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Iron Lace #1
Behind Iron Lace
Hot and steamy in the Big Easy isn’t the life Darcy Butler wants, until he meets a smooth-talking bad boy…
Darcy Butler is a fish out of water and is suffocating in the humid New Orleans heat. Dissatisfied with his career, his life, he is homesick and heartbroken. Above all Darcy is straight. Or so he believes until he meets the drop-dead gorgeous photographer he wants to revamp the art department of his e-magazine.
Caleb Mitchell, bad boy extraordinaire, lives life on the edge. He’s been around the world covering murder and mayhem. Back in New Orleans to tend his dying mother, Caleb is worn down by grief. He seeks the diversion of working at a local e-magazine to help keep him sane. He doesn’t expect the instant attraction to the bright-eyed editor/owner. That Darcy is probably straight doesn’t matter to Caleb. Because when Caleb wants something, nothing will stand in his way.
Will Darcy be his salvation or his undoing?
Darcy Butler is a fish out of water and is suffocating in the humid New Orleans heat. Dissatisfied with his career, his life, he is homesick and heartbroken. Above all Darcy is straight. Or so he believes until he meets the drop-dead gorgeous photographer he wants to revamp the art department of his e-magazine.
Caleb Mitchell, bad boy extraordinaire, lives life on the edge. He’s been around the world covering murder and mayhem. Back in New Orleans to tend his dying mother, Caleb is worn down by grief. He seeks the diversion of working at a local e-magazine to help keep him sane. He doesn’t expect the instant attraction to the bright-eyed editor/owner. That Darcy is probably straight doesn’t matter to Caleb. Because when Caleb wants something, nothing will stand in his way.
Will Darcy be his salvation or his undoing?
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2011
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1155 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 263 reviews
November 5, 2016
DNF 96%
That went from three stars to one in the last fifteen percent of the book. Hell to the no. Ugh. Ick. Wow, just headed down in flames. Brain reset engaged.
And in case you're wondering, it's not a sex thing but the forced Kumbaya
That went from three stars to one in the last fifteen percent of the book. Hell to the no. Ugh. Ick. Wow, just headed down in flames. Brain reset engaged.
And in case you're wondering, it's not a sex thing but the forced Kumbaya
November 7, 2011
My thoughts and feelings about Darcy and Caleb wow what a gorgeous couple they got under my skin and captivated me with their sultry luscious encounters, my heart was all a flutter especially with Caleb's seduction of Darcy. The chemistry between them is so intense and passionate you can feel it, almost touch it, just beautiful. There is some angst and intrigue which complicates their fragile relationship plus a whole lot more to keep it interesting. New Orleans is the perfect backdrop for this sexy romantic story Darcy and Caleb quite frankly are swoon worthy!
November 13, 2011
It's not often I post reviews - I tend to stay away from reviewing... but I do know what I like to read and sometimes a book stays with me after I have read it and this is one of those books. Set for the most part in New Orleans this is a wonderful love story and I highly recommend it. I couldn't put it down (and my Nano has suffered! ROFL).
The blurb implies this is a gay for you book but I don't agree... Despite what the blurb implies, this isn't a book that is about a straight man suddenly turning gay; it is a powerful look at what it is like to be in denial. There is intrigue and love weaved into every page. Also there are some of the most intense sex scenes I have ever read - but I warn you this isn't sex written in clinical fashion, this is love and passion and intense lust and every single kiss and touch is so utterly perfect and absolutely intrinsic to the story.
The cover to the book is gorgeous and there is also a bonus chapter at the end of the book which was completely charming.
The blurb implies this is a gay for you book but I don't agree... Despite what the blurb implies, this isn't a book that is about a straight man suddenly turning gay; it is a powerful look at what it is like to be in denial. There is intrigue and love weaved into every page. Also there are some of the most intense sex scenes I have ever read - but I warn you this isn't sex written in clinical fashion, this is love and passion and intense lust and every single kiss and touch is so utterly perfect and absolutely intrinsic to the story.
The cover to the book is gorgeous and there is also a bonus chapter at the end of the book which was completely charming.
November 12, 2011
A weak plot,an unbelievable GFY - Darcy was never interested in men before and Caleb not for seven years,so what were these guys - gay,bi,straight with a twist...or something new? ...
The prose was so purple - in flashing letters - it hurt my eyes.Overblown,talkative and silly sex-talk that I couldn`t find erotic.As for the sex - no condoms,because "I was careful and I know you were careful so we don`t need them" and worse - no lube!(first time/virgin) "I´m so hot for you - natural lubrication!"...talking about silly...
But what finally killed my enjoyment of the story was a.)The massive use of pet names for Calebs lover Darcy (as if the name Darcy wasn`t bad enough...)Dar,Darc,beb,bebe,cher in every second dialogue-phrase - made me cringe.
b.)The Cajun-French - it might be charming when spoken but certainly not when written.For me it was just hard-to-bear mangled French.
c.)The cursing - "merde"(shit) at every opportunity....(oh shit,I forgot to count...)
The prose was so purple - in flashing letters - it hurt my eyes.Overblown,talkative and silly sex-talk that I couldn`t find erotic.As for the sex - no condoms,because "I was careful and I know you were careful so we don`t need them" and worse - no lube!(first time/virgin) "I´m so hot for you - natural lubrication!"...talking about silly...
But what finally killed my enjoyment of the story was a.)The massive use of pet names for Calebs lover Darcy (as if the name Darcy wasn`t bad enough...)Dar,Darc,beb,bebe,cher in every second dialogue-phrase - made me cringe.
b.)The Cajun-French - it might be charming when spoken but certainly not when written.For me it was just hard-to-bear mangled French.
c.)The cursing - "merde"(shit) at every opportunity....(oh shit,I forgot to count...)
June 4, 2018
DNF @ 53%.....INSTA-LAME among other sins. Thanks, Anna, for reminding me that DNF is needed at times like these.
This was a case of “it’s the book, it’s not me.”
This was a case of “it’s the book, it’s not me.”
May 10, 2015
BR with the wonderful Alissa
DNF at 38%
I was prepared for a big chunk of cheesiness and some bad writing. What I got was even more terrible and I couldn’t continue without pulling my hair. And I want to keep my hair, thank you.
Some writers have the ability to make everything flow nicely. Liking riding a wave, just relax and enjoy the ride. Not this writer. Everything felt wrong. My main problem was the conversations. It felt like people just threw words at each other. It was confusing. Often things were said and I was, huh, what? Why would you say that?
"There's a hawk or something up there," he said, shading his eyes as he looked skyward.
"Looks like a hawk. It's probably fishing, or waiting for a rabbit to dart out of the underbrush." The bird was pretty high up, but it didn't move, instead it cocked its head to one side and looked down at them. "Come on, Darcy, before the hawk thinks you're what's for dinner."
No idea why there is all this talk about a hawk. It didn’t feel natural for them to be talking about this all of a sudden.
The book was filled with this kind of events. It takes a special kind of skill to be able to write great conversation. The Truth About Riley is such a book. That book rests solely on (phone) conversations. Very very admirable. But not this one.
There are so many great books out there, I don’t like reading a book I don’t enjoy. On to the next!
DNF at 38%
I was prepared for a big chunk of cheesiness and some bad writing. What I got was even more terrible and I couldn’t continue without pulling my hair. And I want to keep my hair, thank you.
Some writers have the ability to make everything flow nicely. Liking riding a wave, just relax and enjoy the ride. Not this writer. Everything felt wrong. My main problem was the conversations. It felt like people just threw words at each other. It was confusing. Often things were said and I was, huh, what? Why would you say that?
"There's a hawk or something up there," he said, shading his eyes as he looked skyward.
"Looks like a hawk. It's probably fishing, or waiting for a rabbit to dart out of the underbrush." The bird was pretty high up, but it didn't move, instead it cocked its head to one side and looked down at them. "Come on, Darcy, before the hawk thinks you're what's for dinner."
No idea why there is all this talk about a hawk. It didn’t feel natural for them to be talking about this all of a sudden.
The book was filled with this kind of events. It takes a special kind of skill to be able to write great conversation. The Truth About Riley is such a book. That book rests solely on (phone) conversations. Very very admirable. But not this one.
There are so many great books out there, I don’t like reading a book I don’t enjoy. On to the next!
Read
July 21, 2015Couldn't get into this one. For one Darcy 29 never ever looked at a man before. Hell he's only ever been with one woman and that was a friends with benefits relationship for years until Caleb. Then bam he lets Caleb fuck him with NO LUBE and NO CONDOM...WTF????? Only knowing this man for a few days again WTF???All the pet names for Darcy...Bebe, Dar, baby the list goes on and on. It's a wrap at 30%!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2014
If you know me, you know I love New Orleans and any book that takes place there. So, I found it fitting to read this today, it is Fat Tuesday and all...
So, for real, mostly this gets the extra ★ because of all that up there. Aside from that, this was a 3★ read. I mean, who needs conversation? Who needs condoms? Who needs lube? Nobody. Just hot as fuck sex and insta-love with a beautiful HEA. I just wished they had stayed in NOLA...Perfect read for Mardi Gras!
Laissez les bons temps rouler!!
So, for real, mostly this gets the extra ★ because of all that up there. Aside from that, this was a 3★ read. I mean, who needs conversation? Who needs condoms? Who needs lube? Nobody. Just hot as fuck sex and insta-love with a beautiful HEA. I just wished they had stayed in NOLA...Perfect read for Mardi Gras!
Laissez les bons temps rouler!!
April 6, 2018
Re-read - can only think I was seduced by the cover-art (lone tattoo guy not the two headless torsos or the one where the guy in the back has boobs! - what's with that?) and the Bayou accent. No way I'd rate this as high again.
While there is lust-filled charm no-one comes out of this good. The evil-female comes across as seriously messed-up and while her confession was inexcusable how people-pleaser Darcy acted towards her was shocking. That whole scene made me uncomfortable. Then the very heavy background dropped on us for Caleb... A story where good sex outweighs any emotional bond.
I skipped reading the 'extra fic' this time.
-- --
I found the characters instantly appealing, their getting together unrealistic but hot. The New Orleans setting added real colour, I loved every 'cher and beb'. And lets all take a moment to appreciate that cover! Nice. (the kindle, one headless torso, image!)
Caleb is hot, protective, charming and brings overly earnest Darcy out of himself. It's very insta-lust with mixed-up feelings along the way, but on page together.. the pages steam.
The story hmm - this is only the second Mary Celeste I've read and I was struck by the similarities, they were written to the same plan:
-One tattooed and troubled
-One has limitless buckets of money
-One not gay, but quickly sucking and dicking the other
-Sexy sex talk
-Obsessed with each other but denying it
-A bitchy, slutty female somewhere in the mix
-A miscarriage
-A cute kiddy appearing towards the end
-Major outlandish angst dump with rape/abuse a part of it
-Some running off - a lot of running away
-Everyone on page for the grand finale
Also friend Amber the sweet pretty little Lesbian doll is related to Yoda - she is all knowing and advice giving..
Finding it hard not to come across negative - I did really enjoy this book. The lashings of drama that explode were too much though - a dying mother on one side and discovering you're gay on the other, is enough. Left like that this would have had all the stars I'd be singing it's praise. But then reveals happen and the big reveal goes far deeper/darker than called for, time for a tick-sheet-of-angst nearly every box covered!
Then there's an extra story (I was alarmed the story ended at 66% but the rest is the extra) this started great but then there was a reveal that changed some dynamics for me, likeable side-characters became tawdry and I dispaired that no-one in this verse could avoid a nasty smear, it left a bad taste. And must there be a revolving door? Is there anyone who doesn't walk in on them having sex?
Had a lot of niggles. Darcy going from editor to a professor role that didn't sound quite right.
Caleb; Pulltzer winning photographer, artist, club/restuarant owner any one of those avenues would need dedication but he masters all - tell me he's Papa Noel and I'll be looking for Alligators!
Bailey friend/lover/evil-conniving-bitch-from-hell (um best friend for TEN YEARS)...
It's far from perfect - but I still really enjoyed it, got carried along on the flow of Cajun and liked meeting the characters. Gonna ignore the drama and give this 4* for the enjoyment. Add the drama back in and it slips to maybe a 3*
While there is lust-filled charm no-one comes out of this good. The evil-female comes across as seriously messed-up and while her confession was inexcusable how people-pleaser Darcy acted towards her was shocking. That whole scene made me uncomfortable. Then the very heavy background dropped on us for Caleb... A story where good sex outweighs any emotional bond.
I skipped reading the 'extra fic' this time.
-- --
I found the characters instantly appealing, their getting together unrealistic but hot. The New Orleans setting added real colour, I loved every 'cher and beb'. And lets all take a moment to appreciate that cover! Nice. (the kindle, one headless torso, image!)
Caleb is hot, protective, charming and brings overly earnest Darcy out of himself. It's very insta-lust with mixed-up feelings along the way, but on page together.. the pages steam.
The story hmm - this is only the second Mary Celeste I've read and I was struck by the similarities, they were written to the same plan:
-One tattooed and troubled
-One has limitless buckets of money
-One not gay, but quickly sucking and dicking the other
-Sexy sex talk
-Obsessed with each other but denying it
-A bitchy, slutty female somewhere in the mix
-A miscarriage
-A cute kiddy appearing towards the end
-Major outlandish angst dump with rape/abuse a part of it
-Some running off - a lot of running away
-Everyone on page for the grand finale
Also friend Amber the sweet pretty little Lesbian doll is related to Yoda - she is all knowing and advice giving..
Finding it hard not to come across negative - I did really enjoy this book. The lashings of drama that explode were too much though - a dying mother on one side and discovering you're gay on the other, is enough. Left like that this would have had all the stars I'd be singing it's praise. But then reveals happen and the big reveal goes far deeper/darker than called for, time for a tick-sheet-of-angst nearly every box covered!
Then there's an extra story (I was alarmed the story ended at 66% but the rest is the extra) this started great but then there was a reveal that changed some dynamics for me, likeable side-characters became tawdry and I dispaired that no-one in this verse could avoid a nasty smear, it left a bad taste. And must there be a revolving door? Is there anyone who doesn't walk in on them having sex?
Had a lot of niggles. Darcy going from editor to a professor role that didn't sound quite right.
Caleb; Pulltzer winning photographer, artist, club/restuarant owner any one of those avenues would need dedication but he masters all - tell me he's Papa Noel and I'll be looking for Alligators!
Bailey friend/lover/evil-conniving-bitch-from-hell (um best friend for TEN YEARS)...
It's far from perfect - but I still really enjoyed it, got carried along on the flow of Cajun and liked meeting the characters. Gonna ignore the drama and give this 4* for the enjoyment. Add the drama back in and it slips to maybe a 3*
July 9, 2016
*** "Merde", I want someone to talk French/Cajun to me !!
LOL ! Darcy has started his new business in New Orleans, and Caleb answered the need for help with the art layouts. Caleb's rich, talented and wild,
plus he brings out feelings Darcy didn't know he really had, or admitted he had. Wonderful deep characters, hot, wicked, erotic M/M sexiness,
and an adventurous story make this read perfect. These guys are so good together, it's amazing. I loved Caleb running his hand through his hair, and his silver bracelets always moving up his arm, we could picture it so well. There is discovery, secrets, understanding, realizations, finding a new powerful love, and people constantly getting in the way of these beautiful lovers.
Life was not all wrapped in a pretty bow, it was messy, but fun to read. Lots of awesome sex scenes, and Darcy and Caleb were there for each other no matter what happened. Love that !
Highly recommend this terrific tale from Mercy Celeste !
E N J O Y !!!
=============
February 23, 2012
Add the sexy hotness of Josh Holloway as Caleb
with the charm of Dennis Quaid in the Big Easy.
Plus the reserved smolder of Henry Cavill in the role of Clark Kent as Darcy....
preferably reading this book while eating some yummy New Orleans beignets....
and you have Behind Iron Lace.
with the charm of Dennis Quaid in the Big Easy.
Plus the reserved smolder of Henry Cavill in the role of Clark Kent as Darcy....
preferably reading this book while eating some yummy New Orleans beignets....
and you have Behind Iron Lace.
November 6, 2011
Ahhh...the complete satisfaction of reading a book that hits all of your sweet spots!!
Sexy doesn't even begin to describe the seductive haze the author wove around me with this fantastic gay-for-you novel. I swear I was ready to either hyperventilate or take a cold shower before the second chapter was even over.
Caleb was a force to be reckon with - a sexy, Cajun, living life on the edge. As soon as he sets his eyes on Darcy he goes in to full seduction mode, convinced he sees something in Darcy that reaches a part of him he thought long buried. The vibes flowing between these two men was almost palpable. Only problem? Darcy doesn't swing that way...or does he???
After a sort of cat and mouse between these two guys...Darcy capitulates and boy oh boy does he give Caleb a run for his money. He gives as good as he gets and is so not shy about saying what he wants! In fact, these boys are talkers during sex....dirty, yummy and oh so HOT!
What really took this story to the next level for me was the depth of the characters. Caleb's back story will break your heart and Darcy's relationship with his business partner and best friend adds a whole other dimension to the story that as it unfolded, took me by surprise.
There was just enough angst and heartbreak to make me devour the book in one sitting. I loved the HEA that these boys get! The New Orleans setting and accents were pitch perfect and put me right there in the heat with the smells and sights of the French quarter.
Bravo to the author for a very intensely passionate story and characters that are truly unforgettable!
Definitely worth the read everyone:)
Sexy doesn't even begin to describe the seductive haze the author wove around me with this fantastic gay-for-you novel. I swear I was ready to either hyperventilate or take a cold shower before the second chapter was even over.
Caleb was a force to be reckon with - a sexy, Cajun, living life on the edge. As soon as he sets his eyes on Darcy he goes in to full seduction mode, convinced he sees something in Darcy that reaches a part of him he thought long buried. The vibes flowing between these two men was almost palpable. Only problem? Darcy doesn't swing that way...or does he???
After a sort of cat and mouse between these two guys...Darcy capitulates and boy oh boy does he give Caleb a run for his money. He gives as good as he gets and is so not shy about saying what he wants! In fact, these boys are talkers during sex....dirty, yummy and oh so HOT!
What really took this story to the next level for me was the depth of the characters. Caleb's back story will break your heart and Darcy's relationship with his business partner and best friend adds a whole other dimension to the story that as it unfolded, took me by surprise.
There was just enough angst and heartbreak to make me devour the book in one sitting. I loved the HEA that these boys get! The New Orleans setting and accents were pitch perfect and put me right there in the heat with the smells and sights of the French quarter.
Bravo to the author for a very intensely passionate story and characters that are truly unforgettable!
Definitely worth the read everyone:)
January 14, 2020
This was a pretty good book. Darcy Butler isn't happy in New Orleans. He's fed up with the heat and dissatisfied with his work and his relationship. Caleb is a Pulitzer winner for his photos, a playboy and an adventure seeker. While he doesn't need the money, he needs the distraction because working for Darcy will provide that so he doesn't have to focus on the fact that his mother is dying. Sparks fly when these two hook up Caleb isn't looking for anything long term and Darcy doesn't really know what he wants. This was a good read and a little long at times. I also liked the backstory for each of them. Both have been hurt before the sex scenes in this book were ok. I have read this author before. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling.
January 6, 2016
4 stars
Okay, this was more like what I expect from Mercy. Again, with the settings...so spot on I could die. I used to say the heat of the south was like standing in a pizza oven while trying to breathe through a warm, wet washcloth. I like her "Devil's Sauna" comparison better. And holy fuck, I only spent a week in Louisiana (3 days in N'Awlins) - in the middle of JULY - and I can only say that is a level of hell I'm not anxious to visit again any time soon. (Of course, now I live in an oven with a hot hair dryer aimed at my face, so what do I know?)
Usually, when a writer tries to put the characters' accents into the dialogue it drives me fucking nuts - and not in the good way. Oddly enough, not so much this time. It was just the right amount of Cajun, French and sexy. Gawd, did his real name have to be
She does the confusion and the panic and the fear really well, I think, in her GFY characters. I love that Caleb wasn't perfect; kinda wish Darcy wasn't. He always seemed so well put together and calm. I wanted to mess him up, shake him up, dirty him up. Caleb did a great job of it, that's for sure. Hot sex (that's par for the course with Mercy - that I NEVER have to doubt), and I'm just dirtybadnastywrong enough to admit I always love how she manages to make it "okay" to go unwrapped. It's a fantasy, an escape, so after my first exposure to such in her books I managed to suspend the disbelief (even though I in NO WAY condone such sexual activity in real life without getting tested first and a commitment to monogamy with a trusted partner [or two if that's your thing *wink*][what, my favorite genre is MMF - this should not be a surprise]).
So, yeah. I'm happier with this book. I wish the And I think it's may favorite ending to a story she's penned. Compromise, but yet not...because they found their bliss together and a way to keep in touch with what brought them together.
Okay, maybe I might be sorta interested in going back to The Big Easy, kinda. Some day. (Just so long as I don't have to go back into the cemeteries because OMFG - too many Weeping Angel statues and I almost went blind trying not to blink in that heat.)
Okay, this was more like what I expect from Mercy. Again, with the settings...so spot on I could die. I used to say the heat of the south was like standing in a pizza oven while trying to breathe through a warm, wet washcloth. I like her "Devil's Sauna" comparison better. And holy fuck, I only spent a week in Louisiana (3 days in N'Awlins) - in the middle of JULY - and I can only say that is a level of hell I'm not anxious to visit again any time soon. (Of course, now I live in an oven with a hot hair dryer aimed at my face, so what do I know?)
Usually, when a writer tries to put the characters' accents into the dialogue it drives me fucking nuts - and not in the good way. Oddly enough, not so much this time. It was just the right amount of Cajun, French and sexy. Gawd, did his real name have to be
She does the confusion and the panic and the fear really well, I think, in her GFY characters. I love that Caleb wasn't perfect; kinda wish Darcy wasn't. He always seemed so well put together and calm. I wanted to mess him up, shake him up, dirty him up. Caleb did a great job of it, that's for sure. Hot sex (that's par for the course with Mercy - that I NEVER have to doubt), and I'm just dirtybadnastywrong enough to admit I always love how she manages to make it "okay" to go unwrapped. It's a fantasy, an escape, so after my first exposure to such in her books I managed to suspend the disbelief (even though I in NO WAY condone such sexual activity in real life without getting tested first and a commitment to monogamy with a trusted partner [or two if that's your thing *wink*][what, my favorite genre is MMF - this should not be a surprise]).
So, yeah. I'm happier with this book. I wish the And I think it's may favorite ending to a story she's penned. Compromise, but yet not...because they found their bliss together and a way to keep in touch with what brought them together.
Okay, maybe I might be sorta interested in going back to The Big Easy, kinda. Some day. (Just so long as I don't have to go back into the cemeteries because OMFG - too many Weeping Angel statues and I almost went blind trying not to blink in that heat.)
April 1, 2012
I read this is one sitting. I just couldn't put it down. I enjoyed the depth to these characters and did not expect it to be a gritty as it became at one point. I also like the ending. I can tell the author loved her main characters.
December 22, 2011
This review was originally written for The Romance Reviews and can also be found there.
Oh yeah, BEHIND IRON LACE totally worked for me. I was actually thinking how I needed a real romance before I started reading it and what do you know, I got lucky and it hit all the right spots. For me this was the perfect combination of sexy, sweet, vulnerable and burning hot.
Darcy is a somewhat nerdy editor of an online magazine who'd moved to New Orleans at the persuasion of his best friend/sometimes lover Bailey. He detests the heat, can't stand the smell of the city, the accent of the people around him annoys him and he is generally unhappy. On one such a day, where he was all but suffocating under the rising temperature – while it still wasn't even summer, he gets to meet his potential new art department director.
From there, being straight turns into a foreign notion, accent is an erection inducing thing and all that heat becomes a force of a different kind. Because Caleb, and I swear I even say that name with a dreamy note in the tone since reading this book, is an artist who is a work of art himself. From the sexy biker look, with unconventional bracelets and overwhelming tattoos to the seductive smile, long hair and a way with words that would tempt even a saint, he wins people as he passes them and when he wants something he recognizes no obstacles.
I don't have to say they end up together, that is pretty much a given, but what I do want to say is that they are absolutely perfect for each other. Caleb seduced me through the pages without me even being there so reading about the passion between them, the easy way the connection between the brain and the words was cut off seemed perfectly sweet and a thing best fantasies are made of.
The accent always does it for me and this book was no exception. It was an unconventional mix forming the perfect local dialect which can't be explained in any other way but sexy. The wording and the dirty talk in the numerous sex scenes made my windows steam up and I'm sure gave me a certain glint in my eyes as my boyfriend walked by.
It is true they end up together rather quickly. Caleb is pushy, or as I saw it, he knows what he wants and plans on getting it. Darcy is reluctant and above else scared, but after the first taste, the way he just let go gave me goose bumps and truly made it a pleasure reading about their encounters. I could rant about little details that might not seem all that real to others, like sex without protection or the jump Darcy made from straight to gay-as-can-be, but honestly it didn't bother me one bit. I can't explain it any other way but to say it seemed natural. The author wrote this book with the perfect amount of realistic and romantic, something that made me grin like a lunatic, gave me back faith in romance and let me sleep as happily as a child.
I do know I've said it before, but I did look for a perfect romance and I did find it. It was hidden behind betraying present and a painful past, coming together when a nerd captured the artist's eye and the artist found his muse.
Oh yeah, BEHIND IRON LACE totally worked for me. I was actually thinking how I needed a real romance before I started reading it and what do you know, I got lucky and it hit all the right spots. For me this was the perfect combination of sexy, sweet, vulnerable and burning hot.
Darcy is a somewhat nerdy editor of an online magazine who'd moved to New Orleans at the persuasion of his best friend/sometimes lover Bailey. He detests the heat, can't stand the smell of the city, the accent of the people around him annoys him and he is generally unhappy. On one such a day, where he was all but suffocating under the rising temperature – while it still wasn't even summer, he gets to meet his potential new art department director.
From there, being straight turns into a foreign notion, accent is an erection inducing thing and all that heat becomes a force of a different kind. Because Caleb, and I swear I even say that name with a dreamy note in the tone since reading this book, is an artist who is a work of art himself. From the sexy biker look, with unconventional bracelets and overwhelming tattoos to the seductive smile, long hair and a way with words that would tempt even a saint, he wins people as he passes them and when he wants something he recognizes no obstacles.
I don't have to say they end up together, that is pretty much a given, but what I do want to say is that they are absolutely perfect for each other. Caleb seduced me through the pages without me even being there so reading about the passion between them, the easy way the connection between the brain and the words was cut off seemed perfectly sweet and a thing best fantasies are made of.
The accent always does it for me and this book was no exception. It was an unconventional mix forming the perfect local dialect which can't be explained in any other way but sexy. The wording and the dirty talk in the numerous sex scenes made my windows steam up and I'm sure gave me a certain glint in my eyes as my boyfriend walked by.
It is true they end up together rather quickly. Caleb is pushy, or as I saw it, he knows what he wants and plans on getting it. Darcy is reluctant and above else scared, but after the first taste, the way he just let go gave me goose bumps and truly made it a pleasure reading about their encounters. I could rant about little details that might not seem all that real to others, like sex without protection or the jump Darcy made from straight to gay-as-can-be, but honestly it didn't bother me one bit. I can't explain it any other way but to say it seemed natural. The author wrote this book with the perfect amount of realistic and romantic, something that made me grin like a lunatic, gave me back faith in romance and let me sleep as happily as a child.
I do know I've said it before, but I did look for a perfect romance and I did find it. It was hidden behind betraying present and a painful past, coming together when a nerd captured the artist's eye and the artist found his muse.
July 29, 2015
This story is a bit harder for me to rate than usual, as I think I would've liked it more had I read it all in just one or two longer sittings. As it was, time didn't allow for that, so I read it in smaller chunks, and the whirlwind of the story didn't catch me as much as it otherwise would've.
Behind Iron Lace takes place "down the bayou" in New Orleans, where the weather is hot and the accents are even hotter. We meet Darcy, a successful editor of his own magazine, with a distinct distaste for the city. It's his life, but he's given up a lot to follow Bailey, his sometimes bed partner and long time friend.
Enter Caleb, bad boy extraordinaire. An artist with a wild side, Caleb is looking for something to keep him busy and out of trouble - and Darcy's magazine Y Not Ask Y! is the perfect little adventure to provide just that.
But like a cold storm on a hot day, the two collide, and for better or worse, take a piece of each other in the process.
The story is everything I expect from Mercy Celeste: hot, full of steam and passion, and all with a little twist. I enjoyed the story, I did, but I just didn't fall into it like I wanted to. This may be one book I'll have to reread in one sitting, and it's certainly one I'd be willing to do that with.
Behind Iron Lace takes place "down the bayou" in New Orleans, where the weather is hot and the accents are even hotter. We meet Darcy, a successful editor of his own magazine, with a distinct distaste for the city. It's his life, but he's given up a lot to follow Bailey, his sometimes bed partner and long time friend.
Enter Caleb, bad boy extraordinaire. An artist with a wild side, Caleb is looking for something to keep him busy and out of trouble - and Darcy's magazine Y Not Ask Y! is the perfect little adventure to provide just that.
But like a cold storm on a hot day, the two collide, and for better or worse, take a piece of each other in the process.
The story is everything I expect from Mercy Celeste: hot, full of steam and passion, and all with a little twist. I enjoyed the story, I did, but I just didn't fall into it like I wanted to. This may be one book I'll have to reread in one sitting, and it's certainly one I'd be willing to do that with.
July 12, 2012
This book didn't take too long to grab my interest, and once it did, I was hooked until the end. Caleb is one super sexy, tattoo'd up, Cajun. I could totally hear his accent(s), and they sucked me in as quickly as they did Darcy. I loved every detail we learned about him and his past and just couldn't seem to get enough of him. Darcy is super sweet, and I really enjoyed watching him find his way.
There were a few "omg, no way!" moments for me, which I loved as well. Bailey is a humongous bitch, and Chester, well, I have no words for him but I never liked either one of them.
My only real issue with this story is the insta love. I just could not grasp that after 3 days, they were head over heals for each other. I did think the gfy (more like gay but didn't realize he was) was done very well and was very believable.
There were a few "omg, no way!" moments for me, which I loved as well. Bailey is a humongous bitch, and Chester, well, I have no words for him but I never liked either one of them.
My only real issue with this story is the insta love. I just could not grasp that after 3 days, they were head over heals for each other. I did think the gfy (more like gay but didn't realize he was) was done very well and was very believable.
April 30, 2017
Spoiler Ahead:
There was no real development of the relationship, it felt little shallow and cheesy. I did not feel they really got to know each other. This book has the same problem I run into with a lot of current books, you really don't understand what makes the MC fall for each other, what they see in the other person that makes them be the one. So it feels contrived to me.
The first sex scene escalated so quickly, don't know how it went from Darcy not wanting to be touched by another man to going all the way. I felt Celeb was so pushy and his little french endearment was not romantic quite the opposite actually, it sounded creepy.
I stopped after that, might go back to it.
There was no real development of the relationship, it felt little shallow and cheesy. I did not feel they really got to know each other. This book has the same problem I run into with a lot of current books, you really don't understand what makes the MC fall for each other, what they see in the other person that makes them be the one. So it feels contrived to me.
The first sex scene escalated so quickly, don't know how it went from Darcy not wanting to be touched by another man to going all the way. I felt Celeb was so pushy and his little french endearment was not romantic quite the opposite actually, it sounded creepy.
I stopped after that, might go back to it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2013
I love New Orleans and Ms Celeste managed to bring its magic out in this beautiful love story. Both Caleb and Darcy had never really been in love before. I enjoyed the slow simmer to their romance while Darcy was questioning his feelings. Their break up tore my heart out but both guys had a lot of baggage. Naturally there is an HEA ending but it takes a while to get there. Even the angst which I do not like was necessary to this excellent story of love, acceptance and forgiveness.
September 24, 2013
Ann, you are completely forgiven.
September 9, 2012
Darcy is shallow and stubborn – and not in an endearing way. He gives in to Caleb's seduction just a couple of days after they met, just to refuse touching him even in the most casual way in public because he is “unable to even think the word” gay. It's impossible that in twenty-nine years he never, ever felt ever the slightest bit attracted to another man.
Caleb...oh, Caleb. He was a nice character, but his story was far-fetched and in my opinion should have left him way more scarred. The gangster grandad? Yeah, right. *eye roll* The nonchalance with which he took his mother's death was unbelievable. Who would tell him this by text, anyway? And why did he do that thing he did at around ¾ of the book? (Run, little faggot boy. I have no more use for you. And Darcy didn't even try to make him explain! He just stood there with tears in his eyes whining “Really?”) Talk about WTF moment. Am I an evil bitch? Why, yes. And I hate whiny people.
We aren't told anything about the dead soldier, Caleb's lover in Iraq. I usually feel uncomfortable when one of the MCs is still hurting after the death of a partner, but if the writer decides that there is one, at least I want to know about him. It made no sense to add this, though.
One more thing: both Darcy and Caleb were like “need you/love fucking you/need to fuck you/wanna suck you dry” etc ALL THE TIME. If you have to talk dirty, which I normally like, at least do it with creativity.
The only character whose issues I was really interested in, Bailey (the friend with benefits), got zero development.
So, basically, everything was underdeveloped. Bailey, Mike, Caleb's mother, Martha, Darcy's family.
The writing was okay, nothing noteworthy.
BUT... I ENJOYED IT! Well, yeah, it was pretty much okay. I know, I'm weird. I only wrote bad things about it. The sex was good, though.
Caleb...oh, Caleb. He was a nice character, but his story was far-fetched and in my opinion should have left him way more scarred. The gangster grandad? Yeah, right. *eye roll* The nonchalance with which he took his mother's death was unbelievable. Who would tell him this by text, anyway? And why did he do that thing he did at around ¾ of the book? (Run, little faggot boy. I have no more use for you. And Darcy didn't even try to make him explain! He just stood there with tears in his eyes whining “Really?”) Talk about WTF moment. Am I an evil bitch? Why, yes. And I hate whiny people.
We aren't told anything about the dead soldier, Caleb's lover in Iraq. I usually feel uncomfortable when one of the MCs is still hurting after the death of a partner, but if the writer decides that there is one, at least I want to know about him. It made no sense to add this, though.
One more thing: both Darcy and Caleb were like “need you/love fucking you/need to fuck you/wanna suck you dry” etc ALL THE TIME. If you have to talk dirty, which I normally like, at least do it with creativity.
The only character whose issues I was really interested in, Bailey (the friend with benefits), got zero development.
So, basically, everything was underdeveloped. Bailey, Mike, Caleb's mother, Martha, Darcy's family.
The writing was okay, nothing noteworthy.
BUT... I ENJOYED IT! Well, yeah, it was pretty much okay. I know, I'm weird. I only wrote bad things about it. The sex was good, though.
August 5, 2012
The main characters in this story were truly its strong point - a quiet nerd struggling with a sudden change in his sexual awareness, and an artistic bad boy with a Cajun drawl, a passionate nature, and a traumatic past. The sex was sweet and hot, and the story-telling was lush. Watching them together was a pleasure. There were small issues with plot, with facts, and with pronouns, that were distracting and kept this from being a five-star read. I had trouble with the character of Bailey, the ex-girlfriend, and definite reservations about the speed-of-light progression of Darcy's relationship with Caleb, both in and out of bed. But the author made it work with a smoothly-written fast-moving story that I read in one sitting.
