Beyond the Norm

by Shawn Lane

After closing his bar one night, Dave Johnson rescues Kyle, who is on the run after witnessing the murder of a federal agent in San Francisco. Dave knows Kyle is trouble but can't help falling in love; Kyle loses his heart but fears he's bringing danger to Dave's doorstep. When Kyle's pursuers close in, the two men are at an impasse. They can either separate and live in safety and loneliness, or find a way to stay alive and together.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance, Gay, Erotic Romance, Erotica, Romantic Suspense

ebook

First published August 29, 2009

About the author

Shawn Lane writes erotic gay romances and believes love and passion know no boundaries. Happily Ever After is for everyone.

In the past she has written heterosexual romances (see her backlist) but is now concentrating on gay romances.

Shawn lives in California and holds down a boring day job in a legal department of a giant corporation dreaming of the nights and weekends when she can create new stories.

Shawn loves to hear from readers, is happy to answer any questions, and has been known to send free books to fans just because.

Reviews

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Posted at Hearts on Fire Reviews

While closing up his bar in the wee hours of the morning, 27-year-old Dave Johnson witnesses a man being beaten. He approaches the thugs with a crowbar he found in the back of his truck and scares them off. Dave learns that 19-year-old Kyle was attacked for being gay and for his Goth style. He brings Kyle home to recover from his injuries, and the two men develop a relationship.

Kyle has had a difficult life and is in a lot of trouble because of a murder he witnessed. He has not been exactly forthcoming with Dave about his past, and as the two men become closer and Kyle’s problems begin to threaten their relationship, both men have to make a decision that will impact their lives significantly.

Kyle is a very appealing character. He’s strong, sexy, and a survivor. Dave, on the other hand, has many good qualities, but he has a controlling nature that I didn’t find appealing at all. I felt he should have been more considerate and sensitive to Kyle’s painful past experiences.

Dave and Kyle have a sweet relationship, the sex is hot and intense, and I loved their first Christmas together.

The side plot with the drug enforcement agent who was murdered was so lacking in authenticity and suspense that I would have enjoyed this story much better without it. It also bothered me a little that I never got to learn Kyle's last name.

[Daisiemae · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something really special about the book, Beyond the Norm, by Shawn Lane. I’ve been looking forward to reading this book since Shawn’s been giving us teasers about it on her blog. I knew that Kyle was going to be a very interesting character, but I had no idea how he would weasel his way into my heart, just like he did with the unsuspecting Dave in the story.

Now it’s not been a secret that I love Shawn’s heroes! Kevin from Car Wash is one of my all time favorite heroes. I have to say, Kyle is just as sexy, mysterious and is one of the most interesting heroes I’ve read in a long time.

When Dave closed down his bar for the night, he had no reason to suspect that this night would be any different than any other. But, when he comes across a young man being beaten, Dave immediately comes to the young man’s rescue and basically saves the younger man’s life.

Dave has become quite settled in his life. He’s an owner of a local bar, has some loyal friends, and has a good apartment. He didn't realize how lonely he truly was and how he had been just going through the motions, until he met and rescued Kyle.

Kyle is nothing like what Dave is normally attracted too. He’s eyeliner wearing, long-haired, beautiful-in-black Goth guy, and Dave is immediately smitten with him! Dave has an immediate and overwhelming urge to protect Kyle and take him under his wing, even if he doesn’t know anything about him.

Kyle and Dave’s relationship move at a very steady and fast pace. Both men fall for one another quickly, and it’s not long before they start bringing out the best in each other. But, Kyle is hiding something from Dave, and until he can be honest with Dave about the trouble he’s in, and the past he’s had, they will never find the peace and happiness they deserve.

I loved this book! If I could rate it higher than 5 stars I would! It was the little things about Kyle and Dave’s relationship that won me over. From the sweet Christmas Dave was determined to give Kyle, to his determination to find the right color lipstick for him, I loved reading about them, and watching them form a bond that could not be broken.

Between the snappy rapport Kyle and Dave have, to the intense sexual chemistry between them, I was glued to this book from the first word to the last sentence. Kyle and Dave definitely have a very sexual and spicy love life and I loved it! WHEW! I had the air turned down so much; when my husband came home from work he couldn’t believe the house was so cold! (Don’t worry I blamed Shawn!) Oops!

Beyond the Norm is one of my favorite books. I already know that this will be a book I fall back on when I want to read about one of my favorite heroes and a sexy and sweet love story. I fell in love with Kyle and Dave and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment I had with them.

Shawn has a great blog! She often gives away free books and teases us frequently with her upcoming releases! You can check it out at:

http://smlgr8.blogspot.com

[Shayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to write something brief about Beyond the Norm. There actually isn't much I can say that hasn't already been said about this fabulous book. I thought I would point out a couple of reasons why Jack and I count this one as one of our favorites that we’ve ever read.
Kyle and Dave truly brought out the best in one another. We loved watching how Kyle wanted to improve himself, and make better choices once he got involved with Dave.
Dave on the other hand, allowed himself to relax a little, and enjoy life without being so serious all the time.
The obvious affection they had for one another was beautiful. Dave’s devotion and utter love he had for the delicious Kyle was something everyone would love to have in their own relationships. Even when they have to make some serious life changes and sacrifices neither Kyle nor Dave think twice about it, because of the love and joy they find with one another.
How could anyone not love this fabulous couple?
Jack and I were talking with some friends of ours last night about Shawn's books and about her heroes in particular. It's my (our) opinion that Shawn writes some of the best heroes we've ever read. They aren't cookie-cutter run of the mill heroes so many other authors write about. She breathes life into them and makes them somebody you want to know and want to read about.
I loved this book and highly recommend it.

[Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I've read by Shawn Lane. I loved it! Kyle and Dave were terrific together, and even if they seemed like opposites in many ways fit together perfectly. Dave did surprise me with his fondness for wanting to explore his kinkier side with Kyle. Kyle himself was awesome, and I wish there were more heroes written out there like him. He was one of a kind, and I find myself quite fascinated with him! The story moved along smoothly and before I knew it I had read the last sentence! I can't wait to read more by this author!

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! I loved Kyle! He and Dave were so suited for one another. I wasn't sure at first, because Dave is very controlling, but both characters bring out the best in each other, so I ended up loving him as well!
Kyle is so sexy! There isn't enough characters written like him. I think Shawn is one of the best at writing unique heroes that aren't the everyday alpha guy. I hope to see more heroes like Kyle in the future.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's only natural that I would fall in love with Kyle. As you have probably discovered by now I have a weakness for sexy Goth men, and Kyle is one of my all time favs.
I also liked Dave. He and Kyle fit together quite nicely, despite being total opposites in many ways.
I've noticed that Shawn isn't afraid to take chances with her heroes and I appreciate that as a reader.
Thank you, Shawn!

[Erotic Horizon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

When Shawn Lane introduced the new name of her latest release – I thought, what is she up to now? From past experience anything this woman produces it is a winner with me and Dave and Kyle from BEYOND THE NORM, especially Kyle is now on my list of favourite protags.

The story begins with Dave meeting Kyle under the worst of situations but the man that he is man’s up and help as best as he can and ends up taking Kyle home. Dave is the owner of his own business and has life experience on his side to know that something is not right with Kyle and the situation that he is in, but along with that insight he also knows when to give the young man his space and wait for him to tell him in his own time what his nipping on his heel and how close that danger is.

Kyle is unlike anyone Dave has ever meet, Goth in every way shape and form and with the attitude to match he gives Dave as much grief as much as he put the cute little smirks on his face. Kyle is caught up in a web of secrets and lies and he is holding onto his secret until he figures out his next move. Dave however provides something that Kyle has never known and he is not willing to give up on that yet to move on – even if he has to spill the secret that he has kept for so long ..


Positive

From the beginning of this book, Ms Lane drags me in as a reader and right from the first scene I knew these are characters that I was going to love.

Straight off I loved the contrast between the main protags

Older – Younger
Clean Cut – Goth and proud of it
Plain Speaking – A bit on the secretive side
Squeaky clean – A bit of a slob
Tactful – Attitude to the end
Trusting – Not altogether mistrustful but knows when and how to look over his shoulder

I like the human touch that she brings out in this book, whilst the scenario might not be your everyday activity the people and their individual nuances are totally spot on.

I like the simplicity of her plot, no drama, no over the top performance – the book is geared for enjoyment and I really could not find anything to moan about.

