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Club Syn #1
Between the Lies
Professor Graham Darrius leads a double life, everyday he enriches the lives of students, but at night he struts the stage as Ebony Powers at Club Syn. The two personas cannot mix, which is an easy rule to follow until a sexy man from Iowa stumbles through the door. Spencer Neil has never stepped foot into a gay bar and holy shit did he get more than he’s ever imagined. What did he know about drag queens, go-go boys and heated exchanges in dark corners? The world he lives in is academic and predictable. At least until he meets Graham, and sees that sometimes all is not what it seems. Beneath the shock of discovery, misunderstandings, silk stockings, and wicked instruction Graham finds himself falling for Spencer and Spencer finds he’s getting a whole different kind of education.
114 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 4, 2016
5 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Draven St. James
11 books142 followersDraven St. James is a born and raised Oregonian. She has traveled extensively in search of mischief and mayhem to fill her books. Her ventures have been quite successful in inspiring a wealth of stories. Of course at the end of the day, coffee within reach, laptop at the ready is where she finds her peace.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 16, 2016
Objectively, this book is somewhere between 3 and 4 stars, but the reason I opted for the lower rating is that, while I like Draven St. James' books, I find that there's something in her writing that just doesn't resonate with me. This book is enjoyable, cute in that predictable way, with likable characters and I liked it...but I think I should've liked it more.
June 2, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
This is one of those books that I wished was so much longer because I never wanted it to end! Graham has made it his mission to keep his personal life private from his professional life as a professor. Yet, when he looked up from his podium on the first day of class and saw the sexy, shy man from the night before, he knows he’s in trouble.
The sexy scenes between these two are HOT – and be warned, there are a lot of sexy scenes packed into this story! Though Spencer may be just coming out of the closet, he doesn’t have much inhibition when it comes to the bedroom…or bathroom…
My only complaint about this story is that I had trouble picturing Spencer as being anything other than shy and sweet, so when he acts differently, I saw it as being out of character, especially when he goes right back to being shy and sweet.
Overall, I liked the story line, loved the ending, and can’t wait for the next in the series! If you like your stories on the erotic side, you might want to check out this one! Highly recommend.
Read Wendy’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
This is one of those books that I wished was so much longer because I never wanted it to end! Graham has made it his mission to keep his personal life private from his professional life as a professor. Yet, when he looked up from his podium on the first day of class and saw the sexy, shy man from the night before, he knows he’s in trouble.
The sexy scenes between these two are HOT – and be warned, there are a lot of sexy scenes packed into this story! Though Spencer may be just coming out of the closet, he doesn’t have much inhibition when it comes to the bedroom…or bathroom…
My only complaint about this story is that I had trouble picturing Spencer as being anything other than shy and sweet, so when he acts differently, I saw it as being out of character, especially when he goes right back to being shy and sweet.
Overall, I liked the story line, loved the ending, and can’t wait for the next in the series! If you like your stories on the erotic side, you might want to check out this one! Highly recommend.
Read Wendy’s review in its entirety here.
April 21, 2016
This was my first book by this author. I really enjoyed the concept of the book. I loved the age-gap stories as well as interracial romance. It started off really strong and Ebony/Graham and Iowa/Spencer had good passion towards one another. I loved Spencer's vulnerability when he first stepped into the club. I enjoyed Ebony's treatment of him upon first meeting. You can see the sexual energy between the two. I would have loved for the story to be longer, to me it didn't have time for each character to have any feelings outside of physical towards one another. I don't really like the route that Spencer felt he needed to take, I understand the author's setup for the plot. I would love to see them get to know each other outside of their common places. I will say the physical part of the book was super hot, and it was written really well. It packed a little punch for 98 pages. I enjoyed the writing alot, and look forward to more from her.
Review @Oh My Shelves
April 2, 2016
Title: Between the Lies
Author: Draven St. James
Publisher: Draven SJ Publishing
Reviewer: Mollien
Release Date: April 4, 2016
Genre(s): Gay Male Romance
Page Count: 98 pages
Heat Level: 5 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Review:
SCORES on a scale of 1-5 Stars rate each of the Following 5 Categories
PLOT: 5 Stars
CHEMISTRY: 5 Stars
PACING: 5 Stars
ENDING: 5 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 5 Stars
Review Copy of Between the Lies provided by the Draven St. James for an honest review. Reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club
Author: Draven St. James
Publisher: Draven SJ Publishing
Reviewer: Mollien
Release Date: April 4, 2016
Genre(s): Gay Male Romance
Page Count: 98 pages
Heat Level: 5 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Professor Graham Darrius leads a double life, everyday he enriches the lives of students, but at night he struts the stage as Ebony Powers at Club Syn. The two personas cannot mix, which is an easy rule to follow until a sexy man from Iowa stumbles through the door.
Spencer Neil, has never stepped foot into a gay bar and holy shit did he get more than he’s ever imagined. What did he know about drag queens, go-go boys and heated exchanges in dark corners? The world he lives in is academic and predictable. At least until he meets Graham, and sees that sometimes all is not what it seems.
Beneath the shock of discovery, misunderstandings, and wicked instruction Graham finds himself falling for Spencer and Spencer finds he’s getting a whole different kind of education.
Review:
Fun, hot, forbidden. Need a quick erotic fix? This may be your book. At only 98 pages, this is a very quick read, but the author, Draven St. James fills the pages with an exciting story that may get your pulse rate up.
What a great plot. Farmboy Spencer Neil, (Iowa) is in Oregon working on his graduate degree in economics. Although raised on the family farm in Iowa, Spencer doesn’t want to be a farmer. Before classes start, he ventures into a gay bar that features entertainment by drag queens. Ebony Powers is the star of the show, and the shy, out of place Spencer catches his attention. A quick first encounter in the men’s room leaves Spencer feeling embarrassed and insecure. Neither Ebony nor Spencer can get the experience off their minds. Things get really complicated when Spencer realizes that his new hard nosed professor, Dr. Graham Darrius is Ebony Powers, the Drag Queen that he has been fantasizing about. Sounds intriguing, right? Things only get better and steamer.
These two have a chemistry that is explosive, shy, and just plain erotic.
The book had me turning page after page to see how things would work out.
The ending had an interesting twist.
The author does an amazing job showing us the depth of these two characters in a short amount of pages.
SCORES on a scale of 1-5 Stars rate each of the Following 5 Categories
PLOT: 5 Stars
CHEMISTRY: 5 Stars
PACING: 5 Stars
ENDING: 5 Stars
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 5 Stars
Review Copy of Between the Lies provided by the Draven St. James for an honest review. Reviewed by Mollien from Alpha Book Club
April 25, 2016
***Sizzling Sexy Queen and Iowa Farmboy? Sure!***
Spencer walks into his first gay bar and is staggered at what he sees. Then he’s approached by sultry queen Ebony Powers and is knocked completely off his stride. On his first day of classes, he looks into the face of his professor Graham and sees the unpainted daylight face of his sizzlingly wicked encounter. Spencer absolutely must pass this course in order to maintain his scholarship, but the grade on his first paper clearly demonstrates that he’s not providing what his teacher is looking for. Feeling trapped, Spencer makes a move guaranteed to elicit results - but can the two men live with them?
This is a very short read that is chock full of energy! While the trope is not all that uncommon, Draven St. James has added a twist that creates an entirely new subsection in it. The plot is well written and fleshed out nicely for the length of the book. It doesn’t feel like a novella - it feels like full length! The pacing is a little choppy as it encompasses a goodly amount of time over these short pages, but that is not unexpected.
The chemistry between the main characters is rocket hot, so be sure to have a refreshing cool drink handy! Surprising in a such a short read is the variety and complexity of the peripheral characters. Fleshed out wonderfully, you finish the book feeling like you know each and every one of the characters included. The characters develop organically, and the ending is a beautiful HEA. Four and a half stars for this lovely read!
Review Copy of BookName provided by the Author, Draven St. James for an honest Review.
Reviewed by Cat from Alpha Book Club
Spencer walks into his first gay bar and is staggered at what he sees. Then he’s approached by sultry queen Ebony Powers and is knocked completely off his stride. On his first day of classes, he looks into the face of his professor Graham and sees the unpainted daylight face of his sizzlingly wicked encounter. Spencer absolutely must pass this course in order to maintain his scholarship, but the grade on his first paper clearly demonstrates that he’s not providing what his teacher is looking for. Feeling trapped, Spencer makes a move guaranteed to elicit results - but can the two men live with them?
This is a very short read that is chock full of energy! While the trope is not all that uncommon, Draven St. James has added a twist that creates an entirely new subsection in it. The plot is well written and fleshed out nicely for the length of the book. It doesn’t feel like a novella - it feels like full length! The pacing is a little choppy as it encompasses a goodly amount of time over these short pages, but that is not unexpected.
The chemistry between the main characters is rocket hot, so be sure to have a refreshing cool drink handy! Surprising in a such a short read is the variety and complexity of the peripheral characters. Fleshed out wonderfully, you finish the book feeling like you know each and every one of the characters included. The characters develop organically, and the ending is a beautiful HEA. Four and a half stars for this lovely read!
Review Copy of BookName provided by the Author, Draven St. James for an honest Review.
Reviewed by Cat from Alpha Book Club
May 31, 2016
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
4.5 Stars.
As a huge fan of Draven St. James' Fire House Six series, I was crossing my fingers that the Club Syn series would begin with a bang. Between the Lies didn't disappoint.
Whew *fans self* what a beginning!
Spencer, graduate student from Iowa, broadens his horizons by visiting a gay club featuring a drag show the night before his first day at his new college. He's out of his element but equally intrigued. Ebony sashays over to play the hero when Spencer gets more than he bargained for.
Dr. Graham is ebony by night and a strict professor by day. Unable to stop thinking about Iowa, Graham is in for a big surprise when he spots Spencer as one of his new students.
A page-turning novella that packs a punch- Between the Lies was fast-paced, addictive as a drug, and hotter than Hades. Graham and Spencer's story opens up future books, which I'm jonsing to get my hands on immediately.
Recommended to fans of MM Romance with an erotic kick, especially for those who don't have time to read long novels but want a complete story. Draven St. Jamses' writing reminds me of binge-watching a few episodes of your favorite show. You're addicted and satisfied, enjoying the story when you have a few stolen hours, but leaves you wanting more.
4.5 Stars.
As a huge fan of Draven St. James' Fire House Six series, I was crossing my fingers that the Club Syn series would begin with a bang. Between the Lies didn't disappoint.
Whew *fans self* what a beginning!
Spencer, graduate student from Iowa, broadens his horizons by visiting a gay club featuring a drag show the night before his first day at his new college. He's out of his element but equally intrigued. Ebony sashays over to play the hero when Spencer gets more than he bargained for.
Dr. Graham is ebony by night and a strict professor by day. Unable to stop thinking about Iowa, Graham is in for a big surprise when he spots Spencer as one of his new students.
A page-turning novella that packs a punch- Between the Lies was fast-paced, addictive as a drug, and hotter than Hades. Graham and Spencer's story opens up future books, which I'm jonsing to get my hands on immediately.
Recommended to fans of MM Romance with an erotic kick, especially for those who don't have time to read long novels but want a complete story. Draven St. Jamses' writing reminds me of binge-watching a few episodes of your favorite show. You're addicted and satisfied, enjoying the story when you have a few stolen hours, but leaves you wanting more.
April 3, 2016
This is a short, fast read. The writing in this book is as good as the others I’ve read by this author and the sex scenes were hot. With it being so short we only got a quick peek into who Graham and Spencer are and most of their interactions were sexually fueled. I would have liked to see more character development to understand them better.
