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Brandt and Donnelly Caper #4
Spring Break at the Villa Hermes
Troopers Ethan Brandt and Gabriel Donnelly celebrate the one-year anniversary of their engagement by flying south for a week of calm relaxation at the Villa Hermes, a gay boutique hotel on the beach. But when the rest of the guests turn out to be college guys on spring break (unwittingly booked into a gay hotel by a passive-aggressive travel agent), their week turns out to be anything but calm.
Ted, one of the spring breakers, has harbored a crush on his roommate and best friend, Bark, since they met freshman year. Now, on their fourth and final spring break, Ted knows they must soon say good-bye. A lacrosse star and ladies’ man, Bark has no idea Ted has fallen for him—until a storm forces the entire group underground for twenty-four hours of stress and truth-telling. Bark doesn't want to say good-bye to Ted at graduation either. He just didn't know how to put his feelings into words or if he could face the consequences of speaking them. Brandt and Donnelly help the college guys through their crisis by showing them what love between best friends can grow into.
Ted, one of the spring breakers, has harbored a crush on his roommate and best friend, Bark, since they met freshman year. Now, on their fourth and final spring break, Ted knows they must soon say good-bye. A lacrosse star and ladies’ man, Bark has no idea Ted has fallen for him—until a storm forces the entire group underground for twenty-four hours of stress and truth-telling. Bark doesn't want to say good-bye to Ted at graduation either. He just didn't know how to put his feelings into words or if he could face the consequences of speaking them. Brandt and Donnelly help the college guys through their crisis by showing them what love between best friends can grow into.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2015
4 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
About the author
Xavier Mayne
14 books190 followersXavier Mayne is the pen name of a writer who has been both a university professor of English and a marketing professional for software companies. He currently manages a team of writers for a large technology company based in the US Pacific Northwest. Versed in academic theories of sexual identity, he is passionate about writing stories in which men experience a love that pushes them beyond the boundaries they thought defined their sexuality. He believes that romance can be hot, funny, and sweet in equal measure.
The name Xavier Mayne is a tribute to the pioneering gay author Edward Prime-Stevenson, who also used it as a pen name. He wrote the first openly gay novel by an American, 1906’s Imre: A Memorandum, which depicts two masculine men falling in love despite social pressures that attempt to keep them apart.
The name Xavier Mayne is a tribute to the pioneering gay author Edward Prime-Stevenson, who also used it as a pen name. He wrote the first openly gay novel by an American, 1906’s Imre: A Memorandum, which depicts two masculine men falling in love despite social pressures that attempt to keep them apart.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 17, 2015
4.5 stars
While the last two books in the series dealt with more serious and heavy issues that the original, this book has more of the feel of Frat House Troopers. There was no real mystery or crime in this one as Brandt and Donnelly spend the book on vacation, although we do get a glimpse of them in full on cop mode.
Once again the focus of the main story introduces a new set of characters, a group of six seemingly straight college seniors celebrating their last spring break together. They have been unknowingly booked into three of the four rooms in a small bed and breakfast resort, run by partners Winnie and Vic, that caters to gay clients. The fourth room is occupied by Brandt and Donnelly. As the guests spend time together, Donnelly soon finds himself mentoring quiet Ted, who has a crush on his best friend Bark.
I simply adored the group of guys that were introduced. They are all quite different and all have some secrets and surprises for the others, most of which come out during a tropical storm induced sleepover session in the hotel's storm cellar. Bark and Ted are incredibly sweet and the antics of their housemates Paul, Thor, Chad and Howie had me laughing out loud while the flamboyant Winnie and laid back Vic were like the Mamma and Pappa bears taking care of their charges.
While I always want more alone time with Brandt and Donnelly, we do get to see them in a particularly eye opening moment discussing how they view their sexuality followed by the unleashing of a side of Donnelly I don't think we've seen before.
Xavier Mayne's books are always well written with plenty of humor and romance. The story was full of well rounded secondary characters who each had a story to tell. I loved the alone time with Donnelly and Brandt and Ted and Bark and would like to see that reunion somewhere down the line. There are small cameos from Bryce, Nestor and Mal, and references to a future bachelor party and wedding that I hope to see very soon.
While the last two books in the series dealt with more serious and heavy issues that the original, this book has more of the feel of Frat House Troopers. There was no real mystery or crime in this one as Brandt and Donnelly spend the book on vacation, although we do get a glimpse of them in full on cop mode.
Once again the focus of the main story introduces a new set of characters, a group of six seemingly straight college seniors celebrating their last spring break together. They have been unknowingly booked into three of the four rooms in a small bed and breakfast resort, run by partners Winnie and Vic, that caters to gay clients. The fourth room is occupied by Brandt and Donnelly. As the guests spend time together, Donnelly soon finds himself mentoring quiet Ted, who has a crush on his best friend Bark.
I simply adored the group of guys that were introduced. They are all quite different and all have some secrets and surprises for the others, most of which come out during a tropical storm induced sleepover session in the hotel's storm cellar. Bark and Ted are incredibly sweet and the antics of their housemates Paul, Thor, Chad and Howie had me laughing out loud while the flamboyant Winnie and laid back Vic were like the Mamma and Pappa bears taking care of their charges.
While I always want more alone time with Brandt and Donnelly, we do get to see them in a particularly eye opening moment discussing how they view their sexuality followed by the unleashing of a side of Donnelly I don't think we've seen before.
Xavier Mayne's books are always well written with plenty of humor and romance. The story was full of well rounded secondary characters who each had a story to tell. I loved the alone time with Donnelly and Brandt and Ted and Bark and would like to see that reunion somewhere down the line. There are small cameos from Bryce, Nestor and Mal, and references to a future bachelor party and wedding that I hope to see very soon.
April 17, 2015
I love this series. Xavier doesn't disappoint.
April 14, 2015
Such a fun read! Ethan and Gabriel are two of my favorite cops!!
The premise of this one was great because six college guys end up staying at an all gay bed and breakfast (without knowing it's gay at first) on spring break. Much fun is had by all!
I absolutely loved Bark and Ted. I really liked all of the college guys to be truthful....even Howie (although he was an ass most of the time).
I hope this series continues as I would love to read about Ethan and Gabriel's wedding. Which I'm sure will be over the top greatness thanks to Bryce and Nestor. Plus, Mal needs someone!
The premise of this one was great because six college guys end up staying at an all gay bed and breakfast (without knowing it's gay at first) on spring break. Much fun is had by all!
I absolutely loved Bark and Ted. I really liked all of the college guys to be truthful....even Howie (although he was an ass most of the time).
I hope this series continues as I would love to read about Ethan and Gabriel's wedding. Which I'm sure will be over the top greatness thanks to Bryce and Nestor. Plus, Mal needs someone!
March 10, 2022
Good story but weaker than others.
April 13, 2015
4.5 heart review by Roberta
I remember reading the first book in this series awhile ago and I remember really liking these characters. I remember buying the next book in the series, however, my TBR file keeps getting bigger and bigger and I never go around to it. I saw this book was up for review and well, let’s just say….it has allowed me the chance to catch up on Brandt and Donnelly.
Brandt and Donnelly are on this vacation to celebrate their engagement as well as take a bit of time for them to just be. These guys are just the bees knees when it comes to attracting trouble and yet, they seem to always help out those that are in trouble and this is just another fun filled adventure in Brandt and Donnelly world!! Brandt and Donnelly just do what they can to help Ted, Bark, Vic and Winnie. These are some sweet and wonderful guys and anyone who is lucky enough to cross paths with them are just so darn lucky!!
Ted, wow…I just really liked this guy. Ted’s a senior in college and he’s been in love with his roommate, Bark from the first moment he saw him freshman year in their dorm room. Ted has never had a relationship with anyone as he’s been hiding who he was and hiding the fact that he’s in love with Bark. Ted is just the sweetest guy. He’s so kind and so very sensitive. Ted has this really wonderful heart and it breaks over Bark. Ted has decided that this is it…the time to say goodbye to Bark and to FINALLY get started in on his life.
Barclay “Bark” is quite the ladies’ man, however, he has something that he wants and he’s not sure how to go about getting it. Bark has always put up such a front for everyone that truly hides this wonderful guy. Bark doesn’t know how to truly say what he wants. I love that you truly get to know Bark better as a character and I could totally see where he was coming from and why he acts the way that he does.
The secondary characters, these guys had me in stiches. Paul, Thor, Chad and Howie…the College Crew!! These guys have been friends since freshman year when they were in the dorms together and this is the last spring break that they have together before real life begins. These guys just absolutely love and support each other. Winnie and Vic are the owners/proprietors of the Villa Hermes. Vic is a really sweet guy who loves Winnie and their place. Winnie is just….WOW, I just loved him!! He is a flamboyant gay man and yet, he’s got this really great heart and he’s just about the kindest man that you’ve ever met.
This book had some really nice intimate scenes in it. Not just Brandt and Donnelly, but Ted and Bark. The scenes were steamy and really well done. I felt that it was watching the progression of this new development in their relationship and it was really beautiful to see.
I have to say that Xavier did such an amazing job with every single one of these characters. They were full-bodied characters with their own quirks and issues that they have. I fell for each and everyone of these guys. They all brought something to the table and just made my little heart beat for them.
There was just a tiny bit of suspense/mystery and it didn’t take away from the story of these young guys and Brandt and Donnelly. It just showed truly what our guys were made up of.
The very best part of this story was the time spent in the underground. It was during this time that these characters really all took off for me. We got such an intimate look into who these guys were and why they were the way they were. Beautifully done.
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!
I remember reading the first book in this series awhile ago and I remember really liking these characters. I remember buying the next book in the series, however, my TBR file keeps getting bigger and bigger and I never go around to it. I saw this book was up for review and well, let’s just say….it has allowed me the chance to catch up on Brandt and Donnelly.
Brandt and Donnelly are on this vacation to celebrate their engagement as well as take a bit of time for them to just be. These guys are just the bees knees when it comes to attracting trouble and yet, they seem to always help out those that are in trouble and this is just another fun filled adventure in Brandt and Donnelly world!! Brandt and Donnelly just do what they can to help Ted, Bark, Vic and Winnie. These are some sweet and wonderful guys and anyone who is lucky enough to cross paths with them are just so darn lucky!!
Ted, wow…I just really liked this guy. Ted’s a senior in college and he’s been in love with his roommate, Bark from the first moment he saw him freshman year in their dorm room. Ted has never had a relationship with anyone as he’s been hiding who he was and hiding the fact that he’s in love with Bark. Ted is just the sweetest guy. He’s so kind and so very sensitive. Ted has this really wonderful heart and it breaks over Bark. Ted has decided that this is it…the time to say goodbye to Bark and to FINALLY get started in on his life.
Barclay “Bark” is quite the ladies’ man, however, he has something that he wants and he’s not sure how to go about getting it. Bark has always put up such a front for everyone that truly hides this wonderful guy. Bark doesn’t know how to truly say what he wants. I love that you truly get to know Bark better as a character and I could totally see where he was coming from and why he acts the way that he does.
The secondary characters, these guys had me in stiches. Paul, Thor, Chad and Howie…the College Crew!! These guys have been friends since freshman year when they were in the dorms together and this is the last spring break that they have together before real life begins. These guys just absolutely love and support each other. Winnie and Vic are the owners/proprietors of the Villa Hermes. Vic is a really sweet guy who loves Winnie and their place. Winnie is just….WOW, I just loved him!! He is a flamboyant gay man and yet, he’s got this really great heart and he’s just about the kindest man that you’ve ever met.
This book had some really nice intimate scenes in it. Not just Brandt and Donnelly, but Ted and Bark. The scenes were steamy and really well done. I felt that it was watching the progression of this new development in their relationship and it was really beautiful to see.
I have to say that Xavier did such an amazing job with every single one of these characters. They were full-bodied characters with their own quirks and issues that they have. I fell for each and everyone of these guys. They all brought something to the table and just made my little heart beat for them.
There was just a tiny bit of suspense/mystery and it didn’t take away from the story of these young guys and Brandt and Donnelly. It just showed truly what our guys were made up of.
The very best part of this story was the time spent in the underground. It was during this time that these characters really all took off for me. We got such an intimate look into who these guys were and why they were the way they were. Beautifully done.
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!
May 7, 2015
What a Hoot
Completely unexpected, even though this series is peppered with humor and frivolity, this latest adventure of policemen lovers Ethan Brandt and Gabriel Donnelly keeps them almost in the background as they become involved in the misplaced vacation plans and budding love lives of six college seniors who got booked into a gay resort on what I assume is the Redneck Riviera (Pensacola area) by mistake, or deception. The resort is run by long-time lovers, the burly big bear Vic and the somewhat flaming queen Winnie, and they provide all the hoots and drama you could want in a situation like this.
While the focus of the book is on these college dudes, there is plenty of room for an occasional tryst for Gabriel and Ethan, one of which is so stunning in its revelation by Gabriel of why Ethan has fallen in love with him but could not with any other man that I found myself totally grateful that Xavier Mayne is alive and well and writing. He just blows me away with his insights into men in all his books, and in this one he does a superior job with the college dudes as well.
I would think that the denouement is going to be surprising enough that readers will expect another visit to Winnie and Vic's joint in the future--and I am booking my room now to make sure I don't miss all the action, and the fun.
Completely unexpected, even though this series is peppered with humor and frivolity, this latest adventure of policemen lovers Ethan Brandt and Gabriel Donnelly keeps them almost in the background as they become involved in the misplaced vacation plans and budding love lives of six college seniors who got booked into a gay resort on what I assume is the Redneck Riviera (Pensacola area) by mistake, or deception. The resort is run by long-time lovers, the burly big bear Vic and the somewhat flaming queen Winnie, and they provide all the hoots and drama you could want in a situation like this.
While the focus of the book is on these college dudes, there is plenty of room for an occasional tryst for Gabriel and Ethan, one of which is so stunning in its revelation by Gabriel of why Ethan has fallen in love with him but could not with any other man that I found myself totally grateful that Xavier Mayne is alive and well and writing. He just blows me away with his insights into men in all his books, and in this one he does a superior job with the college dudes as well.
