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Good Bones
Ace Hoffman is a home stager who is trying to escape his latest closet case heartbreak. Zane McDonnell is a chiropractor who has made the closet into a comfortable home. They meet in a dark back room one night and part just as quickly, never to see each other again...
Until Ace shows up at the door of Zane’s brother to work on his house. Now the guy who has sworn off closet cases can’t escape the man who is afraid to show the world who he is. When one tends to run and the other always hides, can they build any kind of future together?
Until Ace shows up at the door of Zane’s brother to work on his house. Now the guy who has sworn off closet cases can’t escape the man who is afraid to show the world who he is. When one tends to run and the other always hides, can they build any kind of future together?
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 2, 2014
63 people want to read
About the author
C.C. Flanagan
1 book6 followersC.C. Flanagan is a graphic designer and writer from Kansas City who is FINALLY getting to use her master’s degree in English for a good cause.
She’s been reading romance novels since she was, well, too young to be sneaking the Harlequin’s from mom’s secret romance drawer. The English degree tried to shame her away from any non-literary literature, but she’s decided that she wants to read and write the fun stuff.
She wants the happy ending – every kind of happy ending. Once she discovered the pure heat in M/M romances, she hasn’t been able to stay away.
She’s been reading romance novels since she was, well, too young to be sneaking the Harlequin’s from mom’s secret romance drawer. The English degree tried to shame her away from any non-literary literature, but she’s decided that she wants to read and write the fun stuff.
She wants the happy ending – every kind of happy ending. Once she discovered the pure heat in M/M romances, she hasn’t been able to stay away.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 20, 2014
2.5 stars
Brain candy!
This is a perfect airport book: cute, sexy, and easy to read.
Unfortunately, the second half disintegrated into melodrama with crazy ex-boyfriends, meddling sisters-in-law, and jealous friends. Plus the epilogue did not fit the tone of the story.
Rounded up for the very hot lovin'!
Brain candy!
This is a perfect airport book: cute, sexy, and easy to read.
Unfortunately, the second half disintegrated into melodrama with crazy ex-boyfriends, meddling sisters-in-law, and jealous friends. Plus the epilogue did not fit the tone of the story.
Rounded up for the very hot lovin'!
January 8, 2015
Gah! This is totally one of those books that is just so much fun. It's hot, and funny and sweet and full of likable characters and then...
So, really, I was having a great time with this. I was just going with the flow. I mean, I knew where it was going and I was just enjoying the ride. And then it got stupid. I mean. It took the best character of the entire book and turned him in to a total ass. An ass to his man, an ass to his best friend and really, an ass to himself because if he believed the shit he was thinking he is fucking nuts. I was not pleased and I don't think I like him now. How unfair is that?
I hate drama for the sake of drama. This could have just been a hot as Hell fun romance but it wasn't.
So, a for sure 4★ read turned into a 3★ read in an instant.
It pisses me off.
So, really, I was having a great time with this. I was just going with the flow. I mean, I knew where it was going and I was just enjoying the ride. And then it got stupid. I mean. It took the best character of the entire book and turned him in to a total ass. An ass to his man, an ass to his best friend and really, an ass to himself because if he believed the shit he was thinking he is fucking nuts. I was not pleased and I don't think I like him now. How unfair is that?
I hate drama for the sake of drama. This could have just been a hot as Hell fun romance but it wasn't.
So, a for sure 4★ read turned into a 3★ read in an instant.
It pisses me off.
October 11, 2014
Adorable i loved it.
November 14, 2014
3.3 rounded up rating
3 star for a simple, likable story with great heroes. I was fully engaged throughout the story.
5 points for pure entertainment and the level of HOTNESS!
2 points LESS for the misunderstanding/miscommunication trope, but was thankful that it was relatively short.
3 star for a simple, likable story with great heroes. I was fully engaged throughout the story.
5 points for pure entertainment and the level of HOTNESS!
2 points LESS for the misunderstanding/miscommunication trope, but was thankful that it was relatively short.
November 5, 2014
This is a solid 3 star, which means a nice and enjoyable light read that doesn't stick with you forever, but doesn't have a lot of complaints or criticisms either.
The language was cheesy at times, and the dirty talk was more cheesy wordy flattery than 'dirty' per se, but that can be forgiven. Wonderful strong female supporting character. Good realistic reactions from loving family members to coming out. Wonderful and concise wrap-up of an Epilogue.
The misunderstanding/fight was a little stupid and out of nowhere , but didn't bother me too much because I knew they would come around. I did think that Zane needed to grovel more. I hate when yelling becomes making out, and nothing actually gets resolved or talked about.
But the sex was pretty hot (picture me trying to read my brightly lit Nook on a plane with the hubs on the left and a stranger on the right and the word "COCK" written about fifty times on one page). I would love to see Erik happily mated next please!
Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
The language was cheesy at times, and the dirty talk was more cheesy wordy flattery than 'dirty' per se, but that can be forgiven. Wonderful strong female supporting character. Good realistic reactions from loving family members to coming out. Wonderful and concise wrap-up of an Epilogue.
The misunderstanding/fight was a little stupid and out of nowhere , but didn't bother me too much because I knew they would come around. I did think that Zane needed to grovel more. I hate when yelling becomes making out, and nothing actually gets resolved or talked about.
But the sex was pretty hot (picture me trying to read my brightly lit Nook on a plane with the hubs on the left and a stranger on the right and the word "COCK" written about fifty times on one page). I would love to see Erik happily mated next please!
Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
January 18, 2015
Wow. So I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. Ace? Adored him. Zane? Didn't quite understand him, but I still adored him. Adele? Didn't annoy me! HUGE plus. She was meddling, but not in an annoying way. Trust me, I HATE meddling friends, but I liked Adele. Maybe because I liked her before she became "the yenta". Brody? Too damn cute. Erik? Gotcha, buddy. I want his story now.
October 2, 2014
Ace is a home stager who has been burned by closet cases in the past. Zane is a closet case. They meet at a bar, have hot sex, Zane leaves immediately after, “losing points on the dismount”.
Ace is working on Zane’s brother’s house and Zane treats him like a stranger, then gives him a blowjob in the bathroom. Needless to say, Ace is confused, but still very attracted to Zane, who is also confused but determined to stay in the closet.
Little matchmaking friends keep the two running into one another until the sparks burst into a roaring affair that nearly burns out when Ace’s evil ex returns.
But, the matchmakers come to the rescue again and everything ends up very happily ever after. With a juicy epilogue to boot!
**
I loved this book. Loved it! I thought the chemistry between Zane and Ace was fantastic. Though sometimes inconsistent, Zane’s desire to stay in the closet was tempered with his initial caveat, “until there’s a reason to leave it”, thus providing the opening for him to explore this relationship with Ace while still maintaining his secrecy.
The secondary characters are funny and sweet and the friend/wannabe boyfriend Erik was a really nice, realistically-imperfect touch.
I loved that the “gays” were not at all stereotypical, even though Ace did have the clichéd job as a decorator.
I am a total sucker for an epilogue that wraps it all up and this trumps it by still leaving a little room for our Erik to find his true love in a sequel.
I totally recommend this book and give it a 5 of 5 hearts!
Ace is working on Zane’s brother’s house and Zane treats him like a stranger, then gives him a blowjob in the bathroom. Needless to say, Ace is confused, but still very attracted to Zane, who is also confused but determined to stay in the closet.
Little matchmaking friends keep the two running into one another until the sparks burst into a roaring affair that nearly burns out when Ace’s evil ex returns.
But, the matchmakers come to the rescue again and everything ends up very happily ever after. With a juicy epilogue to boot!
**
I loved this book. Loved it! I thought the chemistry between Zane and Ace was fantastic. Though sometimes inconsistent, Zane’s desire to stay in the closet was tempered with his initial caveat, “until there’s a reason to leave it”, thus providing the opening for him to explore this relationship with Ace while still maintaining his secrecy.
The secondary characters are funny and sweet and the friend/wannabe boyfriend Erik was a really nice, realistically-imperfect touch.
I loved that the “gays” were not at all stereotypical, even though Ace did have the clichéd job as a decorator.
I am a total sucker for an epilogue that wraps it all up and this trumps it by still leaving a little room for our Erik to find his true love in a sequel.
I totally recommend this book and give it a 5 of 5 hearts!
October 16, 2014
LOVED IT!!!!
November 24, 2014
Review soon.
June 27, 2017
Read the free version on Literotica, and I assume that it hasn't changed too much. Really enjoyed.
November 2, 2014
4 star review by Amber
This is a brand new author for me and like always with new authors, I get scared, nervous, for them. I’m very happy to say there was no need for those feelings after having read this story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
A lot of times with “in the closet” characters there’s an over abundance of angst and no real story, that did not happen here.
Ace works with a realtor as a home stager which essentially helps home owners ready their homes for sale. After work one night he goes to a bar where he meets a dark, handsome man, named Zane. They end the night in a back room, having what happens to be the best sex of their lives against the wall.
Zane is DEEPLY closeted, however. He’s lived his full 36 years with the pretense that he was a heterosexual man. All his sexual encounters have been one night never to see the other person again. He’s immediately drawn to Ace at the club so after their night of hot sex (REALLY HOT SEX) he’s having a hard time forgetting the man.
Zane throws himself into helping his brother, Brody sell his house. Brody is engaged to Adele and needs to get his house sold before the wedding. His realtor recommends, home stager, Ace to the job.
Not surprising Ace and Zane meet again at Brody’s house and their spark is still burning as bright as ever. It’s very apparent to Ace that Zane is in the closet and having been hurt by a closeted man in the past he’s hesitant to continue things with Zane.
They agree to continue to see each other with Ace giving Zane enough room and time to come out when he’s ready. What ensues is a pretty hot romance, meddling sister in laws, over protective best friends, and pretty explosive sex.
I truly enjoyed this author’s writing style. The way she describes things like Ace’s home, is genius. I felt like I could see all the bright colors. The plot is strong too. At times you feel Zane’s pain and immense fear.
What I think was pretty unique about this story is the fact that we have a person who is completely out of the closet and embraces his sexuality wholeheartedly. Then we have someone who is so deeply closeted he couldn’t find his way out with a flashlight and a map. Usually with situations like these the “out” character dismisses the other almost instantaneously, but with this story he was in it and was willing to take “baby steps” in order to keep his partner.
This was a really great story with a fantastic ending. These two deserved it. They both worked hard to get where they ended up.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
This is a brand new author for me and like always with new authors, I get scared, nervous, for them. I’m very happy to say there was no need for those feelings after having read this story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
A lot of times with “in the closet” characters there’s an over abundance of angst and no real story, that did not happen here.
Ace works with a realtor as a home stager which essentially helps home owners ready their homes for sale. After work one night he goes to a bar where he meets a dark, handsome man, named Zane. They end the night in a back room, having what happens to be the best sex of their lives against the wall.
Zane is DEEPLY closeted, however. He’s lived his full 36 years with the pretense that he was a heterosexual man. All his sexual encounters have been one night never to see the other person again. He’s immediately drawn to Ace at the club so after their night of hot sex (REALLY HOT SEX) he’s having a hard time forgetting the man.
Zane throws himself into helping his brother, Brody sell his house. Brody is engaged to Adele and needs to get his house sold before the wedding. His realtor recommends, home stager, Ace to the job.
Not surprising Ace and Zane meet again at Brody’s house and their spark is still burning as bright as ever. It’s very apparent to Ace that Zane is in the closet and having been hurt by a closeted man in the past he’s hesitant to continue things with Zane.
They agree to continue to see each other with Ace giving Zane enough room and time to come out when he’s ready. What ensues is a pretty hot romance, meddling sister in laws, over protective best friends, and pretty explosive sex.
I truly enjoyed this author’s writing style. The way she describes things like Ace’s home, is genius. I felt like I could see all the bright colors. The plot is strong too. At times you feel Zane’s pain and immense fear.
What I think was pretty unique about this story is the fact that we have a person who is completely out of the closet and embraces his sexuality wholeheartedly. Then we have someone who is so deeply closeted he couldn’t find his way out with a flashlight and a map. Usually with situations like these the “out” character dismisses the other almost instantaneously, but with this story he was in it and was willing to take “baby steps” in order to keep his partner.
This was a really great story with a fantastic ending. These two deserved it. They both worked hard to get where they ended up.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
February 6, 2015
OMG!!! This book was so amazing!! I LOVED it!!
Ace is out and proud. Zane is so far in the closet he has a different zip code! Ace and Zane hook up at a club and before Ace can even catch his breath Zane has pulled out and taken off.
When Ace, a home stager shows up at his next job a few days later his new client turns out to be Zane's brother. Zane starts breaking his rules of never hooking up with the same guy more than once. Can Zane come out of the closet?
This book was so good. It was hot, sweet, and funny, with some angst. Zane and Ace had chemistry, and they just worked together. I loved both of these characters personalities. The were both kind of funny and snarky, these are my favorite character types. I flew through this book. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I wanted a conclusion, but I wanted Zane and Ace's story to continue on!
It has awesome secondary characters! I loved Adele!!! This is my first book by this author and I haven't looked at good reads yet, but I am keeping my fingers crossed this author has more out there for me to read!!
This book was well written, it flowed well and had me captivated from page one until the end!
Ace is out and proud. Zane is so far in the closet he has a different zip code! Ace and Zane hook up at a club and before Ace can even catch his breath Zane has pulled out and taken off.
When Ace, a home stager shows up at his next job a few days later his new client turns out to be Zane's brother. Zane starts breaking his rules of never hooking up with the same guy more than once. Can Zane come out of the closet?
This book was so good. It was hot, sweet, and funny, with some angst. Zane and Ace had chemistry, and they just worked together. I loved both of these characters personalities. The were both kind of funny and snarky, these are my favorite character types. I flew through this book. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I wanted a conclusion, but I wanted Zane and Ace's story to continue on!
It has awesome secondary characters! I loved Adele!!! This is my first book by this author and I haven't looked at good reads yet, but I am keeping my fingers crossed this author has more out there for me to read!!
This book was well written, it flowed well and had me captivated from page one until the end!
October 6, 2014
Fab read. Zane, hawt and closeted, falls for Ace, hawt and out. After a one night explosive encounter (when Zane declined to dance, Ace informed him that it wasn't ballroom, it was foreplay....seriously brilliant!!!) Zane disappears, but then Ace turns up working for Zane's brother - mutual attraction goes BOOM!!
Lots of baby-steps, a little angst with an ex and then Zane coming out to younger brother and parents. Pouty McBabypants needs some well intentioned meddling from future sister-in-law Adele and Ace's best friend, Eric, leading to an HEA. Supporting cast courtesy of Lola and an epilogue worth a grin or two. Highly recommended.
Lots of baby-steps, a little angst with an ex and then Zane coming out to younger brother and parents. Pouty McBabypants needs some well intentioned meddling from future sister-in-law Adele and Ace's best friend, Eric, leading to an HEA. Supporting cast courtesy of Lola and an epilogue worth a grin or two. Highly recommended.
September 27, 2015
This was one of those buy on a whim books and it has sat on my ereader for quite a while before I stumbled over it again last night. It's a quick and easy read - finished it this morning, in fact.
It is well written and the story really engaged me. I liked all the characters and I wanted to know what happened to them.
I loved the description of Ace's home - I'd visit if given half the chance.
I will look for more books by this author.
It is well written and the story really engaged me. I liked all the characters and I wanted to know what happened to them.
I loved the description of Ace's home - I'd visit if given half the chance.
I will look for more books by this author.
September 28, 2015
A nice first effort. A bit formulaic, too much miscommunication, some forced angst, but solid prose and well edited. Unfortunately, it will be unmemorable as I can barely remember the characters names from yesterday. This new author as some strong skills and I hope to see her stories improve over the years.
September 28, 2014
I liked this more than I expected to. The story line is not especially unique, but the characters are great. Ace and Zane have great chemistry and the secondary characters in the book are lots of fun.
September 17, 2014
Good sex, good fun, likable characters.
November 20, 2014
3.25 stars
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October 30, 2014Review coming soon to Love Bytes Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews