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Murmur Inc. #1
Hotline
Zack never intended to become a phone sex operator, but with half a college degree and a smart mouth, his options were limited. It helps that he has a knack for thinking on his feet and a willingness to roll with whatever his clients throw at him. Sure, he gets his fair share of creeps and unconventional requests, but it pays the bills, and he’s in no danger of breaking his one rule: never fall for a client.
Until a man named “John” starts calling, and Zack finds himself interested in more than a paycheck. It’s not just that John has money, or that his rumbling baritone drives Zack wild. He’s everything Zack isn’t: educated, poised, and in total control of his life.
A twist of fate brings them face-to-face, and now that they’ve seen each other—and spent an unforgettable night together—they can’t go back to the way things were. A sex worker and a trust fund brat . . . It’s like Romeo and Juliet, but with less stabbing and slightly fewer dick jokes. Hopefully they can pull off a more successful ending.
Listening Length: 9 hours and 43 minutes
Until a man named “John” starts calling, and Zack finds himself interested in more than a paycheck. It’s not just that John has money, or that his rumbling baritone drives Zack wild. He’s everything Zack isn’t: educated, poised, and in total control of his life.
A twist of fate brings them face-to-face, and now that they’ve seen each other—and spent an unforgettable night together—they can’t go back to the way things were. A sex worker and a trust fund brat . . . It’s like Romeo and Juliet, but with less stabbing and slightly fewer dick jokes. Hopefully they can pull off a more successful ending.
Listening Length: 9 hours and 43 minutes
10 pages, Audible Audio
First published October 31, 2016
46 people are currently reading
497 people want to read
About the author
Quinn Anderson
13 books131 followersQuinn Anderson is a nerd extraordinaire; she was raised on an unhealthy diet of video games, anime, cosplay, and comics from infancy. Her girlfriend swears her sense of humor is just a bunch of pop culture references wearing a trench coat. She stays true to her nerd roots in writing and in life, frequently drawing inspiration from her many fandoms and writing fanfic: the cheesier the trope, the better. She's attended conventions on three separate continents and now considers herself a career geek. May she live long and prosper.
Her favorite authors include Ursula K. Le Guin, Gail Carson Levine, Libba Bray, and Tamora Pierce. When she’s not writing, she enjoys traveling, cooking, spending too much time on the internet, playing fetch with her cats, screwing the rules, and catching 'em all.
Connect with Quinn:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorQuinnAnderson/
Tumblr: quinnandersonwrites
Email: quinnandersonwrites@gmail.com
Her favorite authors include Ursula K. Le Guin, Gail Carson Levine, Libba Bray, and Tamora Pierce. When she’s not writing, she enjoys traveling, cooking, spending too much time on the internet, playing fetch with her cats, screwing the rules, and catching 'em all.
Connect with Quinn:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorQuinnAnderson/
Tumblr: quinnandersonwrites
Email: quinnandersonwrites@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
December 21, 2018
*1.5 stars*
Hotline annoyed the crap out of me. There is really no way to say this nicely, but I just couldn't wait for this book to end.
I've read many, many books with prostitutes and sex workers, but I haven't read many phone sex operator books. I honestly didn't know that paying for phone sex was a thing anymore, so I guess I'm learning something new every day. Huh. Anyway, I was pretty pumped to try something less "done" than all of the other sex worker books out there. However, I was really disappointed with this one.
A lot of this book didn't work for me. To start, John straight-out disturbed me as a character. He was a total stalker, and he got a pass because he was good looking. I'm telling you, if an ugly guy was stalking Zach the same way would have been arrested.
In addition, the romance just didn't work for me. At all. These guys didn't communicate ANYTHING properly, and the lack of speaking plainly was really frustrating. They seemed awkward together as a couple, and I didn't feel the chemistry between Zach and John. John was boring and had no personality (again, I really didn't like him), and I didn't see much of why Zach liked him.
I also didn't really like Zach's voice as a character. I thought he was childish and immature, and both MCs were "poor me" all the time. I also didn't like how Zach seemed like he felt superior to his phone sex clients.
Add in some and you've lost me. I don't recommend this one.
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Hotline annoyed the crap out of me. There is really no way to say this nicely, but I just couldn't wait for this book to end.
I've read many, many books with prostitutes and sex workers, but I haven't read many phone sex operator books. I honestly didn't know that paying for phone sex was a thing anymore, so I guess I'm learning something new every day. Huh. Anyway, I was pretty pumped to try something less "done" than all of the other sex worker books out there. However, I was really disappointed with this one.
A lot of this book didn't work for me. To start, John straight-out disturbed me as a character. He was a total stalker, and he got a pass because he was good looking. I'm telling you, if an ugly guy was stalking Zach the same way would have been arrested.
In addition, the romance just didn't work for me. At all. These guys didn't communicate ANYTHING properly, and the lack of speaking plainly was really frustrating. They seemed awkward together as a couple, and I didn't feel the chemistry between Zach and John. John was boring and had no personality (again, I really didn't like him), and I didn't see much of why Zach liked him.
I also didn't really like Zach's voice as a character. I thought he was childish and immature, and both MCs were "poor me" all the time. I also didn't like how Zach seemed like he felt superior to his phone sex clients.
Add in some and you've lost me. I don't recommend this one.
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
June 19, 2017
While I won't go so far as to say I hated it, I did severely dislike it.
This review is going to be full of spoilers. If that sort of thing bothers you, I implore you to look away right now.
The blurb absolutely drew me in and got me excited for this story. It sounded like it was going to be super sexy, humorous, and romantic. And while it was two out of three, the romance was lost on me...and that's entirely because this story triggered three and half of my biggest complaints in any story.
I say this because, frankly, if anyone had told me about any one of these items (let alone all 3 1/2 together) I would not have requested to read this story. I would have known it wasn't for me. But I didn't know. I think you should have that option.
Told entirely from Zach's POV, I felt the story really lacked in not having John's side. He didn't feel like a fully fleshed out character. Then with the big three there were just too many things that I loathe in a story to ever relax into it and enjoy it.
Finally, I feel like an epilogue really could have helped me feel less unresolved about Zach's future. Something where maybe he introduces John to his parents and clears up some of their concerns about his future, or where he meets anyone from John's family or friends. Instead I just felt like it was unfinished.
Bottom line: This one definitely wasn't for me. But for those who don't have my issues, you'll find a super hot, sometimes humorous, romance with some light angst and interesting supporting characters.
Advanced Review Galley copy of Hotline provided by Riptide Publishing via NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
This review is going to be full of spoilers. If that sort of thing bothers you, I implore you to look away right now.
The blurb absolutely drew me in and got me excited for this story. It sounded like it was going to be super sexy, humorous, and romantic. And while it was two out of three, the romance was lost on me...and that's entirely because this story triggered three and half of my biggest complaints in any story.
I say this because, frankly, if anyone had told me about any one of these items (let alone all 3 1/2 together) I would not have requested to read this story. I would have known it wasn't for me. But I didn't know. I think you should have that option.
Told entirely from Zach's POV, I felt the story really lacked in not having John's side. He didn't feel like a fully fleshed out character. Then with the big three there were just too many things that I loathe in a story to ever relax into it and enjoy it.
Finally, I feel like an epilogue really could have helped me feel less unresolved about Zach's future. Something where maybe he introduces John to his parents and clears up some of their concerns about his future, or where he meets anyone from John's family or friends. Instead I just felt like it was unfinished.
Bottom line: This one definitely wasn't for me. But for those who don't have my issues, you'll find a super hot, sometimes humorous, romance with some light angst and interesting supporting characters.
Advanced Review Galley copy of Hotline provided by Riptide Publishing via NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2016
Fun, fun, fun!
I absolutely loved this book!
It was a perfect read for my taste — funny but not in a overly humorous way, incredibly sexy and kind of sweet all over without being icky sticky sugar coated and all that (something I do like as well though).
The story is very slow-paced but I found not a single thing boring, which I assume would speak for the author and her ability to create fun and entertaining characters, because I get bored very quickly if I’m not fully invested.
I like the detail that went into the story telling and, most of all, I totally adore Zack’s character, which you ought to do to fully enjoy the story, I think.
The author dedicates a great amount of the story to Zack, establishing his character and introducing his friends and family before throwing in the romance.
It’s something I either love or hate, depending on how much I like the characters. In this case though, it was pretty perfect for me. I enjoyed getting a closer look, meeting all he people in his life. I might just be lucky that the author likes her characters the way I do, hence I adored them all!
Zack is like my ideal twenty-one-year-old. He’s pretty and self-confident, maybe a bit cocky but who doesn’t like some attention, right?
I love the way he talks and the way he feels, his naivety included. He’s not perfect, still very young and easily irritated which leads him to speak before he thinks, sometimes.
His friends Kira and Alexa (and Lee, who we sadly only see a couple times) had great chemistry and it was always fun when they were around.
And the romance, oh, the romance. Tickled all my boxes. So down for more!
So the romance. It’s been there, sort of, for a while but he and John don't meet in person for a long time… but when they do, their chemistry is off the charts.
They meet via Murmur Inc. where Zack works as a PSO. I loved the mystery that surrounded John for a few chapters (until we meet him in person, and even then he was a bit of a mystery). When he calls in the first time, I did assume he was an older guy, rich and spoiled and all that. Turns out he is quite loaded and a tad spoiled, but he’s a lot younger.
So in case you’re wondering, the story is pretty New Adult through and through.
Back to Zack. He enjoys working as a phone sex operator, and he’s incredibly talented, but it’s never been his dream job and he doesn’t fully commit to it. I liked that he wasn’t obsessed about it, but enjoyed it well enough. Because of his lack of investment his boss has been on his ass for a while, trying to get him to switch to cam work or get better at keeping regulars and earn some real money.
Until John comes along, Zack hadn’t felt the need or had the energy to outdo his colleagues. But with John, everything was so much better and easier.
They already had that sizzling chemistry on the phone and done truly some of the best scenes together.
There is some insanely hot role-play, about three different scenes. I’m still craving more to be honest. They were just as sexy as their actual time together.
When having only one person’s POV it’s always a bit difficult to fully get the other guy, which I’d say is probably my biggest complaint.
I instantly liked John when we first met him, but he seemed too good to be true, just like Zack thought.
I didn’t quite get why he did what he did later on, the thing that kind of makes you wanna punch the guy. I guess every person is different and therefore I try to understand other people’s actions and reactions, even if their fictional, because the person behind it must have had reasons and all that.
Just saying there are bits that I didn’t quite get and that I’d liked to learn more about John, because we don’t get to see all that much in the time they’re together. Mostly, we just don’t know what he’s thinking.
