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Bondi Bears #1
Hound
Gary’s lived with bipolar disorder since he was eighteen. He’s stable and has a great career, family and friends, but at forty he’s never had a relationship. Casual sex has always been the easy option—fun, plentiful and no risk of upsetting the unruly emotions that simmer below his calm exterior.
This all changes the moment he meets Jeff. There’s no doubt in Gary’s mind that Jeff’s The One. But even though Jeff seems to be equally smitten, he only wants a part-time arrangement. Jeff works long hours, travelling constantly, and his last relationship was so abusive he’s seemingly ruled them out for good.
Gary does his best to settle for things the way Jeff wants. He’s not going to give him an ultimatum. Losing Jeff would be unthinkable. In any case, Jeff will come around. But each time Gary feels they are making progress, Jeff restates his position. Gary struggles with the way Jeff can be so loving, yet still maintain that he doesn’t want a relationship. Gary’s confidence begins to erode. Maybe he doesn’t deserve more. After all, he’s flawed. Damaged goods. Bipolar.
Time is running out for Gary—he knows these arrangements have a limited shelf-life and he can see Jeff is slipping away. Things reach crisis point when Jeff makes a devastating announcement, plunging Gary into a pit of despair. Gary is forced to resort to drastic measures to find a way through his quagmire of self-doubt and fight for the relationship before it’s too late.
This all changes the moment he meets Jeff. There’s no doubt in Gary’s mind that Jeff’s The One. But even though Jeff seems to be equally smitten, he only wants a part-time arrangement. Jeff works long hours, travelling constantly, and his last relationship was so abusive he’s seemingly ruled them out for good.
Gary does his best to settle for things the way Jeff wants. He’s not going to give him an ultimatum. Losing Jeff would be unthinkable. In any case, Jeff will come around. But each time Gary feels they are making progress, Jeff restates his position. Gary struggles with the way Jeff can be so loving, yet still maintain that he doesn’t want a relationship. Gary’s confidence begins to erode. Maybe he doesn’t deserve more. After all, he’s flawed. Damaged goods. Bipolar.
Time is running out for Gary—he knows these arrangements have a limited shelf-life and he can see Jeff is slipping away. Things reach crisis point when Jeff makes a devastating announcement, plunging Gary into a pit of despair. Gary is forced to resort to drastic measures to find a way through his quagmire of self-doubt and fight for the relationship before it’s too late.
265 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2022
24 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
Colin Dereham
9 books119 followersColin Dereham is a Lambda Literary Award finalist who lives in country New South Wales, Australia, with his bf, bff, two very spoilt Italian greyhounds, and his gorgeous Seeing Eye dog, Yuja. After careers as an opera singer and an LGBT, mental health and community nurse, Colin decided to put his lit degree to use and start writing.
When he’s not holed up in his office squinting at a fifty-five inch monitor, Colin likes reading contemporary gay fiction, eating out, and being taken for long walks around the lake by Yuja.
Colin writes about bears and otters, the furry blokes in the gay community. His works are gritty kitchen sink dramas with happy endings of both kinds: frank and detailed erotic scenes; and uplifting, romantic conclusions.
When he’s not holed up in his office squinting at a fifty-five inch monitor, Colin likes reading contemporary gay fiction, eating out, and being taken for long walks around the lake by Yuja.
Colin writes about bears and otters, the furry blokes in the gay community. His works are gritty kitchen sink dramas with happy endings of both kinds: frank and detailed erotic scenes; and uplifting, romantic conclusions.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
October 23, 2025
A compelling read...
Colin is adept at painting gay physical intimacy as accurately as possible. His erotic storytelling is captivating and explodes off of the pages.
I almost always gloss over trigger warnings. "What could be so bad? It's only a story." But I'm not sure anything could have prepared me for the anguish that Gary is forced/forces himself to endure.
The abject misery that Gary finds himself in is extremely hard to get through. This guy is finally so open and loving, after a lifetime of shutting down his feelings--and yet he is compelled to stifle his obsession.
So much of the conflict could have been resolved by some simple, and timely, communication. Hardly suggesting instalove here, but the agony Gary endures...does it really have to be drawn out until the last possible second? This doesn't feel like edging; it feels cruel.
Beyond the sex, the relationship is extremely one-sided: Gary gives and Jeff takes. And I remain dubious as regards Jeff. I don't believe that he didn't know what he was doing to Gary. Jeff reads like a sociopath--see epilogue.
I found myself not rooting for them as a couple, but only for Gary to obtain his limerent object.
