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Collaborations #1
Refraction
A Collaborations Novel
Texas artist Tucker Williams arrives in New York City for a gallery showing of his work and finds the city blanketed in snow. He meets free-spirited underwear model Calvin McIntire on the steps of the Midtown library and is captivated by a wild beauty that manages to compete with the demons that occupy his soul and fuel his work with their lust for blood and erotic imagery.
Unable to deny a new inspiration, Tucker sublets a studio and finds the city’s energy almost as addictive as Calvin.
Tucker is obsessive, barely holding on to sanity as his art consumes him, and Calvin is dealing with demons of his own, trying desperately to protect his soul in a business where only his appearance has value. They each prove to be the perfect remedy for the other’s personal brand of crazy until, in the midst of stress and exhaustion, they discover that a promise Calvin needs is the one thing Tucker can’t give him, and their heaven turns to purgatory.
Can both men find a path toward wholeness in Tucker’s beautiful but chaotic Texas home? In order for them—and their passionate relationship—to thrive, they’ll need to adapt, share their psychoses, and find a true balance between New York City and rural Texas.
Texas artist Tucker Williams arrives in New York City for a gallery showing of his work and finds the city blanketed in snow. He meets free-spirited underwear model Calvin McIntire on the steps of the Midtown library and is captivated by a wild beauty that manages to compete with the demons that occupy his soul and fuel his work with their lust for blood and erotic imagery.
Unable to deny a new inspiration, Tucker sublets a studio and finds the city’s energy almost as addictive as Calvin.
Tucker is obsessive, barely holding on to sanity as his art consumes him, and Calvin is dealing with demons of his own, trying desperately to protect his soul in a business where only his appearance has value. They each prove to be the perfect remedy for the other’s personal brand of crazy until, in the midst of stress and exhaustion, they discover that a promise Calvin needs is the one thing Tucker can’t give him, and their heaven turns to purgatory.
Can both men find a path toward wholeness in Tucker’s beautiful but chaotic Texas home? In order for them—and their passionate relationship—to thrive, they’ll need to adapt, share their psychoses, and find a true balance between New York City and rural Texas.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 12, 2018
9 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
Jodi Payne
89 books401 followersJODI spent too many years in New York and San Francisco stage managing classical plays, edgy fringe work, and the occasional musical. She, therefore, is overdramatic, takes herself way too seriously, and has been known to randomly break out in song. Her men are imperfect but genuine, stubborn but likable, often kinky, and frequently their own worst enemies. They are characters you can’t help but fall in love with while they stumble along the path to their happily ever after.
For those looking to get on her good side, Jodi’s addictions include nonfat lattes, Malbec and tequila however you pour it. She’s also obsessed with Shakespeare and Broadway musicals. She can be found wearing sock monkey gloves while typing when it’s cold, and on the beach enjoying the sun and the ocean when it’s hot. When she’s not writing and/or vacuuming sand out of her laptop, Jodi mentors queer youth and will drop everything for live music. Jodi lives near New York City with her beautiful wife, and together they are mothers of dragons (cleverly disguised as children) and slaves to an enormous polydactyl cat.
For those looking to get on her good side, Jodi’s addictions include nonfat lattes, Malbec and tequila however you pour it. She’s also obsessed with Shakespeare and Broadway musicals. She can be found wearing sock monkey gloves while typing when it’s cold, and on the beach enjoying the sun and the ocean when it’s hot. When she’s not writing and/or vacuuming sand out of her laptop, Jodi mentors queer youth and will drop everything for live music. Jodi lives near New York City with her beautiful wife, and together they are mothers of dragons (cleverly disguised as children) and slaves to an enormous polydactyl cat.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 27, 2020
TEN STARS...
Our authors grab us from the start and we want to know more, and we get lots more.
The meeting on the Library steps, the instant pull, our magnetic men, a magical few moments that put us in their vicinity, where we get an up close and personal view. Their first sex scene is dreamy, scorching, wonderful.
We absorb their fairy tale feeling of togetherness; precious, fragile, timeless, incendiary.
Tucker is a Texan,
an artist of dark themes in New York for a gallery show,
and Calvin is a free spirited male model,
each of whom have a deepened and secretive essence we want to discover.
Each man sees more than just the outer shell; each man is in-tuned with how and why they each tick. The connection is deep, passionate and fantastic.
A beautifully written tale of two diverse men.
Each man has the piece of the puzzle the other needed.
Marvelous !
ENJOY !
======
Our authors grab us from the start and we want to know more, and we get lots more.
The meeting on the Library steps, the instant pull, our magnetic men, a magical few moments that put us in their vicinity, where we get an up close and personal view. Their first sex scene is dreamy, scorching, wonderful.
We absorb their fairy tale feeling of togetherness; precious, fragile, timeless, incendiary.
Tucker is a Texan,
an artist of dark themes in New York for a gallery show,
and Calvin is a free spirited male model,
each of whom have a deepened and secretive essence we want to discover.
Each man sees more than just the outer shell; each man is in-tuned with how and why they each tick. The connection is deep, passionate and fantastic.
A beautifully written tale of two diverse men.
Each man has the piece of the puzzle the other needed.
Marvelous !
ENJOY !
======
June 24, 2018
5 BIG stars This is an amazing story and is as intriguing as the title suggests.
Tucker and Calvin meet for the first time on the stairs of the library. It’s cold, a lot of snow and no cab or other transport in this weather. Calvin offers the man from Texas a hot coffee and they talk and talk. Both very smitten with the other. They learn that Tucker is an artist and Calvin is a model. Soon they are inseparable.
The dynamic between the men, actually the dynamic of whole story is so powerful I can’t describe it. You have to feel it. I loved it how these men act around each other.
They have the most sparkling sex and totally complement each other.
And there is so much more ... both men are complicated, have their baggage and demons.
But together... they are heaven, pure, sensual and their whole surroundings light up.
Only life is a bitch, you could wait for the other shoe....
Both passionate men in an extraordinary vivid environment of art, paint and photography playing in New York and Texas. They were delightful to watch and made my heart sing.
It was heart wrenching when they were apart and healing when they were together.
Two beautiful souls... open, honest, intuitive, inventive and full of infinite love.
Stunning way of writing, it was so fascinating and intriguing I couldn’t put this book down.
Both men had their own wonderful characters and I loved them hard for what they were.
It was written in a way as if i was in a bubble.... no world outside... until I had finished it...
A journey so dear I wouldn’t miss it for the world.
Read and reviewed for Diverse Reader
Tucker and Calvin meet for the first time on the stairs of the library. It’s cold, a lot of snow and no cab or other transport in this weather. Calvin offers the man from Texas a hot coffee and they talk and talk. Both very smitten with the other. They learn that Tucker is an artist and Calvin is a model. Soon they are inseparable.
The dynamic between the men, actually the dynamic of whole story is so powerful I can’t describe it. You have to feel it. I loved it how these men act around each other.
They have the most sparkling sex and totally complement each other.
And there is so much more ... both men are complicated, have their baggage and demons.
But together... they are heaven, pure, sensual and their whole surroundings light up.
Only life is a bitch, you could wait for the other shoe....
Both passionate men in an extraordinary vivid environment of art, paint and photography playing in New York and Texas. They were delightful to watch and made my heart sing.
It was heart wrenching when they were apart and healing when they were together.
Two beautiful souls... open, honest, intuitive, inventive and full of infinite love.
Stunning way of writing, it was so fascinating and intriguing I couldn’t put this book down.
Both men had their own wonderful characters and I loved them hard for what they were.
It was written in a way as if i was in a bubble.... no world outside... until I had finished it...
A journey so dear I wouldn’t miss it for the world.
Read and reviewed for Diverse Reader
June 12, 2018
An artist and a model...met at the library one day...
and the rest as they say is history...
Tucker Williams is in New York for a showing of his work one find winters day and as he stands on the steps of the midtown library who should appear but one Calvin McIntire. Tucker and Calvin are drawn to each other and their attraction is strong...yes, that's right this one's a case of love at first sight even though neither man is ready to admit it for a while.
Tucker's held prisoner by the demons who haunt his mind...seeing them when others don't, Tucker brings them to life and excises them from his soul with his artwork.
Calvin spends his days regimenting his life so that he can maintain the physical beauty that the world so desperately wants to see from him.
