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Warm Rush #1
Chasing Winter
When Jesse Winter left Connecticut to attend his business overseas, he had no idea that he would be gone three long years. His homecoming is a bitter one. An accident has left his body shattered and his heart cloaked in ice, and he knows he'll never be warm again.
But Keith Taylor, just fifteen when Jesse skipped the country, has other ideas. He's all grown up now, and he's been waiting for Jesse to come home.
Keith's determined to bring the fire back into Jesse's life, and he knows he's strong enough to do it...
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Genres: Gay / Contemporary / Fantasy / Paranormal / Fetish / Series
But Keith Taylor, just fifteen when Jesse skipped the country, has other ideas. He's all grown up now, and he's been waiting for Jesse to come home.
Keith's determined to bring the fire back into Jesse's life, and he knows he's strong enough to do it...
----------
Genres: Gay / Contemporary / Fantasy / Paranormal / Fetish / Series
194 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
11 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
About the author
Rowan McBride
13 books262 followersBorn an Air Force dependent, Rowan McBride traveled the world and totally missed the 80’s as most Americans know it. In exchange, xe’s gotten to walk in clogs, break an arm at Mt. Fuji, and say prayers at a Korean Buddhist temple. So far it seems like a fair trade. Although xe graduated from high school in Hawaii, xe didn’t learn to hula and make leis until going to college in Iowa. After leaving the Midwest, xe moved to Washington, DC and very nearly got xemself a Juris Doctor degree. Now xe’s chilling out in Texas, diabolically planning road trips that could span years.
People say xyr life is random, and that’s probably true. Rowan comforts xemself with the working theory that a random life makes for good stories. When that doesn’t work, there’s Pocky. Lots and lots of Pocky.
People say xyr life is random, and that’s probably true. Rowan comforts xemself with the working theory that a random life makes for good stories. When that doesn’t work, there’s Pocky. Lots and lots of Pocky.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
October 10, 2008
Okay y'all know how much I HATE first person, well I finished this book a few weeks ago and I have to say although it is in first person it was really an interesting read.
Jesse Winter seems to have it all. He is a successful business man who runs his own business that is extremely profitable. Although he is quite weathy, he is very down to earth and lives in a solid middle class neighborhood.
When the story starts he had befriended his teenaged next door neighbor, Keith. Jesse is somewhat aware and uncomfortable that Keith may have developed a crush on him. He strives to be a positive role model in Keith's life. Keith is 15 (Jesse is 26) and struggling to make the basketball team. Jesse knows that Keiths small statue, is a strike against him, but gives him pointers to improve his game and to keep a positive attitude.
When Jesse must go overseas to expland his business for a year, Keith is devastated. Jess will be gone for a year, so to placate Keith he agrees to keep in contact with him by email.
While Jesse is gone, he is in a horrible car accident that not only changes his once healthy body to disabled and somewhat disfigured. He is away longer than a year, due to the physical therapy he must go through and the hundred or so operations he must endure to try to get around without the help of others.
While Jesse is gone, he stops contact with everyone; including Keith. He feels cold and dead inside and pushs all of his friends and loved ones away.
When he returns home 3 years later, he is welcomed by everyone like he knew he would be...they pity and coddle him, and he just wants to close himself himself away from everyone even more.
When Keith finds out that Jesse has returned. He immediately goes to Jesse's house to renew their friendship and he decides to push Jesse into having a relationship with him.
Both are shocked by the changes they have developed physically. Keith is no longer the small framed boy, but a very tall and built like a brick house.
As the story progresses Keith keeps growing taller and stronger, (Almost to hulk like proportions) Without any logical explaination for it. He gets bigger the more he is around Jesse, and Jesse becomes more and more attracted and attached to him.
I loved this book because it was so original. There is a very interesting and sweet explaination why Keith grows so large.
The character development was awesome. Both Jesse and Keith turn into better men, with each other's love and support.
Jesse Winter seems to have it all. He is a successful business man who runs his own business that is extremely profitable. Although he is quite weathy, he is very down to earth and lives in a solid middle class neighborhood.
When the story starts he had befriended his teenaged next door neighbor, Keith. Jesse is somewhat aware and uncomfortable that Keith may have developed a crush on him. He strives to be a positive role model in Keith's life. Keith is 15 (Jesse is 26) and struggling to make the basketball team. Jesse knows that Keiths small statue, is a strike against him, but gives him pointers to improve his game and to keep a positive attitude.
When Jesse must go overseas to expland his business for a year, Keith is devastated. Jess will be gone for a year, so to placate Keith he agrees to keep in contact with him by email.
While Jesse is gone, he is in a horrible car accident that not only changes his once healthy body to disabled and somewhat disfigured. He is away longer than a year, due to the physical therapy he must go through and the hundred or so operations he must endure to try to get around without the help of others.
While Jesse is gone, he stops contact with everyone; including Keith. He feels cold and dead inside and pushs all of his friends and loved ones away.
When he returns home 3 years later, he is welcomed by everyone like he knew he would be...they pity and coddle him, and he just wants to close himself himself away from everyone even more.