Colin is adept at painting gay physical intimacy as accurately as possible. His erotic storytelling is captivating and explodes off of the pages.
I almost always gloss over trigger warnings. "What could be so bad? It's only a story." But I'm not sure anything could have prepared me for the anguish that Gary is forced/forces himself to endure.
The abject misery that Gary finds himself in is extremely hard to get through. This guy is finally so open and loving, after a lifetime of shutting down his feelings--and yet he is compelled to stifle his obsession.
So much of the conflict could have been resolved by some simple, and timely, communication. Hardly suggesting instalove here, but the agony Gary endures...does it really have to be drawn out until the last possible second? This doesn't feel like edging; it feels cruel.
Beyond the sex, the relationship is extremely one-sided: Gary gives and Jeff takes. And I remain dubious as regards Jeff. I don't believe that he didn't know what he was doing to Gary. Jeff reads like a sociopath--see epilogue.
I found myself not rooting for them as a couple, but only for Gary to obtain his limerent object.
May 2, 2022
Beautiful Men in Love
Colin Dereham has written a story that digs deep into the headspace and the heart. We follow a journey of learning to communicate, through its highs and lows, through the magic and the pain, and through the course of navigating emotions that might bounce around before landing.
Gary and Jeff hold each others hearts, but must find the skills to communicate their love, even as each is trying to overcome psychological and emotional baggage that could stop their relationship before it can even begin.
Physical love, and showing each other the importance of that tactile connection, takes the forefront of this MM romance. As Gary and Jeff prove their love to each other through touch, using their emotional words is much harder. Feeling those highs and lows is what keeps you invested in their outcome.
I felt I knew, admired, and became friends with this unlikely couple, and there were many profound moments during my reading, when I could step back and examine that true love is unique to each relationship. This story garnered my respect for the author and the individual characters.
Colin Dereham has written a story that digs deep into the headspace and the heart. We follow a journey of learning to communicate, through its highs and lows, through the magic and the pain, and through the course of navigating emotions that might bounce around before landing.
Gary and Jeff hold each others hearts, but must find the skills to communicate their love, even as each is trying to overcome psychological and emotional baggage that could stop their relationship before it can even begin.
Physical love, and showing each other the importance of that tactile connection, takes the forefront of this MM romance. As Gary and Jeff prove their love to each other through touch, using their emotional words is much harder. Feeling those highs and lows is what keeps you invested in their outcome.
I felt I knew, admired, and became friends with this unlikely couple, and there were many profound moments during my reading, when I could step back and examine that true love is unique to each relationship. This story garnered my respect for the author and the individual characters.
March 6, 2022
Colin Dereham is so good at writing an erotic story with tons of emotion. Gary is a sweetheart of a man who has kept his love life casual; always with hookups and one night stands. His mental health makes him decide it’s easier this way. Until he meets Jeff. Jeff is a sweet, sexy American who moved to Australia for love, but stayed for work when his relationship went horribly wrong. Between work and his past trauma, Jeff has sworn off relationships. But it just so happens he’s the one man Gary actually wants to commit to. Over nine months, we see Gary and Jeff go through lots of ups and downs together, neither knowing where they will eventually end up, be it together or apart. This story is very steamy and sexy, and with tons of joy and sadness. Really lovely.
April 4, 2022
I just read this beautiful and adorable book...perfect time to say how my heart overflows with love for these beautiful, sensual and loving boys! Gary and Jeff are perfect and it breaks our hearts for not saying the words of love we need to hear and so do they...yes they show it in their behavior but the words soothe their insecurities and that of the poor reader here!! Loved it 5 ⭐ Highly recommended reading! Aaah loved the epilogue, it's great to have a little Jeff thought too!
March 21, 2022
A beautiful, touching story that will make you smile, then sigh, and then cry, and boy! did I cry. The passion between Gary and Jeff is profound, their sex is off the charts. But there is a lingering sadness that cuts to the core. Beautifully written, a lovely tale.
December 5, 2022
The end saved this book for me.
Told exclusively in Gary’s POV until the very very end.
If you like the word penis, this book is for you. It is said 98xs. It’s a very clinical term and it took me out of the story. That’s not even the worst of it. Jeff (the other MC)is said 956 times!!! It was crazy!
The backstory of Jeff is he was abused by a previous BF. Beat up. Like a lot.