I would think that the denouement is going to be surprising enough that readers will expect another visit to Winnie and Vic's joint in the future--and I am booking my room now to make sure I don't miss all the action, and the fun.
July 16, 2019
This gets better every time I read it! Consistantly four stars!! This started out with Ethan and Gabriel (and past characters) so I wasn't too surprised when the story took a turn. And what a turn! I laughed so damn hard at the college students shenanigans- especially their 'missions' toward the end of their stay. E & G had some adventures of their own and I was thrilled they shared in the joy by helping out the younger. That's awesome.
July 9, 2015
It was a delightful surprise to find a handful of new characters introduced as Brandt and Donnelley vacation at a gay resort. A group of soon-to-be college grads join them on their spring break. All of them are straight, or so it seems. Lots of laughs and a VERY feel good story as our guys play guardian angels to the group of young men, some struggling with their sexuality. Great story.
April 20, 2015
4.5 stars
I. Love. These. Books!! They are so fun and quirky and hilarious, and let's not forget hootttttt!! I love how there's always Gabriel and Ethan with their relationship but then a new couple discovering love. But always with the over the top funny. Just absolutely adore this series. I really really hope this isn't the end. I could read these forever.
I. Love. These. Books!! They are so fun and quirky and hilarious, and let's not forget hootttttt!! I love how there's always Gabriel and Ethan with their relationship but then a new couple discovering love. But always with the over the top funny. Just absolutely adore this series. I really really hope this isn't the end. I could read these forever.
July 4, 2015
I'm a huge sucker for a gay-for-you or best friends to lovers story, and this book had both with Bark and Ted. Loved seeing them come to terms with it and being true to themselves. In addition we get to catch up with Brandt and Donnelly as they get ready for their upcoming wedding. Loved this book along with all the others so far in this series. :)
April 19, 2015
These Brandt and Donnely books are completely outside the realm of reality and totally not believable. And I have reached the point where I just don't care! Xavier Mayne and these guys crack me up.
4 *giggle-snorting, chuckling all night* stars.
4 *giggle-snorting, chuckling all night* stars.
April 18, 2015
I love the Brandt and Donnelly Capers!! This new book is the best!! It is different than you might expect and oh so much fun!!
January 28, 2017
Great fun read, loved this story.
May 24, 2015
i just love Ethan and Gabriel! :))
Read
September 15, 2021I really enjoyed this one. Ethan and Gabriel once again step in to act as guardian angels to young gay men. Ted has been in love with Bark since he walked into his dorm room freshman year and saw Bark standing there. With the help of Ethan and Gabriel, Ted and Bark get to their happily ever after.
This author has a great talent at creating secondary characters that are all unique individuals and well fleshed out. Ted and Bark arrived with their four buddies and thanks to a tropical storm and a day in a storm cellar, we learn a great deal about each young man. We also learned the amazing back story of Winnie, the owner of the hotel.
There is no mystery to be solved in this book, but we get to see Ethan and Gabriel in their badass police mode.
This author has a great talent at creating secondary characters that are all unique individuals and well fleshed out. Ted and Bark arrived with their four buddies and thanks to a tropical storm and a day in a storm cellar, we learn a great deal about each young man. We also learned the amazing back story of Winnie, the owner of the hotel.
There is no mystery to be solved in this book, but we get to see Ethan and Gabriel in their badass police mode.
August 13, 2018
Honestly, I'm torn on my review here. I previously read Frat House Troopers, and I loved it! I skipped Wrestling Demons and A Wedding to Die For and honestly, I feel like the only thing I missed was the proposal! As for the story, I didn't look at this as a Brandt and Donnelly story, I looked at it as a Bark and Ted story and I loved their story! To me, Brandt and Donnelly took a back seat, which is weird since it's supposed to be about them. However, when they were on page, I enjoyed them just like I did in book one. I might come back to this series, but I'm not too sure.
December 13, 2017
Ted and Bark College students end up making a lovely couple, the fun they all get up to on vacation kept me laughing
January 22, 2022
4 stars, not my favorite but really good.
I liked the different characters on this book, the "main couple" of them was a just a little boring or my mind is stuck on another couple and then it has something against Ted and Bark? Maybe.
As always I loved Brand and Donnelly part on this one, I think here is when Don becomes the gay "mother" for the troubled people they find and I liked that a lot, Brandt rvelation was nice and something I suspected for long. Thor's new "relationship" was my favorite here, the final was a little bittersweet on them but realistic, sadly the side characters and "main couple" just didn't reach my expectations so 4 stars, maybe I'm gonna read it in the future but it's not one of my favorites.
I liked the different characters on this book, the "main couple" of them was a just a little boring or my mind is stuck on another couple and then it has something against Ted and Bark? Maybe.
