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Balls to the Walls (DSP) #7
Bleu Balls
A Balls to the Wall Romance
Double trouble. The McMillan twins, Robin and Bobby, are renowned for their talents—both as fine artists and for thrilling the various men who catch their eyes. As different in style and personality as their DNA is identical, they’re nonetheless best friends who divide and conquer, with Robin doing the serious painting and Bobby adding the sunny salesmanship.
But when their most important client decides Bobby must wield the paintbrush, the brothers revert to childhood tactics and switch places. Then along comes Micah, a handsome doctor who’s attracted to Bobby but invites Robin out to try to please his homophobic brother, and Paolo, the pain-in-the-butt client who thinks he’s wooing Bobby when he’s actually after Robin. Paolo harbors his own hidden pain that weirdly intersects with Robin’s, but pride and privacy conspire to produce what will either be a masterpiece—or end up as Dogs Playing Poker.
Double trouble. The McMillan twins, Robin and Bobby, are renowned for their talents—both as fine artists and for thrilling the various men who catch their eyes. As different in style and personality as their DNA is identical, they’re nonetheless best friends who divide and conquer, with Robin doing the serious painting and Bobby adding the sunny salesmanship.
But when their most important client decides Bobby must wield the paintbrush, the brothers revert to childhood tactics and switch places. Then along comes Micah, a handsome doctor who’s attracted to Bobby but invites Robin out to try to please his homophobic brother, and Paolo, the pain-in-the-butt client who thinks he’s wooing Bobby when he’s actually after Robin. Paolo harbors his own hidden pain that weirdly intersects with Robin’s, but pride and privacy conspire to produce what will either be a masterpiece—or end up as Dogs Playing Poker.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 9, 2018
38 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
About the author
Tara Lain
97 books1,388 followersTara Lain believes in happy ever afters - and magic. Same thing. In fact, she says, she doesn't believe, she knows. Tara shares this passion in her stories that star her unique, charismatic heroes and adventurous heroines. Quarterbacks and cops, werewolves and witches, blue collar or billionaires, Tara's characters, readers say, love deeply, resolve seemingly insurmountable differences, and ultimately live their lives authentically. After many years living in southern California, Tara, her soulmate honey and her soulmate dog decided they wanted less cars and more trees, prompting a move to Ashland, Oregon where Tara's creating new stories and loving living in a small town with big culture. Likely a Gryffindor or maybe a Ravensclaw but possessed of Parseltongue, Tara loves animals of all kinds, diversity, open minds, coconut crunch ice cream from Zoeys, and her readers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
December 18, 2020
Dnf. Is was for 70% pointless dialog and the rest was meeting gorgeous men and getting erections.
December 29, 2017
A sweet story of twins who are totally opposite in appearance, and ostensibly in behavior, but inside, the “dark” twin is just as sweet as his cheerful brother, though only a few people ever know that. He’s just had some life experiences at an early age that were negative but unique to him and led him to to have a darker outlook on life than his happy-go-lucky brother.
Dark twin, Robin, is hired to do a lobby mural for a modern building in Laguna, despite his attitude toward architect, Paolo Lind, who rubs him the wrong way from the moment they meet. The caveat is that Paolo wants the good twin, Bobby, to do most of the work, so the twins decide to dye their hair to the same color and pull the old twin switch game since the concept was Robin’s and Robin is the better artist. They are fairly successful in their deception except for the fact that they both find Paolo sexy and both have also just discovered a sexy new family doc—the son of their old favorite, Dr. Brown. Micah Brown has taken over his father’s practice and is crazy about Bobby but asks Robin out instead because he doesn’t think his family will accept the flamboyant Bobby.
Of course, there’s misunderstandings and switches of identities, and true love conquers all for both twins by the end. After all, this is a Tara Lain romance and her sweet personality always shines through. Unfortunately, though I haven’t visited this particular series in over six years, I really haven’t seen any change in her writing style and that disappoints me a bit. She’s still using those one-liner internal thoughts and exclamations that are annoying to read, and even more annoying to listen to on audio. And I really doubt that so many men really spring a boner quite so quickly in such bizarre circumstances in real life, nor do they really think with that appendage quite so frequently. Bottom line – the stories are cutesy but just not remotely realistic, and that sort of writing no longer holds my interest.
So, though this was a sweet story and is in keeping with the theme of others in the series, I personally didn’t care for it as much as I’d hoped. I’m sure others will enjoy it, but for me, it was simply a sweet bit of fluff to enjoy over a holiday weekend.
Note: This book was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
Dark twin, Robin, is hired to do a lobby mural for a modern building in Laguna, despite his attitude toward architect, Paolo Lind, who rubs him the wrong way from the moment they meet. The caveat is that Paolo wants the good twin, Bobby, to do most of the work, so the twins decide to dye their hair to the same color and pull the old twin switch game since the concept was Robin’s and Robin is the better artist. They are fairly successful in their deception except for the fact that they both find Paolo sexy and both have also just discovered a sexy new family doc—the son of their old favorite, Dr. Brown. Micah Brown has taken over his father’s practice and is crazy about Bobby but asks Robin out instead because he doesn’t think his family will accept the flamboyant Bobby.
Of course, there’s misunderstandings and switches of identities, and true love conquers all for both twins by the end. After all, this is a Tara Lain romance and her sweet personality always shines through. Unfortunately, though I haven’t visited this particular series in over six years, I really haven’t seen any change in her writing style and that disappoints me a bit. She’s still using those one-liner internal thoughts and exclamations that are annoying to read, and even more annoying to listen to on audio. And I really doubt that so many men really spring a boner quite so quickly in such bizarre circumstances in real life, nor do they really think with that appendage quite so frequently. Bottom line – the stories are cutesy but just not remotely realistic, and that sort of writing no longer holds my interest.
So, though this was a sweet story and is in keeping with the theme of others in the series, I personally didn’t care for it as much as I’d hoped. I’m sure others will enjoy it, but for me, it was simply a sweet bit of fluff to enjoy over a holiday weekend.
Note: This book was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
December 29, 2017
m/m
Bleu Balls is a fun addition to a terrific series but can be read standalone.
Robin and Bobby may be identical twins but they are two sides of a coin. Bobby is lightness and fun and Robin is darker and more subdued. While they are both gifted artists Robin is less of a people person so Bobby deals with sales and Robin creates. In this story we find out just how alike and how different these guys really are. While this book deals with some seri0us subjects there is enough lightness and banter to offset it. I wasn’t sure when I first picked up this book because quite frankly twins pulling threesomes squicks me out but I trusted the author and she didn’t let me down. Find out just what kind of guy is perfect for each of the McMillan twins.
Bleu Balls is a fun addition to a terrific series but can be read standalone.
Robin and Bobby may be identical twins but they are two sides of a coin. Bobby is lightness and fun and Robin is darker and more subdued. While they are both gifted artists Robin is less of a people person so Bobby deals with sales and Robin creates. In this story we find out just how alike and how different these guys really are. While this book deals with some seri0us subjects there is enough lightness and banter to offset it. I wasn’t sure when I first picked up this book because quite frankly twins pulling threesomes squicks me out but I trusted the author and she didn’t let me down. Find out just what kind of guy is perfect for each of the McMillan twins.
February 2, 2018
OMW... can this woman do no wrong? I think I forget, in between reading her books, how much I absolutely love and adore Ms. Lain's stories! Yes, I was worried about this one, because I have 'cest issues and even though I wasn't getting that vibe from the blurb, I was still a little bit worried as the story began. But, it was wonderful! *sigh*
I loved Bobby, don't get me wrong and boy did I keep bouncing back and forth between who I wanted to get who... but Robin? He was "it" for me in this story! Micah and Paolo were wonderful in the roles they were given and showed us that what we "think" we need in our life isn't always the thing that will make us the happiest!
But, back to Robin. I will be honest... I was expecting worse, and yes, things were bad enough... but it was good to see that his perspective of his past came with different outlooks by other people. I just wanted to take that boy home and show him that he was perfect just the way he was and deserving of love just like everyone else... Robin, like many others who were abused as children, didn't deserve what happened to him, but it doesn't make them any less deserving of being loved and finding that one person who can give them that life that they deserve! And, YES... Robin finds that love, which in true Tara Lain form was NOT easy, but he found that love from a man that fought very hard on his own part to NOT love Robin for his own personal reasons until he could fight his feelings no longer, which is one of the MANY reasons I keep coming back to this wonderful author's stories!
I loved Bobby, don't get me wrong and boy did I keep bouncing back and forth between who I wanted to get who... but Robin? He was "it" for me in this story! Micah and Paolo were wonderful in the roles they were given and showed us that what we "think" we need in our life isn't always the thing that will make us the happiest!
But, back to Robin. I will be honest... I was expecting worse, and yes, things were bad enough... but it was good to see that his perspective of his past came with different outlooks by other people. I just wanted to take that boy home and show him that he was perfect just the way he was and deserving of love just like everyone else... Robin, like many others who were abused as children, didn't deserve what happened to him, but it doesn't make them any less deserving of being loved and finding that one person who can give them that life that they deserve! And, YES... Robin finds that love, which in true Tara Lain form was NOT easy, but he found that love from a man that fought very hard on his own part to NOT love Robin for his own personal reasons until he could fight his feelings no longer, which is one of the MANY reasons I keep coming back to this wonderful author's stories!
January 20, 2018
Full review available at: https://optimumm.blog/2018/01/19/revi...
Bleu Balls is the seventh book in the Balls to the Wall series by Tara Lain. I’d eagerly awaited getting to read about the McMillan twins, Robin and Bobby, since meeting them in the previous book, Snow Balls, when they had a fling with JJ before he met Ryan. I have to say that Double trouble did live up to their name, but the book isn’t a bunch of threesome hookups between the twins and another guy. The book starts at the end of the hookup portion of their lives, and Bobby’s ready for a more series relationship with just another guy and not with his twin also. The book’s told from Robin, Bobby, Paolo, and Micah’s POV. So we do get to see inside of each guy’s heads and find out how they’re feeling. The book did get kind of confusing for me sometimes.
Robin and Bobby are both artists, but each has their own style and personality which are as different as their identical DNA. Robin’s the better painter but lacks people skills, and Bobby’s the better salesman with wonderful people skills and adds his sunny disposition to his brother’s dark and moody paintings. However, when Bobby comes down with a cold just before a big pitch to a new client, Robin’s forced to make the pitch. But Robin can tell that the main client and architect of the building, Paolo, takes an instant dislike to him, and Robin doesn’t pull any punches in giving him a piece of his mind. He figures that he has lost them the new client and puts off telling Bobby.
Bobby ends up going to the doctor for his cold and finds that his doctor has been replaced with his gorgeous gay son, Micah. The twins are both attracted, but Bobby can’t stop talking about him and wondering about him. When Bobby finally calls to find out if they got the job, they are pleasantly surprised to find out that they did win the contract. However, the client’s stipulated that Bobby’s to be the main painter for the job instead of Robin. And so they decided to switch places so that Robin can still paint the mural while Bobby sells their other paintings at the Festival. Robin gets to know Paolo while trying to impersonate his brother as he works on the job and Paolo ends up wanting to go out with “Bobby.” Dr. Micha Brown also wants Bobby, but because of his homophobic brother, he ends up asking out Robin instead. They end up realizing that they’re meant to be friends only, and Micha ends up asking out Bobby.
They’re the perfect couple, and their relationship moves quickly, leaving Robin feeling left out and lonely. Paolo also has a date with the real Bobby and is confused with how different he is from the Bobby he talks to when he’s painting the mural. And Bobby doesn’t feel any connection to Paolo either. Making Paolo realize that the twin he really wants is Robin. But it’s not all fun and games, and Paolo and Robin will have to work hard for their HEA. I greatly enjoyed getting to see cameos of the other guys in the Balls to the Wall series and how great their relationships are doing. Bleu Balls is a great addition to the series. My only issue is that the story ends kind of abruptly, and I wanted to know more about Bobby and Micha’s relationship after they got together.
***The ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press. My review is an honest opinion of the book ***
Bleu Balls is the seventh book in the Balls to the Wall series by Tara Lain. I’d eagerly awaited getting to read about the McMillan twins, Robin and Bobby, since meeting them in the previous book, Snow Balls, when they had a fling with JJ before he met Ryan. I have to say that Double trouble did live up to their name, but the book isn’t a bunch of threesome hookups between the twins and another guy. The book starts at the end of the hookup portion of their lives, and Bobby’s ready for a more series relationship with just another guy and not with his twin also. The book’s told from Robin, Bobby, Paolo, and Micah’s POV. So we do get to see inside of each guy’s heads and find out how they’re feeling. The book did get kind of confusing for me sometimes.
Robin and Bobby are both artists, but each has their own style and personality which are as different as their identical DNA. Robin’s the better painter but lacks people skills, and Bobby’s the better salesman with wonderful people skills and adds his sunny disposition to his brother’s dark and moody paintings. However, when Bobby comes down with a cold just before a big pitch to a new client, Robin’s forced to make the pitch. But Robin can tell that the main client and architect of the building, Paolo, takes an instant dislike to him, and Robin doesn’t pull any punches in giving him a piece of his mind. He figures that he has lost them the new client and puts off telling Bobby.
Bobby ends up going to the doctor for his cold and finds that his doctor has been replaced with his gorgeous gay son, Micah. The twins are both attracted, but Bobby can’t stop talking about him and wondering about him. When Bobby finally calls to find out if they got the job, they are pleasantly surprised to find out that they did win the contract. However, the client’s stipulated that Bobby’s to be the main painter for the job instead of Robin. And so they decided to switch places so that Robin can still paint the mural while Bobby sells their other paintings at the Festival. Robin gets to know Paolo while trying to impersonate his brother as he works on the job and Paolo ends up wanting to go out with “Bobby.” Dr. Micha Brown also wants Bobby, but because of his homophobic brother, he ends up asking out Robin instead. They end up realizing that they’re meant to be friends only, and Micha ends up asking out Bobby.
They’re the perfect couple, and their relationship moves quickly, leaving Robin feeling left out and lonely. Paolo also has a date with the real Bobby and is confused with how different he is from the Bobby he talks to when he’s painting the mural. And Bobby doesn’t feel any connection to Paolo either. Making Paolo realize that the twin he really wants is Robin. But it’s not all fun and games, and Paolo and Robin will have to work hard for their HEA. I greatly enjoyed getting to see cameos of the other guys in the Balls to the Wall series and how great their relationships are doing. Bleu Balls is a great addition to the series. My only issue is that the story ends kind of abruptly, and I wanted to know more about Bobby and Micha’s relationship after they got together.
***The ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press. My review is an honest opinion of the book ***
April 13, 2018
A 3.5 star review by The Blogger Girls
Double Trouble, the perfect name for the McMillan twins. They do everything together; paint, live together, have threesomes together, but they look nothing alike and are nothing alike, until they are forced to be. There was a lot of hidden backstory with these two boys and it is slowly unwrapped as the story progresses. The problem for me, especially where Robin was concerned, was that the reason for why he was so difficult felt kind of contrived. I had a hard time buying that his uncle was the cause of his issues…but that’s on me.
So, we have talented twins who are forced to give up their originality to fool their current client, because said client has an immense dislike of Robin. Robin, who is the darker twin, but also the more talented. Bobby is just a ball of sunshine. Life is amazing and nothing can keep him down for long…until he falls for two men. One a doctor, the other, their client. Bobby wants them both and Robin wants neither…at first. These two boys were a mess. But the moral of the story is that when you pretend to be your twin, don’t be surprised to get your feelings hurt when you hear things that were not meant for you.
It was nice to check in with the previous couples, and I was glad that both Bobby and Robin were able to find their own men and grab their HEA in this installment> For the most part I really liked it, but it did drag on a teensy bit. It was not my favorite but I still love the series and I wonder where we go from here, or was this the end? If there is more to come then count me in to keep reading. Enjoy it, I did.
Overall Impression: I liked it
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for a fair and honest review.*
Double Trouble, the perfect name for the McMillan twins. They do everything together; paint, live together, have threesomes together, but they look nothing alike and are nothing alike, until they are forced to be. There was a lot of hidden backstory with these two boys and it is slowly unwrapped as the story progresses. The problem for me, especially where Robin was concerned, was that the reason for why he was so difficult felt kind of contrived. I had a hard time buying that his uncle was the cause of his issues…but that’s on me.
So, we have talented twins who are forced to give up their originality to fool their current client, because said client has an immense dislike of Robin. Robin, who is the darker twin, but also the more talented. Bobby is just a ball of sunshine. Life is amazing and nothing can keep him down for long…until he falls for two men. One a doctor, the other, their client. Bobby wants them both and Robin wants neither…at first. These two boys were a mess. But the moral of the story is that when you pretend to be your twin, don’t be surprised to get your feelings hurt when you hear things that were not meant for you.
It was nice to check in with the previous couples, and I was glad that both Bobby and Robin were able to find their own men and grab their HEA in this installment> For the most part I really liked it, but it did drag on a teensy bit. It was not my favorite but I still love the series and I wonder where we go from here, or was this the end? If there is more to come then count me in to keep reading. Enjoy it, I did.
Overall Impression: I liked it
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for a fair and honest review.*
July 7, 2018
Love this series! The story of the good and the bad twins. When you know that both are good, one just needs the right man to bring his goodness into the light.
January 9, 2018
Double Trouble
It’s amazing to me that this is the seventh book in this series. I have thoroughly enjoyed the vast majority of them, but this was an exception. Please remember that your mileage may vary and take my words with a grain of salt. My opinion may not match your own.
First introduced in Snow Balls, Bobby and Robin McMillan are artists in the painting medium, both quite talented, but with vastly different approaches to life. While Bobby is so lighthearted he comes across as vapid, Robin has a much darker soul, and is clearly the leader of the duo.
Known as Double Trouble in the club scene, men clamor for their attention, but Bobby is getting tired of hookups and wants an actual relationship. The DT plot line takes up a good portion of the book, pulling the attention away from the two budding relationships.
This is a twin-flip book, where one is portraying the other due to a conflict with a client at their initial meeting. With Bobby, normally the mouthpiece/salesman of the duo, sick, Robin must put on his best sales face and make nice for a potentially huge contract. I liked the way Robin’s mind worked, and I appreciated the snark this character displays along with his obvious intelligence.
Paolo and Micah are the other half of the relationship pair, and while I liked them both, even they didn’t really get a fair shake in character development. Paolo is an architect where the contracted art will be done, and as Robin annoyed him from the start, he only wants Bobby to do the painting. Unfortunately, Robin is also the better of the duo, so the twin switch is easy…or should be. Most of the book is spent in subversion where he is concerned.
Micah is a family doctor, taking over for his semi-retired father, and meets the twins when Bobby is ill at the beginning. Intensely attracted to Bobby, but knowing that the bubbly man is unlikely to be accepted by his brothers, he takes the easy route instead, and their date is probably one of my most favorite scenes in the book.
There aren’t a lot of secondary characters, but I appreciated the levity that they brought (brothers excluded). Far and away my favorite secondary character was Micah’s sister. She’s smart, doesn’t put up with nonsense, and simply adores her brother. She brought a freshness that was desperately needed.
The romance aspect felt nearly nonexistent. Because of the dual roles each brother portrays, there isn’t much time for them to embed themselves in their prospective relationships. And don’t even get me started on the bizarre insta-love of Bobby and Micah. The tie-up for the HEA felt contrived and rushed as a result.
Even the conflict of the story fell a little flat for me. It just all kind of hit me wrong, and I’m sorry to say that, because ordinarily I love this author’s work. I liked a great many aspects of this story, but I felt that Bobby’s character really brought down the appeal for me. I don’t mind femme, but this went overboard ad nauseam. I also had issues with Robin being used repeatedly as a Bobby substitute, and because of it he didn’t get the story he deserved.
I’m rating this at 2.5 stars, but rounding up for sites that don’t accept halves. I think it had a ton of potential that just never manifested. Give it a shot if you so desire. You may absolutely love it and think I’m bonkers, and that’s okay!
I voluntarily read an ARC copy of this book for Divine Magazine from Dreamspinner Press with hopes for but no obligation to provide a review.
**Same worded review will appear on Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.**
It’s amazing to me that this is the seventh book in this series. I have thoroughly enjoyed the vast majority of them, but this was an exception. Please remember that your mileage may vary and take my words with a grain of salt. My opinion may not match your own.
First introduced in Snow Balls, Bobby and Robin McMillan are artists in the painting medium, both quite talented, but with vastly different approaches to life. While Bobby is so lighthearted he comes across as vapid, Robin has a much darker soul, and is clearly the leader of the duo.
Known as Double Trouble in the club scene, men clamor for their attention, but Bobby is getting tired of hookups and wants an actual relationship. The DT plot line takes up a good portion of the book, pulling the attention away from the two budding relationships.
This is a twin-flip book, where one is portraying the other due to a conflict with a client at their initial meeting. With Bobby, normally the mouthpiece/salesman of the duo, sick, Robin must put on his best sales face and make nice for a potentially huge contract. I liked the way Robin’s mind worked, and I appreciated the snark this character displays along with his obvious intelligence.
Paolo and Micah are the other half of the relationship pair, and while I liked them both, even they didn’t really get a fair shake in character development. Paolo is an architect where the contracted art will be done, and as Robin annoyed him from the start, he only wants Bobby to do the painting. Unfortunately, Robin is also the better of the duo, so the twin switch is easy…or should be. Most of the book is spent in subversion where he is concerned.
Micah is a family doctor, taking over for his semi-retired father, and meets the twins when Bobby is ill at the beginning. Intensely attracted to Bobby, but knowing that the bubbly man is unlikely to be accepted by his brothers, he takes the easy route instead, and their date is probably one of my most favorite scenes in the book.
There aren’t a lot of secondary characters, but I appreciated the levity that they brought (brothers excluded). Far and away my favorite secondary character was Micah’s sister. She’s smart, doesn’t put up with nonsense, and simply adores her brother. She brought a freshness that was desperately needed.
The romance aspect felt nearly nonexistent. Because of the dual roles each brother portrays, there isn’t much time for them to embed themselves in their prospective relationships. And don’t even get me started on the bizarre insta-love of Bobby and Micah. The tie-up for the HEA felt contrived and rushed as a result.
Even the conflict of the story fell a little flat for me. It just all kind of hit me wrong, and I’m sorry to say that, because ordinarily I love this author’s work. I liked a great many aspects of this story, but I felt that Bobby’s character really brought down the appeal for me. I don’t mind femme, but this went overboard ad nauseam. I also had issues with Robin being used repeatedly as a Bobby substitute, and because of it he didn’t get the story he deserved.
I’m rating this at 2.5 stars, but rounding up for sites that don’t accept halves. I think it had a ton of potential that just never manifested. Give it a shot if you so desire. You may absolutely love it and think I’m bonkers, and that’s okay!
I voluntarily read an ARC copy of this book for Divine Magazine from Dreamspinner Press with hopes for but no obligation to provide a review.
**Same worded review will appear on Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.**
August 13, 2020
Identical twins Robin and Bobby are artists/painters.
They get themselves into a complicated but easy to follow situation regarding their work and 2 gorgeous men.
There was great depth to their relationships.
A great romance story about family, forgiveness, fun, a little sad at times but hopeful.
A beautiful hea that these twins deserved.
They get themselves into a complicated but easy to follow situation regarding their work and 2 gorgeous men.
There was great depth to their relationships.
A great romance story about family, forgiveness, fun, a little sad at times but hopeful.
A beautiful hea that these twins deserved.
January 7, 2018
This book had the potential to elevate the Balls to the Wall books but to me, it failed. That is not to say it's a bad book, and it is a very typical Tara book for sure, but I feel like parts of it clashed and it did not work for me.
Mainly I would say I had issues with how all the characters treated Robin- who is by far the most interesting character in the series. Bobby and Robin are fun characters, but the book starts out with a slightly dark vibe that I could not shake. After that I was hoping to delve into Robin, but unfortunately his relationships were shallow, and I feel like the double trouble plot line took too much focus from the more interesting parts. I also felt like Robin should have been the main character, or gotten more "screen time" and he was only there most of the book to emphasize Bobby or get manipulated into dates by everybody because he must need a man to feel better about himself.
I found it hard to enjoy the romance. Because the lightheartedness of Tara's writing, that Bobby like sunshine and cheer, felt fake next to a story about a character like Robin. I was constantly annoyed at who Bobby and everyone around him behaved towards him. It was unfair but also unjustified, and I find the way his story resolved without any conflict was really fast (he says so himself to Paolo) and left me feeling confused. All these things made it very hard to connect, they kept pulling me OUT of the story and emphasized the wrongness of it. I think had it stayed in the romantic format of the first books I could ignore most of the issues, as the story would flow better. It felt like there wasn't any balance in the story and all the things I know to overlook in Tara's stories, being a bit romantic and cliché in a good way, just stood out too much.
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***spoiler***
I also found it very disturbing how easily Micha and Bobby had unprotected sex. Yes, he is his doctor and saw his results, but saying he is clean is not the same as verifying it. I usually don't think about these situations too much but it was so disturbing to me I could not let it go. There is something very off-putting about their relationships, especially as they are presented in this fairy tale love way, there were so many things this book could have done better. It also felt like Robin really liked Micha, and then he suddenly cenacles it because Bobby likes him more. I know he is all about caring for others and thinks little of himself but others don't fell it's hard to take from him. Micha asked him out because he wanted them and thought Bobby could not handle his weirdly homophobic brother if he meets his family. That is just wrong! Talk about using!!! And then the way his family deals with the brother is also strange, you can’t really tell what they are feeling.
Mainly I would say I had issues with how all the characters treated Robin- who is by far the most interesting character in the series. Bobby and Robin are fun characters, but the book starts out with a slightly dark vibe that I could not shake. After that I was hoping to delve into Robin, but unfortunately his relationships were shallow, and I feel like the double trouble plot line took too much focus from the more interesting parts. I also felt like Robin should have been the main character, or gotten more "screen time" and he was only there most of the book to emphasize Bobby or get manipulated into dates by everybody because he must need a man to feel better about himself.
I found it hard to enjoy the romance. Because the lightheartedness of Tara's writing, that Bobby like sunshine and cheer, felt fake next to a story about a character like Robin. I was constantly annoyed at who Bobby and everyone around him behaved towards him. It was unfair but also unjustified, and I find the way his story resolved without any conflict was really fast (he says so himself to Paolo) and left me feeling confused. All these things made it very hard to connect, they kept pulling me OUT of the story and emphasized the wrongness of it. I think had it stayed in the romantic format of the first books I could ignore most of the issues, as the story would flow better. It felt like there wasn't any balance in the story and all the things I know to overlook in Tara's stories, being a bit romantic and cliché in a good way, just stood out too much.
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***spoiler***
I also found it very disturbing how easily Micha and Bobby had unprotected sex. Yes, he is his doctor and saw his results, but saying he is clean is not the same as verifying it. I usually don't think about these situations too much but it was so disturbing to me I could not let it go. There is something very off-putting about their relationships, especially as they are presented in this fairy tale love way, there were so many things this book could have done better. It also felt like Robin really liked Micha, and then he suddenly cenacles it because Bobby likes him more. I know he is all about caring for others and thinks little of himself but others don't fell it's hard to take from him. Micha asked him out because he wanted them and thought Bobby could not handle his weirdly homophobic brother if he meets his family. That is just wrong! Talk about using!!! And then the way his family deals with the brother is also strange, you can’t really tell what they are feeling.
February 28, 2018
I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This was an absolute delight! The twins’ story might even be more fun than Rodney’s. I loved Robin’s attitude and Bobby’s exuberant joy. I also loved both Paolo and Micah - though it took me almost as long as the twins to match the right man to the right twin.
The twins’ identity swapping antics are playful and a little silly. It’s all a little bit Twelfth Night / Love’s Labour Lost - without the deeper political themes. I love the way the twins balance each other and I love their sex positive ‘Double Trouble’ exploits.
Despite the twins’ success as artists, they both come across as quite young. Micah and Paolo feel older but I enjoyed both of their personal stories and I loved Micah’s family. All four characters have difficult issues to resolve with their families but I like that their family members are more nuanced in this book - it is refreshingly free of the one dimensional ‘bad guy’ bigots that have put me off the last few stories in this series.
This story brings together all the best elements of the series. It is a sunny, California book and we get to catch up with all of our favourite men in Laguna beach. I love the friendships, the dialogue and the wonderfully quirky humour.
This was an absolute delight! The twins’ story might even be more fun than Rodney’s. I loved Robin’s attitude and Bobby’s exuberant joy. I also loved both Paolo and Micah - though it took me almost as long as the twins to match the right man to the right twin.
The twins’ identity swapping antics are playful and a little silly. It’s all a little bit Twelfth Night / Love’s Labour Lost - without the deeper political themes. I love the way the twins balance each other and I love their sex positive ‘Double Trouble’ exploits.
Despite the twins’ success as artists, they both come across as quite young. Micah and Paolo feel older but I enjoyed both of their personal stories and I loved Micah’s family. All four characters have difficult issues to resolve with their families but I like that their family members are more nuanced in this book - it is refreshingly free of the one dimensional ‘bad guy’ bigots that have put me off the last few stories in this series.
This story brings together all the best elements of the series. It is a sunny, California book and we get to catch up with all of our favourite men in Laguna beach. I love the friendships, the dialogue and the wonderfully quirky humour.
January 9, 2018
Fun, sweet, charming. Those words come to mind when I think about this book. It is a perfect addition to the highly successful Balls to the Wall series.
It features the twins Robin and Bobby also known as Double Trouble. Identical and different at the same time. They have had their days of fun, but they are ready to settle down. At least Bobby is. Robin is not so sure. The decision is made when they meet Micah and Paolo.
It is written in the quintessential Tara Lain style with joyful banter, great characters, and hot sex.
I loved the characters. Bobby is a bouncing, bubbly ball of happiness and sunshine. Robin is the more serious and darker twin, selfless to a fault. They find their perfect match in Micah and Paolo. Two men who are also very different from each other with their own traits and just as good portrayed as the twins.
And no, it is not a foursome. Robin and Bobby both have their own happily ever after. In the meantime, mistaken identities and seeing what you expect to see make for some whimsical situations which are at times hilarious. Not all is fun and laughter though. I had some teary eyes as well caused by problematic family relations and uncovered secrets from the past.
Combine this with the presence of all their friends of the previous books, and you have a delightful book in your hands. The more I read about Laguna Beach, the more I want to move there. It is a happy place.
It features the twins Robin and Bobby also known as Double Trouble. Identical and different at the same time. They have had their days of fun, but they are ready to settle down. At least Bobby is. Robin is not so sure. The decision is made when they meet Micah and Paolo.
It is written in the quintessential Tara Lain style with joyful banter, great characters, and hot sex.
I loved the characters. Bobby is a bouncing, bubbly ball of happiness and sunshine. Robin is the more serious and darker twin, selfless to a fault. They find their perfect match in Micah and Paolo. Two men who are also very different from each other with their own traits and just as good portrayed as the twins.
And no, it is not a foursome. Robin and Bobby both have their own happily ever after. In the meantime, mistaken identities and seeing what you expect to see make for some whimsical situations which are at times hilarious. Not all is fun and laughter though. I had some teary eyes as well caused by problematic family relations and uncovered secrets from the past.
Combine this with the presence of all their friends of the previous books, and you have a delightful book in your hands. The more I read about Laguna Beach, the more I want to move there. It is a happy place.
February 16, 2018
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the 7th in the series, and we get to meet up with previous romantic relationships, as the guys are all close with each other. But finally the twins get their chance to find love. The path is most definitely not smooth, and lots of issues from the past come and affect their belief in being able to also settle down in a committed relationships. I think it was done really well, with a good mix of dark and light, and some lovely humour at the very moment that it is needed.
Robin and Bobbie have done pretty much everything in life together, but times are a changing. It is very enjoyable watching them come to the realisation that they may want more out of life, that their careers as artists are taking off, and that life is good. Some of the interventions by their friends are very poignant, particularly if you have read earlier books. I love that there are layers which reward the faithful reader, yet the newbie still gets a good experience.
I am loathed to say more about the story, as you need to see it unfold yourself, but I don't think you will be disappointed. Thank you Ms Lain for a worthy story for the twins.
This is the 7th in the series, and we get to meet up with previous romantic relationships, as the guys are all close with each other. But finally the twins get their chance to find love. The path is most definitely not smooth, and lots of issues from the past come and affect their belief in being able to also settle down in a committed relationships. I think it was done really well, with a good mix of dark and light, and some lovely humour at the very moment that it is needed.
Robin and Bobbie have done pretty much everything in life together, but times are a changing. It is very enjoyable watching them come to the realisation that they may want more out of life, that their careers as artists are taking off, and that life is good. Some of the interventions by their friends are very poignant, particularly if you have read earlier books. I love that there are layers which reward the faithful reader, yet the newbie still gets a good experience.
I am loathed to say more about the story, as you need to see it unfold yourself, but I don't think you will be disappointed. Thank you Ms Lain for a worthy story for the twins.
February 1, 2018
I received a copy to read and review for Wicked Reads
I love this series. You could read this as a standalone but to get the back story and full enjoyment you should read all the books. We have met Double Trouble before and I am so glad they finally got their book. Robin and Bobby are super close and I love the dynamics of their relationship. Each man meets someone that makes their heart pitter patter but when they swap places because of a work project things go crazy. I don't want to give anything away but Paolo and Micah change Robin and Bobbys lives forever. This was a great book filled with everyday, real life issues and you couldn't help but fall in love with all the characters.
I love this series. You could read this as a standalone but to get the back story and full enjoyment you should read all the books. We have met Double Trouble before and I am so glad they finally got their book. Robin and Bobby are super close and I love the dynamics of their relationship. Each man meets someone that makes their heart pitter patter but when they swap places because of a work project things go crazy. I don't want to give anything away but Paolo and Micah change Robin and Bobbys lives forever. This was a great book filled with everyday, real life issues and you couldn't help but fall in love with all the characters.
September 19, 2019
Bleu Balls is the seventh book in the ‘Balls to the Walls’ series. It stars the McMillan twins, Robin and Bobby who are artists, and Micah, a doctor, and Paolo, an architect. This is told in third person from Robin, Bobby, Micah and Paolo’s pov.
January 10, 2018
Received in exchange for an honest review.
Overall so good and fun.
Robin and Bobby capture you from the get go. One with his flamboyant and over the top bubbly personality and the other with his serious broodiness but the pain he is in as well. He has always been the one to take care of his brother and shield him from things and your heart just goes out to him.
Bobby is the broody one and boy does he live up to the artist type. His talent knows no bounds but he is the serious one. The one that protects Robin even to his own detriment. He doesn’t have much self confidence in himself. His talent yes himself no. He feels that only his brother deserves everything. It is so heart breaking to see.
Robin is the opposite. Like a ray of sunshine. He truly is effervescent. He is also ready to settle down and be with someone. So naturally everyone seem drawn to him even when the twins switch identities for a job.
One of those hotties is Micah. He is the twins doctor and he is just as sweet and kind as Robin. He is just one who oozes sunshine. Only he is afraid of his brother’s reaction and doesn’t act on his feelings at first. Paolo is the architect that Bobby has a scuffle with. The one that Bobby challenges. when Bobby/robin get the mural job Paolo insists on Robin being the one painting and he thinks that is who is introspective and has an edge when he is really falling for bobby.
Paolo is very stubborn and wary due to the hard knocks of life. Like Bobby, he grew up early on in childhood because there was no choice. Bobby out of love, selflessness and protection of Robin and Paolo because of his mother. Only Paolo took it and got out. He became more than his situation and does hold a stubborn grudge against his past. He doesn’t embrace it and learn but fight it. This is why I think bobby affects him so. Bobby isn’t running from his past but using it to help him create with the emotions he is feeling from it.
The book is fun and sweet. Bobby and his questioning himself is heartbreaking. Watching him and Paolo interact is a dance. sometimes invigorating and sometimes maddening. When he helps Paolo you just smile. When Paolo mucks it up you growl but when he figures it out your heart leaps and does backflips. Micah with the help of Bobby figures out what he wants and goes for it. He sees that Robin is stronger and tougher than he thinks and stands his ground when brought to a family dinner. Micah stands up for himself and his feelings for Robin and it is wonderful.
The twins are yin and yang. They are so fun to read about and see fall in love. The story is gratifying and precious. YOu see Bobby finally find a way out of his self loathing and dislike to move on and see he is worthy of happiness and love. Love from Paolo who does learn and grow as well. This is a well written enrapturing story of love, self worth, forgiveness, family and belief in yourself. A story that captures your heart and has you smile and feel.
Overall so good and fun.
Robin and Bobby capture you from the get go. One with his flamboyant and over the top bubbly personality and the other with his serious broodiness but the pain he is in as well. He has always been the one to take care of his brother and shield him from things and your heart just goes out to him.
Bobby is the broody one and boy does he live up to the artist type. His talent knows no bounds but he is the serious one. The one that protects Robin even to his own detriment. He doesn’t have much self confidence in himself. His talent yes himself no. He feels that only his brother deserves everything. It is so heart breaking to see.
Robin is the opposite. Like a ray of sunshine. He truly is effervescent. He is also ready to settle down and be with someone. So naturally everyone seem drawn to him even when the twins switch identities for a job.
One of those hotties is Micah. He is the twins doctor and he is just as sweet and kind as Robin. He is just one who oozes sunshine. Only he is afraid of his brother’s reaction and doesn’t act on his feelings at first. Paolo is the architect that Bobby has a scuffle with. The one that Bobby challenges. when Bobby/robin get the mural job Paolo insists on Robin being the one painting and he thinks that is who is introspective and has an edge when he is really falling for bobby.
Paolo is very stubborn and wary due to the hard knocks of life. Like Bobby, he grew up early on in childhood because there was no choice. Bobby out of love, selflessness and protection of Robin and Paolo because of his mother. Only Paolo took it and got out. He became more than his situation and does hold a stubborn grudge against his past. He doesn’t embrace it and learn but fight it. This is why I think bobby affects him so. Bobby isn’t running from his past but using it to help him create with the emotions he is feeling from it.
The book is fun and sweet. Bobby and his questioning himself is heartbreaking. Watching him and Paolo interact is a dance. sometimes invigorating and sometimes maddening. When he helps Paolo you just smile. When Paolo mucks it up you growl but when he figures it out your heart leaps and does backflips. Micah with the help of Bobby figures out what he wants and goes for it. He sees that Robin is stronger and tougher than he thinks and stands his ground when brought to a family dinner. Micah stands up for himself and his feelings for Robin and it is wonderful.
The twins are yin and yang. They are so fun to read about and see fall in love. The story is gratifying and precious. YOu see Bobby finally find a way out of his self loathing and dislike to move on and see he is worthy of happiness and love. Love from Paolo who does learn and grow as well. This is a well written enrapturing story of love, self worth, forgiveness, family and belief in yourself. A story that captures your heart and has you smile and feel.
January 16, 2018
When twins become involved in a romance novel that you know will have sex, I generally avoid it because twincest is just not my thing. I decided to give Bleu Balls a try because it’s Tara Lain, and her novels are my thing. I couldn’t be happier for trying something so potentially outside my comfort zone. Bobby and Robin are two wonderful and unique characters that bring different aspects to life on the pages they feature in.
Much like he’s described in the blurb, Bobby is so happy and sunny he’s like a unicorn barfing rainbows, a phrase I love and want to use as often as possible, but he’s also got a core of steel that gets hidden and forgotten due to his bubbly nature. This leads many people, even his twin brother, to underestimate his fierceness and ability to protect himself and those he loves.
Robin, on the other hand, is that bit darker, having suffered through his family’s hidden secret, and determined to protect his sunshine brother from its darkness. His love for his brother, and desire to be more like him, is just so adorable, and I often found myself wanting to hug him and protect him far more than his brother. The novel truly highlights the effects alcoholism and substance abuse can have on the addict’s families and loved ones. The contrast between what Robin could have come out like and the man he has grown into is visible to all. Though I think Robin would always have been that bit darker and moodier, even if he’d had the same experiences as Bobby.
The two love interests were as unique as the main characters, and really complimented who they ended up with. In fact, it was nice to see the author pairing like-with-like instead of the opposites attract for a bit of a change. I would also like to take this time to wish that Dr Brown was my doctor, because he is everything anybody could want in their GP. Kind, caring, professional even when his emotions are trying to make him so very unprofessional. I can easily see Bobby being teasing enough to play doctor with him in his practice.
Paolo was a lot harder to like, and I even found myself agreeing with the Laguna crew that he needed to prove himself worthy of our Robin. As usual, seeing the eventual happy ending was worth the ups and downs. The book also was longer than I thought it would be. After all, the romance had been worked and the men had their loves, so why would it go on longer? But it was a perfect ending, tying up the effects of alcoholism and showing the light at the end of a dark tunnel.
Another wonderful addition to the Balls to the Walls series, and I really hope we see more of the amazing Howard, who helped Robin realise that he could let go of the darkness and really open his heart.
Reviewed by Jenn for The Novel Approach
Much like he’s described in the blurb, Bobby is so happy and sunny he’s like a unicorn barfing rainbows, a phrase I love and want to use as often as possible, but he’s also got a core of steel that gets hidden and forgotten due to his bubbly nature. This leads many people, even his twin brother, to underestimate his fierceness and ability to protect himself and those he loves.
Robin, on the other hand, is that bit darker, having suffered through his family’s hidden secret, and determined to protect his sunshine brother from its darkness. His love for his brother, and desire to be more like him, is just so adorable, and I often found myself wanting to hug him and protect him far more than his brother. The novel truly highlights the effects alcoholism and substance abuse can have on the addict’s families and loved ones. The contrast between what Robin could have come out like and the man he has grown into is visible to all. Though I think Robin would always have been that bit darker and moodier, even if he’d had the same experiences as Bobby.
The two love interests were as unique as the main characters, and really complimented who they ended up with. In fact, it was nice to see the author pairing like-with-like instead of the opposites attract for a bit of a change. I would also like to take this time to wish that Dr Brown was my doctor, because he is everything anybody could want in their GP. Kind, caring, professional even when his emotions are trying to make him so very unprofessional. I can easily see Bobby being teasing enough to play doctor with him in his practice.
Paolo was a lot harder to like, and I even found myself agreeing with the Laguna crew that he needed to prove himself worthy of our Robin. As usual, seeing the eventual happy ending was worth the ups and downs. The book also was longer than I thought it would be. After all, the romance had been worked and the men had their loves, so why would it go on longer? But it was a perfect ending, tying up the effects of alcoholism and showing the light at the end of a dark tunnel.
Another wonderful addition to the Balls to the Walls series, and I really hope we see more of the amazing Howard, who helped Robin realise that he could let go of the darkness and really open his heart.
Reviewed by Jenn for The Novel Approach
January 10, 2018
This is the seventh book in the Balls to the Wall series, but easily enjoyed on its own.
Robin and Bobby McMillan have come from modest beginnings to be moderately-known artists on the Laguna art scene. They recently bid on a large mural project that would pay large dividends, if they get the gig. However, on the day of the big proposal, bubbly and pleasant Bobby is too ill to make the meeting, and Robin tells off one of the main buyers once his short-temper is lit. Robin’s been downhearted a long time, but most recently he’s sad that he and JJ, from SNOW BALLS, didn’t make it work. Bobby’s been looking for a steady guy, too, even though this sexy duo is known for their freaky bedroom (or bar bathroom) skills as a tag team sex dream.
Robin’s shocked that they get the commission, but just as quickly dismayed that the buyer wants Bobby to be the lead artist. While they often work together, Robin does the bulk of the painting, while Bobby handles the customer relations. And, with them also selling at the local arts festival, it’s impossible for Bobby to be in both places at once…until they dye tier hair to match, and Robin masquerades as his more affable twin.
Meanwhile, “Bobby” catches the eye of their disgruntled patron, and Bobby falls for their new doctor, a man who’s struggling to gain his family’s acceptance. Some mismatches occur, but love is on the horizon for Bobby and “Bobby”–I mean Robin. This was mostly fun, but also tender, as Robin learns to love himself more, and stand up for his own needs. Bobby dims his light just a bit, but he shines all the brighter when facing off against prejudice, and working to keep Robin positive. I like how Robin’s love interest had a dark past, and a troubled family that colors his interactions. While he and Robin are initially at loggerheads, it’s mostly because they are more alike than different. And, when they come together, it’s soon apparent that Robin has many folks in his corner.
This was another fun read, with both heat and heart. We get to see a lot of our pals from the previous books, but it’s a double love story front-and-center. Bobby, Robin and their love interests take turns narrating, and the reader gets an inside view of their motivations. Which aren’t necessarily honest, but felt very real. I definitely enjoyed this one, and wonder what’s in store for the sexy Laguna boys.
Robin and Bobby McMillan have come from modest beginnings to be moderately-known artists on the Laguna art scene. They recently bid on a large mural project that would pay large dividends, if they get the gig. However, on the day of the big proposal, bubbly and pleasant Bobby is too ill to make the meeting, and Robin tells off one of the main buyers once his short-temper is lit. Robin’s been downhearted a long time, but most recently he’s sad that he and JJ, from SNOW BALLS, didn’t make it work. Bobby’s been looking for a steady guy, too, even though this sexy duo is known for their freaky bedroom (or bar bathroom) skills as a tag team sex dream.
Robin’s shocked that they get the commission, but just as quickly dismayed that the buyer wants Bobby to be the lead artist. While they often work together, Robin does the bulk of the painting, while Bobby handles the customer relations. And, with them also selling at the local arts festival, it’s impossible for Bobby to be in both places at once…until they dye tier hair to match, and Robin masquerades as his more affable twin.
Meanwhile, “Bobby” catches the eye of their disgruntled patron, and Bobby falls for their new doctor, a man who’s struggling to gain his family’s acceptance. Some mismatches occur, but love is on the horizon for Bobby and “Bobby”–I mean Robin. This was mostly fun, but also tender, as Robin learns to love himself more, and stand up for his own needs. Bobby dims his light just a bit, but he shines all the brighter when facing off against prejudice, and working to keep Robin positive. I like how Robin’s love interest had a dark past, and a troubled family that colors his interactions. While he and Robin are initially at loggerheads, it’s mostly because they are more alike than different. And, when they come together, it’s soon apparent that Robin has many folks in his corner.
This was another fun read, with both heat and heart. We get to see a lot of our pals from the previous books, but it’s a double love story front-and-center. Bobby, Robin and their love interests take turns narrating, and the reader gets an inside view of their motivations. Which aren’t necessarily honest, but felt very real. I definitely enjoyed this one, and wonder what’s in store for the sexy Laguna boys.
January 12, 2018
This series has been kind of hit-or-miss for me with some of the books being great reads and others being take ‘em or leave ‘em. Bleu Balls I was kind of on the fence for a majority of the book. While I loved Bobby and Robin’s characters, they didn’t quite meet my expectations based on the glimpses I had of them previously in the series. As for their love interests in this story, Micah was wonderful…but Paolo felt standoffish and I just couldn’t warm up to him at all.
With the overall story being a whole take on the twin thing, it sets the guys up for the typical twin moments—swapping places, potential mix-ups and such—but for me these situations made it harder for me to connect with the characters, and made the couplings feel a bit forced. Even once Bobby and Robin were matched up with the men with whom they truly belonged, I still didn’t feel a genuine “click” with each of the couples. That feeling was more prevalent with Robin and Paolo, mostly due to both of them having personalities that were similar and not the kind that are warm and fuzzy…which resulted in them clashing more often than not. Bobby and Micah were a much better match to me.
One thing that I did really love was how protective Robin was of Bobby. The two of them share a special bond as twins in the first place, but Robin always puts Bobby first. With the two of them used to sharing everything with each other, when they stop doing so when it comes to their new relationships it introduces friction into the story.
Even now that I’ve finished the book, I still don’t have a strong feeling either way about it. I did enjoy reading it, and fans of the series will like getting Bobby and Robin’s story. I think if Paolo’s character was easier to warm up to, and if he and Robin had less conflicting personalities, then I would have felt better about their pairing.
This story is for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
With the overall story being a whole take on the twin thing, it sets the guys up for the typical twin moments—swapping places, potential mix-ups and such—but for me these situations made it harder for me to connect with the characters, and made the couplings feel a bit forced. Even once Bobby and Robin were matched up with the men with whom they truly belonged, I still didn’t feel a genuine “click” with each of the couples. That feeling was more prevalent with Robin and Paolo, mostly due to both of them having personalities that were similar and not the kind that are warm and fuzzy…which resulted in them clashing more often than not. Bobby and Micah were a much better match to me.
One thing that I did really love was how protective Robin was of Bobby. The two of them share a special bond as twins in the first place, but Robin always puts Bobby first. With the two of them used to sharing everything with each other, when they stop doing so when it comes to their new relationships it introduces friction into the story.
Even now that I’ve finished the book, I still don’t have a strong feeling either way about it. I did enjoy reading it, and fans of the series will like getting Bobby and Robin’s story. I think if Paolo’s character was easier to warm up to, and if he and Robin had less conflicting personalities, then I would have felt better about their pairing.
This story is for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
August 3, 2020
Double Trouble twin 👬🎨artists lust for love💕
The plot was good, with twins hanging together, eyeing the same men and getting caught up in a huge romantic mess! Robin, the serious twin with the sad look in his eye, was my favorite over sunny, exuberant brother Bobby, probably because he was so ready to sacrifice to make Bobby happy and secure.
The book begins with a steamy club scene and simmers down a bit when the twins decide they want to move past their sybaritic hook-up life and find romantic partners. But, once each settles on the suitor who clicks, the heat rises again😉. I never really warmed to Paolo, one of their suitors, but really liked the storyline for Paolo and his mom Josie. Micah, bowled over by the twins, brings with him a srepbrother who rails against Micah's gay lifestyle, but there's no violence and Micah eventually handles the friction admirably.
I did not read the previous books in the series and felt I did not need to to get a complete story here. Characters that I believe featured elsewhere in the series have cameo appearances but the focus is always on Robin, Bobby, their art and their current love interests. No cliffhanger, happy horizons.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
The plot was good, with twins hanging together, eyeing the same men and getting caught up in a huge romantic mess! Robin, the serious twin with the sad look in his eye, was my favorite over sunny, exuberant brother Bobby, probably because he was so ready to sacrifice to make Bobby happy and secure.
The book begins with a steamy club scene and simmers down a bit when the twins decide they want to move past their sybaritic hook-up life and find romantic partners. But, once each settles on the suitor who clicks, the heat rises again😉. I never really warmed to Paolo, one of their suitors, but really liked the storyline for Paolo and his mom Josie. Micah, bowled over by the twins, brings with him a srepbrother who rails against Micah's gay lifestyle, but there's no violence and Micah eventually handles the friction admirably.
I did not read the previous books in the series and felt I did not need to to get a complete story here. Characters that I believe featured elsewhere in the series have cameo appearances but the focus is always on Robin, Bobby, their art and their current love interests. No cliffhanger, happy horizons.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
January 10, 2018
I think we've met the twins in a previous book, but I can't remember for sure. Regardless, they are two strong and loveable caracters. Bobby seems like he's just all bubble and charm on the surface, but he has depth. On the flip side, Robin seems so very dark, but he's got his own light that shines in a different way. Paulo and Micah are also very different in "matching" ways and watching them connect with the twins is enthralling. I kept expecting awkwardness and heartbreak at every turn, and it was just endearing instead. I do have to say that while I loved all the characters, I think Robin was my favorite. My heart just really went out to him in particular and while I enjoyed the whole story, it's him that lingers in my mind.
Bleu Balls is a fun and very complex read. Loveable characters and sparks flying make sore a great addition to this series!
Bleu Balls is a fun and very complex read. Loveable characters and sparks flying make sore a great addition to this series!
March 22, 2019
Probably my least favourite of the series - it was nice to see all the existing characters getting a trot out but whilst it has been a while since I read them, I can’t say I recall the twins and I don’t remember so many dears flying around (along with the arms being flung everywhere).
I enjoyed the first part more where we get the set up - though I did have to take notes as to who fancied who, who they went out with etc. Whilst it is kind of switched identities, the romantic interests did only ever go out with whom they thought they were (I think that makes sense).
In the second half it all got a bit too gushy and flowery for me - and I didn’t really understand the big cloud hanging over Robin, even after it was explained - it seemed too much of a plot device - I’d have been easier just with a simole difference in personality explanation.
I enjoyed the first part more where we get the set up - though I did have to take notes as to who fancied who, who they went out with etc. Whilst it is kind of switched identities, the romantic interests did only ever go out with whom they thought they were (I think that makes sense).
In the second half it all got a bit too gushy and flowery for me - and I didn’t really understand the big cloud hanging over Robin, even after it was explained - it seemed too much of a plot device - I’d have been easier just with a simole difference in personality explanation.
August 2, 2020
Bobby, light, bubbly, and a people person. Robin, dark, conflicted, and would be happy to never interact with people other than his twin. Bobby, unsure of himself, afraid to face the world without his brother. Robin, a streak of light buried so deep inside him it might never show.
This story had nice contradictions. Light and dark personalities who really weren’t either. Both the twins, playing the parts they had assumed early on. Their strengths and weaknesses balancing each other out.
The (not quite successfully) dating one another’s man, I really saw as a weakness in the story. A reason for angst that I didn’t feel was necessary. This didn’t take away from all the characters impact though. Fairly slow burn that heated up nicely.
Nice writing with just a taste of guys from the other books.
I received an arc of this book.
This story had nice contradictions. Light and dark personalities who really weren’t either. Both the twins, playing the parts they had assumed early on. Their strengths and weaknesses balancing each other out.
The (not quite successfully) dating one another’s man, I really saw as a weakness in the story. A reason for angst that I didn’t feel was necessary. This didn’t take away from all the characters impact though. Fairly slow burn that heated up nicely.
Nice writing with just a taste of guys from the other books.
I received an arc of this book.
August 5, 2020
Bleu Balls is Book 7 in the Balls to the Wall series by Tara Lane. This is the story of identical twins Robin and Bobby. While they are identical in appearance their personalities are like Yin and Yang. They dress differently, they have different hair colour and style. Although they are different they are devoted to one another.
The story revolves around their work as painters and a commission to paint a multi-storey artwork in the foyer of a new building where they find it necessary to merge their looks so it is hard to tell who is working on the work at any given time. This story has shades of the Prince and the Pauper.
I found the beginning of the story a bit slow but it improved more and more as the story evolved. It was an enjoyable read.
The story revolves around their work as painters and a commission to paint a multi-storey artwork in the foyer of a new building where they find it necessary to merge their looks so it is hard to tell who is working on the work at any given time. This story has shades of the Prince and the Pauper.
I found the beginning of the story a bit slow but it improved more and more as the story evolved. It was an enjoyable read.
August 8, 2020
I love everything Tara Lain writes. Her stories make me happy. I especially love the Twin capers in this story. Their shenanigans were pretty good. Robin and Bobby are artist but have different personalities, but they both love having three ways and have shared many guys. But they decide they want more, a real romantic relationship. Robin is the serious one where Bobby is the happy one. Bobby and Micha/Robin and Paolo are perfect for each other. Definitely recommend!!
I am voluntarily leaving a review form an ARC that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
I am voluntarily leaving a review form an ARC that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
August 13, 2020
These twins share everything...literally...they live together, work together and hang out together. It is interesting how Robin has kept part of their childhood from his brother, Bobby. Since this is just one example of Robin being protective of his brother. And of family secrets kept. Of the knowledge that maybe we hide ourselves from those closest to us.
When Robin and Bobby meet two wonderful men who can't decide which twin they are attracted to, a complex plan gets everyone twisted into deceit and eventually coupledom!
A fun story with lots of romance.
When Robin and Bobby meet two wonderful men who can't decide which twin they are attracted to, a complex plan gets everyone twisted into deceit and eventually coupledom!
A fun story with lots of romance.
January 9, 2018
Tara has added another winner to her Balls to the Wall series. Bleu Balls is a sweet, sexy story of twins Robin and Bobby. At first glance they appear to be total opposites. Tara's amazing storytelling shows you how they are more alike than not.
They are both searching for someone to connect with. To be accepted and loved for themselves.
I really enjoyed seeing these boys get their HEA and as a bonus getting to revisit some favorite characters from this series.
They are both searching for someone to connect with. To be accepted and loved for themselves.
I really enjoyed seeing these boys get their HEA and as a bonus getting to revisit some favorite characters from this series.
January 10, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. I've been waiting for the story of the twins for a long, long time and I'm basically happy with what I got. Although I felt this was mostly Robin's story with a dash of Bobby thrown in, I was ok with that because I was drawn to Robin more. I also would have been fine with each twin getting their own book but I can see why she wrote it this way too. Overall I had a great time reading this and finished it in one sitting. Recommend if you enjoy light romance.
August 6, 2020
We first meet Double Trouble, Bobby and Robin in Show Balls. Now both of them are looking to find someone more than just a hook up. Will they be able find it or will they need to pretend to be each other in order to pursue the one that they want. Sometimes it takes dating the wrong twin to see that what you are looking for is right in front of you. This fun read is set in Laguna Beach with the rest of the Balls to the Wall series. Some of our favorites are back too.
August 15, 2020
As in other books in the series, this story had wonderful characters, that after many funny, witty situations, a little bit angst, and many heartwarming moments got a double, romantic forever. I enjoy a lot identical twins' stories and this book didn't dissapoint, with all the entanglement and confusion just two identical persons switching places can cause. So wonderful...
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