TWs would have been nice. Domestic violence is a trigger for a lot of people. Now, he’s sworn off relationships. Sad thing is Gary finally wants a relationship after not having one his whole life. The friends with benefits plot line gets old really fast. It really should be PWP(porn with plot)
Gary is depressed. It’s so very sad. Jeff is a bit of an idiot. This definitely doesn’t feel like a romance. It’s basically a s3xfest with talking every once in awhile. Meh. The s3x is hot but repetitive plus all the penis/an*s (said 60xs!) jargon. They aren’t into using lube most of the time which must mean they are into having fissures. Ouch 😑
Why is this book called Hound? Gary is obsessed with this guys scent and needs to sniff him on the regular. Gary is super attached to Jeff. Jeff still keeps him at arm’s length and insists on the FWBs is all he can do. I as the reader, I’m waiting on the proverbial other shoe to drop. It’s excruciating tbh. Gary is OTT hopeful and I’m waiting on Jeff to crush his heart. Ugh.
The crushing happens but it’s short lived at least. A blessing.
You get the HEA you’ve been wanting. That’s what turned this from 1 star ⭐️ to 2 ⭐️. The book is still very not what I expecting.
Told exclusively in Gary’s POV until the very very end.
If you like the word penis, this book is for you. It is said 98xs. It’s a very clinical term and it took me out of the story. That’s not even the worst of it. Jeff (the other MC)is said 956 times!!! It was crazy!
The backstory of Jeff is he was abused by a previous BF. Beat up. Like a lot.
TWs would have been nice. Domestic violence is a trigger for a lot of people. Now, he’s sworn off relationships. Sad thing is Gary finally wants a relationship after not having one his whole life. The friends with benefits plot line gets old really fast. It really should be PWP(porn with plot)
Gary is depressed. It’s so very sad. Jeff is a bit of an idiot. This definitely doesn’t feel like a romance. It’s basically a s3xfest with talking every once in awhile. Meh. The s3x is hot but repetitive plus all the penis/an*s (said 60xs!) jargon. They aren’t into using lube most of the time which must mean they are into having fissures. Ouch 😑
Why is this book called Hound? Gary is obsessed with this guys scent and needs to sniff him on the regular. Gary is super attached to Jeff. Jeff still keeps him at arm’s length and insists on the FWBs is all he can do. I as the reader, I’m waiting on the proverbial other shoe to drop. It’s excruciating tbh. Gary is OTT hopeful and I’m waiting on Jeff to crush his heart. Ugh.
The crushing happens but it’s short lived at least. A blessing.
You get the HEA you’ve been wanting. That’s what turned this from 1 star ⭐️ to 2 ⭐️. The book is still very not what I expecting.
September 18, 2022
Very sweet gay romance/erotica story with Dereham's trademark good guys at the helm. Bear meets otter, some hairy love ensues with a journey as to how these 2 commitment shy guys can make a go of it.
Blog review at-
Blog review at-
September 28, 2022
The writing takes off running and is not for the faint of heart. Dive head first towards all the steamiess, yummy. Now, that the author has your attention he then presents an amazing romantic storyline with realistic issues, emotions, and life altering events. The characters are so relatable that you feel what they feel, showing the author's true talent. This is a wonderful, burning hot, MM emotional romantic read that I highly recommend.
March 5, 2022
I loved this story. It was beautiful and emotional (brought me to tears at times, but at least it didn't make me stop reading to calm myself like The Lookout!). I loved these characters. They were very relatable with their insecurities, worries, issues, and problems. They felt so real that I felt I could really connect with them. A very well written story. I recommend it. 5 stars.
June 28, 2022
Dereham’s books are gritty and real. If you’re after sweet fluff, look elsewhere. But if you want down-to- earth men who struggle to find sustainable relationships, this is your guy. Gary and Jeff aren’t perfect people. They’re fighting the kinds of issues people you know struggle with. Yet it’s through their courageous determination that we learn that no one should be denied love.
July 7, 2022
Authentic
This story is an overflow of everything: super-hot scenes, emotions, sweet and rough; it'll blow your mind with its authenticity. You won't find people playing macho men and cool Hollywood characters, you'll find a real man with his fuckups, deep overwhelming emotions, fears and whatnot trying to cope with real life and real feelings.
A total page turner.
This story is an overflow of everything: super-hot scenes, emotions, sweet and rough; it'll blow your mind with its authenticity. You won't find people playing macho men and cool Hollywood characters, you'll find a real man with his fuckups, deep overwhelming emotions, fears and whatnot trying to cope with real life and real feelings.
A total page turner.
May 17, 2022
Love the Bear idea and hairy men
Not enough novels like this - about hairy bearish romance. Love the way the sex scenes are described in detail and wording. I hope we get to see these 2 guys in a second book!
Not enough novels like this - about hairy bearish romance. Love the way the sex scenes are described in detail and wording. I hope we get to see these 2 guys in a second book!
June 23, 2022
I do love how Colin writes, Like Authors that world build and make you see it and believe your actually there. He does it with feelings. Another amazing book.
December 7, 2023
I can’t take my eyes off Jeff as we walk along the sand. He turns towards me and notices. His special smile spreads across his face and he takes my hand. He’s positively incandescent.
🤎
This is the second book I’ve read from Colin and I loved every minute of it! I’ve already added the rest of his books to my kindle and I can’t wait to get stuck into them.
I adore Gary and Jeff as individual characters and as a couple.
Gary is smitten from his first glance of Jeff, even though it takes a while to make thing’s official, you can feel how much these guys care for one another.
There’s a lot of sex in this one (including some group action with some friends) but all that action doesn’t take away from the love that the men share together.
Gary has lived with bipolar since his teenage years, and is a big emotional teddy bear. You can really feel his struggles throughout the full story. The man has big feelings, but an even bigger heart.
I didn’t want Hound to end, but I am excited to see what happens next!
🤎
This is the second book I’ve read from Colin and I loved every minute of it! I’ve already added the rest of his books to my kindle and I can’t wait to get stuck into them.
I adore Gary and Jeff as individual characters and as a couple.
Gary is smitten from his first glance of Jeff, even though it takes a while to make thing’s official, you can feel how much these guys care for one another.
There’s a lot of sex in this one (including some group action with some friends) but all that action doesn’t take away from the love that the men share together.
Gary has lived with bipolar since his teenage years, and is a big emotional teddy bear. You can really feel his struggles throughout the full story. The man has big feelings, but an even bigger heart.
I didn’t want Hound to end, but I am excited to see what happens next!
July 15, 2023
I Would give this 10 stars if I could!!! This book is near to my heart as a close family member suffers from Bi-polar disease. This is the second book by this new-to-me author that I have read and I love his real life MC’s. His books are not for the faint of heart, but they are two of the best MM books I have ever read! Gary’s struggles with his mental health tug at your heart and I ended up loving these two men so much. Reading Gary and Jeff’s journey to finding love was truly a wonderful experience with lots of feels and emotions but be warned, it is not a fluffy read and is written in a way that I’ve never seen from any other author. This is a very down and dirty super sexy book between an Otter and a Bear that emits steam throughout! They get their HEA of course. I cannot wait to read more of Colin’s books and I highly recommend it be put at the top of your TBR list.
March 7, 2023
The journey of Gary and Jeff hasn't been straightforward there are always thoughts from both men asking” Am I enough “!
Love is not a simple gesture, words can be said but not always meant.
Gary has his issues and now at Forty and meeting Jeff he understands his feelings.
To commit to this man would be so very easy.....
Jeff also has issues his past hasn't been at all kind to him, he is insecure which is understandable.
Colin writes from his heart, gritty and bold.
A story of how two men found who they are and together they will love each other with their passion.
This is a beautiful erotic story with wonderful world-building.
I read the book and then purchased the audiobook where the narrator Stephen Multari is epic!
His voice is certainly satiny and he brings the story to life.
Love is not a simple gesture, words can be said but not always meant.
Gary has his issues and now at Forty and meeting Jeff he understands his feelings.
To commit to this man would be so very easy.....
Jeff also has issues his past hasn't been at all kind to him, he is insecure which is understandable.
Colin writes from his heart, gritty and bold.
A story of how two men found who they are and together they will love each other with their passion.
This is a beautiful erotic story with wonderful world-building.
I read the book and then purchased the audiobook where the narrator Stephen Multari is epic!
His voice is certainly satiny and he brings the story to life.
July 20, 2022
OMG! After reading this book, I CRIED! Such a heart-wrenching, vulnerable, and raw story! My head had been swirling with all these emotions for Gary. You certainly know it was written by a gay male author who knows how to write the sex scenes well! Heck, yes gay men certainly do it like rabbits and often! That’s a fact. I truly appreciate the way the author incorporate discussing doing it without condoms and PrEP which is a reality these days unlike most m/m books I’ve read. The author writes it as it is.
The story centers on Gary, an sexy bear artist who deals with having bi-polar disorder truly falling head over heel for Jeff who only wants casual hook-ups. Jeff is an otter who travels for work. They met at a bar and this starts the casual sex path. Gary had insecurities about this and struggles with reining in the strong feelings he had for Jeff. Then a heart-breaking event happened which was very heart-wrenching for me. That’s all I’m going to say. You need to read the book to find out! Definitely deserve more than 5 stars!
The story centers on Gary, an sexy bear artist who deals with having bi-polar disorder truly falling head over heel for Jeff who only wants casual hook-ups. Jeff is an otter who travels for work. They met at a bar and this starts the casual sex path. Gary had insecurities about this and struggles with reining in the strong feelings he had for Jeff. Then a heart-breaking event happened which was very heart-wrenching for me. That’s all I’m going to say. You need to read the book to find out! Definitely deserve more than 5 stars!
continue-if-bored
February 14, 2024POV is on Gary first person
Even though this is written with one of my favorite kinks this is really hard to read so far I've only read the sample.
I just don't think the dialogue reflects how grown men talk, the way the hook up is saying things like awesome!!1 and can I hug you? There's already been two hugging scenes so far.
I also don't really like the narration, like the author combines words but it makes it look so unprofessional especially during the smut scenes. They use way too many adjectives and try way too hard not repeating themselves by using different nouns but it's more distracting that way. EG man scent, masculine natural aroma, etc It makes it seem more wordy
Even though this is written with one of my favorite kinks this is really hard to read so far I've only read the sample.
I just don't think the dialogue reflects how grown men talk, the way the hook up is saying things like awesome!!1 and can I hug you? There's already been two hugging scenes so far.
I also don't really like the narration, like the author combines words but it makes it look so unprofessional especially during the smut scenes. They use way too many adjectives and try way too hard not repeating themselves by using different nouns but it's more distracting that way. EG man scent, masculine natural aroma, etc It makes it seem more wordy
June 26, 2022
This was such a realistic story of insecurities, worries, and issues. The characters were completely relatable, drawing me in and made me feel like I was right there next to them. An amazing job by the author with their word building, and an even more awesome job of developing these characters!
The emotions were felt through the words, with spice and erotica mixed in. There was a lot of steam and sizzling chemistry between the characters. Gary and Jeff were just what they both needed, definitely a five star recommendation!
The emotions were felt through the words, with spice and erotica mixed in. There was a lot of steam and sizzling chemistry between the characters. Gary and Jeff were just what they both needed, definitely a five star recommendation!
July 7, 2025
In this unwanted essay, I will explain why Jeff, the epitome of an asshole from Mississippi, is my least favourite ever, which can be summed up in one succinct statement: I know exactly how Gary felt, my own shithead from the ‘Sip included because clearly my life is an unfunny cosmic joke.
Sure, we get a court side seat to the whole thing because that’s the book, but ima tell you that I felt the shit between the lines on a molecular level as real as anything I’ve ever felt in my whole life and it gutted me.
How someone with BPD (either form, bipolar or borderline) winds up the fucking cuck in their own life to make everyone else happy. To hide their struggles because no one gets them. How easily people use our fear of rejection and hurt over shit we can’t control to manipulate us and fuck us around like we’re just little pieces in a knock-off board game. The way we’re disposable, always the bridesmaid, never the bride. The guilt and shame from knowing if we let anyone see even a single strong emotion from us, it’s gonna go sideways every time. How we’re treated like unruly, silly children who are simple and need to be condescended and placated, then told to grow the fuck up when we lash out because “we aren’t fucking kids” and the gentle parenting-shtick is overdone and dry.
And we open ourselves to these fucking jerks easily because we have been brainwashed into believing it’s the best we’re ever gonna do for ourselves because no one wants our brand of crazy, right?
Foh with that bullshit. We deserve better than narcissistic fuck-offs and sociopathic losers/users, Gareth. He put himself so far out there for that man and got literal scraps in thanks. Ew.
Ugh. Poor Gary. Precious, wonderful bb that he is. Fuck Jeff. I bet Jeff is from Adams county. Or fucking Starkville or something. That Gary felt bad for doing what he thought he was supposed to do to keep Jeff happy and in his life enraged me so much I had to stop and count backwards from a hundred just to finish. I don’t buy it, Jeffy. I think you just realised too late that you fucked up and your save there at the end didn’t fool me. I seent you. Dick.
Anyhow, it was painfully—yet still delightfully—accurate. And I’m happy that Gary is happy, because I’m not an asshole. I loved it because I love the voice this author brings to his work. I enjoy the style and I see the vision, I just get too deep about shit. I will note that a car and a truck are still not interchangeable even if you hop countries, which is forever going to be a scab I pick at, but it’s just my thing. It annoys me because I start to question myself over whether I misread or not and wind up backtracking more than progressing.
[Hey! I learned a new thing! I take back what I said, though I still think it’s wild to call anything with an open bed a car, but disregard my stupid remarks. I know better now. I stand corrected, and I’m sorry that I didn’t know I was dumb in this case and said something dumb about shit I didn’t know. In case you didn’t know, ute and car actually can mean passenger trucks, because they laugh at us with our passenger trucks. Trucks there are our 18 wheelers here, not our passenger trucks. So. Learn new things with me if you need to.]
Like when folx call the ground the floor. No. Floor implies some sort of finish, even if it’s just hard-packed earth, in some sort of structure/domicile. The ground, the pavement, the driveway… not the floor. IRRELEVANT HERE—my god, shut my brain the FUCK up.
4.5/5. Regardless of my feels towards Jeff, and the truck versus car shit that I will never be able to accept (insert heinous side-eye here), this was wonderful. A couple of times I thought it might be a little wonky, but that could honestly just be me, so idk if that’s valid. What is valid is my og judgment of Jeff. Because I can’t ever say that he can go fuck himself enough times.
Sure, we get a court side seat to the whole thing because that’s the book, but ima tell you that I felt the shit between the lines on a molecular level as real as anything I’ve ever felt in my whole life and it gutted me.
How someone with BPD (either form, bipolar or borderline) winds up the fucking cuck in their own life to make everyone else happy. To hide their struggles because no one gets them. How easily people use our fear of rejection and hurt over shit we can’t control to manipulate us and fuck us around like we’re just little pieces in a knock-off board game. The way we’re disposable, always the bridesmaid, never the bride. The guilt and shame from knowing if we let anyone see even a single strong emotion from us, it’s gonna go sideways every time. How we’re treated like unruly, silly children who are simple and need to be condescended and placated, then told to grow the fuck up when we lash out because “we aren’t fucking kids” and the gentle parenting-shtick is overdone and dry.
And we open ourselves to these fucking jerks easily because we have been brainwashed into believing it’s the best we’re ever gonna do for ourselves because no one wants our brand of crazy, right?
Foh with that bullshit. We deserve better than narcissistic fuck-offs and sociopathic losers/users, Gareth. He put himself so far out there for that man and got literal scraps in thanks. Ew.
Ugh. Poor Gary. Precious, wonderful bb that he is. Fuck Jeff. I bet Jeff is from Adams county. Or fucking Starkville or something. That Gary felt bad for doing what he thought he was supposed to do to keep Jeff happy and in his life enraged me so much I had to stop and count backwards from a hundred just to finish. I don’t buy it, Jeffy. I think you just realised too late that you fucked up and your save there at the end didn’t fool me. I seent you. Dick.
Anyhow, it was painfully—yet still delightfully—accurate. And I’m happy that Gary is happy, because I’m not an asshole. I loved it because I love the voice this author brings to his work. I enjoy the style and I see the vision, I just get too deep about shit. I will note that a car and a truck are still not interchangeable even if you hop countries, which is forever going to be a scab I pick at, but it’s just my thing. It annoys me because I start to question myself over whether I misread or not and wind up backtracking more than progressing.
[Hey! I learned a new thing! I take back what I said, though I still think it’s wild to call anything with an open bed a car, but disregard my stupid remarks. I know better now. I stand corrected, and I’m sorry that I didn’t know I was dumb in this case and said something dumb about shit I didn’t know. In case you didn’t know, ute and car actually can mean passenger trucks, because they laugh at us with our passenger trucks. Trucks there are our 18 wheelers here, not our passenger trucks. So. Learn new things with me if you need to.]
Like when folx call the ground the floor. No. Floor implies some sort of finish, even if it’s just hard-packed earth, in some sort of structure/domicile. The ground, the pavement, the driveway… not the floor. IRRELEVANT HERE—my god, shut my brain the FUCK up.
4.5/5. Regardless of my feels towards Jeff, and the truck versus car shit that I will never be able to accept (insert heinous side-eye here), this was wonderful. A couple of times I thought it might be a little wonky, but that could honestly just be me, so idk if that’s valid. What is valid is my og judgment of Jeff. Because I can’t ever say that he can go fuck himself enough times.
February 21, 2023
Hound is book 1 from the Bondi Bears series by Colin Dereham. It is written at the 1st person and under a single POV (Gary’s), although we go get a special treat with the epilogue (Jeff’s POV).
The first short story I read from Colin was Bear Affair, where I got to meet Gary and Angus and read about the wild intense night they shared. I basically cried at the end. In Hound, we follow Gary’s journey with Jeff, as they try to manage a somewhat difficult situation where, because of Jeff’s need to travel for work, both men are separated for weeks at a time.
Jeff and Gary share a very intense physical attraction to each other, attraction that they will yield to anywhere and everywhere… this couple gets it on A LOT. The need to physically touch, kiss, smell each other is there all the time, and it was amazing.
I really was smitten with Gary, his sense of humour and his vulnerability. I was also very heart broken every time he would put up a good face in front of Jeff and try to be fine with being away from his lover, while he was in fact miserable without Jeff. It was easy to feel all the feels with him, his highs when he was in Jeff’s arms, and his lows when he was questioning Jeff’s long-term intentions.
I have said it before, Colin does not sugar coat the sex in his books. You get to read about the real words, the real men, the real feelings and while this book does have a strong “romance” angle, the intensity of the physical moments were out of this world and what stood out most for me.
I’m super excited to go on to read Angus’ story because even though I loved Jeff with Gary, my heart still belongs to Angus.
4.5 ⭐️
The first short story I read from Colin was Bear Affair, where I got to meet Gary and Angus and read about the wild intense night they shared. I basically cried at the end. In Hound, we follow Gary’s journey with Jeff, as they try to manage a somewhat difficult situation where, because of Jeff’s need to travel for work, both men are separated for weeks at a time.
Jeff and Gary share a very intense physical attraction to each other, attraction that they will yield to anywhere and everywhere… this couple gets it on A LOT. The need to physically touch, kiss, smell each other is there all the time, and it was amazing.
I really was smitten with Gary, his sense of humour and his vulnerability. I was also very heart broken every time he would put up a good face in front of Jeff and try to be fine with being away from his lover, while he was in fact miserable without Jeff. It was easy to feel all the feels with him, his highs when he was in Jeff’s arms, and his lows when he was questioning Jeff’s long-term intentions.
I have said it before, Colin does not sugar coat the sex in his books. You get to read about the real words, the real men, the real feelings and while this book does have a strong “romance” angle, the intensity of the physical moments were out of this world and what stood out most for me.
I’m super excited to go on to read Angus’ story because even though I loved Jeff with Gary, my heart still belongs to Angus.
4.5 ⭐️
November 3, 2022
Audiobook review:
Amazing story about two hairy men. I love me some bear action! Emotions run high as Gary falls deeper in love with Jeff as they get to know each other through their friends with benefits arrangement. Jeff doesn't want a relationship, yet acts like the perfect boyfriend, stating this several times throughout the story. And each time Gary just bottles up his true feelings, ugh so heartbreaking. The whole time I was rooting for them to get together but there was always something keeping it from happening (no spoilers!). Colin Dereham writes beautiful characters with so much emotion and realness, you forget that they are just characters in a book. Stephen Multari is a new to me narrator. I loved his voices for the main characters. He really got that Texas drawl down.
Amazing story about two hairy men. I love me some bear action! Emotions run high as Gary falls deeper in love with Jeff as they get to know each other through their friends with benefits arrangement. Jeff doesn't want a relationship, yet acts like the perfect boyfriend, stating this several times throughout the story. And each time Gary just bottles up his true feelings, ugh so heartbreaking. The whole time I was rooting for them to get together but there was always something keeping it from happening (no spoilers!). Colin Dereham writes beautiful characters with so much emotion and realness, you forget that they are just characters in a book. Stephen Multari is a new to me narrator. I loved his voices for the main characters. He really got that Texas drawl down.
November 18, 2022
After reading the novella Bear affair, I knew I needed to read more stories from the author. And I’m not disappointed at all.
The authors writing style really appeals to me. It’s gritty, raw, realistic, but also just so damn heartfelt! It straight forward, but not boring or ordinary if that makes sense.
And the story is definitely spicy 🔥🔥 Lots of delicious, filthy, dirty hotness with some panty melting dirty talk. There’s a lot of these scenes, but I’m definitely not complaining! I loved them!!!
The feels in this is beautiful. Not to heavy on the angst, but definitely heart breaking and beautiful to be a part of. I love feeling some heart pain when I read, especially if there’s a HEA. And there’s longing!!! Love, love, love it!!! 💛
The authors writing style really appeals to me. It’s gritty, raw, realistic, but also just so damn heartfelt! It straight forward, but not boring or ordinary if that makes sense.
And the story is definitely spicy 🔥🔥 Lots of delicious, filthy, dirty hotness with some panty melting dirty talk. There’s a lot of these scenes, but I’m definitely not complaining! I loved them!!!
The feels in this is beautiful. Not to heavy on the angst, but definitely heart breaking and beautiful to be a part of. I love feeling some heart pain when I read, especially if there’s a HEA. And there’s longing!!! Love, love, love it!!! 💛
January 28, 2023
Colin Dereham's writing is flawless, engaging and smart, which makes his books truly addictive. Hound is an emotional and authentic look at a man who doesn't think he deserves to be happy. He does, of course, but the road there is marred by self doubt, mental health and meeting a man who is just as scared as Gary is.
This is a raw and gritty tale of real life relationships, erotic and heart wrenching at the same time. And there is a hard fought for HEA which had me sobbing like a baby. Highly highly recommended.
This is a raw and gritty tale of real life relationships, erotic and heart wrenching at the same time. And there is a hard fought for HEA which had me sobbing like a baby. Highly highly recommended.
December 26, 2022
Interesting book. Two men, VERY into each other but both of them have serious baggage, have lots and lots of sex while the writer tries to convince us they will never progress beyond friends with lots and lots of benefits. Very entertaining, and set in Australia.
March 2, 2023
I read then listened to Hound by Colin Dereham a few days ago and I have to recommend it.
Such a great story about an Aussie Bear and an American in Sydney. Raw, gritty, ups and downs but they have their tender times too. I have to say I teared up a few times because I was so involved and wanted so much for them.
There is a satisfying HEA and so much🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
Such a great story about an Aussie Bear and an American in Sydney. Raw, gritty, ups and downs but they have their tender times too. I have to say I teared up a few times because I was so involved and wanted so much for them.
There is a satisfying HEA and so much🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
July 21, 2022
All I'm going to say is
BRILLIANT
BRILLIANT
March 11, 2022
New author and a lovely surprise!
For fans of: size difference, bears, otters, and realistic sex. All wrapped in a comfortable blanket of emotions.
At forty, Gary had never had a relationship. When he sees Jeff for the first time, he is instantly interested. As their friendly chatting leads to more, Gary is hopeful he found the person to be in a relationship with. Jeff’s work, however, forces him to travel for weeks at a time, making their arrangement similar to friends with benefits, rather than boyfriends.
The two men share an intense physical connection, exploring their bodies in a sensual and graphic manner (hot sex warning! oof!). After bouts of manly emotional constipation, Gary and Jeff find their ultimate HEA.
Rewarding, steamy sex scenes with tender care, wrapped in an emotional plot that lets the reader truly get to know the characters. 5 furry stars!
I’m writing this review after reading The Lookout because I just had to read more from the author right away. The books are linked by secondary characters.
For fans of: size difference, bears, otters, and realistic sex. All wrapped in a comfortable blanket of emotions.
At forty, Gary had never had a relationship. When he sees Jeff for the first time, he is instantly interested. As their friendly chatting leads to more, Gary is hopeful he found the person to be in a relationship with. Jeff’s work, however, forces him to travel for weeks at a time, making their arrangement similar to friends with benefits, rather than boyfriends.
The two men share an intense physical connection, exploring their bodies in a sensual and graphic manner (hot sex warning! oof!). After bouts of manly emotional constipation, Gary and Jeff find their ultimate HEA.
Rewarding, steamy sex scenes with tender care, wrapped in an emotional plot that lets the reader truly get to know the characters. 5 furry stars!
I’m writing this review after reading The Lookout because I just had to read more from the author right away. The books are linked by secondary characters.
April 8, 2022
Raw and real and truly emotional, this story about two men, vulnerable in their different ways, edging around a committed relationship, was an engrossing read. Gary, the main character, was so likeable and well-drawn and his reasons for shying away from relationships before he met Jeff were so understandable, which made the potential for heartbreak even more of a risk.
This story was so sensitively written that readers could clearly perceive how both Jeff and Gary were complex people with difficult pasts, who were so well-matched, if only they could both find the courage to communicate that. A warmly grown-up, realistic love story with great characters.
This story was so sensitively written that readers could clearly perceive how both Jeff and Gary were complex people with difficult pasts, who were so well-matched, if only they could both find the courage to communicate that. A warmly grown-up, realistic love story with great characters.
April 21, 2022
Colin Dereham’s Hound is a tour de force that explores the complexities of a deep and intense love alongside fear, doubt and mental illness. The book follows the evolving heartfelt, and erotically explosive relationship between Gary, an artistic and complex bear, and Jeff a high-flying American with a deep southern drawl. More than an account of an intense love affair, Dereham brings depth to his characters and leaves the reader always wanting more. As with his first novella The Lookout, Colin Dereham has again managed to merge eroticism with a complex and highly moving storyline that makes this book one that is very hard to put down.
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