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Balls to the Wall #8
Hair Balls
What happens when a blue-collar dude who hides behind his Sasquatch hair gets sheared by a toppy femme in pink lace bikini panties?
Contractor, Rick Ronconi can’t admit what he really wants because it’ll lose him his job, his father, his few friends, and maybe even the one thing he really cares about—his sister, Alice.
But for Alice’s wedding, he agrees to get his overgrown hair and beard cut at a ritzy Laguna Beach salon.
Hello, secret femme kink!
Stylist, Jimothy Castlemane doesn’t pretend to be anything he’s not. He doesn’t yearn for straight guys, and he does not—repeat, does not—date guys who are in the closet.
But a simple after-hours haircut uncovers more than Rick’s face—and Rick finds everything he’s dreamed of on the floor of Jimothy’s hair salon.
Immovable object, meet irresistible force. This is one colossal hair ball!
HAIR BALLS is an opposites-attract, coming out, toppy flamboyant femme vs tough blue-collar pretender, MM romance—with a lot of cats.
Contractor, Rick Ronconi can’t admit what he really wants because it’ll lose him his job, his father, his few friends, and maybe even the one thing he really cares about—his sister, Alice.
But for Alice’s wedding, he agrees to get his overgrown hair and beard cut at a ritzy Laguna Beach salon.
Hello, secret femme kink!
Stylist, Jimothy Castlemane doesn’t pretend to be anything he’s not. He doesn’t yearn for straight guys, and he does not—repeat, does not—date guys who are in the closet.
But a simple after-hours haircut uncovers more than Rick’s face—and Rick finds everything he’s dreamed of on the floor of Jimothy’s hair salon.
Immovable object, meet irresistible force. This is one colossal hair ball!
HAIR BALLS is an opposites-attract, coming out, toppy flamboyant femme vs tough blue-collar pretender, MM romance—with a lot of cats.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 12, 2021
66 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Tara Lain
97 books1,388 followersTara Lain believes in happy ever afters - and magic. Same thing. In fact, she says, she doesn't believe, she knows. Tara shares this passion in her stories that star her unique, charismatic heroes and adventurous heroines. Quarterbacks and cops, werewolves and witches, blue collar or billionaires, Tara's characters, readers say, love deeply, resolve seemingly insurmountable differences, and ultimately live their lives authentically. After many years living in southern California, Tara, her soulmate honey and her soulmate dog decided they wanted less cars and more trees, prompting a move to Ashland, Oregon where Tara's creating new stories and loving living in a small town with big culture. Likely a Gryffindor or maybe a Ravensclaw but possessed of Parseltongue, Tara loves animals of all kinds, diversity, open minds, coconut crunch ice cream from Zoeys, and her readers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
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January 13, 2021DNF at 4%
Probably my fastest DNF ever but one of the main character is on a date with a woman at a bar and the second after he’s in the bar’s bathroom getting fucked by a man. I can’t do cheating so I had to stop reading this.
Also, they have anal sex without any prep, the guy just sticks it in. I really hate the lack of prep, I can’t do it.
Probably my fastest DNF ever but one of the main character is on a date with a woman at a bar and the second after he’s in the bar’s bathroom getting fucked by a man. I can’t do cheating so I had to stop reading this.
Also, they have anal sex without any prep, the guy just sticks it in. I really hate the lack of prep, I can’t do it.
dnf
January 12, 2022Time of death 43%
January 2, 2021
This was such a good book I just loved reading it from the start to the finish. I promised my sister I would get a hair cut and my beard trimmed for her wedding, but this unknowingly would launch a series of events that would change my life for the better. I had been hiding from who I was forever, but all it took was one flamboyant femme man to help me figure out that he was who I had been searching for and if I was lucky he felt the same way.
January 7, 2021
Hair Balls is the sixth book in the ‘Balls to the Wall’ series. It stars one of the characters from the previous stories, Jimothy Castlemane, a talented stylist, and Rick Ronconi, a contractor. It’s told in third person through both Jimothy and Rick’s pov.
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. I’ve read all but one of the stories in the 'Balls to the Wall' series and I think this one is the best. Best written, best plot and best characters. This is a character driven plot with Rick’s sister being a background motivator that helps start the changes in Rick’s life because of her impending wedding. Rick has helped raised her and would do just about anything for her. This sets him up to change his looks, which end up changing his life.
The author did a terrific job with the characters. Jimothy appeared in one of the previous books in the series. He’s gorgeous, flamboyant and not afraid what other people think of him. Rick on the other hand is very much in the closet. A lot of that has to do with his homophobic father who owns most of the construction company Rick works for. Rick doesn’t want to jeopardize his job, it’s the only sort of stability he knows and it pays the bills that sent his sister to college and for her wedding. But now his sister is getting married and Rick needs to get on with his life. The author conveyed Rick’s fear, his desire for Jimothy and how conflicted Rick was in wanting to come out and his fear to do so. His growth from hiding in the closet to outing himself was a well written journey that I found believable. I was also thoroughly convinced of Jimothy and Rick as a couple, even though they were opposite personalities.
The pace of story was good. I didn’t feel like it bogged down at any point. There was always action of some sort happening because of the wedding preparations playing out in the background.
There were a couple items that didn’t work for me in the story because they weren’t factual and I wish they had been fact checked. First, more than once it’s mentioned that Rick lives in an apartment. He even calls it an apartment. But he plants flowers in the yard like it’s a townhome or condominium. He and his friends also paint and tile the inside of the apartment without asking permission from the apartment management. Do you know of an apartment complex that will allow residents to interior design their homes with permanent changes without asking the apartment management for permission? I have never heard of such a thing. If Rick lived in a condo or townhome, yes, it’s his property so he could do that. But not an apartment. This is what I consider a big, and obvious error in the story that should have been caught. Adding a line in a future edition that Rick asked the management and got the okay would fix this error, especially since Rick is a cautious man and knows about rules and regulations because of the business he’s in. I can't imagine he wouldn't check to see if it was okay for him to make those changes.
The second error I found was with the kitten Rick found. Let’s speculate the kitten has been wandering around for a day or so. Rick doesn’t know if it's come in contact with other feral cats, possibly feral cats with feline leukemia. Feline leukemia is very contagious. I know a little about it because I have a friend with multiple cats. The new cats are always tested for the disease before they are introduced to the healthy cats. Never does Rick take the kitten to a vet, nor is Jimothy concerned that he’s introducing a new cat to his healthy cats without the kitten having had a health check. That is very risky. This is another error that someone should have pointed out to the author, but clearly skipped past the betas, proofers and editors. I’m hoping if the author runs a second edition, she’ll insert a line or two that Rick took the kitten to a quick vet visit before he took it to Jimothy’s, and it was given a clean bill of health. Because, otherwise, this is unrealistic unless he doesn’t care about the new kitten or the other cats’ health.
One final thing that is more trivial, is I'd like to know how Rick solves the issue of moving out of his apartment into Jimothy's place after Rick just spent, I'm sure quite a bit of money, to redo all the furnishings in his home? He even thought about it at one point of having to move out because of the kitten, but what about all the home furnishings. This is never addressed in the story, because he'll never need the furniture at Jimothy's. I don't care for dropped lines like this. Ideas brought up and talked about but never completed. It makes the story seem unfinished and the writing sloppy with dangling subplots. This issue is also easily solved with a possible line of maybe one of his crew wanting the furniture or someone they know.
To summarize, I think Hair Balls is the best book in the ‘Balls to the Wall’ series. The characters are well-formed and have distinct personalities. There’s also good character growth. However, the errors I noticed are pretty obvious to me and I have to deduct for that. But the rest of the story is so good, it’s able to pull the star rating up, and I give this book, 5 Stars. I’d recommend this book to others. Just please, fix the errors, they really are annoying and create a sense of misinformation.
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest and unbiased review.
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. I’ve read all but one of the stories in the 'Balls to the Wall' series and I think this one is the best. Best written, best plot and best characters. This is a character driven plot with Rick’s sister being a background motivator that helps start the changes in Rick’s life because of her impending wedding. Rick has helped raised her and would do just about anything for her. This sets him up to change his looks, which end up changing his life.
The author did a terrific job with the characters. Jimothy appeared in one of the previous books in the series. He’s gorgeous, flamboyant and not afraid what other people think of him. Rick on the other hand is very much in the closet. A lot of that has to do with his homophobic father who owns most of the construction company Rick works for. Rick doesn’t want to jeopardize his job, it’s the only sort of stability he knows and it pays the bills that sent his sister to college and for her wedding. But now his sister is getting married and Rick needs to get on with his life. The author conveyed Rick’s fear, his desire for Jimothy and how conflicted Rick was in wanting to come out and his fear to do so. His growth from hiding in the closet to outing himself was a well written journey that I found believable. I was also thoroughly convinced of Jimothy and Rick as a couple, even though they were opposite personalities.
The pace of story was good. I didn’t feel like it bogged down at any point. There was always action of some sort happening because of the wedding preparations playing out in the background.
There were a couple items that didn’t work for me in the story because they weren’t factual and I wish they had been fact checked. First, more than once it’s mentioned that Rick lives in an apartment. He even calls it an apartment. But he plants flowers in the yard like it’s a townhome or condominium. He and his friends also paint and tile the inside of the apartment without asking permission from the apartment management. Do you know of an apartment complex that will allow residents to interior design their homes with permanent changes without asking the apartment management for permission? I have never heard of such a thing. If Rick lived in a condo or townhome, yes, it’s his property so he could do that. But not an apartment. This is what I consider a big, and obvious error in the story that should have been caught. Adding a line in a future edition that Rick asked the management and got the okay would fix this error, especially since Rick is a cautious man and knows about rules and regulations because of the business he’s in. I can't imagine he wouldn't check to see if it was okay for him to make those changes.
The second error I found was with the kitten Rick found. Let’s speculate the kitten has been wandering around for a day or so. Rick doesn’t know if it's come in contact with other feral cats, possibly feral cats with feline leukemia. Feline leukemia is very contagious. I know a little about it because I have a friend with multiple cats. The new cats are always tested for the disease before they are introduced to the healthy cats. Never does Rick take the kitten to a vet, nor is Jimothy concerned that he’s introducing a new cat to his healthy cats without the kitten having had a health check. That is very risky. This is another error that someone should have pointed out to the author, but clearly skipped past the betas, proofers and editors. I’m hoping if the author runs a second edition, she’ll insert a line or two that Rick took the kitten to a quick vet visit before he took it to Jimothy’s, and it was given a clean bill of health. Because, otherwise, this is unrealistic unless he doesn’t care about the new kitten or the other cats’ health.
One final thing that is more trivial, is I'd like to know how Rick solves the issue of moving out of his apartment into Jimothy's place after Rick just spent, I'm sure quite a bit of money, to redo all the furnishings in his home? He even thought about it at one point of having to move out because of the kitten, but what about all the home furnishings. This is never addressed in the story, because he'll never need the furniture at Jimothy's. I don't care for dropped lines like this. Ideas brought up and talked about but never completed. It makes the story seem unfinished and the writing sloppy with dangling subplots. This issue is also easily solved with a possible line of maybe one of his crew wanting the furniture or someone they know.
To summarize, I think Hair Balls is the best book in the ‘Balls to the Wall’ series. The characters are well-formed and have distinct personalities. There’s also good character growth. However, the errors I noticed are pretty obvious to me and I have to deduct for that. But the rest of the story is so good, it’s able to pull the star rating up, and I give this book, 5 Stars. I’d recommend this book to others. Just please, fix the errors, they really are annoying and create a sense of misinformation.
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest and unbiased review.
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July 24, 2021dkm but my main reason for DNFing is that one MC's name is jimothy ✋🏾 i just can't yall.
also I'm super unattracted to the hairy guy as a character. nothing was working here
also I'm super unattracted to the hairy guy as a character. nothing was working here
February 11, 2021
I honestly feel bamboozled by the 4 and 5-star reviews because I really thought this was going to be a good read. I'm super disappointed, this story was not only cringey but full of stereotypes and just overall ?????? I agree with others who commented on the cheating + lack of prep scene, in the beginning, it was a big turn off but I chose to continue because I hoped it would get better. Unfortunately, the writing was super awkward throughout and I did not feel any love connection between Rick and Jimothy. Honestly, I don't know what Rick brought to the table? Justice for Jimothy (For his name, his time and for being all the stereotypes of a gay character). Jimothy carried the whole book and performed an unreasonable amount of emotional AND physical labour for Rick and his sister. Ridiculous. Do not recommend.
January 2, 2021
This is the first story I’ve read in this series and I really enjoyed it. The author described the characters so well I felt I knew them. The flow of the story is consistent. Putting such completely opposite guys together takes skill. Rick who is afraid to come out attracted to a totally colorful gay man. I completely fell in love with these two characters. Both are such giving personalities. Both have characteristics that attract people to them. The situations are well thought out that I kept smiling while reading them. There are also the sad serious parts that address real life issues. I really enjoyed Alice’s wedding. And the secondary characters added a lot and again were likable. I now have to go find out more about this series. If the other stories are near as good I will enjoy reading them as well. I received a free copy from Gay Romance Reviews who keep giving me new authors and series I would have never found on my own.