September 15, 2018
*sigh* what is there to say about Darcy and Caleb? That their love story made my heart ache, that I cried and laughed throughout their story, that I wished it wouldn't end? Yes, I could definitely say all those things. Most of all, I would just say that this one of the best romances I've ever read. Gender was irrelevant. Secondary characters were just a blur. I was so completely and totally focused on the story between these two gorgeous guys that I couldn't think of anything else. Excellent job.
June 10, 2013
Mercy Celeste can really write a dreamy damaged bad boy like nobody's business. There was great chemistry between Caleb and Darcy and the setting made it all the more so.
I liked watching the two MC's work through their own issues so that they could ultimately be together and be happy. I felt like I got to know them both as they did and not just in relation to each other but as individuals. Their personalities were very different, which kept me interested and completely hooked.
Definitely hot and steamy, a great read!
I liked watching the two MC's work through their own issues so that they could ultimately be together and be happy. I felt like I got to know them both as they did and not just in relation to each other but as individuals. Their personalities were very different, which kept me interested and completely hooked.
Definitely hot and steamy, a great read!
July 12, 2012
Not a huge fan of insta-love, at all, but there was just something awesome about Caleb and Darcy.
Bailey needed to die a slow, horrible death and Chester was an idiot.
Starts off a little slow, gets really good, but then drags a little at the end. But, all in all, a really good story.
Bailey needed to die a slow, horrible death and Chester was an idiot.
Starts off a little slow, gets really good, but then drags a little at the end. But, all in all, a really good story.
December 18, 2022
If you love drama, this is for you.
This has been on my TBR for a million years and I haven’t read a Mercy Celeste book in a while so…. I totally forgot what a drama llama she is. Wow!
Darcy runs an e-magazine and this part felt pretty dated as it would. He hired a photographer to make it more professional looking. Caleb decides to work for this tiny publication even though he’s a Pulitzer winning photographer. Uh huh.
Caleb makes the moves on Darcy pretty much right away. Drama ensues. Their chemistry was hot but Darcy is in serious denial about his sexuality. More drama ensues.
Bailey is his on again and off again girlfriend that runs the magazine with Darcy. I could have done without this whole plot line. It was just unbearable and kinda gross tbh.
Love prevails and Darcy and Caleb get their HEA. I guess there’s a part 2 so off to read that.
This has been on my TBR for a million years and I haven’t read a Mercy Celeste book in a while so…. I totally forgot what a drama llama she is. Wow!
Darcy runs an e-magazine and this part felt pretty dated as it would. He hired a photographer to make it more professional looking. Caleb decides to work for this tiny publication even though he’s a Pulitzer winning photographer. Uh huh.
Caleb makes the moves on Darcy pretty much right away. Drama ensues. Their chemistry was hot but Darcy is in serious denial about his sexuality. More drama ensues.
Bailey is his on again and off again girlfriend that runs the magazine with Darcy. I could have done without this whole plot line. It was just unbearable and kinda gross tbh.
Love prevails and Darcy and Caleb get their HEA. I guess there’s a part 2 so off to read that.
November 8, 2011
Darcy is the editor of an online magazine, newly moved to New Orleans from Oregon. The heat is wilting him, his love life strangling him, and his best gal pal/part time lover is jerking him around. And not in a good way.
Caleb is a recognized artist and photographer, home in the Big Easy to see his mother through her last days. Caleb lives hard, loves hard and gets what he wants.
When he sees Darcy and decided he wants some of that, a little thing like Darcy being straight won't stop him. Will it?
This book is at hot and steamy as the city in which it is set. (Right - like you didn't see THAT comparison coming.) A native of the South myself, I know how these men can be, especially those Bayou boys. And Ms. Celeste gets them exactly right. The attitude, the accent, the sexiness - all down to a "T".
And Darcy - what a nicely drawn character. He is the perfect foil to Caleb's steam - all coolness and control and restraint. But you know what they say about still waters...
When these two come together, it's magic. They fit together very nicely and I was rooting for them from the beginning. At first I thought, Oh no a GFY (gay for you) story. But Ms. Celeste went below the surface here and delved into Darcy's unhappy relationship status and Caleb's hot love em and leave em ways. The backstories are as interesting and involved as any I have seen recently. I like that she took the time and care to make us see these two charming, interesting men through many different lenses. Where Darcy could be shrill, he is complex and deep. Where Caleb could be all glitz, he is murky and tangy and spicy and hurt.
What shows through in both of these men is the wounded hearts both have. Both are walking wounded, numb, and hurting. They don't even know they need each other as badly as they do.
I was impressed with the chances Ms. Celeste took towards the ending also. There was no neatly wrapped up with a bow ending - that would have been too easy and obvious. She took the time to be true to the characters, and gave them an ending that rang very true to each man.
Bravo!
Great work, and VERY highly recommended. I can't wait for her next work!
Tom
Caleb is a recognized artist and photographer, home in the Big Easy to see his mother through her last days. Caleb lives hard, loves hard and gets what he wants.
When he sees Darcy and decided he wants some of that, a little thing like Darcy being straight won't stop him. Will it?
This book is at hot and steamy as the city in which it is set. (Right - like you didn't see THAT comparison coming.) A native of the South myself, I know how these men can be, especially those Bayou boys. And Ms. Celeste gets them exactly right. The attitude, the accent, the sexiness - all down to a "T".
And Darcy - what a nicely drawn character. He is the perfect foil to Caleb's steam - all coolness and control and restraint. But you know what they say about still waters...
When these two come together, it's magic. They fit together very nicely and I was rooting for them from the beginning. At first I thought, Oh no a GFY (gay for you) story. But Ms. Celeste went below the surface here and delved into Darcy's unhappy relationship status and Caleb's hot love em and leave em ways. The backstories are as interesting and involved as any I have seen recently. I like that she took the time and care to make us see these two charming, interesting men through many different lenses. Where Darcy could be shrill, he is complex and deep. Where Caleb could be all glitz, he is murky and tangy and spicy and hurt.
What shows through in both of these men is the wounded hearts both have. Both are walking wounded, numb, and hurting. They don't even know they need each other as badly as they do.
I was impressed with the chances Ms. Celeste took towards the ending also. There was no neatly wrapped up with a bow ending - that would have been too easy and obvious. She took the time to be true to the characters, and gave them an ending that rang very true to each man.
Bravo!
Great work, and VERY highly recommended. I can't wait for her next work!
Tom
July 16, 2012
I keep finding myself conflicted when it comes to books by this author! I find her style engaging and engrossing, so much so that my emotional reaction is to love her books. But they don't stand up to any sort of rational scrutiny, and that disappoints me.
I got really confused by mentions of Darcy being offered an "associate professorship" at what I thought was a university. For one thing, he only has a Master's degree, and tenure-track positions at universities are generally only offered to PhD's. Also, they usually offer the lowest ranking position first - Assistant Professor - and then promote you to Associate Professor eventually. If it were a community college, the ranking is still the same but offering it to someone with a Master's would be plausible. Except further descriptions of the daily reality of the school (Homecoming week? Daily classes? Letting a department secretary know you're leaving early?) sounded like high school instead. So basically every mention of the school pulled me out of the story as I tried to understand the logistics.
I was also disturbed by how OTT evil a couple of the characters were. Darcy has been in a relationship of one sort or another with Bailey for ten years, and she suddenly turns out to be Evil Bitch from Hell? Not that people are never surprised or disillusioned by those they love, but ten years of daily contact seems a long time to go without even a hint of her less-than-wonderfulness. Either that, or Darcy is disturbingly obtuse.
I also REALLY struggled with the insta-love aspect. But then, that almost never works well for me. I believe you can be ass over teakettle in LUST for someone after a few weeks, days, or even hours. But unless the author is really, really, really convincing, I just don't believe Twu Wuv occurs within that time-frame.
There were a few other things that bothered me, but they were mostly things I could have overlooked for the sake of engaging characters and engrossing story. The ones I mentioned were too big and too prevalent, and so kept me from getting lost in the story the way I wanted to.
I got really confused by mentions of Darcy being offered an "associate professorship" at what I thought was a university. For one thing, he only has a Master's degree, and tenure-track positions at universities are generally only offered to PhD's. Also, they usually offer the lowest ranking position first - Assistant Professor - and then promote you to Associate Professor eventually. If it were a community college, the ranking is still the same but offering it to someone with a Master's would be plausible. Except further descriptions of the daily reality of the school (Homecoming week? Daily classes? Letting a department secretary know you're leaving early?) sounded like high school instead. So basically every mention of the school pulled me out of the story as I tried to understand the logistics.
I was also disturbed by how OTT evil a couple of the characters were. Darcy has been in a relationship of one sort or another with Bailey for ten years, and she suddenly turns out to be Evil Bitch from Hell? Not that people are never surprised or disillusioned by those they love, but ten years of daily contact seems a long time to go without even a hint of her less-than-wonderfulness. Either that, or Darcy is disturbingly obtuse.
I also REALLY struggled with the insta-love aspect. But then, that almost never works well for me. I believe you can be ass over teakettle in LUST for someone after a few weeks, days, or even hours. But unless the author is really, really, really convincing, I just don't believe Twu Wuv occurs within that time-frame.
There were a few other things that bothered me, but they were mostly things I could have overlooked for the sake of engaging characters and engrossing story. The ones I mentioned were too big and too prevalent, and so kept me from getting lost in the story the way I wanted to.
July 28, 2014
Ok, I loved this book. Absolutely freaking loved it. Everything that Mercy wrote spoke to me and made me feel like I was perfectly at home in this setting. The cover is one of the prettiest I have seen in a long time. And the guys on there match perfectly to the descriptions given in the book. I love it when that happens. I could truly picture these two vividly throughout the entire book. The beginning was tense and perfect. The middle was sexy and perfect. The ending was angsty and sweet and perfect. Overall perfection. I don't think I would have changed one thing about the entire story. Yes Bailey and Chester were cringe-worthy characters. Yet they were a necessary evil I suppose. But Darcy and his sweet, sexy innocence and Caleb and his scarred, shattered past were every girl's fantasy come to life. They were so unbelievably hot together. This one is going immediately on my 5star DIK shelf. Now I am off to find more books by Mercy Celeste...
Two things I must add:
1) The dirty talk didn't bother me in the slightest. In fact, I think it's what made this book so desirable to me. I love dirty talk when I feel it fits the situation. And I 100% believe that Caleb, with all his past issues, would be one to talk dirty and be able to bring that out in Darcy. HOT, HOT, HOT!
2) As to the controversy with the dialect, all I will say is that in my opinion, everything that was said fit perfectly. I don't speak French, Cajun, or any combo there of. But I feel the author made it clear that Caleb was constantly changing between multiple accents (he was just eccentric that way), at one point she mentions that during sex he didn't even know what phrase he uses, and therefore I find it totally believable after all that he had been through and all the places he had traveled that he kinda just spoke a language all of his own. It wasn't purely any language and was never intended to be. But that's just my opinion.
Two things I must add:
1) The dirty talk didn't bother me in the slightest. In fact, I think it's what made this book so desirable to me. I love dirty talk when I feel it fits the situation. And I 100% believe that Caleb, with all his past issues, would be one to talk dirty and be able to bring that out in Darcy. HOT, HOT, HOT!
2) As to the controversy with the dialect, all I will say is that in my opinion, everything that was said fit perfectly. I don't speak French, Cajun, or any combo there of. But I feel the author made it clear that Caleb was constantly changing between multiple accents (he was just eccentric that way), at one point she mentions that during sex he didn't even know what phrase he uses, and therefore I find it totally believable after all that he had been through and all the places he had traveled that he kinda just spoke a language all of his own. It wasn't purely any language and was never intended to be. But that's just my opinion.
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