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Firewall
"You got me fired!"
"I made more enemies than friends."
Justin West is one of the world's most sought-after IT security specialists. His skills as a network penetrator are renowned, but in meatspace he's seen as cold and awkward. His Asperger's makes it hard to be a team player and in a cutthroat industry, enemies abound. Justin is framed for a massive security breach and soon it's not just his job on the line; his very life is in danger.
"If I can't keep you safe, what good am I?"
Bodyguard Calder Lesley takes pride in his career protecting others. In contrast to his geeky hotshot best friend, Calder uses body language and psychology to excel at his job. He only ignores his instincts when it comes to Justin. Even though their friendship has been long distance for eight years, Justin's feelings for him are obvious. Calder's afraid of nothing... except losing a friend to pursue a new kind of love.
"We're both in danger unless we act now."
When a rival hacker threatens Justin's career, he's going to need the help of the person he trusts most, but Calder can't protect him from a distance. Forced into Calder's orbit for protection, the sparks begin to fly as Justin's career falls apart. Opposites might attract, but can they last?
Firewall is a steamy, standalone gay romance novel with a HEA and no cliffhangers.
"I made more enemies than friends."
Justin West is one of the world's most sought-after IT security specialists. His skills as a network penetrator are renowned, but in meatspace he's seen as cold and awkward. His Asperger's makes it hard to be a team player and in a cutthroat industry, enemies abound. Justin is framed for a massive security breach and soon it's not just his job on the line; his very life is in danger.
"If I can't keep you safe, what good am I?"
Bodyguard Calder Lesley takes pride in his career protecting others. In contrast to his geeky hotshot best friend, Calder uses body language and psychology to excel at his job. He only ignores his instincts when it comes to Justin. Even though their friendship has been long distance for eight years, Justin's feelings for him are obvious. Calder's afraid of nothing... except losing a friend to pursue a new kind of love.
"We're both in danger unless we act now."
When a rival hacker threatens Justin's career, he's going to need the help of the person he trusts most, but Calder can't protect him from a distance. Forced into Calder's orbit for protection, the sparks begin to fly as Justin's career falls apart. Opposites might attract, but can they last?
Firewall is a steamy, standalone gay romance novel with a HEA and no cliffhangers.
282 pages, Paperback
First published March 15, 2016
34 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
About the author
Sierra Riley
31 books452 followersSierra Riley was born and raised in a small town where she spent all her time reading under trees before she moved to the Bay area to pursue her own love story.
She writes the kinds of books she loves to read: rollercoaster rides with happily-ever-afters. She's rarely at a loss for ideas, and credits her wonderfully supportive friends with helping her stories actually make it onto the page, as well as her husband and kids for giving her the chance to follow her dreams.
When Sierra isn't busy writing, she enjoys knitting, traveling, listening to the Pet Shop Boys, or just curling up with her dogs and cats and devouring a good book.
She writes the kinds of books she loves to read: rollercoaster rides with happily-ever-afters. She's rarely at a loss for ideas, and credits her wonderfully supportive friends with helping her stories actually make it onto the page, as well as her husband and kids for giving her the chance to follow her dreams.
When Sierra isn't busy writing, she enjoys knitting, traveling, listening to the Pet Shop Boys, or just curling up with her dogs and cats and devouring a good book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
March 16, 2016
OK, first off, the blurb is wrong. Justin's life was never in danger. I won't give it away, but I can tell you the "danger" was really, really weak. And nothing actually happened. Also, there were no "sparks flying" anywhere. The chemistry was non-existent. These boys have been best friends for 20 years, but at the beginning of the story had not seen each other in person for 8 years, continuing their friendship online through chat and social media.
Now that the misconceptions about the blurb are out-of-the-way, let's get into the relationship and sex. The first thing that popped into my head after reading the blurb was, "Hot bodyguard, geeky tech nerd... PLEASE let the nerd be a top!" Um, that would be a big no-go. Said nerd and bodyguard played into every stereotype to a "T".
Since this is a gay-for-you tale, I was expecting heat and tension and passion mixed with confusion. Another no-go. These boys had the opposite of a slow burn passion. The sex came first and when they weren't fucking, they tip-toed around each other, never communicating. No heat. No tension. No passion. Even when the "L" word exchange happened, there was no spark.
Nerd Justin actually said, "Do you like me? Because I like you," and he is a grown-ass man in his late 20's/early 30's. I just wasn't able to take him or buff-bodyguard Calder seriously.
If you're looking for a fun, steamy, heart-warming gay-for-you tale, read Ms. Riley's delightful Guardian and skip this one.
Cannot Recommend.
Advanced review copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Now that the misconceptions about the blurb are out-of-the-way, let's get into the relationship and sex. The first thing that popped into my head after reading the blurb was, "Hot bodyguard, geeky tech nerd... PLEASE let the nerd be a top!" Um, that would be a big no-go. Said nerd and bodyguard played into every stereotype to a "T".
Since this is a gay-for-you tale, I was expecting heat and tension and passion mixed with confusion. Another no-go. These boys had the opposite of a slow burn passion. The sex came first and when they weren't fucking, they tip-toed around each other, never communicating. No heat. No tension. No passion. Even when the "L" word exchange happened, there was no spark.
Nerd Justin actually said, "Do you like me? Because I like you," and he is a grown-ass man in his late 20's/early 30's. I just wasn't able to take him or buff-bodyguard Calder seriously.
If you're looking for a fun, steamy, heart-warming gay-for-you tale, read Ms. Riley's delightful Guardian and skip this one.
Cannot Recommend.
Advanced review copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2016
It was an enjoyable read. :) But I feel that the true awesomeness that was in the author's earlier works is missing somehow. Now the stories feel rushed, with no depth given to the emotions. I'm still addicted to her works. I really hope it gets better...o_O
June 28, 2016
Having read and enjoyed the Sierra Riley titles "Someday" and "Heartstrings", "Firewall" doesn't seem to be on par with the quality of writing I'd come to expect. Still, I did enjoy it. It wasn't fantastic, but it did have some really good qualities to it.
I love that this book features a main character with Asperger's. Not that I know a lot about it, so I can't say how accurate it is, but I like that Justin is portrayed as an average, lovable person, and I really like him! And really, it definitely added an interesting element to the story. Where someone may hesitate or know not to say something, Justin just goes ahead and says it! It has an interesting effect on the flow of the plot! I also appreciated Calder's perspective of Justin's Asperger's. Calder is a charming and likable guy who is accepting and loving of Justin for who he is and I really enjoyed that.
Also enjoyable is the amount of sexual tension in this book... OH.MY.GOD! So steamy and amazing!!! I LIVE for sexual tension!! <3 and this book DELIVERS!! *fans self*. Seriously, this book is a tease! Every time you think they're going to go forward... they pull back. Frustrating, but so so good! I had to love it. The chemistry between the MCs is just scorching. It kind of makes up for the less than stellar writing.
The IT Security plotline was interesting enough and it didn't overshadow the relationship, which would have been a crime! It also wasn't so inconsequential that it felt in the way, it was just okay. The weight of it was well calculated.
Not a GREAT book, but a definite pleasure if you're a fan of sexual tension and books that tease!
**I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.**
I love that this book features a main character with Asperger's. Not that I know a lot about it, so I can't say how accurate it is, but I like that Justin is portrayed as an average, lovable person, and I really like him! And really, it definitely added an interesting element to the story. Where someone may hesitate or know not to say something, Justin just goes ahead and says it! It has an interesting effect on the flow of the plot! I also appreciated Calder's perspective of Justin's Asperger's. Calder is a charming and likable guy who is accepting and loving of Justin for who he is and I really enjoyed that.
Also enjoyable is the amount of sexual tension in this book... OH.MY.GOD! So steamy and amazing!!! I LIVE for sexual tension!! <3 and this book DELIVERS!! *fans self*. Seriously, this book is a tease! Every time you think they're going to go forward... they pull back. Frustrating, but so so good! I had to love it. The chemistry between the MCs is just scorching. It kind of makes up for the less than stellar writing.
The IT Security plotline was interesting enough and it didn't overshadow the relationship, which would have been a crime! It also wasn't so inconsequential that it felt in the way, it was just okay. The weight of it was well calculated.
Not a GREAT book, but a definite pleasure if you're a fan of sexual tension and books that tease!
**I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.**
June 24, 2016
I normally like Sierra Riley’s books because I love M/M…but these last few I have read I just haven’t connected with. I just don’t feel the love between the main characters. The stories are not bad…not at all…but I am just having a disconnect. I dunno…cute read though.
May 3, 2016
Book – Firewall
Author – Sierra Riley
Star rating - ★★★☆☆
No. of Pages – 282
Cover – Very nice.
POV – 3rd person, dual POV
Would I read it again – No!
Genre – LGBT, Contemporary, Friends-to-Lovers, Crime, Geek
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK, BY THE AUTHOR, IN RETURN FOR AN HONEST REVIEW **
Infuriatingly misinformed! This is a friends-to-lovers, gay-for-you story, with a criminal element.
I have to admit that, straight off the bat, it felt almost like a carbon copy of Someday, which I read recently. The use of the Prologue to show a heated moment between the two MC's; the formula of having a romance take center stage, with a crime in the background; even the process of having one character gay, the other questioning and their interactions feels the same.
I hate the Prologue idea. I hated it in Someday and it doesn't work here, either. I know nothing about these characters, so why do I want to jump into them getting it on, on the first page? I don't know, care or have any interest in these people at the moment, so throwing me into this emotionally charged moment is disorientating and doesn't give me any information about them.
There's also a major problem – for me – with the way the author treats aspergers syndrome. Having two cousins who are high on the spectrum, I know what it's like to live with the syndrome and the difficulties that they face in life. Unfortunately, the majority of the story treats aspergers more like a social disease than a real syndrome.
I've curbed some of my anger since writing my first review of this, so I'm going to bullet point the numerous ways the author mistreats Justin, who is the character with aspergers, and makes out that he's wholly defined by his syndrome, while at the same time misrepresenting it.
The terms used to describe Justin. Socially awkward, difficult to deal with, challenging, distracted. All of these and more were used either by Calder or in the text, and, sadly, a lot of the times in Justin's own POV, until I became convinced that he considered all of these to be valid “faults” and complaints.
We're told a million times that Justin is selfish, self-absorbed and only talks about himself. Only once is there a mention of the fact that he has difficulty picking up social and facial cues.
This quote → “Sure, Justin was a bit hard to be around sometimes but he wasn't a bad guy.” I can't even... I mean...I don't even know what to say to that! All I could do, when I read it, was highlight it and move on because it's left me speechless. This is not the way to treat anyone with aspergers.
This quote → ““Because you're standoffish when you're awake to most people. I just figured when you're sleeping is when all the neediness would kick in.”” Because, when Calder says stuff like this, I'm being given no reason at all to like him or the way he treats Justin. I certainly don't want him to be the romantic lead.
Justin is not “cold and awkward”. Limiting aspergers to such calculated examples is insulting.
Justin – and others with aspergers – aren't selfish people. They can be uncomfortable in social settings and the best way to make them feel comfortable is to talk about what they know and like. Yes, sometimes that means talking about themselves, but it frustrates me the way that Calder is portrayed as someone who – even after knowing Justin his whole life – doesn't realise this. Where has he been? Has he never realised what is so obvious or did he never, in all of his bodyguard meticulousness, research aspergers to figure it out?
Also, why have eight years passed since they last saw each other in person? The minute Justin needs him now, he's there in a flash. Sure, it's a long drive, but why have they never had a weekend or week off together? Have their jobs never taken them even remotely close to a location where they could linger, when the job was done, and visit with each other? Perhaps it's for this reason, or maybe just because they barely know anything about each other, that I find the “best friend” label suspect. They don't act or talk like best friends.
And, why, when Calder keeps talking about how he's always had feelings for Justin, is his first reaction to Justin's kiss to ask “What's that about?” As if he has no clue and is laughing it off.
Not to mention that one moment, Justin is incredible, firing all of Calder's buttons, then when it's over, his technique is lacking and the mighty Calder will have to help him improve. Wow, that's some ego and, on top of everything else he's done, I'm done with this character.