The opening scene had me enthralled…the shy, inexperienced boy from Iowa who was confused about his attraction to a drag queen. But relatively quickly, I didn’t care for the direction of the story. This is a bit spoiler-y so I’m going to hide this part of my review.
I liked the book’s other characters – Luca, Ari and Silver were all great additions - and I'm anxious to see who's book is next.
The opening scene had me enthralled…the shy, inexperienced boy from Iowa who was confused about his attraction to a drag queen. But relatively quickly, I didn’t care for the direction of the story. This is a bit spoiler-y so I’m going to hide this part of my review.
I liked the book’s other characters – Luca, Ari and Silver were all great additions - and I'm anxious to see who's book is next.
June 19, 2016
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Iowa farm boy Spencer's first trip to a gay club has him meeting drag queen Ebony and an incredibly hot encounter follows. Shortly after, Spencer starts College only to find that his professor, Graham Darrius, is said drag Queen. Spencer is attracted to both sides of Graham and so was I. They make a very sexy couple.
I'm not big on the student/teacher romance but I think it worked so well for me in this case because of Spencer's less than stellar behaviour when things don't go his way.
I loved Spencer and Graham's romance and I didn't want it to end. I would have liked a longer story but it still worked well in the shorter format. I'm not sure if the next book in this series will be a new couple or more of Spencer and Graham but either way I'll definitely be reading it.
Iowa farm boy Spencer's first trip to a gay club has him meeting drag queen Ebony and an incredibly hot encounter follows. Shortly after, Spencer starts College only to find that his professor, Graham Darrius, is said drag Queen. Spencer is attracted to both sides of Graham and so was I. They make a very sexy couple.
I'm not big on the student/teacher romance but I think it worked so well for me in this case because of Spencer's less than stellar behaviour when things don't go his way.
I loved Spencer and Graham's romance and I didn't want it to end. I would have liked a longer story but it still worked well in the shorter format. I'm not sure if the next book in this series will be a new couple or more of Spencer and Graham but either way I'll definitely be reading it.
June 22, 2016
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
I like the juxtapositions used in this story. Drag queen v newly out; student v professor; upright / uptight; blackmail v unreasonable ... and that is just the obvious ones!
For quite a short story we get a good understanding of the set up of the club, and look forward to knowing more in future instalments of Luca and Silver. I'm keen to find out how Graham and Spencer navigate the path they have chosen to travel. It was definitely hot reading about how they overcame a whole host of issues.
Looking forward to the next in the series, that is for sure!
I like the juxtapositions used in this story. Drag queen v newly out; student v professor; upright / uptight; blackmail v unreasonable ... and that is just the obvious ones!
For quite a short story we get a good understanding of the set up of the club, and look forward to knowing more in future instalments of Luca and Silver. I'm keen to find out how Graham and Spencer navigate the path they have chosen to travel. It was definitely hot reading about how they overcame a whole host of issues.
Looking forward to the next in the series, that is for sure!
June 20, 2016
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This was such a good book!! This is the first Draven St. James book I've read and I can honestly say it won't be the last! There was such an interesting storyline, not to mention the wonderfully character development between the two men trying to feel their way through and incredibly awkward situation.
I loved the drag queen part of the story and that even though Graham might like to become Ebony, he wasn't submissive or only a bottom. He had such a big, strong personality when he was at his day job as well.
A very good story that I really enjoyed.
This was such a good book!! This is the first Draven St. James book I've read and I can honestly say it won't be the last! There was such an interesting storyline, not to mention the wonderfully character development between the two men trying to feel their way through and incredibly awkward situation.
I loved the drag queen part of the story and that even though Graham might like to become Ebony, he wasn't submissive or only a bottom. He had such a big, strong personality when he was at his day job as well.
A very good story that I really enjoyed.
January 17, 2017
2.5
While I like the characters and the storyline it went off track about two thirds of the way through. I think that if it had been fleshed out more, not just have a character suddenly flip a switch and had it been longer... had a HEA, instead of an unbelievable barely there hfn...plus had a decent proofreader to point out all of the errors I probably would have really liked it.
While I like the characters and the storyline it went off track about two thirds of the way through. I think that if it had been fleshed out more, not just have a character suddenly flip a switch and had it been longer... had a HEA, instead of an unbelievable barely there hfn...plus had a decent proofreader to point out all of the errors I probably would have really liked it.
November 30, 2019
Really liked another of the author's series. Book 1 of club syn started out with so much promise. It was 1/3 of the way in that the story fell apart. Lost all semblance of any reality and the characters acted in ways that wasn't consistent with the first 1/3 of the book.
April 5, 2016
I wanted this to be longer!!!
Loved the two characters or 4 characters in a way.
There was some good supporting characters and can't wait to meet them in further books.
Loved the two characters or 4 characters in a way.
There was some good supporting characters and can't wait to meet them in further books.
July 11, 2017
This is beautiful story Spencer and Ebony they are gorgeous together. Lady fate steps in to bring these two meet again a second time. The relationship between teacher and student are blurred when chemistry between these two is undoubtedly zings..
Spencer decided to checkout a club but once walked in he wanted to leave. His 6ft 3 he towered over everybody a few liquid encouragements was needed.
Ebony was a drag queen relaxing enjoying her night and she'd had eyes for a tongue tied Spencer, and his body reacted to her in a big way. After a hot bathroom encounter Spencer (Mr Iowa, not being introduced) was out of there.
Spencer was in a graduate programme at the Uni
Ebony was Dr Graham a Professor teaching a writing class.. and thats where there two worlds colidie. Graham thought Iowa would be trouble for him. An unbelievable fantastic story, the ending of this was just perfect for Iowa and Ebony. Highly recommended.
Spencer decided to checkout a club but once walked in he wanted to leave. His 6ft 3 he towered over everybody a few liquid encouragements was needed.
Ebony was a drag queen relaxing enjoying her night and she'd had eyes for a tongue tied Spencer, and his body reacted to her in a big way. After a hot bathroom encounter Spencer (Mr Iowa, not being introduced) was out of there.
Spencer was in a graduate programme at the Uni
Ebony was Dr Graham a Professor teaching a writing class.. and thats where there two worlds colidie. Graham thought Iowa would be trouble for him. An unbelievable fantastic story, the ending of this was just perfect for Iowa and Ebony. Highly recommended.
April 18, 2018
3.5 stars
September 2, 2018
Fantastic!
April 12, 2016
Title: Between the Lies
Author: Draven St. James
Series: Club Syn (Book 1)
Publisher: Draven SJ Publishing
Reviewer: Barb
Release Date: April 4, 2016
Genre(s): M/M Romance, Professor/Student
Page Count: 98
Heat Level: 4 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Review:
*****5 Forbidden Stars*****
WOW! Draven St. James packed a hell of a story into 98 pages! Iowa farmboy Spencer and exotic Drag Queen Ebony, not quite a match made in heaven. But the writer sure made it happen! The two meet in Club Syn, a gay nightclub where Ebony works as a Drag Queen. They have an erotic steamy encounter in the bathroom that neither can forget. When Spencer attends one of his first college classes, he discovers that his professor is none other than Drag Queen Ebony! Professor Graham Darrius leads two separate lives and he wants to keep them separate at any cost. Spencer is only able to attend college due to a scholarship and when Professor Darrius threatens to fail him so that he loses his scholarship, Spencer has an ace in the hole and blackmails him to tutor him. Their chemistry is explosive which results in not a lot of tutoring getting done! The ending is unique and sweet. I will be looking for more from Draven St. James!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Barb from Alpha Book Club
Author: Draven St. James
Series: Club Syn (Book 1)
Publisher: Draven SJ Publishing
Reviewer: Barb
Release Date: April 4, 2016
Genre(s): M/M Romance, Professor/Student
Page Count: 98
Heat Level: 4 flames out of 5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Review:
*****5 Forbidden Stars*****
WOW! Draven St. James packed a hell of a story into 98 pages! Iowa farmboy Spencer and exotic Drag Queen Ebony, not quite a match made in heaven. But the writer sure made it happen! The two meet in Club Syn, a gay nightclub where Ebony works as a Drag Queen. They have an erotic steamy encounter in the bathroom that neither can forget. When Spencer attends one of his first college classes, he discovers that his professor is none other than Drag Queen Ebony! Professor Graham Darrius leads two separate lives and he wants to keep them separate at any cost. Spencer is only able to attend college due to a scholarship and when Professor Darrius threatens to fail him so that he loses his scholarship, Spencer has an ace in the hole and blackmails him to tutor him. Their chemistry is explosive which results in not a lot of tutoring getting done! The ending is unique and sweet. I will be looking for more from Draven St. James!
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Barb from Alpha Book Club
April 8, 2016
Original Blog Post: Review: Between the Lies (Club Syn Book 1) by Draven St. James
Review by: multitaskingmomma
My Rating: 4 of 5 Stars
What would you do if one of your students not only found out you're a drag queen but you'd also had a bit of nookie on the side with him? The night before your first day of class and sitting right there?
I've taught college among other things and let me tell you - not only has this happened in real life (well, not the drag) and it's not funny. It's scary as hell and you can lose your job should that student spill.
Well, Professor Graham Darrius got more than he expected to get first thing in the morning and he ran. He ran from the most beautiful boy from Iowa...
...and got chased.
Oh yes, the boy can run and catch the man of his dreams and wants more. No, not to blackmail or ruin, but he wants the man for himself. He does the chasing and Graham finally concedes. Thus their affair begins and...ends...
I hate that the author did this to me. I so wanted more from Graham and Spencer. I know there's more to their story and wish for more of it. The title does say its the first of the series so I am hoping I get more.
This is a short, delightful read that makes you smile so if you're up for some bit of nookie and romance, this is right for you.
Note: Copy provided for by the author via Pride Promotions for an honest review.
Review by: multitaskingmomma
My Rating: 4 of 5 Stars
What would you do if one of your students not only found out you're a drag queen but you'd also had a bit of nookie on the side with him? The night before your first day of class and sitting right there?
I've taught college among other things and let me tell you - not only has this happened in real life (well, not the drag) and it's not funny. It's scary as hell and you can lose your job should that student spill.
Well, Professor Graham Darrius got more than he expected to get first thing in the morning and he ran. He ran from the most beautiful boy from Iowa...
...and got chased.
Oh yes, the boy can run and catch the man of his dreams and wants more. No, not to blackmail or ruin, but he wants the man for himself. He does the chasing and Graham finally concedes. Thus their affair begins and...ends...
I hate that the author did this to me. I so wanted more from Graham and Spencer. I know there's more to their story and wish for more of it. The title does say its the first of the series so I am hoping I get more.
This is a short, delightful read that makes you smile so if you're up for some bit of nookie and romance, this is right for you.
Note: Copy provided for by the author via Pride Promotions for an honest review.
April 23, 2016
A little fear isn't always a bad thing.
Spencer Neil entered Club Syn with less expectations than proving what he already knew. The-not-so-shy farm boy would do almost anything not to have to fail and return home to a life unfitting to him. Meeting drag queen Ebony left him a raging heap of mess and more confused than ever.
You are not here to play games...
When Spencer confronts his professor, Darrius Graham, it was to ensure that he got what he wanted. Darrius was a tough teacher and Spencer could not afford to lose his scholarship. Darrius did not take to well to what was being suggested, but he knew in order to maintain his job, he had to follow through.
You're a complication.
Between misunderstandings, secrets reveal and one to hot to trot roommate, the teacher and the student cross a line neither had any way of avoiding. And Spencer proved that regardless of anything, trusting and believing went hand in hand.
