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Marked Men #2
Admissible Behavior
FROM POPULAR GAY ROMANCE AUTHOR JENNA BYRNES
Book two in the Marked Men series
Take one smart, sexy lawyer with tattoos covering his body. Add a macho, handsome Texan with a liquid-gold accent and enough hang-ups to drive a lawyer to commit a crime.
When Alex West told his parents he was gay they said, “Okay. What do you want for supper?” He grew into a happy, well-adjusted man and a sharp-as-a-tack lawyer. He has it all—except someone to call his own. Meeting Kyle Harbor for the first time, lots of thoughts run through his mind. Most of them dirty. Finally, someone sexy and available, and what a catch.
Kyle Harbor grew up with a homophobic father who spent years convincing him what ‘real men’ did and didn’t do. They definitely didn’t fool around with one another, and Kyle got a summer at Bible Camp to convince him. Married for nearly twenty years, he finally decided his beautiful wife deserved better and divorced her. Now he’s looking for love in all the wrong places when he stumbles upon Alex and sparks fly. Can he battle his demons from the past, or is their relationship doomed before it even gets a chance?
Reader This book contains references to homophobically motivated physical child abuse, some brief references to drug use, one brief reference to gang rape, and implications of a ‘gay conversion program’ in backstory.
Book two in the Marked Men series
Take one smart, sexy lawyer with tattoos covering his body. Add a macho, handsome Texan with a liquid-gold accent and enough hang-ups to drive a lawyer to commit a crime.
When Alex West told his parents he was gay they said, “Okay. What do you want for supper?” He grew into a happy, well-adjusted man and a sharp-as-a-tack lawyer. He has it all—except someone to call his own. Meeting Kyle Harbor for the first time, lots of thoughts run through his mind. Most of them dirty. Finally, someone sexy and available, and what a catch.
Kyle Harbor grew up with a homophobic father who spent years convincing him what ‘real men’ did and didn’t do. They definitely didn’t fool around with one another, and Kyle got a summer at Bible Camp to convince him. Married for nearly twenty years, he finally decided his beautiful wife deserved better and divorced her. Now he’s looking for love in all the wrong places when he stumbles upon Alex and sparks fly. Can he battle his demons from the past, or is their relationship doomed before it even gets a chance?
Reader This book contains references to homophobically motivated physical child abuse, some brief references to drug use, one brief reference to gang rape, and implications of a ‘gay conversion program’ in backstory.
- GenresGayM M Romance
181 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2017
About the author
Jenna Byrnes
145 books78 followersJenna Byrnes could use more cabinet space and more hours in a day. She’d fill the kitchen with gadgets her husband purchases off TV and let him cook for her to his heart’s content. She’d breeze through the days adding hours of sleep, and more time for writing the hot, erotic romance she loves to read.
Jenna thinks everyone deserves a happy ending, and loves to provide as many of those as possible to her gay, lesbian and hetero characters. Her favorite quote, from a pro-gay billboard, is “Be careful who you hate. It may be someone you love.”
For the latest news, visit Jenna’s website at http://www.jennabyrnes.com/
Jenna thinks everyone deserves a happy ending, and loves to provide as many of those as possible to her gay, lesbian and hetero characters. Her favorite quote, from a pro-gay billboard, is “Be careful who you hate. It may be someone you love.”
For the latest news, visit Jenna’s website at http://www.jennabyrnes.com/
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 25, 2017
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the second in the series - and whilst the cast is partly drawn from the first book, you could read this as a stand alone. That said Acceptable Behavior is a good read, so don't miss out.
I enjoyed this story - with two men at very different stages in their emotional lives, but somehow interested in giving each other a chance to reach a compromise. There is a good mix of family, career, and revelations, as well as some pretty steamy scenes. There were some little touches which I found amusing, particularly the towels.
There were some good side plots for additional characters which hopefully mean that there will be more from this engaging group of people.
I look forward to seeing who is in the limelight next time.
This is the second in the series - and whilst the cast is partly drawn from the first book, you could read this as a stand alone. That said Acceptable Behavior is a good read, so don't miss out.
I enjoyed this story - with two men at very different stages in their emotional lives, but somehow interested in giving each other a chance to reach a compromise. There is a good mix of family, career, and revelations, as well as some pretty steamy scenes. There were some little touches which I found amusing, particularly the towels.
There were some good side plots for additional characters which hopefully mean that there will be more from this engaging group of people.
I look forward to seeing who is in the limelight next time.
January 3, 2023
The idea of a lawyer working to right the wrongs of the world, or Chicago, at least, while hiding a lot of tattoos under his clothing is insanely sexy and drew me to this second installment in Jenna Byrnes's 'Marked Men' series. I liked the connection with the characters in the first book because I enjoy seeing those people again and how they're doing. My heart was drawn to Kyle as well, considering what he must have suffered as the son of a sheriff in a small Texas town.
“Kyle worked his mouth like he was chewing on something. “I don’t think so. I don’t do relationships. Or mornin’s, or shared cab rides. That’s just not my thing.”
Alex’s head was fuzzy and he struggled to process the words. “So you’re telling me that you meet strange men in public places to have sex?”
Alex and Kyle definitely didn't start off the way I expected. However, seeing that Kyle still doesn't see himself as gay, and even five years after his dad's death Kyle continues to repeat that man's mantras in his head, while Alex is out and proud, I shouldn't have been so surprised. Every time these two men try to compromise something gets said or done and someone is storming out the door. I could empathize with how Alex felt since Kyle basically gave the impression that he might as well leave money on the dresser before he left. But seeing what was in Kyle's past helped to explain a lot of those preconceptions towards gay relationships.
There were a few things I had an issue with although it's probably me being picky. For a man like Kyle who couldn't understand gay couples or even how to date a man, and the majority of his sexual encounters had been with hustlers or strangers in bathrooms, I found it very hard to believe that Kyle was perfectly okay being either the pitcher or the receiver. Pitcher? Oh yes, that I could see. Tough guy from Texas and all, but receiver? Not in a million years and it obviously wasn't his first time. My other problem was the constant back and forth between Kyle's "position" regarding a relationship and Alex's feelings about being wanted, and used, only for sex. Sometimes it was like watching a tennis match and it got a little tiresome after a while, in my opinion. My final moment of disbelief came when Kyle came out to his grown daughter and her response. Let's just say it didn't strike me as very realistic.
Regardless of the issues I had with this story, it is still an enjoyable, very sexy read with strong characters. As I mentioned my problems are my opinion only and most likely are due to me being extra picky. If you enjoy a story about two men who are as different as night and day, who have intense and crazy sex, and who battle it out to find their happy ever after, then this might be the book for you.
NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
“Kyle worked his mouth like he was chewing on something. “I don’t think so. I don’t do relationships. Or mornin’s, or shared cab rides. That’s just not my thing.”
Alex’s head was fuzzy and he struggled to process the words. “So you’re telling me that you meet strange men in public places to have sex?”
Alex and Kyle definitely didn't start off the way I expected. However, seeing that Kyle still doesn't see himself as gay, and even five years after his dad's death Kyle continues to repeat that man's mantras in his head, while Alex is out and proud, I shouldn't have been so surprised. Every time these two men try to compromise something gets said or done and someone is storming out the door. I could empathize with how Alex felt since Kyle basically gave the impression that he might as well leave money on the dresser before he left. But seeing what was in Kyle's past helped to explain a lot of those preconceptions towards gay relationships.
There were a few things I had an issue with although it's probably me being picky. For a man like Kyle who couldn't understand gay couples or even how to date a man, and the majority of his sexual encounters had been with hustlers or strangers in bathrooms, I found it very hard to believe that Kyle was perfectly okay being either the pitcher or the receiver. Pitcher? Oh yes, that I could see. Tough guy from Texas and all, but receiver? Not in a million years and it obviously wasn't his first time. My other problem was the constant back and forth between Kyle's "position" regarding a relationship and Alex's feelings about being wanted, and used, only for sex. Sometimes it was like watching a tennis match and it got a little tiresome after a while, in my opinion. My final moment of disbelief came when Kyle came out to his grown daughter and her response. Let's just say it didn't strike me as very realistic.