In the end I really liked John and as I said before, their chemistry is just wonderful.
Hotline has a lot of pages but I hardly noticed the length. I wouldn’t have minded a few more chapters. I would read a sequel if there ever was one.
Thank you for creating Zack and the others, such lovely guys.
I’m glad I got the chance to meet them.
And many, many thanks to the publisher who kindly provided a free copy for an honest and impartial review.
I absolutely loved this book!
It was a perfect read for my taste — funny but not in a overly humorous way, incredibly sexy and kind of sweet all over without being icky sticky sugar coated and all that (something I do like as well though).
The story is very slow-paced but I found not a single thing boring, which I assume would speak for the author and her ability to create fun and entertaining characters, because I get bored very quickly if I’m not fully invested.
I like the detail that went into the story telling and, most of all, I totally adore Zack’s character, which you ought to do to fully enjoy the story, I think.
The author dedicates a great amount of the story to Zack, establishing his character and introducing his friends and family before throwing in the romance.
It’s something I either love or hate, depending on how much I like the characters. In this case though, it was pretty perfect for me. I enjoyed getting a closer look, meeting all he people in his life. I might just be lucky that the author likes her characters the way I do, hence I adored them all!
Zack is like my ideal twenty-one-year-old. He’s pretty and self-confident, maybe a bit cocky but who doesn’t like some attention, right?
I love the way he talks and the way he feels, his naivety included. He’s not perfect, still very young and easily irritated which leads him to speak before he thinks, sometimes.
His friends Kira and Alexa (and Lee, who we sadly only see a couple times) had great chemistry and it was always fun when they were around.
And the romance, oh, the romance. Tickled all my boxes. So down for more!
So the romance. It’s been there, sort of, for a while but he and John don't meet in person for a long time… but when they do, their chemistry is off the charts.
They meet via Murmur Inc. where Zack works as a PSO. I loved the mystery that surrounded John for a few chapters (until we meet him in person, and even then he was a bit of a mystery). When he calls in the first time, I did assume he was an older guy, rich and spoiled and all that. Turns out he is quite loaded and a tad spoiled, but he’s a lot younger.
So in case you’re wondering, the story is pretty New Adult through and through.
Back to Zack. He enjoys working as a phone sex operator, and he’s incredibly talented, but it’s never been his dream job and he doesn’t fully commit to it. I liked that he wasn’t obsessed about it, but enjoyed it well enough. Because of his lack of investment his boss has been on his ass for a while, trying to get him to switch to cam work or get better at keeping regulars and earn some real money.
Until John comes along, Zack hadn’t felt the need or had the energy to outdo his colleagues. But with John, everything was so much better and easier.
They already had that sizzling chemistry on the phone and done truly some of the best scenes together.
There is some insanely hot role-play, about three different scenes. I’m still craving more to be honest. They were just as sexy as their actual time together.
When having only one person’s POV it’s always a bit difficult to fully get the other guy, which I’d say is probably my biggest complaint.
I instantly liked John when we first met him, but he seemed too good to be true, just like Zack thought.
I didn’t quite get why he did what he did later on, the thing that kind of makes you wanna punch the guy. I guess every person is different and therefore I try to understand other people’s actions and reactions, even if their fictional, because the person behind it must have had reasons and all that.
Just saying there are bits that I didn’t quite get and that I’d liked to learn more about John, because we don’t get to see all that much in the time they’re together. Mostly, we just don’t know what he’s thinking.
In the end I really liked John and as I said before, their chemistry is just wonderful.
Hotline has a lot of pages but I hardly noticed the length. I wouldn’t have minded a few more chapters. I would read a sequel if there ever was one.
Thank you for creating Zack and the others, such lovely guys.
I’m glad I got the chance to meet them.
And many, many thanks to the publisher who kindly provided a free copy for an honest and impartial review.
August 14, 2016
Reviewed for From Top to Bottom Reviews.
*I received an ARC of this book from Riptide Publishing via Netgalley in return of an honest review*
When this book first “appeared” on the Riptide website I immediately wanted to read it because the blurb sounded fantastic and I knew this was the perfect book for me. Then the cover was revealed and I was sold. Because just look at it! So simple and yet perfect. After reading it I can say that Hotline definitely didn’t disappoint.
I loved the premise of the book. A romance where either protag had no idea what the other one looked like. And the only thing they did know was voice? It’s original and new so I was intrigued. Now this could have been an absolute bust.. but nope, it definitely wasn’t . Ms. Anderson created two great MC’s who are drawn to each other just like the reader is drawn to them.
I really enjoyed being in Zach’s head for a while. He’s a nice guy, who after a year of college, decided that it was not for him. To earn money, so he could keep living in his apartment, he applied for the job at Murmur Inc. and surprisingly got it. He’s adorable, witty and caring. Loves his dog Ziggy and enjoys working on his car, Marilyn.
So there he is more than a year later, kind of still stuck in a job that was supposed to be a temporary solution. He’s not doing so well because he’s not invested in it until John calls for the first time. From then on things go better for him because they just hit it off. Of course it’s against the office policy to have a relationship with a client but after Zach and John accidentally run into each other they can’t resist any longer.
The phone sex in Hotline is done really well. I don’t know why I thought it might not be, but I haven’t read a lot of books where the phone sex is really well done. And it’s such an important part of this book so it had to be convincing. But Quinn Anderson writes it in what feels like a realistic way and the reader can feel the chemistry.
I loved that slow build-up to them meeting. The UST, their bantering and flirting just drew me in and I kept turning the pages as fast as I could to find out what happens next. Would they finally meet? What would happen? I thought it might be a bit over the top or maybe even ridiculous at times, but I can honestly say the phone sex is hot and I enjoyed seeing the protags forming that unlikely relationship.
To keep the reader interested for this long without Zach and John meeting takes some serious writing skills if you don’t want it to be boring. And Ms. Anderson managed that brilliantly.
Sure, Zach is selling a fantasy at first but even then the two of them had great chemistry and it doesn’t take long for the lines to get blurred. And who thinks only the build-up to them meeting is hot, is wrong. These two guys had me turning the pages even faster once they had met. I didn’t notice the length of the book once, if anything I wanted more! There was no dull moment in this book and it was really hard to put it down. The time just flew by.
The only thing I didn’t like was how fast the conflict was resolved. Before that Hotline was an absolute 5 star book but I would have liked to have a bit more on that. Just something because the HEA seemed sudden. I still enjoyed this one A LOT though so I guess this would be a 4.5 or 4.75 star read.
This book features a great cast of characters and I loved Kira and Alexa. True friends who were always there for Zach. Maybe those two can get their own story?
*I received an ARC of this book from Riptide Publishing via Netgalley in return of an honest review*
When this book first “appeared” on the Riptide website I immediately wanted to read it because the blurb sounded fantastic and I knew this was the perfect book for me. Then the cover was revealed and I was sold. Because just look at it! So simple and yet perfect. After reading it I can say that Hotline definitely didn’t disappoint.
I loved the premise of the book. A romance where either protag had no idea what the other one looked like. And the only thing they did know was voice? It’s original and new so I was intrigued. Now this could have been an absolute bust.. but nope, it definitely wasn’t . Ms. Anderson created two great MC’s who are drawn to each other just like the reader is drawn to them.
I really enjoyed being in Zach’s head for a while. He’s a nice guy, who after a year of college, decided that it was not for him. To earn money, so he could keep living in his apartment, he applied for the job at Murmur Inc. and surprisingly got it. He’s adorable, witty and caring. Loves his dog Ziggy and enjoys working on his car, Marilyn.
So there he is more than a year later, kind of still stuck in a job that was supposed to be a temporary solution. He’s not doing so well because he’s not invested in it until John calls for the first time. From then on things go better for him because they just hit it off. Of course it’s against the office policy to have a relationship with a client but after Zach and John accidentally run into each other they can’t resist any longer.
The phone sex in Hotline is done really well. I don’t know why I thought it might not be, but I haven’t read a lot of books where the phone sex is really well done. And it’s such an important part of this book so it had to be convincing. But Quinn Anderson writes it in what feels like a realistic way and the reader can feel the chemistry.
I loved that slow build-up to them meeting. The UST, their bantering and flirting just drew me in and I kept turning the pages as fast as I could to find out what happens next. Would they finally meet? What would happen? I thought it might be a bit over the top or maybe even ridiculous at times, but I can honestly say the phone sex is hot and I enjoyed seeing the protags forming that unlikely relationship.
To keep the reader interested for this long without Zach and John meeting takes some serious writing skills if you don’t want it to be boring. And Ms. Anderson managed that brilliantly.
Sure, Zach is selling a fantasy at first but even then the two of them had great chemistry and it doesn’t take long for the lines to get blurred. And who thinks only the build-up to them meeting is hot, is wrong. These two guys had me turning the pages even faster once they had met. I didn’t notice the length of the book once, if anything I wanted more! There was no dull moment in this book and it was really hard to put it down. The time just flew by.
The only thing I didn’t like was how fast the conflict was resolved. Before that Hotline was an absolute 5 star book but I would have liked to have a bit more on that. Just something because the HEA seemed sudden. I still enjoyed this one A LOT though so I guess this would be a 4.5 or 4.75 star read.
This book features a great cast of characters and I loved Kira and Alexa. True friends who were always there for Zach. Maybe those two can get their own story?
June 25, 2017
*ARC received by Riptide Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Step aside, folks! Make way because here comes the next wonder in the New Adult world!
I can't wrap my head around the utter brilliance of this book. I know I say this pretty often, but in this case you cannot understand how deeply I mean it. If this book isn't the next Big Thing in the genre, I will have to show my deepest disappointment to whoever will be responsible for it, because IT DESERVES ALL THE PRAISE.
The writing was unique. The story had an intelligence that, at least in my experience (which, admittedly, is broader in YA than NA) is not really common in the genre. It had true depth; plus, it took a very bold path when shaping the main character and exploring- through his experiences and his circle of friends and family- some very current topics, which can be relatable to many -if not most-people between the ages of 18 and 25 (and why not even older?).
I appreciated especially the tone of the story regarding Zack's line of work, the way it puts it into perspective, which is something that's sorely needed even in a society like today's, which seems to be, in theory, advanced in many fields but is explicitly lacking in practice.
Another of the reasons why I adored this book was because I could relate to its MC to various levels: I really hadn't realised how much I needed a "hero" like that until I met Zack. I'm deeply grateful for his existence. I'm also grateful for his relationship with John, fuck-ups and all, because it was a huge pleasure to read such a realistic evolution. Their journey was one of the most enjoyable. And, mistakes and all, I think their relationship was accurate in its maturity, taking into account the ages of our MC's.
One last shoutout- last because it's not the most important thing in my books, not because it wasn't a prominent part of the story, which it was- for the beautifully written sex scenes; both physical and phone ones (although if I am to say so, I enjoyed the phone ones most, even though I'm not a fan of that, I still can appreciate its good aspects).
This book found the perfect balance between a light-hearted story with some serious undertones. It had all kinds of moods, which were skillfully managed. It was funny, witty; but also deep and highly relatable... It was a true pleasure to read. As I said before, it got my highest praise, and it deserves much more.
Step aside, folks! Make way because here comes the next wonder in the New Adult world!
I can't wrap my head around the utter brilliance of this book. I know I say this pretty often, but in this case you cannot understand how deeply I mean it. If this book isn't the next Big Thing in the genre, I will have to show my deepest disappointment to whoever will be responsible for it, because IT DESERVES ALL THE PRAISE.
The writing was unique. The story had an intelligence that, at least in my experience (which, admittedly, is broader in YA than NA) is not really common in the genre. It had true depth; plus, it took a very bold path when shaping the main character and exploring- through his experiences and his circle of friends and family- some very current topics, which can be relatable to many -if not most-people between the ages of 18 and 25 (and why not even older?).
I appreciated especially the tone of the story regarding Zack's line of work, the way it puts it into perspective, which is something that's sorely needed even in a society like today's, which seems to be, in theory, advanced in many fields but is explicitly lacking in practice.
Another of the reasons why I adored this book was because I could relate to its MC to various levels: I really hadn't realised how much I needed a "hero" like that until I met Zack. I'm deeply grateful for his existence. I'm also grateful for his relationship with John, fuck-ups and all, because it was a huge pleasure to read such a realistic evolution. Their journey was one of the most enjoyable. And, mistakes and all, I think their relationship was accurate in its maturity, taking into account the ages of our MC's.
One last shoutout- last because it's not the most important thing in my books, not because it wasn't a prominent part of the story, which it was- for the beautifully written sex scenes; both physical and phone ones (although if I am to say so, I enjoyed the phone ones most, even though I'm not a fan of that, I still can appreciate its good aspects).
This book found the perfect balance between a light-hearted story with some serious undertones. It had all kinds of moods, which were skillfully managed. It was funny, witty; but also deep and highly relatable... It was a true pleasure to read. As I said before, it got my highest praise, and it deserves much more.
September 14, 2016
4.5 stars
This book was seriously a great find and a fantastic read! I feel like I hit the jackpot with this book! I absolutely loved everything about it.
And it had a bit of a pretty women feel to it.
I love how this story takes place in LA! I grew up in Alhambra and once I read (his) work place was in Pasadena I got all happy! (My old stomping grounds!) I loved how the author describes the area. It truly felt I was back in LA!
Bravo to the author!
Holy hell... Was this book hot!
Damn! The phone sex going on in this book book.
Wow! Just wow!
I seriously needed a cigarette after "John" & "Wesley" phone sex! The role playing was just so detailed! It was really working for me!! I loved how they both got into it. Sometimes I would forget that it was a scene they were playing out with each other. I also loved how they built up a form of intimacy with each other either before or after the scene was done playing out.
I think that was the start of them forming their relationship.
I loved Zack's set of friends. They didn't over power the book. It was just the right mix of them in it.
Overall...
This was a great read. I loved the writing and the flow of the book. I loved how Zacks character was so laid back.
If I had to say something about this book. It would have to be the money thing. The first date I felt could have been in a more even playing field. I just felt Zack was way out of his element with John. He felt inferior to him. I mean John was well cultured. He had traveled to different places, new several different languages, came from money. That date was little too much for me. I mean.. Come... Zack couldn't even read the menu!..
And
His parents. I was really upset at the dinner scene! I mean... I wish Zack would have been a little more vocal about his feelings to his parents. The whole parents thing seemed unfinished. I felt like we need more from them.
But other than that. I would totally recommend this book to everyone! I hope we get a second book to see how everything turned out with them!
I will definitely be reading more books by this author.
*ARC provided by Riptide Publishing via Netgalley for an honest review.*
-Michelle
This book was seriously a great find and a fantastic read! I feel like I hit the jackpot with this book! I absolutely loved everything about it.
And it had a bit of a pretty women feel to it.
I love how this story takes place in LA! I grew up in Alhambra and once I read (his) work place was in Pasadena I got all happy! (My old stomping grounds!) I loved how the author describes the area. It truly felt I was back in LA!
Bravo to the author!
Holy hell... Was this book hot!
Damn! The phone sex going on in this book book.
Wow! Just wow!
I seriously needed a cigarette after "John" & "Wesley" phone sex! The role playing was just so detailed! It was really working for me!! I loved how they both got into it. Sometimes I would forget that it was a scene they were playing out with each other. I also loved how they built up a form of intimacy with each other either before or after the scene was done playing out.
I think that was the start of them forming their relationship.
I loved Zack's set of friends. They didn't over power the book. It was just the right mix of them in it.
Overall...
This was a great read. I loved the writing and the flow of the book. I loved how Zacks character was so laid back.
If I had to say something about this book. It would have to be the money thing. The first date I felt could have been in a more even playing field. I just felt Zack was way out of his element with John. He felt inferior to him. I mean John was well cultured. He had traveled to different places, new several different languages, came from money. That date was little too much for me. I mean.. Come... Zack couldn't even read the menu!..
And
His parents. I was really upset at the dinner scene! I mean... I wish Zack would have been a little more vocal about his feelings to his parents. The whole parents thing seemed unfinished. I felt like we need more from them.
But other than that. I would totally recommend this book to everyone! I hope we get a second book to see how everything turned out with them!
I will definitely be reading more books by this author.
*ARC provided by Riptide Publishing via Netgalley for an honest review.*
-Michelle
August 12, 2016
4.25* I received this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Like I'm going to be honest this book was an interesting one purely because I wasn't quite sure what it was aiming for. It tells the story of Zack a Phone Sex Operator who falls for one of his clients and it gets very messy. So as expected it is quite explicit but the catch is I was laughing a lot in this book. Especially at the beginning. It's funny. So as a rom-com book it functions perfectly, no the writing isn't perfect and some bits of dialogue felt a little forced but it was good. So I am hoping that's the intention because honestly it was funny.
And that is helped in large part by Zack. He is a witty character who's relationships with the other characters are oh so important. But he is a sarcastic and good-natured guy which means he bounces very well with Alexa and John to create humour. Alexa is his co-worker and good friend who provides him with all the advice he needs with help from Kira Zack's best friend and Alexa's eventual girlfriend. Yeah this book is pretty gay. Between the two of them they really offer him advice and listen to his grievances about John.
The John-Zack relationship was so obviously fascinating because of the initial nature of it. John's first interactions with Zack are as Wesley, his PSO facade, and they clearly have chemistry. But then the club scene happens which may I just say was perfect. The red herring and then the twist so perfectly executed that I was just gaping at the page. It's the moment the music died and John heard Zack's voice and he calls him Darkling and it's brilliant. Now from then the relationship changes at first they continue the PS but Zack wants to see him. And then they begin the tentative steps to forming a relationship. The Santa Monica pier scene was nice because it was one of the few scenes when they weren't having sex. That is possibly my biggest grievance with the book, it relied to much on the sexual relationship and not enough on the rest of it. It was there but it was scattered and we didn't really get to see them doing much but each other...
Then we get the massive fight and it puts all of Zack's issues into place. His constant uncertainty in the relationship is called into question when he catches John and it all kind of blows up. Obviously they were both at fault but it means Zack has to really face his problems. It means he quits/gets fired from his job and he calls his sister which was touching. But it is Mr Alvarez that obviously gives him the best advice and they get back together or at least start to. It's a nice ending to have it kind of open to know they are on their way back to something great.
Mr Alvarez gets special note for being the father figure in Zack's life because Zack's parents are useless. They don't get Zack which given how complicated he can be isn't a stretch. He doesn't make it easy for them but they are unnecessarily harsh on him. The scene when he has dinner with them is messy and homes in on the issues that separates his family. Which is why him calling Bianca stands out. But Mr Alvarez is dishing out the best advice including job advice which Zack sorely needs after he quits. Also his collapse was well set up as a subplot as his health is mentioned as deteriorating many times and it all fits together for them to have these father-son moments with bonding over Marilyn.
Now moving onto some of the more serious topics this book covers. Firstly the sex industry. I knew nothing about it going in so I can't say if it's accurate or whatever but I can say it was realistic. I can also say that I loved the portrayal of sex workers and how it can impact their relationships. First the uncertainty of how people will react demonstrated so perfectly by Zack not telling Lee. Then we get to see how partners or dates may react when John and Kira both voice their opinions on the matter. Kira's is less supportive something she acknowledges and wants to change is a refreshing step to see. John on the other hand seems more accepting but when they argue he is quick to change his tune. But having the different reactions was fascinating and I liked it a lot.
Second thing I really liked and this is something that was kind of a throwaway. It wasn't substantial to the plot or anything but Zack punched John in the argument. And he calls Bianca after the argument to talk to her and the first thing she says afterwards is that he shouldn't have done that. And she is so fucking right. Hitting someone you are dating is not okay even if they pissed you off. It's still not okay and she calls Zack out right there and then on his bullshit. I just think it was something that could have so easily slipped by but Anderson made an excellent point of it in a subtle way. I commend her slick manner of fitting in a hard hitting message.
Lastly representation. So we have a gang of four in this book; Lee, Zack, Kira and Alexa. They kind of stick together. And in that group we have a gay guy, a bi girl, a lesbian and a straight guy. The straight guy isn't white and the bi girl and lesbian end up in an interracial relationship. I just thought it was nice to see a diverse cast so easily put together. It isn't hard people and this book demonstrates that perfectly.
Overall good fun, like I said go in with comedy in mind and you will enjoy it so much more. It's cute and has dark moments but strikes a great balance to bring a solid novel.
Like I'm going to be honest this book was an interesting one purely because I wasn't quite sure what it was aiming for. It tells the story of Zack a Phone Sex Operator who falls for one of his clients and it gets very messy. So as expected it is quite explicit but the catch is I was laughing a lot in this book. Especially at the beginning. It's funny. So as a rom-com book it functions perfectly, no the writing isn't perfect and some bits of dialogue felt a little forced but it was good. So I am hoping that's the intention because honestly it was funny.