When Keith finds out that Jesse has returned. He immediately goes to Jesse's house to renew their friendship and he decides to push Jesse into having a relationship with him.
Both are shocked by the changes they have developed physically. Keith is no longer the small framed boy, but a very tall and built like a brick house.
As the story progresses Keith keeps growing taller and stronger, (Almost to hulk like proportions) Without any logical explaination for it. He gets bigger the more he is around Jesse, and Jesse becomes more and more attracted and attached to him.
I loved this book because it was so original. There is a very interesting and sweet explaination why Keith grows so large.
The character development was awesome. Both Jesse and Keith turn into better men, with each other's love and support.
December 8, 2008
Rowan McBride's love for muscles, muscle growth, muscular men... is once again a highlight in Warm Rush. While, I may gape at a nice musculature, I'm not into the massive amounts McBride tends to pile on the characters. But, the writing's so fresh and alive, it was easy to fall in love with the characters and the book.
I like the style and pace of McBride's stories, and intend on reading more of them. Excellent story, quick read, beautiful romance.
I like the style and pace of McBride's stories, and intend on reading more of them. Excellent story, quick read, beautiful romance.
March 5, 2013
Re-read review:
I am a die-hard McBride fan,and were it up to me, I'd be groaning under his window all day long to give him insomnia and therefore up productivity because he won't be able to sleep + other assorted creepy things
But illegal so I will satisfy myself with projecting my creepiness
I'm not the sort to review everything, so I'll just go with this one as it's the only book for which I have criticism for.
What you get here is what you'll find in almost all of McBride books: insanely possessive alpha character, reverse-Napoleon complex, chest beating, muscles, uber-jealousy, ant-squashing, emotional vulnerability, obsessive behaviour, spoiling/doting, unrequited love/longing (usually from the muscley end of the duo).
The lone criticism I have of this book: The supernatural(?) bit of it came out of nowhere, and there were a couple of scenes right after that were cartoonish, borderlining on ridiculous, and if I didn't like this author so much I would rip the book a new one for that alone.
For 75% of this book you're treated to the idea that this book, for the most part, is grounded in our world and there's only very faint hints of the supernatural.
Then all of a sudden all these supernatural stuff just burst out of the dam - people running as fast as cars or throwing cars or whatever - that leaves you with one burning question: "What happened?"
One moment the genre is kinda-but-not-quite-paranormal and then the next moment it's ?????????????????????
It's still a great book though, if only because it's got McBride's lovely lovely lovely lovely lovely Alpha males (kind of like Amber Kell's alpha men without the gonna-have-sex-every-30-pages writing)to which I can only say
Read if like alpha male.
If you don't like alpha males, read anyway.
It's lonely being the only creep for his books around )':
I am a die-hard McBride fan,and were it up to me, I'd be groaning under his window all day long to give him insomnia and therefore up productivity because he won't be able to sleep + other assorted creepy things
But illegal so I will satisfy myself with projecting my creepiness
I'm not the sort to review everything, so I'll just go with this one as it's the only book for which I have criticism for.
What you get here is what you'll find in almost all of McBride books: insanely possessive alpha character, reverse-Napoleon complex, chest beating, muscles, uber-jealousy, ant-squashing, emotional vulnerability, obsessive behaviour, spoiling/doting, unrequited love/longing (usually from the muscley end of the duo).
The lone criticism I have of this book: The supernatural(?) bit of it came out of nowhere, and there were a couple of scenes right after that were cartoonish, borderlining on ridiculous, and if I didn't like this author so much I would rip the book a new one for that alone.
For 75% of this book you're treated to the idea that this book, for the most part, is grounded in our world and there's only very faint hints of the supernatural.
Then all of a sudden all these supernatural stuff just burst out of the dam - people running as fast as cars or throwing cars or whatever - that leaves you with one burning question: "What happened?"
One moment the genre is kinda-but-not-quite-paranormal and then the next moment it's ?????????????????????
It's still a great book though, if only because it's got McBride's lovely lovely lovely lovely lovely Alpha males (kind of like Amber Kell's alpha men without the gonna-have-sex-every-30-pages writing)to which I can only say
Read if like alpha male.
If you don't like alpha males, read anyway.
It's lonely being the only creep for his books around )':
March 6, 2013
I'm sitting here vacillating between 3 stars and 4. I'll go with three because I had some issues with the characters, but it's more a 3.5...
I'm okay with a certain amount of euphemism, but I draw the line at calling your penis your "pole."
But I think I have McBride pinned down now.
(1) Porn-logic size proportions
(2) Magical Alpha Male who gets Alpha Male Condition which makes him magically large and muscular
(3) [for want of a better word] the attractive uke that becomes even more uke-like somehow and thus more attractive. Oh, also, they tend to be Woobies [but McBride totally works it so *shrug]
(4) lots of eye-rounding
(5) True Love that Sees
(6) Inexplicably really good messages within
(7) seme-uke dynamics [but that's understated, so *shrug]
(8) [In every one/a majority of the ones I've read so far] the uke is older than the seme.
The Magical Alpha Male Growth Condition gets a little annoying after a while.
The feel I get from McBride's work is that of a...well-made porno? Like a high class courtesan instead of a brothel penny whore.