Review copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Cee from Alpha Book Club
Spencer Neil entered Club Syn with less expectations than proving what he already knew. The-not-so-shy farm boy would do almost anything not to have to fail and return home to a life unfitting to him. Meeting drag queen Ebony left him a raging heap of mess and more confused than ever.
You are not here to play games...
When Spencer confronts his professor, Darrius Graham, it was to ensure that he got what he wanted. Darrius was a tough teacher and Spencer could not afford to lose his scholarship. Darrius did not take to well to what was being suggested, but he knew in order to maintain his job, he had to follow through.
You're a complication.
Between misunderstandings, secrets reveal and one to hot to trot roommate, the teacher and the student cross a line neither had any way of avoiding. And Spencer proved that regardless of anything, trusting and believing went hand in hand.
Review copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Cee from Alpha Book Club
April 5, 2016
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie in exchange for a fair and honest review. ***
The last thing Graham expected was to have his two worlds collide in such a horrible way when he realizes Spencer Neil, one of his new students at the Creative Writing class he gives in college is the guy he thinks of as Iowa, who he met at Club Syn, while Graham was Ebony, drag queen extraordinaire.
Thrown together by circumstance, they will both get more than they ever expected.
This was such a fantastic start to this series! Engaging and kind of awkward, which worked perfectly for the premise. Graham appeared so sure at first, then slightly less so when he sees Spencer again in his class. Spencer trying to do what he needs so he doesn't have to return back to Iowa, even if it goes against his principles. And the two of them, very attracted to the other and knowing that starting off anything, considering Graham is Spencer's professor, just spells disaster.
All in all, an amazing story! Just about as hot as Draven St. James has us used to, a lot of twists I didn't see coming, with great characters you can root for and a secondary cast that I can't wait to get to know better as the series advances! Definitely recommendable!
Rating: 4.5 Stars!!!
The last thing Graham expected was to have his two worlds collide in such a horrible way when he realizes Spencer Neil, one of his new students at the Creative Writing class he gives in college is the guy he thinks of as Iowa, who he met at Club Syn, while Graham was Ebony, drag queen extraordinaire.
Thrown together by circumstance, they will both get more than they ever expected.
This was such a fantastic start to this series! Engaging and kind of awkward, which worked perfectly for the premise. Graham appeared so sure at first, then slightly less so when he sees Spencer again in his class. Spencer trying to do what he needs so he doesn't have to return back to Iowa, even if it goes against his principles. And the two of them, very attracted to the other and knowing that starting off anything, considering Graham is Spencer's professor, just spells disaster.
All in all, an amazing story! Just about as hot as Draven St. James has us used to, a lot of twists I didn't see coming, with great characters you can root for and a secondary cast that I can't wait to get to know better as the series advances! Definitely recommendable!
Rating: 4.5 Stars!!!
April 26, 2016
I read 1-4 of the Firehouse Six books some time ago, and other than Greys Hidden Fire, the rest of them didn't live up to the promise of the first. I picked this up on a whim, since the drag-Queen/professor subject intrigued me. I was very pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it. It had some very good character building, particularly for Spencer/Iowa. Graham wasn't drawn with quite as much detail. The secondary characters were well depicted.
Spencer is coming out of the closet after leaving Iowa, and in his first adventure in a gay club, he has an encounter with Ebony. The next day he finds out that Ebony is Professor Graham Darrius. I could get past the professor/student issue; its grad school, so Spencer is naive but not in any way underage. I don't like the setup for the conflict. I felt that it clashed with Spencer's personality as described, despite the reasoning behind it. I think the same results could have been achieved without that action by Spencer, but that is just my opinion.
I still liked the overall message and the ending. There were also some pretty hot sex scenes, and I won't complain about that. I wouldn't mind a story with Luca!