And that is helped in large part by Zack. He is a witty character who's relationships with the other characters are oh so important. But he is a sarcastic and good-natured guy which means he bounces very well with Alexa and John to create humour. Alexa is his co-worker and good friend who provides him with all the advice he needs with help from Kira Zack's best friend and Alexa's eventual girlfriend. Yeah this book is pretty gay. Between the two of them they really offer him advice and listen to his grievances about John.
The John-Zack relationship was so obviously fascinating because of the initial nature of it. John's first interactions with Zack are as Wesley, his PSO facade, and they clearly have chemistry. But then the club scene happens which may I just say was perfect. The red herring and then the twist so perfectly executed that I was just gaping at the page. It's the moment the music died and John heard Zack's voice and he calls him Darkling and it's brilliant. Now from then the relationship changes at first they continue the PS but Zack wants to see him. And then they begin the tentative steps to forming a relationship. The Santa Monica pier scene was nice because it was one of the few scenes when they weren't having sex. That is possibly my biggest grievance with the book, it relied to much on the sexual relationship and not enough on the rest of it. It was there but it was scattered and we didn't really get to see them doing much but each other...
Then we get the massive fight and it puts all of Zack's issues into place. His constant uncertainty in the relationship is called into question when he catches John and it all kind of blows up. Obviously they were both at fault but it means Zack has to really face his problems. It means he quits/gets fired from his job and he calls his sister which was touching. But it is Mr Alvarez that obviously gives him the best advice and they get back together or at least start to. It's a nice ending to have it kind of open to know they are on their way back to something great.
Mr Alvarez gets special note for being the father figure in Zack's life because Zack's parents are useless. They don't get Zack which given how complicated he can be isn't a stretch. He doesn't make it easy for them but they are unnecessarily harsh on him. The scene when he has dinner with them is messy and homes in on the issues that separates his family. Which is why him calling Bianca stands out. But Mr Alvarez is dishing out the best advice including job advice which Zack sorely needs after he quits. Also his collapse was well set up as a subplot as his health is mentioned as deteriorating many times and it all fits together for them to have these father-son moments with bonding over Marilyn.
Now moving onto some of the more serious topics this book covers. Firstly the sex industry. I knew nothing about it going in so I can't say if it's accurate or whatever but I can say it was realistic. I can also say that I loved the portrayal of sex workers and how it can impact their relationships. First the uncertainty of how people will react demonstrated so perfectly by Zack not telling Lee. Then we get to see how partners or dates may react when John and Kira both voice their opinions on the matter. Kira's is less supportive something she acknowledges and wants to change is a refreshing step to see. John on the other hand seems more accepting but when they argue he is quick to change his tune. But having the different reactions was fascinating and I liked it a lot.
Second thing I really liked and this is something that was kind of a throwaway. It wasn't substantial to the plot or anything but Zack punched John in the argument. And he calls Bianca after the argument to talk to her and the first thing she says afterwards is that he shouldn't have done that. And she is so fucking right. Hitting someone you are dating is not okay even if they pissed you off. It's still not okay and she calls Zack out right there and then on his bullshit. I just think it was something that could have so easily slipped by but Anderson made an excellent point of it in a subtle way. I commend her slick manner of fitting in a hard hitting message.
Lastly representation. So we have a gang of four in this book; Lee, Zack, Kira and Alexa. They kind of stick together. And in that group we have a gay guy, a bi girl, a lesbian and a straight guy. The straight guy isn't white and the bi girl and lesbian end up in an interracial relationship. I just thought it was nice to see a diverse cast so easily put together. It isn't hard people and this book demonstrates that perfectly.
Overall good fun, like I said go in with comedy in mind and you will enjoy it so much more. It's cute and has dark moments but strikes a great balance to bring a solid novel.
August 7, 2016
*A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review.*
I couldn't put this book down, it was a joy read.
Zack was hilarious and sad and I loved him. He is settled in his job as a telephone sex worker but from what I can read it seems he has potential for more but I don't think he has found he's calling.
When he meets John on the line he is attracted to his voice and they meet and starts a relationship. But Zack's feeling of not being good enough makes him only partly involved in the relationship. I think much of his insecurities comes from that he hasn't found his place in the career world.
John, I think was a little distant for me, maybe because the author wrote the book from Zack's side and I didn't have access to John's thoughts. But what I can read out of the book is that he's a little embarrassed about his wealth and I think he had a lonely childhood.
The author is doing a excellent job in describing the phone sex scenes. It feels like I'm reading a real scene. And the real scenes doesn't disappoint in any way.
I think this is the most erotic m/m romance I've ever read, and the writing style is light and fun so it's nice and easy to read.
I couldn't put this book down, it was a joy read.
Zack was hilarious and sad and I loved him. He is settled in his job as a telephone sex worker but from what I can read it seems he has potential for more but I don't think he has found he's calling.
When he meets John on the line he is attracted to his voice and they meet and starts a relationship. But Zack's feeling of not being good enough makes him only partly involved in the relationship. I think much of his insecurities comes from that he hasn't found his place in the career world.
John, I think was a little distant for me, maybe because the author wrote the book from Zack's side and I didn't have access to John's thoughts. But what I can read out of the book is that he's a little embarrassed about his wealth and I think he had a lonely childhood.
The author is doing a excellent job in describing the phone sex scenes. It feels like I'm reading a real scene. And the real scenes doesn't disappoint in any way.
I think this is the most erotic m/m romance I've ever read, and the writing style is light and fun so it's nice and easy to read.
September 19, 2016
I absolutely love it when I find a new author to love and that was the case with this book. The writing was witty and the romance sweet. Loved both characters, especially Zack. Will definitely be reading more from Quinn Andeson.
*Received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
*Received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
September 26, 2016
4.5 stars
This book was seriously a great find and a fantastic read! I feel like I hit the jackpot with this book! I absolutely loved everything about it.
And it had a bit of a pretty women feel to it.
I love how this story takes place in LA! I grew up in Alhambra and once I read (his) work place was in Pasadena I got all happy! (My old stomping grounds!) I loved how the author describes the area. It truly felt I was back in LA!
Bravo to the author!
Holy hell... Was this book hot!
Damn! The phone sex going on in this book.
Wow! Just wow!
I seriously needed a cigarette after "John" & "Wesley" phone sex! The role playing was just so detailed! It was really working for me!! I loved how they both got into it. Sometimes I would forget that it was a scene they were playing out with each other. I also loved how they built up a form of intimacy with each other either before or after the scene was done playing out.
I think that was the start of them forming their relationship.
I loved Zack's set of friends. They didn't over power the book. It was just the right mix of them in it.
Overall...
This was a great read. I loved the writing and the flow of the book. I loved how Zacks character was so laid back.
If I had to say something about this book. It would have to be the money thing. The first date I felt could have been in a more even playing field. I just felt Zack was way out of his element with John. He felt inferior to him. I mean John was well cultured. He had traveled to different places, new several different languages, came from money. That date was little too much for me. I mean.. Come on... Zack couldn't even read the menu!..
And
His parents. I was really upset at the dinner scene! I mean... I wish Zack would have been a little more vocal about his feelings to his parents. The whole parents thing seemed unfinished. I felt like we needed more from them.
But other than that. I would totally recommend this book to everyone! I hope we get a second book to see how everything turned out with them!
I will definitely be reading more books by this author.
*ARC provided by Riptide Publishing via Netgalley for an honest review.*
(This same review is on my blog Goodreads account.)
This book was seriously a great find and a fantastic read! I feel like I hit the jackpot with this book! I absolutely loved everything about it.
And it had a bit of a pretty women feel to it.
I love how this story takes place in LA! I grew up in Alhambra and once I read (his) work place was in Pasadena I got all happy! (My old stomping grounds!) I loved how the author describes the area. It truly felt I was back in LA!
Bravo to the author!
Holy hell... Was this book hot!
Damn! The phone sex going on in this book.
Wow! Just wow!
I seriously needed a cigarette after "John" & "Wesley" phone sex! The role playing was just so detailed! It was really working for me!! I loved how they both got into it. Sometimes I would forget that it was a scene they were playing out with each other. I also loved how they built up a form of intimacy with each other either before or after the scene was done playing out.
I think that was the start of them forming their relationship.
I loved Zack's set of friends. They didn't over power the book. It was just the right mix of them in it.
Overall...
This was a great read. I loved the writing and the flow of the book. I loved how Zacks character was so laid back.
If I had to say something about this book. It would have to be the money thing. The first date I felt could have been in a more even playing field. I just felt Zack was way out of his element with John. He felt inferior to him. I mean John was well cultured. He had traveled to different places, new several different languages, came from money. That date was little too much for me. I mean.. Come on... Zack couldn't even read the menu!..
And
His parents. I was really upset at the dinner scene! I mean... I wish Zack would have been a little more vocal about his feelings to his parents. The whole parents thing seemed unfinished. I felt like we needed more from them.
But other than that. I would totally recommend this book to everyone! I hope we get a second book to see how everything turned out with them!
I will definitely be reading more books by this author.
*ARC provided by Riptide Publishing via Netgalley for an honest review.*
(This same review is on my blog Goodreads account.)
November 13, 2016
2.5 Hearts
Cinderfella Slash-fic pretty much sums this book up. I'm actually totally fine with fanfic/slash-fic. If taylorpotato hadn't abandoned my ship for Sciles I'd still have a largely inappropriate relationship with his fics. What makes a really good fic or book for me is layers be it a gripping subplot, great relationship development, feel good fluff that'll make your teeth hurt or angst. Unfortunately, Hotline was one note, and that note was sex. There's nothing for me to sink my teeth into and 350 pgs of nothing but nuclear sex... I got bored. I can easily imagine this being classified as a one-handed read, but aside from the sex it's not all that imaginative.
Zack is a phone sex operator who sucks at his job. He's only in it for the paycheck and it shows in his lackluster performances and his paychecks until he gets a call from John. John turns out to be a trust fund baby who's also GQ beautiful, single and available. They accidentally meet one night and that bell can't be unrung, so they start dating (mostly fucking).
Truth be told, I requested this because I saw a post of Rachel Haimowitz' that was essentially squealing. The word "stitches" was used and not in a medical sense. I like funny. I get funny. So it was a foregone conclusion that I'd be requesting this as soon as it hit NetGalley. However, this wasn't funny to me which leaves me with two possible explanations, (a) my sense of humor is deficient...
or (b) it's not funny. For the sake of argument, let's go with 'b'. I mean, there is a zinger every now and again mostly by Alexa, Zack's co-worker and snark monster extraordinaire, but comedic it is not.
The problems I have with it aside from it being monotonous and not funny are neither of these characters are well-defined and I need to know and see why they feel like they're right for each other when they're not fucking each other into the mattress or the couch or the backseat. Zack's characterization comes off inconsistent-he has some college but he doesn't know what proclivity means yet he uses vacillate often?
I also don't understand the point of introducing his parents because aside from a tempestuous dinner his sister is the only one who makes a reappearance. I think it was a half-hearted attempt at evil family/Cinderfella trope but it fell flat. In a nutshell, it could've been pared down.
Hotline is told through Zack who comes across very immature and dickish and his relationship with John has very little substance. John didn't do much for me either.
On a more positive note, I like this author's voice; it's a nice blend of fanfic lingo and freshness. I would read something else by her. It's also probably a 5 on the fluffometer with a feel good HFN ending. I like fluffy and I didn't hate this I just wish there had been more to it. Also, have I mentioned how hot the sex was?
Recommend to those who enjoy a one-handed read just break it up over several days. Because chafing or carpal tunnel.
An ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Cinderfella Slash-fic pretty much sums this book up. I'm actually totally fine with fanfic/slash-fic. If taylorpotato hadn't abandoned my ship for Sciles I'd still have a largely inappropriate relationship with his fics. What makes a really good fic or book for me is layers be it a gripping subplot, great relationship development, feel good fluff that'll make your teeth hurt or angst. Unfortunately, Hotline was one note, and that note was sex. There's nothing for me to sink my teeth into and 350 pgs of nothing but nuclear sex... I got bored. I can easily imagine this being classified as a one-handed read, but aside from the sex it's not all that imaginative.
Zack is a phone sex operator who sucks at his job. He's only in it for the paycheck and it shows in his lackluster performances and his paychecks until he gets a call from John. John turns out to be a trust fund baby who's also GQ beautiful, single and available. They accidentally meet one night and that bell can't be unrung, so they start dating (mostly fucking).
Truth be told, I requested this because I saw a post of Rachel Haimowitz' that was essentially squealing. The word "stitches" was used and not in a medical sense. I like funny. I get funny. So it was a foregone conclusion that I'd be requesting this as soon as it hit NetGalley. However, this wasn't funny to me which leaves me with two possible explanations, (a) my sense of humor is deficient...
or (b) it's not funny. For the sake of argument, let's go with 'b'. I mean, there is a zinger every now and again mostly by Alexa, Zack's co-worker and snark monster extraordinaire, but comedic it is not.
The problems I have with it aside from it being monotonous and not funny are neither of these characters are well-defined and I need to know and see why they feel like they're right for each other when they're not fucking each other into the mattress or the couch or the backseat. Zack's characterization comes off inconsistent-he has some college but he doesn't know what proclivity means yet he uses vacillate often?
I also don't understand the point of introducing his parents because aside from a tempestuous dinner his sister is the only one who makes a reappearance. I think it was a half-hearted attempt at evil family/Cinderfella trope but it fell flat. In a nutshell, it could've been pared down.
Hotline is told through Zack who comes across very immature and dickish and his relationship with John has very little substance. John didn't do much for me either.
On a more positive note, I like this author's voice; it's a nice blend of fanfic lingo and freshness. I would read something else by her. It's also probably a 5 on the fluffometer with a feel good HFN ending. I like fluffy and I didn't hate this I just wish there had been more to it. Also, have I mentioned how hot the sex was?
Recommend to those who enjoy a one-handed read just break it up over several days. Because chafing or carpal tunnel.
An ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 16, 2016
https://justloveromance.wordpress.com...
4 stars
I intended to take my time with this book.
Honestly.
But when one page led to another, which led to another and another, I had to face the facts. This one was just too hot, too sexy, too cute and too damn enjoyable to put down. This is definitely your read-in-one-sitting kind of book.
First off, look at that adorable cover. It’s so simple yet it still manages to convey a real sense of fun with the whimsical font and the candy apple red retro phone. I mean, you already know from the cover that you’re going to enjoy this book so don’t even try to pretend otherwise.
Secondly, the phone conversations between Zack and John were off the charts sexy, right from that first call. I love the premise that they fall in love with each other’s voices before meeting each other. Those calls set the tone for their relationship and ramp up the tension leading up to their first meeting. By the time they have their first ‘real’ date, the sexual tension between them is so hot I expected my iPad to catch fire.
As this book is told from entirely from Zack’s perspective, we spend a lot of time getting to know him and he’s pretty adorable. Daddy to his fur-baby, Ziggy, Zack took the job as a phone sex operator to support Ziggy and pay for his own apartment after he dropped out of school. Though not completely committed to his job, he does okay with the myriad of weird calls he gets throughout his day. Still, he has hopes for something better, something that doesn’t involve going back to college – much to his parent’s chagrin. Zack would rather work on Marilyn, his ’69 Firebird than work a job that barely makes the rent on his crappy apartment.
John is a bit more of a mystery. A trust fund kid and law student, he lives in a house his parents own and drives a car his parents bought. Although he could easily act like a spoiled, rich kid, John often seems slightly embarrassed by his parent’s wealth. Still, that doesn’t stop Zack from feeling a little inferior in light of John’s financial status. This perceived imbalance is a factor in the events that lead up to the “big misunderstanding”, a staple of NA novels everywhere. Although it probably *could* have been avoided by a rational discussion (a fact that Zack even acknowledges afterward), we readers know that you don’t get your “big reconciliation” without it.
Despite this inevitability, I still enjoyed the book and the way it ended. Although we’re left with more of an HFN than an HEA, I’m hoping it’s because the author still has more of Zack and John’s story left to tell. It would be great to see how our MC’s will proceed from here, because their story feels unfinished. I will hold out hope that the author gives us more of these guys. Much like most of the 20 yr olds out there, they’ve got great potential for a brilliant future.
I received an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review
4 stars
I intended to take my time with this book.
Honestly.
But when one page led to another, which led to another and another, I had to face the facts. This one was just too hot, too sexy, too cute and too damn enjoyable to put down. This is definitely your read-in-one-sitting kind of book.
First off, look at that adorable cover. It’s so simple yet it still manages to convey a real sense of fun with the whimsical font and the candy apple red retro phone. I mean, you already know from the cover that you’re going to enjoy this book so don’t even try to pretend otherwise.
Secondly, the phone conversations between Zack and John were off the charts sexy, right from that first call. I love the premise that they fall in love with each other’s voices before meeting each other. Those calls set the tone for their relationship and ramp up the tension leading up to their first meeting. By the time they have their first ‘real’ date, the sexual tension between them is so hot I expected my iPad to catch fire.
As this book is told from entirely from Zack’s perspective, we spend a lot of time getting to know him and he’s pretty adorable. Daddy to his fur-baby, Ziggy, Zack took the job as a phone sex operator to support Ziggy and pay for his own apartment after he dropped out of school. Though not completely committed to his job, he does okay with the myriad of weird calls he gets throughout his day. Still, he has hopes for something better, something that doesn’t involve going back to college – much to his parent’s chagrin. Zack would rather work on Marilyn, his ’69 Firebird than work a job that barely makes the rent on his crappy apartment.
John is a bit more of a mystery. A trust fund kid and law student, he lives in a house his parents own and drives a car his parents bought. Although he could easily act like a spoiled, rich kid, John often seems slightly embarrassed by his parent’s wealth. Still, that doesn’t stop Zack from feeling a little inferior in light of John’s financial status. This perceived imbalance is a factor in the events that lead up to the “big misunderstanding”, a staple of NA novels everywhere. Although it probably *could* have been avoided by a rational discussion (a fact that Zack even acknowledges afterward), we readers know that you don’t get your “big reconciliation” without it.
Despite this inevitability, I still enjoyed the book and the way it ended. Although we’re left with more of an HFN than an HEA, I’m hoping it’s because the author still has more of Zack and John’s story left to tell. It would be great to see how our MC’s will proceed from here, because their story feels unfinished. I will hold out hope that the author gives us more of these guys. Much like most of the 20 yr olds out there, they’ve got great potential for a brilliant future.
I received an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review
October 10, 2016
I was literally groaning out loud when this story fell into what I would like to describe as stupid and juvenile misunderstanding between the two young men. Zack said it himself ... “It’s like one of those bad teenage dramas where the whole plot could be fixed with two minutes’ worth of honest dialogue”, he said to his neighbor.
Up to that point, I thought Hotline was pretty good. New-to-me author, Quinn Anderson, offered a different take of an MC working in sex industry. Actually the words "phone sex operator" in the blurb were what drew me in to request the ARC from Riptide ... and I've enjoyed what Ms. Anderson wrote about Zack's job. It was pretty detailed -- and even if the whole role plays and phone sex didn't do anything to me, I thought the fact that these operators could whip out scenarios and acting on them on the spot was pretty awesome.
Since the book was solely told from Zack's point of view, as a character, I found him to be 'alive' on pages. I loved his personality, and I loved reading about his friends. Unfortunately, I didn't get the same impression about John. John as a character was still a bit mysterious to me. So yeah, he was a law student, and he was rich ... but that was it. To me he was flat and rather undeveloped. I felt that I got more connection with Zack's friends and neighbors compared to John.
Which was why I thought that latter conflict was stupid and it ruined my overall reading experience. I already wasn't impressed with John and the budding romance, so when faced with what John did as well as how they got to that conflict, I was ready to bang my head on the table (but I don't want to injure myself *lol*).
Oh, one more thing ... I thought that Anderson didn't follow up the problem that Zack had with his parents. His parents appeared once, they had painful dinner conversation, and they were just gone. I would love to get some kind of resolution for that particular matter.
The good thing though, I thought Anderson's writing style fit me :). This book was long, but I wasn't really bored. I'll keep eyes on her future titles. I heard that she would have a second "Murmur Inc." book; I'm going to check that one for sure.
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
Up to that point, I thought Hotline was pretty good. New-to-me author, Quinn Anderson, offered a different take of an MC working in sex industry. Actually the words "phone sex operator" in the blurb were what drew me in to request the ARC from Riptide ... and I've enjoyed what Ms. Anderson wrote about Zack's job. It was pretty detailed -- and even if the whole role plays and phone sex didn't do anything to me, I thought the fact that these operators could whip out scenarios and acting on them on the spot was pretty awesome.
Since the book was solely told from Zack's point of view, as a character, I found him to be 'alive' on pages. I loved his personality, and I loved reading about his friends. Unfortunately, I didn't get the same impression about John. John as a character was still a bit mysterious to me. So yeah, he was a law student, and he was rich ... but that was it. To me he was flat and rather undeveloped. I felt that I got more connection with Zack's friends and neighbors compared to John.