As always I loved Brand and Donnelly part on this one, I think here is when Don becomes the gay "mother" for the troubled people they find and I liked that a lot, Brandt rvelation was nice and something I suspected for long. Thor's new "relationship" was my favorite here, the final was a little bittersweet on them but realistic, sadly the side characters and "main couple" just didn't reach my expectations so 4 stars, maybe I'm gonna read it in the future but it's not one of my favorites.
April 8, 2015
3.5 stars
I've been reading Xavier Mayne now since before he was a published author, his Frat House Troopers is the only story that I have actually purchased after having read the same story online first; that's how much I liked Brandt and Donnelly, the humor and the style of this author. So when this came out I was all over it. And maybe it is because I've been reading really dark psychological criminal novels lately, but it just didn't feel as great as the others have, for me.
Yes, it is a fun, lighthearted story about young men coming to terms with their sexuality - just as I have come to expect when it comes to Mayne. Yes, there are moments when I laughed out loud. And yes, there's the usual set of characters that I have also come to expect. Still it didn't amuse me as it used to do.
First, I missed Brandt and Donnelly. They played only a very small part in this story - in fact I'd go as far as to say their parts may have been replaced by any two gay adults and the story would have worked just as well. One thing though had a bit of a clarification here, namely Connelly's sexuality. Ever since I first read the first book online I have assumed that Donnelly was/is gay but just wasn't aware of it unil he allowed himself to fall in love with Brandt. Here he confess to Brandt that he is in fact not a straight guy who fell in love with another straight guy, but is in fact - yes, you've got it - gay!
Second, I missed Bryce and Nestor. They made a short appearance in chapter one, and were then replaced by the much more modest (in comparison) Winnie and his partner, also owners of the Villa Hermes.
Third, there was no mystery. The other books in this series have all contained some sort of mystery, it was the reason Brand went undercover in Frat House Troopers, it was the reason they were called in to help sort out the anonymous video shots in Wrestling Demons and in A Wedding to Die For there was the mystery with the poisoned cake. Here there was ... nothing.
Instead we got a sweet gay for you/out for you story that was despite all I've accounted for an enjoyable story. Not so much because of the main couple Ted and Bark, but because of Paul and Thor. Oh, my God, Thor, Thor, Thor! This character made me laugh so hard at times, such a lovely caricature of the extremely political correct. He served his part well as the messenger of ideals. And I'm just saying Guatemalan flashbacks! Right?! And of course Paul and the whole misunderstanding about his nights out. Yes, they were the ones making "Spring Break at the Villa Hermes" entertaining after all.
I've been reading Xavier Mayne now since before he was a published author, his Frat House Troopers is the only story that I have actually purchased after having read the same story online first; that's how much I liked Brandt and Donnelly, the humor and the style of this author. So when this came out I was all over it. And maybe it is because I've been reading really dark psychological criminal novels lately, but it just didn't feel as great as the others have, for me.
Yes, it is a fun, lighthearted story about young men coming to terms with their sexuality - just as I have come to expect when it comes to Mayne. Yes, there are moments when I laughed out loud. And yes, there's the usual set of characters that I have also come to expect. Still it didn't amuse me as it used to do.
First, I missed Brandt and Donnelly. They played only a very small part in this story - in fact I'd go as far as to say their parts may have been replaced by any two gay adults and the story would have worked just as well. One thing though had a bit of a clarification here, namely Connelly's sexuality. Ever since I first read the first book online I have assumed that Donnelly was/is gay but just wasn't aware of it unil he allowed himself to fall in love with Brandt. Here he confess to Brandt that he is in fact not a straight guy who fell in love with another straight guy, but is in fact - yes, you've got it - gay!
Second, I missed Bryce and Nestor. They made a short appearance in chapter one, and were then replaced by the much more modest (in comparison) Winnie and his partner, also owners of the Villa Hermes.
Third, there was no mystery. The other books in this series have all contained some sort of mystery, it was the reason Brand went undercover in Frat House Troopers, it was the reason they were called in to help sort out the anonymous video shots in Wrestling Demons and in A Wedding to Die For there was the mystery with the poisoned cake. Here there was ... nothing.
Instead we got a sweet gay for you/out for you story that was despite all I've accounted for an enjoyable story. Not so much because of the main couple Ted and Bark, but because of Paul and Thor. Oh, my God, Thor, Thor, Thor! This character made me laugh so hard at times, such a lovely caricature of the extremely political correct. He served his part well as the messenger of ideals. And I'm just saying Guatemalan flashbacks! Right?! And of course Paul and the whole misunderstanding about his nights out. Yes, they were the ones making "Spring Break at the Villa Hermes" entertaining after all.
June 23, 2015
5 Stars - Reviewed for The Novel Approach
Brandt and Donnelly are just as in love and as sweet as we remember them in the previous installments of this series. When “Spring Break” begins, Brandt and Donnelly decide to spend a week on vacation to celebrate the one year anniversary of their engagement. At the beginning you also get a little interaction with some of my favorite characters from the previous books—just a little bit of Bryce, Nestor, Jonah, Casey, and Mal—but just that little bit puts you right back into the lives of these guys.
Once at the Villa Hermes, we meet Winnie and Vic, the owners of the fine establishment, who are unquestionably still head-over-heels in love, but are fun and flirty and have no shame in having all the boys naked at the pool. Then, the college boys check in for spring break….and all the craziness begins.
Although this is a Brandt and Donnelly book, and there is definitely a great story about them throughout this book (some seriously hot and loving scenes), and they are involved and weaved all through the story, to me this is more a story about Ted and Bark. They are like the younger, mini-me versions of Brandt and Donnelly, were they to have met in college. Brandt and Donnelly become, for these guys, not only someone look up to but are the ones to help Ted and Bark figure out what they truly want in their lives; Brandt and Donnelly are their angels.
One of the things I have loved about this series is how Xavier Mayne builds all of the characters, so whether they are the primary characters or secondary, by the end you feel as though you know them all. Story time was amazing, and at parts had me cracking up and laughing out loud. Thor’s story about the floppy, one eyed slug, and looking another man right in the anus, had tears running down my face I laughed so hard.
This story was sweet, funny, and hot, while still bringing up and addressing serious issues such as being honest and true to yourself, and the struggle for equal rights. Looking at the different characters, you can almost follow the changes and steps forward that have been made from generation to generation—from Winnie and Vic, to Brandt and Donnelly, and now Ted and Bark and the other guys who spent their week-long spring break learning about themselves and having their lives change at the Villa Hermes.
Brandt and Donnelly are just as in love and as sweet as we remember them in the previous installments of this series. When “Spring Break” begins, Brandt and Donnelly decide to spend a week on vacation to celebrate the one year anniversary of their engagement. At the beginning you also get a little interaction with some of my favorite characters from the previous books—just a little bit of Bryce, Nestor, Jonah, Casey, and Mal—but just that little bit puts you right back into the lives of these guys.
Once at the Villa Hermes, we meet Winnie and Vic, the owners of the fine establishment, who are unquestionably still head-over-heels in love, but are fun and flirty and have no shame in having all the boys naked at the pool. Then, the college boys check in for spring break….and all the craziness begins.
Although this is a Brandt and Donnelly book, and there is definitely a great story about them throughout this book (some seriously hot and loving scenes), and they are involved and weaved all through the story, to me this is more a story about Ted and Bark. They are like the younger, mini-me versions of Brandt and Donnelly, were they to have met in college. Brandt and Donnelly become, for these guys, not only someone look up to but are the ones to help Ted and Bark figure out what they truly want in their lives; Brandt and Donnelly are their angels.
One of the things I have loved about this series is how Xavier Mayne builds all of the characters, so whether they are the primary characters or secondary, by the end you feel as though you know them all. Story time was amazing, and at parts had me cracking up and laughing out loud. Thor’s story about the floppy, one eyed slug, and looking another man right in the anus, had tears running down my face I laughed so hard.
This story was sweet, funny, and hot, while still bringing up and addressing serious issues such as being honest and true to yourself, and the struggle for equal rights. Looking at the different characters, you can almost follow the changes and steps forward that have been made from generation to generation—from Winnie and Vic, to Brandt and Donnelly, and now Ted and Bark and the other guys who spent their week-long spring break learning about themselves and having their lives change at the Villa Hermes.
July 19, 2015
I laughed out loud a few times while reading this book. I loved this group of guys and hope they pop up in future installments. Bark and Ted were so sweet. The first "hand-to-heart" connection scene bugged me, but I let it go and enjoyed the rest of their scenes together. Their romance was reminiscent of Brandt and Donnelly's, which was fine with me because I loved their story. Nothing like best friends who fall in love.
Brandt and Donnelly take a vacation at the Villa Hermes, where six other supposedly straight college boys also take up residence. All of the guys -- I especially liked Paul -- got a chance to shine. I thought I'd have trouble keeping them straight (no pun intended), but their personalities were distinct, and it was fun getting to know them (plus Winnie, too). After Thor's Guatemalan adventure, I was particularly surprised and intrigued by that turn of events.
I didn't care for the last installment in this series much, and sometimes this book slipped into the same preachiness of that one. But it was kept to a minimal. As usual, the real stars of the show were Brandt and Donnelly. They weren't the focus of this story, but there was just enough of them here to satisfy me. (That "straight guy" stuff was hot.)
Now, is this wedding ever going to happen?
