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Encounters #2
No Commitment Necessary
A stubborn cowboy and a man determined to seduce him with no commitment necessary. To commit or not to commit—it's not even a question for laid-back cowboy Nate Bailey. Since he doesn't do relationships and values his peace of mind, his initial reaction to the temptation of his coworker, Kevin Matthews, is a clear no. Then Kevin counteroffers "no-strings sex" and the game changes. Or does it? Kevin Matthews wants to build a new life. Masterson Ranch is a great place for it, and the handsome cowboy who showed him the ropes when he started working on the ranch is just the man he's looking for. The problem is Nate's fear of commitment. Hoping to entice him, Kevin offers a casual arrangement—but soon Kevin has to admit to himself that he wants all of Nate, not just his body. This is a rerelease. This book is best read in order as part of the series.
158 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 18, 2012
7 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Talia Carmichael
60 books192 followersTalia Carmichael is a romantic who believes that family, no matter if it is by blood or those you choose as family, is integral to who you are. She is an author who writes sexy stories in a variety of genres. She believes in creating stories that encompass all that falling in love or lust entails, from the highs of that first blush of attraction to the lows of not knowing if you can make your coming together as a couple work, and then finally to the acceptance of the reality of making a life together. It's all about the journey.
Among her books you'll find contemporary, futuristic, fantasy, and paranormal settings with M/M themes that will have a happily-ever-after. Her books are passionate, intense, and real...to fill the craving.
Among her books you'll find contemporary, futuristic, fantasy, and paranormal settings with M/M themes that will have a happily-ever-after. Her books are passionate, intense, and real...to fill the craving.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 27, 2012
Kevin was introduced in The Law Of Desire, his brother Dan was a serial arsonist and responsible for numerous deaths. His father turned on him and whipped him within an inch of his life.
He is now making his home at the Masterson Ranch, working in the office, redesigning the computer system and working with the horses, while getting his masters in computer science.
In the previous book it was obvious there was an attraction between Kevin and Nate.
Nate is a cowboy on the ranch and although he knows he is very attracted to Kevin, he also knows he doesn't want any kind of commitment and is sure that Kevin is a commitment kind of guy.
They dance around each other, Kevin definitely tries to entice Nate and even manages to get a kiss or two out of the stubborn man, but Nate is adamant.
What I like about this story is that we get a lot of the day to day stuff they do together and chores at the ranch and of course the denying by Nate for more.
Things change when Nate decides Kevin shouldn't be alone on Thanksgiving and they agree to a 'no commitment' sex only relationship.
It's fun to see that Nate who was the one most afraid of commitment and interested in keeping it light, is the one that chases Kevin down whenever he leaves and actually takes him on a date.
Kevin won't spend the night at Nate's but that doesn't stop Nate from going after him and sleeping at the bunkhouse with him.
He integrates Kevin into his family and daily life effortlessly and without even noticing it, he really is sweet, even though he tries really hard not to be.
The gifts they exchange at Christmas is really cute and I thought Nate's screamed commitment! Ha, the bigger they are the harder they fall!
The real conflict or angst in this story for me wasn't their relationship it was the secrets Kevin has been carrying around about the occurrences from the previous book.
The resolution near the end of the book felt a bit rushed and abrupt, especially compared to how nice and slow the love develops between the MC's but I am glad that Kevin's father and Dan issues didn't overtake the romance.
I would recommend reading the first one before reading this one since there are an abundance of characters and it is easier to follow the storyline and other players if you've read the first one.
I liked this sweet story about a commitment phoebe falling in love without too much of a fight and a nice guy dealing with his own feelings of betrayal from people he loved while trying to not fall in love.
He is now making his home at the Masterson Ranch, working in the office, redesigning the computer system and working with the horses, while getting his masters in computer science.
In the previous book it was obvious there was an attraction between Kevin and Nate.
Nate is a cowboy on the ranch and although he knows he is very attracted to Kevin, he also knows he doesn't want any kind of commitment and is sure that Kevin is a commitment kind of guy.