I don't approve of the use of quotation marks for the term “invisible disease”. Seeing it here, even, makes my teeth itch. An invisible disease is a real thing and relegating it to quotation marks implies the complete opposite. As though it's something made up and not accepted. Also, calling it a disease makes me want to scream. It implies infectious, abnormal and unwanted. It's an invisible disability – something that was done to this person against their will, by no fault of their own, that affects their day-to-day life. Yes, it often prevents them from being considered “normal” in society's eyes, but it's not a death sentence or a contagion.
Plot wise, I found it really hard to imagine a hotel mixing up their rooms, since Calder books in advance, especially since no one warned them of the “mistake” at the desk, when they checked in. It felt a bit like a contrived effort to get them into the same bed. Calder accepted it way too easily, too.
There are a few spelling and grammar mistakes, mostly with apostrophe's being added before or after words, when there's no need. Example: 'have and would'. There are also a few instances where sentences have been cut in half -
“As Justin finally broke the pacing to head upstairs and make sure the guestroom was tidy. He only hoped that this wouldn't turn out to be the biggest mistake of his life.”
There's also quite a bit of repetition – either in exact phrases being used multiple times, far too close together or in actual statements, from the author, such as the constant reminder of how amazing and brilliant Justin is at techie stuff, that he's got aspergers, and that he and Calder have a will-they wont-they, friendship/relationship. Add in a few moments where characters claim things that are wrong (Justin says Calder's never told him if he's been with a man before, when he has told him) or know things they're not supposed to, and it needed a bit more editing.
I found the blurb to be completely misleading. There is no “fight to the death”, no real danger. What danger there is happens in the last 10% of the book, in a flash of action that never really implies danger. There is a split second life-or-death moment, but that's it.
~
Honestly, it could have been a great story if Justin didn't have aspergers syndrome, as the author didn't have the first clue what it really meant. He was constantly mislabelled as socially awkward, selfish and self-involved, completely dismissing his aspergers as a cause of those things. The dismissive attitude didn't end there, as Calder – his best friend! – was often the conduit to display this misunderstanding of the syndrome. He persistently considered Justin bothersome, difficult to deal with, awkward and self-involved. It was infuriating.
If I set aside my anger with that aspect of the story, I'm left with a decent romance novel, with a touch of crime and a good knowledge of techie stuff, that mostly flew right over my head.
The relationship lacked chemistry, but that might be because I absolutely hated Calder. He was overbearing, egotistical and a control freak. Putting aside how he treated and spoke to Justin, these were enough reasons for me to hate him.
Overall, not for me. It just...fell flat. The formula (I can't think of another way to put it) that the author uses for their stories is fine. I get it and it works for them. But it just doesn't work for me. It worked (mostly) in Someday, which is my only previous experience of this author. But, this time around, Justin was the only character I actually liked. And it's really hard for one character to pull off a book nearly 250 pages long on his own.
Author – Sierra Riley
Star rating - ★★★☆☆
No. of Pages – 282
Cover – Very nice.
POV – 3rd person, dual POV
Would I read it again – No!
Genre – LGBT, Contemporary, Friends-to-Lovers, Crime, Geek
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK, BY THE AUTHOR, IN RETURN FOR AN HONEST REVIEW **
Infuriatingly misinformed! This is a friends-to-lovers, gay-for-you story, with a criminal element.
I have to admit that, straight off the bat, it felt almost like a carbon copy of Someday, which I read recently. The use of the Prologue to show a heated moment between the two MC's; the formula of having a romance take center stage, with a crime in the background; even the process of having one character gay, the other questioning and their interactions feels the same.
I hate the Prologue idea. I hated it in Someday and it doesn't work here, either. I know nothing about these characters, so why do I want to jump into them getting it on, on the first page? I don't know, care or have any interest in these people at the moment, so throwing me into this emotionally charged moment is disorientating and doesn't give me any information about them.
There's also a major problem – for me – with the way the author treats aspergers syndrome. Having two cousins who are high on the spectrum, I know what it's like to live with the syndrome and the difficulties that they face in life. Unfortunately, the majority of the story treats aspergers more like a social disease than a real syndrome.
I've curbed some of my anger since writing my first review of this, so I'm going to bullet point the numerous ways the author mistreats Justin, who is the character with aspergers, and makes out that he's wholly defined by his syndrome, while at the same time misrepresenting it.
The terms used to describe Justin. Socially awkward, difficult to deal with, challenging, distracted. All of these and more were used either by Calder or in the text, and, sadly, a lot of the times in Justin's own POV, until I became convinced that he considered all of these to be valid “faults” and complaints.
We're told a million times that Justin is selfish, self-absorbed and only talks about himself. Only once is there a mention of the fact that he has difficulty picking up social and facial cues.
This quote → “Sure, Justin was a bit hard to be around sometimes but he wasn't a bad guy.” I can't even... I mean...I don't even know what to say to that! All I could do, when I read it, was highlight it and move on because it's left me speechless. This is not the way to treat anyone with aspergers.
This quote → ““Because you're standoffish when you're awake to most people. I just figured when you're sleeping is when all the neediness would kick in.”” Because, when Calder says stuff like this, I'm being given no reason at all to like him or the way he treats Justin. I certainly don't want him to be the romantic lead.
Justin is not “cold and awkward”. Limiting aspergers to such calculated examples is insulting.
Justin – and others with aspergers – aren't selfish people. They can be uncomfortable in social settings and the best way to make them feel comfortable is to talk about what they know and like. Yes, sometimes that means talking about themselves, but it frustrates me the way that Calder is portrayed as someone who – even after knowing Justin his whole life – doesn't realise this. Where has he been? Has he never realised what is so obvious or did he never, in all of his bodyguard meticulousness, research aspergers to figure it out?
Also, why have eight years passed since they last saw each other in person? The minute Justin needs him now, he's there in a flash. Sure, it's a long drive, but why have they never had a weekend or week off together? Have their jobs never taken them even remotely close to a location where they could linger, when the job was done, and visit with each other? Perhaps it's for this reason, or maybe just because they barely know anything about each other, that I find the “best friend” label suspect. They don't act or talk like best friends.
And, why, when Calder keeps talking about how he's always had feelings for Justin, is his first reaction to Justin's kiss to ask “What's that about?” As if he has no clue and is laughing it off.
Not to mention that one moment, Justin is incredible, firing all of Calder's buttons, then when it's over, his technique is lacking and the mighty Calder will have to help him improve. Wow, that's some ego and, on top of everything else he's done, I'm done with this character.
I don't approve of the use of quotation marks for the term “invisible disease”. Seeing it here, even, makes my teeth itch. An invisible disease is a real thing and relegating it to quotation marks implies the complete opposite. As though it's something made up and not accepted. Also, calling it a disease makes me want to scream. It implies infectious, abnormal and unwanted. It's an invisible disability – something that was done to this person against their will, by no fault of their own, that affects their day-to-day life. Yes, it often prevents them from being considered “normal” in society's eyes, but it's not a death sentence or a contagion.
Plot wise, I found it really hard to imagine a hotel mixing up their rooms, since Calder books in advance, especially since no one warned them of the “mistake” at the desk, when they checked in. It felt a bit like a contrived effort to get them into the same bed. Calder accepted it way too easily, too.
There are a few spelling and grammar mistakes, mostly with apostrophe's being added before or after words, when there's no need. Example: 'have and would'. There are also a few instances where sentences have been cut in half -
“As Justin finally broke the pacing to head upstairs and make sure the guestroom was tidy. He only hoped that this wouldn't turn out to be the biggest mistake of his life.”
There's also quite a bit of repetition – either in exact phrases being used multiple times, far too close together or in actual statements, from the author, such as the constant reminder of how amazing and brilliant Justin is at techie stuff, that he's got aspergers, and that he and Calder have a will-they wont-they, friendship/relationship. Add in a few moments where characters claim things that are wrong (Justin says Calder's never told him if he's been with a man before, when he has told him) or know things they're not supposed to, and it needed a bit more editing.
I found the blurb to be completely misleading. There is no “fight to the death”, no real danger. What danger there is happens in the last 10% of the book, in a flash of action that never really implies danger. There is a split second life-or-death moment, but that's it.
~
Honestly, it could have been a great story if Justin didn't have aspergers syndrome, as the author didn't have the first clue what it really meant. He was constantly mislabelled as socially awkward, selfish and self-involved, completely dismissing his aspergers as a cause of those things. The dismissive attitude didn't end there, as Calder – his best friend! – was often the conduit to display this misunderstanding of the syndrome. He persistently considered Justin bothersome, difficult to deal with, awkward and self-involved. It was infuriating.
If I set aside my anger with that aspect of the story, I'm left with a decent romance novel, with a touch of crime and a good knowledge of techie stuff, that mostly flew right over my head.
The relationship lacked chemistry, but that might be because I absolutely hated Calder. He was overbearing, egotistical and a control freak. Putting aside how he treated and spoke to Justin, these were enough reasons for me to hate him.
Overall, not for me. It just...fell flat. The formula (I can't think of another way to put it) that the author uses for their stories is fine. I get it and it works for them. But it just doesn't work for me. It worked (mostly) in Someday, which is my only previous experience of this author. But, this time around, Justin was the only character I actually liked. And it's really hard for one character to pull off a book nearly 250 pages long on his own.
April 4, 2016
I have to admit Firewall didn't do it as much for me as Ms Riley's other books. I love the background story.. two best friends who found their way towards each other romantically. I love how sweet Calder was with Justin. The big, take in-charge guy who just adores his best friend and willing to go to lengths to make the Justin safe and happy.
Justin is the socially awkward computer geek who makes his fortune troubleshooting hackers. Other than his family and Calder, Justin does not have many people surrounding him. In fact, more often than not, he is rebuffing offers to hang out with co-workers, choosing instead to retreat to his "lair" and computer games and Calder.
When things went wrong at work and Justin was fired, Calder chose to quit his job to move in with Justin to help him out. And this is where the two best friends rediscover and relearn about each other after 8 years of not seeing each other.
I enjoyed reading the way how protective Calder was with Justin. Justin's vulnerability slowly dissipating the more time he spends with Calder. Calder's proclamation that "I DON'T have interest in guys. I hardly have interest in women either. I'm only interested in you, " Aaahhh swoon :)
The blackmail story with Wallace and the premise of Calder being Justin's security, and how they wrapped up the whole problem.... those parts just didn't jibe with me. There was just something about the way the story line progressed that did not quite sit right, or makes too much sense in reality.
Despite that, I am still looking forward to reading another book from Ms Riley. There's a sweetness/innocence in the way she portrays her characters when they finally find their way to each other. It's not always about the steamy sex. It's the journey to discovering who her characters are, and what they can be to each other that is quite enthralling.
Thank you, Ms Riley for an ARC of Firewall in exchange for an honest review! I believe this book is currently being pulled off the shelves for re-edits.
Justin is the socially awkward computer geek who makes his fortune troubleshooting hackers. Other than his family and Calder, Justin does not have many people surrounding him. In fact, more often than not, he is rebuffing offers to hang out with co-workers, choosing instead to retreat to his "lair" and computer games and Calder.
When things went wrong at work and Justin was fired, Calder chose to quit his job to move in with Justin to help him out. And this is where the two best friends rediscover and relearn about each other after 8 years of not seeing each other.
I enjoyed reading the way how protective Calder was with Justin. Justin's vulnerability slowly dissipating the more time he spends with Calder. Calder's proclamation that "I DON'T have interest in guys. I hardly have interest in women either. I'm only interested in you, " Aaahhh swoon :)
The blackmail story with Wallace and the premise of Calder being Justin's security, and how they wrapped up the whole problem.... those parts just didn't jibe with me. There was just something about the way the story line progressed that did not quite sit right, or makes too much sense in reality.
Despite that, I am still looking forward to reading another book from Ms Riley. There's a sweetness/innocence in the way she portrays her characters when they finally find their way to each other. It's not always about the steamy sex. It's the journey to discovering who her characters are, and what they can be to each other that is quite enthralling.
Thank you, Ms Riley for an ARC of Firewall in exchange for an honest review! I believe this book is currently being pulled off the shelves for re-edits.
May 7, 2016
*** Copy provided to the reviewer in exchange for a fair and honest review. ***
Justin has Aspergers and because of that, his interactions with co-workers and other persons have been affected. When he's caught in a web of lies designed to make him take the fall for one of his coworkers, he calls the only person he trusts, his best friend, Calder.
Calder is a bodyguard to the rich and famous in L.A. and when his friend Justin needs him, he quits his job to go help him. While he's never been attracted to another man before, there's something about Justin that just draws him in and slowly their friendship morphs into something more.
While the book was good, it wasn't up to the standards set by Heartstrings. The storyline was moderately entertaining and fast-paced, but it didn't really grab my attention and I didn't quite connect with Justin and Calder. It wasn't that I didn't like them, or rather that I didn't like Justin, because I only tolerated Calder, whom I found somewhat condescending sometimes, it was just that I didn't see that much chemistry between them, even if I have to admit the sex scenes were well done and hot. Also, the blurb is somewhat misleading, as the promised danger element was downplayed so much in the end and I'm not fond of the Prologue format, as it is just a part of a latter chapter, so that didn't help matters for me.
This book was not for me, but others might find it appealing. I'm still looking forward to reading more books by Sierra Riley, though.
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Justin has Aspergers and because of that, his interactions with co-workers and other persons have been affected. When he's caught in a web of lies designed to make him take the fall for one of his coworkers, he calls the only person he trusts, his best friend, Calder.
Calder is a bodyguard to the rich and famous in L.A. and when his friend Justin needs him, he quits his job to go help him. While he's never been attracted to another man before, there's something about Justin that just draws him in and slowly their friendship morphs into something more.
While the book was good, it wasn't up to the standards set by Heartstrings. The storyline was moderately entertaining and fast-paced, but it didn't really grab my attention and I didn't quite connect with Justin and Calder. It wasn't that I didn't like them, or rather that I didn't like Justin, because I only tolerated Calder, whom I found somewhat condescending sometimes, it was just that I didn't see that much chemistry between them, even if I have to admit the sex scenes were well done and hot. Also, the blurb is somewhat misleading, as the promised danger element was downplayed so much in the end and I'm not fond of the Prologue format, as it is just a part of a latter chapter, so that didn't help matters for me.
This book was not for me, but others might find it appealing. I'm still looking forward to reading more books by Sierra Riley, though.
Rating: 3.5 Stars
August 15, 2018
3 stars -- I really wish the plot had been less cheesy because I really liked the main characters. This is my first read by this author, but even though I wasn't particularly impressed with this offering, I'll likely give another book a try.
March 26, 2016
Title:Firewall
Author:Sierra Riley
Series:
Publisher:Createspace
Reviewer:Melissa
Release Date:March 15, 2016
Genre(s):M/M Romance
Page Count:282
Heat Level: 3 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Review:
“Having a warm, familiar body against him was a wonderful way of waking up, Calder had to admit. It got the morning off to a good start. It made him feel so comfortable that he almost could’ve drifted back to sleep.”
5 opposites attract stars! Sierra Riley has done it again!!! She knows how to write a sexy, sexy book!
Justin is an IT security specialist and has everyone running to him because he knows his stuff. And while he knows what he’s doing, when me’s in the “real world” he isn’t sure how to act. But while online he can be anyone or anything he wants. But danger comes in his life when he’s accused of a security breach. So he turns to his best friend and bodyguard Calder. Calder has been in love with his best friend for years, but the distance thing has kept his feelings at bay, well that and he’s afraid it will ruin his friendship. But now that Justin is on Calder’s turf can these two make it work or will jealousy be their number one enemy?
I would read the phonebook if it was written by Sierra, let me be honest here! She is one heck of a writer. Each story is different and every character is unique and quirky in their own way. I’m always surprised each time I read her books. This book is so worth the read, and I guarantee you won’t be able to put it down!!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club
Author:Sierra Riley
Series:
Publisher:Createspace
Reviewer:Melissa
Release Date:March 15, 2016
Genre(s):M/M Romance
Page Count:282
Heat Level: 3 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Justin West is one of the world's most sought-after IT security specialists. His skills as a network penetrator are renowned, but in meatspace he's cold and awkward. Online he's at the top of his game, and who needs soft skills when you're top dog? But in a cutthroat industry, enemies abound, and Justin is framed for a massive security breach. Soon it's not just his job on the line; his very life is in danger.
Bodyguard Calder Lesley takes pride in his career protecting others. In contrast to his geeky hotshot best friend, Calder uses body language and psychology to excel at his job. He only ignores his instincts when it comes to Justin. Even though their friendship has been long distance for eight years, Justin's feelings for him are obvious. Calder's afraid of nothing... except losing a friend to pursue a new kind of love.
It's a fight to the death to keep Justin's fledgling firm alive. He's eating humble pie a few bytes at a time, and needs the help of someone he can trust with everything, including his life. For the first time in nearly a decade, they're back on Calder's turf: face-to-face. As his new PA and bodyguard, Calder protects him and stops him from making more enemies. The sparks fly as jealous enemies beat down the door. Opposites might attract, but can they last?
Review:
“Having a warm, familiar body against him was a wonderful way of waking up, Calder had to admit. It got the morning off to a good start. It made him feel so comfortable that he almost could’ve drifted back to sleep.”
5 opposites attract stars! Sierra Riley has done it again!!! She knows how to write a sexy, sexy book!
Justin is an IT security specialist and has everyone running to him because he knows his stuff. And while he knows what he’s doing, when me’s in the “real world” he isn’t sure how to act. But while online he can be anyone or anything he wants. But danger comes in his life when he’s accused of a security breach. So he turns to his best friend and bodyguard Calder. Calder has been in love with his best friend for years, but the distance thing has kept his feelings at bay, well that and he’s afraid it will ruin his friendship. But now that Justin is on Calder’s turf can these two make it work or will jealousy be their number one enemy?
I would read the phonebook if it was written by Sierra, let me be honest here! She is one heck of a writer. Each story is different and every character is unique and quirky in their own way. I’m always surprised each time I read her books. This book is so worth the read, and I guarantee you won’t be able to put it down!!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Melissa from Alpha Book Club
March 21, 2016
This book was hard for me to get into the actual reading of the story: something in the way the sentence structure or the wording. Then Justin appeared and I disliked him. I could not warm up to him at all. He was touted as being some kind of computer hacker guru, found leaks and deficiencies in their company and was routinely praised and held in high esteem; yet, gets terminated without a squeak from Justin as to who or why: depending "it will sort it self out". This felt unreal. Especially since the IT world seemed to know all the rumors. Lot of the words I had to look up to understand what was going on. Then Calder , decides to help Justin by dropping everything: quitting his job, leaving his apartment and life, to help out a friend he had not seen in 8 years: other than, texting, social media and the few phone calls. To me this was not realistic. However, I changed my view about Justin; started to like Justin and his interaction with Calder I like the GFY themes and the friends to lovers; but throwing in the stalker issue and Wallace was not thought out or maybe more could have been added.
As a reader, I like reading the blurb what the book is about prior to reading it: I really dislike reading the prologue It throws me off somehow. Ms. Riley has done this in the last two books I read.
All in all, I gave it a 3.5 but I rounded it up. I do like Ms. Riley's writing. This book was just not for me. It is an enjoyable and light read and I would recommend it.
March 18, 2016
I received this free ARC book in exchange for an honest review - thank you!
This is my first book from Sierra Riley, although I have 2 or 3 more in my KU queue to read, and I enjoyed this one with just a couple things to say that I hope can be improved on in future stories. I will say that I felt like there were times where there was definitely a bit too much "telling" instead of "showing" everything going on, and that's always a pet peeve of mine. But there were also moments in the writing that I really enjoyed. Also, I never got super blown away with the chemistry between Justin and Calder because they were so super awkward at the beginning. But the last couple of chapters were super hot and very sweet, too!
I think one reason I was so "...wha...?" about this story is that the summary makes it seem MUCH more dramatic than it was. I kept expecting someone to try and kill Justin based off of the blurb, because there was no such "fight to the death." I don't know if the blurb is written the way it is to attract readers, but you don't always need crazy dramatics to lure people in. Keep it truthful, otherwise people might be more upset at being misled.
I will definitely be reading more from this author!
This is my first book from Sierra Riley, although I have 2 or 3 more in my KU queue to read, and I enjoyed this one with just a couple things to say that I hope can be improved on in future stories. I will say that I felt like there were times where there was definitely a bit too much "telling" instead of "showing" everything going on, and that's always a pet peeve of mine. But there were also moments in the writing that I really enjoyed. Also, I never got super blown away with the chemistry between Justin and Calder because they were so super awkward at the beginning. But the last couple of chapters were super hot and very sweet, too!
I think one reason I was so "...wha...?" about this story is that the summary makes it seem MUCH more dramatic than it was. I kept expecting someone to try and kill Justin based off of the blurb, because there was no such "fight to the death." I don't know if the blurb is written the way it is to attract readers, but you don't always need crazy dramatics to lure people in. Keep it truthful, otherwise people might be more upset at being misled.
I will definitely be reading more from this author!
May 18, 2016
an honest review for a generous free copy...
My whole review is a spoiler:
==============================
Justin's a lot sheltered, not good socially, and he's shy. For 28 year olds they seem so much younger in conversation, emotion, and actions. We are trying to root for them to resolve Justin's problems at work, and Calder's job search, too. Calder is not afraid of his feelings for Justin, or with the new discoveries, touching, kissing, etc. He's very nice, and Justin has a childlike sweetness at times. Justin's Asperger's Syndrome affects him in everyday life. He can't tell other people's emotions, but he is brilliant at his job. Yet, again he is socially inept. He and Calder do well because Calder knows him, understands and is patient. Unfortunately they have stilted conversations, they are too aloof with each other, no passion, plus there wasn't real danger until the end when the police are there. Yes, there is cyber bullying, childish type pranks by the bully, and confusion. This just wasn't the quality I expected from Sierra Riley. It is only my opinion, but I saw others felt the same. The guys just didn't have what I like.
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I loved the Guardian and other books !! :)
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My whole review is a spoiler:
==============================
Justin's a lot sheltered, not good socially, and he's shy. For 28 year olds they seem so much younger in conversation, emotion, and actions. We are trying to root for them to resolve Justin's problems at work, and Calder's job search, too. Calder is not afraid of his feelings for Justin, or with the new discoveries, touching, kissing, etc. He's very nice, and Justin has a childlike sweetness at times. Justin's Asperger's Syndrome affects him in everyday life. He can't tell other people's emotions, but he is brilliant at his job. Yet, again he is socially inept. He and Calder do well because Calder knows him, understands and is patient. Unfortunately they have stilted conversations, they are too aloof with each other, no passion, plus there wasn't real danger until the end when the police are there. Yes, there is cyber bullying, childish type pranks by the bully, and confusion. This just wasn't the quality I expected from Sierra Riley. It is only my opinion, but I saw others felt the same. The guys just didn't have what I like.
==========================
I loved the Guardian and other books !! :)
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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2016
An ARC was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
I like reading about the connection between Justin and Calder. It was entertaining to see (well read) them reconnecting after not seeing each other for several years. Readers quickly get a grasp on each characters personality and their confidence in their career and how their behavior may affect it. While no one's life was at risk, it was easy to see what type of threats and danger both Justin and Calder encounter when a obsessive jealous co-worker starts turning Justin's life upside down.
I was a bit disappointed with how things ended with Wallace. I really thought the author could have made a bit more of an impact with this part of the story. The whole thing was pretty tame.
I like reading about the connection between Justin and Calder. It was entertaining to see (well read) them reconnecting after not seeing each other for several years. Readers quickly get a grasp on each characters personality and their confidence in their career and how their behavior may affect it. While no one's life was at risk, it was easy to see what type of threats and danger both Justin and Calder encounter when a obsessive jealous co-worker starts turning Justin's life upside down.
I was a bit disappointed with how things ended with Wallace. I really thought the author could have made a bit more of an impact with this part of the story. The whole thing was pretty tame.
April 30, 2016
It was easy for me to love Justin and Calder…
I really enjoyed this. Watching Justin and Calder try to figure out how to translate their long friendship into something more was completely engaging for me, and the development of their relationship spoke to me more directly than the actual plot did. Sure, the story proceeded fairly smoothly and quickly and I had a sufficient level of annoyance with Wallace to wish some minor (ok, major) bodily injury on him, but this book spoke to me on a level beyond that. I loved that Sierra Riley created a character with Asperger’s without turning him into a caricature, which is a distinct risk in a book of this length. His struggle with social awkwardness and anxiety was endearing to me because it wasn’t just about the diagnosis, as omnipresent as it is. That ineptness is countered by Calder’s long standing loyalty to his friend and a well honed ability to manoeuver through a crowd, developed during years of working high level security. When Justin is threatened, Calder’s protective instincts go into overdrive, and the friends are reunited after long and lonely years apart. The chemistry between them doesn’t take long to ignite, and the feelings both have been repressing surface, demanding they take action. Their tentativeness to jeopardize their friendship and compromise their new working relationship is endearing, and the banter between them flows naturally. It’s not simply a case where Calder swoops in to save Justin though, part of the charm of this couple is the balance offered when Justin becomes the safe place for Calder to let down his guard and relinquish some of his control. There is no question that this is a situation where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts, these characters clearly bring out the best in each other.
Please note that I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this. Watching Justin and Calder try to figure out how to translate their long friendship into something more was completely engaging for me, and the development of their relationship spoke to me more directly than the actual plot did. Sure, the story proceeded fairly smoothly and quickly and I had a sufficient level of annoyance with Wallace to wish some minor (ok, major) bodily injury on him, but this book spoke to me on a level beyond that. I loved that Sierra Riley created a character with Asperger’s without turning him into a caricature, which is a distinct risk in a book of this length. His struggle with social awkwardness and anxiety was endearing to me because it wasn’t just about the diagnosis, as omnipresent as it is. That ineptness is countered by Calder’s long standing loyalty to his friend and a well honed ability to manoeuver through a crowd, developed during years of working high level security. When Justin is threatened, Calder’s protective instincts go into overdrive, and the friends are reunited after long and lonely years apart. The chemistry between them doesn’t take long to ignite, and the feelings both have been repressing surface, demanding they take action. Their tentativeness to jeopardize their friendship and compromise their new working relationship is endearing, and the banter between them flows naturally. It’s not simply a case where Calder swoops in to save Justin though, part of the charm of this couple is the balance offered when Justin becomes the safe place for Calder to let down his guard and relinquish some of his control. There is no question that this is a situation where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts, these characters clearly bring out the best in each other.
Please note that I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 20, 2016
(An ARC was provided by the author in return for an honest review.)
Sigh... There is definitely drawbacks to ARC reading one author consecutively (4 books in a month). Now I'm picking out all the things that probably wouldn't have bothered me had I read them spaced farther apart.
Firewall again follows the same basic format of Ms. Riley's other books, starting with a prologue that gives too much away. It proceeds with dual alternating POVs, a predictable friends to lovers/gay for you storyline and, in this case, a mystery that's given away too early.
Maybe I could have ignored all this and gave it a 3 star rating, but when presented with a book chock full of errors in grammar and continuity issues, I couldn't justify giving this more than 2 stars. Duplicate wording, duplicate paragraphs, the repeated use of the word c*ck (there's plenty of choices out there), and the telling me of information without showing me at any time.
Case in point: The memory of Justin's heaving body before him still kept him up sometimes
at night. At no time were we shown Calder lying awake in bed.
Another: He used his free hand to loosen his collar and tie a bit so that he could breathe easier. However Calder had already removed his shirt prior to this.
Or this one for repeated use of the word tweak: When Calder brought his fingertips to a nipple and tweaked it, Justin bucked beneath Calder with a sharp gasp. “Oh!” “Do you like that?” Calder teased as he smoothed over the nub that he had tweaked. Justin never had someone else tweak his nipples...
Quite unfortunate because Ms. Riley's other books were almost spotless, and the errors just ruined the story for me.
Sigh... There is definitely drawbacks to ARC reading one author consecutively (4 books in a month). Now I'm picking out all the things that probably wouldn't have bothered me had I read them spaced farther apart.
Firewall again follows the same basic format of Ms. Riley's other books, starting with a prologue that gives too much away. It proceeds with dual alternating POVs, a predictable friends to lovers/gay for you storyline and, in this case, a mystery that's given away too early.
Maybe I could have ignored all this and gave it a 3 star rating, but when presented with a book chock full of errors in grammar and continuity issues, I couldn't justify giving this more than 2 stars. Duplicate wording, duplicate paragraphs, the repeated use of the word c*ck (there's plenty of choices out there), and the telling me of information without showing me at any time.
Case in point: The memory of Justin's heaving body before him still kept him up sometimes
at night. At no time were we shown Calder lying awake in bed.
Another: He used his free hand to loosen his collar and tie a bit so that he could breathe easier. However Calder had already removed his shirt prior to this.
Or this one for repeated use of the word tweak: When Calder brought his fingertips to a nipple and tweaked it, Justin bucked beneath Calder with a sharp gasp. “Oh!” “Do you like that?” Calder teased as he smoothed over the nub that he had tweaked. Justin never had someone else tweak his nipples...
Quite unfortunate because Ms. Riley's other books were almost spotless, and the errors just ruined the story for me.
May 15, 2016
Calder and Justin have been friends for years, and while never admitting to the other, have always had an attraction to the other. Justin is a gay man, while Calder has never really come out and said he was or wasn't. Calder and Justin haven't seen each other in years, and are reunited after Justin's life appears to be in danger at the hands of a disgruntled co-worker.
This book was just ok for me, thus the 3 star rating which, by GoodReads standards is "I liked it". I did like it, though at times I felt that the story kind of dragged and was forced. I don't want to insult the writing style, because, having read a previous book of this authors and loving the story, I know it's not the case for all her books, but to me, at times, this felt choppy...like, maybe some parts were placed in this story that were either last minute thoughts or should have been placed in other parts of the story? I'm not sure but something was just a tick off for me :(
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
This book was just ok for me, thus the 3 star rating which, by GoodReads standards is "I liked it". I did like it, though at times I felt that the story kind of dragged and was forced. I don't want to insult the writing style, because, having read a previous book of this authors and loving the story, I know it's not the case for all her books, but to me, at times, this felt choppy...like, maybe some parts were placed in this story that were either last minute thoughts or should have been placed in other parts of the story? I'm not sure but something was just a tick off for me :(
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
March 24, 2016
When I read the blurb I was like.."oh yeah it's a geek and his bodyguard...danger danger Will Robinson..this is going to be smokin hot" well sadly it wasn't what I expected :(
I'm a huge fan of the geeky guy with an alpha male associate/love interest but when I started getting further into this book something went wrong in the storyline for me and once that's in my head I found it difficult to read because sub-consciously I kept saying "but why...surely he would've known he's the superman to all things IT related"..."where's the danger?"
The relationship between Justin and his best friend Calder/bodyguard was sexy when they got together but it didn't pack that thigh clenching heat I expected it would and most of the time it felt like two teenage high schoolers than grown adult men. I get that Justin is the anti-social geek but all I wanted was for him to turn his Neanderthal switch on and dominate Calder.
** ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review **
I'm a huge fan of the geeky guy with an alpha male associate/love interest but when I started getting further into this book something went wrong in the storyline for me and once that's in my head I found it difficult to read because sub-consciously I kept saying "but why...surely he would've known he's the superman to all things IT related"..."where's the danger?"
The relationship between Justin and his best friend Calder/bodyguard was sexy when they got together but it didn't pack that thigh clenching heat I expected it would and most of the time it felt like two teenage high schoolers than grown adult men. I get that Justin is the anti-social geek but all I wanted was for him to turn his Neanderthal switch on and dominate Calder.
** ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review **
May 8, 2016
Best friends Justin and Calder have always been close even though they have not seen each other in 8 years. Justin was a genius in IT security (big nerd ) in Portland and Calder became in demand as security for the rich and famous in LA. When Justin is fired for allowing a security breach (that he never did) and starts receiving threats Calder drops everything to help. Finally seeing each other in person brings back feelings long ago suppressed on both sides. As the threats escalate Calder and Justin get closer but neither is able to determine exactly if they are together or just friends with benefits or if Calder is even into guys (though he does seem into Justin!). Lots of Angst and mixed emotions but exciting and entertaining storyline. Loved the characters, especially Calder and his lack of “labels”, lovin the love!
May 3, 2016
This wasn't my favorite of Sierra's stories. I felt it was rushed and didn't portray the characters as they should have been . It moved very fast for me and I didn't feel it. Calder was a great friend to Justin. Justin who has Asperger's doesn't get along well with others through no real fault of his own. I wish she would have went into more details of his illness. Calder come to aid his bff when trouble arises and leaves he life as a bodyguard in LA behind. They are both in love with each other but Clader is straight. I think this part of the story line was dragged out to much. They fool around multiple times but never go further. I am a fan of Sierra's but just could get into this one.
Received an arc from the author for an honest review. Reviewed by Jodi Marinich for Alpha Book Club.
Received an arc from the author for an honest review. Reviewed by Jodi Marinich for Alpha Book Club.
March 30, 2016
I really loved this book. It was a good story. Justin is an awkward man and really has little to no social skills and Calder rounds him out. Their journey is not smooth, though Calder is aware he's always been attracted to Justin he's only been with women and has pretty much actively run from that attraction. And I think Justin doesn't believe anyone could live with him permanently. There's also a nice little mystery going on that's a lot of fun.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.*
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.*
March 20, 2016
An ARC was given to me for an honest review. This is a sweet hot read about childhood friends who haven't seen each other in eight years. But they talk or text everyday. But when your best friend needs you, you're there for him. After seeing each other again, the attraction that has always been there between them, though never acknowledged, resurfaces. This is an entertaining and interesting read. Enjoy I did.
May 8, 2016
Justin and Calder have been friends since 3rd grade but haven't seen each other in several years. When Justin loses his job under less than ideal circumstances, Calder helps him put his life back together. This is a fairly quick read with characters who feel like a bit disconnected from each other and the story. It's not a bad book, but it doesn't have much staying power. If you are looking for a low angst book for a beach weekend this is the book for that...
May 11, 2016
Fun, but not my favorite
This was a fun read, but not my favorite from Sierra. Justin just didn't click as being real for me. The blurb indicated that his having Asbergers would be a key part of the story, but he just came off as being slightly socially awkward. Calder's character was very one dimensional. I would definitely say that the story had more potential than what was delivered.
This was a fun read, but not my favorite from Sierra. Justin just didn't click as being real for me. The blurb indicated that his having Asbergers would be a key part of the story, but he just came off as being slightly socially awkward. Calder's character was very one dimensional. I would definitely say that the story had more potential than what was delivered.
September 7, 2016
DNF'd at 36%. This was awful. So awful that once it reached the sexy times I just couldn't do it.
May 16, 2016
I'm not going to put this on the web site - cuz reasons - but as an aside - this was a terrible book. The evil people didn't make sense. The love story didn't make sense. The smexy times were weak and didn't seem to jive with the "romance" and I never felt the two MCs really loved one another despite the ILYs.
I do not recommend this.
I do not recommend this.
June 9, 2016
2 guys being best friends for more than 20 years; a hot nerdy geek and his hot burly bodyguard friend exploring their feelings for each other - these are the things I LOVE ♥
GFY, friends turn into lovers and a captivating story and a bit nerdiness. :D
5 out of 5 stars :3
GFY, friends turn into lovers and a captivating story and a bit nerdiness. :D
5 out of 5 stars :3
May 13, 2016
Review to follow
September 19, 2016
Definitely not my fave from this author.
May 17, 2019
3 intentos me ha costado leer este libro. Y confieso que he pasado páginas enteras leyendo solo por encima hasta que encontraba un punto en el que pasaba algo...
No he sido capaz de meterme en la historia y me ha aburrido soberanamente.
No he sido capaz de meterme en la historia y me ha aburrido soberanamente.
October 24, 2020
So nice to see authors extend their range of characters to be more inclusive while at the same time not lowering their strong standards. Thank you Sierra.
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