Brandt and Donnelly take a vacation at the Villa Hermes, where six other supposedly straight college boys also take up residence. All of the guys -- I especially liked Paul -- got a chance to shine. I thought I'd have trouble keeping them straight (no pun intended), but their personalities were distinct, and it was fun getting to know them (plus Winnie, too). After Thor's Guatemalan adventure, I was particularly surprised and intrigued by that turn of events.
I didn't care for the last installment in this series much, and sometimes this book slipped into the same preachiness of that one. But it was kept to a minimal. As usual, the real stars of the show were Brandt and Donnelly. They weren't the focus of this story, but there was just enough of them here to satisfy me. (That "straight guy" stuff was hot.)
Now, is this wedding ever going to happen?
April 27, 2015
Ted and Bark are friends and roommates in their last year at the university. This is to the their last “hoorah” and Ted plans to say good-bye to the man who’s been his unrequited love interest for the last four years. But when a manipulative travel agency books Ted and his friends at the same gay resort as Brandt and Donelly a lot of things happen that change that plan.
**
This is an absolutely hysterical and lovely story. Teds friends are full of charismatic stories that get told one night as they all huddle against a storm.
Xavier has given us more wonderful secondary characters with just as much flavor as Bryce and Nestor. I love that we continue to be awed by the love between Brandt and Donelly again – there are still layers to explore in their relationship. I also love that Xavier is not shy about letting the secondary characters sometimes steal some of the limelight.
In this case Ted and Bark’s story, though lovely and really sweet, has moments where it is eclipsed by the tale of the underwear model and the bear.
The very mild drama that we see during the storm is eclipsed by the lovely stories we hear and the many new relationships that get started in the aftermath of the storm.
I have really enjoyed this series tremendously and I think that this comes in second as my favorite of the bunch.
I whole-heartedly recommend it and give it 5 of 5 hearts.
**
This is an absolutely hysterical and lovely story. Teds friends are full of charismatic stories that get told one night as they all huddle against a storm.
Xavier has given us more wonderful secondary characters with just as much flavor as Bryce and Nestor. I love that we continue to be awed by the love between Brandt and Donelly again – there are still layers to explore in their relationship. I also love that Xavier is not shy about letting the secondary characters sometimes steal some of the limelight.
In this case Ted and Bark’s story, though lovely and really sweet, has moments where it is eclipsed by the tale of the underwear model and the bear.
The very mild drama that we see during the storm is eclipsed by the lovely stories we hear and the many new relationships that get started in the aftermath of the storm.
I have really enjoyed this series tremendously and I think that this comes in second as my favorite of the bunch.
I whole-heartedly recommend it and give it 5 of 5 hearts.
May 10, 2015
FiveStars
Xavier Mayne has created yet another absurdly titillating premise for a Brandt and Donnelly story. His Villa Hermes is a perfect fantasy porn set. Brilliant. But Mayne doesn’t write porn. Mayne writes men. He writes about flawed humans and love without boundaries or judgements. Oh - and he does this with a wicked sense of humour.
This has to be my favourite book in the series. It is lighter, funnier and possibly even more tender than the first three. Brandt and Donnelly aren’t fighting bad guys or bad politics, they’re sunbathing.
The troopers meet a new cast of characters in paradise. Bryce and Nestor have been replaced by Winnie and Vic. Winnie is a beautifully complex character - the former drag queen has his own story, a backbone of steel and a bit of wisdom ready for his guests.
Instead of a single couple for Brandt and Donnelly to help, there are six vaguely straight college boys ready for the troopers’ magic touch.
I loved it. Mayne writes characters like no one else in the genre. He can write humour and pathos in the same sentence, and this time the action centers around a clothing optional pool in Greece. Wonderful.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Sarah
Xavier Mayne has created yet another absurdly titillating premise for a Brandt and Donnelly story. His Villa Hermes is a perfect fantasy porn set. Brilliant. But Mayne doesn’t write porn. Mayne writes men. He writes about flawed humans and love without boundaries or judgements. Oh - and he does this with a wicked sense of humour.
This has to be my favourite book in the series. It is lighter, funnier and possibly even more tender than the first three. Brandt and Donnelly aren’t fighting bad guys or bad politics, they’re sunbathing.
The troopers meet a new cast of characters in paradise. Bryce and Nestor have been replaced by Winnie and Vic. Winnie is a beautifully complex character - the former drag queen has his own story, a backbone of steel and a bit of wisdom ready for his guests.
Instead of a single couple for Brandt and Donnelly to help, there are six vaguely straight college boys ready for the troopers’ magic touch.