They dance around each other, Kevin definitely tries to entice Nate and even manages to get a kiss or two out of the stubborn man, but Nate is adamant.
What I like about this story is that we get a lot of the day to day stuff they do together and chores at the ranch and of course the denying by Nate for more.
Things change when Nate decides Kevin shouldn't be alone on Thanksgiving and they agree to a 'no commitment' sex only relationship.
It's fun to see that Nate who was the one most afraid of commitment and interested in keeping it light, is the one that chases Kevin down whenever he leaves and actually takes him on a date.
Kevin won't spend the night at Nate's but that doesn't stop Nate from going after him and sleeping at the bunkhouse with him.
He integrates Kevin into his family and daily life effortlessly and without even noticing it, he really is sweet, even though he tries really hard not to be.
The gifts they exchange at Christmas is really cute and I thought Nate's screamed commitment! Ha, the bigger they are the harder they fall!
The real conflict or angst in this story for me wasn't their relationship it was the secrets Kevin has been carrying around about the occurrences from the previous book.
The resolution near the end of the book felt a bit rushed and abrupt, especially compared to how nice and slow the love develops between the MC's but I am glad that Kevin's father and Dan issues didn't overtake the romance.
I would recommend reading the first one before reading this one since there are an abundance of characters and it is easier to follow the storyline and other players if you've read the first one.
I liked this sweet story about a commitment phoebe falling in love without too much of a fight and a nice guy dealing with his own feelings of betrayal from people he loved while trying to not fall in love.
December 21, 2012
If your brother was a criminal and your father denounced and beat you when you reported him to the authority, do you still consider them family?
Kevin was a graduate student in computer science whose family betrayed him. Nate was a cowboy who was part of the Mattheson family. We learned a bit about both characters in the previous book. Several months after the events in Book 1, the two started to be attracted to each other, although both were afraid of commitment.
I liked reading this book. The romance is a standard commitment-phobia guys, but Kevin's struggles about his feeling toward his father is interesting. Too bad the ending is too abrupt, not par with the earlier parts of the book.
While it's by Talia Carmichael, it's not as sweet as usual. In fact, there's a bit angst here. The only sign of her signature writings is the parade of gay characters.
Kevin was a graduate student in computer science whose family betrayed him. Nate was a cowboy who was part of the Mattheson family. We learned a bit about both characters in the previous book. Several months after the events in Book 1, the two started to be attracted to each other, although both were afraid of commitment.
I liked reading this book. The romance is a standard commitment-phobia guys, but Kevin's struggles about his feeling toward his father is interesting. Too bad the ending is too abrupt, not par with the earlier parts of the book.
While it's by Talia Carmichael, it's not as sweet as usual. In fact, there's a bit angst here. The only sign of her signature writings is the parade of gay characters.
December 29, 2012
Even though I had read the first one in the beginning of November, it took me a little bit to get reacquainted with the characters again (too many books in between will do that). From the first book, you knew that there was an attraction between Nate and Kevin. I enjoyed the slow build up between the two of them which was more because of commitment issues than attraction. It was nice that the one who had the most issues with a commitment was the one who seemed to be driving everything towards one. I liked that there was nothing real angsty and just a light read. As with the first book, this was a sweet story and I look forward to where the author may take this series.
February 8, 2017
Writing feels amateurish. Essentially a DNF at 75%.
February 23, 2013
Originally reviewed for The Book Vixen
In a Nutshell: Good MM cowboy romance but with so many secondary characters I felt a little lost.
Why I Read this Book: I’ve recently been into gay cowboy romances so thought I’d try this one.
What I Liked: Nate and Kevin are both strong characters with slightly troubled, though mysterious, pasts that hinder their romance. I’ve always been a sucker for the troubled heroes so this fit my trope perfectly. I also like that Kevin sets boundaries for him and Nate and Nate respects Kevin’s boundaries. I wouldn’t say this is an incredibly intense emotional romance but it had enough for me to enjoy the men’s intimacy outside the bedroom as well as under the covers.
What I Also Liked: I also like the ranch setting. Being a city girl I have to admit to a certain fascination to animal husbandry jobs like horse training and cattle ranching. It doesn’t hurt that the setting includes sexy cowboys loving on each!