It's cool and stuff and borders on arthouse film and shit. But it's still porn.
I also am getting to a point where I can't ignore this anymore: why are all of her ukes so damn delicate? I mean, come on. Small size does NOT equal delicate (small children, anyone?). It CAN but for some reason, she equates it with "always does."
And it's starting to annoy me.
I mean, they tug at my heartstrings, yes, but I'm getting so worried for them that I'm getting annoyed. Like "WHY ON EARTH ARE YOU SO DEFENSELESS?"
And again. UUUUUUkkeeee-pheeeereeeeemoooooones.
Anyways, it's really, really overwrought, but it still gives me the feels, so I can't completely hate it.
Actually, I think the trick to McBride is long breaks between books...no matter how tempted I am to pick up another one. Unless it's a short. But then, I don't really remember Chains that well...
So I guess shorts are okay. *nods
And another thing:
Oh. So that's why it's classified as "paranormal." The "dream come true" thang.
Actually, the whole size thing reminds me of Want Me.
Oooookay. Confession time. I started getting really, really creeped out when Keith grew to Epic Proportions.
And then...
Oh, god. Keith is Edward Cullen.
With an anger issue.
But xer writing's is good. Overwrought, but good. Relatively few grammatical errors, which is always exciting and a great plus. And interesting, if creepy at times.
I'm okay with a certain amount of euphemism, but I draw the line at calling your penis your "pole."
But I think I have McBride pinned down now.
(1) Porn-logic size proportions
(2) Magical Alpha Male who gets Alpha Male Condition which makes him magically large and muscular
(3) [for want of a better word] the attractive uke that becomes even more uke-like somehow and thus more attractive. Oh, also, they tend to be Woobies [but McBride totally works it so *shrug]
(4) lots of eye-rounding
(5) True Love that Sees
(6) Inexplicably really good messages within
(7) seme-uke dynamics [but that's understated, so *shrug]
(8) [In every one/a majority of the ones I've read so far] the uke is older than the seme.
The Magical Alpha Male Growth Condition gets a little annoying after a while.
The feel I get from McBride's work is that of a...well-made porno? Like a high class courtesan instead of a brothel penny whore.
It's cool and stuff and borders on arthouse film and shit. But it's still porn.
I also am getting to a point where I can't ignore this anymore: why are all of her ukes so damn delicate? I mean, come on. Small size does NOT equal delicate (small children, anyone?). It CAN but for some reason, she equates it with "always does."
And it's starting to annoy me.
I mean, they tug at my heartstrings, yes, but I'm getting so worried for them that I'm getting annoyed. Like "WHY ON EARTH ARE YOU SO DEFENSELESS?"
And again. UUUUUUkkeeee-pheeeereeeeemoooooones.
Anyways, it's really, really overwrought, but it still gives me the feels, so I can't completely hate it.
Actually, I think the trick to McBride is long breaks between books...no matter how tempted I am to pick up another one. Unless it's a short. But then, I don't really remember Chains that well...
So I guess shorts are okay. *nods
And another thing:
Oh. So that's why it's classified as "paranormal." The "dream come true" thang.
Actually, the whole size thing reminds me of Want Me.
Oooookay. Confession time. I started getting really, really creeped out when Keith grew to Epic Proportions.
And then...
Oh, god. Keith is Edward Cullen.
With an anger issue.
But xer writing's is good. Overwrought, but good. Relatively few grammatical errors, which is always exciting and a great plus. And interesting, if creepy at times.
June 11, 2009
After moving into a new neighbourhood, and while enjoying the success of his business, Jesse finds life is only made better by is friendship with his next door neighbor’s teenage son. He keeps his personal life discreet and enjoys his time with Keith practicing basketball. When he is advised by his marketing department to expand into Europe, he jumps at the chance; however a trip which should have taken only a year turns into three, with Jesse returning a changed man - both emotionally and physically.
Fifteen year old Keith strikes up a friendship with his next door neighbour. He shares all his dreams and hopes with him and soon begins to idolize him. By the time he realizes that what he feels is more than a mere crush, he finds himself saying goodbye to him without getting the chance to tell the guy of his dreams that he loves him.
In the three years that Jesse has been away, Keith has had to deal with growing up and finding his place within his family. While Jesse is no longer the funny, carefree man that Keith knew, he is still the man he loves. But is Keith grown up enough to deal with Jesse’s issues, and is Jesse prepared to accept the fact Keith is no longer a kid, but a grown man?
CHASING WINTER is a tale of unrequited love realized. The things you least expect are the things you appreciate more just for having them, and with Jesse and Keith this could not be clearer.
Jesse is a warm, passionate personality with enough common sense to accept Keith as he grows and literally changes before his eyes. Although he is older, he is not necessarily wiser, and he shows this and becomes stronger for it.
While Keith has some strong aggression issues, he quickly realizes the important things in life and what is truly at stake if he continues down that path. Keith’s character takes on a lot of challenges for such a young man. After hearing about his life and attitude during the three years without Jesse, it is hard pressed to like him, however you fall right back in love when he finds the strength to forgive and takes an injured man by the hand and make him his own.
Rowan Mcbride has created a special love story that has evolved from hero worship to love. Jesse and Keith are each other’s dream fantasies come through.
Fifteen year old Keith strikes up a friendship with his next door neighbour. He shares all his dreams and hopes with him and soon begins to idolize him. By the time he realizes that what he feels is more than a mere crush, he finds himself saying goodbye to him without getting the chance to tell the guy of his dreams that he loves him.
In the three years that Jesse has been away, Keith has had to deal with growing up and finding his place within his family. While Jesse is no longer the funny, carefree man that Keith knew, he is still the man he loves. But is Keith grown up enough to deal with Jesse’s issues, and is Jesse prepared to accept the fact Keith is no longer a kid, but a grown man?
CHASING WINTER is a tale of unrequited love realized. The things you least expect are the things you appreciate more just for having them, and with Jesse and Keith this could not be clearer.
Jesse is a warm, passionate personality with enough common sense to accept Keith as he grows and literally changes before his eyes. Although he is older, he is not necessarily wiser, and he shows this and becomes stronger for it.
While Keith has some strong aggression issues, he quickly realizes the important things in life and what is truly at stake if he continues down that path. Keith’s character takes on a lot of challenges for such a young man. After hearing about his life and attitude during the three years without Jesse, it is hard pressed to like him, however you fall right back in love when he finds the strength to forgive and takes an injured man by the hand and make him his own.
Rowan Mcbride has created a special love story that has evolved from hero worship to love. Jesse and Keith are each other’s dream fantasies come through.
August 28, 2015
All Rowan Mcbride's stories are unique, intense and difficult. I meant difficult in a very good way. Whether it's the plot, the characters, or the elements of the story. Ok, maybe complex is the word I'm actually looking for.
He happens to know how to hook the audience interest - I read this for four hours in one sitting (you underestimate how lazy I could get). And apparently, he likes his men big. Like Achilles meets Hercules big. Maybe because he grew up as an army brat?
Anyway! Before we get off topic, I love this story. McBride somehow manages to set aparts his story from other MM romance book. Seriously he is one of my favorite writers and I happen to have a great taste.
Chasing Winter is just lovely. I've always found the concept of age gap titillating, the hero was the perfect blend of adult and a child, sweet and fierce, amd strong and soft. How could you NOT fall for that?! I love our heroes, they fit so well. The concept of 'growth spurts' was not new ( I have read and fallen in love with his work before). The thing is this book is worth every penny and I would NOT hesitate to invest my money and time on the second book. I wish this becomes a series.
He happens to know how to hook the audience interest - I read this for four hours in one sitting (you underestimate how lazy I could get). And apparently, he likes his men big. Like Achilles meets Hercules big. Maybe because he grew up as an army brat?
Anyway! Before we get off topic, I love this story. McBride somehow manages to set aparts his story from other MM romance book. Seriously he is one of my favorite writers and I happen to have a great taste.
Chasing Winter is just lovely. I've always found the concept of age gap titillating, the hero was the perfect blend of adult and a child, sweet and fierce, amd strong and soft. How could you NOT fall for that?! I love our heroes, they fit so well. The concept of 'growth spurts' was not new ( I have read and fallen in love with his work before). The thing is this book is worth every penny and I would NOT hesitate to invest my money and time on the second book. I wish this becomes a series.
June 21, 2011
I think Alli's review summed it up nicely; "Really likable characters but what an odd story". 2 of the 4 books I have read by Rowan and the one in my TBR pile have a similar theme in them, Rowan's "kink" for lack of a better way to say it. And I think he is able to pull it off though it can make for an "odd story".
I liked Jesse and I liked Keith and I think the story flowed well. The fantasy aspect of it made it a bit harder towards the end to suspend belief, but it did make it interesting to explore the possibility.
I liked Jesse and I liked Keith and I think the story flowed well. The fantasy aspect of it made it a bit harder towards the end to suspend belief, but it did make it interesting to explore the possibility.
July 22, 2016
Three and a half stars. Too much hurt/comfort for my comfort ;) plus towards the end the book gets a touch out of control (once again - for my personal taste) with one of the characters growing to gargantuan proportions... literally. Otherwise nice and pleasant read. Of course you can connect all the dots before the book ends, but it's not necessarily a bad thing. Finished the book in one day :)
March 30, 2016
What a refreshing read! I feel like this is Rowan McBride's strength! After reading Want Me and loving it, I was eager to read another book by him. This one did not disappoint! The story was original and the explanation at the end was sweet and unexpected.
April 20, 2016
I had to force myself to not be weirded out over the fact Jesse had watched Keith grow up, been a father figure to him, and yet slept with him after only two years apart.
Aside from that and the stop and go pacing of the book I did enjoy it.
I'm a sucker for scars...Fetish style sucker.
Aside from that and the stop and go pacing of the book I did enjoy it.
I'm a sucker for scars...Fetish style sucker.
January 15, 2011
I liked this book, except for the weird parts where Keith just kept *growing*, and also his violent and bullying tendencies toward anyone that is not Jesse. I was hoping that Jesse would confront him about it and make him see what he was doing, but he never really did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2017
Size difference. Character with disability. Two elements that are a sure way to make me jump into a book. When incorporated into a clever, sweet and well-written story, it is a special pleasure. My first book by Rowan McBride but I don't think it'll be the last.
June 1, 2010
loved it！Unique concept!! but i dont like the ending!! somehow i thought things would get back to normal,
April 19, 2018
DNF. Unlikable MCs. Jesse was a self centered asshat. Keith had a mean bully streak.
October 30, 2012
A sexual fantasy for people into giants and/or muscles
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 6/10
PROS:
- The story here is different from anything else I’ve read in this genre. To be honest, I couldn’t decide for the first 40% or so whether I even liked it, but I certainly wasn’t bored.
- I love reading about physically challenged people who find love. Jesse’s accident turns him into what he considers a monster, yet Keith never falters in his quest to secure Jesse’s love. It says a lot about the character of Keith that Jesse’s scars and disabilities don’t bother him.
- Keith’s youth and energy are equal parts endearing and exasperating. There are numerous times when he ignores Jesse’s unease and just barrels on with whatever he’s doing. When such things happen, my thoughts inevitably went from “good grief, dude, slow down” to “oh, yeah…he’s 18.” (see cons below also)
CONS:
- I found it a little disconcerting to see a relationship beginning (albeit a non-sexual one) when one of the characters is an adult and the other is only 15 at the start of the story.
- The anger and misunderstandings these two guys experience are the sort that cause fairly massive blow-ups, yet I felt most of them could have been sorted out with a couple of simple conversations.
- I understand that Keith’s massive physical stature isn’t meant to be realistic. But even knowing that this is fantasy, I wasn’t able to get fully on board with it. For one thing, “It just does” wasn’t a satisfactory explanation for me as to why Keith’s body grows the way it does. For another, I kept wondering at what point the crazy growing would stop being sexy and start to become a real problem (like whether the difference in the two men’s sizes would eventually make it impossible for them to have sex). Keith’s ego also seems to grow as large as his body: he turns into an outright bully at times, and I kept thinking, “Is this character supposed to be likeable?”
Overall comments: If you’re not into pairings with a large physical difference between the two guys, you should stay away from this one (and all of Rowan McBride’s works, really; the giant thing is a common theme with this author). Keith is monstrously large--as in, literally rips clothing when he puts it on because his muscles are so big--and Jesse is smaller than average. I got annoyed by the exaggerated nature of Keith’s size and strength, as well as his ego. But if I ignore the physical stature of the characters and Keith’s interactions with people OTHER than Jesse, I can admit that it’s a sweet romance.
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 6/10
PROS:
- The story here is different from anything else I’ve read in this genre. To be honest, I couldn’t decide for the first 40% or so whether I even liked it, but I certainly wasn’t bored.
- I love reading about physically challenged people who find love. Jesse’s accident turns him into what he considers a monster, yet Keith never falters in his quest to secure Jesse’s love. It says a lot about the character of Keith that Jesse’s scars and disabilities don’t bother him.
- Keith’s youth and energy are equal parts endearing and exasperating. There are numerous times when he ignores Jesse’s unease and just barrels on with whatever he’s doing. When such things happen, my thoughts inevitably went from “good grief, dude, slow down” to “oh, yeah…he’s 18.” (see cons below also)
CONS:
- I found it a little disconcerting to see a relationship beginning (albeit a non-sexual one) when one of the characters is an adult and the other is only 15 at the start of the story.
- The anger and misunderstandings these two guys experience are the sort that cause fairly massive blow-ups, yet I felt most of them could have been sorted out with a couple of simple conversations.
- I understand that Keith’s massive physical stature isn’t meant to be realistic. But even knowing that this is fantasy, I wasn’t able to get fully on board with it. For one thing, “It just does” wasn’t a satisfactory explanation for me as to why Keith’s body grows the way it does. For another, I kept wondering at what point the crazy growing would stop being sexy and start to become a real problem (like whether the difference in the two men’s sizes would eventually make it impossible for them to have sex). Keith’s ego also seems to grow as large as his body: he turns into an outright bully at times, and I kept thinking, “Is this character supposed to be likeable?”
Overall comments: If you’re not into pairings with a large physical difference between the two guys, you should stay away from this one (and all of Rowan McBride’s works, really; the giant thing is a common theme with this author). Keith is monstrously large--as in, literally rips clothing when he puts it on because his muscles are so big--and Jesse is smaller than average. I got annoyed by the exaggerated nature of Keith’s size and strength, as well as his ego. But if I ignore the physical stature of the characters and Keith’s interactions with people OTHER than Jesse, I can admit that it’s a sweet romance.
Read
March 30, 2009Jesse is a 26 years old businessman with a wonderful life: money, a beautiful house in a good neighborhood, friends. One friend in particular: a young guy of 15 years old, the boy next door. Keith sees in Jess an idol, and he desperetely wants this man; but Jesse sees in Keith only a kid. Beside Jesse, even if gay, likes a different type of man: bid, sturdy men, and Keith is a skinny boy and probably he will not grow much more.
Then Jesse has to leave for a business trip, a year long journey in Europe, but he promises to write to Keith. But the year end with a terrible car accident and other two years pass before Jess returns back home. And when he sees Keith he can't believe at his eyes: Keith is more than 6 feet tall and during the days with him grows more. And he also can't accept a no by Jesse: now Jesse is wounded in spirit but also in phisyc and doesn't want no one near him. But Keith doesn't listen to reason and open himself a way in the life and in the bed of Jesse.
This is terrible wrong. Keith is 18 years old, he has to go to college in few days, and he can't possibly want a man scarred like him. Jesse continues to repeat to himself this words, but he also has to admit that the presence of Keith in his life makes him happy, for the first time in so many year he is warm and sure.
But Keith continues to grow. Like a giant. Is it Jesse the reason of this all? Is it love or is it obsession?
Jesse is a wonderful character: clever, sympathetic, gentle. He doesn't blame the other for his fate, he tries to close himself to people, but never wants to hurt them. And he thinks before doing something and tried to find the right solution for everyone.
Keith is young and reckless. He wants: he wants his father's attention, he wants his brother's respect, he want Jesse's love. And everything he wants he have. No matter what it cost. He is pretty scary sometimes. But he really loves Jesse. And Jesse knows how to contain this giant.
Rowan McBride has an extremely original mind. This is a pretty long novel, who use a pretty similar starting point of other her romance, True e One Good Hand, the "changing lover", but in a more "realistic" way: in this novel there aren't aliens, but only two men who love each other beyond the nature law.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1602729255/?...
Then Jesse has to leave for a business trip, a year long journey in Europe, but he promises to write to Keith. But the year end with a terrible car accident and other two years pass before Jess returns back home. And when he sees Keith he can't believe at his eyes: Keith is more than 6 feet tall and during the days with him grows more. And he also can't accept a no by Jesse: now Jesse is wounded in spirit but also in phisyc and doesn't want no one near him. But Keith doesn't listen to reason and open himself a way in the life and in the bed of Jesse.
This is terrible wrong. Keith is 18 years old, he has to go to college in few days, and he can't possibly want a man scarred like him. Jesse continues to repeat to himself this words, but he also has to admit that the presence of Keith in his life makes him happy, for the first time in so many year he is warm and sure.
But Keith continues to grow. Like a giant. Is it Jesse the reason of this all? Is it love or is it obsession?
Jesse is a wonderful character: clever, sympathetic, gentle. He doesn't blame the other for his fate, he tries to close himself to people, but never wants to hurt them. And he thinks before doing something and tried to find the right solution for everyone.
Keith is young and reckless. He wants: he wants his father's attention, he wants his brother's respect, he want Jesse's love. And everything he wants he have. No matter what it cost. He is pretty scary sometimes. But he really loves Jesse. And Jesse knows how to contain this giant.
Rowan McBride has an extremely original mind. This is a pretty long novel, who use a pretty similar starting point of other her romance, True e One Good Hand, the "changing lover", but in a more "realistic" way: in this novel there aren't aliens, but only two men who love each other beyond the nature law.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1602729255/?...
June 30, 2013
1/5 - this didn't work for me at all.
Plot: predictable. But worse than that, the author seems to find serious cases of body dysmorphia okay, providing you explain it all with some tired cliche. The kind that actually explains nothing, but the warm fuzzy feeling inside is supposed to make it all okay.
The first 50% sees the author use the same plot event twice. Jesse pushes Keith away to protect himself from his fears/self loathing/issues... only for them to be dramatically pulled back together by ... erm .. fate? Freudian obsession? I don't know, it isn't really addressed in any direct way.
Then the final 50% is all about the author somehow explaining away the fact that Jesse has enabled/fuelled Keiths transformation into a psychologically impaired dysmorphia head-case. McBride apparently wants us to overlook the loss of a funny, kind, energetic and cute 15 year olds transformation into a hulk-monster ... wtf?!
Characterisation: Dirt poor, and inconsistent. Keith is supposed to come across as Jesse hero, rescuing the crippled mangled car-crash victim... but he isn't kind and sweet ... not anymore. His bouts of violence to other people read like bouts of domestic abuse brought on by steroid rage. Not cute, just fucking horrible. Oh, and Jesse? What a boring cunt. Sorry about the language, but he really is. The ingredients were all there to make his characters backstory compelling - but somehow (and uncharacteristically) McBride managed to miss a clean shot on goal.
Prose: decent, which is what makes this poor excuse for a novel so very disappointing. I've read and loved other works by this author, but this reads like a first desperate attempt at succeeding in transfering from writing good novellas into the LGBT novel bracket. And he utterly fails in the attempt. Damaging his reputation to my mind.
Disappointing, a stunning letdown. Don't read this unless you like to wank off to big muscles, and cocks which are the sizes of tree trunks (no joking, that is a description which actually comes up near the end...) Apart from that ... hmm...
Plot: predictable. But worse than that, the author seems to find serious cases of body dysmorphia okay, providing you explain it all with some tired cliche. The kind that actually explains nothing, but the warm fuzzy feeling inside is supposed to make it all okay.
The first 50% sees the author use the same plot event twice. Jesse pushes Keith away to protect himself from his fears/self loathing/issues... only for them to be dramatically pulled back together by ... erm .. fate? Freudian obsession? I don't know, it isn't really addressed in any direct way.
Then the final 50% is all about the author somehow explaining away the fact that Jesse has enabled/fuelled Keiths transformation into a psychologically impaired dysmorphia head-case. McBride apparently wants us to overlook the loss of a funny, kind, energetic and cute 15 year olds transformation into a hulk-monster ... wtf?!
Characterisation: Dirt poor, and inconsistent. Keith is supposed to come across as Jesse hero, rescuing the crippled mangled car-crash victim... but he isn't kind and sweet ... not anymore. His bouts of violence to other people read like bouts of domestic abuse brought on by steroid rage. Not cute, just fucking horrible. Oh, and Jesse? What a boring cunt. Sorry about the language, but he really is. The ingredients were all there to make his characters backstory compelling - but somehow (and uncharacteristically) McBride managed to miss a clean shot on goal.
Prose: decent, which is what makes this poor excuse for a novel so very disappointing. I've read and loved other works by this author, but this reads like a first desperate attempt at succeeding in transfering from writing good novellas into the LGBT novel bracket. And he utterly fails in the attempt. Damaging his reputation to my mind.
Disappointing, a stunning letdown. Don't read this unless you like to wank off to big muscles, and cocks which are the sizes of tree trunks (no joking, that is a description which actually comes up near the end...) Apart from that ... hmm...
April 26, 2010
This is the second Rowan McBride book that I've read and I enjoyed this one just as much, if not a little more, than the first.
Warm Rush 1: Chasing Winter is a romance, but it's also a muscle growth story, a genre that, until I read Hot Shot , was not one that I'd heard of. But with the wonderful storytelling and characters created by Rowan McBride I found myself quite entranced. His characters really carry the story and make the transformative magic of muscle growth a rather appealing subject.
Jesse Winter is a difficult man to get to know; he's suffered an enormous amount and returned home vastly changed. I think being back home, where he has a lot of memories of being able to do pretty much whatever he wanted, was very difficult for him. I really felt for him.
Enter Keith McMillan. Keith's always been a huge fan of Jesse's; now that Keith's grown up - in more ways than one I might add - he's able to pursue Jesse in a way that he never could before. And he has every intention of making Jesse his. While he sees the scarring and the damaged body, for Keith Jesse is so much more. He's his lodestone. And no one is going to stop him. Especially not Jesse!
There are some rather brutal injuries, but for Jesse the biggest is the loss of himself. Heartbreaking, yet at times humourous; heartwarming yet by turns somewhat frightening. All describe Warm Rush 1: Chasing Winter but, at the same time, leave gaping holes. It's the characters that carry this story, and Rowan McBride's ability to take us into their minds, and hearts, that make Mr. McBride's storytelling so enjoyable.
Warm Rush 1: Chasing Winter is a romance, but it's also a muscle growth story, a genre that, until I read Hot Shot , was not one that I'd heard of. But with the wonderful storytelling and characters created by Rowan McBride I found myself quite entranced. His characters really carry the story and make the transformative magic of muscle growth a rather appealing subject.
Jesse Winter is a difficult man to get to know; he's suffered an enormous amount and returned home vastly changed. I think being back home, where he has a lot of memories of being able to do pretty much whatever he wanted, was very difficult for him. I really felt for him.
Enter Keith McMillan. Keith's always been a huge fan of Jesse's; now that Keith's grown up - in more ways than one I might add - he's able to pursue Jesse in a way that he never could before. And he has every intention of making Jesse his. While he sees the scarring and the damaged body, for Keith Jesse is so much more. He's his lodestone. And no one is going to stop him. Especially not Jesse!
There are some rather brutal injuries, but for Jesse the biggest is the loss of himself. Heartbreaking, yet at times humourous; heartwarming yet by turns somewhat frightening. All describe Warm Rush 1: Chasing Winter but, at the same time, leave gaping holes. It's the characters that carry this story, and Rowan McBride's ability to take us into their minds, and hearts, that make Mr. McBride's storytelling so enjoyable.
February 10, 2017
Can I just say that I spent the whole book waiting with bated breath to find out what Keith's secret was, and truthfully... I was a bit disappointed. Not that it wasn't a unique idea, but...
Now, having said that... I liked the story and I disliked the story! I felt that Jesse's character was perfectly written (except for his continual acceptance of Keith's violent tendencies) and that accounts for the 4-stars! If I had based my rating on Keith... maybe 2-stars at best! Frankly, with his anger issues, I figured steroids and I will leave it at that! I think the ONLY thing I liked about Keith was the fact that he was 100% devoted to Jesse.
Not really sure how I feel about reading the next book in this series... if there is one....
Now, having said that... I liked the story and I disliked the story! I felt that Jesse's character was perfectly written (except for his continual acceptance of Keith's violent tendencies) and that accounts for the 4-stars! If I had based my rating on Keith... maybe 2-stars at best! Frankly, with his anger issues, I figured steroids and I will leave it at that! I think the ONLY thing I liked about Keith was the fact that he was 100% devoted to Jesse.
Not really sure how I feel about reading the next book in this series... if there is one....
July 7, 2013
I'm not sure how I feel about this one. I liked the MC, Jesse, a lot. I actually wish there was more about his struggles to recover from the accident. The story was well written. The plot kept my attention through to the very end. I thought the age difference would be an issue, but the author handled it really well. My problem was I didn't like Kevin, the romantic interest. He was an arrogant SOB that used his size and strength to physically intimate family, friends, strangers, and little old ladies. His only redeeming quality was his devotion to Jesse. I was actually hoping Jesse would go for entirely different character.
February 7, 2011
I wanted to like this book, I really did but it just didn't gel for me. I loved the characters and I loved their relationship. There were loads of great bits to the book but the whole just didn't come together. I couldn't tell if the author wanted to write a standard romance or something paranormal but in the end the mixture just didn't work. I saw no need for Keith to become a giant, it added nothing to the story. If he'd simply had a growth spurt and added muscles the story might have been a little less jumbled. There were so many bright spots that I was disappointed in the how tangled things became. I think this book had great promise but it just fell short.
October 16, 2012
I really liked the book and it kept me reading till the end. I loved Keith's character and want more books in this series.
However, one aspect of the book really turned me off. I am not a fan of Hulk sized people and that was a major thing in this book. The author is awesome and writes well but it just freaked me out when Keith started growing and wouldn't stop.
But if you want to read a light book that leaves no mysteries at the end, this book is really recommended.
Plus, Jesse made me feel like a part of the book and the fact that his character is such an amazing person made me love the book.
However, one aspect of the book really turned me off. I am not a fan of Hulk sized people and that was a major thing in this book. The author is awesome and writes well but it just freaked me out when Keith started growing and wouldn't stop.
But if you want to read a light book that leaves no mysteries at the end, this book is really recommended.
Plus, Jesse made me feel like a part of the book and the fact that his character is such an amazing person made me love the book.
September 19, 2010
I was thinking to myself, this is a pretty enjoyable contemporary romance with a rather straightforward storyline, until the small *coughsmirkcough* twist threw for me for a loop. Yes I know I am slow, and didn’t read up on any reviews for this author before hand (my fault obviously), so it took a while for me to catch on. Well, I didn’t love the twist, but I didn’t hate it either. And the main thing is, it worked for the story. I quite enjoyed the fact that it was a little different.
So all in all, it was a enjoyable read :) 3 stars.
So all in all, it was a enjoyable read :) 3 stars.
September 23, 2011
I so did not expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. It was definitely a wonderful surprise! Yes, he likes 'em big and big is exactly what Keith was for Jesse. Big in size, spirit, and heart. The love that Keith had for Jesse warmed me, and Jesse's return from the icy grip of death was really satisfying to "watch". I will definitely read more by this author. Thank you, McBride, for an awesome book!
September 4, 2016
Ha, I was not prepared for that. I've had this book for ages and haven't read it, I had forgotten what it was about and I didn't read the blurb before I started reading. I haven't read McBride before and had no idea what to expect. Some parts I really liked and some I didn't at all. I didn't like that Keith used violence to get his way or the way he treated his family. But I have to say, that even though I didn't like Keith's ways, they are a reaction to what Jesse likes.
August 4, 2025
Absolutely delightful story. The premise is a little strange but I really loved the story. Sthenolagnia: sexual arousal from the display of muscles. This is what the story is all about. If you can deal with that you'll like this story. I loved both characters: Jesse and Keith, and I thought Keith's controlling image was very hot.
Read it again and was not as enthuastic, however it was still good. It's better if you understand from the beginning that it is a fantasy.
Read it again and was not as enthuastic, however it was still good. It's better if you understand from the beginning that it is a fantasy.
June 20, 2015
So it was great about the 50% of the book...then Keith started to grow in a sort of crazy disbubing piece of fantasy and that part towards killed the sweetness of the romance and the plot. Keith became a bully and I started to feel bad about other characters and dislike him.
But it had great pontential. Yet some of their fight came from petty lack of communication(Really Keith did you get angry for the guy not calling you yet you don't call him because of....pride..?)
So.....1.9 Stars.
But it had great pontential. Yet some of their fight came from petty lack of communication(Really Keith did you get angry for the guy not calling you yet you don't call him because of....pride..?)
So.....1.9 Stars.
July 29, 2016
Puts a whole new spin on Gulliver's Travels! For me, the muscle-growth thing didn't work... at least when it got to the point of impeding certain pursuits.
Still, I liked the characters (for the most part) and the story did keep me interested.
Still, I liked the characters (for the most part) and the story did keep me interested.
January 25, 2012
Keith was really intense character, stubborn and interesting. Everything Jesse went true with his accident was tragic and well developed. The relationship between them was romantic a bit weird, but good. I enjoyed re-reading this story. The story was warm and gave this warm promise of something good to come.
May 11, 2010
Do not like the fantasy element in this. Big muscle guy are sweet as always in his others book, but in this it's pretty inordinate. The magic and reaction from other characters to that seems unrealistic and funny in result.
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