Terry’s had a crush on his second cousin Justin for what seems like forever. He’s hidden it as well as possible, knowing that the other man is out of bounds, forbidden fruit. Second cousins getting together isn’t actually illegal, but for Justin the relationship is too close—he just can’t contemplate them being together.
But when some new information comes to light about Terry’s birth and his place in the family, the whole game changes. Suddenly the relationship isn’t so impossible, and things soon begin to get hot and heavy.
Lucy Felthouse is the award-winning author of erotic romance novels Stately Pleasures (named in the top 5 of Cliterati.co.uk’s 100 Modern Erotic Classics That You’ve Never Heard Of), Eyes Wide Open (winner of the Love Romances Café’s Best Ménage Book 2015 award), The Persecution of the Wolves, Hiding in Plain Sight, Curve Appeal, and The Heiress’s Harem and The Dreadnoughts series. Including novels, short stories and novellas, she has over 175 publications to her name. Find out more about her and her writing at http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk/linktree
Note: This audiobook was provided to me through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
This story is very heavy on the porn side—to the point where it’s almost PWP. The flimsy plot is based on two young virgin cousins who have the hots for one another, but for Justin, the cousin relationship is too close and he’s squeamish about entering a relationship with Terry. Somehow, Terry’s mother intuits that the boys have the hots for each other and intervenes with the solution during a big family get-together.
Frankly, I found her behaviors hard to believe. First, she figures out what’s going on, and then she provides them with a solution. I won’t reveal what that is, though it’s quite obvious to most readers and alluded to in the blurb.
From that point on, they can’t wait to get into one another’s pants. One thing to note—after his parents made the big reveal to Terry, he and Justin headed to the treehouse for a quick BJ, and then Terry decided they’d share that news and the news of their new relationship with the whole family. Uh, hello? Terry, maybe you should have told your parents you were going to reveal the big secret since they’d kept it quiet from everyone in the family for over twenty years. Oh, boy. And then, they instructed the adults at the family event to share the news with the young people in their homes in a positive way so the kids would know male/male relationships are okay. Um, that took big ones, IMHO.
I’m sorry, but it just felt very wrong to me. From that point on, as the guys then declared their love for each other and their lifetime commitment, they headed off for sex. By then I was going to stop listening, but since I was past the halfway mark I kept going while doing some work around the house. I felt very uncomfortable with listening—almost like I was being a voyeur to two young neighbors. There was just too much gratuitous sex in this audiobook. The narrator was okay, but he didn’t add anything to the narration and at times spoke very quickly.
Not one I’d recommend, unless you are looking for a short story heavy on the explicit sexual adventures.
Incestuous affairs are wicked hawt. When it's m/m, it could get smoking hawt. In Illicit Relations, it's a sweet sensual coming of age for two closeted gay males. Terry and Justin are "kissing" cousins. But really, since they are both men, where's the harm? They won't have any kids together from the combination of their DNA.
This is the part of the story which made me go what on earth? Justin is hung up on Terry being blood related to him because it means if they were to ever break up, they would still see each other at family events. Stop. Let's think about this for a moment. Even if they weren't blood related and they both go to all family events, wouldn't it still be awkward it they broke up? From a plausibility of conflict, this is a fail for me. I can understand if Justin is freaked out because it's someone is he related to and he can't image having his dicked sucked or asshole fucked by them. For some, just being blood related no matter how distance would feel like sleeping with your mother or grandmother. Or in this instance, father, grandfather or uncle. It can really make a dick go limp. It's definitely a psychological hang-up and perfectly understandable.
When a predictable fact is revealed, all is magically right in the world. Ms. Felthouse then cranks up the heat with some innocent manlove. This is a cute interlude of two virgins making their first time together special. The story moves in a good pace with not an extra word added in. This tightly written romance is a fun read. This story's message is uncomplicated and gives a nice warm fuzzy feeling. Family sticks together and being gay is nothing to be ashamed about. What more could two young gay males just coming out want? Recommended for m/m readers who enjoy a sweet romance with a happily ever after.
*I received this book as a review copy in return for an honest review
Lucy Felthouse is one of my favorite MM romance authors to date. I really enjoy curling up with her books and reading all the fun and sexy adventures that she thinks up. This book was no exception, and I look forward to reading it again!!! It was a quick read, that smoked once the action started. There was tension in the beginning of the book, but after some finagling by outside, but interested, parties, the sparks surely fly. This book, even though part of a series, can be read as a standalone (which I did). Definitely get this book for the hot and well-written scenes.
Terry and his second cousin Justin have been constantly thrown together at family gatherings as long as both boys can remember. Terry is gay, though he’s not out, and he’s suspecting more and more that his cousin is as well, and the attraction he’s been feeling is mutual.