Tucker's from Texas, Calvin's from New York...long distance romances never end well but when two hearts are determined and each man is willing to work for it and compromise...one never knows what can be done.
Tucker's inspirations come from anywhere and everywhere...a color, a sound, the setting sun, the glow of the moon...whatever catches his artistic bent gives life to his imagination and ignites his creativity. Calvin never knows where his career will take him and he loves that all the different locations the novelty of seeing so much of the world. But when love calls to them both Tucker and Calvin find their priorities changing.
I loved Tucker and Calvin for me they were both simply delightful...I just have no other words for them. Their interactions as they got to know each other, the respect that each man had for the other's talents, their desire to truly know each other not just in the bed but out of it as well all this and a few interesting secondary characters like Calvin's roommate and his agent, Michael, Tucker's agent and even his parents simply added to the depth of the story. These two men admired and respected each other and their talents in equal measure.
I loved the respect that Tucker held for Calvin as a model and qualities that he felt Calvin had to have to not only be a model but to be a good model and Calvin in equal measure saw and understood the creative bent that drove Tucker and enabled him to share his creativity with the world.
Each man was a unique individual in their own right and even as a pair they remained so while at the same time they created a a couple who fit together as readily as any two puzzle pieces. The friendship, love and respect between Tucker and Calvin while dark at times because of the demons that each man struggled with often gave way to a fun and lightness that was reflected in the playful way that Tucker and Calvin came together.
I have to admit I'm not sure that I see where things are going with this series whether the next book will see a new pairing or more Tucker and Calvin but I'm definitely looking forward to finding out and maybe I'm hoping in a small part of my heart that if the next story gives us a new pairing that one of the MCs will be Calvin's adorable roommate. I'm just going t to have to wait see, aren't I?
*************************
An ARC of 'Refraction' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
and the rest as they say is history...
Tucker Williams is in New York for a showing of his work one find winters day and as he stands on the steps of the midtown library who should appear but one Calvin McIntire. Tucker and Calvin are drawn to each other and their attraction is strong...yes, that's right this one's a case of love at first sight even though neither man is ready to admit it for a while.
Tucker's held prisoner by the demons who haunt his mind...seeing them when others don't, Tucker brings them to life and excises them from his soul with his artwork.
Calvin spends his days regimenting his life so that he can maintain the physical beauty that the world so desperately wants to see from him.
Tucker's from Texas, Calvin's from New York...long distance romances never end well but when two hearts are determined and each man is willing to work for it and compromise...one never knows what can be done.
Tucker's inspirations come from anywhere and everywhere...a color, a sound, the setting sun, the glow of the moon...whatever catches his artistic bent gives life to his imagination and ignites his creativity. Calvin never knows where his career will take him and he loves that all the different locations the novelty of seeing so much of the world. But when love calls to them both Tucker and Calvin find their priorities changing.
I loved Tucker and Calvin for me they were both simply delightful...I just have no other words for them. Their interactions as they got to know each other, the respect that each man had for the other's talents, their desire to truly know each other not just in the bed but out of it as well all this and a few interesting secondary characters like Calvin's roommate and his agent, Michael, Tucker's agent and even his parents simply added to the depth of the story. These two men admired and respected each other and their talents in equal measure.
I loved the respect that Tucker held for Calvin as a model and qualities that he felt Calvin had to have to not only be a model but to be a good model and Calvin in equal measure saw and understood the creative bent that drove Tucker and enabled him to share his creativity with the world.
Each man was a unique individual in their own right and even as a pair they remained so while at the same time they created a a couple who fit together as readily as any two puzzle pieces. The friendship, love and respect between Tucker and Calvin while dark at times because of the demons that each man struggled with often gave way to a fun and lightness that was reflected in the playful way that Tucker and Calvin came together.
I have to admit I'm not sure that I see where things are going with this series whether the next book will see a new pairing or more Tucker and Calvin but I'm definitely looking forward to finding out and maybe I'm hoping in a small part of my heart that if the next story gives us a new pairing that one of the MCs will be Calvin's adorable roommate. I'm just going t to have to wait see, aren't I?
*************************
An ARC of 'Refraction' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
June 15, 2018
I had one issue with this book: life kept getting in the way of me finishing it! If my family had only been able to look after themselves for a day, work hadn't interfered or all those other expectations that life has had left me alone, I would have devoured this book in one sitting.
It's a tale of two complex men. Both have their own demons to fight and neither of them feel completely comfortable in their skins. Tucker has a dark side and is haunted by demons. Calvin never feels beautiful enough, perfect enough, to be the underwear model he is.
These two men captured my heart. Their relationship wasn't easy; couldn't really ever be easy. Between their issues and the fact that Calvin lives in New York and Tucker lives in Texas, they have problems lining up.
What I love about this story is the way the men come together. Find each other. Learn about each other's demons and face them. Stand together in each other's storms and come out of these stronger.
This is an amazing collaboration between Jodi Payne and B.A. Tortuga. Having been a huge fan of Jodi's work, I didn't expect anything less, but this still blew me away.
I'm not sure where they are heading with this as a series, but honestly? I can't wait to see what they will give us next!
It's a tale of two complex men. Both have their own demons to fight and neither of them feel completely comfortable in their skins. Tucker has a dark side and is haunted by demons. Calvin never feels beautiful enough, perfect enough, to be the underwear model he is.
These two men captured my heart. Their relationship wasn't easy; couldn't really ever be easy. Between their issues and the fact that Calvin lives in New York and Tucker lives in Texas, they have problems lining up.
What I love about this story is the way the men come together. Find each other. Learn about each other's demons and face them. Stand together in each other's storms and come out of these stronger.
This is an amazing collaboration between Jodi Payne and B.A. Tortuga. Having been a huge fan of Jodi's work, I didn't expect anything less, but this still blew me away.
I'm not sure where they are heading with this as a series, but honestly? I can't wait to see what they will give us next!
June 11, 2018
Tucker is a reclusive artist from Texas that paints strange pictures of demons and other odd pictures. He does quite well though. He finds himself in New York in the snow at the library where he meets Calvin a gorgeous underwear model. Both men have their demons to battle but will it wreck their newfound relationship.
Refraction is a unique story about two very different young men. Calvin has t maintain his weight and body image for his work and sometimes doesn't eat for days. I never really figured out Tucker's demons, though the story keeps bringing them up. I would have liked to know exactly what caused hi the have such a dark side and see all these demons everywhere. It felt like a story was lurking there in the background that never unfolded.
I did like both Characters and how well they fit together. There are some sweet scenes and the dynamics between these two men are hot.
I like both of these authors and the story was interesting.
If you like Jodi Paye, BA Tortuga, collaborated stories, artists, models, a sweet romance, Insta love, and some relatively hot man-sex you will like this one.
Refraction is a unique story about two very different young men. Calvin has t maintain his weight and body image for his work and sometimes doesn't eat for days. I never really figured out Tucker's demons, though the story keeps bringing them up. I would have liked to know exactly what caused hi the have such a dark side and see all these demons everywhere. It felt like a story was lurking there in the background that never unfolded.
I did like both Characters and how well they fit together. There are some sweet scenes and the dynamics between these two men are hot.
I like both of these authors and the story was interesting.
If you like Jodi Paye, BA Tortuga, collaborated stories, artists, models, a sweet romance, Insta love, and some relatively hot man-sex you will like this one.
March 7, 2020
Two tortured souls, one an artist and one a supermodel, make for a very difficult relationship. Not at first – Texas painter Tucker and New York City model Calvin meet and fall into bed within days. The magnetism between them keeps them coming back for more, but there are underlying issues on both sides that might ruin everything once they begin to consider becoming serious. I could feel their pain as they opened up to each other, but the suffering when they were apart was worse. They have a lot to give and a relationship is clearly what they need, but compromise is never easy and for two men who are each so driven, it is almost impossible. Knowing the authors and their previous work gave me hope though, and, as it turns out, I sorely needed it!
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
February 18, 2019
Refraction and Syncopation (book #2) can be read as standalone’s. There are some overlapping characters, but the story lines are completely independent.
I love it when a book blurb is spot on – very much so in this case so I won’t rehash the plot. This was a wonderfully languid read that pulled me in and kept the pages turning. There is something about the cadence to the authors collaboration that works well for me. There is humor, there is a perfect amount of angst, there is real life to navigate – yes, the characters have to work their relationship in around their work! I love that touch of realism.
Both gentleman have their problems and while they acknowledge the issues internally, there is some struggle expressing it. Which also works for me because – you know, real life. Calvin diets obsessively for his job and while he’s upfront about it, I don’t think Tucker quite has the full impression.
Tucker struggles with his personal demons and how they are expressed in his art. Calvin doesn’t quite understand Tucker’s need to sketch, to paint, to express those demons and that’s where the conflict comes in. He doesn’t quite understand just how much those demons are a part of Tuckers world.
In my humble opinion, this is some of the most well written misunderstanding/conflict/resolution that I’ve read in a while (exception being Syncopation – also outstanding). The authors nailed it.
My one teeny complaint with the book is, it was a smidge long, and I got a bit antsy the last thirty pages. My quirk.
Ultimately, I greatly enjoyed this book. It has the hustle of New York, and the heat of Texas all mixed into one delightful read.
Review is cross posted at Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the authors and publishers in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
I love it when a book blurb is spot on – very much so in this case so I won’t rehash the plot. This was a wonderfully languid read that pulled me in and kept the pages turning. There is something about the cadence to the authors collaboration that works well for me. There is humor, there is a perfect amount of angst, there is real life to navigate – yes, the characters have to work their relationship in around their work! I love that touch of realism.
Both gentleman have their problems and while they acknowledge the issues internally, there is some struggle expressing it. Which also works for me because – you know, real life. Calvin diets obsessively for his job and while he’s upfront about it, I don’t think Tucker quite has the full impression.
Tucker struggles with his personal demons and how they are expressed in his art. Calvin doesn’t quite understand Tucker’s need to sketch, to paint, to express those demons and that’s where the conflict comes in. He doesn’t quite understand just how much those demons are a part of Tuckers world.
In my humble opinion, this is some of the most well written misunderstanding/conflict/resolution that I’ve read in a while (exception being Syncopation – also outstanding). The authors nailed it.
My one teeny complaint with the book is, it was a smidge long, and I got a bit antsy the last thirty pages. My quirk.
Ultimately, I greatly enjoyed this book. It has the hustle of New York, and the heat of Texas all mixed into one delightful read.
Review is cross posted at Gay Book Reviews
A copy of the book was provided by the authors and publishers in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
November 17, 2019
I couldn't take it anymore, the writing annoyed the fuck out of me!! The amount of times one of the characters tacked on "honey" as a suffix to practically EVERYTHING he said was aggravation inducing [spoiler alert: it was about 147 times]!! I don't know of anyone who says "honey" that much, not man OR woman, so I have to caste a dubious look at Jodi Payne for this one, and if SHE or anyone she knows speaks this way, HOLY SHIT!! I swear it qualifies as a justified cause for some serious slapping; I admit I'd want to slap anyone who speaks this way, because it's obnoxious as fuck (it's also supremely high-handed and doesn't even remotely resemble forms of endearment)!! For the record, it's the same way people say "like" a lot, to which I respond with SHUT THE FUCK UP!!!
I knew Tortuga's writing was obnoxious and not for me, but I didn't consider Payne's writing to be equally or perhaps even more obnoxious, or perhaps it's like an anti-super power that occurs when these two collaborate! Either way, HUGE FAIL & HARD PASS on both these books AND these authors!! From now on I am staying far FAR away!!!!
I knew Tortuga's writing was obnoxious and not for me, but I didn't consider Payne's writing to be equally or perhaps even more obnoxious, or perhaps it's like an anti-super power that occurs when these two collaborate! Either way, HUGE FAIL & HARD PASS on both these books AND these authors!! From now on I am staying far FAR away!!!!
March 7, 2020
Two tortured souls, one an artist and one a supermodel, make for a very difficult relationship. Not at first – Texas painter Tucker and New York City model Calvin meet and fall into bed within days. The magnetism between them keeps them coming back for more, but there are underlying issues on both sides that might ruin everything once they begin to consider becoming serious. I could feel their pain as they opened up to each other, but the suffering when they were apart was worse. They have a lot to give and a relationship is clearly what they need, but compromise is never easy and for two men who are each so driven, it is almost impossible. Knowing the authors and their previous work gave me hope though, and, as it turns out, I sorely needed it!
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
June 16, 2018
2.5 Stars Possibly a “me not the book” situation. I could not make sense of what the big deal was with Tucker’s “demons” nor Calvin’s aversion to being painted. Too many sex scenes felt like filler. The break up was illogical to my mind. Tucker felt like a misguided attempt to portray a tortured artist and Calvin never really came across as the poor little model very well. (And seriously, an underwear model named Calvin?) I’ve liked a lot of B.A.’s stuff but Tucker sounded too much like most of her other characters. Sorry.
Read
August 2, 2019[note: no actual demons]
This was really hot and fun, with less intense angst than I was afraid there might be.
This was really hot and fun, with less intense angst than I was afraid there might be.
June 25, 2018
~ 3.5 Stars ~
Tucker Williams is just looking for a cup of coffee. He’s an artist from Texas who finds himself in snowy New York City, and lucky for him, Calvin McIntire happens by and offers to guide Tucker to a coffee shop.
Calvin is a model, and he and Tucker get to share what keeps them busy. Tucker finds it hard to resist the enthusiastic Calvin, and they immediately hit it off, from coffee to a snowball fight, then dinner, and things heat up quickly. Calvin and Tucker are smitten with each other, but as they spend more time together, Calvin ponders when Tucker will go back to Texas.
Tucker invites Calvin to his art exhibit, where he meets Marge, Tucker’s agent and longtime friend. Tucker likes his solitude and would rather not be at the exhibit, but Calvin loves the excitement and gives Tucker something to look forward to. But no matter how Calvin feels about Tucker, Calvin is frightened and disturbed by what Tucker produces on canvas. With Tucker getting his own studio apartment in New York, Calvin gets to see Tucker lost in his world of artistic expression. As much as Tucker tries to resist, he finds himself painting portraits of Calvin, and the fallout leads to a heart-wrenching argument.
Tucker does go back home to Texas, but he’s not happy and has to fight his demons, while Calvin’s modeling drags him into a downward spiral. Can that one little mysterious gray painting give hope to Calvin and Tucker?
All in all, I thought this first-time collaboration by BA Tortuga and Jodi Payne was very interesting. I saw a lot of BA Tortuga’s influence in Tucker Williams’ character. I hate to say, I’ve only read one book by Jodi Payne, so my belief is that Calvin McIntire was more in her realm. Together they created two characters in Tucker and Calvin who were very opposite, so they have to find a way to compromise, understand and trust each other.
Most of the storyline deals with Tucker’s and Calvin’s parental situations, their growing relationship and their lives. There’s also a mysticism to Tucker, to his art and his demons, but it seems Calvin has his own form of demons too, and I thought the distinction was very clear. As a secondary character, I liked Marge; she was a good support for both Tucker and Calvin.
Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach
Tucker Williams is just looking for a cup of coffee. He’s an artist from Texas who finds himself in snowy New York City, and lucky for him, Calvin McIntire happens by and offers to guide Tucker to a coffee shop.
Calvin is a model, and he and Tucker get to share what keeps them busy. Tucker finds it hard to resist the enthusiastic Calvin, and they immediately hit it off, from coffee to a snowball fight, then dinner, and things heat up quickly. Calvin and Tucker are smitten with each other, but as they spend more time together, Calvin ponders when Tucker will go back to Texas.
Tucker invites Calvin to his art exhibit, where he meets Marge, Tucker’s agent and longtime friend. Tucker likes his solitude and would rather not be at the exhibit, but Calvin loves the excitement and gives Tucker something to look forward to. But no matter how Calvin feels about Tucker, Calvin is frightened and disturbed by what Tucker produces on canvas. With Tucker getting his own studio apartment in New York, Calvin gets to see Tucker lost in his world of artistic expression. As much as Tucker tries to resist, he finds himself painting portraits of Calvin, and the fallout leads to a heart-wrenching argument.
Tucker does go back home to Texas, but he’s not happy and has to fight his demons, while Calvin’s modeling drags him into a downward spiral. Can that one little mysterious gray painting give hope to Calvin and Tucker?
All in all, I thought this first-time collaboration by BA Tortuga and Jodi Payne was very interesting. I saw a lot of BA Tortuga’s influence in Tucker Williams’ character. I hate to say, I’ve only read one book by Jodi Payne, so my belief is that Calvin McIntire was more in her realm. Together they created two characters in Tucker and Calvin who were very opposite, so they have to find a way to compromise, understand and trust each other.
Most of the storyline deals with Tucker’s and Calvin’s parental situations, their growing relationship and their lives. There’s also a mysticism to Tucker, to his art and his demons, but it seems Calvin has his own form of demons too, and I thought the distinction was very clear. As a secondary character, I liked Marge; she was a good support for both Tucker and Calvin.
Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach
May 20, 2019
Overall, I enjoyed this, and I'd give it 3.5 (because of my slightly less enjoyment of Calvin) stars rounded up to 4 (because of how much I loved Tucker).
What I especially liked:
~Tucker -- he's a great character, and although I thought the tortured artist might be a bit over the top, I still found him sympathetic and unique. I enjoyed spending time with him, basically, so I was willing to overlook the additional drama (that I didn't find that realistic).
~ the connection between Tucker and Calvin -- I liked their almost instant bond, and I especially liked how they both learned to sacrifice for the other.
~ the main secondary characters -- both Calvin's roommate and Tucker's agent are strong characters, as well, and I liked their support and encouragement of Tucker and Calvin
What I didn't like as much:
~ Calvin's eating issues --
~ the slight inequality in their relationship --
Still, their relationship really did captivate me, and I was fully engaged and wanting to see the two find their HEA.
What I especially liked:
~Tucker -- he's a great character, and although I thought the tortured artist might be a bit over the top, I still found him sympathetic and unique. I enjoyed spending time with him, basically, so I was willing to overlook the additional drama (that I didn't find that realistic).
~ the connection between Tucker and Calvin -- I liked their almost instant bond, and I especially liked how they both learned to sacrifice for the other.
~ the main secondary characters -- both Calvin's roommate and Tucker's agent are strong characters, as well, and I liked their support and encouragement of Tucker and Calvin
What I didn't like as much:
~ Calvin's eating issues --
~ the slight inequality in their relationship --
Still, their relationship really did captivate me, and I was fully engaged and wanting to see the two find their HEA.
July 28, 2018
3.5 stars. I almost didn’t pick up this one bkz the cover is really not a grabber. However, when I realized one author is B A Tortuga, one of my favorites, I went for it. Glad I did. Totally enjoyed it! There is only a little angst and it’s short lived. The MCs are both “characters” who smooth each othere’s rough edges and have lots of hot sex. Minor down side, I would like to have had either more of Tucker’s relationship with his mother or have left it out. It felt incomplete to me.
August 2, 2019
An entertaining read. Low angst, lots of sex - just a fun story about 2 sexy guys who are pefectly imperfect for each other and meet, literally by chance.
There are 2 books in this series but the only thing that ties then together is the roommate Timmy and New York City so really, they are more stand-alone (until a book about Timmy comes along?).
There are 2 books in this series but the only thing that ties then together is the roommate Timmy and New York City so really, they are more stand-alone (until a book about Timmy comes along?).
December 17, 2018
This is a great story about two guys fight their demons. It is great to see how Tucker and Calvin's relationship grows and how they face each other demons. Once I started this book I had to continue. I can't wait to see what happens next in this series.
January 31, 2019
4.5 stars
October 4, 2020
Good.
Tortuga has a distinct narrative voice, which is all over this book. If you are new to her, by the end of the sample, you will know if you are up for it or not.
Tortuga has a distinct narrative voice, which is all over this book. If you are new to her, by the end of the sample, you will know if you are up for it or not.
own-not-read
June 30, 2021rating: dnf
The art work that one of the MCs produced creeped me out and I didn't really feel like continuing the book.
The art work that one of the MCs produced creeped me out and I didn't really feel like continuing the book.
January 19, 2025
great chemistry, liked the way they were both immediately smitten. also fascinated by the story of 2 dysfunctional men with serious issues that aren't immediately soleved by s*x or even love, but properly explored.
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