January 3, 2021
Rick Ronconi is a construction foreman and son of the owner. He's been living to take care of his sister Alice since his mother died. He has let his appearance go and now that Alice is getting married, she wants him to get his hair and beard cut. Rick is hiding behind that bushy hair and beard and it's a scary thought to get it cut but he'll do anything for Alice.
Jimothy Castlemane is a hair stylist, life stylist, decorator and all around guru. He seems to be able to help everyone with whatever they need, but who's there for him? Jimothy is an unabashed, out and proud, femme top. He has a sunny, happy personality that everyone gravitates to. He was adopted by two loving dads and now that one of them is gone, he's moved his remaining dad close to home.
Rick gets a referral to Jimothy by the man he's renovating for. When he first shows up he's immediately attracted to Jimothy and scared at getting his hair and beard cut. After Rick runs away it get around and Rick is ashamed of his actions, so he goes back to Jimothy. Jimothy realizes that more is going on with Rick and agrees to help him with his needs. Whirlwind Jimothy takes control and a new Rick is born. Rick and Jimothy begin a relationship but can it work out when Jimothy is out and Rick is barely admitting he's gay and still way back in the closet?
Jimothy is by far my favorite character. He is this happy, grabbing life by the balls person that has it all figured out. Rick is close behind because he has put his life on hold to raise his sister and is just now realizing with Alice getting married he's going to have nothing but work. Alice is accepting and loving of Rick and wants him happy. Rich (Rick and Alice's dad) has been a recluse since their mother died and it takes Jimothy to make him realize what's he's losing.
There was great chemistry between Rick and Jimothy. All the secondary characters seemed necessary for the book. The story is well written with few errors. The one thing that stood out to me was that by the timeline and ages mentioned Alice would've gotten her PhD in Physics at age 22. Now I'm well aware that it's possible for this to happen. There's savants, brainiacs, Doggy Howser's out there and people getting into special programs where you can skip classes etc, but there was no mention of any of this. So as a reader it just looks like the timeline is off. Rather than fix this by adding info to cover or change the ages, the author just states that it's possible to get a PhD at 22. IMO this is lazy writing. If you want someone getting a PhD at 22 then you need to explain how it's happening because it doesn't happen all that often. Otherwise I really liked this story. I'd recommend it.
Jimothy Castlemane is a hair stylist, life stylist, decorator and all around guru. He seems to be able to help everyone with whatever they need, but who's there for him? Jimothy is an unabashed, out and proud, femme top. He has a sunny, happy personality that everyone gravitates to. He was adopted by two loving dads and now that one of them is gone, he's moved his remaining dad close to home.
Rick gets a referral to Jimothy by the man he's renovating for. When he first shows up he's immediately attracted to Jimothy and scared at getting his hair and beard cut. After Rick runs away it get around and Rick is ashamed of his actions, so he goes back to Jimothy. Jimothy realizes that more is going on with Rick and agrees to help him with his needs. Whirlwind Jimothy takes control and a new Rick is born. Rick and Jimothy begin a relationship but can it work out when Jimothy is out and Rick is barely admitting he's gay and still way back in the closet?
Jimothy is by far my favorite character. He is this happy, grabbing life by the balls person that has it all figured out. Rick is close behind because he has put his life on hold to raise his sister and is just now realizing with Alice getting married he's going to have nothing but work. Alice is accepting and loving of Rick and wants him happy. Rich (Rick and Alice's dad) has been a recluse since their mother died and it takes Jimothy to make him realize what's he's losing.
There was great chemistry between Rick and Jimothy. All the secondary characters seemed necessary for the book. The story is well written with few errors. The one thing that stood out to me was that by the timeline and ages mentioned Alice would've gotten her PhD in Physics at age 22. Now I'm well aware that it's possible for this to happen. There's savants, brainiacs, Doggy Howser's out there and people getting into special programs where you can skip classes etc, but there was no mention of any of this. So as a reader it just looks like the timeline is off. Rather than fix this by adding info to cover or change the ages, the author just states that it's possible to get a PhD at 22. IMO this is lazy writing. If you want someone getting a PhD at 22 then you need to explain how it's happening because it doesn't happen all that often. Otherwise I really liked this story. I'd recommend it.
January 11, 2021
A toppy, flamboyant, and femme hairstylist falls for the closeted construction worker? Count me in! I love when the relationship strays from the "norm" between two men. Most people would take a look at Jimothy and assume the mans a bottom, and most people would be wrong. Same goes for Rick. He's a construction worker whom his beloved sister describes as Sasquatch because his hair and beard are so unruly. In fact, he's so macho appearing that he didn't set off Jimothy's gaydar even after he popped a very prominent bulge while hanging out with him. People can explain away the most bizarre things to themselves.
The hair and beard are actually more like a shield. Rick doesn't like attention and so he hides his handsome features away to slide into the background. On the other hand, Rick adores his sister Alice who is getting married and begs him to get a presentable haircut. Rick and their father are all the family she has and Alice wants to make a good impression on her in laws. This is important to her because in all likeliness Rick may be the only one of the two to actually show up for her. Their father has kind of checked out on life after his wife died leaving Rick to be Alice's main supporter. The two have a strong sibling bond and it is really great.
Jimothy ends up being the one to cut Ricks hair after a client hears him on the phone with his sister promising to get it done. They call in a favor and after some nervousness Rick's in Jimothys capable hands. The relationship snow balls from there. Jimothy and all his fabulousness invades Ricks life like a ray of sunshine and helps him with everything from new suits to redecorating his apartment to be more inviting for his family. All the while Rick is dreaming of what is would be like to have a man like Jimothy for real.
Jimothy swore he'd never be anyone's dirty little secret, but after getting to know Rick that promise is hard to keep. As you may have guessed the two end up in bed together so to speak more than once. Their sexual compatibility is off the charts and Rick's so caught off guard by what passion truly feels like he can no longer deny the truth about himself: He's not bisexual. He's gay, very very gay. In the end Rick has to decide if upending his life to live it the way he wants to with Jimothy is worth what he may or may not have to sacrifice. A chance with Jimothy and finding love or going back to hiding and simply existing. Seems like a no brainer to me.
An ARC of this book was provided by GRR in exhancge for an honest and unbiased review
The hair and beard are actually more like a shield. Rick doesn't like attention and so he hides his handsome features away to slide into the background. On the other hand, Rick adores his sister Alice who is getting married and begs him to get a presentable haircut. Rick and their father are all the family she has and Alice wants to make a good impression on her in laws. This is important to her because in all likeliness Rick may be the only one of the two to actually show up for her. Their father has kind of checked out on life after his wife died leaving Rick to be Alice's main supporter. The two have a strong sibling bond and it is really great.
Jimothy ends up being the one to cut Ricks hair after a client hears him on the phone with his sister promising to get it done. They call in a favor and after some nervousness Rick's in Jimothys capable hands. The relationship snow balls from there. Jimothy and all his fabulousness invades Ricks life like a ray of sunshine and helps him with everything from new suits to redecorating his apartment to be more inviting for his family. All the while Rick is dreaming of what is would be like to have a man like Jimothy for real.
Jimothy swore he'd never be anyone's dirty little secret, but after getting to know Rick that promise is hard to keep. As you may have guessed the two end up in bed together so to speak more than once. Their sexual compatibility is off the charts and Rick's so caught off guard by what passion truly feels like he can no longer deny the truth about himself: He's not bisexual. He's gay, very very gay. In the end Rick has to decide if upending his life to live it the way he wants to with Jimothy is worth what he may or may not have to sacrifice. A chance with Jimothy and finding love or going back to hiding and simply existing. Seems like a no brainer to me.
An ARC of this book was provided by GRR in exhancge for an honest and unbiased review
January 14, 2021
This is a new author to me & I quite enjoyed reading this sweet MM romance & found the plot to be well-paced & entertaining although at times I was somewhat confused at some of the characters actions but it was interesting to see how the relationship developed between the two main characters (a flamboyant out & proud male hairdresser/stylist, Jimothy Castlemane) & (a rather hairy construction worker & very deep in the closet, Rick Ronconi) There is good support from the secondary characters.
There is: a determined sister (Alice), a homophobic father (Fred), family issues, a loving clutter of cats, some humour, drama, secrets, insecurities, manipulations, strange attractions, self esteem issues, misunderstandings, confusion, emotional turmoil, determination, jealousy, declaration, unexpected support, love, some steam & a satisfying conclusion.
There is: a determined sister (Alice), a homophobic father (Fred), family issues, a loving clutter of cats, some humour, drama, secrets, insecurities, manipulations, strange attractions, self esteem issues, misunderstandings, confusion, emotional turmoil, determination, jealousy, declaration, unexpected support, love, some steam & a satisfying conclusion.
January 4, 2021
I loved this book so much! Jimothy has to be one of my favorite characters ever! I just admire him so much. He isn't afraid to be who he is. He is so big hearted, yet he won't take crap from people. I love him! I'm a cat person so I loved Jimothy's little group of cats. It was so cute that he took one to work with him in his salon. That is the place where Rick and Jimothy meet for the first time. It doesn't go well, but soon enough he is breaking through Rick's hard shell. He really does inspire Rick to want to stand up for himself and let his true self out. Rick needs to decide if he wants to be true to himself and Jimothy and let his true desires out to the world, or risk losing the person he has come to care the most for. I highly recommend this book! Plus, it has a sweet ending! I did receive a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
January 11, 2021
I absolutely loved this book. Jimothy is an amazing main character. He was really fun as a small character too, but he just shines as a MC. He’s not ashamed of who he is, and he lives his life to the fullest. Rick was a great balance to Jimothy as well. Rick is hiding who he is, afraid his friends, family, & work will abandon him when he comes out. Once he meets Jimothy though he has such a hard time staying hidden. He wants Jimothy, and he knows Jimothy deserves more then to just be a secret. Rick just has to decide if he can be what Jimothy deserves.
There is some family drama with Rick, and of course angst about coming out, but over all this is a very sweet love story, with a perfect HEA.
I did receive a free ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews but that did not influence my review.
There is some family drama with Rick, and of course angst about coming out, but over all this is a very sweet love story, with a perfect HEA.
I did receive a free ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews but that did not influence my review.
January 3, 2021
I really enjoyed this. Rick and Jimothy are very well written. I loved how they connected immediately, even though both tried to fight their attraction. Rick is a down to earth construction worker, and Jimothy is a successful beauty consultant. Both are stand up guys, and each have their own insecurities.
It's a lovely story full of humour, romance and a little angst, as they wrestled their problems. I enjoyed the dialogue, and watching the relationship of the two MCs develop. It was positively swoon worthy.
This Is a great addition to the 'Balls series. I so enjoyed reading their love story, but also loved how it pulled me in to wanting to know more about the other characters. Best of all, it made me smile, and left me feeling totally satisfied with how everything worked out.
It's a lovely story full of humour, romance and a little angst, as they wrestled their problems. I enjoyed the dialogue, and watching the relationship of the two MCs develop. It was positively swoon worthy.
This Is a great addition to the 'Balls series. I so enjoyed reading their love story, but also loved how it pulled me in to wanting to know more about the other characters. Best of all, it made me smile, and left me feeling totally satisfied with how everything worked out.
January 1, 2021
So much love, pain, misunderstanding and connections between characters. This is a plot that sucks you in immediately and you'll find yourself pulling for love on every page. The cats, and fierce kitten, are an added bonus.
Best of all, some of the misconceptions the characters had about others, truly are misconceived. They were all in their minds, buried in fears of their own. The grief felt by one of the characters, especially, influenced how they behaved towards others for years. Definitely a testimony to getting counseling when it is needed.
Best of all, some of the misconceptions the characters had about others, truly are misconceived. They were all in their minds, buried in fears of their own. The grief felt by one of the characters, especially, influenced how they behaved towards others for years. Definitely a testimony to getting counseling when it is needed.
January 1, 2021
This book was so much fun to read! Jimothy is a ray of sunshine that blinds everyone with his radiance! As soon as Rick meets Jimothy, he knows he's found his kryptonite. He also knows he has to resist it...too much depends on him staying firmly in the closet. Jimothy, however, can't help but bring out the best in people and he also can't be denied. This book was fun, sexy, passionate, and has some very precious felines that will melt your heart. I highly recommend this book!
January 4, 2021
4.5 Stars
Rick’s life has centered around taking care of his sister since their mom died and dad checked out. A favor for her wedding that she ask of Rick leads him to Jimothy. This is a great story of coming to terms with big changes in life and the prospect of finally letting everyone else know who you really are. Low angst with a vivacious hair stylist and a construction worker hiding from the world.
I received an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.
Rick’s life has centered around taking care of his sister since their mom died and dad checked out. A favor for her wedding that she ask of Rick leads him to Jimothy. This is a great story of coming to terms with big changes in life and the prospect of finally letting everyone else know who you really are. Low angst with a vivacious hair stylist and a construction worker hiding from the world.
I received an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.
January 8, 2021
A fast paced, fun story of complete opposites attracting one another.Jimothy and Rick have quite some chemistry. Together they give the reader some fun shopping excursions, some exciting and sweet romance and a fine HEA. You’re never sure what they’ll do or what you’ll get but I promise you won’t be disappointed. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
January 25, 2021
A very fun story with low-grade angst and an unbelievable wedding.
Two quibbles: everyone "barking" a laugh and the kitten not being seen by a vet before being introduced to the other cats. Unless he'd slipped away from someone, he was a feral kitty and could be subject to feline leukemia or other nasties.
Other than that, I enjoyed it very much. :-)
Two quibbles: everyone "barking" a laugh and the kitten not being seen by a vet before being introduced to the other cats. Unless he'd slipped away from someone, he was a feral kitty and could be subject to feline leukemia or other nasties.
Other than that, I enjoyed it very much. :-)
January 2, 2021
Hair Balls, Balls to the Wall book eight by Tara Lain. Wow! Another great book in the Balls to the Wall series! Loved this story and its characters! Rick and Jimothy are meant for each other. Absolutely love the way it ended! Definitely a must read book in a must read series!
January 4, 2021
Jimothy gets a happily ever after! I loved Jimothy and Rick's love story and how it played out. While closeted Rick was afraid to come out, he ended up introducing his whole family to Jimothy who fell in love with him before Rick could even claim him. It was fun to see Theodore, Snake and Andy as well.
January 6, 2021
Rick’s sister is getting married and he’s agreed to cut his hair and trim his beard. When he shows up at the Salon and sees Jimothy he’s thrown for a loop. He now knows he has a secret kink, he likes femme, androgynous men. He goes running out the door. He runs his father’s construction company and his father is somewhat homophobic so Rick hides who he is. Poor Jimothy thinks he’s done something wrong. Rick decides to try again and texts Jimothy and asks him to dinner. The more time these two spend together the more they realize they like each other. Loved it!! Loved all the secondary characters. This was total opposites attract. I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received.
January 12, 2021
I loved both Rick and Jimothy, and I especially loved them together. They were truely a match made in heaven, even though it wasn’t obvious to them at first. Don’t get me wrong, there’s plenty of heat and attraction from their first meeting, and also genuine like, but they both think that the other one isn’t for them at first.
In true Tara Lain style we’re treated to a lovely journey to discovery of self and of love, and this book left me with a big smile and a full heart.
In true Tara Lain style we’re treated to a lovely journey to discovery of self and of love, and this book left me with a big smile and a full heart.
January 8, 2021
I received this book from GRR. This is my honest review.
I really enjoyed this book.
Jimothy is so entertaining and flamboyant but with a very strong personality.
Rick is a big hairy bear of a man but very calm.
When his sister persuades Rick to get his hair and beard trimmed for her wedding, a client organises for him to be seen by Jimothy, a very femme and in demand hairdresser. After a few miss starts the transformation exceeds all expectations. Jimothy is intrigued but Rick is still deciding who he is.
I really enjoyed this book.
Jimothy is so entertaining and flamboyant but with a very strong personality.
Rick is a big hairy bear of a man but very calm.
When his sister persuades Rick to get his hair and beard trimmed for her wedding, a client organises for him to be seen by Jimothy, a very femme and in demand hairdresser. After a few miss starts the transformation exceeds all expectations. Jimothy is intrigued but Rick is still deciding who he is.
January 8, 2021
Another brilliant write by Tara. She brings a new side to each character. Even the villians of the piece become loveable.
I loved the furry additions in this story, esp little Sas.
Rick is a burly builder who hid himself to earn as a contractor to care for his little sister. Jimothy is and out an proud femme hair stylist.
These two should not work. But true to form Tara has them fitting like a perfect jigsaw pieces
I loved the furry additions in this story, esp little Sas.
Rick is a burly builder who hid himself to earn as a contractor to care for his little sister. Jimothy is and out an proud femme hair stylist.
These two should not work. But true to form Tara has them fitting like a perfect jigsaw pieces
February 4, 2021
I really enjoyed this story.
January 4, 2021
Me encanta cuando son personajes interesantes, que no tengo mucho la oportunidad de encontrarme en los libros. Es un libro hermoso, cuyo romance se desarrolla lentamente, pero sin aburrirte, aprecio que no fortalece los estereotipos. Y amé totalmente a la pareja. DEBO LEER MÁS DE ESTA AUTORA.
February 22, 2021
I was intrigued by the premise of the story; I love flipped stereotypes but there was a little too much that rubbed me the wrong way and not enough chemistry between the two MC. I finished it to see how it would end.
January 14, 2021
Too familiar
This is almost identical to Knights of Ocean Avenue. I kept thinking I’ve read this book before. Then I went to my history and noticed a book written by Tara Lain, read the blurb, and mystery solved.
This is almost identical to Knights of Ocean Avenue. I kept thinking I’ve read this book before. Then I went to my history and noticed a book written by Tara Lain, read the blurb, and mystery solved.
January 12, 2021
Rick’s beloved younger sister wants him to get a haircut before her wedding, and Jimothy is the stylist who transforms him from sasquatch to Jake Gyllenhall’s clone. The chemistry between them is instant, but complicated by the fact that Rick is deep in the closet and Jimothy, fabulous, strong-willed, cat-loving Jimothy, isn’t going to be anyone’s dirty secret. I liked Rick and Jimothy together, and Rick’s sister Alice was a fun supporting character. However, I didn’t like the way that she and everyone else (literally everyone else, even the random people Rick’s doing a contracting job for) have such a vested interest in his appearance: it’s a beard and some long hair, and everyone acts like Rick has somehow shattered every possible social convention and isn’t fit for polite company. Rick wishes several times that his sister would just accept him as he is, but she doesn’t (no one does) and by the end of the novel, it’s portrayed as a good thing that he was pressured to “transform” himself by looking more conventional, which, tbh, isn’t a message I can get behind. So while I loved a number of the characters, and I’m delighted that Rick and Jimothy get their HEA, I would have liked things to come together a little less quickly at the end, and for a few more reckonings to occur: like Rick’s sister apologizing for the fact that she definitely overstepped, and Rick’s homophobic father’s complete 180 getting a bit more development than a sentence or two. Overall, however, I had fun reading this book. Awesome cats, awesome fashion, two people finding each other and falling in love in spite of obstacles-- it’s got plenty to recommend it.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 16, 2021
This is the first book by Tara Lain that I've read, even though it's the 8th book in the Balls To The Wall series. I have to admit the reason I signed up to review is because the title made me laugh out loud! It totally exceeded my expectations!
Jimothy is a sweet, twinky stylist whose talent is highly regarded in the wealthy, SoCal enclave where he has his salon. Rick, on the other hand, is a deeply closeted blue-collar construction worker who has been trying to tell himself he's not gay, but bisexual, for years. He hides both emotionally and physically behind his huge, bushy beard and crazy long hair that he hasn't had cut in years. But the younger sister he adores is getting married, and she begs him to clean up his look for her big society wedding. So he braves his fears and goes to Jimothy's salon after one of his gay clients refers him. The first meeting results in him literally running from the salon in the throes of a panic attack.
He faces his fear and comes back to apologize. Jimothy not only agrees to cut his hair, but he also agrees to renovate Rick's wardrobe for the wedding, and even re-decorate the crappy little apartment Rick lives in. And it turns out Jimothy is so irresistable that Rick realizes he has no choice but to face up to his reality, knowing that losing Jimothy from his life would be FAR worse than facing his fear of coming out of the closet to his blue-collar friends and father.
I loved Hair Balls. Jimothy is the sweetest character, and he seems like he would be SO much fun to hang out with. He's also got the biggest heart, and I fell in love with him right along with Rick. Hair Balls is sweet and funny and poignant. It's one of those books I didn't want to end because I loved hanging out with the characters so much!
Jimothy is a sweet, twinky stylist whose talent is highly regarded in the wealthy, SoCal enclave where he has his salon. Rick, on the other hand, is a deeply closeted blue-collar construction worker who has been trying to tell himself he's not gay, but bisexual, for years. He hides both emotionally and physically behind his huge, bushy beard and crazy long hair that he hasn't had cut in years. But the younger sister he adores is getting married, and she begs him to clean up his look for her big society wedding. So he braves his fears and goes to Jimothy's salon after one of his gay clients refers him. The first meeting results in him literally running from the salon in the throes of a panic attack.
He faces his fear and comes back to apologize. Jimothy not only agrees to cut his hair, but he also agrees to renovate Rick's wardrobe for the wedding, and even re-decorate the crappy little apartment Rick lives in. And it turns out Jimothy is so irresistable that Rick realizes he has no choice but to face up to his reality, knowing that losing Jimothy from his life would be FAR worse than facing his fear of coming out of the closet to his blue-collar friends and father.
I loved Hair Balls. Jimothy is the sweetest character, and he seems like he would be SO much fun to hang out with. He's also got the biggest heart, and I fell in love with him right along with Rick. Hair Balls is sweet and funny and poignant. It's one of those books I didn't want to end because I loved hanging out with the characters so much!
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