I’ve always been a bit fascinated by stories like this, partly because I’ve never understood why the taboo against relationships between two gay men of consanguinity exists. Too close a genetic relationship between heterosexual spouses can and has led to genetic deformities, etc. But in gay men, that’s clearly not an issue. I can even understand that problems might arise in sexual relationships between individuals in the same household. There can be issues of consent, duress, and so forth. But provided that those issues don’t exist, I can see no problem. I’ve always hoped to understand this better, but nothing I’ve read has ever presented any situation that might explain the taboo.
This story doesn’t change that. In fact, it manages to side-step the issue altogether due to plot developments that I’ll not detail here for fear of spoiling the story for anyone.
The “boys” in this story are both described as being 30, and yet the situation and their personas both felt much younger, 20 or even 18 perhaps. I’m not sure why the author chose to make them the age she did. But it was no great chore for me to shave a decade off the ages of these two fictional characters.
The narrator here is Mick Dee. As far as I can determine, this is his first foray into audiobook narration. His basic narration is well done with good pacing. However, his female character voices need some serious work. It also felt like the two main characters' voices were a bit too similar. I sometimes got the POV confused, but that may have partly been the fault of the author.
This was a pleasant enough listening experience, but it doesn’t have the depth of detail, or the chemistry that I generally require for an audiobook to make it into my frequent re-listen queue.
Illicit Relations by Lucy Felthouse Boys will do Boys indeed! Holy cow if you like a lot of M/M action then you will definitely enjoy this. Terry has been in love with his second cousin as long as he can remember and he knows that he can’t do anything about it. How would you handle seeing your forbidden love at all the family functions? You just want to reach out and touch them, hold them and kiss the living crap out of them. Luckily some one notices his yearning and decides to take action. Terry gets the best news of his life and everything is clear sailing from here on out. This is one hot quick read by Lucy. I would love to know how she comes up with such amazing hot ass stories. “I received this book as a review copy in return for an honest review”
Terry harbours a deep desire for Justin. Justin feels just the same way. Trouble is they are second cousins. Then Terry's parents share a secret with him that is a game changer!
I know that I can’t go wrong with a book by Lucy Felthouse: trust me, if you want sexy, steamy shorts with a dash of humanity and humor this is an author to add to your list. And this story was no exception. Illicit Relations is focused on Terry, and his 2nd cousin Justin. The two come from a large family, where gatherings are common and attendance is mandatory. But Terry has a few secrets: at 30 he is a virgin and gay, he hasn’t come out to his family or friends, and even worse, he has a massive attraction to his cousin.
Justin is also gay and closeted, with a similar attraction for Terry, but that familial connection keeps them at the ‘cousins only destined to fantasize about one another forever zone’. Terry’s ever watchful Mum notices the sparks flying between the two, and a few very pointed questions and statements later, she is demanding that Terry attend a family gathering where everything will be resolved.
There was some fabulous interplay with family members and the couple here: where I had some moments of unreality was the plausibility of the two men, at 30, both being virgins as they were waiting for an attraction to someone else to scratch the itch they had for one another. I’m not saying that it’s not possible, I just didn’t find that element to have much grounding in believability for me, especially as their consummation of the relationship and several subsequent encounters are smoothly executed, without great moments of doubt or questions. What the virginal element DID provide, however, was a nice boost to the romantic quotient of the story, and it’s always all about the characters and their ability to show me their connection, and make me want to smile when they finally work their way to their own happy moments.
One of the sweeter stories as it unfolded of the M/M romance that I have read, the sex is hot and steamy, and enhanced by the POV of the characters in the wonder of the moment, and the descriptions used. At just over 60 pages, this isn’t a long and complicated read, but a quick reading story that gives detail and breath to the characters, and provides some incredibly steamy moments for readers, leaving everyone with a smile.
I received an eBook from the publisher for purpose of honest review for the Jeep Diva. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Lucy Felthouse portrayed a very close knit family that celebrates everything together. The story begins mid struggle for two cousins, Terry & Justin, who love each other on a romantic level, but social norms dictate they should not feel that way about each other.
I thought the author did an amazing job in portraying how Terry was feeling - his inner struggle with wanting more of a romantic relationship with someone he was related to. I wish we could have known more from Justin's point of view, however, Felthouse was great at creating an amazing family for both characters.
You see that Terry has very perceptive parents - so perceptive that they risk a lot in revealing long held secrets to both Justin and Terry. Those secrets held the power to either heal or destroy the family, but because of the love they felt for their son, Terry's parents were able to not only ensure their son's happiness, but also their nephew's too.
The story was short, the sex was hot and the family was one any person would be lucky to have.
A well written novella - perfect for a summer read.
The main protagonists were both likeable men (although they did seem young for their age)but at times I felt like telling them to just go for it already!
Lucy's trademark tongue in cheek humour was much in evidence and I'm sure her descriptions of family parties will have struck a chord with many readers.
The only shortcoming with the story for me was the rather contrived feel to the "secret" that was revealed. I'm not going to spoil the plot but will just say that it didn't ring true.
That aside, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and would recommend it to other readers of erotica.
What did I like? The problems in this story were easily solved. I like that the parents (and most of the extended family) were really supportive once it had been all out in the open.
What did I not like? All the angst could have been avoided if the parents had just been honest with him when he was younger.
Recommendation: This was a cute, enjoyable read. If the possibility of relationships between those who are related (not genetically) bother you, this is not the read for you.
This book is a fun, enjoyable read. The two men have fought their attraction to each other for years. Can they have what they want and be happy? Will it tear the family appart? I won't tell, you need to read to find out. I will say I enjoyed the feeling of the inner struggle and what they go through to go forward with their relationship. This review is also about the Audiobook. I struggled with this audiobook. For me what would have helped is seeing the face of the narrator while he is reading. I don't know if my being a Southerner is what made this hard to listen to.
Lucy has done it again with another great story that both entertain and enjoyable to read. Even if the age thing was hard to wrap my mind around and I finally decide and how I overcame that obstacle was to imagine the two guys as being young then it was stated...
Solid 4 star read, one I was given for an honest review from the author herself.
This was a nice piece of fluff with a lot of sex. I was confused at first thinking that Justin and Terry were 18 or 19 but when I found that they were 30 and still had not acted on their feelings I was shocked. I think that the story would have been more believable if the guys were younger.
This was a very entertaining and enjoyable to story. I appreciate the interplay with family members; the secondary characters made the tale a sweet read. Understanding M/M inner struggle on moving forward into a relationship will put smile on fans faces.
I absolutely recommend this book for romantic evening read. It's a bit game on the sexual side till the very end and the party could have been done away with i think.
I was given a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
This is a sweet story about Terry, and his 2nd cousin Justin. The two come from a large close-knot family, where gatherings to celebrate birthdays and holidays are common and attendance is mandatory. But Terry and Justin have a major secret, namely, they are gay and even worse, are attracted to each other. Although there is nothing illegal about 2nd cousins having a relationship, that familial connection keeps them at the “cousins” in a precarious situation. They are destined to fantasize about each other in order to avoid any major fallout if the relationship goes south. While this is a pragmatic approach, it is hardly romantic.
Although both men believe themselves to be very clever at hiding their feelings, Terry’s ever watchful mom notices the sparks flying between the two, and a few very pointed questions and statements later, she is demanding that Terry attend a family gathering where everything will be resolved.
Because of their love for their son, and their belief in the relationship, Terry’s parents risk revealing a long held secret, one with the power to either heal or destroy, to both Justin and Terry.
I enjoyed this thoughtful exploration of the impact of coming out on individuals and their family and the ‘taboo’ of cousins in love. The narrator was awesome and made the listening experience wonderful.
In Illicit Relations by Lucy Felthouse we meet Terry and Justin. It is stated from the start that they are second cousins but definitely have eyes for each other! I do love a forbidden romance so was curious from the start.
Soon, when his mom makes it obvious that she knows, new information is brought to light that gives them a chance. However, will he and Justin make it, or just make family gathering terribly awkward? How will the family take a relationship between Terry and Justin?
I liked this one! This is my first book by Lucy Felthouse, but I am adding more to my to-read pile.
The audiobook aspect of this was different for me, normally I just read my books, but it was nice to take a long bath and just listen. Not to mention the accent of our narrator made the story really come alive. So it was different but I liked it.
If you are looking for a quick, but hot read I would recommend Illicit Relations by Lucy Felthouse! The eBook is just at 70 pages long, or the audiobook is just two hours long.
I received a copy of this audiobook for free in exchange for an honest review.
the story is a sweet first-love story. the taboo part is being fixed relatively early in the story, so for me, it wasn't a real issue. the narrator was annoying. I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It took me awhile to get into the story and follow along. For a short story it served its purpose. Introduce love couple, explained why they couldn’t be together. Turns out the reason stopping them from being together doesn’t apply. They live HEA.
Deux cousins "au second degré" attirés l'un par l'autre.
Lors d'une réunion familiale, confidences au bord de la piscine, on peut pas, on est cousins.
La maman de l'un qui a tout repéré révèle un "grand" secret de famille lors de la prochaine réunion familiale.
Grande déclaration d'amour et coming out devant toute la famille, et direction l'appartement de l'un pour de longues séances de galipettes (après un bref passage dans une cabane dans les arbres...).
Aucune psychologie, peu de crédibilité, une écriture assez scolaire pour une nouvelle de moins de cent pages. Dernière chose pour les traducteurs, il existe d'autres mots que b*** pour désigner le sexe masculin dans la langue française...
Quick read- Two men who have fought their attraction to each other for years. Coming from such a close-knit family and never coming out is hard enough but fighting their attraction has taken a toll on their relationship as cousins. When the truth is finally revealed they finally get everything they both have ever wanted.