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The Distance Between Us #2
The Closer You Get
(Alternate cover edition of ASIN B06XKQX9S2.)
The virgin isn’t the only one with something to lose…
Self-described manwhore Kieran Frost is loving the single life. Two years after moving to Seattle, he still has his friends with benefits, Rhett and Ethan, plus a never-ending supply of gorgeous, available men wandering through the bar where he works. A relationship? Spare him the drama and heartbreak. He’s got no complaints about his unattached lifestyle.
When Rhett’s daughter introduces him to newly-out-of-the-closet Alex Corbin, Kieran’s interest perks up. After all, the quiet ones are always the freaks in bed. But Alex isn’t just shy and reserved. He’s a virgin in every sense of the word—he’s never even kissed anyone.
Kieran is no one’s teacher, and his first instinct is to run like hell in the other direction. But his conscience won’t let him throw the naïve kid to the wolves for someone else to take advantage of. The plan is to introduce Alex to his own sexuality, pull him out of his shell, then go their separate ways.
It’s the perfect, foolproof plan…assuming no one falls in love.
This 68,000 word novel was previously published.
The virgin isn’t the only one with something to lose…
Self-described manwhore Kieran Frost is loving the single life. Two years after moving to Seattle, he still has his friends with benefits, Rhett and Ethan, plus a never-ending supply of gorgeous, available men wandering through the bar where he works. A relationship? Spare him the drama and heartbreak. He’s got no complaints about his unattached lifestyle.
When Rhett’s daughter introduces him to newly-out-of-the-closet Alex Corbin, Kieran’s interest perks up. After all, the quiet ones are always the freaks in bed. But Alex isn’t just shy and reserved. He’s a virgin in every sense of the word—he’s never even kissed anyone.
Kieran is no one’s teacher, and his first instinct is to run like hell in the other direction. But his conscience won’t let him throw the naïve kid to the wolves for someone else to take advantage of. The plan is to introduce Alex to his own sexuality, pull him out of his shell, then go their separate ways.
It’s the perfect, foolproof plan…assuming no one falls in love.
This 68,000 word novel was previously published.
256 pages, ebook
First published November 15, 2011
61 people are currently reading
968 people want to read
About the author
L.A. Witt
218 books2,722 followersL.A. Witt and her husband have been exiled from Spain and sent to live in Maine because rhymes are fun. She now divides her time between writing, assuring people she is aware that Maine is cold, wondering where to put her next tattoo, and trying to reason with a surly Maine coon. Rumor has it her arch nemesis, Lauren Gallagher, is also somewhere in the wilds of New England, which is why L.A. is also spending a portion of her time training a team of spec ops lobsters.
Authors Ann Gallagher and Lori A. Witt have been asked to assist in lobster training, but they "have books to write" and "need to focus on our careers" and "don't you think this rivalry has gotten a little out of hand?" They're probably just helping Lauren raise her army of squirrels trained to ride moose into battle.
Visit her website at http://www.gallagherwitt.com/.
Authors Ann Gallagher and Lori A. Witt have been asked to assist in lobster training, but they "have books to write" and "need to focus on our careers" and "don't you think this rivalry has gotten a little out of hand?" They're probably just helping Lauren raise her army of squirrels trained to ride moose into battle.
Visit her website at http://www.gallagherwitt.com/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
May 14, 2014
3.5--The Virgin and the Manwhore--Stars!!
Note: I did not read book 1 of the series and I don't think I missed out on anything.
Manwhore Kieran was introduced in The Distance Between Us. He moved in with Rhett and Ethan and they all shared a friends with benefits arrangement. Now he's moved out, but they have continued their arrangement.
Rhett and Ethan's daughter is in college. She has a gay friend that is new to town, virgin Alex. Alex came from a super small, conservative town where he had to stay in the closet. Alex wasn't just a gay virgin he was a virgin period. Like never even kissed a guy or girl virgin.
Honestly, Alex was a bit too virginal for me. Kieran agrees to help introduce Alex to the gay scene in Seattle. They become friends and as they spend more time together, things turn sexual.
They both agree from the beginning that it will just be sex. Alex has never been with anyone else and is trying to figure out who he is. What he likes, what he wants, etc. He's not looking for love. Kieran doesn't do relationships and is more than willing to help Alex figure things out. He'll just enjoy the sex in the process.
As you can imagine, feelings start to get involved. It's never just about sex. Kieran kind of annoyed me with how he handled his feelings.
And it was pretty much insta love. But the sex was hot and I thought Alex was really sweet. Overall, it was a decent read and I will definitely consider reading the other books in the series.
Note: I did not read book 1 of the series and I don't think I missed out on anything.
Manwhore Kieran was introduced in The Distance Between Us. He moved in with Rhett and Ethan and they all shared a friends with benefits arrangement. Now he's moved out, but they have continued their arrangement.
Rhett and Ethan's daughter is in college. She has a gay friend that is new to town, virgin Alex. Alex came from a super small, conservative town where he had to stay in the closet. Alex wasn't just a gay virgin he was a virgin period. Like never even kissed a guy or girl virgin.
Honestly, Alex was a bit too virginal for me. Kieran agrees to help introduce Alex to the gay scene in Seattle. They become friends and as they spend more time together, things turn sexual.
They both agree from the beginning that it will just be sex. Alex has never been with anyone else and is trying to figure out who he is. What he likes, what he wants, etc. He's not looking for love. Kieran doesn't do relationships and is more than willing to help Alex figure things out. He'll just enjoy the sex in the process.
As you can imagine, feelings start to get involved. It's never just about sex. Kieran kind of annoyed me with how he handled his feelings.
And it was pretty much insta love. But the sex was hot and I thought Alex was really sweet. Overall, it was a decent read and I will definitely consider reading the other books in the series.
November 18, 2011
4-4,5 stars
The Closer You Get is a sweet,angst-free story where shy virgin meets man slut.It went from a nice,slow build up to hot and sweaty to heavi(en)ly romantic in the end.Pure escapism...
The Closer You Get is a sweet,angst-free story where shy virgin meets man slut.It went from a nice,slow build up to hot and sweaty to heavi(en)ly romantic in the end.Pure escapism...
March 1, 2024
Everyone thought Alex was the quiet shy guy that had never had a boyfriend... but he’s just perfect for Kiernan who we had met in the first three books in the Wildes series. Kiernan isn’t used to dating guys that he would be a "first " for...but there is just something about the shy Alex that calls to his heart. Being an experienced guy, he knows he could give this guy everything, including his heart...and that worries him a little...well actually A LOT. But the more he gets to know Alex the more he really likes him. The question now is, is he really ready to settle down from his one night...love 'em and leave 'em ways? If anyone could do it for him, he was sure it would be Alex. Kiernan needs to decide what he wants to do before he ends up losing Alex by doing something stupid that he will regret. I really liked Kiernan, but he won't be everyone’s "cup of tea". Most of the story had Kiernan trying to figure out how in the world he was going to deal with Alex? Would Alex want to stay with him or explore on his own? Would whatever decision he made would it help or hurt Alex and would it break his own heart? The Wilde’s series has been a lot of fun so far. Nice to see new faces and characters but keep encountering the old favorites from the other books. Even when their lives are turning upside down, L A Witt allows them to manage to pull together and make it work.
October 23, 2015
Thank you, Tara, for recommending this to me. I loved it.
I haven’t read the first book, because that one is not my cup of tea. It’s no problem to skip that one and jump right into this one.
When I read the blurb I was all:
I was expecting a cocky manwhore who would be seducing a young innocent virgin. Okaaaay… I can live with that.
But what I got was even better!
Because while Kieran does love sex and is afraid to be in any relationship, he is also incredibly sweet. And he does want to show Alex the ropes of the whole gay sex thing.
But he also just wants it to be good for Alex. He doesn’t want to rush him. He is holding back so he doesn’t scare Alex off.
The sex scenes are off the chart hot!
And the two were just so adorable together. Hot and adorable, what a perfect combination.
Kieran is friends with the couple from the first book, Rhett and Ethan. They have threesomes regularly. I was not entirely okay with this, but I knew this when I started the book and it wasn’t as bad as I expected. Kieran, Rhett and Ethan have sex once in this book (off page and no one mentions it or thinks about it after that), and yes, it is after Kieran and Alex are already seeing each other. But at that moment Alex and Kieran have the agreement it is only sex. Alex knows about it and he is really okay with it. After this Kieran is too hung up on Alex to even think about sex with anyone else.
I have to say Miss Witt is an exceptionally talented writer. She has a way with words that will even make me forgive my MC’s for doing things that I normally wouldn't like.
I so enjoyed this book.
I haven’t read the first book, because that one is not my cup of tea. It’s no problem to skip that one and jump right into this one.
When I read the blurb I was all:
I was expecting a cocky manwhore who would be seducing a young innocent virgin. Okaaaay… I can live with that.
But what I got was even better!
Because while Kieran does love sex and is afraid to be in any relationship, he is also incredibly sweet. And he does want to show Alex the ropes of the whole gay sex thing.
But he also just wants it to be good for Alex. He doesn’t want to rush him. He is holding back so he doesn’t scare Alex off.
The sex scenes are off the chart hot!
And the two were just so adorable together. Hot and adorable, what a perfect combination.
Kieran is friends with the couple from the first book, Rhett and Ethan. They have threesomes regularly. I was not entirely okay with this, but I knew this when I started the book and it wasn’t as bad as I expected. Kieran, Rhett and Ethan have sex once in this book (off page and no one mentions it or thinks about it after that), and yes, it is after Kieran and Alex are already seeing each other. But at that moment Alex and Kieran have the agreement it is only sex. Alex knows about it and he is really okay with it. After this Kieran is too hung up on Alex to even think about sex with anyone else.
I have to say Miss Witt is an exceptionally talented writer. She has a way with words that will even make me forgive my MC’s for doing things that I normally wouldn't like.
I so enjoyed this book.
December 14, 2014
Aaah this was a good one!!
A manwhore introduces a virgin to his own sexuality..
It couldn’t get any better than that, right?
I expected a lot of smut and the story did deliver but I got so much more!!
Kieran loves sex…. Casual sex, threesomes that’s what he does.. His plan was to help Alex “on his way” and then go their separate ways. Because Kieran does not do relationships!!
My gawd, the sex scenes were sizzling…
I loved Kieran. He was so sweet and patient with Alex. What Kieran didn’t expect to develop serious feelings for Alex.
What I liked very much in this story is that we get to know what is going on in Kieran’s head.. You could feel him falling for Alex even though he didn’t figure this out until the end.
I should definitely recommend this book…
A manwhore introduces a virgin to his own sexuality..
It couldn’t get any better than that, right?
I expected a lot of smut and the story did deliver but I got so much more!!
Kieran loves sex…. Casual sex, threesomes that’s what he does.. His plan was to help Alex “on his way” and then go their separate ways. Because Kieran does not do relationships!!
My gawd, the sex scenes were sizzling…
I loved Kieran. He was so sweet and patient with Alex. What Kieran didn’t expect to develop serious feelings for Alex.
What I liked very much in this story is that we get to know what is going on in Kieran’s head.. You could feel him falling for Alex even though he didn’t figure this out until the end.
I should definitely recommend this book…
May 31, 2018
Kieran gets his own love story in this one and it a real delight.
The virgin and the manwhore is an absolutely perfect description of these two men who fall in love not only without really realising it, but also because it accurately highlights the wonderful trope used in this opposites attract romance.
Kieran is, of course, the roommate who helped Ethan and Rhett realise they still loved each other and who ended up with Seb for a short while. He's unashamedly honest about how much he loves sex and avoids relationships so this book took great delight in having him fall for the inexperienced Alex.
I loved this pair, as they clumsily found themselves slipping into a monogamous relationship without even realising while the world around them watched them fall in love.
This book's hot, with lots of first times for everything and Alex proves to be an adept pupil. It also has a wonderful epilogue and lots of appearances from the rest of the series' cast.
#ARC kindly provided by the author in return for an honest and unbiased}
The virgin and the manwhore is an absolutely perfect description of these two men who fall in love not only without really realising it, but also because it accurately highlights the wonderful trope used in this opposites attract romance.
Kieran is, of course, the roommate who helped Ethan and Rhett realise they still loved each other and who ended up with Seb for a short while. He's unashamedly honest about how much he loves sex and avoids relationships so this book took great delight in having him fall for the inexperienced Alex.
I loved this pair, as they clumsily found themselves slipping into a monogamous relationship without even realising while the world around them watched them fall in love.
This book's hot, with lots of first times for everything and Alex proves to be an adept pupil. It also has a wonderful epilogue and lots of appearances from the rest of the series' cast.
#ARC kindly provided by the author in return for an honest and unbiased}
January 24, 2015
This book is smexy as all get out ... I love the slut/virgin trope & I think this book is the best one I've read so far ... I have bought the first book in the series but have been unable to read it so far because I don't like seeing Rhett & Ethan unhappy (pathetic I know!) ... If you are looking for smexy smex with a cute story to prevent it from degenerating into porn, this is the book for you.
November 13, 2011
This review was originally published on my blog Joyfully Jay
The Closer You Get picks up about two years after the end of The Distance Between Us. Kieran Frost is still living in Seattle, working as a bartender, engaging in regular threesomes with friends Ethan and Rhett, and generally enjoying life as a self-described manwhore. When Rhett's daughter Sabrina asks Kieran to meet her friend Alex Corbin who is just learning his way around being an out gay man, Kieran agrees. He figures it will be a good chance to show the guy some fun, help him adapt to his new lifestyle, and maybe get to enjoy some hot times with the gorgeous Alex.
Kieran is shocked to find out that not only is Alex newly out, he is completely inexperienced, having never even kissed anyone, man or woman. Although Kieran is wary of starting up anything with a virgin, he agrees to help him rather than leave Alex at the mercy of men who may not be kind or considerate as he adjusts to sex and an open lifestyle. Both men agree that this arrangement is just sexual, and that they are not entering any kind of relationship. Kieran is sure that once Alex is comfortable, that will be the end of things. Yet he never anticipates that they might fall in love.
Ok, first let me say that I love, LOVE a virgin hero story. One of my all time favorite romance tropes. And when combined with a good-hearted manwhore? Yes, please! <> I love seeing the wonder of the virgin partner as he experiences everything for the first time, combined with the way the experienced partner is able to appreciate sex and intimacy in a way that he hasn't in a long time. Witt does a wonderful job showcasing that in this story, as Kieran slowly introduces Alex to a whole host of pleasures, each man so excited and overwhelmed by what they are doing. I think Witt is a master at writing scenes with building sexual anticipation and we see that in this book so many times as each man struggles with wanting more, but also knowing they need to take things slowly. I appreciated the way Alex wasn't ready to jump into sex the first minute; it felt much more realistic to me than stories where the virgin goes from zero to dirty deed without batting an eye. And even with the more realistic pacing, the sex is still off-the-charts hot and intense.
One of Kieran's struggles throughout the book is his fear of falling in love and being hurt. He lived through Ethan and Rhett's temporary breakup and watched his parent's marriage fall apart due to his father's cheating, as well as experiencing his own heartbreak in a past relationship. Although he has no problem with commitment, he worries about the pain of an inevitable break up and is afraid to enter an emotional relationship with anyone, including Alex. Early on Kieran attends his father's marriage to a new woman, emphasizing his bitterness over the cheating and reinforcing his feelings about failed relationships. While I see the importance of the wedding in explaining Kieran's relationship fears, I did feel like this part took up a bit more of the story than I would have liked.
I loved the chance to see Rhett and Ethan again. They provide a great sounding board for Kieran as he works through his developing relationship and feelings for Alex. I actually read these stories back to back and I could appreciate the many small details of continuity that worked so well connecting the books together. While you could read The Closer You Get as a stand alone, I think it is much richer if you have the background on Kieran that comes from the first story since he plays an very significant role in that book (and Rhett and Ethan are featured quite a bit in this one).
I was so happy to see Kieran get his own story after reading The Distance Between Us. We know he is a good guy from Distance, but this story shows how sensitive and caring he is as he takes the time to really make Alex feel comfortable, always putting the other man's needs before his own. And Alex is so sweet and shy as he takes his first steps into being an out gay man after living his life in an ultra-conservative small town. He is nervous but committed to finally experiencing life and learning more about himself after living so long under other people's expectations. I loved watching him gain confidence and take the first steps to really finding himself.
I thought this was a great story - hot, sweet, romantic, sexy. Loved the combination of the shy virgin with the good-hearted manwhore. Definitely a recommended read.
The Closer You Get picks up about two years after the end of The Distance Between Us. Kieran Frost is still living in Seattle, working as a bartender, engaging in regular threesomes with friends Ethan and Rhett, and generally enjoying life as a self-described manwhore. When Rhett's daughter Sabrina asks Kieran to meet her friend Alex Corbin who is just learning his way around being an out gay man, Kieran agrees. He figures it will be a good chance to show the guy some fun, help him adapt to his new lifestyle, and maybe get to enjoy some hot times with the gorgeous Alex.
Kieran is shocked to find out that not only is Alex newly out, he is completely inexperienced, having never even kissed anyone, man or woman. Although Kieran is wary of starting up anything with a virgin, he agrees to help him rather than leave Alex at the mercy of men who may not be kind or considerate as he adjusts to sex and an open lifestyle. Both men agree that this arrangement is just sexual, and that they are not entering any kind of relationship. Kieran is sure that once Alex is comfortable, that will be the end of things. Yet he never anticipates that they might fall in love.
Ok, first let me say that I love, LOVE a virgin hero story. One of my all time favorite romance tropes. And when combined with a good-hearted manwhore? Yes, please! <> I love seeing the wonder of the virgin partner as he experiences everything for the first time, combined with the way the experienced partner is able to appreciate sex and intimacy in a way that he hasn't in a long time. Witt does a wonderful job showcasing that in this story, as Kieran slowly introduces Alex to a whole host of pleasures, each man so excited and overwhelmed by what they are doing. I think Witt is a master at writing scenes with building sexual anticipation and we see that in this book so many times as each man struggles with wanting more, but also knowing they need to take things slowly. I appreciated the way Alex wasn't ready to jump into sex the first minute; it felt much more realistic to me than stories where the virgin goes from zero to dirty deed without batting an eye. And even with the more realistic pacing, the sex is still off-the-charts hot and intense.
One of Kieran's struggles throughout the book is his fear of falling in love and being hurt. He lived through Ethan and Rhett's temporary breakup and watched his parent's marriage fall apart due to his father's cheating, as well as experiencing his own heartbreak in a past relationship. Although he has no problem with commitment, he worries about the pain of an inevitable break up and is afraid to enter an emotional relationship with anyone, including Alex. Early on Kieran attends his father's marriage to a new woman, emphasizing his bitterness over the cheating and reinforcing his feelings about failed relationships. While I see the importance of the wedding in explaining Kieran's relationship fears, I did feel like this part took up a bit more of the story than I would have liked.
I loved the chance to see Rhett and Ethan again. They provide a great sounding board for Kieran as he works through his developing relationship and feelings for Alex. I actually read these stories back to back and I could appreciate the many small details of continuity that worked so well connecting the books together. While you could read The Closer You Get as a stand alone, I think it is much richer if you have the background on Kieran that comes from the first story since he plays an very significant role in that book (and Rhett and Ethan are featured quite a bit in this one).
I was so happy to see Kieran get his own story after reading The Distance Between Us. We know he is a good guy from Distance, but this story shows how sensitive and caring he is as he takes the time to really make Alex feel comfortable, always putting the other man's needs before his own. And Alex is so sweet and shy as he takes his first steps into being an out gay man after living his life in an ultra-conservative small town. He is nervous but committed to finally experiencing life and learning more about himself after living so long under other people's expectations. I loved watching him gain confidence and take the first steps to really finding himself.
I thought this was a great story - hot, sweet, romantic, sexy. Loved the combination of the shy virgin with the good-hearted manwhore. Definitely a recommended read.
July 5, 2018
4.5 Stars
Kieran is a self proclaimed manwhore, who sleeps with whoever he wants, whenever he wants, so when he is asked by his friend’s daughter to show one of her gay college friends, who is rather shy, the gay scene, he’s not too happy, but he agrees to anyway.
Alex is painfully shy and inexperienced, in fact, he’s not just inexperienced, but a virgin who has never even been kissed, something that Kieran changes pretty quickly.
As reluctant as Kieran is in the beginning, he and Alex actually hit it off right away and what starts out as Kieran just helping to “educate” Alex, eventually turns into a full-fledged relationship, much to the dismay of Kieran, who never intended or wanted that to happen. Will he decide to give love a chance or will he run as far as he can, as fast as he can?
I really loved this book. It’s been on my TBR list forever, and I’m glad I finally got the chance to sit down and read it. I loved Kieran, but he also frustrated me and I wanted to shake him at times. I just said this in a recent review, so I’ll reiterate it here. I can’t stand when characters use the destruction of their parents’ or another family members' relationship as a basis for not giving love a try. Hell, something like at least half of marriages end in divorce, so if every young person who is a child of divorce decided not to give commitment or love a chance, well, marriage would slowly become extinct. We may very well make the same mistakes as our parents, but I still think everyone should give love a chance, at least once. Okay, rant over.
Together Kieran and Alex sizzled and I loved watching Kieran help Alex explore and get to know his body and what felt good. It was sexy and passionate and they had amazing chemistry. But what I really loved was watching them get to know each other and fall in love.
The story is well-written and it flowed well, and although it’s part of a series, it works just fine as a standalone. This was a sweet, hot and sexy read that was really enjoyable and definitely recommendable!
* Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. *
Kieran is a self proclaimed manwhore, who sleeps with whoever he wants, whenever he wants, so when he is asked by his friend’s daughter to show one of her gay college friends, who is rather shy, the gay scene, he’s not too happy, but he agrees to anyway.
Alex is painfully shy and inexperienced, in fact, he’s not just inexperienced, but a virgin who has never even been kissed, something that Kieran changes pretty quickly.
As reluctant as Kieran is in the beginning, he and Alex actually hit it off right away and what starts out as Kieran just helping to “educate” Alex, eventually turns into a full-fledged relationship, much to the dismay of Kieran, who never intended or wanted that to happen. Will he decide to give love a chance or will he run as far as he can, as fast as he can?
I really loved this book. It’s been on my TBR list forever, and I’m glad I finally got the chance to sit down and read it. I loved Kieran, but he also frustrated me and I wanted to shake him at times. I just said this in a recent review, so I’ll reiterate it here. I can’t stand when characters use the destruction of their parents’ or another family members' relationship as a basis for not giving love a try. Hell, something like at least half of marriages end in divorce, so if every young person who is a child of divorce decided not to give commitment or love a chance, well, marriage would slowly become extinct. We may very well make the same mistakes as our parents, but I still think everyone should give love a chance, at least once. Okay, rant over.
Together Kieran and Alex sizzled and I loved watching Kieran help Alex explore and get to know his body and what felt good. It was sexy and passionate and they had amazing chemistry. But what I really loved was watching them get to know each other and fall in love.
The story is well-written and it flowed well, and although it’s part of a series, it works just fine as a standalone. This was a sweet, hot and sexy read that was really enjoyable and definitely recommendable!
* Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. *
October 24, 2012
Good idea but not well done.
STORY BRIEF:
Kieran is 27, a promiscuous gay guy. Alex is 21, grew up in a small town in Montana where he had to hide his sexuality from everyone including his parents. He has never touched or kissed another guy. He heard there was a large gay community in Seattle so he moved there for college. He wants to lose his virginity.
OPINION:
I loved the underlying ideas and how they fell in love. But the storytelling was not as entertaining as it could have been. It’s done in first person which did not work well. The narrator’s point of view wasn’t special enough for a good story. It would have been better adding Alex’s point of view.
Too much time was spent analyzing things and being educational. I was tired of Kieran saying is this too much? Is this too fast? Alex would say maybe go a little slower. Kieran would repeatedly tell Alex to say stop if it’s too much. Everything they did was talked about at length. Alex was timid, shy, and cautious about doing anything physical. A few times passionate kisses were hot, but other times I was uncomfortable. Sex included rear door activity.
Like most romances, after the couple gets together there is a separation crisis. The reason for the separation was stupid. It’s over used in romance. It did not fit. I would rather have no separation than to have that one. You don’t have to have a separation to have a good story. There are other conflicts and subjects one can write about for couples.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Kindle count story length: 4,085 (407 KB). Swearing language: strong, including religious words. Sexual language: moderate to strong. Number of sex scenes: about 12. Setting: current day mostly Seattle, Washington, with a little California and British Columbia. Copyright: 2011. Genre: gay male contemporary romance.
STORY BRIEF:
Kieran is 27, a promiscuous gay guy. Alex is 21, grew up in a small town in Montana where he had to hide his sexuality from everyone including his parents. He has never touched or kissed another guy. He heard there was a large gay community in Seattle so he moved there for college. He wants to lose his virginity.
OPINION:
I loved the underlying ideas and how they fell in love. But the storytelling was not as entertaining as it could have been. It’s done in first person which did not work well. The narrator’s point of view wasn’t special enough for a good story. It would have been better adding Alex’s point of view.
Too much time was spent analyzing things and being educational. I was tired of Kieran saying is this too much? Is this too fast? Alex would say maybe go a little slower. Kieran would repeatedly tell Alex to say stop if it’s too much. Everything they did was talked about at length. Alex was timid, shy, and cautious about doing anything physical. A few times passionate kisses were hot, but other times I was uncomfortable. Sex included rear door activity.
Like most romances, after the couple gets together there is a separation crisis. The reason for the separation was stupid. It’s over used in romance. It did not fit. I would rather have no separation than to have that one. You don’t have to have a separation to have a good story. There are other conflicts and subjects one can write about for couples.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Kindle count story length: 4,085 (407 KB). Swearing language: strong, including religious words. Sexual language: moderate to strong. Number of sex scenes: about 12. Setting: current day mostly Seattle, Washington, with a little California and British Columbia. Copyright: 2011. Genre: gay male contemporary romance.
November 22, 2011
It's more 4.5, but GR won't let me give it...
Very sweet, almost conflict-free story (there is some inner conflict, but it's resolved very quickly). I like Kieran and his unapologetic promiscuous ways, especially since he was not blind to or unaffected by some bad experiences. He enjoys sex and he isn't sorry about that. I liked how gentle he was to Alex and how he slowly falls in love without noticing it. Alex was a sweetheart, his naiveté was endearing, but he wasn't childish and he had amazing strength beneath the unexperienced exterior. The sex was both gentle and super hot.The scene when Kieran takes him to the sex shop was very funny. I also liked the secondary characters - Ethan (tequila!) and Rhett (I might just read their story now), Sabrina and Dale (perhaps he's going to get his own book).
Overall, this was enjoyable, quick, light and heartwarming read. Highly recommended.
Very sweet, almost conflict-free story (there is some inner conflict, but it's resolved very quickly). I like Kieran and his unapologetic promiscuous ways, especially since he was not blind to or unaffected by some bad experiences. He enjoys sex and he isn't sorry about that. I liked how gentle he was to Alex and how he slowly falls in love without noticing it. Alex was a sweetheart, his naiveté was endearing, but he wasn't childish and he had amazing strength beneath the unexperienced exterior. The sex was both gentle and super hot.The scene when Kieran takes him to the sex shop was very funny. I also liked the secondary characters - Ethan (tequila!) and Rhett (I might just read their story now), Sabrina and Dale (perhaps he's going to get his own book).
Overall, this was enjoyable, quick, light and heartwarming read. Highly recommended.
December 10, 2015
Actual Rating: 2.75 Stars
April 3, 2017
3.5 stars
This was enjoyable. I think the fact that I can't think of much to say says why I took off half a star - because Alex and Kieran were cute (and hot) but this was very fast paced and there wasn't too much plot to it except the romance (not a bad thing, just that it felt almost like a 'porn with feelings' type story and less like a story story). I did love that LA Witt included many scenes of these two talking and getting to know each other - i love seeing the falling in love process more than just having it told to me.
Definitely enjoyable, pretty quick read (the only reason it took me more than day was because of RL shit happening). Nothing spectacular but still a cute, fun read :)
This was enjoyable. I think the fact that I can't think of much to say says why I took off half a star - because Alex and Kieran were cute (and hot) but this was very fast paced and there wasn't too much plot to it except the romance (not a bad thing, just that it felt almost like a 'porn with feelings' type story and less like a story story). I did love that LA Witt included many scenes of these two talking and getting to know each other - i love seeing the falling in love process more than just having it told to me.
Definitely enjoyable, pretty quick read (the only reason it took me more than day was because of RL shit happening). Nothing spectacular but still a cute, fun read :)
April 12, 2019
Still in love...
December 27, 2011
More of my reviews and ramblings at PANTS OFF REVIEWS
I will start by saying that Kiernan was not a fave character of mine. Nothing to do with him being a self-proclaimed slut, and in a somewhat relationship with Rhett&Ethan (read first book). My dislike came from, he got terribly upset when he figured out he was being used by both men (no shit Sherlock). I just couldn’t wrap my mind around how he thought it was all about him when it came to the relationship he shared with both men. Moving on, because this review is not about the first book. I am not the type to read books in a series back-to-back, but I felt the urge to this time. I can say folks I am not disappointed.
So Kiernan ‘the slut’ is a nice guy, he makes no apologies about who is and what he likes to do. He doesn’t do relationships but he can handle the casual hook-up. He lives a life of sex and fun, and it’s not necessarily a bad thing. He still does the ménage thing with both Rhett and Ethan and it seems to be on solid ground. You can tell that all three men are friends. When Sabrina the daughter of Rhett asks Kiernan for a favour, he blows off a night of hot sex with her father to be guide to a recently out gay kid. The upside is that Alex is gorgeous, and Kiernan is expecting his hot night of sex.
Well Alex comes with a few surprises. His complete lack of sexual experience, and his shy and sweet personality. Definitely not what Kiernan is use to but he is willing to give it a try. Kiernan fears he might be the wrong person to explore things with Alex, never wanting to be the person who introduces anyone to sex. Both men set the rule that it’s all about sex, and nothing more will ever come of it. Kiernan fears that no one else will take the time to make it good for Alex, and he knows personally what its like to go into something and being hurt. He becomes teacher to a shy boy with the gorgeous eyes and a mouth made for cocksucking (yep I just wrote that).
What unfolds is pure awesmazingness. I am a fan of Kiernan’s honesty, he makes no apologies for who he is and doesn’t try to be someone he’s not. Alex gets the genuine Kiernan. Alex is so believable in his innocence and shyness, yet so very eager to learn. He’s a lost boy on the road to self-discovery and he found the right man to help him along. I loved finding out about Kiernan and why he doesn’t trust relationships, I would have felt the same if I were him. The sex was written wonderfully with the right amount of pacing and when it happened ‘it happened’.
I am happy with this offering by L.A, she wrote a beautiful story about a slut and his virgin. How finding the right person to love can change your outlook on many things. I am glad Kiernan got his story cus I would have disliked him to the end. He is everything you never get to see in the first book. He is sweet, caring, and offers so much more than ‘I am a great lay’. I loved him and Alex together they deserve their happiness and so much more. I recommend this read, it will cause a pants losing and leave candy cane feelings in your heart.
January 25, 2025
Kieran has been in Seattle now for two years. He still lives down the street from his friends and occasional lovers, Rhett and Ethan, and he still works as a bartender at the sexy downtown gay club. Kieran is a self-proclaimed licentious slut…a man whore of the highest order and he's okay with who he is; he's not proud of his behavior but he isn't ashamed of it, either. It's who he is. I love that attitude! Rhett's daughter introduces him to Alex who moved from a very small town in Montana and is unabashedly a virgin in all ways - never dated, never kissed at all. I was already crazy about Kieran from the prior story - I adore that he knows who he is and goes with it, that he tries really hard never to hurt anyone, that he's very in tune with all parties being amenable and agreeable to any sexual involvement and that he's happy with where he is in life. Alex I wanted to wrap in cotton and protect him from everything. I can't imagine spending my life completely hiding and denying my true self to the point where I no longer know who I am. At the same time, though, I suspected that Alex had an inner core of strength he was going to need before everything was said and done.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews
November 12, 2012
This is a sweet and hot story with a simple but satisfying arc. Kieran is a man who has decided that long-term relationships are a gamble that nobody wins, so he is into superficial sex with friends and strangers and thinks it's going well. Then he meets Alex, a young man who has left a stifling closeted small-town life for the big city, college and finding out who he is. Alex is a complete virgin, hasn't even been kissed. He's so not the easy fuck-buddy type that Kieran is looking for. But Kieran's first times were not stellar, and he doesn't want sweet, gorgeous Alex to have someone take advantage of his lack of experience and get hurt. Kieran figures the least he can do is get Alex started right. And in trying to help Alex have the best possible introduction to gay identity and gay sex, Kieran finds himself becoming a little obsessed. Just because Alex is so hot, of course...
This was well written and easily held my attention for a fast, smooth read. I was very taken by Kieran and how he tried so hard to do everything right while refusing to admit to himself that he cared for Alex in any way beyond sex. In fact, I think this will probably be a comfort reread for me.
This was well written and easily held my attention for a fast, smooth read. I was very taken by Kieran and how he tried so hard to do everything right while refusing to admit to himself that he cared for Alex in any way beyond sex. In fact, I think this will probably be a comfort reread for me.
January 5, 2013
This is a sort of a follow up to The Distance Between Us. It is actually the story of Kieran one of the side characters in the previous book.
In this book we find Kieran still a bartender in Seattle and still "playing the field." He is still involved in a purely sexual relationship with his close friends Rhett and Ethan. However, even though we are teased at the beginning of the book, all of their interactions in this book are friendly and platonic.
Basically the story is: Kieran the manwhore meets Alex the 21 yr old shy virgin. The hit it off initially and Alex wants Kieran to introduce him to sex with the agreement that that it is all there is and will be. You do the math about what happens in the end.
This is a super easy, sort of comfort book to read. It was also just what I needed to read after reading two books back to back that dealt with child abuse. There is not a lot (if any) angst in this book. Most of the conflict came from Kieran being a bit of a commitment-phobe and that was it.
In this book we find Kieran still a bartender in Seattle and still "playing the field." He is still involved in a purely sexual relationship with his close friends Rhett and Ethan. However, even though we are teased at the beginning of the book, all of their interactions in this book are friendly and platonic.
Basically the story is: Kieran the manwhore meets Alex the 21 yr old shy virgin. The hit it off initially and Alex wants Kieran to introduce him to sex with the agreement that that it is all there is and will be. You do the math about what happens in the end.
This is a super easy, sort of comfort book to read. It was also just what I needed to read after reading two books back to back that dealt with child abuse. There is not a lot (if any) angst in this book. Most of the conflict came from Kieran being a bit of a commitment-phobe and that was it.
June 1, 2013
3.75
Great sequel to The Distance Between Us!
I loved the characters: Kieran (the name itself is so awesome: Kieran Frost... I don't know why, but that sounds veeery hot to me ;-D) and Alex are fantastic! They're very different (Alex is very inexperienced, a bit naive, but still emotionally rather mature, while Kieran is the exact opposite - experienced, slightly jaded, and trying to keep his emotions out of every relationship equation), but together they're just scorching hot and so very genuinely caring. They both have a lot to learn and much to teach each other in turn - and although Kieran takes his time with learning his lesson, there's very little angst involved.
I also loved the fact that Rhett and Ethan are revisited here! These guys are just awesome!
Like in the first installment, there was a little too much sex and too little events that didn't include, lead up to or feature something sexy in some way - but if you don't mind that, then that's the perfect read for you!
Great sequel to The Distance Between Us!
I loved the characters: Kieran (the name itself is so awesome: Kieran Frost... I don't know why, but that sounds veeery hot to me ;-D) and Alex are fantastic! They're very different (Alex is very inexperienced, a bit naive, but still emotionally rather mature, while Kieran is the exact opposite - experienced, slightly jaded, and trying to keep his emotions out of every relationship equation), but together they're just scorching hot and so very genuinely caring. They both have a lot to learn and much to teach each other in turn - and although Kieran takes his time with learning his lesson, there's very little angst involved.
I also loved the fact that Rhett and Ethan are revisited here! These guys are just awesome!
Like in the first installment, there was a little too much sex and too little events that didn't include, lead up to or feature something sexy in some way - but if you don't mind that, then that's the perfect read for you!
June 6, 2012
I remember loving Kieran in book 1, but holy cow is he great in this book. He lives his life the way he wants and doesn't make excuses for it, though there are reasons for his anti-relationship stance. And, while he happily considers himself a slutty manwhore, he does not believe in cheating or getting involved (having sex) with anyone else who is cheating.
I absolutely loved how he took the reins and guided Alex on his sexual journey. Alex was like the King of All Virgins, having never been touched or kissed or even seen another guy naked. Kieran consistently puts aside his own needs to help Alex discover the wonders of sex. He is funny, sensitive and caring, and watching him holding himself in check was super sexy.
I would not have minded if more attention was paid to the family issues these two had to deal with, but overall, this was a very enjoyable, sweet, sexy read. Alex is a total sweetheart, and I am still a huge Kieran fan.
I absolutely loved how he took the reins and guided Alex on his sexual journey. Alex was like the King of All Virgins, having never been touched or kissed or even seen another guy naked. Kieran consistently puts aside his own needs to help Alex discover the wonders of sex. He is funny, sensitive and caring, and watching him holding himself in check was super sexy.
I would not have minded if more attention was paid to the family issues these two had to deal with, but overall, this was a very enjoyable, sweet, sexy read. Alex is a total sweetheart, and I am still a huge Kieran fan.
March 19, 2022
Reread March 2022 DNF 73%
Hmmm. This book is more than a decade old and a lot of the gloss has worn off of it, for me at least. Sometimes you just can’t go back.
Reread March 2016 dropped to 4 star
I love a MMM but I hated The Distance Between Us. I couldn't finish it because I hated the sneaky partner swapping, revenge jealousy sex between Rhett, Ethan and Kieren and even though it ends kind of happy as a couple plus a f**k buddy arrangement it just wasn't my thing. This book however was.
I love Kieren here. Unashamedly a manwhore who avoids relationships. I adored how he became enamoured with the shy virgin Alex and unknowingly fell in love. This ended with a pretty sweet epilogue too.
Hmmm. This book is more than a decade old and a lot of the gloss has worn off of it, for me at least. Sometimes you just can’t go back.
Reread March 2016 dropped to 4 star
I love a MMM but I hated The Distance Between Us. I couldn't finish it because I hated the sneaky partner swapping, revenge jealousy sex between Rhett, Ethan and Kieren and even though it ends kind of happy as a couple plus a f**k buddy arrangement it just wasn't my thing. This book however was.
I love Kieren here. Unashamedly a manwhore who avoids relationships. I adored how he became enamoured with the shy virgin Alex and unknowingly fell in love. This ended with a pretty sweet epilogue too.
December 23, 2011
It's a perfectly good book, just not quite enough plot for me. The whole book is Keiran and Alex working up to having sex, then Keiran and Alex having sex. The characters are great, the emotions are delicate and lovely, it's believable, the secondary characters are good (except perhaps for the girl who sets them up, who seems like a Deus ex Machina at the end). It's just that there's too much sex and not enough tension/drama/angst. I don't think I've ever complained about too much sex before. Maybe if it was BDSM I wouldn't have a problem: all the Deviations series consists of is two guys working up to having sex and flogging, then two guys having sex and flogging, and then three guys having sex and flogging :-) and I definitely don't have a problem with those books. So it's too much vanilla sex, not enough tension/drama/angst.
February 23, 2017
Read 8//2013
Re-read 3/05/2014, 7/31/2015
Reread 9/9/2016 I adore Kieran.
Reread 2/22/2017
Re-read 3/05/2014, 7/31/2015
Reread 9/9/2016 I adore Kieran.
Reread 2/22/2017
July 10, 2013
When I finished the first book in this series The Distance Between Us, I was left feeling slightly disappointed because I wanted to see Kieran get his happy ever after. Obviously this was a common feeling amongst readers according to the author dedication: "To everyone who said Kieran deserved his own story: I agree. This one's for you." Thank you L.A. Witt!
I didn't fully understand Kieran's actions in The Distance Between us and exactly what he was getting out of the relationship with Rhett and Ethan. It was good to get insight into Kieran and greater understanding of his feelings about the relationship. I was reassured to find out that he didn't feel used!
The premise of this story is fairly simple - Kieran, self-declared slut "Some people said that made me a slut. Hey, if the shoe fits... finally meets the man who breaks down his barriers, the man worth risking a relationship. Alex is a virgin in every sense of the word - he hasn't kissed a girl or a boy and really has led a very sheltered existence.
"The manwhore and the virgin. Wow, this is crazy."
Told from Kieran's point of view, we see how Kieran educates Alex, taking him under his wing. I could appreciate how slowly Kieran moved, how considerate he was for Alex's feelings, not wanting to rush him and wanting to make sure all his experiences were good ones. It was so obvious that Kieran had developed deep feelings for Alex, even if he couldn't acknowledge it himself.
Some of Alex's 'education' was quite amusing as Kieran explains the workings of dating and sex, taking him to sex shops and experimenting together. "I guess I always thought...um...toys were more for women." "Depending on who you ask, the same could be said for c**ks," I said. "but as far as I'm concerned, what's good for the goose...". At other times it was just sweet and gentle.
The shift from sex to love is gradual. Kieran needs to address his fear of long-term relationships and the hurt that can be caused. He is also mindful that Alex hasn't had a chance to experience more of the world, to date other people but luckily Alex is wiser "Maybe that's why fate made me wait so long. So my first could be my only."
There is definitely an extra star given for the totally romantic epilogue!
I now publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
I didn't fully understand Kieran's actions in The Distance Between us and exactly what he was getting out of the relationship with Rhett and Ethan. It was good to get insight into Kieran and greater understanding of his feelings about the relationship. I was reassured to find out that he didn't feel used!
The premise of this story is fairly simple - Kieran, self-declared slut "Some people said that made me a slut. Hey, if the shoe fits... finally meets the man who breaks down his barriers, the man worth risking a relationship. Alex is a virgin in every sense of the word - he hasn't kissed a girl or a boy and really has led a very sheltered existence.
"The manwhore and the virgin. Wow, this is crazy."
Told from Kieran's point of view, we see how Kieran educates Alex, taking him under his wing. I could appreciate how slowly Kieran moved, how considerate he was for Alex's feelings, not wanting to rush him and wanting to make sure all his experiences were good ones. It was so obvious that Kieran had developed deep feelings for Alex, even if he couldn't acknowledge it himself.
Some of Alex's 'education' was quite amusing as Kieran explains the workings of dating and sex, taking him to sex shops and experimenting together. "I guess I always thought...um...toys were more for women." "Depending on who you ask, the same could be said for c**ks," I said. "but as far as I'm concerned, what's good for the goose...". At other times it was just sweet and gentle.
The shift from sex to love is gradual. Kieran needs to address his fear of long-term relationships and the hurt that can be caused. He is also mindful that Alex hasn't had a chance to experience more of the world, to date other people but luckily Alex is wiser "Maybe that's why fate made me wait so long. So my first could be my only."
There is definitely an extra star given for the totally romantic epilogue!
I now publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
December 3, 2011
I confess I have not read the first story in this series, but you really don't need to in order to enjoy this one. Enough of the history from that first book is explained to make it clear. Kieran is immediately intrigued with Alex, although he's stunned the guy is a total virgin at the age of 21. Usually Kieran stays away from virgins but he likes Alex and fears that he'll hook up with someone who could hurt him, so he decides to help "educate" him about being gay in Seattle.
There is lots of fun stuff like a trip to the sex toy store and bars. Although I did wonder that Alex claimed to have never watched porn. Yes, when he lived at home he didn't want anyone to find out, but he's been in Seattle for a year and it's not like internet porn isn't rampant and free. However, putting that aside, I have to say that the build-up to sex is "whoa hot" in this. Wow, the first kiss is smoking and you just want to see more. Although you never get into Alex's head, it is rather fun to hear Kieran who's a bit like an eager puppy but trying to keep it cool and not freak out Alex.
There is a whole sub-story of Kieran's father's wedding and dealing with his mother who has not gotten over the divorce and Kieran's disgust with his father's cheating, which explains in part his refusal to have a "relationship". There was the separation thing, but it was short-lived so didn't annoy me as it wasn't dragged out. All in all, if you are in the mood for a super-steamy story it's a great choice.
I will likely go back and read the first one, I know some people had issues and it's not on some moral grounds I've not read it, I just never did and this one grabbed my attention. I think fans of the first book will also enjoy the epilogue for this one greatly.
There is lots of fun stuff like a trip to the sex toy store and bars. Although I did wonder that Alex claimed to have never watched porn. Yes, when he lived at home he didn't want anyone to find out, but he's been in Seattle for a year and it's not like internet porn isn't rampant and free. However, putting that aside, I have to say that the build-up to sex is "whoa hot" in this. Wow, the first kiss is smoking and you just want to see more. Although you never get into Alex's head, it is rather fun to hear Kieran who's a bit like an eager puppy but trying to keep it cool and not freak out Alex.
There is a whole sub-story of Kieran's father's wedding and dealing with his mother who has not gotten over the divorce and Kieran's disgust with his father's cheating, which explains in part his refusal to have a "relationship". There was the separation thing, but it was short-lived so didn't annoy me as it wasn't dragged out. All in all, if you are in the mood for a super-steamy story it's a great choice.
I will likely go back and read the first one, I know some people had issues and it's not on some moral grounds I've not read it, I just never did and this one grabbed my attention. I think fans of the first book will also enjoy the epilogue for this one greatly.
January 13, 2012
I liked this book, I thought it was a great second part to The Distance Between Us.I felt so sorry for Kieran in the first book and I'm really glad he got what he rightly deserved.I know there are some who didn't like Kieran in the first book because of his involvement with Rhett and Ethan but if it wasn't for him they wouldn't have gotten back together I liked him and this next book didn't change my mind at all.
Alex was sweet and at first I thought maybe Kieran was a bit too much for him but that wasn't the case it actually ends up being Alex was too much for Kieran.I wish there was more of this story and these four guys, it ended way to fast!!!
Alex was sweet and at first I thought maybe Kieran was a bit too much for him but that wasn't the case it actually ends up being Alex was too much for Kieran.I wish there was more of this story and these four guys, it ended way to fast!!!
January 15, 2012
3.5 - I have had a good stretch of books this week where there MCs do not go through too much angst and it makes me happy! The Closer You Get falls into that category. Kieran, a self professed slut meets Alex a true to the bones virgin (never been kissed by ANYONE) and we get treated to a look through the window as Alex gets his sexual education and they stroll down the street towards an actual monogamous relationship. Poor Kieran, has a rough go as he realizes he is in love, but he is able to get past it and finds the risk worth it in the end.
December 13, 2013
Kieran Kieran Kieran..... damn this fella is amazing!
I enjoyed this story much more than the first (even tho they both have 4 Stars..) maybe it had something to do with the virgin. For having a virgin as a MC this story was unbelievably HOTT! Kieran was definitely the best choice of person to 'teach' Alex the ropes of being gay. This book (like the first) is basically just a 'fun' story....not crazy over the top plot lines and big revelations (well...maybe a couple). It should be enjoyed for what it is.
With only 1 book left in the series...I will be finishing it!
I enjoyed this story much more than the first (even tho they both have 4 Stars..) maybe it had something to do with the virgin. For having a virgin as a MC this story was unbelievably HOTT! Kieran was definitely the best choice of person to 'teach' Alex the ropes of being gay. This book (like the first) is basically just a 'fun' story....not crazy over the top plot lines and big revelations (well...maybe a couple). It should be enjoyed for what it is.
With only 1 book left in the series...I will be finishing it!
August 8, 2015
Nice sexy and fluffy read. Didn't much care for that threesome with those guys from book 1, but thank god it was just mentioned and there weren't any details.
It did bother me a bit that the epilogue was also about the guys from book 1. I wanted more about just Kieran and Alex. I didn't give a crap about Rhett and Ethan to be honest. Other than that the storyline was pretty good and I enjoyed reading it. Alex was a bit to shy and virginal for my liking, but he made up for that quite fast.
3,5 stars from me
It did bother me a bit that the epilogue was also about the guys from book 1. I wanted more about just Kieran and Alex. I didn't give a crap about Rhett and Ethan to be honest. Other than that the storyline was pretty good and I enjoyed reading it. Alex was a bit to shy and virginal for my liking, but he made up for that quite fast.
3,5 stars from me
November 19, 2011
3.5 stars. Good m/m romance about an unrepentantly slutty bartender who befriends a virginal college student and helps him get rid of that pesky virginity, then panics when he realizes he's developed feelings for his friend. I struggled a bit with this one because I had been frustrated by the previous book,
The Distance Between Us
.
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