I loved it. Mayne writes characters like no one else in the genre. He can write humour and pathos in the same sentence, and this time the action centers around a clothing optional pool in Greece. Wonderful.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Sarah
October 21, 2015
After two relatively heavy installments, Xavier Mayne's Brandt and Donnelly series returns to the kind of fun, frothy exploration of sexual fluidity that characterized "Frat House Troopers." Six hunky, horny, and ostensibly straight college boys are unexpectedly thrown together with our favorite intrepid troopers at a gay resort during spring break, presided over by amiable innkeepers (and Bryce and Nestor stand-ins) Winnie and Vic. Over the course of their week together secrets are revealed; clothing shed—frequently; insecurities plumbed; sexualities questioned, expanded, and embraced; hurricanes weathered; bigotry confronted; and love in all its various guises conquers all.
I'd call this series a guilty pleasure if it weren't for the fact that I have no guilt whatsoever for wholeheartedly enjoying Mayne's erotic, implausible, and sometimes incredibly moving adventures.
I'd call this series a guilty pleasure if it weren't for the fact that I have no guilt whatsoever for wholeheartedly enjoying Mayne's erotic, implausible, and sometimes incredibly moving adventures.
April 27, 2015
I love Brandt & Donnelly. And I really would have loved to read a 4th book about them. But whereas officially this was the 4th book in the series, it was not actually a Brandt & Donnelly book. They were barely there and I missed them.
The story was nice. I can read and enjoy all those books out there with college-aged MCs but they are usually not my first choice. I prefer my men a bit older. Which is, of course, one reason I would have preferred more Brandt & Donnelly and a bit less insecure-trying-to-find-the-right-label bunch of college boys on spring break.
Still the boys did provide for plenty of diversity in terms of sexuality and I liked all of them.
So all in all a good book. Just don't understand why it has a place in the Brandt & Donnelly series.
The story was nice. I can read and enjoy all those books out there with college-aged MCs but they are usually not my first choice. I prefer my men a bit older. Which is, of course, one reason I would have preferred more Brandt & Donnelly and a bit less insecure-trying-to-find-the-right-label bunch of college boys on spring break.
Still the boys did provide for plenty of diversity in terms of sexuality and I liked all of them.
So all in all a good book. Just don't understand why it has a place in the Brandt & Donnelly series.
August 22, 2015
Brandt and Donnelly may not have as large a part in this installment but they definitely leave a mark on the college boys who find themselves spending spring break at a hotel that isn't exactly typical spring break fare. The officers spend a very interesting but much deserved week long anniversary vacation together and in the process they help a group of friends discover themselves simply by being honest with each other. I think I found this to be as good if not better than Frat House Troopers, the level of honesty between the college friends was refreshing. I can't say that it hasn't been done before because that would be lie. For me it's one of those stories that I am finding it hard to grasp the right words without giving spoilers so for that reason I'm going with refreshing.
August 10, 2016
4.5 stars
This is a great addition to the series. Full of really beautifully written moments and lots of fun. This was also a book full of heart. I don't often get emotional reading books but I had tears welling in my eyes reading some of the dialogue between Brandt and Donnelly when they were discussing their sexuality and how they do or don't define it. It was amazing and real and it just made me think and feel.
Brandt and Donnelly were still sexy and commanding as ever but they took a bit of a backseat to all the other characters in his book who were fantastic too. I would love to follow them in future books.
This book was not what I was expecting and I'm so glad.
This book is a keeper for me. Bring on the wedding!!!!
This is a great addition to the series. Full of really beautifully written moments and lots of fun. This was also a book full of heart. I don't often get emotional reading books but I had tears welling in my eyes reading some of the dialogue between Brandt and Donnelly when they were discussing their sexuality and how they do or don't define it. It was amazing and real and it just made me think and feel.
Brandt and Donnelly were still sexy and commanding as ever but they took a bit of a backseat to all the other characters in his book who were fantastic too. I would love to follow them in future books.
This book was not what I was expecting and I'm so glad.
This book is a keeper for me. Bring on the wedding!!!!
April 26, 2015
I really liked this latest installment of the Brandt and Donnelly Capers. Unlike the last one, the romance totally worked for me and I found myself laughing out loud a lot. There were some cute and hot moments between Brandt and Donnelly and like how their relationship continues to grow through all these stories. Based on a funny conversation between Brandt and Donnelly towards the end of the book, I'm expecting the next story to take place at the wedding and I'm sure it'll be a wedding to remember!
May 13, 2015
A nice follow up on the other books but i felt there were to many characters involved and they took time away from the main couple and from our troopers. For me Spring Break at the Villa Hermes was the lesser book of this serie. I loved the other three and i liked this one therefore my 3 stars rating.
May 19, 2016
I wasn't too sure about this series but I had a 18 hour flight to Europe so I thought it would be a good time to try it on my e-reader - I was certainly glad I did! I was thoroughly engaged and did not want to sleep on the flights! I was perfectly happy reading through all the adventures these State Troopers encountered. Seriously sexy and very entertaining!
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