Which was why I thought that latter conflict was stupid and it ruined my overall reading experience. I already wasn't impressed with John and the budding romance, so when faced with what John did as well as how they got to that conflict, I was ready to bang my head on the table (but I don't want to injure myself *lol*).
Oh, one more thing ... I thought that Anderson didn't follow up the problem that Zack had with his parents. His parents appeared once, they had painful dinner conversation, and they were just gone. I would love to get some kind of resolution for that particular matter.
The good thing though, I thought Anderson's writing style fit me :). This book was long, but I wasn't really bored. I'll keep eyes on her future titles. I heard that she would have a second "Murmur Inc." book; I'm going to check that one for sure.
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
October 22, 2016
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
5 'Holy Tension, Batman!' Stars
Quinn Anderson is a new-to-me author, and I found the writing style and storyline to be infectiously delicious.
Since I refuse to give plot points away, how about I just give a hint of what drew me to the book. Tension. Intensity. Chemistry. Build-up. Holy Hotness, Batman!
Zack is the PSO known as Wesley Darkling. He's good at his job, but at the bottom dregs of the leaderboard at work, simply because he doesn't apply himself. Zack doesn't apply himself in anything really, unsure with what direction he wants to take in life while his family pressures him to fit their view of what/who Zack is.
Hotline is filled with pages and pages of the fantasy Wesley Darkling weaves for his client, John. Following which, the reader is taken on a journey as we try to figure out who John is, and then the subsequent relationship that follows.
I read this book feverishly, finding the chemistry, tension, and build-up between Zack and John to be one of the best and most intoxicating I've read to date. There is no insta anything on the pages, with the author making the characters earn it, and the reader as well.
Not only did Zack seduce his client, Quinn Anderson seduced the reader.
Recommended to MM romance fans who want tension they could cut with a knife and a gritty book that isn't tied up with a pretty bow.
5 'Holy Tension, Batman!' Stars
Quinn Anderson is a new-to-me author, and I found the writing style and storyline to be infectiously delicious.
Since I refuse to give plot points away, how about I just give a hint of what drew me to the book. Tension. Intensity. Chemistry. Build-up. Holy Hotness, Batman!
Zack is the PSO known as Wesley Darkling. He's good at his job, but at the bottom dregs of the leaderboard at work, simply because he doesn't apply himself. Zack doesn't apply himself in anything really, unsure with what direction he wants to take in life while his family pressures him to fit their view of what/who Zack is.
Hotline is filled with pages and pages of the fantasy Wesley Darkling weaves for his client, John. Following which, the reader is taken on a journey as we try to figure out who John is, and then the subsequent relationship that follows.
I read this book feverishly, finding the chemistry, tension, and build-up between Zack and John to be one of the best and most intoxicating I've read to date. There is no insta anything on the pages, with the author making the characters earn it, and the reader as well.
Not only did Zack seduce his client, Quinn Anderson seduced the reader.
Recommended to MM romance fans who want tension they could cut with a knife and a gritty book that isn't tied up with a pretty bow.
July 30, 2016
Copy from netgalley
I really enjoyed this story. It was an interesting premise and it was original to me. I loved the chemistry between the characters, and I spent most of the time wanting to read quicker so I could see what was going to happen. I liked the easy relationship between the two men....well that is until it wasn't easy! It was well written and the characters believable. The only thing that stopped this being 5 stars (and this is totally my thing!) was I felt the end just happened. I understood why they forgave so easily...but I just would have liked...more!
Other than that it was a fantastic read and I would recommend! Especially if you like really really hot phone sex!
I really enjoyed this story. It was an interesting premise and it was original to me. I loved the chemistry between the characters, and I spent most of the time wanting to read quicker so I could see what was going to happen. I liked the easy relationship between the two men....well that is until it wasn't easy! It was well written and the characters believable. The only thing that stopped this being 5 stars (and this is totally my thing!) was I felt the end just happened. I understood why they forgave so easily...but I just would have liked...more!
Other than that it was a fantastic read and I would recommend! Especially if you like really really hot phone sex!
November 2, 2016
What an absolutely adorable and entertaining story! Great humor, wonderful characters, perfect pacing, and all around terrific entertainment.
It’s told in Zack’s POV. He’s a phone sex operator who one day gets a call from a man named John. And so their adventure begins. Zack’s personality is addictive. He’s funny, charming, witty, and more intelligent than he gives himself credit for. He has awesome friends and fabulous neighbors. Sure, he doesn’t get along with his parents ALL the time but who does?
John is a rich law student who even though is filthy rich doesn’t flaunt it or act like he’s better than anyone. He genuinely adores Zack for who he is. Of course the rich kid and the poor kid were bound to have issues and they did.
Quinn Anderson has written an opposites attract story that is wildly entertaining. From start to finish I was going through the emotions. Never really angsty but I felt how these characters did in all the right places.
I very much highly recommend this read for the romantic, for those who enjoy a good laugh and a great story!
It’s told in Zack’s POV. He’s a phone sex operator who one day gets a call from a man named John. And so their adventure begins. Zack’s personality is addictive. He’s funny, charming, witty, and more intelligent than he gives himself credit for. He has awesome friends and fabulous neighbors. Sure, he doesn’t get along with his parents ALL the time but who does?
John is a rich law student who even though is filthy rich doesn’t flaunt it or act like he’s better than anyone. He genuinely adores Zack for who he is. Of course the rich kid and the poor kid were bound to have issues and they did.
Quinn Anderson has written an opposites attract story that is wildly entertaining. From start to finish I was going through the emotions. Never really angsty but I felt how these characters did in all the right places.
I very much highly recommend this read for the romantic, for those who enjoy a good laugh and a great story!
August 11, 2016
Review first published on Nautical Star Books. I received one copy of this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Hotline by Quinn Anderson is incredibly well written. This is a new author for me but the writing is solid, the characters well developed and the story was engaging. The author created some great secondary characters as well and most of the book I really enjoyed. I had a couple story line issues that I will get to in a minute.
I loved Zack but he also frustrated the living daylights out of me. He is a great character, well written as a slightly lost college dropout who is making his way but definitely not on solid ground. He is a great friend and great dog daddy to his shepherd Ziggy (a very nice touch!) and a relatively decent guy. He is nice to his family even though they drive him nuts. His job as a phone sex operator isn't really going anywhere but it pays the bills.
John you don't really get to know until you get into the book a bit. For the first half of the book he is just a voice on the other end of the phone. But, once you get to know him he is fairly decent. A very well off law student who comes from family money and who has a bit of a kink for phone sex.
Their connection in person is just as intense as on the phone when they accidentally bump into each other in a club.
Okay, so...without giving away any spoilers, Zack is NOT supposed to be seeing a client in person. His boss is suspicious. Zack is honestly the stupidest individual known to man. He knows his job is in jeopardy. He has NO other means of support if he loses that job. And you want me to believe he isn't out there looking for something else so he can keep a roof ever his head? That is the part that I found hard to believe. No one can be that dumb.
The other thing that really bugged me was the drama scene....they have a fight. Things seemed very over the top and dramatic and John said some really crappy things to Zack that seemed out of character for him. They just didn't seem to fit with the guy I spent half the book reading about.
But, I give Hotline by Quinn Anderson a 4 because it was incredibly well written and I genuinely loved the characters and the story line, even though there were a couple of things that bugged me. The heat between these two guys is incredibly intense both on the phone and in person.
Zack and John do get their happily ever after, you just have to make it through some drama before they get there.
Hotline by Quinn Anderson is incredibly well written. This is a new author for me but the writing is solid, the characters well developed and the story was engaging. The author created some great secondary characters as well and most of the book I really enjoyed. I had a couple story line issues that I will get to in a minute.
I loved Zack but he also frustrated the living daylights out of me. He is a great character, well written as a slightly lost college dropout who is making his way but definitely not on solid ground. He is a great friend and great dog daddy to his shepherd Ziggy (a very nice touch!) and a relatively decent guy. He is nice to his family even though they drive him nuts. His job as a phone sex operator isn't really going anywhere but it pays the bills.
John you don't really get to know until you get into the book a bit. For the first half of the book he is just a voice on the other end of the phone. But, once you get to know him he is fairly decent. A very well off law student who comes from family money and who has a bit of a kink for phone sex.
Their connection in person is just as intense as on the phone when they accidentally bump into each other in a club.
Okay, so...without giving away any spoilers, Zack is NOT supposed to be seeing a client in person. His boss is suspicious. Zack is honestly the stupidest individual known to man. He knows his job is in jeopardy. He has NO other means of support if he loses that job. And you want me to believe he isn't out there looking for something else so he can keep a roof ever his head? That is the part that I found hard to believe. No one can be that dumb.
The other thing that really bugged me was the drama scene....they have a fight. Things seemed very over the top and dramatic and John said some really crappy things to Zack that seemed out of character for him. They just didn't seem to fit with the guy I spent half the book reading about.
But, I give Hotline by Quinn Anderson a 4 because it was incredibly well written and I genuinely loved the characters and the story line, even though there were a couple of things that bugged me. The heat between these two guys is incredibly intense both on the phone and in person.
Zack and John do get their happily ever after, you just have to make it through some drama before they get there.
August 7, 2021
Zack lives in a dilapidated apartment in Koreatown with his dog Ziggy and works as a phone sex operator (PSO) for Murmur in Pasadena. Zack is good at what he does but hasn't been exactly raking in the big bucks until he takes a call from "John" and they start burning up the lines with some of the hottest talk-dirty-to-me phone sex scenes you'll ever read. The calls get longer, more frequent (and even hotter ...) until one night Zack accidently meets John in a bar, and he turns out to be everything Zack had fantasized about and MORE.
So far, so good... but at this point (about 33%) the pace of the book slows considerably and the chemistry that sizzles between Zack and John on the phone seems ... this might sound strange ... less "real" in person. The story is told entirely from Zack's POV which works when John is just a voice on the phone, but once we meet him in the flesh, and don't get his POV, John remains flat and uninteresting. The rest of the book is a series of conflicts that might have been resolved with a short honest conversation, and the resolution at 95% feels too cobbled together.
The blurb for "Hotline" really caught my interest - after all, what's not to love about a smexy romance with a hunky phone sex worker and a trust fund hottie? I ended up loving the premise but thought the book didn't live up to its potential.
I received an ARC of this book from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
So far, so good... but at this point (about 33%) the pace of the book slows considerably and the chemistry that sizzles between Zack and John on the phone seems ... this might sound strange ... less "real" in person. The story is told entirely from Zack's POV which works when John is just a voice on the phone, but once we meet him in the flesh, and don't get his POV, John remains flat and uninteresting. The rest of the book is a series of conflicts that might have been resolved with a short honest conversation, and the resolution at 95% feels too cobbled together.
The blurb for "Hotline" really caught my interest - after all, what's not to love about a smexy romance with a hunky phone sex worker and a trust fund hottie? I ended up loving the premise but thought the book didn't live up to its potential.
I received an ARC of this book from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
October 27, 2016
I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Wow. This is a really original story and a fun romance. Zack’s life as a Millennial college dropout working as a phone sex operator is both laugh out loud funny and just a little bit sad at the same time. I fell in love with Zack and his quirky group of friends immediately. The little details dropped by the author makes Zack’s life immediately recogniseable and the author’s perfect observations forced me to care about him like I haven’t cared for a character in some time.
The romance is wonderful. Some basic elements have been lifted from the classic musical “She Loves Me” and the later film “You’ve Got Mail”, but the delightfully smutty phone sex is a brilliant, raunchy twist. Zak talks to clients as his sexy alter ego Wesley Darkling. His client only identifies himself as John. The phone sex is creative, explicit and smokin’ hot. On the phone, their chemistry is perfect. But Zak doesn’t know anything about his client and John could never be as hot IRL as he sounds on the phone.
This is the story of Wesley and John becoming the story of Zack and John in IRL. It is also the story of Zack finally growing up and finding a sense of purpose in his life and the book really doesn’t fit within a single genre. At times this is a silly, smutty romp. At other times it is an intense romance. And then there are the moments where the author makes perfect, perceptive observations about the lives of Millennial slackers everywhere.
I really loved this story and I look forward to more from Quinn Anderson.
Wow. This is a really original story and a fun romance. Zack’s life as a Millennial college dropout working as a phone sex operator is both laugh out loud funny and just a little bit sad at the same time. I fell in love with Zack and his quirky group of friends immediately. The little details dropped by the author makes Zack’s life immediately recogniseable and the author’s perfect observations forced me to care about him like I haven’t cared for a character in some time.
The romance is wonderful. Some basic elements have been lifted from the classic musical “She Loves Me” and the later film “You’ve Got Mail”, but the delightfully smutty phone sex is a brilliant, raunchy twist. Zak talks to clients as his sexy alter ego Wesley Darkling. His client only identifies himself as John. The phone sex is creative, explicit and smokin’ hot. On the phone, their chemistry is perfect. But Zak doesn’t know anything about his client and John could never be as hot IRL as he sounds on the phone.
This is the story of Wesley and John becoming the story of Zack and John in IRL. It is also the story of Zack finally growing up and finding a sense of purpose in his life and the book really doesn’t fit within a single genre. At times this is a silly, smutty romp. At other times it is an intense romance. And then there are the moments where the author makes perfect, perceptive observations about the lives of Millennial slackers everywhere.
I really loved this story and I look forward to more from Quinn Anderson.
April 26, 2022
That was fun.
Quinn Anderson has a great writing style, and I'm sorry they're no longer writing. (Well, I should say, if they are publishing, I've got no idea where.)
Quirky, funny, and sweet, Hotline is a nice low-angst romance.
Audio performed by Nick J. Russo
Quinn Anderson has a great writing style, and I'm sorry they're no longer writing. (Well, I should say, if they are publishing, I've got no idea where.)
Quirky, funny, and sweet, Hotline is a nice low-angst romance.
Audio performed by Nick J. Russo
August 7, 2016
OH BOY! This was such a fun and different read!
I’ve never read such an interesting plot like this one, I truly enjoyed Zack. The type of life he lived, the way he didn’t settled for school when he knew he was not enjoying his life at that point of time and the fact he not afraid of what he does. I liked how the author took her time to develop Zack, to show us his life and his family. His family isn’t completely supportive but Zack has an amazing sister and friends who do support his lifestyle.
His job was fascinating, the way he used his voice and quick mind to bring strangers to orgasm, oh man! The scenarios he had to deal with, the things he had to say were so fun to read. I’m not going to say it wasn’t awkward at times but it was amusing most of the time.
There’s a lot of sex here, not necessary sex-on-the-bed but I mean as a sex operator we see part of this life. Zack and John meet that way.
Zack meets John when John calls the sex line. Before there’s really a deep relationship development we see a lot of role-playing and holy god was this hot.
Now, John was a pleasure to read, he was shy but at the same time he knew what he wanted. He was direct and in control on the phone but out in the real world he wasn’t like that, he was shy and submissive. But his relationship with Zack was charming. I was so happy this wasn’t love at first sight, that was the fun in their relationship. They first got to know a bit of each other through the phone even if it was through role playing.
The way they both meet in real is fun and embarrassed but the instant connection in genuine, sweet and pleasant. I liked John and his ways and his knowledge and I like how he was with Zack and saw Zack.
I’m not saying their relationship is fun and happiness all the time but I liked their chemistry not only sexually but how they fit so well. I hated what John did but at the same time I understood his thoughts and why he did it and by the end I was so happy. Sometimes insecurities bring the worse out of us but I liked how the author kept us there, not giving up.
“John,” he whispered, “stop me.”
John shivered and looked him dead in the eyes. “No.”
Zack closed the distance, held John’s face in both of his hands, and kissed him.
*Thank you Netgalley and Riptide Publishing for providing a copy for a honest review.
I’ve never read such an interesting plot like this one, I truly enjoyed Zack. The type of life he lived, the way he didn’t settled for school when he knew he was not enjoying his life at that point of time and the fact he not afraid of what he does. I liked how the author took her time to develop Zack, to show us his life and his family. His family isn’t completely supportive but Zack has an amazing sister and friends who do support his lifestyle.
His job was fascinating, the way he used his voice and quick mind to bring strangers to orgasm, oh man! The scenarios he had to deal with, the things he had to say were so fun to read. I’m not going to say it wasn’t awkward at times but it was amusing most of the time.
There’s a lot of sex here, not necessary sex-on-the-bed but I mean as a sex operator we see part of this life. Zack and John meet that way.
Zack meets John when John calls the sex line. Before there’s really a deep relationship development we see a lot of role-playing and holy god was this hot.
Now, John was a pleasure to read, he was shy but at the same time he knew what he wanted. He was direct and in control on the phone but out in the real world he wasn’t like that, he was shy and submissive. But his relationship with Zack was charming. I was so happy this wasn’t love at first sight, that was the fun in their relationship. They first got to know a bit of each other through the phone even if it was through role playing.
The way they both meet in real is fun and embarrassed but the instant connection in genuine, sweet and pleasant. I liked John and his ways and his knowledge and I like how he was with Zack and saw Zack.
I’m not saying their relationship is fun and happiness all the time but I liked their chemistry not only sexually but how they fit so well. I hated what John did but at the same time I understood his thoughts and why he did it and by the end I was so happy. Sometimes insecurities bring the worse out of us but I liked how the author kept us there, not giving up.
“John,” he whispered, “stop me.”
John shivered and looked him dead in the eyes. “No.”
Zack closed the distance, held John’s face in both of his hands, and kissed him.
*Thank you Netgalley and Riptide Publishing for providing a copy for a honest review.
November 1, 2016
**I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.**
Zack is a phone sex operator (PSO). He has the perfect voice for the job but he's not one of the best, as far as keeping them on the phone the longest. He does what he needs to do to get by. Until he gets a random call from John. John doesn't want anything out of the ordinary just someone to talk dirty to him. For the first time Zack is into his work and talking to John as long as possible. When John because a regular things really start to heat up.
I really enjoyed Hotline. The chemistry and the build up was written perfectly. The sexual tension was hot. If you are not a fan of insta-love this is one read you need to be adding to your TBR. Quinn Anderson's writing was flawless. I can't wait to look for more from this new to me author!
Zack is a phone sex operator (PSO). He has the perfect voice for the job but he's not one of the best, as far as keeping them on the phone the longest. He does what he needs to do to get by. Until he gets a random call from John. John doesn't want anything out of the ordinary just someone to talk dirty to him. For the first time Zack is into his work and talking to John as long as possible. When John because a regular things really start to heat up.
I really enjoyed Hotline. The chemistry and the build up was written perfectly. The sexual tension was hot. If you are not a fan of insta-love this is one read you need to be adding to your TBR. Quinn Anderson's writing was flawless. I can't wait to look for more from this new to me author!
November 21, 2016
I appreciate good writing and well-done humor in my romance, and for that alone I enjoyed reading this book. There are some brilliant lines and the relationship Zach had with his friends was a lot of fun.
I enjoyed learning a little about being a phone sex operator and the setting of the story overall. The romantic leads had a lot of chemistry, and there is a lot of intense, well-written sex in this book. So if you want a book that is 'hot', this is it!
I would have liked to have had more conversations or common interests between the leads as well as the sex. And I wish we'd learned more about John. For example, I'm not even sure if he was out to his parents or not, and it was mentioned that he was in law school, but I'm not sure how he felt about being a lawyer or how he was doing in school or if he liked it.
I stayed glued to the book, and that's unusual for me. As I said, once I find an author who really just writes well, I tend to hang on for dear life. I look forward to what I hope are many more titles by Quinn Anderson in the future.
I enjoyed learning a little about being a phone sex operator and the setting of the story overall. The romantic leads had a lot of chemistry, and there is a lot of intense, well-written sex in this book. So if you want a book that is 'hot', this is it!
I would have liked to have had more conversations or common interests between the leads as well as the sex. And I wish we'd learned more about John. For example, I'm not even sure if he was out to his parents or not, and it was mentioned that he was in law school, but I'm not sure how he felt about being a lawyer or how he was doing in school or if he liked it.
I stayed glued to the book, and that's unusual for me. As I said, once I find an author who really just writes well, I tend to hang on for dear life. I look forward to what I hope are many more titles by Quinn Anderson in the future.
November 11, 2016
Review
Zach didn't mean to be a phone sex operator at all let alone for as long as he has ended up doing it. He know he has to follow one major rule - don't ever fall for a client. But when "John" starts calling he finds he is interested in more than justthe paycheck with this client. When they wind up meeting face to face things can't go back to the way they were but will it all work out for the best?
I mean the blurb totally got me with this one. Phone sex operater, m/m, poor/rich dynamic - I was intrigue to say the least. There were definitely a lot of high points but also some things that just didn't work for me.
Zach didn't mean to be a phone sex operator at all let alone for as long as he has ended up doing it. He know he has to follow one major rule - don't ever fall for a client. But when "John" starts calling he finds he is interested in more than justthe paycheck with this client. When they wind up meeting face to face things can't go back to the way they were but will it all work out for the best?
I mean the blurb totally got me with this one. Phone sex operater, m/m, poor/rich dynamic - I was intrigue to say the least. There were definitely a lot of high points but also some things that just didn't work for me.
Things I Liked
Zach. Zach was such a fun character. I loved his personality and his background that we got to see. He was an easy character to love and root for.
Zach's Friends. He has such amazing friends that were super supportive. We hd his friends from work and some from when he was in school to his older neighbors. They were all unique and added something to the story and could have used more of them really.
First Half. They first half was fun and fast. We had some of the phone sex stuff but also about Zach and his friends and family that I liked.
Writing and Pace. The writing was really easy to get into and the whole story moved along really well for the most part.
Things I Didn't Love
John. I wanted to like John, I did. To a certain extent I did but I would have loved a POV from him or some more depth to his character. We learn so much about Zach and not as much about John so I was less invested in him.
Their Relationship. Their was definitely chemistry and sexual chemistry for sure but something was missing. It was all so quick and I felt like beyond the sexual stuff it didn't feel as in-depth for the feeling they were supposed to have.
Second Half. SO much was focused on just John and Zach I missed the other people. Also the conflict was kind of silly and annoying.
Unfinished Business. I feel like in the first half some issues with Zach's family are brought up and then never addressed again. I would have loved to see more of that later in the book.
Overall it was a quick and fun read that I am glad I went for. I would definitely try another book by Quinn Anderson.This review was originally posted on Rebel Mommy Book Blog
October 17, 2016
This is going to be a short review. I was really enjoying this book until the climax, which involved my #1 romance deal-breaker.
Massive spoilers:
Nope. There's no excusing that.
But wait! It gets worse.
I would normally talk about the things I did like, but I don't want to encourage anyone to read this book. Huge waste of time.
I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Nope. There's no excusing that.
But wait! It gets worse.
I would normally talk about the things I did like, but I don't want to encourage anyone to read this book. Huge waste of time.
I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
November 1, 2016
I was not a fan... skimmed four page sex scenes & mostly just wanted it to end
November 5, 2018
I really should have looked at reviews before buying this one. But I was blinded by the bright cover and the promise of Nick J. Russo's narration. Big mistake on my part. The story was okay, maybe a bit too much sex for my taste. But I guess that comes with the territory when one of the MCs is a phone sex operator. Everything was moving along at 3 stars until I got to about 85% and then it all went downhill for me.
October 31, 2018
3.5 stars rounded up because still no 1/2 stars here on GR. Full review to follow soonish.
Welcome to...the sex trade...
Zack is a PSO (Phone Sex Operator) for Murmur Inc. It's not a permanent thing just a temporary stop to pay some bills until he gets himself back on track. But somehow he's been around longer than he'd planed he's fallen into a bit of a rut or at least he was until the day that 'John' calls.
What starts out as a simple phone sex call...just another day on the job for Zack begins to evolve into something more as the calls continues and with each call...each new role play that the men begin, each one of them begins to slip bits of the real them into the story.
For Zack life is getting better...at least on the work front it is. Zack's landed a whale and he's finally good earning money and he's doing it talking to a man who seems to push all the right buttons for him. Needless to say for the first time since who knows when Zack doesn't find work to be a hardship.
John's educated, cultured, lead a life of privilege. In Zack's eyes he's everything that Zack's not or at least that's how he sounds and that's ok because it's just phone sex and they're never going to meet...or at least they're not suppose to but Destiny...she'd be Karma's sister and sometimes she's also a biotch...anyways, Destiny has other plans for Zack and John and when Zack finds himself face to face with John he does what any sane young PSO would do...he runs.
It's going to take more than a few phone calls for these two men to work things out. I have to say these two have a rather unusual path to follow if they're going to get things sorted out. Zack may make a living talking dirty and John may plan on becoming a lawyer but these two mean are going to need to learn how to have some pretty open and honest conversations if they're going to take things from the phone to the same room.
Surprisingly while the sex was good when it happened for me the phone sex was the smoking hot stuff and maybe that was because of the fact that these men didn't know each other and it was obvious from that start that they were going to so there was definitely a layer of anticipation involved that wasn't there when they finally met.
'Hotline' was definitely unique in the overall premise of the story. It's the first story that I've ever read where one of the MCs is a PSO. 'Hotline' was a light fun read, laced ironically a bit of miscommunication and a touch of humor...all of which combines to make an enjoyable little romance story.
Nick J. Russo was the narrator for this story and as always his narration made what would have probably only been a 3 star read for me into something just a little bit better. I could go on about this narrator and expand on all the reasons that I enjoy listening to audio books that Mr. Russo has narrated but I think the simplest thing I can say is in the world of audio book narrators Nick Russo is on my auto buy list.
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Welcome to...the sex trade...
Zack is a PSO (Phone Sex Operator) for Murmur Inc. It's not a permanent thing just a temporary stop to pay some bills until he gets himself back on track. But somehow he's been around longer than he'd planed he's fallen into a bit of a rut or at least he was until the day that 'John' calls.
What starts out as a simple phone sex call...just another day on the job for Zack begins to evolve into something more as the calls continues and with each call...each new role play that the men begin, each one of them begins to slip bits of the real them into the story.
For Zack life is getting better...at least on the work front it is. Zack's landed a whale and he's finally good earning money and he's doing it talking to a man who seems to push all the right buttons for him. Needless to say for the first time since who knows when Zack doesn't find work to be a hardship.
John's educated, cultured, lead a life of privilege. In Zack's eyes he's everything that Zack's not or at least that's how he sounds and that's ok because it's just phone sex and they're never going to meet...or at least they're not suppose to but Destiny...she'd be Karma's sister and sometimes she's also a biotch...anyways, Destiny has other plans for Zack and John and when Zack finds himself face to face with John he does what any sane young PSO would do...he runs.
It's going to take more than a few phone calls for these two men to work things out. I have to say these two have a rather unusual path to follow if they're going to get things sorted out. Zack may make a living talking dirty and John may plan on becoming a lawyer but these two mean are going to need to learn how to have some pretty open and honest conversations if they're going to take things from the phone to the same room.
Surprisingly while the sex was good when it happened for me the phone sex was the smoking hot stuff and maybe that was because of the fact that these men didn't know each other and it was obvious from that start that they were going to so there was definitely a layer of anticipation involved that wasn't there when they finally met.
'Hotline' was definitely unique in the overall premise of the story. It's the first story that I've ever read where one of the MCs is a PSO. 'Hotline' was a light fun read, laced ironically a bit of miscommunication and a touch of humor...all of which combines to make an enjoyable little romance story.
Nick J. Russo was the narrator for this story and as always his narration made what would have probably only been a 3 star read for me into something just a little bit better. I could go on about this narrator and expand on all the reasons that I enjoy listening to audio books that Mr. Russo has narrated but I think the simplest thing I can say is in the world of audio book narrators Nick Russo is on my auto buy list.
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May 15, 2017
I loved the build up on this one - the sexual tension was good and I really genuinely enjoyed each of the two MC's. So this was going along very well until 85% and then WHAM one of the MC's had a lobotomy and things went so south - I could not figure out where the behavior came from. I literally said WTF on a flight (and the person sitting next to me glared at me). That's how much it surprised me. I'm not sure where that came from - but it felt like a different guy. It almost went down 2 stars but I really liked it to that point so I left it at 4.
The language for the phone sex was a bit off at times but it was still hot to read it (I don't require everything to be "real" in my romance).
I've preordered the next one.
The language for the phone sex was a bit off at times but it was still hot to read it (I don't require everything to be "real" in my romance).
I've preordered the next one.
October 30, 2016
3.5 stars, rounded up.
This was a fun book to read. I really enjoyed myself. It's total fluff, of course, but the humor and snark was exactly what I needed at the time I read it.
Zack is a PSO (Phone Sex Operator), which, considering his partial college and smart mouth, is about as good as it could get for him, job-wise. Or so he thinks. He's good at the job, going with the flow of the ever so, uhm, interesting requests his clients have, and while he doesn't love his job, he does love that it pays the bills.
Until one day "John" calls in, and turns Zack's boring existence upside down. Zack's getting turned on by the phone sex, which doesn't usually happen, and their frequent calls show Zack that "John" may be totally out of his league. Because Trust Fund Baby and PSO don't go all that well together, according to Zack.
I totally bought the lust parts of this story, and the phone sex was super hot and getting hotter by the minute between Zack and "John".
But then Zack runs into "John" in a bar, and things aren't so simple anymore. After some hot shmexing (in person this time), he bails, and doesn't know what to do. "John" of course calls in again, but "John" also does something really stupid (and slightly unbelievable), that almost gets Zack in huge trouble.
Obviously, this is a romance, so all's well that ends well, which this book does too, but while I bought the lusty parts, I didn't exactly buy the romantic side so much.
Still, this is a fun read. Slightly unbelievable, a bit tropey, and fairly unrealistic, but definitely fun. Give it a try.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher via Netgalley. A positive review was not promised in return. **
This was a fun book to read. I really enjoyed myself. It's total fluff, of course, but the humor and snark was exactly what I needed at the time I read it.
Zack is a PSO (Phone Sex Operator), which, considering his partial college and smart mouth, is about as good as it could get for him, job-wise. Or so he thinks. He's good at the job, going with the flow of the ever so, uhm, interesting requests his clients have, and while he doesn't love his job, he does love that it pays the bills.
Until one day "John" calls in, and turns Zack's boring existence upside down. Zack's getting turned on by the phone sex, which doesn't usually happen, and their frequent calls show Zack that "John" may be totally out of his league. Because Trust Fund Baby and PSO don't go all that well together, according to Zack.
I totally bought the lust parts of this story, and the phone sex was super hot and getting hotter by the minute between Zack and "John".
But then Zack runs into "John" in a bar, and things aren't so simple anymore. After some hot shmexing (in person this time), he bails, and doesn't know what to do. "John" of course calls in again, but "John" also does something really stupid (and slightly unbelievable), that almost gets Zack in huge trouble.
Obviously, this is a romance, so all's well that ends well, which this book does too, but while I bought the lusty parts, I didn't exactly buy the romantic side so much.
Still, this is a fun read. Slightly unbelievable, a bit tropey, and fairly unrealistic, but definitely fun. Give it a try.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher via Netgalley. A positive review was not promised in return. **
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