I hadn’t read book one in the series but I think the plot here is a continuation and it worked well. It doesn’t overtake the romance between Nate and Kevin but gives enough tension to balance the romantic tension. It ends a little neatly but as this is a series romance it worked for me.
Mixed Results: I like romances that include secondary characters and some of them here were good. For instance, Kevin’s best friend was a lovely character, rare in MM romance and very likable and Nate’s sister and husband provide a nice family component. However, there were simply too many secondary characters; they all made my head spin. Nate and Kevin work for the Mastersons’ Ranch and it’s run by two brothers and two cousins but then they have their parents and other cousins and spouses and kids and they all visit all the time. There were so many secondary characters that I got tired of trying to figure out who they were in relation to any other character. A great deal of these smokin’ hot cowboys are gay so I’m sure this is the author setting up a series, which isn’t bad but character introductions, in my opinion, should be done throughout the series not all in the early books.
IMO: This is a good sexy romance that was enjoyable enough to ensure I’ll continue to read the series.
In a Nutshell: Good MM cowboy romance but with so many secondary characters I felt a little lost.
Why I Read this Book: I’ve recently been into gay cowboy romances so thought I’d try this one.
What I Liked: Nate and Kevin are both strong characters with slightly troubled, though mysterious, pasts that hinder their romance. I’ve always been a sucker for the troubled heroes so this fit my trope perfectly. I also like that Kevin sets boundaries for him and Nate and Nate respects Kevin’s boundaries. I wouldn’t say this is an incredibly intense emotional romance but it had enough for me to enjoy the men’s intimacy outside the bedroom as well as under the covers.
What I Also Liked: I also like the ranch setting. Being a city girl I have to admit to a certain fascination to animal husbandry jobs like horse training and cattle ranching. It doesn’t hurt that the setting includes sexy cowboys loving on each!
I hadn’t read book one in the series but I think the plot here is a continuation and it worked well. It doesn’t overtake the romance between Nate and Kevin but gives enough tension to balance the romantic tension. It ends a little neatly but as this is a series romance it worked for me.
Mixed Results: I like romances that include secondary characters and some of them here were good. For instance, Kevin’s best friend was a lovely character, rare in MM romance and very likable and Nate’s sister and husband provide a nice family component. However, there were simply too many secondary characters; they all made my head spin. Nate and Kevin work for the Mastersons’ Ranch and it’s run by two brothers and two cousins but then they have their parents and other cousins and spouses and kids and they all visit all the time. There were so many secondary characters that I got tired of trying to figure out who they were in relation to any other character. A great deal of these smokin’ hot cowboys are gay so I’m sure this is the author setting up a series, which isn’t bad but character introductions, in my opinion, should be done throughout the series not all in the early books.
IMO: This is a good sexy romance that was enjoyable enough to ensure I’ll continue to read the series.
August 22, 2013
No Commitment Necessary is the second book in Talia Carmichael's series. The second books takes places immediately after the first book and it has a new couple and a different storyline, but it reflects what happened in book one two. We get more clarity on characters and situations brought up in book one. And it was another easy read. But it wasn't as easy as book one. There were a few serious and sad moments in the book.
Kevin Matthews and Nate Bailey have known each other for a while. Each is attracted to the other, but Kevin is the only one willing to admit he wants Nate. With Nate, there's a hidden battle in his head. He wants Kevin, but he doesn't want to have a serious relationship. And that caused some tension between the MC's. Especially when Nate thinks Kevin is being reckless. It was funny to see the two men come together, but first they had to do the fuck buddies thing.
Kevin's family life was just... Well, it definitely wasn't like Brian's or Vic's from book one. His family was fucked up - his brother especially - and that lead to a lot of trouble for Kevin. When I tried to see the similarities between Kevin, his dad, and his brother, I just couldn't. Kevin was a really great guy and he had been tormented by these two assholes. His dad even attacked him! But what his brother did was even worse.
It took time for Kevin and Nate to become a real couple, but they were sweet together. There was nothing I could really complain about, but I would like another book for these two, or even a short story. I loved how it ended, but I really would love to see these two as a more established couple. They didn't get as much time as Brian and Vic did in that respect.
Again, recommended to fans of the author or fans of the first book.
Kevin Matthews and Nate Bailey have known each other for a while. Each is attracted to the other, but Kevin is the only one willing to admit he wants Nate. With Nate, there's a hidden battle in his head. He wants Kevin, but he doesn't want to have a serious relationship. And that caused some tension between the MC's. Especially when Nate thinks Kevin is being reckless. It was funny to see the two men come together, but first they had to do the fuck buddies thing.
Kevin's family life was just... Well, it definitely wasn't like Brian's or Vic's from book one. His family was fucked up - his brother especially - and that lead to a lot of trouble for Kevin. When I tried to see the similarities between Kevin, his dad, and his brother, I just couldn't. Kevin was a really great guy and he had been tormented by these two assholes. His dad even attacked him! But what his brother did was even worse.
It took time for Kevin and Nate to become a real couple, but they were sweet together. There was nothing I could really complain about, but I would like another book for these two, or even a short story. I loved how it ended, but I really would love to see these two as a more established couple. They didn't get as much time as Brian and Vic did in that respect.
Again, recommended to fans of the author or fans of the first book.
March 7, 2015
Reading this book is like working a jigsaw puzzle only to find out the last piece is missing. It is not Talia Carmichael’s fault but my library’s. This is the second book in the series and, they neglected to buy the first. This book touches on the events from the first and, you have a slightly out of focus picture. I am hoping my library adds the first book.
Kevin and Nate have spent months circling around each other. They decide to go for a sex without commitment arrangement. It is soon apparent to everyone that these two really care for each other. It takes Kevin and Nate a little longer to see the light. Stubborn …... an oversized cowboy and a computer programmer sleeping in a twin bed each night. It is cute, romantic but uncomfortable. Read the book and find out why!
Kevin and Nate have spent months circling around each other. They decide to go for a sex without commitment arrangement. It is soon apparent to everyone that these two really care for each other. It takes Kevin and Nate a little longer to see the light. Stubborn …... an oversized cowboy and a computer programmer sleeping in a twin bed each night. It is cute, romantic but uncomfortable. Read the book and find out why!
December 30, 2012
this is yet another fabulous tale from Ms Talia Carmichael..I loved it..it was a great story..the characters were fun and their interactions believable..the main characters Kevin and Nate has great chemistry and you really got an excellent sense of just how much they want to be together....cant wait to read the first encounters story...oddly enough it was on my bookshelf a lot longer than..this book...lol..go figure ..
February 1, 2017
Ok, I don't know what kind of trope this is, but I love it - the one where two guys have a "casual" friends with benefits relationship even though they secretly like each other. Then there's the angst that comes because neither wants to be the first to say that he wants more. I just love stories like that. I can even deal with the fact that supposedly there is a town where it feels like the majority of the people are gay and others are ok with it.
January 22, 2013
I love reading books by authors where I can see the author grow. I have read all the books Talia has published with Dreamspinner, and I must say, I have enjoyed every single one. This one though, was the best so far. I can't wait for the next installment in the Encounters series.
December 19, 2012
3.75 stars
May 10, 2013
it was better than the first book. at least for me. much more intense and heartwarming. im so glad Nate changed his mind. can't wait for another instalment.
December 25, 2012
Usually i don't like books where they start off as fuck buddies but i kinda liked this book. I prefer this than the first one..
April 10, 2013
Such a good sequel!!! I loved Nate :-)
June 30, 2013
Didn't like it as much as the prequel. I can't really pinpoint what bothered me so much about this one but it was just a 'blah' type of read for me. Still like Talia Carmichael though.
April 15, 2015
Better than the first one. More depth to the characters.
I want a Grayson/Archer story now :(
I want a Grayson/Archer story now :(
June 27, 2016
Started out really god but the ending was too rushed and disappointing
March 13, 2017
Just couldnt get into this one. Maybe I'll try again later.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews