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The Gems Collection
The Gems Collection (A Contemporary MM Romance Quadrilogy)
The southside of Colchester has a reputation: if it’s illegal and makes you feel good you can find it here. The same can be said about Gems, the scandalous little secret that hides deep in the heart of that gritty urban maze. Gems is the hottest gay bordello to be found east of the Mississippi. Its clientele includes some of the most affluent men in the world. Bored men with money to burn and certain elite tastes. There is no price tag too high, no scruple too low, no fantasy that cannot be lived once you’re through the doors. As long as your money is good there are only two rules that need to be followed:
One is never touch the beautiful jewels until your credit card has cleared.
Two is to never fall in love with the clients or the precious gems.
Those rules are about to be broken…
Included in this collection are the following four novellas:
Opal
Garnet
Diamond
Onyx
The southside of Colchester has a reputation: if it’s illegal and makes you feel good you can find it here. The same can be said about Gems, the scandalous little secret that hides deep in the heart of that gritty urban maze. Gems is the hottest gay bordello to be found east of the Mississippi. Its clientele includes some of the most affluent men in the world. Bored men with money to burn and certain elite tastes. There is no price tag too high, no scruple too low, no fantasy that cannot be lived once you’re through the doors. As long as your money is good there are only two rules that need to be followed:
One is never touch the beautiful jewels until your credit card has cleared.
Two is to never fall in love with the clients or the precious gems.
Those rules are about to be broken…
Included in this collection are the following four novellas:
Opal
Garnet
Diamond
Onyx
441 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 13, 2021
120 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
V.L. Locey
212 books729 followersV.L. Locey loves worn jeans, Dr. Who, Torchwood, belly laughs, yoga, reading and writing lusty tales, walking, Greek mythology, the New York Rangers, comic books, and coffee. (Not necessarily in that order.)
She shares her life with her husband, her daughter, one dog, two cats, and a flock of assorted domestic fowl.
When not writing lusty tales, she can be found enjoying her day with her menagerie in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, fresh cup of java in hand.
Sign up for my newsletter here: http://vllocey.com/Newsletter
She shares her life with her husband, her daughter, one dog, two cats, and a flock of assorted domestic fowl.
When not writing lusty tales, she can be found enjoying her day with her menagerie in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, fresh cup of java in hand.
Sign up for my newsletter here: http://vllocey.com/Newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 17, 2021
DNF @ 5%.
This was my second shot at VL Locey and my second DNF. The writing just doesn't suit my tastes.
This was my second shot at VL Locey and my second DNF. The writing just doesn't suit my tastes.
June 15, 2021
Did not read Garnet's story because it didn't really interest me too much. The other three were pretty decent. Honestly it would be 4 stars except it requires a really high amount of suspension of disbelief. As well, I didn't feel like any of the relationships had enough on page development. I think readers want to see characters fall in love and show their love. This is especially important for this series where the characters are always in life and death situations.
October 22, 2021
First time reading this author. I read 3 out of 4 stories and each was slightly different, due to the underlying connecting story.
The first story, Opal, was our introduction to Gems, a high-end, auction-type service that was being owned & controlled but an abusive man who was stealing from his employees. This was about as close to a gay version of Pretty Woman as you could get where our sweet Gem wins the heart of a rich businessman, who is smart enough to not let his Opal get away. While there was drama, this was probably the sweetest and low-key of all the stories. They get rid of the abusive owner and take over Gems. While I skipped the next story, the rest involve a bit more danger and suspense brought on by a fight with the local crime family.
The stories are well written but I didn’t love book 1 just because it wasn’t really my thing. I planned to skim Diamonds story just because I wanted to learn more about the character introduced in book 1. I found myself more than skimming and really enjoyed seeing 2 of the Gems find long overdue happiness with each other. All our Gems come from difficult backgrounds but this story had an extra tough element dealing with childhood sexual abuse which was particularly sad. It was good to see Diamond finally finding happiness and true love with his sweet Pup (and iI love that he called his boy that! So cute!).
I really did skim Butch & Onyx’s story but enjoyed it as well mostly because Onyx was just about the sweetest person I’ve ever read and I just loved him.
Clearly in my attempt to skim the last stories, I was easily getting sucked back in due to the characters and writing style. Once our Gems met their match, they were happy together but there was a lot of external drama from the local crime family which included very dangerous situations for our Gems including one being beaten and several attempts to kill them. There was too much drama and sadness from our Gem backgrounds for me personally. I’m more of a fluffy steamy type reader so it was a little heavy and difficult for my reading pleasure. If you don’t mind flawed characters with a difficult past that fight hard for their HEA, this could be the books for you.
The first story, Opal, was our introduction to Gems, a high-end, auction-type service that was being owned & controlled but an abusive man who was stealing from his employees. This was about as close to a gay version of Pretty Woman as you could get where our sweet Gem wins the heart of a rich businessman, who is smart enough to not let his Opal get away. While there was drama, this was probably the sweetest and low-key of all the stories. They get rid of the abusive owner and take over Gems. While I skipped the next story, the rest involve a bit more danger and suspense brought on by a fight with the local crime family.
The stories are well written but I didn’t love book 1 just because it wasn’t really my thing. I planned to skim Diamonds story just because I wanted to learn more about the character introduced in book 1. I found myself more than skimming and really enjoyed seeing 2 of the Gems find long overdue happiness with each other. All our Gems come from difficult backgrounds but this story had an extra tough element dealing with childhood sexual abuse which was particularly sad. It was good to see Diamond finally finding happiness and true love with his sweet Pup (and iI love that he called his boy that! So cute!).
I really did skim Butch & Onyx’s story but enjoyed it as well mostly because Onyx was just about the sweetest person I’ve ever read and I just loved him.
Clearly in my attempt to skim the last stories, I was easily getting sucked back in due to the characters and writing style. Once our Gems met their match, they were happy together but there was a lot of external drama from the local crime family which included very dangerous situations for our Gems including one being beaten and several attempts to kill them. There was too much drama and sadness from our Gem backgrounds for me personally. I’m more of a fluffy steamy type reader so it was a little heavy and difficult for my reading pleasure. If you don’t mind flawed characters with a difficult past that fight hard for their HEA, this could be the books for you.
August 12, 2021
3 Stars Collectively...⭐⭐⭐👀
Normally, I break down collections to their individual books to be more specific due to the fact I might not read every book. Unfortunately, that isn't really available..So here goes...
Most of the books had good plot development. The grammar and spell checking need work. That tends to pull me out of my reading pace when I have to go back & reread because of missed commas or periods.
Basically, the story starts out with Opal & Ian. You get a front row seat to how a gay brothel operates & what happens to the workers. Crime, exploitation & violence are woven into this love stories.
I skipped Diamond & Amber's story because sexual child abuse isn't my thing.
Not bad if you are looking for something different.
Normally, I break down collections to their individual books to be more specific due to the fact I might not read every book. Unfortunately, that isn't really available..So here goes...
Most of the books had good plot development. The grammar and spell checking need work. That tends to pull me out of my reading pace when I have to go back & reread because of missed commas or periods.
Basically, the story starts out with Opal & Ian. You get a front row seat to how a gay brothel operates & what happens to the workers. Crime, exploitation & violence are woven into this love stories.
I skipped Diamond & Amber's story because sexual child abuse isn't my thing.
Not bad if you are looking for something different.
September 12, 2022
I loved this collection of 4 novellas following a group of men working in a bordello together. It takes some gritty turns that I do not usually seek out in my books, but it made for compelling reading. I became invested in the progression of the storyline and was very pleased with the outcome.
I don't want to talk much about the plot because you need to see it unfold. But if you are familiar at all with Locey's writing, you will find all the hallmarks here from clever dialogue with accompanying snark to tender moments to flawed characters looking for love. (4.5 stars)
I don't want to talk much about the plot because you need to see it unfold. But if you are familiar at all with Locey's writing, you will find all the hallmarks here from clever dialogue with accompanying snark to tender moments to flawed characters looking for love. (4.5 stars)
September 4, 2021
VERY excellent, enjoyable collection of stories
Each story is unique. Gay men, yes, but each pairing and their story so different, one from the other. Gems started as a male brothel, each man identified by a gem name. But with the first story, Ian and Opal's story, Gems became a male escort service. Romance abounds. Throw in organized crime and dirty cops, etc. and you have one hell of a connected chain of stories.
Each story is unique. Gay men, yes, but each pairing and their story so different, one from the other. Gems started as a male brothel, each man identified by a gem name. But with the first story, Ian and Opal's story, Gems became a male escort service. Romance abounds. Throw in organized crime and dirty cops, etc. and you have one hell of a connected chain of stories.
November 2, 2023
This was a box set of 4 novellas that don’t seem to be available individually. But that’s okay! I thoroughly enjoyed each novella, not to mention the fact that they read as a cohesive story. Yes, 1/4 of the book was centered around a different couple with their own relationships and personal demons, but the overarching story was one big story. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think I liked Amber and Diamond’s story the most, but they were all so likable and fun.
August 5, 2021
This book series was riveting and easy to read
This book series was riveting and easy to read and got better and book 4 was my favorite one. I love how all of the characters lives are interwoven and the story line was excellent. I would definitely recommend reading this collection. I am excited for reading more from this author😀.
This book series was riveting and easy to read and got better and book 4 was my favorite one. I love how all of the characters lives are interwoven and the story line was excellent. I would definitely recommend reading this collection. I am excited for reading more from this author😀.
October 26, 2021
Great!
Very interesting story of life as male sex workers who all work from one place. They consider themselves family. Each book tells the story of a different couple while keeping up with the rest of the group as well. They have different kinks and desires and are considered exceptional. There are many surprises along the course of finding their special someones.
Very interesting story of life as male sex workers who all work from one place. They consider themselves family. Each book tells the story of a different couple while keeping up with the rest of the group as well. They have different kinks and desires and are considered exceptional. There are many surprises along the course of finding their special someones.
June 16, 2021
WOW!
Thank goodness for boxed sets! You can't read just one of these stories without needing to read the next. and the next and the next! 💓💓
These guys will have you wishing they were real and not just a book. ❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️
Thank goodness for boxed sets! You can't read just one of these stories without needing to read the next. and the next and the next! 💓💓
These guys will have you wishing they were real and not just a book. ❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️
July 20, 2021
Opal - older billionaire falling for a young male prostitute. Definitely felt the connection between Ian and Opal and the others in the bordello might make interesting reads but I found the climax a little over the top.
July 20, 2021
So much can be fixed.
So many things in life are broken, some my feel beyond repair but That's not true . With a little work and a lot of determination many things and people can be brought back to beautiful gems 💎 never give up hope. So much can be fixed. 💘
So many things in life are broken, some my feel beyond repair but That's not true . With a little work and a lot of determination many things and people can be brought back to beautiful gems 💎 never give up hope. So much can be fixed. 💘
Read
February 13, 2022Starts out slow but quickly specs up!
I thought that this would be a set of simple romance stories but it was so much more! It opened and blossomed into a gritty exciting storyline. It's filled with real life issues and it was hard to it down.
I thought that this would be a set of simple romance stories but it was so much more! It opened and blossomed into a gritty exciting storyline. It's filled with real life issues and it was hard to it down.
July 4, 2021
Men of Gems
I have to say I enjoyed this series. Some of it moved too fast for my liking, but the storyline was consistent which made it an easy read!
I have to say I enjoyed this series. Some of it moved too fast for my liking, but the storyline was consistent which made it an easy read!
September 17, 2021
The Gems
This book series was not what I was expecting when I picked it up. Took some time, but you get to know the Characters, and you fall in love with them.
This book series was not what I was expecting when I picked it up. Took some time, but you get to know the Characters, and you fall in love with them.
January 25, 2022
Overall 7/10
Story 7/10
Emotion 8/10
Quality of writing 6/10
Grammar, typos etc 7/10
Story 7/10
Emotion 8/10
Quality of writing 6/10
Grammar, typos etc 7/10
mm-ok-ab-r
May 22, 2025Rokp
June 18, 2021
The individual stories are avalaible for free on VL Locey's website.
2.5 stars. Sadly these stories didn't work for me. The characters were sympathetic, but the last three stories in particular were just not romances. Instead they were crime/suspense stories with some romance as a secondary story line. Except for the one in Opal, none of the romances had time to breathe and be convincing.
2.5 stars. Sadly these stories didn't work for me. The characters were sympathetic, but the last three stories in particular were just not romances. Instead they were crime/suspense stories with some romance as a secondary story line. Except for the one in Opal, none of the romances had time to breathe and be convincing.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews