ever after.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 2015
4 people are currently reading
303 people want to read
About the author
Josephine Myles
66 books652 followersEnglish through and through, Josephine Myles is addicted to tea and busy cultivating a reputation for eccentricity. She writes gay erotica and romance, but finds the erotica keeps cuddling up to the romance, and the romance keeps corrupting the erotica. She blames her rebellious muse but he never listens to her anyway, no matter how much she threatens him with a big stick. She's beginning to suspect he enjoys it.
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Note to readers: I don't read reviews of my stories on here anymore, as I think they're geared for other readers, not the writers (plus I'm chicken and would rather stick my fingers in my ears going "la-la-la"). If you'd like to let me know what you thought about any of my stories, please PM me or send me an email. I'd be very happy to hear from you :)
***
Note to readers: I don't read reviews of my stories on here anymore, as I think they're geared for other readers, not the writers (plus I'm chicken and would rather stick my fingers in my ears going "la-la-la"). If you'd like to let me know what you thought about any of my stories, please PM me or send me an email. I'd be very happy to hear from you :)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
December 27, 2014
4.5 stars
Myles writes unapologetically British prose, and I love her all the more for it.
Her writing is always charming, accessible, and funny.
This sweet enemies-to-lover story is a spin-off from the second Bristol collection book, Stuff. Grant is Mas's closeted, married ex who was doused with a bit of wine by Perry in book two. And rightly so.
God, Grant is an arse. He's snobby, selfish, and delusional. He does come clean to his wife FINALLY, but he treats Dare like garbage.
Dare took Grant home after Grant made a fool of himself at the Cabbages and Kinks' grand reopening. But Grant doesn't usually go for guys with shaved heads and tats who smell like engine oil.
Grant is posh, you see, and he wants the world to know it.
I wanted to give Dare a squishy hug! He works so hard to take care of his junkie brother. Sporting nine inches of deliciousness where it counts, Dare is brash and independent. He doesn't give a shit what others think. But he cares about Grant. Until Grant pushes him too far.
Myles did a wonderful job making Grant a complex character. He was an idiot, yes, but he kept TRYING. And I was glad that Dare made him beg . . . just a little.
There was plenty of hotness here, a nice build-up of frotting, sucking, rimming, and kissing. Lots of pillow biting too! :)
Grant's two daughters didn't overtake the story, and Grant was clearly a loving dad.
Dare stole my heart in act one. Grant was lucky to have him. And he knew it too . . . eventually.
This is a sweet, sexy addition to Jo's Bristol collection. I want to take off in a VW camper van (RV for you Americans!) now. Maybe Dare will fix one up for me?
Features: one viciously cute guard dog, two junkies who mean well, an unsavory boss who had it coming, a steamy and tender head-shaving scene, Grant on his knees, a toppy, horny Dare, and a very smexy HEA.
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Another book in the Bristol collection from the fabulous Jo Myles.
Myles writes unapologetically British prose, and I love her all the more for it.
Her writing is always charming, accessible, and funny.
This sweet enemies-to-lover story is a spin-off from the second Bristol collection book, Stuff. Grant is Mas's closeted, married ex who was doused with a bit of wine by Perry in book two. And rightly so.
God, Grant is an arse. He's snobby, selfish, and delusional. He does come clean to his wife FINALLY, but he treats Dare like garbage.
Dare took Grant home after Grant made a fool of himself at the Cabbages and Kinks' grand reopening. But Grant doesn't usually go for guys with shaved heads and tats who smell like engine oil.
Grant is posh, you see, and he wants the world to know it.
I wanted to give Dare a squishy hug! He works so hard to take care of his junkie brother. Sporting nine inches of deliciousness where it counts, Dare is brash and independent. He doesn't give a shit what others think. But he cares about Grant. Until Grant pushes him too far.
Myles did a wonderful job making Grant a complex character. He was an idiot, yes, but he kept TRYING. And I was glad that Dare made him beg . . . just a little.
There was plenty of hotness here, a nice build-up of frotting, sucking, rimming, and kissing. Lots of pillow biting too! :)
Grant's two daughters didn't overtake the story, and Grant was clearly a loving dad.
Dare stole my heart in act one. Grant was lucky to have him. And he knew it too . . . eventually.
This is a sweet, sexy addition to Jo's Bristol collection. I want to take off in a VW camper van (RV for you Americans!) now. Maybe Dare will fix one up for me?
Features: one viciously cute guard dog, two junkies who mean well, an unsavory boss who had it coming, a steamy and tender head-shaving scene, Grant on his knees, a toppy, horny Dare, and a very smexy HEA.
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Another book in the Bristol collection from the fabulous Jo Myles.
March 20, 2015
Let me begin by saying, I'm a total Myles fangirl.
I have always LOVED her books....until now.
I was hesitant to jump in mid-series, but it appeared to be a safe move since the focus is on a new couple.
I don't think my problems had anything to do with lack of history from the first two books. And I had no problem with the writing.
So, what was my problem?
Well, to start...
I'm not a fan of cheater-cheater-can't-keep-it-in-your-pants-assholes. And not only was Grant screwing around on his wife in the last book, but now he's going through a divorce..and we get to witness it. *cringes*
Tearful conversations with his soon-to-be ex and coming out to his kids....those were scenes full of tension. Grant is also a complete douchebag when it comes to Dare. He's snobby, rude, and lacks all manners. I found it very difficult to 'like' him, let alone wish him upon Dare.
I craved more tenderness or more humor.
I adored the slang though...tickled my fancy.
Jo sprinkles British flare into her writing that keeps me coming back for more and this strike-out on my end certainly won’t deter me from more in the future. Quite possibly it could be classified as a me-not-you issue. Infidelity turns my stomach and almost makes me nauseous when children are involved. And I wish I could have forgiven him, but as it turns out he is merely separated from his wife throughout the entire book. I’m not sure when the divorce goes through, but they were still married during his relationship with Dare. Grrrrrrr, this was another kick in the shins. This may not be a button pusher for you, but it was a doozie for me.
Since Grant irritates me so, I think I shall skip ahead to Dare.
Dare is a carefree, simple and hard-working guy. He had a tough childhood and to be fair, his adult years haven’t been much easier. His father left him their family home and his junkyard when he passed. His younger brother became a victim of the deadly clutches of drugs. Heroin is slowly destroying Jace and Dare can’t save him….his last remaining family member is fading away before his eyes. There are some especially difficult scenes with Dare and his junkie brother. I wanted Dare to be happy, he deserves to be happy. I loved his rough and tough exterior and adored his marshmallow center. When he loves someone, he loves with fierce intensity. Even his pup, Solly, is lucky enough to be on the receiving end of his loyal affection.
Another niggle I had was the battle-of-the-tops. Both Grant and Dare are bossy tops and obviously this presents a problem. They finally figure it out and yowza, it ends up being smokin’…but it was a titch annoying at first. It was as if we were shown again and again why they didn’t fit or were simply wrong for each other. No matter how hard you try, a square peg does not fit into the circular slot.
I appreciate the man Grant became, but wanted to smack the man he was before turning over his new leaf. I applaud how Dare handled every sticky situation he was tossed into. And how about that ending? It left me hopeful.
I wish I could have loved it…I wanted to love it…but I was grasping at strings to hold on.
If you are familiar with and have enjoyed The Bristol Collection, I imagine you will love this one too.
*3 not-for-me stars*
I have always LOVED her books....until now.
I was hesitant to jump in mid-series, but it appeared to be a safe move since the focus is on a new couple.
I don't think my problems had anything to do with lack of history from the first two books. And I had no problem with the writing.
So, what was my problem?
Well, to start...
I'm not a fan of cheater-cheater-can't-keep-it-in-your-pants-assholes. And not only was Grant screwing around on his wife in the last book, but now he's going through a divorce..and we get to witness it. *cringes*
Tearful conversations with his soon-to-be ex and coming out to his kids....those were scenes full of tension. Grant is also a complete douchebag when it comes to Dare. He's snobby, rude, and lacks all manners. I found it very difficult to 'like' him, let alone wish him upon Dare.
I craved more tenderness or more humor.
I adored the slang though...tickled my fancy.
Jo sprinkles British flare into her writing that keeps me coming back for more and this strike-out on my end certainly won’t deter me from more in the future. Quite possibly it could be classified as a me-not-you issue. Infidelity turns my stomach and almost makes me nauseous when children are involved. And I wish I could have forgiven him, but as it turns out he is merely separated from his wife throughout the entire book. I’m not sure when the divorce goes through, but they were still married during his relationship with Dare. Grrrrrrr, this was another kick in the shins. This may not be a button pusher for you, but it was a doozie for me.
Since Grant irritates me so, I think I shall skip ahead to Dare.
Dare is a carefree, simple and hard-working guy. He had a tough childhood and to be fair, his adult years haven’t been much easier. His father left him their family home and his junkyard when he passed. His younger brother became a victim of the deadly clutches of drugs. Heroin is slowly destroying Jace and Dare can’t save him….his last remaining family member is fading away before his eyes. There are some especially difficult scenes with Dare and his junkie brother. I wanted Dare to be happy, he deserves to be happy. I loved his rough and tough exterior and adored his marshmallow center. When he loves someone, he loves with fierce intensity. Even his pup, Solly, is lucky enough to be on the receiving end of his loyal affection.
Another niggle I had was the battle-of-the-tops. Both Grant and Dare are bossy tops and obviously this presents a problem. They finally figure it out and yowza, it ends up being smokin’…but it was a titch annoying at first. It was as if we were shown again and again why they didn’t fit or were simply wrong for each other. No matter how hard you try, a square peg does not fit into the circular slot.
I appreciate the man Grant became, but wanted to smack the man he was before turning over his new leaf. I applaud how Dare handled every sticky situation he was tossed into. And how about that ending? It left me hopeful.
I wish I could have loved it…I wanted to love it…but I was grasping at strings to hold on.
If you are familiar with and have enjoyed The Bristol Collection, I imagine you will love this one too.
*3 not-for-me stars*
March 23, 2015
This is a pleasant opposites-attract story about Dare, a blue-collar guy who refurbishes caravans, and Grant, a real-estate project manager who finally gets up the self-awareness to separate from his wife, and admit to himself and others that he's gay. They meet and strike sparks of attraction, despite the fact that Grant's job requires him to encourage Dare to sell his property for development. I liked Dare's pushy self-confidence. The dialogue between the two guys had moments of fun and snark, and an enemies-to-lovers vibe.
The tone of the story is fairly light, despite some of the secondary issues that were potentially serious and significant, and could have been more emotional. The relationship was heavy on sex and light on anything much else until well into the book, which fit the story, but made me feel like I missed some of the connection between the MCs. I enjoyed watching Dare a lot, and sympathized with Grant, who began as a jerk and ended up perhaps the more interesting guy, although his moral compass was a bit too deeply buried too long for me to fully trust and like him.
One thing I really appreciated was that Grant's wife was hurt by his revelation, and angry, but not over the top. The kids were fairly realistic, and both parents put the wellbeing of the children high on their priorities. In fact, Grant is a bit of a mess and doesn't get to take the high ground in the failed relationship, which is refreshing. His wife is not vilified, and all the main characters come across as human, flawed but well-meaning. In the focus on the two men getting together, some emotional moments (notably the immediate period after when Grant came out to his wife) were skipped over right at the start, when seeing that might have helped me to connect with Grant at first. But he did grow on me. This was a quick, smooth, but not deep read, with a solid positive ending.
The tone of the story is fairly light, despite some of the secondary issues that were potentially serious and significant, and could have been more emotional. The relationship was heavy on sex and light on anything much else until well into the book, which fit the story, but made me feel like I missed some of the connection between the MCs. I enjoyed watching Dare a lot, and sympathized with Grant, who began as a jerk and ended up perhaps the more interesting guy, although his moral compass was a bit too deeply buried too long for me to fully trust and like him.
One thing I really appreciated was that Grant's wife was hurt by his revelation, and angry, but not over the top. The kids were fairly realistic, and both parents put the wellbeing of the children high on their priorities. In fact, Grant is a bit of a mess and doesn't get to take the high ground in the failed relationship, which is refreshing. His wife is not vilified, and all the main characters come across as human, flawed but well-meaning. In the focus on the two men getting together, some emotional moments (notably the immediate period after when Grant came out to his wife) were skipped over right at the start, when seeing that might have helped me to connect with Grant at first. But he did grow on me. This was a quick, smooth, but not deep read, with a solid positive ending.
July 29, 2017
Scrap was a good opposites attract story, but it didn't come close to Stuff, IMO.
It took me a little while to warm to Dare and Grant. Both of them irritated me in previous books, and I thought that their chemistry was a bit too rough around the edges for my taste. While the chemistry and romance improved though the course of the story, I still didn't quite see the love develop. It was more like strong attraction, as far as I could see.
I'm not a huge fan of kids in romance books, mostly because I know how kids act at certain ages and I get irritated if authors get it wrong, but it wasn't so bad here. However, while Grant showed his softer side well, Dare stole the show with how he acted with his brother. He was supportive and really wonderful.
What irked me throughout the book, however, was Grant's snobby attitude and the back story of Grant's company trying to buy Dare's land. It gave me a feeling of negative tension, and it kept me from being fully invested in the relationship.
All in all, a good story with some high points, but it doesn't compare to the Mas's book for me.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
It took me a little while to warm to Dare and Grant. Both of them irritated me in previous books, and I thought that their chemistry was a bit too rough around the edges for my taste. While the chemistry and romance improved though the course of the story, I still didn't quite see the love develop. It was more like strong attraction, as far as I could see.
I'm not a huge fan of kids in romance books, mostly because I know how kids act at certain ages and I get irritated if authors get it wrong, but it wasn't so bad here. However, while Grant showed his softer side well, Dare stole the show with how he acted with his brother. He was supportive and really wonderful.
What irked me throughout the book, however, was Grant's snobby attitude and the back story of Grant's company trying to buy Dare's land. It gave me a feeling of negative tension, and it kept me from being fully invested in the relationship.
All in all, a good story with some high points, but it doesn't compare to the Mas's book for me.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
March 23, 2015
Another great edition to the Bristol series. Review with my Lorikins!
I love this series so hard and this installment just confirms why. I love the setting, I love the characters and I love the story of them falling in love.
I think the thing I appreciated most about Dare and Grant was how incredibly imperfect they were and how those flaws made them perfect for each other. These were guys I could totally get with. They didn’t make declarations of love and smother each other with fluff. They’re guys who don’t wear their hearts on their sleeves and it takes them some time to get past the lust and the stubborn to realize each of them could have more. And more importantly, they deserved it.
Grant is not particularly likeable at first. He’s arrogant, kind of rude and an absolutely hot mess of emotions. I loved seeing inside his head as he grew though. It wasn’t pretty, but damn he managed to do a pretty good job pulling it all together in the end. On the surface, Dare is one intimidating and cold dude. He paints an imposing figure, but he’s a good and loyal man once you see past the tattoos and snark.
Speaking of snark, IT WAS SO GOOD. The conversations between these two were gold. They started out being adversarial and slowly moved to affectionate but never lost their edge. It was just so them. They may not have been gushing with feels all the time, but when either of them did open up and say something from the heart, it just mattered so much more. That’s pretty much my weakness right there.
The secondary characters were just as flawed and I really liked how the author handled both families. No one was perfect but no one was a villain either. Grant’s ex-wife wasn’t conveniently evil and the kids weren’t overly obnoxious or overly adorable. Dare’s brother was a train wreck, but still an optimistic work in progress. There was no cop out stereotypic characters that were used to move the plot along. They all added to the story by being believable and added to the depth of the main characters.
This was more than just a love story between Dare and Grant too. Besides my love for the love, the story of Grant becoming comfortable in his own skin made me so happy. It had to be so difficult, but by the end he earned every bit of happy he found.
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
I love this series so hard and this installment just confirms why. I love the setting, I love the characters and I love the story of them falling in love.
I think the thing I appreciated most about Dare and Grant was how incredibly imperfect they were and how those flaws made them perfect for each other. These were guys I could totally get with. They didn’t make declarations of love and smother each other with fluff. They’re guys who don’t wear their hearts on their sleeves and it takes them some time to get past the lust and the stubborn to realize each of them could have more. And more importantly, they deserved it.
Grant is not particularly likeable at first. He’s arrogant, kind of rude and an absolutely hot mess of emotions. I loved seeing inside his head as he grew though. It wasn’t pretty, but damn he managed to do a pretty good job pulling it all together in the end. On the surface, Dare is one intimidating and cold dude. He paints an imposing figure, but he’s a good and loyal man once you see past the tattoos and snark.
Speaking of snark, IT WAS SO GOOD. The conversations between these two were gold. They started out being adversarial and slowly moved to affectionate but never lost their edge. It was just so them. They may not have been gushing with feels all the time, but when either of them did open up and say something from the heart, it just mattered so much more. That’s pretty much my weakness right there.
The secondary characters were just as flawed and I really liked how the author handled both families. No one was perfect but no one was a villain either. Grant’s ex-wife wasn’t conveniently evil and the kids weren’t overly obnoxious or overly adorable. Dare’s brother was a train wreck, but still an optimistic work in progress. There was no cop out stereotypic characters that were used to move the plot along. They all added to the story by being believable and added to the depth of the main characters.
This was more than just a love story between Dare and Grant too. Besides my love for the love, the story of Grant becoming comfortable in his own skin made me so happy. It had to be so difficult, but by the end he earned every bit of happy he found.
**a copy of this story was provided for an honest review**
March 11, 2015
More like 4.5 stars
So, finished and I liked it a lot. Well-balanced although I found the work-related storyline was a bit unbalanced, so to say. In the beginning of the whole thing it was played up only to then vanish completely to then return during the final 5(?) chapters or so. Nevertheless I really liked both MCs, how they circled around each other, in the beginning trying to keep everything casual, only to then gradually realizing that there might be something more to it.
So, finished and I liked it a lot. Well-balanced although I found the work-related storyline was a bit unbalanced, so to say. In the beginning of the whole thing it was played up only to then vanish completely to then return during the final 5(?) chapters or so. Nevertheless I really liked both MCs, how they circled around each other, in the beginning trying to keep everything casual, only to then gradually realizing that there might be something more to it.
March 15, 2015
Oh, hey.
Josephine Myles.
Her best book, IMO, since The Hot Floor.
Josephine Myles.
Her best book, IMO, since The Hot Floor.
Read
March 2, 2015It's the third book in the Bristol Collection, and it was written because I became utterly intrigued by the villain I'd created for Stuff. I wanted to find out why he was the way he was, and if he could be redeemed. So Grant gets his own book, and who better to pair him up with than the man tasked with throwing him out of Mas's party: Dare. Opposites do indeed attract...
You can read this as a standalone I think. It's a bit more heavy than Stuff in terms of themes, although I think it remains a lighthearted (and sexy) read overall.
You can read this as a standalone I think. It's a bit more heavy than Stuff in terms of themes, although I think it remains a lighthearted (and sexy) read overall.
August 22, 2017
When, exactly, had his life got so complicated? Once upon a time, it had all seemed so easy. Marry the girl who was his best friend, have children and climb to the top of the ladder in his chosen career. Happiness would follow. It was bound to.
It was only now Grant started to wonder if he hadn’t been looking in entirely the wrong place for happiness. Only trouble was, he didn’t know how to change the life he’d chosen. And when he closed his eyes and tried to imagine happiness, it looked a lot like a cocky, shaven-headed bloke with tattoos. Which made absolutely no sense whatsoever.
Dare didn’t make him feel happy. Dare made him feel confused and angry and horny. But at least that was better than feeling depressed.
After getting tossed out on his drunken ass by Dare and a few other men at Mas and Perry’s big party (see: Stuff) Grant is in a bit of a state. For whatever reason, Dare decides to drive the man home before Grant can get himself or someone else killed by his car. Dare didn’t think that he’d ever see the drunk bastard again, even if he momentarily found himself intrigued by the not-drunk, non-assholy, parts of Grant’s personality. It isn’t until months later, when Grant’s firm is trying to buy up Dare’s junkyard/caravan repair shop, that their paths cross again.
Grant doesn’t want to like Dare. He doesn’t. And he certainly has no interest in letting the bare-headed, bossy tattooed mechanic top his ass. None whatsoever. Grant just wants to find a way to convince Dare to sell his land, so that Grant’s boss will leave him alone. There just seems to be the small problem of not being able to avoid the man…or the way he gets under Grant’s skin like no one else. They have two widely different lives, pasts, and probably futures…but hell if Grant can remember that when he is in Dare’s presence.
It’s been awhile since I’ve read either of the two previous books in the series, and I was worried that since I didn’t have the time for a reread that I would be terribly lost when I picked up Scrap. But I shouldn’t have worried. Except for a few brief moments at the beginning where I was still trying to place characters, this story was nicely set up for those of us who don’t quite remember what has gone on before. And it is probably best that I don’t remember much of Grant from before, because it sounds like he was a bit of an asshole in the last book. Also in this book. But he grows on you.
I liked that both of these were such bull-headed men. Dare, who intends on breaking down Grant’s walls, and Grant who intends to stay in charge in all aspects of his life. They butted heads, more often than not, and that made for a very interesting story. I especially liked it when things did not go according to plan-–for either of them. They both probably had no intention of falling in love with the other, but you can tell that they fit when they are together. They smooth out the rough edges of each other, and boy do these boys have some rough edges. Grant’s need of a touchstone, and Dare’s surprising ability to be that for Grant, was one of my favorite parts of this book.
There were also some great secondary characters in this. I really liked Grant’s kids (which was a shocker) and Dare’s brother and his girlfriend grew on me. I have no idea if what they have started will last, but Myles certainly had me hoping that they would make it. Mas was still a little over the top (but if he wasn’t he wouldn’t be Mas) but he and Perry make a few appearances here, and it was nice to see them again.
There was quite a bit about this book that I liked, and it was on par with the rest of the series. Even the stupid decisions made by some characters (*cough*Grant*cough*) were understandable. I’m not sure I have a favorite couple of this series, because each book I loved in different ways, but I love going into these books no knowing what I am going to be getting-–other than a very well written story.
If you haven’t read anything in this series yet, you can probably read this as a standalone, though it does tie back into book two at some points. It was highly enjoyable no matter what, and I recommend it if you love Myles’ particular English flair.
4.5 stars
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May 10, 2015
4.5 stars
This third instalment in the Bristol Collection series had two characters I didn't really care for on previous book. But I came to like and felt for each one as the story progress, and by the time I closed the book: I loved them!
Grant was the cheating husband who wanted to set Mas up as his kept boy on Stuff. Dare was the bald-headed punk who kept pestering Perry for a date (also on the same book). They met when drunk and heartbroken Grant gatecrashed Mas and Perry's shop's relaunching party and Dare escorted Grant back home.
That party - well, losing Mas more like - served as milestone in Grant's life. He came to realize he would never be happy if he wasn't being true to himself. After months of strengthening his resolve, he finally came out to his wife and thus ended his marriage.
Now, I really HATE cheating characters. In the same way, I hate bitchy harridan that usually pictured in this kind of plot, and I was prepared for Grant's wife to be that sort of female. I couldn't be more wrong.
Grant and Harriet was best friends before they were married, and they loved each other. She was heartbroken when Grant admitted to being gay and only loved her as friend and sister. But she didn't prevent Grant from seeing their daughters. Yes, she acted a bit difficult at first, but gradually they sat together trying to find solution to their dissembled life. As much as I dislike Grant for cheating, I also felt for him and how he tried to make everything go for years before it became unbearable. The baby step progress of this family trying to rearrange their life was so achingly real. There were shouts, tears, but not overly done.
When Grant met Dare again, he was already separated from his wife. He was assigned by his boss to talk Dare into selling his yard to his company. It was a collision between two toppy of opposite worlds. Each might say the other was so far out of their type, yet they couldn't seem to stay away and to stop thinking of each other.
I loved the verbal volleys between Dare and Grant. The self-assured Grant was not so assured in the face of Dare, not only because of his bold and take no prisoners attitude but also because Dare had seen him at his worse (the afore mentioned Mas/Perry's party) and the feeling he rose in Grant's mind. I applauded Dare for his patience with Grant, not pushing him into further sex act before he felt comfortable about it.
There were potential troubles of course, such as Dare's transgression on city council edict, his addict of a younger brother, or Grant's job to snoop and rat on Dare; added to that was Grant's struggle with his new life and his wish to include his daughters in it. However those were not overly extended and each was soon resolved without being too dramatic.
Another plus was the appearance of Mas in some chapters. For a diminutive young man he made quite a lasting impact with Dare and Grant, and he didn't let up on it before each had grovelled sufficiently.
I guess this was my favourite book of the series so far! :D
This third instalment in the Bristol Collection series had two characters I didn't really care for on previous book. But I came to like and felt for each one as the story progress, and by the time I closed the book: I loved them!
Grant was the cheating husband who wanted to set Mas up as his kept boy on Stuff. Dare was the bald-headed punk who kept pestering Perry for a date (also on the same book). They met when drunk and heartbroken Grant gatecrashed Mas and Perry's shop's relaunching party and Dare escorted Grant back home.
That party - well, losing Mas more like - served as milestone in Grant's life. He came to realize he would never be happy if he wasn't being true to himself. After months of strengthening his resolve, he finally came out to his wife and thus ended his marriage.
Now, I really HATE cheating characters. In the same way, I hate bitchy harridan that usually pictured in this kind of plot, and I was prepared for Grant's wife to be that sort of female. I couldn't be more wrong.
Grant and Harriet was best friends before they were married, and they loved each other. She was heartbroken when Grant admitted to being gay and only loved her as friend and sister. But she didn't prevent Grant from seeing their daughters. Yes, she acted a bit difficult at first, but gradually they sat together trying to find solution to their dissembled life. As much as I dislike Grant for cheating, I also felt for him and how he tried to make everything go for years before it became unbearable. The baby step progress of this family trying to rearrange their life was so achingly real. There were shouts, tears, but not overly done.
When Grant met Dare again, he was already separated from his wife. He was assigned by his boss to talk Dare into selling his yard to his company. It was a collision between two toppy of opposite worlds. Each might say the other was so far out of their type, yet they couldn't seem to stay away and to stop thinking of each other.
I loved the verbal volleys between Dare and Grant. The self-assured Grant was not so assured in the face of Dare, not only because of his bold and take no prisoners attitude but also because Dare had seen him at his worse (the afore mentioned Mas/Perry's party) and the feeling he rose in Grant's mind. I applauded Dare for his patience with Grant, not pushing him into further sex act before he felt comfortable about it.
There were potential troubles of course, such as Dare's transgression on city council edict, his addict of a younger brother, or Grant's job to snoop and rat on Dare; added to that was Grant's struggle with his new life and his wish to include his daughters in it. However those were not overly extended and each was soon resolved without being too dramatic.
Another plus was the appearance of Mas in some chapters. For a diminutive young man he made quite a lasting impact with Dare and Grant, and he didn't let up on it before each had grovelled sufficiently.
I guess this was my favourite book of the series so far! :D
January 26, 2015
Grant pissed me off so much in the last book, that I just couldn’t recover. That and Dare did NOTHING for me, he was an crass asshole.
I am having a hard time explaining more than that, other then I just didn’t like the characters. They irritated me. So this series is a great big miss for, I give up. I enjoyed Myles older work, this new stuff, not so much.
I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review.
I am having a hard time explaining more than that, other then I just didn’t like the characters. They irritated me. So this series is a great big miss for, I give up. I enjoyed Myles older work, this new stuff, not so much.
I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review.
January 31, 2015
Amazing! Buddy review soon at BMBR, with Ann.
March 10, 2015
How do you mix oil and water? Well, you put it in the hands of Josephine Myles to give it a good shake and…….. VOILÀ! Two characters that at the beginning of the book are so opposite you think that they will never be able to get together and by the end you're drawn in and everything is totally plausible with a wonderful HEA
We meet the two MCs of this story first of all in Stuff (Bristol collection #2), they only have a minor cameo role to play and I just love the way Josephine picks up these characters and continues with their story. They were both at Mas’s and Perry’s opening party of their shop and Grant, Mas’s ex, who had always strung Mas along because he was married and always “just in town on business” when he meets up with Mas at the party gets absolutely rat-arsed and ends up insulting Mas and Perry and then being thrown out by Dare the big butch skinhead. The third book, Scrap, picks up from here seamlessly and continues with the story of Dare and Grant.
Dare is a tattooed skinhead working and living in in the scrapyard / workshop he inherited from his father. Dare comes from a working class background and didn’t have what anyone could call a happy childhood. He converts and refurbishes campervans which he makes an honest living from but nothing luxurious. What I loved about Dare as a character was for me he is your typical hard-working salt of the earth kind of guy. A little bit like a coconut; all rough, hairy and hard on the outside but inside has an extremely soft centre, a heart of gold and a caring personality. This can be seen in how he cares for his little brother who is a drug addicted. He speaks his mind, is always true to himself and to others. A real case of appearances can sometimes be very deceiving, so yes never judge a book by its cover.
Grant: “Yes, well, unlike you, I actually care what people think about me.”
Dare: “You have my commiserations.”
Grant is married with two daughters, although he has been living a complete lie all his life and works for a property developer earning big bucks. Coming from a privileged background with expectations being put on him obviously from a very young age sees no other way but to “play the game.” A real career yuppie of the worst kind! Although deep inside you get to see a man that is not at all happy, totally trapped by his circumstances but just can’t see any way out. I felt sorry for Grant rather than disliking him at the beginning, a character I’m more likely to take pity on than anything else. Despite appearances he has been quite weak in many respects and unable to change his life. Well, by the end of this book he certainly does which takes a lot of courage so by the end of the book admired him very much for being able to at long last get his act together and turn his life around. However, like in real life having someone to love you, support and to fight for makes a big difference too.
“When exactly had his life got so complicated?”
You couldn’t get two characters more opposite if you tried and this is what I love about Jo’s book. So at the beginning I couldn’t see any way on earth that these two guys would even be able to meet halfway, let alone find a HEA and make a go of it! A real enemies, to friends to lovers story and skilfully done too in the hands of Jo Myles.
When these two first meet Grant was so drunk he couldn’t remember Dare taking him home. However, time passes and Grant turns up at Dare’s workshop and needs to make him a handsome offer to buy his land from him. His scrapyard is in a prime location for property development and Grant’s company are determined to get it and throw Dare off his land by any means necessary. So here am I thinking my goodness how the hell is this ever going to work out. Grant is cocky and self-assured, especially where Dare is concerned and Grant just sees the uneducated thug at first in Dare. Grant is the full on business guy and he is determined to get the land for his business at the beginning by fair or foul means.
So you have two toppy alpha males albeit from different backgrounds and the question is now which one is going to turn over showing their soft underbelly first and go into submission first! Well, this made for totally awesome character dynamics between the both of them, the sexual tension was palpable. Despite all his attempts Grant just can’t stop himself being attracted to Dare and what first starts out to be a “whambam thank you mam” session throughout the book gradually develops into something very caring and a lot deeper emotionally.
I just loved the dialogues and how these two guys were constantly ribbing each other and trying to get one up on each other. Especially who was going to give in first in regards to being bottomed - lol! I loved the way Jo got this exactly right! If you have never been bottomed before then it does take preparation and certainly isn’t a case of “just stick it up there” if it’s going to be pleasurable at that. I’m not saying here who did what to who, but the preparation, foreplay and sex leading up to all this was HOT!! And when the bottom cherry is finally popped it was all the more intense for it. Any sex scenes have to be well written for me to keep my interest so I’m not skipping pages and have to avoid all the usual canned, clichéd tropes! No problem here with Josephine, all I can say is - HOT! HOT! HOT!
There are also the family dramas of each character that provide also for a riveting plot device alongside the one being driven by the two MCs. I loved the way that although again coming from different backgrounds both men love and care for their families in whichever form they come in and to see these two factors merge in the end was also pure delight. This was most possibly the common ground that they shared was the love they each has for their family.
All in all another thoroughly entertaining and highly enjoyable read from Jo although I’m now asking myself if there is going to be a book four. I certainly hope so as I’ve enjoyed every moment of this series so far and would love to know whether more is in the pipeline. So I’m now taking bets for which characters might or should appear in The Bristol Collection Part 4 – lol!
4.5 Stars rounded up to 5
We meet the two MCs of this story first of all in Stuff (Bristol collection #2), they only have a minor cameo role to play and I just love the way Josephine picks up these characters and continues with their story. They were both at Mas’s and Perry’s opening party of their shop and Grant, Mas’s ex, who had always strung Mas along because he was married and always “just in town on business” when he meets up with Mas at the party gets absolutely rat-arsed and ends up insulting Mas and Perry and then being thrown out by Dare the big butch skinhead. The third book, Scrap, picks up from here seamlessly and continues with the story of Dare and Grant.
Dare is a tattooed skinhead working and living in in the scrapyard / workshop he inherited from his father. Dare comes from a working class background and didn’t have what anyone could call a happy childhood. He converts and refurbishes campervans which he makes an honest living from but nothing luxurious. What I loved about Dare as a character was for me he is your typical hard-working salt of the earth kind of guy. A little bit like a coconut; all rough, hairy and hard on the outside but inside has an extremely soft centre, a heart of gold and a caring personality. This can be seen in how he cares for his little brother who is a drug addicted. He speaks his mind, is always true to himself and to others. A real case of appearances can sometimes be very deceiving, so yes never judge a book by its cover.
Grant: “Yes, well, unlike you, I actually care what people think about me.”
Dare: “You have my commiserations.”
Grant is married with two daughters, although he has been living a complete lie all his life and works for a property developer earning big bucks. Coming from a privileged background with expectations being put on him obviously from a very young age sees no other way but to “play the game.” A real career yuppie of the worst kind! Although deep inside you get to see a man that is not at all happy, totally trapped by his circumstances but just can’t see any way out. I felt sorry for Grant rather than disliking him at the beginning, a character I’m more likely to take pity on than anything else. Despite appearances he has been quite weak in many respects and unable to change his life. Well, by the end of this book he certainly does which takes a lot of courage so by the end of the book admired him very much for being able to at long last get his act together and turn his life around. However, like in real life having someone to love you, support and to fight for makes a big difference too.
“When exactly had his life got so complicated?”
You couldn’t get two characters more opposite if you tried and this is what I love about Jo’s book. So at the beginning I couldn’t see any way on earth that these two guys would even be able to meet halfway, let alone find a HEA and make a go of it! A real enemies, to friends to lovers story and skilfully done too in the hands of Jo Myles.
When these two first meet Grant was so drunk he couldn’t remember Dare taking him home. However, time passes and Grant turns up at Dare’s workshop and needs to make him a handsome offer to buy his land from him. His scrapyard is in a prime location for property development and Grant’s company are determined to get it and throw Dare off his land by any means necessary. So here am I thinking my goodness how the hell is this ever going to work out. Grant is cocky and self-assured, especially where Dare is concerned and Grant just sees the uneducated thug at first in Dare. Grant is the full on business guy and he is determined to get the land for his business at the beginning by fair or foul means.
So you have two toppy alpha males albeit from different backgrounds and the question is now which one is going to turn over showing their soft underbelly first and go into submission first! Well, this made for totally awesome character dynamics between the both of them, the sexual tension was palpable. Despite all his attempts Grant just can’t stop himself being attracted to Dare and what first starts out to be a “whambam thank you mam” session throughout the book gradually develops into something very caring and a lot deeper emotionally.
I just loved the dialogues and how these two guys were constantly ribbing each other and trying to get one up on each other. Especially who was going to give in first in regards to being bottomed - lol! I loved the way Jo got this exactly right! If you have never been bottomed before then it does take preparation and certainly isn’t a case of “just stick it up there” if it’s going to be pleasurable at that. I’m not saying here who did what to who, but the preparation, foreplay and sex leading up to all this was HOT!! And when the bottom cherry is finally popped it was all the more intense for it. Any sex scenes have to be well written for me to keep my interest so I’m not skipping pages and have to avoid all the usual canned, clichéd tropes! No problem here with Josephine, all I can say is - HOT! HOT! HOT!
There are also the family dramas of each character that provide also for a riveting plot device alongside the one being driven by the two MCs. I loved the way that although again coming from different backgrounds both men love and care for their families in whichever form they come in and to see these two factors merge in the end was also pure delight. This was most possibly the common ground that they shared was the love they each has for their family.
All in all another thoroughly entertaining and highly enjoyable read from Jo although I’m now asking myself if there is going to be a book four. I certainly hope so as I’ve enjoyed every moment of this series so far and would love to know whether more is in the pipeline. So I’m now taking bets for which characters might or should appear in The Bristol Collection Part 4 – lol!
4.5 Stars rounded up to 5
March 19, 2015
Why you should read it: This is the third Bristol Collection book, and I love the enemies-to-lovers formula. You can tell the tip of hatred and loathing hides the iceberg of chemistry and attraction. I will warn that some readers won't like this because Grant is, well, a cheater from the last book, and readers get a front seat to his divorce with his wife (whom he cheated on). So if you're a reader looking for more comforting tender moments, this may not be for you. For readers looking for the sharper edge of steam, of a cutting spark of attraction, you'll really enjoy the back and forth between Dare and Grant. I mean, for readers of the previous books, Grant was pretty hard to like, yet he was intriguing, so I'm glad we got to see behind his mask and he got his own HEA.
To how much fun Josephine had writing her two heroes head over to the HEA blog!
http://www.usatoday.com/story/happyev...
To how much fun Josephine had writing her two heroes head over to the HEA blog!
http://www.usatoday.com/story/happyev...
July 28, 2017
This third book in the Bristol Collection is about Grant (Mas' asshole cheating married ex) and Dare, who had a thing for Perry, but didn't succeed.
There's a scene in Stuff where Grant shows up at Perry's store in hopes of winning back Mas, a little on the drunker side, and gets doused with wine, courtesy of Perry, and then escorted out by Dare, who also attended the 'grand re-opening' of Perry's store.
You see, Grant was married with children when he carried on an affair with Mas, but he's come clean to his wife, divorced, and now doesn't know how to move forward. He's gay, he knows it, but still closeted. His boss, a sleazebag first class, sends him on a fact-finding mission, which brings Grant to Dare's scrap yard, where Dare rebuilds travel vans (and lives in his "office" trailer), while taking care of his junkie brother who lives in Dare's house.
Dare is out and proud, straight-forward, and doesn't take shit from anyone, especially not some real estate developer's minion who's rude and snobbish and looks down his nose at him.
Of course, to the wanna-be posh Grant, Dare's motor oil perfume isn't what he's looking for, but while he's busy looking down his nose, he cannot help but notice the other man's body and lust for what seems to be a sizable endowment.
Dare remembers Grant from the store reopening and feels kind of sorry for the guy. They get physically close quickly, but Grant is an idiot and selfish and scared, which nearly costs him the one good thing he's found since he fucked over Mas and his wife and kids.
With her typical charm and style, Jo Myles made me care even about someone like Grant, even though I usually cannot abide cheaters in my romance novels. I felt sorry for him, really. He sucked, sure, but I could see that he didn't really want to be a bad guy. He tried to do the right thing in the end, even if it cost him.
This book was probably the angstiest of the three in this series. Dare's situation with his brother's addiction does have a positive ending, even if it didn't look like it would, for a while there. I liked Dare a lot - his no-nonsense attitude combined with his deep love for his brother, and his steadfastness when it came to people he cared about made him a lovable character and a good guy in my book.
The author teases at the end that there might be another book forthcoming. Possibly a new character not yet introduced, or possibly a book that revisits all three couples in the future. I'd read it either way.
** I received a free copy of this book from Signal Boost Promotions as part of the re-release. A positive review was not promised in return. **
There's a scene in Stuff where Grant shows up at Perry's store in hopes of winning back Mas, a little on the drunker side, and gets doused with wine, courtesy of Perry, and then escorted out by Dare, who also attended the 'grand re-opening' of Perry's store.
You see, Grant was married with children when he carried on an affair with Mas, but he's come clean to his wife, divorced, and now doesn't know how to move forward. He's gay, he knows it, but still closeted. His boss, a sleazebag first class, sends him on a fact-finding mission, which brings Grant to Dare's scrap yard, where Dare rebuilds travel vans (and lives in his "office" trailer), while taking care of his junkie brother who lives in Dare's house.
Dare is out and proud, straight-forward, and doesn't take shit from anyone, especially not some real estate developer's minion who's rude and snobbish and looks down his nose at him.
Of course, to the wanna-be posh Grant, Dare's motor oil perfume isn't what he's looking for, but while he's busy looking down his nose, he cannot help but notice the other man's body and lust for what seems to be a sizable endowment.
Dare remembers Grant from the store reopening and feels kind of sorry for the guy. They get physically close quickly, but Grant is an idiot and selfish and scared, which nearly costs him the one good thing he's found since he fucked over Mas and his wife and kids.
With her typical charm and style, Jo Myles made me care even about someone like Grant, even though I usually cannot abide cheaters in my romance novels. I felt sorry for him, really. He sucked, sure, but I could see that he didn't really want to be a bad guy. He tried to do the right thing in the end, even if it cost him.
This book was probably the angstiest of the three in this series. Dare's situation with his brother's addiction does have a positive ending, even if it didn't look like it would, for a while there. I liked Dare a lot - his no-nonsense attitude combined with his deep love for his brother, and his steadfastness when it came to people he cared about made him a lovable character and a good guy in my book.
The author teases at the end that there might be another book forthcoming. Possibly a new character not yet introduced, or possibly a book that revisits all three couples in the future. I'd read it either way.
** I received a free copy of this book from Signal Boost Promotions as part of the re-release. A positive review was not promised in return. **
October 29, 2016
This third instalment in the Bristol Collection series starts within the timeline of the second book, Stuff. Grant, Mas from Stuff's closeted ex, ends up drunk out of his wits, and Dare, who is friends with Perry and Mas from book two, drives him home. As thanks for his pains, Grant showers abuse on Dare before propositioning him. No wonder Dare laughs into Grant's face and leaves. And that should've been the end of it.
Except that Grant, who works for a land development firm, turns up at Dare's threshold, trying to buy him out of his riverfront scrap yard/custom caravan workshop...
Grant and Dare are polar opposites: suit and tie vs. tattoos and bald head; white-collar sophisticated vs. grease-smeared street smart; Mr. Hypocrite vs. Mr. Hard-shell-soft-core Bad Boy; mostly closeted vs. out and proud. And yet, opposites attract. Too bad they're both sworn tops. Or are they?
I'll admit, I all but hated Grant at first. Even though he did own up to his homosexuality - and to his attraction to Dare - he was such a snobby asshole, and he treated Dare like dirt. But gradually, Grant won me over. Even though he kept messing up due to his insecurities and preconceptions, he also kept trying - so hard and with so much courage I completely bought his will to change to the better from him. At the end of the day, he turned out to have his heart in the right place.
Now Dare, he had me from the word go. He's an artist and craftsman, he's independent and proud and doesn't give a damn what others think. But he's also a nurturer by nature, proof of which was the way he cared for his junkie brother. And he cared for Grant, who took entirely too long to realize he was lucky to have him. But once he did... boy, their reunion scene was heartwarming and hot at once. Not to mention a really awesome coming-out scene.
This was a sweet, sexy and at times, laugh-out-loud funny enemies-to-lovers story with a hint of taming of the shrew. The dogs were a bonus, and so was Grant’s prick of a boss left standing with egg all over his face.
A worthy addition to the Bristol Collection.
Except that Grant, who works for a land development firm, turns up at Dare's threshold, trying to buy him out of his riverfront scrap yard/custom caravan workshop...
Grant and Dare are polar opposites: suit and tie vs. tattoos and bald head; white-collar sophisticated vs. grease-smeared street smart; Mr. Hypocrite vs. Mr. Hard-shell-soft-core Bad Boy; mostly closeted vs. out and proud. And yet, opposites attract. Too bad they're both sworn tops. Or are they?
I'll admit, I all but hated Grant at first. Even though he did own up to his homosexuality - and to his attraction to Dare - he was such a snobby asshole, and he treated Dare like dirt. But gradually, Grant won me over. Even though he kept messing up due to his insecurities and preconceptions, he also kept trying - so hard and with so much courage I completely bought his will to change to the better from him. At the end of the day, he turned out to have his heart in the right place.
Now Dare, he had me from the word go. He's an artist and craftsman, he's independent and proud and doesn't give a damn what others think. But he's also a nurturer by nature, proof of which was the way he cared for his junkie brother. And he cared for Grant, who took entirely too long to realize he was lucky to have him. But once he did... boy, their reunion scene was heartwarming and hot at once. Not to mention a really awesome coming-out scene.
This was a sweet, sexy and at times, laugh-out-loud funny enemies-to-lovers story with a hint of taming of the shrew. The dogs were a bonus, and so was Grant’s prick of a boss left standing with egg all over his face.
A worthy addition to the Bristol Collection.
Read
March 16, 2015Remember Grant, the closeted asshole/ex boyfriend of Mas?Yup he's one of the MCs.
Remember Dare, the muscle stud with the shaved head and the tattoos?He's the other MC.
Now I know what you 're thinking, that this is a match made in hell.Think again.
Grant is still an asshole for the most part of the book. He is snobbish and treats Dare like dirt. But now that we have his POV we can actually see his internal struggle and that the things he says are not always the things he is thinking.
Dare is a sweetheart.He cares deeply for his family, he is laid back but dominant at the same time...*coughs*all nine inches of him*coughs*
There were some things I really liked:
- Grant's slow transformation. He gradually becomes a new man, one that can admit his mistakes and isn't afraid to say "I love you" to his man.
- His divorce from his wife and the drama with his daughters did not overtake the story and didn't hurt the romance.
- The wife's reaction.
-The chemistry between the MCs was off the charts. Grant used to be a bossy top but his reaction to Dare was totally different.
-Mas. Still drama queen, still cute as hell.
I think this was my favourite of the series and overall a great read.
February 7, 2015
I think Lou Harper, J L Merrow and Josephine Myles all support and egg each other on. And it's the best way to ensure we get great stories from all of them. The English blokes they all share with us are down to earth, honest and fallible. And they really are trying to live best possible lives.
Dare's family is far from perfect, and I am glad we don't get all the nitty gritty of it. We hear enough to know he's basically brought himself up, and that he loves what he does (restoring old camper vans).
Grant is less sure of his place in the world. His journey is the harder of the two, and with Dare, he can dare to build something new, something strong.
Hot sexy, toppy times. Dogs and children, and Mas & Perry - what more could you want? Go read it! There's humour, hotness and a great HEA.
Copy provided by publisher via Netgalley and read with thanks. Out March 10.
Dare's family is far from perfect, and I am glad we don't get all the nitty gritty of it. We hear enough to know he's basically brought himself up, and that he loves what he does (restoring old camper vans).
Grant is less sure of his place in the world. His journey is the harder of the two, and with Dare, he can dare to build something new, something strong.
Hot sexy, toppy times. Dogs and children, and Mas & Perry - what more could you want? Go read it! There's humour, hotness and a great HEA.
Copy provided by publisher via Netgalley and read with thanks. Out March 10.
January 9, 2015
Scrap wasn’t a solid piece of work from Myles. While it wasn’t as good as Junk or Stuff, if you are a fan of Myles writing and the world that she’s built, I highly suggest picking this novel up. If you are new to Myles work, this is not the novel I’d start with, go back and look for another title! That being said, Scrap an unexpected pairing, and I love the juxtaposition of the working class and the middle class, and the tension that come from the differences.
Dare was an excellent character, but I must admit that Grant wasn’t nearly as compelling. He took a lot longer for me to warm up to as a person. I also take slight issue with how the women in this novel were treated, as tools to further the plot, as shrill, as uncomfortable.
Dare was an excellent character, but I must admit that Grant wasn’t nearly as compelling. He took a lot longer for me to warm up to as a person. I also take slight issue with how the women in this novel were treated, as tools to further the plot, as shrill, as uncomfortable.
May 7, 2015
2.5 wtf stars
Oh darn. I had such high hopes for this. (I gave Stuff 5-bloody stars!) While this book had the potential to be really good, it tanked IMHO. Grant was a heartless, bourgeois pick and Dare was a doormat. That, folks, is a recipe for disaster in my world. Although the ending and epilogue made up some ground, it was nowhere near enough.
Bottom line: Bummer.
Oh darn. I had such high hopes for this. (I gave Stuff 5-bloody stars!) While this book had the potential to be really good, it tanked IMHO. Grant was a heartless, bourgeois pick and Dare was a doormat. That, folks, is a recipe for disaster in my world. Although the ending and epilogue made up some ground, it was nowhere near enough.
Bottom line: Bummer.
March 14, 2015
I wasn't sure I would warm to Grant but he pulled thru in the end!
May 23, 2015
4.5 stars
Enjoyed it better than the previous installment.
Enjoyed it better than the previous installment.
April 9, 2015
This review was written for Joyfully Jay reviews.
Note: This is the third book in The Bristol Collection, but can be read as a standalone.
4.75 Stars. Dare is a big, bald bruiser of a bloke with his own business restoring camper vans. He owns a scrap yard on the riverfront in Bristol with a view that developers will pay big money to acquire. He’s an independent, out gay man with satisfying work and realistic dreams, but lately he’s wishing he had a partner to share more than just his bed. At a friend’s party Dare collects a very drunk, very surly Grant and shuttles this posh man to his swank flat. Grant, it seems, had made quite a scene confronting his ex-lover, and Dare teaches a bit of down-home manners to Grant—not that Dare expects the inebriated Grant will remember.
Grant is thirty-six and finally acknowledging that he’s gay. It comes as a devastating shock to his wife, Harriet, and could cost him visitation with his two daughters, whom he adores. Though closeted, being gay is a new experience for Grant, and his first foray into a gay relationship ends badly. (This happened in a previous book, and is only alluded to in Scrap.)
Fast-forward six months and Grant is ringing Dare’s buzzer on a mission to buy his property. Dare knows his space is worth loads more than Grant’s company is offering, but the plain truth of the matter is the offer is irrelevant—Dare won’t sell. He also clues Grant in on their first meeting, which is particularly mortifying to Grant. Plus, Grant’s boss implies that failing to purchase Dare’s property could result in Grant’s termination, and he’ll have to scramble his life even more to keep supporting his little girls.
Feeling rather desperate—emotionally and sexually—Grant attempts to lure Dare into a deal, with poor results. I loved how Dare wouldn’t tolerate being treated as “beneath” anyone, and especially not by a potential lover. He continually asserts his worth, and this causes Grant to take more than a cursory look at the self-made, tattooed man Dare is. At first, Grant keeps turning up on Dare’s gate drunk. Dare has his own struggles with addicts—his brother is one—but he doesn’t let his baggage color the way he treats Grant. Plus, he doesn’t take Grant to bed on the first, or second, offering. Dare may not be a stylish man, but he is a decent man, and Grant comes to realize that the friends-with-benefits arrangement they develop is becoming something more. Still, Grant’s an uptight prig, not wanting to out himself at work, and also not sure he is willing to bring “rough trade” Dare into his social sphere.
Unfortunately, Grant’s close association with Dare gives him insider info that could force Dare into selling—if Grant reveals it, that is. I found the slow descent into mutual vulnerability very rewarding. Each revelation was seemingly small, but they added up to a staggering amount of knowledge—mostly to Dare’s detriment. I kept waiting for Grant to ruin Dare, and this kept me reading far too late into the night.
I really enjoyed the slow development of this romance. It is told from both Dare’s and Grant’s POV, so we understand what’s happening beneath the surface. The more time they spend together, the more invested each man becomes—not that he’s willing to confess such to his partner. Grant has had a lot of changes in his life, and more keep coming. His discussion of his sexuality with his daughters was a particularly poignant scene, especially as it kicked Grant’s feelings for Dare into the forefront. I liked the way he approached his negotiations with Harriet, and how they reached equitable agreements without nuclear meltdowns. It felt very real, and I enjoyed there not being a lot of back-and-forth, hostility, or vindictiveness.
From the beginning of this book to the end, Dare is a treat. He is so real, and so compassionate. His weekly visits to Jace, his junkie brother, and how he maintains a safe space for Jace, without being preachy, are commendable. Dare is a man who stands on his own two feet, and won’t let anyone shove him around. He is honest and patient, and I loved how he never treated Grant poorly, even when Grant acted insensitive or pompous. Like Dare, I ached a bit when Grant would slink out after an encounter. And I, too, felt Dare’s trepidation that Grant would find someone more socially acceptable and move on.
The book falls squarely in the HEA category, with a well-paced narrative and delightful British slang. I have never been to England, and yet I felt as if I was admiring the Plimsoll Bridge alongside these men.
A brilliant story I’d read again.
Note: This is the third book in The Bristol Collection, but can be read as a standalone.
4.75 Stars. Dare is a big, bald bruiser of a bloke with his own business restoring camper vans. He owns a scrap yard on the riverfront in Bristol with a view that developers will pay big money to acquire. He’s an independent, out gay man with satisfying work and realistic dreams, but lately he’s wishing he had a partner to share more than just his bed. At a friend’s party Dare collects a very drunk, very surly Grant and shuttles this posh man to his swank flat. Grant, it seems, had made quite a scene confronting his ex-lover, and Dare teaches a bit of down-home manners to Grant—not that Dare expects the inebriated Grant will remember.
Grant is thirty-six and finally acknowledging that he’s gay. It comes as a devastating shock to his wife, Harriet, and could cost him visitation with his two daughters, whom he adores. Though closeted, being gay is a new experience for Grant, and his first foray into a gay relationship ends badly. (This happened in a previous book, and is only alluded to in Scrap.)
Fast-forward six months and Grant is ringing Dare’s buzzer on a mission to buy his property. Dare knows his space is worth loads more than Grant’s company is offering, but the plain truth of the matter is the offer is irrelevant—Dare won’t sell. He also clues Grant in on their first meeting, which is particularly mortifying to Grant. Plus, Grant’s boss implies that failing to purchase Dare’s property could result in Grant’s termination, and he’ll have to scramble his life even more to keep supporting his little girls.
Feeling rather desperate—emotionally and sexually—Grant attempts to lure Dare into a deal, with poor results. I loved how Dare wouldn’t tolerate being treated as “beneath” anyone, and especially not by a potential lover. He continually asserts his worth, and this causes Grant to take more than a cursory look at the self-made, tattooed man Dare is. At first, Grant keeps turning up on Dare’s gate drunk. Dare has his own struggles with addicts—his brother is one—but he doesn’t let his baggage color the way he treats Grant. Plus, he doesn’t take Grant to bed on the first, or second, offering. Dare may not be a stylish man, but he is a decent man, and Grant comes to realize that the friends-with-benefits arrangement they develop is becoming something more. Still, Grant’s an uptight prig, not wanting to out himself at work, and also not sure he is willing to bring “rough trade” Dare into his social sphere.
Unfortunately, Grant’s close association with Dare gives him insider info that could force Dare into selling—if Grant reveals it, that is. I found the slow descent into mutual vulnerability very rewarding. Each revelation was seemingly small, but they added up to a staggering amount of knowledge—mostly to Dare’s detriment. I kept waiting for Grant to ruin Dare, and this kept me reading far too late into the night.
I really enjoyed the slow development of this romance. It is told from both Dare’s and Grant’s POV, so we understand what’s happening beneath the surface. The more time they spend together, the more invested each man becomes—not that he’s willing to confess such to his partner. Grant has had a lot of changes in his life, and more keep coming. His discussion of his sexuality with his daughters was a particularly poignant scene, especially as it kicked Grant’s feelings for Dare into the forefront. I liked the way he approached his negotiations with Harriet, and how they reached equitable agreements without nuclear meltdowns. It felt very real, and I enjoyed there not being a lot of back-and-forth, hostility, or vindictiveness.
From the beginning of this book to the end, Dare is a treat. He is so real, and so compassionate. His weekly visits to Jace, his junkie brother, and how he maintains a safe space for Jace, without being preachy, are commendable. Dare is a man who stands on his own two feet, and won’t let anyone shove him around. He is honest and patient, and I loved how he never treated Grant poorly, even when Grant acted insensitive or pompous. Like Dare, I ached a bit when Grant would slink out after an encounter. And I, too, felt Dare’s trepidation that Grant would find someone more socially acceptable and move on.
The book falls squarely in the HEA category, with a well-paced narrative and delightful British slang. I have never been to England, and yet I felt as if I was admiring the Plimsoll Bridge alongside these men.
A brilliant story I’d read again.
February 7, 2015
Note: This book was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
The odd couple in my world of M/M fiction, it seems impossible that Grant and Dare could possibly have anything in common, or find any sort of long term relationship or commitment possible, but Josephine Myles shows us that love doesn’t really care about labels and true love is available to anyone willing to work for it.
Dare (Derek) Nelson owns property along the riverfront on which he houses and remodels campervans. He does everything from upholstery to engine work on them and lives on the proceeds. He also illegally lives in one of the vans, but as long as no one knows that, he’s happy to live and work in his own little world with just his Rottweiler, Solly, to keep him company. He actually owns the house he inherited from his parents, but he doesn’t live there—that’s where his drug-addicted brother lives in squalor, both inside and outside. Dare visits once a week, always optimistic that this may be the time when getting together with his brother for Sunday dinner might awaken a desire in his brother to get clean and sober.
Dare’s riverfront property hasn’t escaped the notice of local land developers and when their best salesman, smooth-talking Grant Matravers shows up with an offer to purchase the land for a half-million pounds, Dare laughs in Grant’s face. Dare recalls Grant from an encounter a year before at his friend Mas’s party (“Stuff”). Grant was Mas’s former “sugar daddy” and was booted from the party when he showed up drunk out of his mind. At that time, Dare escorted him home, and he doesn’t think any better of him with the passage of time.
What Dare isn’t aware of at that initial meeting is that Grant has finally come out to his wife and is in the process of divorce. Though he’s closeted at work, he’s making strides in being the man he should have been all along. Why he’s attracted to the handsome, tattooed and bald Dare is beyond him, but the chemistry is reciprocal, and the two tops wrestle over dominance every time they get together. Eventually, when Grant keeps coming back and just frotting isn’t enough, Grant succumbs and gives his virginity to Dare.
I loved the chemistry the author infused in these two very strong men. The underlying layers of emotion and their inherent good qualities showed below the surface at all times, yet it took them quite a long time to come to terms with the fact that they felt more than just a burning need to have sex. The family and work relationships in Grant’s life that provided a layer of complexity were realistic and very well placed throughout the story. And Dare’s caretaking of his brother, his attendance at a family support group, and his willingness to keep supporting him through his withdrawal, all showed that Dare is much more than the shaved-headed, tattooed muscle man he might appear to be at first sight.
The only minor concern I had was the portrayal of Dare’s brother going “cold turkey” from a lengthy heroin addiction at home. Having worked in the recovery field I know that many complications can arise, up to and including heart failure, so I just can’t let that pass without a comment. Though I can’t imagine the odds that an addict would read the story and then think they could detox alone, it does downplay the severe extent of addiction and the medical complications of cold turkey withdrawal.
In summary, this is a great story and so much fun to meet the two “misfits” who were actually more like Yin and Yang, complementing each other perfectly. I highly recommend this one to all lovers of M/M romance, and though it’s third in a series, it can be read as a standalone.
4.5 stars rounded up.
The odd couple in my world of M/M fiction, it seems impossible that Grant and Dare could possibly have anything in common, or find any sort of long term relationship or commitment possible, but Josephine Myles shows us that love doesn’t really care about labels and true love is available to anyone willing to work for it.
Dare (Derek) Nelson owns property along the riverfront on which he houses and remodels campervans. He does everything from upholstery to engine work on them and lives on the proceeds. He also illegally lives in one of the vans, but as long as no one knows that, he’s happy to live and work in his own little world with just his Rottweiler, Solly, to keep him company. He actually owns the house he inherited from his parents, but he doesn’t live there—that’s where his drug-addicted brother lives in squalor, both inside and outside. Dare visits once a week, always optimistic that this may be the time when getting together with his brother for Sunday dinner might awaken a desire in his brother to get clean and sober.
Dare’s riverfront property hasn’t escaped the notice of local land developers and when their best salesman, smooth-talking Grant Matravers shows up with an offer to purchase the land for a half-million pounds, Dare laughs in Grant’s face. Dare recalls Grant from an encounter a year before at his friend Mas’s party (“Stuff”). Grant was Mas’s former “sugar daddy” and was booted from the party when he showed up drunk out of his mind. At that time, Dare escorted him home, and he doesn’t think any better of him with the passage of time.
What Dare isn’t aware of at that initial meeting is that Grant has finally come out to his wife and is in the process of divorce. Though he’s closeted at work, he’s making strides in being the man he should have been all along. Why he’s attracted to the handsome, tattooed and bald Dare is beyond him, but the chemistry is reciprocal, and the two tops wrestle over dominance every time they get together. Eventually, when Grant keeps coming back and just frotting isn’t enough, Grant succumbs and gives his virginity to Dare.
I loved the chemistry the author infused in these two very strong men. The underlying layers of emotion and their inherent good qualities showed below the surface at all times, yet it took them quite a long time to come to terms with the fact that they felt more than just a burning need to have sex. The family and work relationships in Grant’s life that provided a layer of complexity were realistic and very well placed throughout the story. And Dare’s caretaking of his brother, his attendance at a family support group, and his willingness to keep supporting him through his withdrawal, all showed that Dare is much more than the shaved-headed, tattooed muscle man he might appear to be at first sight.
The only minor concern I had was the portrayal of Dare’s brother going “cold turkey” from a lengthy heroin addiction at home. Having worked in the recovery field I know that many complications can arise, up to and including heart failure, so I just can’t let that pass without a comment. Though I can’t imagine the odds that an addict would read the story and then think they could detox alone, it does downplay the severe extent of addiction and the medical complications of cold turkey withdrawal.
In summary, this is a great story and so much fun to meet the two “misfits” who were actually more like Yin and Yang, complementing each other perfectly. I highly recommend this one to all lovers of M/M romance, and though it’s third in a series, it can be read as a standalone.
4.5 stars rounded up.
March 10, 2015
Slick's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4.5 Stars
There is something really satisfying when a couple has to work so hard at being together which is probably why I loved Scrap by Josephine Myles so much. In honesty the two main characters are so different that on paper it seems they shouldn’t work but somehow they complement each other and bring out something special in each other that most of the world never sees. It might seem odd that two very “toppy” men find love but what started as lust becomes friendship and so much more and it was enlightening to watch as they figured out just how much they wanted to be together.
A corporate suit wearing in the closet, still married with two children man who is as gay as they come and a anti establishment tattooed mechanic specializing in campervan restorations with an addict brother make up the couple in this story and from the first time they meet it is evident there is something between them even when they don’t see each other for months afterwards. Flat out these two men have baggage to spare and yes at times it gets in the way, but it’s also what makes them the people they are AND it helps the other see how special the other one is. Grant fell into a traditional marriage and family because it was expected of him and he loves his wife and adores his children but he doesn’t LOVE his wife the way he should and he knows it’s time to come out to her and move on with his life. Dare has lived his life the way he wants for as long as he can remember. Out since his teen years, he makes no apologies for the way he lives his life and his one regret is not having a better relationship with his brother who is addicted to drugs.
A business deal thrusts Grant back into Dare’s world and they soon find themselves acting on an attraction neither one can quite figure out. Both tops they struggle for control in all aspects of their early relationship yet over time they begin to realize how much they enjoy each other’s company and they find that exploring options isn’t a bad thing. There are many obstacles in their way; Grant’s job, Dare’s brother, and Grant’s children all add to their drama and add in the fact that the both are feeling things they aren’t sure they want to feel and life gets really complicated.
I loved the struggles these two had to go through to be together because it only made their relationship stronger and made them both realize how very lucky they were to find each other. Although they were an unlikely pair, there was something so special about the way they needed one another and the trust and respect they both had for each other.
Scrap was a deep and delightful story of two men who despite their extreme differences found common ground and the love they both so desperately needed.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
4.5 Stars
There is something really satisfying when a couple has to work so hard at being together which is probably why I loved Scrap by Josephine Myles so much. In honesty the two main characters are so different that on paper it seems they shouldn’t work but somehow they complement each other and bring out something special in each other that most of the world never sees. It might seem odd that two very “toppy” men find love but what started as lust becomes friendship and so much more and it was enlightening to watch as they figured out just how much they wanted to be together.
A corporate suit wearing in the closet, still married with two children man who is as gay as they come and a anti establishment tattooed mechanic specializing in campervan restorations with an addict brother make up the couple in this story and from the first time they meet it is evident there is something between them even when they don’t see each other for months afterwards. Flat out these two men have baggage to spare and yes at times it gets in the way, but it’s also what makes them the people they are AND it helps the other see how special the other one is. Grant fell into a traditional marriage and family because it was expected of him and he loves his wife and adores his children but he doesn’t LOVE his wife the way he should and he knows it’s time to come out to her and move on with his life. Dare has lived his life the way he wants for as long as he can remember. Out since his teen years, he makes no apologies for the way he lives his life and his one regret is not having a better relationship with his brother who is addicted to drugs.
A business deal thrusts Grant back into Dare’s world and they soon find themselves acting on an attraction neither one can quite figure out. Both tops they struggle for control in all aspects of their early relationship yet over time they begin to realize how much they enjoy each other’s company and they find that exploring options isn’t a bad thing. There are many obstacles in their way; Grant’s job, Dare’s brother, and Grant’s children all add to their drama and add in the fact that the both are feeling things they aren’t sure they want to feel and life gets really complicated.
I loved the struggles these two had to go through to be together because it only made their relationship stronger and made them both realize how very lucky they were to find each other. Although they were an unlikely pair, there was something so special about the way they needed one another and the trust and respect they both had for each other.
Scrap was a deep and delightful story of two men who despite their extreme differences found common ground and the love they both so desperately needed.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
June 29, 2017
If there is anyone who has the ability to change my opinion of Grant, Mas's oh-so-closeted and married lover, then I figured it would be author Josephine Myles. 'Scrap' is the third book in 'The Bristol Collection', and to say I was eager to read it, is a mild description. This is such a fabulous, fun, sexy, quirky series, and I've adored each of the previous installments. The thought of Grant meeting his match in Dare—two tops fighting for dominance—well, for those who know me, I'm sure you can imagine the look in my eyes!
"What would it feel like to be with a man who was taller and stronger than him? It wasn’t something he’d ever seriously considered. He swallowed hard, his heart beginning to pound."
If there are two more different men than Grant and Dare, I'm not sure I've had the pleasure of meeting them. Grant is a businessman, a professional in suits and ties, uptight, and stodgy. Very proper, if you get my meaning. He's always been attracted to slim young twinks, like Mas, and he's always topped, and always been in control. Dare? Well, he owns what appears to be a scrap yard, although Dare makes his living refurbishing used camper vans. He's a sweaty, oily, greasy mess, with a lot of tattoos, and a shaved head. He, most definitely, is a top, and he's making it his mission to show Grant what he's been missing. Dare is arrogant, smart, and the perfect match for a man he can't imagine having more than a one-night stand with.
An incredible addition to the series! I loved this book, even more than the previous ones, and that's saying a LOT! Grant and Dare's slowly evolving friendship, which became so much more, but which neither could admit, was a fabulous tale of love. Love which neither man knew they were capable of feeling, or that they even wanted. Oh please, Jo, can I have more? Please give me a short story with these two men whom I adore. Thank you very much, for returning me to Bristol where I'm so happy, and for giving me this story. It, most definitely, will be included in my favorites.
NOTE: This book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
"What would it feel like to be with a man who was taller and stronger than him? It wasn’t something he’d ever seriously considered. He swallowed hard, his heart beginning to pound."
If there are two more different men than Grant and Dare, I'm not sure I've had the pleasure of meeting them. Grant is a businessman, a professional in suits and ties, uptight, and stodgy. Very proper, if you get my meaning. He's always been attracted to slim young twinks, like Mas, and he's always topped, and always been in control. Dare? Well, he owns what appears to be a scrap yard, although Dare makes his living refurbishing used camper vans. He's a sweaty, oily, greasy mess, with a lot of tattoos, and a shaved head. He, most definitely, is a top, and he's making it his mission to show Grant what he's been missing. Dare is arrogant, smart, and the perfect match for a man he can't imagine having more than a one-night stand with.
An incredible addition to the series! I loved this book, even more than the previous ones, and that's saying a LOT! Grant and Dare's slowly evolving friendship, which became so much more, but which neither could admit, was a fabulous tale of love. Love which neither man knew they were capable of feeling, or that they even wanted. Oh please, Jo, can I have more? Please give me a short story with these two men whom I adore. Thank you very much, for returning me to Bristol where I'm so happy, and for giving me this story. It, most definitely, will be included in my favorites.
NOTE: This book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
May 31, 2017
I try to start with good points because I want to be bitter near the end of my review.
Pros:
1- Most characters are dynamic, which means they are neither totally good nor bad. This fact gives the story a sense of reality, which I like very much in urban erotica. I think the best example is Grant's wife, Harriett.
2- Good humor and excellent style of British writing are two major strengths of the book.
3- The story begins nicely. It is really different and promising at its early stages.
4- Dare is a lovely character. He's tough but caring. I think he is the real hero of the story.
5- Sex scenes are mostly good. Sometimes, they become bland though.
6- The book has the best erotic head-shaving scene, I've ever come across.
Cons:
1- Suddenly, the nice pace of the story has changed. I can't really believe anything after
2- Why, just why, have changes happened so fast? There were so many spaces and times for them to develop gradually.
Since these two shortcomings have ruined the story for me, I guess 3-stars is the best score I can give to this story. The author will be on my radar though, because I really like her style of writing.
Pros:
1- Most characters are dynamic, which means they are neither totally good nor bad. This fact gives the story a sense of reality, which I like very much in urban erotica. I think the best example is Grant's wife, Harriett.
2- Good humor and excellent style of British writing are two major strengths of the book.
3- The story begins nicely. It is really different and promising at its early stages.
4- Dare is a lovely character. He's tough but caring. I think he is the real hero of the story.
5- Sex scenes are mostly good. Sometimes, they become bland though.
6- The book has the best erotic head-shaving scene, I've ever come across.
Cons:
1- Suddenly, the nice pace of the story has changed. I can't really believe anything after
2- Why, just why, have changes happened so fast? There were so many spaces and times for them to develop gradually.
Since these two shortcomings have ruined the story for me, I guess 3-stars is the best score I can give to this story. The author will be on my radar though, because I really like her style of writing.
March 16, 2015
Another great book from Ms. Myles. Dare is wonderful through the entire book. Grant is the married asshat Mas was previously dating. I started off strongly disliking Grant because of what I had seen of him in the past. He grew with this book.
Any time an author can take a character I dislike, change them over time, make me believe it, and then have me wishing for them to find love and happiness, that's some good shit right there.
I was also tempted to throw in some bonus points for Matilda. I just happened to be redoing the bathroom in my own Airstream this weekend. It couldn't have been a more perfect time for me to be reading a book about a guy who restores vintage campers.
Any time an author can take a character I dislike, change them over time, make me believe it, and then have me wishing for them to find love and happiness, that's some good shit right there.
I was also tempted to throw in some bonus points for Matilda. I just happened to be redoing the bathroom in my own Airstream this weekend. It couldn't have been a more perfect time for me to be reading a book about a guy who restores vintage campers.
March 12, 2015
4.5 stars.
Definitely my favorite in the series. I love when those bossy corporate types find themselves a bad-boy, blue-collar lover. Two different worlds - wills clash, sparks fly and love ignites...
Yum.
Definitely my favorite in the series. I love when those bossy corporate types find themselves a bad-boy, blue-collar lover. Two different worlds - wills clash, sparks fly and love ignites...
Yum.
March 15, 2015
I loved this book! Very well-written, with lots of clever dialogue and inventive language. Dare and Grant are fully-rounded personalities with interesting backstories, and the romance between them is sexy and smoking.
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