Ms. Lane uses her descriptor very well and I really got to know the cast pretty well because of that. Dave is a hard working decent guy that has a moral code that just refuse to die. Knowing when to shut up and listen to what he is was not hearing, he makes an impression on everyone who meets him and I include myself in that as well.

Kyle is beautifully written, if he was not so argumentative, have an attitude a mile high – he would be just precocious, except he had all those things and an uncanny instinct to survive and that makes him the prefect half for Dave.

Not only has Ms. Lane mastered the art of building up a story line, she knows how to finish and answer all the little questions that are sitting at the back of my mind. As short as this book was I was not disappointed with the ending – it wasn’t rushed nor was I let down in any of my expectation of where these two would end up.

The minimalistic feel of the book works in BEYOND THE NORM , with a handful of support cast and a whole lot of hindsight even the character development was geared toward a more rounded feel of the plot and making sure I had the chance to love or hate the cast presented.

Bottom line

BEYOND THE NORM not only hits the spot, but with surprising twist and turns that proves that Ms. Lane not only takes time to flesh out her cast but she love these people enough to present them in a scenario that shows them up best to a wider audience. I for one am very pleased to have met them and I fell hook line and sinker for Kyle and Dave.

Ms. Lane made a statement that ‘She is unable to write a long book” and I can see why, she’s forsaken quantity for quality and BEYOND THE NORM is one of her best work to date.

Smut

There was smut and there was physical and emotional attraction, it took me a while to realise that as much as I enjoyed the time Kyle and Dave took with each other, the story was bigger than that. The trust, patience, acceptance and second chance on both side made the story more than just two guys getting their groove on.


Niggles
Nope – simply, short and to the point with characters that hold their own. For me this was a wonderful read.

Cover
When I saw the cover originally I thought, how dark and how odd but over time I guess the cover grew on me and after actually reading the book, I find the cover absolutely perfect for the story. Dave is actually the angel of the story and the reverse is reflected on the cover while Kyle comes with baggage, mood swings, bad habits and is no where near the angel that he appears to be, but he is the light of that relationship and his reflected as such on the cover. I love the contrast both literally and figuratively that the artist conveyed and I say this is an absolutely perfect cover for one of Shawn Lane’s best work.…

[Straysod · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm a little surprised at how many good reviews this got. This is a painfully simplistic book. The writing is fairly unpolished; no editing errors, really, but it has no rhythm. The characters don't really have distinctive voices, and they seem normal one page and then the next stop using contractions and sound ridiculously formal. If it fits with the character, I don't mind the use of endearments or slang, but the word "dude" quickly had me wanting to slap Kyle. The two MCs fell in love fast, and constantly called each other "babe". Instead of cute, it was just sickly sweet. The (and I hesitate to even give it that much credit) "plot" was childish, unbelievable, and made the already shallow characters seem absurd. I've seen puddles with more depth than these guys. I really only made it through the book because it was only 100 pages. Even if you're just looking for a quick sweet read, I would recommend looking elsewhere. There are plenty of decent short m/m romances out there without wasting money on this one.

[ElaineY · Rating 4 out of 5]

More a 3.5 as I wasn't hooked enough not to start skipping the sex scenes after first one or two. Both characters are likable though this is too light a story for me to truly get into. It's more a quick romance between a two guys - Dave, a hunky bar-owner, and Kyle, a cute, young Goth - with a teensy bit of suspense.

There's no angst and the two men fall for each other easily enough. The suspense but is wrapped up in a paragraph or two and then the HEA. It's okay if you're in the mood for something easy and indulgent.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

3 stars

This novella was a little light on the tension, but high on the initial connection. I liked both Kyle and Dave, and their quick fall into love was a bit unexpected. Kyle’s dark secret is the kind that usually leads to big plot arcs and terrifying chases, but it’s all abruptly chopped for a quickie epilogue. For me, that felt superficial, and I wasn’t satisfied with the story being so short. I get that it’s a novella, but I think the plot predicament lent itself for more development and a better balance between the first 24 hours of contact and the weeks-to-months before the ending. After knowing one another for barely two weeks, Dave’s decision to follow Kyle wherever he led seemed too convenient as well, short-circuiting any true obstacles for the characters to experience and grow from.

Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.

[Alina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of Shawn Lane's books! :)
I just love her characters and I love the dynamic between them, how there isn't usually that big misunderstanding cliche, that could get dragged out on dosens of pages and there'e no middle-book break ups and there still is some angst, but it's very well-balanced and the bad things get resolved rather quickly, but very satisfying.

So here I loved how Dave was so very reliable and protective and helped to put broked Kyle together. I liked Kyle and I even liked Dax and felt so sorry for him, the moment, when he's urging Kyle to run, knowing he himself wouldn't have a chance - it's heartbreaking :/ The HEA is very sweet and nice, as usual :)

[Janie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet but very simple story. There was not a lot in this book, 2 guys who are completely opposite fall for each other. Dave who is a controlling bar owner rescues young goth Kyle from getting beat up. Dave takes Kyle home and keeps him safe.

[Kobie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Held my interest and was well written, but it had a feeling of being not fully developed. ..like a new author's work. Plus, tying someone up without consent hit me as wrong.

[Pat Fafolu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of this writer 's better books because of the murder/ mystery plot.
Really enjoyed it

[The Novel Approach · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book starts out with the discovery of a 19 year old Goth boy, Kyle, who is being beaten up by a group of guys outside Dave’s Bar. Dave Johnson, 27 year old, bar owner, rescues the boy and takes him home, when he realizes he is homeless, hungry and scared. As the story progresses with instant chemistry, Dave realizes Kyle is hiding from someone or something from his past that keeps both of them wary of each other.

Dave was married to a woman and eventually divorced due to his preference of men. He owns a motorcycle and a bar. His life revolves around running the bar and riding his bike. After he rescues Kyle and takes him home, he continually assumes the worst of Kyle in every situation. Kyle manages to hold his own with Dave and his controlling tendencies, and they quickly develop a sexual relationship. Dave eventually realizes how boring his life was before Kyle.

I am a huge Shawn Lane fan, but I felt like the characters were underdeveloped for the complexity of this story. Kyle left home early because of his sexuality and lack of parenting from his drug addicted mother. The part of the story that seemed to be underdeveloped was his involvement with the DEA agent that was undercover with a drug cartel. Kyle witnesses a murder, and his life is sent into a further tailspin. The reader is not given much of a backstory, so the ending seemed abrupt.

This book has all the parts of a “rainy day” read. It has lots of sex, light BDSM, and insta-love where the reader does not become overly invested in the characters.

Reviewed by Traci at The Novel Approach

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A totally captivating story that I did not want to:

A. put down
B. want to end

I love the end, it's a wonderful blend of HEA romance and satisfying resolution. I'd just like to see more of Kyle and Dave at some point in the future. Another story would not, in my opinion, be amiss.

I think a good part of why I love Beyond the Norm so much is the chemistry between Dave and Kyle. Man, those two really set sparks flying. The sex was H-O-T and masterfully combined with emotion; there was a lot more going on than just getting off!
I enjoyed the bits and pieces of Dave's life to which we were treated. But the story is very much about the two men; how they met, how their relationship grew and how they achieved their HEA. Easy? No. But Shawn Lane has created two fabulous characters that I will not soon forget.

[Yue · Rating 1 out of 5]

Kyle and his Sugar Daddy.

True, Dave is only 8 years older, but Kyle behaves like 16 and Dave like he is in his forties.

Insta-love.

What the hell about the rope after meeting a couple of hours before, and after all Kyle went thru? They did not even talk properly, and the nerve of Dave to ask if it was OK after he tied Kyle up.

I feel like Dave took advantage of the situation. He is supposed to be real nice but it was like he just wanted a pretty ass.

Ugh with Kyle saying "dude" to Dave, and Dave with his "babe".

I skipped the last sex scene.

Let me tell you that this is not a romance.

Corny end... way too corny. Dave... poor idiot.

[Cindi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice story. Two complete opposites who end up together under unique circumstances. I really liked Kyle. Dave was okay but he seemed a bit too controlling, especially in the very beginning. While I really liked the love story between the two I wasn't all that enthused over the resolution of the story.

Not a bad read.

[Rayner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually, a 3.5

[Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not what I expected. Too bad. Good premise.