Regardless of the issues I had with this story, it is still an enjoyable, very sexy read with strong characters. As I mentioned my problems are my opinion only and most likely are due to me being extra picky. If you enjoy a story about two men who are as different as night and day, who have intense and crazy sex, and who battle it out to find their happy ever after, then this might be the book for you.
NOTE: This book was provided by Pride Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
February 19, 2017
~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads Review Team~
Alex and Kyle made me want to scream at times but I fell in love with them both and didn’t want their story to end. Alex knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to go after it. Kyle knows what he wants but refuses to go after it and doesn’t think he will ever get it. Throw in some great secondary characters, an ex-wife, a daughter and you got yourself a good story. The chemistry with Alex and Kyle is off the charts and only gets hotter. This was a great story with just a little angst but as fast read. I can’t wait to see what the next book has in store.
Characters: well written
Sex: yes
Religious: no
Would I recommend to others: yes
More than one book in the series: yes
Genre: M/M Romance
Would I read more by this author: yes
~Wicked Reads Review Team~
Alex and Kyle made me want to scream at times but I fell in love with them both and didn’t want their story to end. Alex knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to go after it. Kyle knows what he wants but refuses to go after it and doesn’t think he will ever get it. Throw in some great secondary characters, an ex-wife, a daughter and you got yourself a good story. The chemistry with Alex and Kyle is off the charts and only gets hotter. This was a great story with just a little angst but as fast read. I can’t wait to see what the next book has in store.
Characters: well written
Sex: yes
Religious: no
Would I recommend to others: yes
More than one book in the series: yes
Genre: M/M Romance
Would I read more by this author: yes
~Wicked Reads Review Team~
February 27, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Jenna Byrnes did an amzing job on this book.
Kyle is a forty four year old man that had to deal with a homophobic father growing up. When he was thirteen his father caught him making out with his best friend at the time and to say that his father lost it when he caught them is too say the least. So from that point on his father made a point to constantly remind him of what his father considered what a "real man" would do. So because of this Kyle did what he had to in order to alter his life including marrying a woman and having a child with her. At almost twenty years of marriage Kyle finally admitted to himself how unhappy he was and that it was not fair to stay married to his now ex wife Kelly.
For basically the first time in his life he is able to explore the other side of how he feels about men. But the thing is Kyle does so in a way that will keep him from getting involved in anyway other then in a sexual way. He either does a quick hook up in the bathroom of a club or he pays for the company of men. It seems to be working out for him or at least it did until he met Alex.
Alex grew up a very supportive family that accepted him for who he is with no issues. He is a thirty two year old lawyer that loves his job but feels like he is always missing out on the one thing he wants more then anything....a relationship and love.
When Alex meets Kyle he is attracted to him from the start. But things between these two men are difficult from the beginning. It seems both men are attracted to the other but both have different views on what they are looking for. Kyle wants to just hit it and quit it whereas Alex is looking for something more meaningful. So this becomes a point of contingency between them. Both men are hard headed and neither wants to give even a little.
In the end both men decide to compromise on some of their wants and needs and so a sort of relationship starts but again it is very bumpy because both men keep coming back to their personal issues throughout the whole of the book. In the end, it comes down to what each man wants and needs from the other and if they can finally seem to be in the same place with their feelings for the other. The question inthe end for both man comes down to, Is this what I want and if so am I willing to go for it?
This book was truly amazing in the aspect that there was some major issues that these two men had to work through in order to be on the same page. Kyle truly had the hardest issues to deal with because after the emotional and physical abuse he sustained from his father growing up, it was hard for him to decide if he could be true to himself first and foremost but also to those who matter the most to him. He had to battle his demons and what I love was that when he admitted his issues to Alex, Alex was willing to stand beside him when he needed it most and not let him go through in by himself. This was an amazing book and I truly look forward to the next book in this series.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Kyle is a forty four year old man that had to deal with a homophobic father growing up. When he was thirteen his father caught him making out with his best friend at the time and to say that his father lost it when he caught them is too say the least. So from that point on his father made a point to constantly remind him of what his father considered what a "real man" would do. So because of this Kyle did what he had to in order to alter his life including marrying a woman and having a child with her. At almost twenty years of marriage Kyle finally admitted to himself how unhappy he was and that it was not fair to stay married to his now ex wife Kelly.
For basically the first time in his life he is able to explore the other side of how he feels about men. But the thing is Kyle does so in a way that will keep him from getting involved in anyway other then in a sexual way. He either does a quick hook up in the bathroom of a club or he pays for the company of men. It seems to be working out for him or at least it did until he met Alex.
Alex grew up a very supportive family that accepted him for who he is with no issues. He is a thirty two year old lawyer that loves his job but feels like he is always missing out on the one thing he wants more then anything....a relationship and love.
When Alex meets Kyle he is attracted to him from the start. But things between these two men are difficult from the beginning. It seems both men are attracted to the other but both have different views on what they are looking for. Kyle wants to just hit it and quit it whereas Alex is looking for something more meaningful. So this becomes a point of contingency between them. Both men are hard headed and neither wants to give even a little.
In the end both men decide to compromise on some of their wants and needs and so a sort of relationship starts but again it is very bumpy because both men keep coming back to their personal issues throughout the whole of the book. In the end, it comes down to what each man wants and needs from the other and if they can finally seem to be in the same place with their feelings for the other. The question inthe end for both man comes down to, Is this what I want and if so am I willing to go for it?
This book was truly amazing in the aspect that there was some major issues that these two men had to work through in order to be on the same page. Kyle truly had the hardest issues to deal with because after the emotional and physical abuse he sustained from his father growing up, it was hard for him to decide if he could be true to himself first and foremost but also to those who matter the most to him. He had to battle his demons and what I love was that when he admitted his issues to Alex, Alex was willing to stand beside him when he needed it most and not let him go through in by himself. This was an amazing book and I truly look forward to the next book in this series.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
August 25, 2017
Alex West is a first-class lawyer: clean cut, smart and knows how to talk. He worked hard, put himself through law school and then opened his own firm. Alex takes on a new case for Lucinda White, part owner of Harbor-White Construction Company. Although Lucinda is a striking woman, she’s not Alex’s preference. Now the handsome Texan, Kyle Harbor—he turns Alex’s head.
Unfortunately for Alex, Kyle has some serious issues. One is that he’s deep in the closet. He’s also been hooking up with hustlers, which is a danger in itself. Kyle doesn’t always treat Alex very well, but Alex knows what he wants. He also knows how to put Kyle in his place. But just when Alex and Kyle think they can work out some sort of relationship, Kyle’s ex and daughter show up.
The fun side to this story is Eddie Ortega, who has the best tattoo shop around, and Melanie Madison, his assistant, who’s ready to give tats a try. Alex and his friends are in a competition, of sorts, to see who can get the most tattoos. Right now, Alex has seventy-six, and is giving serious thought to more. Doctor Travis Nelson has one-hundred and nineteen, and Sam, Travis’s husband, has just started with one, while their friend Colt Crawford has eighty-eight.
This book is a well-done sequel to Acceptable Behavior, and I was glad to see Alex get his own story, but it took me a little time to warm up to Kyle. I really liked how Jenna Byrnes brought so many of the characters back from book one. She gives us a chance to revisit with those who were facing a lot of adjustments in their lives. I liked the change in Melanie and the secret she’s hiding. Travis and Sam are making great strides with their little family. And there are grandparents and friends who offer lots of love and support. I don’t know what the author has in store next for the Marked Men series, but I’ll be watching for it.
Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach
Unfortunately for Alex, Kyle has some serious issues. One is that he’s deep in the closet. He’s also been hooking up with hustlers, which is a danger in itself. Kyle doesn’t always treat Alex very well, but Alex knows what he wants. He also knows how to put Kyle in his place. But just when Alex and Kyle think they can work out some sort of relationship, Kyle’s ex and daughter show up.
The fun side to this story is Eddie Ortega, who has the best tattoo shop around, and Melanie Madison, his assistant, who’s ready to give tats a try. Alex and his friends are in a competition, of sorts, to see who can get the most tattoos. Right now, Alex has seventy-six, and is giving serious thought to more. Doctor Travis Nelson has one-hundred and nineteen, and Sam, Travis’s husband, has just started with one, while their friend Colt Crawford has eighty-eight.
This book is a well-done sequel to Acceptable Behavior, and I was glad to see Alex get his own story, but it took me a little time to warm up to Kyle. I really liked how Jenna Byrnes brought so many of the characters back from book one. She gives us a chance to revisit with those who were facing a lot of adjustments in their lives. I liked the change in Melanie and the secret she’s hiding. Travis and Sam are making great strides with their little family. And there are grandparents and friends who offer lots of love and support. I don’t know what the author has in store next for the Marked Men series, but I’ll be watching for it.
Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach
May 26, 2017
I had read the first book in this series and really enjoyed it. So I quickly jumped at the chance to review this book.
I have to admit that Byrnes did a great job at Kyle’s character – he was written in a way that while I felt horrible for what he had been through when he was younger, he was still a jerk at times and I wanted to smack him upside the head because of how he was acting.
Alex was a good character as well – and while I liked him, to me it was like Kyle’s character overtook the story. Even when it was solely about Alex, I could almost feel Kyle’s character in the background constantly.
Overall, I have to admit that Byrnes did a great job at taking a touchy, but still important, topic and writing it in a way that helped the reader to understand what was going on with Kyle and how even years later it can affect a person.
Reviewed by Crystal Marie for Crystal's Many Reviewers
*Copy Provided for review*
I have to admit that Byrnes did a great job at Kyle’s character – he was written in a way that while I felt horrible for what he had been through when he was younger, he was still a jerk at times and I wanted to smack him upside the head because of how he was acting.
Alex was a good character as well – and while I liked him, to me it was like Kyle’s character overtook the story. Even when it was solely about Alex, I could almost feel Kyle’s character in the background constantly.
Overall, I have to admit that Byrnes did a great job at taking a touchy, but still important, topic and writing it in a way that helped the reader to understand what was going on with Kyle and how even years later it can affect a person.
Reviewed by Crystal Marie for Crystal's Many Reviewers
*Copy Provided for review*
October 9, 2018
Hmm. I liked the idea of this more than I think I liked it. I found Sam's refusal to face the facts about his sister frustrating, on the other hand Travis's "my way or the high way" attitude was equally annoying. Also I didn't blame Sam for feeling blindsided by the fact that everyone was making decisions on his behalf and he was expected to just go with the flow. There is lots of sex in this and I'm not against that, maybe I wasn't in the mood but I started scanning through some of it towards the end. I wanted to get to the plot part. Although I did appreciate the dirty talk which you don't often get,
So overall, it was an okay read but some things kind of rubbed me the wrong way.
So overall, it was an okay read but some things kind of rubbed me the wrong way.
March 2, 2017
Blog Post: http://lovebytesreviews.com/2017/02/2...
Alex West is addicted to tattoos he has seventy-seven and counting! Just because Alex is a lawyer doesn’t mean he can’t enjoy decorating his body with art, his way. It doesn’t hurt that Alex happens to be one of the best lawyers in his field. Alex is gay and proud of it, he doesn’t shout it from the rooftops but he also doesn’t hide it in any way.
Kyle Harbor is half owner of Harbor-White Construction Company, his partner is Lucinda White the widow of his best friend and former partner Sydney. Kyle and “Cinda” are building a big housing development in downtown Chicago but they’ve hit a snag. The Historical Society of Downtown Chicago has bought an injunction against them, with the hopes of getting the development stopped because it will compete with one of the business owners in the area! Since they can’t carry long delays Kyle and Cinda employ Alex to fight the charges.
When Alex and Kyle meet for the first time there is an instant attraction on both sides but Kyle is still living in denial and refuses to acknowledge anything even though he divorced his wife because he could no longer live a lie. Whereas Alex hasn’t had a relationship or even a date in months Kyle has gone a little bit wild and visits clubs and rent boys almost nightly. When Kyle was in the seventh grade, his father caught him “carrying on” with one of his football teammates and because he was the sheriff of the small town they lived in people followed his lead. Not only did Kyle never see his friend again he got some sense beaten into him with a belt and spent a summer at Bible Camp. Because of this, Kyle got married out of high school and had a daughter.
Alex is so taken with Kyle he finds it very hard to stay away, it doesn’t help that Kyle is sending mixed messages. Whenever they get close Kyle gets cold feet and pulls away. It takes Alex a long time to get Kyle to confide him about the reason behind his confusing behavior but when he does Alex goes all out to convince Kyle there is nothing wrong with being gay! It takes Kyle even longer to admit to himself, Cinda {although she always knew!}, his ex-wife and his daughter that he is a gay man who is in love with another man. Kyle’s father traumatized him something fierce with his homophobic attitude and behavior whilst he was growing up so of course he’s not going to forget those lessons in a hurry!
Admissible Behavior is a fantastic second book in Jenna’s Marked Men series. It has everything romance, angst, denial as well as shock and dare I say horror when Kyle’s ex-wife finds out the truth. Please, don’t wait to get your copy! If you haven’t read the first book Acceptable Behavior, I urge you strongly to get a copy, sit down and start reading!!
Alex West is addicted to tattoos he has seventy-seven and counting! Just because Alex is a lawyer doesn’t mean he can’t enjoy decorating his body with art, his way. It doesn’t hurt that Alex happens to be one of the best lawyers in his field. Alex is gay and proud of it, he doesn’t shout it from the rooftops but he also doesn’t hide it in any way.
Kyle Harbor is half owner of Harbor-White Construction Company, his partner is Lucinda White the widow of his best friend and former partner Sydney. Kyle and “Cinda” are building a big housing development in downtown Chicago but they’ve hit a snag. The Historical Society of Downtown Chicago has bought an injunction against them, with the hopes of getting the development stopped because it will compete with one of the business owners in the area! Since they can’t carry long delays Kyle and Cinda employ Alex to fight the charges.
When Alex and Kyle meet for the first time there is an instant attraction on both sides but Kyle is still living in denial and refuses to acknowledge anything even though he divorced his wife because he could no longer live a lie. Whereas Alex hasn’t had a relationship or even a date in months Kyle has gone a little bit wild and visits clubs and rent boys almost nightly. When Kyle was in the seventh grade, his father caught him “carrying on” with one of his football teammates and because he was the sheriff of the small town they lived in people followed his lead. Not only did Kyle never see his friend again he got some sense beaten into him with a belt and spent a summer at Bible Camp. Because of this, Kyle got married out of high school and had a daughter.
Alex is so taken with Kyle he finds it very hard to stay away, it doesn’t help that Kyle is sending mixed messages. Whenever they get close Kyle gets cold feet and pulls away. It takes Alex a long time to get Kyle to confide him about the reason behind his confusing behavior but when he does Alex goes all out to convince Kyle there is nothing wrong with being gay! It takes Kyle even longer to admit to himself, Cinda {although she always knew!}, his ex-wife and his daughter that he is a gay man who is in love with another man. Kyle’s father traumatized him something fierce with his homophobic attitude and behavior whilst he was growing up so of course he’s not going to forget those lessons in a hurry!
Admissible Behavior is a fantastic second book in Jenna’s Marked Men series. It has everything romance, angst, denial as well as shock and dare I say horror when Kyle’s ex-wife finds out the truth. Please, don’t wait to get your copy! If you haven’t read the first book Acceptable Behavior, I urge you strongly to get a copy, sit down and start reading!!
October 28, 2018
Alex a Lawyer (he helps Sam and Travis get custody of Levi in the first book) and Kyle a construction company owner ( he aint gay just likes gay sex!!).
I liked the story.
Kyle and his "I'm not gay i just like gay sex" attitude got annoying.
I liked the story.
Kyle and his "I'm not gay i just like gay sex" attitude got annoying.
March 1, 2017
*2.5 stars rounded up to 3*
Admissible Behavior by Jenna Byrnes is the second book in her Marked Men series, but it's the first one I've read and it works perfectly well as a stand alone novel. A sexy, tattooed lawyer and a handsome Texan seemed like it would be right up my alley. I mean what's not to love, tattoos on one guy and an accent on the other? Yes, please. Unfortunately for me, the blurb was way more enticing than the book itself.
Alex West is not your typical lawyer. Besides the myriad of tattoos that cover his body, he's up to 75 or something like that, a fact that is brought up repeatedly throughout the book, he's also a pretty nice guy. He's well respected, is close to his family, and out and proud. When Alex crosses paths with construction owner Kyle Harbor sure the sparks fly but from there, things kind of went downhill, quickly, for me. I liked Alex well enough. He's charming and sexy and seems like a really decent guy. I had way more problems with Kyle, mostly just that he was so, SO hot and cold he gave me whiplash. And please don't get me started on the overuse and borderline ridiculous use of the phrase "'s ah'ite'" I've lived in Texas for most of my life and I can tell you with 100% certainty I've never heard anyone say this. Ever. But back to Alex and Kyle. Besides Kyle's hot and cold attitude and Alex's whining, there is also the evil ex-wife stereotype and a daughter who acts and talks like she's 12 instead of the 24 she's supposed to be.
I just really could not get into this book. I skimmed more than I read and that's never a good sign. I hope in this case it was more of a it's me, not the book so maybe give it a try and see what you think. I hope you'll have better luck than I did.
*this review will also be posted on www.diversereader.blogspot.com*
Admissible Behavior by Jenna Byrnes is the second book in her Marked Men series, but it's the first one I've read and it works perfectly well as a stand alone novel. A sexy, tattooed lawyer and a handsome Texan seemed like it would be right up my alley. I mean what's not to love, tattoos on one guy and an accent on the other? Yes, please. Unfortunately for me, the blurb was way more enticing than the book itself.
Alex West is not your typical lawyer. Besides the myriad of tattoos that cover his body, he's up to 75 or something like that, a fact that is brought up repeatedly throughout the book, he's also a pretty nice guy. He's well respected, is close to his family, and out and proud. When Alex crosses paths with construction owner Kyle Harbor sure the sparks fly but from there, things kind of went downhill, quickly, for me. I liked Alex well enough. He's charming and sexy and seems like a really decent guy. I had way more problems with Kyle, mostly just that he was so, SO hot and cold he gave me whiplash. And please don't get me started on the overuse and borderline ridiculous use of the phrase "'s ah'ite'" I've lived in Texas for most of my life and I can tell you with 100% certainty I've never heard anyone say this. Ever. But back to Alex and Kyle. Besides Kyle's hot and cold attitude and Alex's whining, there is also the evil ex-wife stereotype and a daughter who acts and talks like she's 12 instead of the 24 she's supposed to be.
I just really could not get into this book. I skimmed more than I read and that's never a good sign. I hope in this case it was more of a it's me, not the book so maybe give it a try and see what you think. I hope you'll have better luck than I did.
*this review will also be posted on www.diversereader.blogspot.com*
February 28, 2017
Admissible Behavior by Jenna Byrnes
3.5 Stars – Review by Dawn Honeycutt
Alex West is an attorney, gay and has seventy-seven tattoos and counting. None of the tattoos can be seen under the suits he wears into the office and to court each day, but he is addicted.
Kyle Harbor and Lucinda White are partners and owners of Harbor-White Construction. When an injunction halts work, Kyle and Cinda hire Alex to take on their case. Kyle and Alex have an instant attraction. Alex casually tells Cinda and Kyle over dinner that he’s gay and Kyle makes sure that Alex knows he’s straight. He even maintains he’s straight while trying to get Alex to have sex with him in the men’s bathroom.
So Kyle was raised by a homophobic father who beat in him at a young age and being gay is wrong and not what “real men” do. Kyle was married for many years to Kelly and has a daughter Kassi. He’s definitely attracted to Alex, it’s not long before the two are getting hot and heavy between the sheets, but Kyle still swears he’s not gay.
I’ve read a lot of books. Many books that were gay for you, many with a main character still in the closet. I don’t mind the closet stories, but I have to say, Kyle was a real jerk. He was basically a jerk throughout the whole book. I honestly have no idea why Alex would stay with him. I would have dumped him so quickly if he’d treated me the way he treated Alex, but Alex didn’t. Kyle always had an excuse. He’s not gay, he doesn’t know how or want to date, he doesn’t need to be a part of the gay family scene, then he doesn’t know how to tell his daughter and ex-wife. It’s always something. This book really frustrated me. There should only be so many ways a main character can be a complete bastard before he finally gets dumped on his butt like he should be.
Fortunately, the author is much nicer than me and Alex and Kyle get their HEA.
3.5 Stars – Review by Dawn Honeycutt
Alex West is an attorney, gay and has seventy-seven tattoos and counting. None of the tattoos can be seen under the suits he wears into the office and to court each day, but he is addicted.
Kyle Harbor and Lucinda White are partners and owners of Harbor-White Construction. When an injunction halts work, Kyle and Cinda hire Alex to take on their case. Kyle and Alex have an instant attraction. Alex casually tells Cinda and Kyle over dinner that he’s gay and Kyle makes sure that Alex knows he’s straight. He even maintains he’s straight while trying to get Alex to have sex with him in the men’s bathroom.
So Kyle was raised by a homophobic father who beat in him at a young age and being gay is wrong and not what “real men” do. Kyle was married for many years to Kelly and has a daughter Kassi. He’s definitely attracted to Alex, it’s not long before the two are getting hot and heavy between the sheets, but Kyle still swears he’s not gay.
I’ve read a lot of books. Many books that were gay for you, many with a main character still in the closet. I don’t mind the closet stories, but I have to say, Kyle was a real jerk. He was basically a jerk throughout the whole book. I honestly have no idea why Alex would stay with him. I would have dumped him so quickly if he’d treated me the way he treated Alex, but Alex didn’t. Kyle always had an excuse. He’s not gay, he doesn’t know how or want to date, he doesn’t need to be a part of the gay family scene, then he doesn’t know how to tell his daughter and ex-wife. It’s always something. This book really frustrated me. There should only be so many ways a main character can be a complete bastard before he finally gets dumped on his butt like he should be.
Fortunately, the author is much nicer than me and Alex and Kyle get their HEA.
February 28, 2017
Independent reviewer for Divine Magazine, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Kyle hires Alex to sort out a legal issue for his construction company.Kyle's reaction to Alex is powerful but still he hides. Alex wants more than just a wham-bam-thank-you-man, which is what Kyle offers. Kyle is not the commitment type, not yet anyway. can he battle his demons and keep Alex?
This is book two in the Marked Men series but you don't need to have read book one, Acceptable Behaviour, before you read this one. Travis and Sam do play a part here, so Brownies points for that!
I really enjoyed book one but this one, not so much and I'm struggling to pinpoint why that might be.
Both men have their say and I think maybe, MAYBE, Kyle himself is the problem. I didn't connect with him as much as I did Alex, and Travis and Sam.
There is some reference to conversion therapy, drug abuse, child abuse and gang rape. None of these are described in any detail, and the book does show, on Goodreads at least, a warning for these points. Just needs mentioning, is all.
I loved that Travis and Sam play a part, and that Mel, Sam's twin is moving on with her life in a positive way.
It was good, yes, but not as good as Acceptable Behaviour.
3.5 stars
ps, apologies if you feel I have spelt behaviour wrong, I am UK based and so use English spelling of words. It killed me to spell it the American way!!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Kyle hires Alex to sort out a legal issue for his construction company.Kyle's reaction to Alex is powerful but still he hides. Alex wants more than just a wham-bam-thank-you-man, which is what Kyle offers. Kyle is not the commitment type, not yet anyway. can he battle his demons and keep Alex?
This is book two in the Marked Men series but you don't need to have read book one, Acceptable Behaviour, before you read this one. Travis and Sam do play a part here, so Brownies points for that!
I really enjoyed book one but this one, not so much and I'm struggling to pinpoint why that might be.
Both men have their say and I think maybe, MAYBE, Kyle himself is the problem. I didn't connect with him as much as I did Alex, and Travis and Sam.
There is some reference to conversion therapy, drug abuse, child abuse and gang rape. None of these are described in any detail, and the book does show, on Goodreads at least, a warning for these points. Just needs mentioning, is all.
I loved that Travis and Sam play a part, and that Mel, Sam's twin is moving on with her life in a positive way.
It was good, yes, but not as good as Acceptable Behaviour.
3.5 stars
ps, apologies if you feel I have spelt behaviour wrong, I am UK based and so use English spelling of words. It killed me to spell it the American way!!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
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