Spencer is coming out of the closet after leaving Iowa, and in his first adventure in a gay club, he has an encounter with Ebony. The next day he finds out that Ebony is Professor Graham Darrius. I could get past the professor/student issue; its grad school, so Spencer is naive but not in any way underage. I don't like the setup for the conflict. I felt that it clashed with Spencer's personality as described, despite the reasoning behind it. I think the same results could have been achieved without that action by Spencer, but that is just my opinion.
I still liked the overall message and the ending. There were also some pretty hot sex scenes, and I won't complain about that. I wouldn't mind a story with Luca!
December 5, 2016
Original review on Molly Lolly
Four stars!
This was a really good story. I liked the premise and the characters stood out and I connected with them so much. Spencer was so innocent but willing to do whatever it takes to reach his dreams. Graham was so dynamic in his hard ass nature in the classroom but almost insecure in his need for acceptance.
I was fascinated by Graham and Spencer’s meeting. Then by their second meeting. I kind of go back and forth on my feelings for the blackmail plot line. Though I do like how it was resolved in the end. I would have liked Spencer and Graham to talk about and overcome the obstacles in their way instead of just having sex then things are better.
They happy for now ending is sweet and I like how Spencer shows Graham his feelings about the dual life he leads. I really like the setup and the side characters. I’m eager to read more books in this world. Hopefully we get to see more characters get a happy ending. There’s a few I’m going to keep an eye out for to see who they wind up with.
Four stars!
This was a really good story. I liked the premise and the characters stood out and I connected with them so much. Spencer was so innocent but willing to do whatever it takes to reach his dreams. Graham was so dynamic in his hard ass nature in the classroom but almost insecure in his need for acceptance.
I was fascinated by Graham and Spencer’s meeting. Then by their second meeting. I kind of go back and forth on my feelings for the blackmail plot line. Though I do like how it was resolved in the end. I would have liked Spencer and Graham to talk about and overcome the obstacles in their way instead of just having sex then things are better.
They happy for now ending is sweet and I like how Spencer shows Graham his feelings about the dual life he leads. I really like the setup and the side characters. I’m eager to read more books in this world. Hopefully we get to see more characters get a happy ending. There’s a few I’m going to keep an eye out for to see who they wind up with.
April 9, 2016
Graham and Spencer are combustible! I want more of Club Syn!!
Wow i loved Graham and Spencer together. Club Syn brought so much color and interest to this story for me. I love how Graham leads a double life, as a professor during the day and at night he is Ebony Powers, a hot drag queen at Club Syn. This is a powerful portrayal of a man trying to make it in academia and also meet his needs as a man. I empathized with Spencer, better know as 'Iowa' in the story. A driven man who wants to live his own dream and not follow his fathers dream of living the life on the family farm. Iowa is so innocent but and he is so ready for experiencing and living life. Together they are combustible and i so enjoyed their story!!
I want more of Club Syn!!
Wow i loved Graham and Spencer together. Club Syn brought so much color and interest to this story for me. I love how Graham leads a double life, as a professor during the day and at night he is Ebony Powers, a hot drag queen at Club Syn. This is a powerful portrayal of a man trying to make it in academia and also meet his needs as a man. I empathized with Spencer, better know as 'Iowa' in the story. A driven man who wants to live his own dream and not follow his fathers dream of living the life on the family farm. Iowa is so innocent but and he is so ready for experiencing and living life. Together they are combustible and i so enjoyed their story!!
I want more of Club Syn!!
July 25, 2016
Really good. I loved this story of a shy farm boy who hasn’t had the chance to come out and a conflicted drag queen by night, professor by day. Their chemistry was smoking hot. I liked how the teacher/student conflict was handled. Ms. St. James fit a lot of story into 88 pages. I wish it was longer.
Bought from All Romance Ebooks
Bought from All Romance Ebooks
June 21, 2016
I'm a Draven St. James fan. I likes this book...albeit short, it was sweet, hot read...Looking forward to the next one!
July 28, 2016
Hot read. Novella length. Liked a lot
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