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Tucker Springs #3
Panni sporchi (Tucker Springs Vol. 3)
Il vero amore non sempre scorre dritto come un fiume limpido. Ma a volte sporcarsi è già metà del divertimento.
Adam Ellery, dottorando in entomologia, incontra Denver Rogers, una massa di muscoli sexy, il quale senza grande sforzo si sbarazza dei confratelli ubriachi che stanno dando fastidio ad Adam nella lavanderia automatica di Tucker Springs. I ringraziamenti si trasformano presto in flirt, e poi, per la gioia di Adam, in sesso rovente consumato sul tavolo della lavanderia.
Anche se il suo lavoro come buttafuori in un bar gay gli concede sempre ampia scelta tra svariati secchioni sexy, Denver non riesce a togliersi il ragazzo dalla mente. Adam sembra aver bisogno di giocare pesante, proprio come Denver, ed è difficile dire di no a un’accoppiata così perfetta.
Ma Adam non è solo timido: soffre di disturbo ossessivo-compulsivo e di ansia, problemi che hanno rovinato la sua precedente relazione. E sebbene Denver sia in grado di sollevare un mucchio di studentelli come fossero pesi liberi, ha alle spalle un passato di abusi e, inoltre, prova terrore all’idea di prendere il diploma. Né Denver né Adam hanno voglia di mettere in mostra i propri panni sporchi, ma per poter stare insieme dovranno vuotare il sacco.
Adam Ellery, dottorando in entomologia, incontra Denver Rogers, una massa di muscoli sexy, il quale senza grande sforzo si sbarazza dei confratelli ubriachi che stanno dando fastidio ad Adam nella lavanderia automatica di Tucker Springs. I ringraziamenti si trasformano presto in flirt, e poi, per la gioia di Adam, in sesso rovente consumato sul tavolo della lavanderia.
Anche se il suo lavoro come buttafuori in un bar gay gli concede sempre ampia scelta tra svariati secchioni sexy, Denver non riesce a togliersi il ragazzo dalla mente. Adam sembra aver bisogno di giocare pesante, proprio come Denver, ed è difficile dire di no a un’accoppiata così perfetta.
Ma Adam non è solo timido: soffre di disturbo ossessivo-compulsivo e di ansia, problemi che hanno rovinato la sua precedente relazione. E sebbene Denver sia in grado di sollevare un mucchio di studentelli come fossero pesi liberi, ha alle spalle un passato di abusi e, inoltre, prova terrore all’idea di prendere il diploma. Né Denver né Adam hanno voglia di mettere in mostra i propri panni sporchi, ma per poter stare insieme dovranno vuotare il sacco.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 28, 2013
91 people are currently reading
2415 people want to read
About the author
Heidi Cullinan
50 books2,876 followersAuthor of over thirty novels, Midwest-native Heidi Cullinan writes positive-outcome romances for LGBT characters struggling against insurmountable odds because they believe there’s no such thing as too much happy ever after. Heidi’s books have been recommended by Library Journal, USA Today, RT Magazine, and Publishers Weekly. When Heidi isn’t writing, they enjoy gaming, reading manga, manhua, and danmei, playing with cats, and watching too much anime.
Heidi goes by Jun when being spoken to in person or online, and Jun’s pronouns are they/them.
Heidi goes by Jun when being spoken to in person or online, and Jun’s pronouns are they/them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 568 reviews
April 3, 2019
I have no idea why I waited so long to read this one, since plenty of my friends have recommended it to me ages ago. Guess it's mostly a case of so many books and so little time. Still, it's not a good excuse since Heidi Cullinan did write one of my all-time favorites "Carry the Ocean". So shame on me !!
Now I am gonna admit that I am not a huge BDSM fan (I make some exceptions), but I am a fan of kinky, dirty sex and most especially...."dirty talk", and let me tell you, I got plenty in this one !!!
Yeah. You like me looking at you like this, don't you, all naked in the middle of nowhere, playing with your hole. Don't you.
I really liked Adam, and he was so cute. I could understand life being a struggle for him. My heart really broke for him a few times... It also really pissed me off !!
So meeting Denver is really such an awesome thing for Adam... Adam has some issues of his own to deal with but being with Adam is the best thing for him. They are so amazing for each other...oh and HOT...did I mention HOT yet ??
I am glad I finally took the plunge and read this one, it was very enjoyable....and very very HOT... 
I also want to mention I have read the revised and expanded edition, and since I didn't read the previous version yet... I have no idea what has been changed ;)
My reviews are posted on
January 27, 2013
Released 28th January 2013
OMG… Excellent! Impeccable writing yet again from Heidi Cullinan, with two characters I absolutely adored… both with damaged souls, yet they find a love so selfless it leaves your heart full of warmth and a happy glow all over! *5 Amazing Stars*
Adam and Denver are very different but both very complex characters and yet somehow they compliment each other perfectly, each dealing with their own issues the best way they know how, and the author takes us on a journey with them… delving deep to peel away at the layers of trauma and insecurities and we watch them evolve through understanding and grow through love. Is this a sweet romance? yes it is, but not with out it’s crosses to bear and rivers to cross! and OMG... Wow... this starts off hot and steamy, so get ready with the fan and mister cause it only gets more interesting as you go through the book - with some very kinky and inventive al fesco smexyness!
Adam Ellery is a walking text book on neurosis… if it exists he suffers from it, awake or asleep he lives in fear, his life is ruled by paranoia and obsessive compulsive disorder. and even on medication he is never without the oppressive cloak of anxiety. That is until one night at the local laundromat he is bullied and ridiculed by a bunch of frat boys, high on alcohol and nothing better to do with there time than mind fuck the nerdy faggot with glasses!
This time he is saved from humiliation by a giant of a cowboy who dismisses his tormentors with ease and confidence… cool as you like! This man he desires. This man who is a complete stranger, yet he gives himself to freely, loosing all inhibitions and anxiety with no fear and for the first time someone had taken control of it all and just let him feel!
We met Denver the giant of a cowboy in Second Hand, he is El’s best friend and doorman at Lights out the local gay bar, where Denver makes it his mission to fuck his way through all the twinks that come through the door, never giving them a second thought… and this man never seems to get enough! …Cue *fan* That is until he rescues the cute blond twink who practically throws himself at him and he ain’t saying no even in the middle of the laundromat! This boy… Adam the Entropologist intrigues him, yes, he has quirks and is different from the norm, which Denver puts down to being bullied or mistreated in someway… however, he has his own understandings of fears and abuse and with Adam he just wants to wrap him up in his arms and make it all better!
Adam has an ex boyfriend… Brad, with whom he shared a dorm, along with the rest of The Bug Boys as they were know. Only Brad enabled him, smothered him with smug kindness to the point of stifling… taking away what little confidence he had by constantly reminding him of his illness. Only Brad can’t seem to get it into his head that Adam doesn't want him any more… and yes he is a character I wanted to slap around a few times!!
Denver is the opposite he understands Adam, he doesn't see his quirks as strange and ridicule him and he doesn't see them as an illness. They are just the lovable and endearing qualities of a man he is totally smitten with… Adam is unable to comprehend this and his anxiety and frustrations render him incapable of articulating himself. So with Denver lacking in confidence, thinking himself a brainless muscle man who to Adam is a caring and loveable gentle giant that makes him forget! Phew… they stop! Finding the solution to all this through patience, trust, baring their souls and purging their hang ups… Oh! and lets Not forget the sex! Adam may have OCD and have phobias, but when it comes to sex… it becomes a cathartic experience, they all disappear and he becomes insatiable!
On the back of a good book like Second Hand and with this being the next in the series, you never quite know what to expect. But OMG… Heidi Cullinan, How could I ever doubt you, another one of your books I have read, being unable to put it down until the wee hours. The characters were alive and so well developed I was mirroring their emotions and together, they were just adorable even if a little kinky!… But hey! I do love my smut and it is so very well done too! …Cue *fan* and *mister* The characters disabilities were dealt with in a very touching and heartfelt way which was believable, I don't even begin to understand it all but I could see how all this could work and I loved how they dealt with it individually and together. We also met a new character Louisa, she is a trans but a hell cat if someone upsets her friend Adam, the other characters from the previous book don't play a large role in this one, however we do catch glimpses.
I highly recommend this book, I loved it and if you haven't read Second Hand yet, I would certainly give that a go first before you get to this one, and there are elements of BDSM in this book, but I would call it mild!
This ARC was kindly provided by Riptide Publishing through NetGalle...
...Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews
March 23, 2014
"You like dirty talk. I knew that from the laundry, but you really like it, don't you? You liked having your throat fucked, like having somebody come on your face, like being my late-night snack all sprawled on a table. You're a dirty boy, Adam." He licked the long length of Adam's thigh. "I really, really like dirty boys. I like to eat them right up."
::Swoon::
Yes, Heidi, yes. You know what I like and you love to give it to me. (---> Starts muttering obscenities inside my head to the not present Heidi Cullinan)
So this book worked for me. As someone without OCD and someone who isn't involved in the BDSM world, I can't attest for the factual nature of this book. However, was it that special brand of Heidi Cullinan; sugary sweet and scorchingly hot? Yes, yes it was. It was dirty talking, kinkaliciousness with lots of affectionate pet names thrown in.
Compared to the mental minefield of Disasterology 101, this book almost seems like OCD-lite, but I still think that the difficulties that Adam faced came across as really authentic. I love reading about people with physical or mental challenges so this book was right up my alley. Combine Denver and Adam's issues with some dirty talk and I'm sold, hook, line, and sinker.
The relationship with Adam and Denver evolved nicely though the course of the book. I liked the gradual progression of their relationship and the slow way they came to trust each other. I also enjoyed the side characters and what they brought to the story.
All in all a great, hot read by one of my favorite authors.
::Swoon::
Yes, Heidi, yes. You know what I like and you love to give it to me. (---> Starts muttering obscenities inside my head to the not present Heidi Cullinan)
So this book worked for me. As someone without OCD and someone who isn't involved in the BDSM world, I can't attest for the factual nature of this book. However, was it that special brand of Heidi Cullinan; sugary sweet and scorchingly hot? Yes, yes it was. It was dirty talking, kinkaliciousness with lots of affectionate pet names thrown in.
Compared to the mental minefield of Disasterology 101, this book almost seems like OCD-lite, but I still think that the difficulties that Adam faced came across as really authentic. I love reading about people with physical or mental challenges so this book was right up my alley. Combine Denver and Adam's issues with some dirty talk and I'm sold, hook, line, and sinker.
The relationship with Adam and Denver evolved nicely though the course of the book. I liked the gradual progression of their relationship and the slow way they came to trust each other. I also enjoyed the side characters and what they brought to the story.
All in all a great, hot read by one of my favorite authors.
November 7, 2014
This is as close as a BDSM book gets to sweet. Once again, Heidi Cullinan shows me a guy who needs bondage and sometimes punishment (light in this case, sometimes more psychological than physical) and makes me believe it. Makes me feel why it works for him. Adam's anxiety and OCD issues are nearly crippling, a complicating factor in so many of his day-to-day decisions that he's exhausted dealing with it. When he meets Denver, he finds a man who can make that strain go away for awhile, by taking over enough for Adam to feel safe. As a Dom, Denver is skilled, loving and careful, but not lax, and he's exactly what Adam needs.
At the same time, through the course of this story, Adam does make some progress in dealing with his own issues, not just abrogating them to Denver. I very much appreciated that finding a Dom and getting into a near-perfect relationship situation didn't miraculously cure Adam, and also that Denver had a couple of issues of his own that did rear their heads down the road. There's a lot of sex here, but because sex is both the initial cornerstone of their relationship, and one of the ways that Denver makes Adam feel safe, it didn't feel like too much. Denver's perceptiveness is stunningly skilled, and while I adored the big guy, I almost wanted to see him make more mistakes. But that's my angst-loving side coming out. This is a BDSM book I'm putting on my comfort-reread shelf.
At the same time, through the course of this story, Adam does make some progress in dealing with his own issues, not just abrogating them to Denver. I very much appreciated that finding a Dom and getting into a near-perfect relationship situation didn't miraculously cure Adam, and also that Denver had a couple of issues of his own that did rear their heads down the road. There's a lot of sex here, but because sex is both the initial cornerstone of their relationship, and one of the ways that Denver makes Adam feel safe, it didn't feel like too much. Denver's perceptiveness is stunningly skilled, and while I adored the big guy, I almost wanted to see him make more mistakes. But that's my angst-loving side coming out. This is a BDSM book I'm putting on my comfort-reread shelf.
September 21, 2015
Re-read September 2015 It was so much fun to visit Denver and Adam and Lousia again! I love this book. Hard.
Holy shit, this one came out of left field for me. So many friends are huge fans of Heidi Cullinan and gobbled this book up on release day and slapped 5 stars on it, that I had to see what all the fuss was about. Well, I see now!
Adam and Denver, two beautifully imperfect souls, could not be more perfect for each other and I hung on every interaction between the two as they slowly fell in love. But don't judge this book by its cover. This one is pretty bad, in my opinion. My Adam and Denver look quite different in my head. *dreamy sigh*
If you like lots of angst, dirty, nasty, kinky, fabulous sex in public places, a strong Dom with a bossy attitude, good old fashion BDSM, spoiled ex-boyfriends, and rainbow inducing HEA's, then I can HIGHLY RECOMMEND this fabulous book.
Now if you will excuse me, I'm off to raid Ms. Cullinan's library of works. *rubs hands together*
Holy shit, this one came out of left field for me. So many friends are huge fans of Heidi Cullinan and gobbled this book up on release day and slapped 5 stars on it, that I had to see what all the fuss was about. Well, I see now!
Adam and Denver, two beautifully imperfect souls, could not be more perfect for each other and I hung on every interaction between the two as they slowly fell in love. But don't judge this book by its cover. This one is pretty bad, in my opinion. My Adam and Denver look quite different in my head. *dreamy sigh*
If you like lots of angst, dirty, nasty, kinky, fabulous sex in public places, a strong Dom with a bossy attitude, good old fashion BDSM, spoiled ex-boyfriends, and rainbow inducing HEA's, then I can HIGHLY RECOMMEND this fabulous book.
Now if you will excuse me, I'm off to raid Ms. Cullinan's library of works. *rubs hands together*
November 16, 2018
Why did I wait too long to listen this audio? ❤️ This was on my TBL shelf for more than two years before I finally got to listen to it and my only regret is that I didn’t listen this sooner after hearing all these praises from my other book buddies. 😭 My God, this is a masterpiece! 😱 I loved, looooved, loooooooved it! 🥰
This started out rather kinky, dirty and erotic and don’t get me wrong, the whole book is extremely erotic and sexy. 😁🔥 But what amazes me is all the feels, emotions and thoughts Heidi Cullinan has packed into this book. It was just beautiful. 💜
Adam is a grad student who’s studying entomology. When he met Denver at the local laundromat after the muscled cowboy rescued him from being bullied by the frat boys, these two ended up booking up right there at the laundromat. 😎 Yes, public sex and clothes porn! 🔥 Praise the smut god! Lol 😂👏 Since neither one them wanted this to be just a one-off, they decided to continue to see each other. But the thing is Adam has problems, mental problems, a severe anxiety and very serious OCD and it makes him very difficult and awkward to be with other people. 😪 Denver seems to be a perfectly ok guy on the surface but he has his own inner demons too. What we witnessed throughout the book is how these two overcome their struggles to become a real couple who would always be there for each other laced with very appreciated and very kinky and titillating smut. 😁🔥 My, these two are quite creative with sex despite their social awkwardness. 😉 And Iggy Toma perfectly captured the essence of this story with his very soothing, lovely and pleasant narration. His Denver voice was seriously smoking hot! 🔥 DAMN! 🔥 I’m in love with his narration. 😍 And I consumed this audio in just two days like a gluttonous listener I was. 😁 And it was glorious! 💙 I loved the whole book and I loved the ending even better. I also love how Heidi Cullinan portrayed and handled mental illness in this story because it was accurate, empathetic and beautifully written. Loved, looooved, loooved this! 😍 Wish I could get a Denver of my own as a boyfriend. 😌
5 Obey me boy or I’ll spank you stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Audio rating
Story - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narration - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This started out rather kinky, dirty and erotic and don’t get me wrong, the whole book is extremely erotic and sexy. 😁🔥 But what amazes me is all the feels, emotions and thoughts Heidi Cullinan has packed into this book. It was just beautiful. 💜
Adam is a grad student who’s studying entomology. When he met Denver at the local laundromat after the muscled cowboy rescued him from being bullied by the frat boys, these two ended up booking up right there at the laundromat. 😎 Yes, public sex and clothes porn! 🔥 Praise the smut god! Lol 😂👏 Since neither one them wanted this to be just a one-off, they decided to continue to see each other. But the thing is Adam has problems, mental problems, a severe anxiety and very serious OCD and it makes him very difficult and awkward to be with other people. 😪 Denver seems to be a perfectly ok guy on the surface but he has his own inner demons too. What we witnessed throughout the book is how these two overcome their struggles to become a real couple who would always be there for each other laced with very appreciated and very kinky and titillating smut. 😁🔥 My, these two are quite creative with sex despite their social awkwardness. 😉 And Iggy Toma perfectly captured the essence of this story with his very soothing, lovely and pleasant narration. His Denver voice was seriously smoking hot! 🔥 DAMN! 🔥 I’m in love with his narration. 😍 And I consumed this audio in just two days like a gluttonous listener I was. 😁 And it was glorious! 💙 I loved the whole book and I loved the ending even better. I also love how Heidi Cullinan portrayed and handled mental illness in this story because it was accurate, empathetic and beautifully written. Loved, looooved, loooved this! 😍 Wish I could get a Denver of my own as a boyfriend. 😌
5 Obey me boy or I’ll spank you stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Audio rating
Story - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narration - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 14, 2015
I was going to write a review about how this book caused cognitive dissonance for me and how I resolved it, but then I decided fuck that noise. Who wants to read that? This ain’t school. And why write all that when this quote sums up my feels so succinctly?
Denver and Adam are so freakin’ adorbs I felt like my innards turned to goo just reading about them. Of all the books I’ve read by HC I think this is the healthiest relationship she’s penned. I loved that they both have issues but they keep working, keep trying and fighting for each other. That’s true love if you ask me.
Plus they have some face meltingly hot and dirty sex. IN PUBLIC! Often!
I mean…
I think I just heard the angels sing. The kink angels, that is.
I really hope HC will continue her trend of reworking past books because I will read the stuffing out of this again.
Giving himself to Denver, obeying Denver-being with Denver wasn’t codependency, and it wasn’t a crutch. It was coming home.
Denver and Adam are so freakin’ adorbs I felt like my innards turned to goo just reading about them. Of all the books I’ve read by HC I think this is the healthiest relationship she’s penned. I loved that they both have issues but they keep working, keep trying and fighting for each other. That’s true love if you ask me.
Plus they have some face meltingly hot and dirty sex. IN PUBLIC! Often!
I mean…
”Gonna give it to you hard, baby, just like you asked,” he promised as he began to piston fast and hard, making Adam groan and melt deeper into the padding. “Gonna pound you until you scream, until you beg, until you’re fucked so hard you can’t stand and I have to carry you back into the truck.”
I think I just heard the angels sing. The kink angels, that is.
I really hope HC will continue her trend of reworking past books because I will read the stuffing out of this again.
January 10, 2019
I can't believe this story has been on my shelves for over three years! It's every bit as spectacular as everyone says, and even better with Iggy Toma's gorgeous narration.
These two characters need each other so hard, and what they become when they're together is so beautiful - the chemistry is wonderful. The journey, as they discover each other and work to heal themselves, was so gripping I finished the dang thing in less than 24 hours. Couldn't put it down.
Also just want to say, the way their BDSM relationship grows with them is incredibly intimate and romantic and really worked for me.
Excellent!
These two characters need each other so hard, and what they become when they're together is so beautiful - the chemistry is wonderful. The journey, as they discover each other and work to heal themselves, was so gripping I finished the dang thing in less than 24 hours. Couldn't put it down.
Also just want to say, the way their BDSM relationship grows with them is incredibly intimate and romantic and really worked for me.
Excellent!
March 11, 2013
3.5 stars
Acknowledgment :
My reaching the end of this book and this rating was made possible of the 'change of endearments'. There were 57 uses of the word "Baby", and I dislike that particular pet names very much, I was ready to go homicidal maniac on this book. Because my rating will be completely different in I don't change it, I need to write this special note (along with the shelf name)... I decide to add that note for every story in the future, where drastic measure needs to be taken by changing the endearments (Tailtiu, you got yourself the permanent spotlight on my 2013 end-of-year recap, just so you know)
-------------------------------
THE GOOD
+ The imperfection of the characters. I loved it that Adam had OCD. I enjoyed it that Denver was actually suffering from reading disability. It balanced out the relationship somehow for me, that Denver was not a perfect knight in shining armor that saved Adam from his mental illness. They also share sexual kink with suited perfectly with each others' needs.
+ Adam being a grad student in Entimology was exciting, including his nerdy babbling about hawk moth. I loved that!
+ Louisa, the trans* who studied Gender Studies. We need more trans* characters that are not drowning in angst.
THE MEH
+ BDSM lifestyle in romance never rocked my boat. They were fine, but I never felt getting charged up because of it (BDSM in strictly porn, though, a different story ^^). So to me, they were just okay. It didn't get me all tingly and hot *shrugs*. They were quite a few and I just didn't have enough interest to analyze the portrayal of the D/s element.
+ The fact that Louisa was only portrayed as Adam's sounding board, that she only appeared when Adam was in need or as a representation of Adam (oh, except when she made an offer to kill Brad along with Denver). Such a waste of great character. I want her to have her own book now, darn it!
+ I did feel that the last 1/4 part of the book fizzled a bit. Like the first 3/4 part of the book, it was heavy on the issues and sexual scenes. But during the last 1/4 part, it was just about handling the issues, without the sexual part. It just felt weird (even if I didn't care much about the sex)
+ There wasn't enough balance between the 'cure' of Adam's mental issue vs. Denver's disability.
THE BAD
+ Excessive use of endearments. Seriously, is there anyone in this whole wide world who use endearment in practically every sentence? Not to mention that I hated the choice of endearment!
+ The hospitalization ... ()
+ And Brad didn't even get beat up or something? He didn't get 'punished' for being such an ass-hole?!? I was super annoyed by that. There was no justice. It made me want to go all vigilante on Brad...
So, yeah, I really liked it but not loving it.
Acknowledgment :
My reaching the end of this book and this rating was made possible of the 'change of endearments'. There were 57 uses of the word "Baby", and I dislike that particular pet names very much, I was ready to go homicidal maniac on this book. Because my rating will be completely different in I don't change it, I need to write this special note (along with the shelf name)... I decide to add that note for every story in the future, where drastic measure needs to be taken by changing the endearments (Tailtiu, you got yourself the permanent spotlight on my 2013 end-of-year recap, just so you know)
-------------------------------
THE GOOD
+ The imperfection of the characters. I loved it that Adam had OCD. I enjoyed it that Denver was actually suffering from reading disability. It balanced out the relationship somehow for me, that Denver was not a perfect knight in shining armor that saved Adam from his mental illness. They also share sexual kink with suited perfectly with each others' needs.
+ Adam being a grad student in Entimology was exciting, including his nerdy babbling about hawk moth. I loved that!
+ Louisa, the trans* who studied Gender Studies. We need more trans* characters that are not drowning in angst.
THE MEH
+ BDSM lifestyle in romance never rocked my boat. They were fine, but I never felt getting charged up because of it (BDSM in strictly porn, though, a different story ^^). So to me, they were just okay. It didn't get me all tingly and hot *shrugs*. They were quite a few and I just didn't have enough interest to analyze the portrayal of the D/s element.
+ The fact that Louisa was only portrayed as Adam's sounding board, that she only appeared when Adam was in need or as a representation of Adam (oh, except when she made an offer to kill Brad along with Denver). Such a waste of great character. I want her to have her own book now, darn it!
+ I did feel that the last 1/4 part of the book fizzled a bit. Like the first 3/4 part of the book, it was heavy on the issues and sexual scenes. But during the last 1/4 part, it was just about handling the issues, without the sexual part. It just felt weird (even if I didn't care much about the sex)
+ There wasn't enough balance between the 'cure' of Adam's mental issue vs. Denver's disability.
THE BAD
+ Excessive use of endearments. Seriously, is there anyone in this whole wide world who use endearment in practically every sentence? Not to mention that I hated the choice of endearment!
+ The hospitalization ... ()
+ And Brad didn't even get beat up or something? He didn't get 'punished' for being such an ass-hole?!? I was super annoyed by that. There was no justice. It made me want to go all vigilante on Brad...
So, yeah, I really liked it but not loving it.
July 31, 2013
I started this right after Nowhere Ranch by the same author and I had higher expectations, but maybe I shouldn't have read two books by Heidi Cullinan in a row. Or maybe I shouldn't have read these two books in a row.
First, because there is an easily recognizable pattern/formula. In no particular order:
- One MC with a PhD, one high school dropout with a learning disability? Check.
- One crutch-female who, oftentimes, speaks for the MCs and helps them fix their problems, mental or otherwise? Check.
- At least one MC with a bit of a troubled past? Check.
- Strained family relationships? Check.
- Preachy overtone, especially in the second half of the book? Check.
- Unpleasant side character that used to be close to the MC, but now they're estranged because of the side character's tyrannical and highly judgmental ways that burden and frustrate the MC? Check.
- Kinky sex? Check.
- Dirty talk? Check.
Second, because in Dirty Laundry, Ms Cullinan chooses to explore anxiety disorders—OCD in particular—and though she manages all right (and maybe it's just me because I already know enough about the disorder and the medication involved in its treatment,) Adam's longwinded and repetitious mental processes/loops, the way Brad (the nasty ex, see point about the unpleasant side character further up) is conveniently used to push Adam into several panic attacks, the various tropey scenes with jocks bullying Adam, the didactic tones of Louisa (see above, the fixer female) and Adam's new therapist, as well as various other similar details, had Adam come across as a caricature of a person and at the same time had me feeling I was being bludgeoned with the message Ms Cullinan wanted to deliver.
Third, because I didn't feel there was any real chemistry between the MCs, I didn't get why Denver was so interested in Adam, what set him apart from the other twinks Denver had his pick of, at least in the beginning. And, unlike Nowhere Ranch, the BDSM element wasn't very convincing, either.
Fourth, because there were parts that didn't add anything but clutter to the story, like the conversation Denver had over the phone with Adam's mother near the end of the book. Louisa's character felt largely redundant, too, but I suppose she was deemed necessary because Adam needed to also discuss his issues outside the clinical setting and, anyhow, if Denver had El then Adam needed a best friend too.
I won't comment on the atrocious cover. Others have covered that already in their reviews.
All in all, Dirty Laundry wasn't a particularly enjoyable reading experience. It's two and a half stars rounded down, because I gave three stars to Nowhere Ranch and I enjoyed that story much better.
First, because there is an easily recognizable pattern/formula. In no particular order:
- One MC with a PhD, one high school dropout with a learning disability? Check.
- One crutch-female who, oftentimes, speaks for the MCs and helps them fix their problems, mental or otherwise? Check.
- At least one MC with a bit of a troubled past? Check.
- Strained family relationships? Check.
- Preachy overtone, especially in the second half of the book? Check.
- Unpleasant side character that used to be close to the MC, but now they're estranged because of the side character's tyrannical and highly judgmental ways that burden and frustrate the MC? Check.
- Kinky sex? Check.
- Dirty talk? Check.
Second, because in Dirty Laundry, Ms Cullinan chooses to explore anxiety disorders—OCD in particular—and though she manages all right (and maybe it's just me because I already know enough about the disorder and the medication involved in its treatment,) Adam's longwinded and repetitious mental processes/loops, the way Brad (the nasty ex, see point about the unpleasant side character further up) is conveniently used to push Adam into several panic attacks, the various tropey scenes with jocks bullying Adam, the didactic tones of Louisa (see above, the fixer female) and Adam's new therapist, as well as various other similar details, had Adam come across as a caricature of a person and at the same time had me feeling I was being bludgeoned with the message Ms Cullinan wanted to deliver.
Third, because I didn't feel there was any real chemistry between the MCs, I didn't get why Denver was so interested in Adam, what set him apart from the other twinks Denver had his pick of, at least in the beginning. And, unlike Nowhere Ranch, the BDSM element wasn't very convincing, either.
Fourth, because there were parts that didn't add anything but clutter to the story, like the conversation Denver had over the phone with Adam's mother near the end of the book. Louisa's character felt largely redundant, too, but I suppose she was deemed necessary because Adam needed to also discuss his issues outside the clinical setting and, anyhow, if Denver had El then Adam needed a best friend too.
I won't comment on the atrocious cover. Others have covered that already in their reviews.
All in all, Dirty Laundry wasn't a particularly enjoyable reading experience. It's two and a half stars rounded down, because I gave three stars to Nowhere Ranch and I enjoyed that story much better.
October 24, 2014
***** 5 debauched nerd over a pile of laundry stars *****
This book was a surprise. A really good surprise!
The blurb tells what the book is about, but in no way describes it fully. It was so much more than I expected, and I believe it deserves your attention.
In this story we meet Adam (who is an Entomology grad student... kudos to Heidi for "daring" to choose bugs as a main interest for one of the MC's. LOL ;)).
Anyway, Adam is a shy guy. He is also obsessive compulsive (OCD) and has clinical anxiety on top of that.
He is however, adorable. :D
---------------------------------
Adam kept talking, because he was nervous and starting to panic and it was either talk or go fetal at this point.
"I'm a grad student at the university. Entomology. Bugs. I want to learn more about pollinators. I started with bees, but now I'm into moths. It's fascinating stuff, really.
You wouldn't believe how much the world would change without them. No food, no flowers, and wow, I should really stop talking."
He blushed scarlet by the end of his babble, and fetal was starting to sound really amazing, but Denver glanced up at the end and gave him a reassuring but slightly sly grin. "You're fine."
"Not as fine as you," Adam said before he could stop himself. Then he melted into the wall, half-falling into his dryer and knocking his glasses sideways as he realized what he'd just said. "Oh God."
---------------------------------
Being Adam is not easy. Every day is a battle for him.
Meeting and getting bullied a group of drunk and high frat boys at his laundromat is especially difficult.
------------------------------------
Adam shut his eyes and focused on his breathing. He wouldn't give them the satisfaction of pushing him into a panic attack. He wouldn't.
Another push. "We're talking to you, fag."
"Please." Adam had been in this situation before. It was time for him to beg. "Please give me my glasses back."
"Show us your underwear first, freak."
The nervous flutter in the pit of Adam's stomach turned into real fear. No, he couldn't do this. No. No. His panic congealed and began to rise. "Please," he whispered. But his fear only fueled them now.
------------------------------------
If that didn't get your heart in your throat... But don't worry. Adam get unexpected help.
------------------------------------
"What the fuck is going on?" someone bellowed.
------------------------------------
Phew, I don't think I've ever been more relieved. LOL
----------------------------------------
It was a cowboy.
Cowboy was cut. Not handsome. Not in the let-me-jack-to-you cowboy porn mag way, at any rate. He wasn't ugly, be he didn't have a marble jaw or anything, and he wasn't magazine slick, not even close. But muscles? Oh yeah.
----------------------------------------
Just so you know, I didn't picture Eastwood as Denver, it was more the "Don't fuck with me" wibe I was going for. ;)
So what follows is some very hot "laundry" action. And you know what. ^^^^This is only in the first 7% of the book! :D
We get to know both Adam and Denver more through out the book. They are complete opposite and have their own issues, but they are perfect for each other.
Adam is battling with his OCD and anxiety. But Denver is so understanding, sensitive and patient. Denver however has is own demons to come to terms with. And who better to help him than Adam, who Denver has helped so much?
--------------------------
What Adam loved more than anything else, though, more than the shame of the exposure and the rough way Denver told him what to do, how giving control up to Denver took away all his anxiety, all his fear.
No fear. When was the last time he hadn't felt any fear? Any at all? (...)
Right now, in the laundromat with Denver, Adam felt no fear. None. None. The only emotion he knew outside of being turned on beyond his wildest dreams was being so overwhelmed with relief that he wanted to cry.
--------------------------
I want to quote the whole damn book. There were so many situations that made my eyes teary, my **beep**, well not teary and my heart mushy.
Including an unforgettable car journey into the forest and mountains looking for a suitable bathroom for Adam and his OCD. *awww*
I ask you, no I urge you to give this book a try. Don't let the cover fool you, it hold a gem of a story.
It's beautiful. It's sweet. It's rough-y kinkalicious. It's scorching hot. It's romance. It's erotic. It's battling your demons. It's finding who you want to be with. It's... definitely worth a read.
How does Heidi Cullinan manage that? Write something kinky, dirty, hot, erotic, but at the same time beautiful, sweet and emotional? Well, me likes!
There are no warnings needed for this book. No no-no's of any kind, in my opinion. Except an irritating ex, but I can deal with that.
READ IT!
I owe you one ;)
¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤
Pre-review:
Wow, lots of stars for this one! Let's see :) *trying to ignore the cover*
When I researched if I had to read this series in order or not, I found out that Tucker Springs is a made-up town by authors LA Witt, Marie Sexton and Heidi Cullinan where all their characters live together! All of the Tucker Springs books work as stand-alone novels. They can be read in any order. And you don't have to keep track of the characters either.
Read an article about it here:
http://www.usatoday.com/story/happyev...
There's even a site for the town:
http://www.tuckersprings.com/books
This book was a surprise. A really good surprise!
The blurb tells what the book is about, but in no way describes it fully. It was so much more than I expected, and I believe it deserves your attention.
In this story we meet Adam (who is an Entomology grad student... kudos to Heidi for "daring" to choose bugs as a main interest for one of the MC's. LOL ;)).
Anyway, Adam is a shy guy. He is also obsessive compulsive (OCD) and has clinical anxiety on top of that.
He is however, adorable. :D
---------------------------------
Adam kept talking, because he was nervous and starting to panic and it was either talk or go fetal at this point.
"I'm a grad student at the university. Entomology. Bugs. I want to learn more about pollinators. I started with bees, but now I'm into moths. It's fascinating stuff, really.
You wouldn't believe how much the world would change without them. No food, no flowers, and wow, I should really stop talking."
He blushed scarlet by the end of his babble, and fetal was starting to sound really amazing, but Denver glanced up at the end and gave him a reassuring but slightly sly grin. "You're fine."
"Not as fine as you," Adam said before he could stop himself. Then he melted into the wall, half-falling into his dryer and knocking his glasses sideways as he realized what he'd just said. "Oh God."
---------------------------------
Being Adam is not easy. Every day is a battle for him.
Meeting and getting bullied a group of drunk and high frat boys at his laundromat is especially difficult.
------------------------------------
Adam shut his eyes and focused on his breathing. He wouldn't give them the satisfaction of pushing him into a panic attack. He wouldn't.
Another push. "We're talking to you, fag."
"Please." Adam had been in this situation before. It was time for him to beg. "Please give me my glasses back."
"Show us your underwear first, freak."
The nervous flutter in the pit of Adam's stomach turned into real fear. No, he couldn't do this. No. No. His panic congealed and began to rise. "Please," he whispered. But his fear only fueled them now.
------------------------------------
If that didn't get your heart in your throat... But don't worry. Adam get unexpected help.
------------------------------------
"What the fuck is going on?" someone bellowed.
------------------------------------
Phew, I don't think I've ever been more relieved. LOL
----------------------------------------
It was a cowboy.
Cowboy was cut. Not handsome. Not in the let-me-jack-to-you cowboy porn mag way, at any rate. He wasn't ugly, be he didn't have a marble jaw or anything, and he wasn't magazine slick, not even close. But muscles? Oh yeah.
----------------------------------------
Just so you know, I didn't picture Eastwood as Denver, it was more the "Don't fuck with me" wibe I was going for. ;)
So what follows is some very hot "laundry" action. And you know what. ^^^^This is only in the first 7% of the book! :D
We get to know both Adam and Denver more through out the book. They are complete opposite and have their own issues, but they are perfect for each other.
Adam is battling with his OCD and anxiety. But Denver is so understanding, sensitive and patient. Denver however has is own demons to come to terms with. And who better to help him than Adam, who Denver has helped so much?
--------------------------
What Adam loved more than anything else, though, more than the shame of the exposure and the rough way Denver told him what to do, how giving control up to Denver took away all his anxiety, all his fear.
No fear. When was the last time he hadn't felt any fear? Any at all? (...)
Right now, in the laundromat with Denver, Adam felt no fear. None. None. The only emotion he knew outside of being turned on beyond his wildest dreams was being so overwhelmed with relief that he wanted to cry.
--------------------------
I want to quote the whole damn book. There were so many situations that made my eyes teary, my **beep**, well not teary and my heart mushy.
Including an unforgettable car journey into the forest and mountains looking for a suitable bathroom for Adam and his OCD. *awww*
I ask you, no I urge you to give this book a try. Don't let the cover fool you, it hold a gem of a story.
It's beautiful. It's sweet. It's rough-y kinkalicious. It's scorching hot. It's romance. It's erotic. It's battling your demons. It's finding who you want to be with. It's... definitely worth a read.
How does Heidi Cullinan manage that? Write something kinky, dirty, hot, erotic, but at the same time beautiful, sweet and emotional? Well, me likes!
There are no warnings needed for this book. No no-no's of any kind, in my opinion. Except an irritating ex, but I can deal with that.
READ IT!
I owe you one ;)
¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤
Pre-review:
Wow, lots of stars for this one! Let's see :) *trying to ignore the cover*
When I researched if I had to read this series in order or not, I found out that Tucker Springs is a made-up town by authors LA Witt, Marie Sexton and Heidi Cullinan where all their characters live together! All of the Tucker Springs books work as stand-alone novels. They can be read in any order. And you don't have to keep track of the characters either.
Read an article about it here:
http://www.usatoday.com/story/happyev...
There's even a site for the town:
http://www.tuckersprings.com/books
i-m-a-quitter
May 5, 2016DNF at around 70%
Yeah....Heidi is just too kinky for me!
Yeah....Heidi is just too kinky for me!
April 5, 2016
If you are a fan of D/s relationships and dirty talk look no further - Dirty Laundry has it all!
Adam Ellery suffers from O.C.D., anxiety and panic attacks. While doing his laundry one day he is accosted by drunken frat boys who nearly send him into a panic attack. He's saved by Denver Rogers, a huge mountain of rugged testosterone with a heart of gold.
Denver treats Adam like he's normal, which is a huge departure from the passive/aggressive kid-glove obsessive way his ex-boyfriend, Brad, treated him. Adam feels safe with Denver, safe enough to indulge in some of the kinkier side of sex he's always wanted to try. Denver, who had his own ex from hell, knows that while Adam might have some issues, nothing is insurmountable and the heat between the two is worth doing anything to keep going.
I absolutely love the way Denver treats Adam. I love that Denver is controlled without being controlling. That he shores up Adam and treats him wonderfully. I have no idea if the disabilities and mental issues were portrayed properly, but they seemed, to me, like they were handled well and I loved being with Adam and Denver on their journey together.
The sex and dirty talk were...delicious!
I love Adam's friend Luisa. What a fantastic, mother-gentle character.
I love the narration - Iggy Toma, once again, brings it. It's entertaining, engrossing, and fun. The character voices, the pacing, it all hits the mark.
But...there were two things that marred my enjoyment of the story. The first was that after they stopped using condoms, it was like the on page sex dried up. It had been so hot before that. Seriously...HOT. Then, chuck the condoms and...it petered out. Which made me sad. The second thing is I was really looking forward to seeing Brad's comeuppance...and I didn't get the satisfaction I was looking for, which also made me sad.
But the story is strong, Adam and Denver are terrific together, and the narration is a hit! Iggy brought the heat and the feels and made this a true listening pleasure from start to finish!
Recommended.
Audio copy of Dirty Laundry (Tucker Springs #3) provided by Riptide Publishing in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
August 14, 2019
Re-Read/Listen: 14 November 2018
This was one of the first MM books I ever read. Back then, I liked it A LOT. This time, listening to Iggy Toma narrate it, I LOVED it! ❤️❤️❤️
This is one of the hottest, dirtiest, and sweetest books I have read. How Heidi Cullinan was able to do all at once, I don’t know, but she did it.
Even reading this years ago, there are scenes I have never forgotten and was soooo happy to revisit: the laundromat scene (public sex!!!! 😱😱); the first nightclub visit (seriously one of the HOTTEST BJ SCENES EVER!!! followed by a very dirty snack—honestly, this scene undid me!! 🔥😈🔥😈🔥); the back of the truck scene (so sweet and dirty at the same time); and Adam’s punishment scene with the gag (I’ve never gotten that image out of my mind 😱💕).
This book is BDSM, but like another reviewer said, it’s the sweetest BDSM book you’ll ever read. Adam, a grad student, has OCD and anxiety disorder. Denver, a bouncer at a nightclub, has his own personal issues. While doing his laundry, Denver rescues Adam from a group of bullying frat boys. Adam shows his interest and Denver complies. This is the beginning of this delicious tale in which two people who think the worst of themselves, find the best of themselves together.
Listening to this made me want to revisit Cullinan’s Special Delivery series again via Iggy Toma. Now, if you like your BDSM a little less sweet, but just as hot, that’s the series for you!
Possible triggers: Anxiety, OCD, bullying.
This was one of the first MM books I ever read. Back then, I liked it A LOT. This time, listening to Iggy Toma narrate it, I LOVED it! ❤️❤️❤️
This is one of the hottest, dirtiest, and sweetest books I have read. How Heidi Cullinan was able to do all at once, I don’t know, but she did it.
Even reading this years ago, there are scenes I have never forgotten and was soooo happy to revisit: the laundromat scene (public sex!!!! 😱😱); the first nightclub visit (seriously one of the HOTTEST BJ SCENES EVER!!! followed by a very dirty snack—honestly, this scene undid me!! 🔥😈🔥😈🔥); the back of the truck scene (so sweet and dirty at the same time); and Adam’s punishment scene with the gag (I’ve never gotten that image out of my mind 😱💕).
This book is BDSM, but like another reviewer said, it’s the sweetest BDSM book you’ll ever read. Adam, a grad student, has OCD and anxiety disorder. Denver, a bouncer at a nightclub, has his own personal issues. While doing his laundry, Denver rescues Adam from a group of bullying frat boys. Adam shows his interest and Denver complies. This is the beginning of this delicious tale in which two people who think the worst of themselves, find the best of themselves together.
Listening to this made me want to revisit Cullinan’s Special Delivery series again via Iggy Toma. Now, if you like your BDSM a little less sweet, but just as hot, that’s the series for you!
Possible triggers: Anxiety, OCD, bullying.
July 29, 2013
This book was ok…I guess.
Not my favorite Cullinan, nor my favorite Tucker Springs.
I think I might have been more sympathetic to the OCD storyline if I hadn’t just read Taylor V. Donovan’s "Disasterology 101", where the same subject matter was handled with impeccable detail and realism. This felt like a cliff-notes version of the same story.
What I also didn’t really embrace about this book was its need to throw everything into the plot but the kitchen sink…OCD, gay bullying, emotionally abusive relationships, codependency, BDSM, learning disabilities…it felt like an after-school special. And oddly, actually, it was a bit boring.
Lastly, I just couldn’t get past the 2 guys on the cover…these guys stuck to my mind as the 2 characters in the book and it just…didn’t jive…and really just turned me off.
Like I said in the beginning, this book was ok. I think 3 stars is a bit generous, to be honest. And really, there are better 3-star books out there…if that’s what you’re looking for.
April 22, 2023
Just not a fan of BDSM and likely never will be. Kinda disappointed in what are revealed as Deven’s “story.” Honestly didn’t seem too big a deal to me. Still do like the author’s writing style, but this just didn’t click for me.
March 30, 2013
I started off liking this one. I loved the whole big strong tough guy and smaller geeky shy guy. I was even willing to over look the sex talk because I liked the characters and story. But then things started to just get more focused not just on the kinky sex, but it felt almost like the kinky sex was a cure for Adams OCD. I found the more I read the more I just couldn’t believe in this story. I admit I have no idea how OCD works, but the thought process of Adam just felt wrong for me.
A good start, but just couldn’t keep me engaged and I ended up skimming to finish.
A good start, but just couldn’t keep me engaged and I ended up skimming to finish.
January 27, 2013
I'm getting very fond of Tucker Springs, a quirky town with quirky people- always a good starting point for great storytelling and ' Dirty Laundry ' doesn't disappoint.I loved how strong this started with hunky sexy doorman Denver Rogers saving geeky Grad student Adam Ellery from a bunch of menacing frat boys, resulting in a very hot, sexy, unexpected encounter that really shouldn't go any further considering how different these guys are. Adam is OCD and barely managing to keep his sanity together because of his many insecurities and tics but somehow Denver makes him feels safe and he brings out a sexual side of Adam that has probably always been there but has been kept hidden till Denver (whose own kinks lean towards BDSM play) brings it out of him. Denver is physically strong but he also has past issues that have kept him from moving on in his life and kept him in a cycle of one night stands and a reluctance to better himself job wise.
From the start you know this isn't going to be an easy relationship not just because of Adams physical disabilities but because neither of them will open up to each other emotionally and its the steamy D/s sex that keeps the relationship going even though its obvious they are on the cusp of something much deeper. Add in a PIA ex who you'll constantly want to strangle, a lovely trans character and some of the great guys we met in the first two books into the mix and the story really grabs hold and hooks you in!
I'm not a massive fan of BDSM in my m/m, but in this novel I understood why it works for Adams personality and in the early encounters its pretty damn hot and sexy but my one little niggle is that once they decide they are going to be a couple exclusively and they've discussed each others hang ups, the kinks become a bit more dominant- for reasons explained - and for a small stretch I felt it lost some of the sizzle and palpable sexual tension of earlier love scenes which whilst being a bit kinky erotic were still surprisingly romantic. IMO at this point the sexual scenes became a bit too angst driven and needy and I missed the connection they had at the beginning but it does come back later. Don't get me wrong overall I really enjoyed this and loved seeing how these two loveable opposites found each other, healed each other and finally got the HEA they deserved! Definitely a fine edition to Tucker Springs. :) 4.5*
From the start you know this isn't going to be an easy relationship not just because of Adams physical disabilities but because neither of them will open up to each other emotionally and its the steamy D/s sex that keeps the relationship going even though its obvious they are on the cusp of something much deeper. Add in a PIA ex who you'll constantly want to strangle, a lovely trans character and some of the great guys we met in the first two books into the mix and the story really grabs hold and hooks you in!
I'm not a massive fan of BDSM in my m/m, but in this novel I understood why it works for Adams personality and in the early encounters its pretty damn hot and sexy but my one little niggle is that once they decide they are going to be a couple exclusively and they've discussed each others hang ups, the kinks become a bit more dominant- for reasons explained - and for a small stretch I felt it lost some of the sizzle and palpable sexual tension of earlier love scenes which whilst being a bit kinky erotic were still surprisingly romantic. IMO at this point the sexual scenes became a bit too angst driven and needy and I missed the connection they had at the beginning but it does come back later. Don't get me wrong overall I really enjoyed this and loved seeing how these two loveable opposites found each other, healed each other and finally got the HEA they deserved! Definitely a fine edition to Tucker Springs. :) 4.5*
February 18, 2013
I read the short story this is based on and liked it. I guess it's being expanded to become a part of the Tucker Springs series.
**
4.5
Wow. This was gooooood. So hot. Will review in a bit.
**
4.5
Wow. This was gooooood. So hot. Will review in a bit.
February 9, 2013
The first 3/4 of the book was insanely sexy and delicious. I was swooning for Denver and his "good boy". The last quarter I didn't love as much: structurally, it annoyed me a great deal.
4 stars because I loved the hot sex right up to 77%.
4 stars because I loved the hot sex right up to 77%.
March 9, 2019
Re-reading the revised and expanded edition due out soon from Dreamspinner.
***
4.5*
Well, second time around I'm not sure if I can tell what's been changed from the first edition but I have to say, I vastly enjoyed this more than I obviously did the first time round when I only gave it 3* but didn't review (for whatever reason I can't remember now).
I'd forgotten how deliciously filthy - in the absolute best way - it is, with Denver and Adam's BDSM taking them into some seriously sensual and highly erotic scenes which burst with not only sexual tensions and lust, but also with clearly developing emotions and the start of relationship connections which only strengthen with time.
It's also a stunning examination of the outcomes living with OCD and clinical anxiety can do to a human's mind and how it can twist beyond recognition the normalities of day to day life into nightmarish proportions.
But, that's not to say that the exploration of BDSM brings with it a cure or that Denver has a magic dick with which to stop all of Adam's issues. He doesn't. What he provides is an outlet through which Adam learns to find managing techniques which help him process the tics and the panic attacks and the irrational fears.
There's also a wonderful cast of helpful and supporting secondary characters. I'd forgotten just how much I loved Louisa, the trans woman Adam bumps into shortly after his dickhead ex has managed to drive him into an anxiety spike.
The new cover for this book also beautifully illustrates Denver's strengths, the cowboy who has his own issues to deal with, who thinks he's dumb but actually has what's probably dyslexia or a similar learning processing disorder.
So, second time round and it's a massive hit for me.
#ARC kindly received from the publishers Dreamspinner Press in return for an honest and unbiased review
***
4.5*
Well, second time around I'm not sure if I can tell what's been changed from the first edition but I have to say, I vastly enjoyed this more than I obviously did the first time round when I only gave it 3* but didn't review (for whatever reason I can't remember now).
I'd forgotten how deliciously filthy - in the absolute best way - it is, with Denver and Adam's BDSM taking them into some seriously sensual and highly erotic scenes which burst with not only sexual tensions and lust, but also with clearly developing emotions and the start of relationship connections which only strengthen with time.
It's also a stunning examination of the outcomes living with OCD and clinical anxiety can do to a human's mind and how it can twist beyond recognition the normalities of day to day life into nightmarish proportions.
But, that's not to say that the exploration of BDSM brings with it a cure or that Denver has a magic dick with which to stop all of Adam's issues. He doesn't. What he provides is an outlet through which Adam learns to find managing techniques which help him process the tics and the panic attacks and the irrational fears.
There's also a wonderful cast of helpful and supporting secondary characters. I'd forgotten just how much I loved Louisa, the trans woman Adam bumps into shortly after his dickhead ex has managed to drive him into an anxiety spike.
The new cover for this book also beautifully illustrates Denver's strengths, the cowboy who has his own issues to deal with, who thinks he's dumb but actually has what's probably dyslexia or a similar learning processing disorder.
So, second time round and it's a massive hit for me.
#ARC kindly received from the publishers Dreamspinner Press in return for an honest and unbiased review
February 4, 2013
Well, yet again GR, a review that I've done has gone missing in the ether, I'm assuming thanks to the fact that your website can't cope!!I really enjoyed this book, and am only doing a teeny-tiny review. I liked Adam as a character, even though he was quite complicated, with enough problems to try the patience of a Saint
!! Denver was a gym-bunny[image error], and all-round good guy, all brawn and not a lot of brain, or at least he gave that impression, until Adam discovered that he'd got a learning disorder.I liked how the sex (and there was a lot of it) turned into a really good friendship and eventually love
, how stupid, controlling Brad was finally kicked to the kerb and how Louisa proved to be a really good friend when Adam needed one. Definite keeper.
February 8, 2013
Story Rating 4 Stars
Character Rating 5 Stars
Romance Rating 4 Stars
Heat Level 4 Stars
Overall Rating 4.5 Stars
I really enjoyed this book but what stood out the most for me where the two hero's, Adam and Denver. I've NEVER read any books with any characters such as these. They each had their own major problems but when the two of them were together, they were exactly what each needed. The relationship building in this book was spectacular. I really felt the need these two had for each other and also the love they shared.
The sex scenes were a little bit out of my comfort zone using a bit too much BDSM for me however it did not affect my overall feelings for this book.
I now know why everyone who has read this book loved it. I have to Thank my good friend Kris for recommending me this very deep and emotional book. I'm SO very glad I read it.
Character Rating 5 Stars
Romance Rating 4 Stars
Heat Level 4 Stars
Overall Rating 4.5 Stars
I really enjoyed this book but what stood out the most for me where the two hero's, Adam and Denver. I've NEVER read any books with any characters such as these. They each had their own major problems but when the two of them were together, they were exactly what each needed. The relationship building in this book was spectacular. I really felt the need these two had for each other and also the love they shared.
The sex scenes were a little bit out of my comfort zone using a bit too much BDSM for me however it did not affect my overall feelings for this book.
I now know why everyone who has read this book loved it. I have to Thank my good friend Kris for recommending me this very deep and emotional book. I'm SO very glad I read it.
October 9, 2012
Yep. Read it. Eat your heart out. Of course, I have to do the author's dishes for such premium access to her books. ;)
January 28, 2013
Review posted at The Armchair Reader.
Visit Heidi Cullinan's guest post on my blog to hear what she has to say about this book and series, titled "For the Love of Series".
4.5 stars
Take a cue authors! I have been super excited about this book for months now. Why? All because of that teaser story a year ago. The originally titled story "Dirty Laundry" was a free story about a rather nerdy and frightened young man who is rescued by a giant musclebound cowboy of a man when he's being bullied by a group of frat guys in a laundromat. The kid's gratefulness and awe of the cowboy drive him to thank the man, and that encounter leads to a very steamy public sex scene over the table and pile of unfolded laundry right in the middle of the laundromat. That's all the story was about. It was free and posted on the author's co-blog, Cup of Porn, for their first birthday bash.
I didn't know at that point, that this was part of the Tucker Springs universe. Actually, at that point I think that the first book, Where Nerves End was just being promoted by LA Witt. I'd really like the know the timeline and how that cowboy, Denver, came to be included in the story. That's why I'll be eagerly reading all the tour stops for Heidi Cullinan this week, to see if she details how that came to fruition. A bit of the story is on my blog today, so be sure to check out Heidi's guest post "For the Love of Series".
It must be because of those readers like me, who raved about the short "Dirty Laundry" that this became an expanded novel, and I can't tell you how excited I was when I first learned what the author was doing to this story. I so wanted to know what happened after that laundromat rendezvous. What I can tell you is this: The novel starts with the short story and carries forward with what happens afterward. Denver, who we got to know in the first two novels as a secondary character, is a bouncer at the local gay club run by Jase, from the first book. Adam is an entomology graduate student at the local college and currently getting over a breakup from his one and only boyfriend Brad. The scene at the laundromat affects both men and how they view their own lives and their own neuroses, and while it seems like Adam takes the award for the one with the most problems, Denver carries a secret weight filled with his own shortcomings, and it takes both of them working together to forge a better version of themselves.
I consider this to be the best book in the series so far. In her guest post today, Heidi Cullinan describes the Tucker Springs series as "a set of stories between several authors where each “episode” is unique, but the setting is familiar." That rather simple theme connecting the stories is really reflective of the books individually and as a series. It's true that each subsequent book, so far, seems to get a little better in my opinion, but they are all quite relaxed in theme. What I mean to say is that I found this book like the prior ones, focused solely on the relationship and less on outside connections. All that connects them is geography and limited personal connections. That means, however, that the relationship much carry each novel on it's own, and while I wasn't quite sure the first two books accomplished that, Dirty Laundry definitely did.
What really makes this story work is the consideration given to mental illness. I know very little about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or severe anxiety issues, so I can't weigh in on the accuracy of the details. But what I did love is how the issues that Adam has (and to a small extent Denver's issues as well) are firmly entrenched in the relationship. Adam tries to hide them at first, but they're so much a part of who he is, it is almost impossible to keep the information from Denver. And I really felt for Adam. It's a tribute to the author's skill that his self-doubt didn't come across to me as annoying, but instead I felt like I had a good grasp on just how difficult his life is on a day to day basis. He has trouble with many things, but most of all is one of his major tics -- that people have their own space. He can't allow anyone inside his house without severe anxiety and he has a really hard time visiting other people's houses, or spaces of any kind. And besides the fact that this allowed Denver and Adam to show their creativity in getting to know one another in public places, I can't deny that the fact that most of the extremely hot sex in this book is in public places completely ramps up the heat factor. That laundromat scene was just the tip of the iceberg.
The BDSM element is more present here that I was expecting. It slowly becomes more central to the story and the relationship as the book moves forward, but it has little to do with sex and everything to do with creating a power structure helpful to Adam's OCD. Denver's commanding will was what drew the two together in that first encounter and is ultimately what Adam needs to cling to to categorize and then compartmentalize his brain to function at it's highest levels.
There is so much to recommend about this book and I could go on and on with more things that I loved -- both characters, the dichotomy between the two that makes them perfect for one another (their looks, their issues, their education, but not intelligence). Heidi Cullinan is a popular and well known author because of her talent and Dirty Laundry is just another example of her success.
Visit Heidi Cullinan's guest post on my blog to hear what she has to say about this book and series, titled "For the Love of Series".
4.5 stars
Take a cue authors! I have been super excited about this book for months now. Why? All because of that teaser story a year ago. The originally titled story "Dirty Laundry" was a free story about a rather nerdy and frightened young man who is rescued by a giant musclebound cowboy of a man when he's being bullied by a group of frat guys in a laundromat. The kid's gratefulness and awe of the cowboy drive him to thank the man, and that encounter leads to a very steamy public sex scene over the table and pile of unfolded laundry right in the middle of the laundromat. That's all the story was about. It was free and posted on the author's co-blog, Cup of Porn, for their first birthday bash.
I didn't know at that point, that this was part of the Tucker Springs universe. Actually, at that point I think that the first book, Where Nerves End was just being promoted by LA Witt. I'd really like the know the timeline and how that cowboy, Denver, came to be included in the story. That's why I'll be eagerly reading all the tour stops for Heidi Cullinan this week, to see if she details how that came to fruition. A bit of the story is on my blog today, so be sure to check out Heidi's guest post "For the Love of Series".
It must be because of those readers like me, who raved about the short "Dirty Laundry" that this became an expanded novel, and I can't tell you how excited I was when I first learned what the author was doing to this story. I so wanted to know what happened after that laundromat rendezvous. What I can tell you is this: The novel starts with the short story and carries forward with what happens afterward. Denver, who we got to know in the first two novels as a secondary character, is a bouncer at the local gay club run by Jase, from the first book. Adam is an entomology graduate student at the local college and currently getting over a breakup from his one and only boyfriend Brad. The scene at the laundromat affects both men and how they view their own lives and their own neuroses, and while it seems like Adam takes the award for the one with the most problems, Denver carries a secret weight filled with his own shortcomings, and it takes both of them working together to forge a better version of themselves.
I consider this to be the best book in the series so far. In her guest post today, Heidi Cullinan describes the Tucker Springs series as "a set of stories between several authors where each “episode” is unique, but the setting is familiar." That rather simple theme connecting the stories is really reflective of the books individually and as a series. It's true that each subsequent book, so far, seems to get a little better in my opinion, but they are all quite relaxed in theme. What I mean to say is that I found this book like the prior ones, focused solely on the relationship and less on outside connections. All that connects them is geography and limited personal connections. That means, however, that the relationship much carry each novel on it's own, and while I wasn't quite sure the first two books accomplished that, Dirty Laundry definitely did.
What really makes this story work is the consideration given to mental illness. I know very little about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or severe anxiety issues, so I can't weigh in on the accuracy of the details. But what I did love is how the issues that Adam has (and to a small extent Denver's issues as well) are firmly entrenched in the relationship. Adam tries to hide them at first, but they're so much a part of who he is, it is almost impossible to keep the information from Denver. And I really felt for Adam. It's a tribute to the author's skill that his self-doubt didn't come across to me as annoying, but instead I felt like I had a good grasp on just how difficult his life is on a day to day basis. He has trouble with many things, but most of all is one of his major tics -- that people have their own space. He can't allow anyone inside his house without severe anxiety and he has a really hard time visiting other people's houses, or spaces of any kind. And besides the fact that this allowed Denver and Adam to show their creativity in getting to know one another in public places, I can't deny that the fact that most of the extremely hot sex in this book is in public places completely ramps up the heat factor. That laundromat scene was just the tip of the iceberg.
The BDSM element is more present here that I was expecting. It slowly becomes more central to the story and the relationship as the book moves forward, but it has little to do with sex and everything to do with creating a power structure helpful to Adam's OCD. Denver's commanding will was what drew the two together in that first encounter and is ultimately what Adam needs to cling to to categorize and then compartmentalize his brain to function at it's highest levels.
There is so much to recommend about this book and I could go on and on with more things that I loved -- both characters, the dichotomy between the two that makes them perfect for one another (their looks, their issues, their education, but not intelligence). Heidi Cullinan is a popular and well known author because of her talent and Dirty Laundry is just another example of her success.
September 1, 2018
Reread August 2018 - good fun reread. Very kinky and a little bit weird, but really enjoyed it.
Re-read/audio version - stopped at 10% - I'm sorry, but this audio is not going to work for me. I can tell Iggy is a great narrator but his voice for Denver is.... It's exactly like Mike from Breaking Bad, do you know Mike?
Yea I don't want to be picturing him while I'm listening to these hot as fuck scenes. It would ruin a book I really really enjoy.
Review:
This was a great 'I loved to be used' story. The d/s aspects of this relationship were seriously hot. I liked how when Adam received his punishments, he enjoyed the release they brought but he wasn't a masochist so he didn't get off on the pain alone, which I thought was pretty realistic.
This was overall a very sweet story with not really any angst between this couple, which was nice because both characters have to work through enough individually.
The only thing I questioned throughout the book was Adam's punishment and why he received it. I understood it when it was something he was doing to sabotage himself, like when he convinced himself Denver would leave him. But a few times it felt like he was being punished for things that he did because of his OCD. Which I didn't like. Anyway it was a very minor complaint. Also at the end when he kept talking about his anxiety and OCD in his horse analogy, it got a bit confusing.... And weird.
Re-read/audio version - stopped at 10% - I'm sorry, but this audio is not going to work for me. I can tell Iggy is a great narrator but his voice for Denver is.... It's exactly like Mike from Breaking Bad, do you know Mike?
Yea I don't want to be picturing him while I'm listening to these hot as fuck scenes. It would ruin a book I really really enjoy.
Review:
This was a great 'I loved to be used' story. The d/s aspects of this relationship were seriously hot. I liked how when Adam received his punishments, he enjoyed the release they brought but he wasn't a masochist so he didn't get off on the pain alone, which I thought was pretty realistic.
This was overall a very sweet story with not really any angst between this couple, which was nice because both characters have to work through enough individually.
The only thing I questioned throughout the book was Adam's punishment and why he received it. I understood it when it was something he was doing to sabotage himself, like when he convinced himself Denver would leave him. But a few times it felt like he was being punished for things that he did because of his OCD. Which I didn't like. Anyway it was a very minor complaint. Also at the end when he kept talking about his anxiety and OCD in his horse analogy, it got a bit confusing.... And weird.
January 29, 2013
Out of the three books in this series, this one I think was the best so far. That being said, while I enjoyed Denver and Adam together, I would have liked to have more to the relationship between them, it seemed that their relationship focused only on the sex and how that calmed Adam's OCD. I think too much was focused on Adam and fixing his problems and at times just overwhelmed the story for me. I would have liked that the issues that Denver had would have been addressed better, they were brought up, but I feel not really resolved. I didn't like Brad and I think that was the main purpose of his character, but I would have liked a little more about him than just he was there to cause problems and affect Adam's OCD. Even though I had some issues with this book, I did enjoy it and would like to see all the characters we have met in the this series again.
July 18, 2017
Yeahh, nope. This book didn't float my boat at all. I couldn't but feel that Adam was changing one dependency with another, admittedly, Denver was way more decent than Brad, but no less of a crutch for Adam.
Also, BDSM is not my thing at all, so... no, cannot recommend.
Also, BDSM is not my thing at all, so... no, cannot recommend.
Read
October 8, 2012For those of you keeping track at home, this is NOT the free short. This is an expanded novel based on that free short. (You have to pay for it this time though, sorry kids.)
January 29, 2013
OCD and anxiety prone entomology grad student Adam meets muscle man bouncer Denver at the laundromat when Adam is harassed by frat boys. Denver comes to the rescue and sexual escapades commence. I was really looking forward to this installment having loved Second Hand and while it was okay I really felt it was several different pieces that never fit together property.
What worked was the beginning. The first few chapter were great. We find out early the specifics of Adam's OCD and I really wanted to know how that could be worked around. I also loved seeing El back in his few cameo appearances. Finally I just loved seeing Denver and Adam together, at the club, taking a drive in the mountains. All that was great and they seemed to fit together perfectly.
But in too many places the story didn't work. There is the never ending discussion of Adam's OCD. I get it, the OCD is bad, why must it be discussed constantly? Enough was enough. Then there is Louisa. Adam has a panic attack and his helped by her, a trans student of gender studies. They become instabest friends. All she ends up being is a board for Adam to say out loud all his anxiety and OCD issues (again!) or the big bully who goes after Denver (another scene that didn't come across well). It's as if the author couldn't come up with another mechanism to get the info out. By the time we got to recitations of what Adam's therapist was telling him I wanted to stop reading.
Denver was not fleshed out as well as he could have been. He has a violent past that comes out of nowhere. It was never alluded to that his past had much bearing on his present until his big disclosure to Adam. It just didn't fit. He's also a little contradictory. He complains about not liking needy whiney twinks, but Adam is as needy as you can get. How Denver remained interested after that first hookup is a mystery to me.
Then there's Brad, Adam's ex. He was a fixture through the whole book and had absolutely no purpose but to force Adam into a panic attack so he could meet Louisa and later apparently show Denver what it meant to live with someone who had severe anxiety. It was a plot devise I could have done without.
The BDSM kink was a mixed bag for me. Some of it I liked, other parts just didn't fit well.
HC is great author and I wish this one had been better.
What worked was the beginning. The first few chapter were great. We find out early the specifics of Adam's OCD and I really wanted to know how that could be worked around. I also loved seeing El back in his few cameo appearances. Finally I just loved seeing Denver and Adam together, at the club, taking a drive in the mountains. All that was great and they seemed to fit together perfectly.
But in too many places the story didn't work. There is the never ending discussion of Adam's OCD. I get it, the OCD is bad, why must it be discussed constantly? Enough was enough. Then there is Louisa. Adam has a panic attack and his helped by her, a trans student of gender studies. They become instabest friends. All she ends up being is a board for Adam to say out loud all his anxiety and OCD issues (again!) or the big bully who goes after Denver (another scene that didn't come across well). It's as if the author couldn't come up with another mechanism to get the info out. By the time we got to recitations of what Adam's therapist was telling him I wanted to stop reading.
Denver was not fleshed out as well as he could have been. He has a violent past that comes out of nowhere. It was never alluded to that his past had much bearing on his present until his big disclosure to Adam. It just didn't fit. He's also a little contradictory. He complains about not liking needy whiney twinks, but Adam is as needy as you can get. How Denver remained interested after that first hookup is a mystery to me.
Then there's Brad, Adam's ex. He was a fixture through the whole book and had absolutely no purpose but to force Adam into a panic attack so he could meet Louisa and later apparently show Denver what it meant to live with someone who had severe anxiety. It was a plot devise I could have done without.
The BDSM kink was a mixed bag for me. Some of it I liked, other parts just didn't fit well.
HC is great author and I wish this one had been better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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