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Blue Ruin #4
Need You Tonight
Blue's summer is heating up in more ways than one. When he befriends Dusty Sterling, he sees the opportunity to give his master Derek their first true threesome. But first, Blue must meet a requirement issued by Derek.
Derek is content with Blue as his exclusive lover, but when offered the chance to bring the beautiful Dusty into their bedroom, Derek's definitely tempted. He agrees to Blue's idea under one condition--it's Blue who must seduce Dusty.
Blind since birth, Dusty is proud, independent, and knows what--and who--he wants. In need of temporary shelter, he accepts an offer to stay with Derek and Blue. The fact that he finds them both attractive doesn't hurt, but Dusty must let his hosts in on a secret--his unique and sometimes frightening way of "seeing."
When Dusty's nightmares reflect a pair of real-life murders, Blue uses his connections with the police to bring Dusty in on the case. The friends grow closer both in and out of the bedroom, but their bond will truly be tested by the evil that lurks in plain sight.
Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find Anal play/intercourse, male/male sexual practices, menage (m/m/m), violence.
Derek is content with Blue as his exclusive lover, but when offered the chance to bring the beautiful Dusty into their bedroom, Derek's definitely tempted. He agrees to Blue's idea under one condition--it's Blue who must seduce Dusty.
Blind since birth, Dusty is proud, independent, and knows what--and who--he wants. In need of temporary shelter, he accepts an offer to stay with Derek and Blue. The fact that he finds them both attractive doesn't hurt, but Dusty must let his hosts in on a secret--his unique and sometimes frightening way of "seeing."
When Dusty's nightmares reflect a pair of real-life murders, Blue uses his connections with the police to bring Dusty in on the case. The friends grow closer both in and out of the bedroom, but their bond will truly be tested by the evil that lurks in plain sight.
Publisher's Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find Anal play/intercourse, male/male sexual practices, menage (m/m/m), violence.
185 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
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232 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 24, 2011
At the end of the day, Blue ruined the series for me. Maybe that's why it's called Blue Ruin, since the the club of the same name was barely in the series.
In this book, Blue has to testify against the Maple Street Murderer in court, he is trying to come to terms with the fact that he is lying on the stand, and he has started school. On top of all that, Blue attempts to right his past wrongs by finding a boy for Derek, since Derek had let him indulge his fantasies. Enter Dusty a silver haired blind boy who moves in next door to Blue's friend Jodi. This is the guy the boys noticed in the last book at the grocery store. Things of course don't exactly go as planned.
At the end of the day, I just find Blue (and all of his annoying friends) to be so immature, I'm not sure why Derek wants him. Dusty, however, is an interesting character and I would like to read more about him. I liked the addition of the touch of paranormal and would have liked to have seen more of that. A hot blind psychic is hard to resist.
In this book, Blue has to testify against the Maple Street Murderer in court, he is trying to come to terms with the fact that he is lying on the stand, and he has started school. On top of all that, Blue attempts to right his past wrongs by finding a boy for Derek, since Derek had let him indulge his fantasies. Enter Dusty a silver haired blind boy who moves in next door to Blue's friend Jodi. This is the guy the boys noticed in the last book at the grocery store. Things of course don't exactly go as planned.
At the end of the day, I just find Blue (and all of his annoying friends) to be so immature, I'm not sure why Derek wants him. Dusty, however, is an interesting character and I would like to read more about him. I liked the addition of the touch of paranormal and would have liked to have seen more of that. A hot blind psychic is hard to resist.
December 7, 2009
I love Blue and Derek but in this 4th book I really didn't feel their connection as much as I had in the last three books. I am sure this is not a popular opinion but I was disapointed in this effort.
Adding Dusty was an interesting twist to the dynamic except they used that to distance themselves from each other, sort of.
Derek not sharing about his meeting with his Dad, the pictures he is leaving him and his imminent death with Blue really bothered me. How Blue found out about it was also sad. All of the ulterior motives between Derek, Blue and Dusty were unsettling as well. The fantasies Derek had about his female neighbor and the unresolved issue with Derek's knowledge of the DA's mistress all seem to point towards a communication disconnect between the lovers that I found disheartening.
Finally, because there are so many restrictions between Derek and Blue on how they can interact with a third in thier bed the sex scenes seemed staged and awkward too often.
I hope the next book focuses on Derek and Blue and sees them reconnect again, just the two of them.
Adding Dusty was an interesting twist to the dynamic except they used that to distance themselves from each other, sort of.
Derek not sharing about his meeting with his Dad, the pictures he is leaving him and his imminent death with Blue really bothered me. How Blue found out about it was also sad. All of the ulterior motives between Derek, Blue and Dusty were unsettling as well. The fantasies Derek had about his female neighbor and the unresolved issue with Derek's knowledge of the DA's mistress all seem to point towards a communication disconnect between the lovers that I found disheartening.
Finally, because there are so many restrictions between Derek and Blue on how they can interact with a third in thier bed the sex scenes seemed staged and awkward too often.
I hope the next book focuses on Derek and Blue and sees them reconnect again, just the two of them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2009
Like three predecessors to this one AMAZING!! I 5 starred it but it deserved more cheers. The beginning had me thinking back to how #3 ended but of course the flashbacks in this one held me in check and no sooner than you'd believe it it all came back to me as if I'd just read it.
Dusty was a welcomed added touch and I'm not going to provide any spoilers but... I'd like to read his story next and I'm praying to the author gods that be that there will be one about him. I see a potentially interesting story about Dusty that may be had.
Loved it, loved it. I truly loved this story!
Dusty was a welcomed added touch and I'm not going to provide any spoilers but... I'd like to read his story next and I'm praying to the author gods that be that there will be one about him. I see a potentially interesting story about Dusty that may be had.
Loved it, loved it. I truly loved this story!
November 24, 2009
Fabulous as always. I wonder if Dusty will get his own story...
December 5, 2010
Derek and Blue are back with some familiar faces and some excellent new friends. No doubt that our favorite master and his boy have been through a lot together. In Blue Ruin 4, they strive to leave the past behind and embark on a new chapter in their relationship. But trouble has a way of finding our friends even when they least expect it. What started as a fun way to spice their sex life by bringing into their lives the beautiful Dusty, turns into a dangerous situation that puts Blue's life in danger once again. I swear poor Derek ages ten years every time this happens. ;-)
In BR4, Katrina brings us back to the storyline begun in BR2. She does so in an impressive way with a strong, fast paced, first chapter. There is a hot scene with Derek and Cameron driving out of the courthouse. What is it about men and sports cars that is such a turn on? Fans of Cameron are in for a treat. The bad boy is back, as tempting as ever. Every second he spends on-screen is a pleasure. Even better, the love triangle between Cameron, Derek and Blue comes full circle and Cameron is left in a very good place. I was thrilled with the way his story was handled, realistic and hopeful at the same time.
In terms of plot, BR4 brings closure to the questions left open at the end of BR2. This is done with the addition of a new set of characters and in the context of new events related to the serial killer storyline. The mystery is finally resolved and the resolution was quite unexpected. Bravo Katrina for managing to link back to BR2 without rehashing the past, and with enough references to BR3 to remind us that Lord Master Sasha is still out there somewhere. Evil, I tell you! Speaking of evil. What's this about closing one love triangle and opening another? A feast for the senses, that's what it is. Dusty is truly an awesome character. It is clear that Katrina did her research. Dusty is not a blind man that happens to be attractive, he is a pretty bishie that just happens to be blind. No poor me. In fact, even "blind" is relative in Dusty's case. ;-) The demanding fangirl in me would love to see Dusty's full story. However, sometimes more is not better, and Katrina left Dusty in a very good place. In my mind, I already saw his HEA.
Overall, this story is a study of light and darkness. On the one hand, there are playful, light hearted scenes between Blue and Dusty. The beautiful images of the two young men together are a breath of fresh air, a fluffy lemon chiffon pie after a full course meal. The focus of the sex scenes is not on the arguably darker BDSM dynamic Blue and Derek usually enjoy (although there is a bit of that), but on Blue and Dusty having sex and having fun while Derek goes with the flow. (As much as a Master can be expected to go with the flow! LOL) It is sweet, summery and sexy! On the other hand, I couldn't help but feel for Derek. While he clearly enjoyed having both boys at his mercy, he is in a completely different place emotionally. Katrina does an excellent job of weaving the darker, more emotional bits seamlessly into the story. So much so, that it would be easy to read this book as a nice romp with a bit of suspense and leave it at that. Yet, in fact the story is as dark as it is light. Some of the darkness and angst is in the serial killer plot line, some is in Dusty's story and some revolves around Derek. It is the latter that really engaged my emotions.
The outcome of Derek's journey in BR3 is very apparent in BR4. Derek is clear about what he wants, Blue. He is also a realist. He knows Blue is not ready to settle into a traditional, monogamous relationship, yet. Derek expresses his love by giving Blue the freedom to be the young man that he is without unnecessary burdens. He ties Blue to him, not with threats but with unconditional love. Through the story, Derek deals with some difficult personal issues. He does so quietly and on his own. It takes a while for Blue to realize that something serious is going on. (Perhaps because he is too distracted by the silver haired bishie in his bed!) In my mind, this is one small indication of a bigger message that prevails in BR4. Blue's journey is not complete. His heart belongs to Derek and he knows it. He wants to please his master and restore balance to their relationship. Yet, he still looking for balance in the wrong places, not recognizing what Derek really needs. That said, the ending of this story shows Blue connecting with his master once again. It is beautiful and poignant, and it made me cry. Yaoi angst anyone? I suspect BR5 will complete Blue's journey.
Fans of the Blue Ruin Series will be thrilled with this story. New readers are encouraged to read BR1 and BR2 at least, before reading BR4. As always, "The End" arrived way to quickly. BR5 can't come out fast enough for me. Meanwhile, I have time to re-read the whole series before the next book is released. Dear Loose ID, I would love to do that re-read on print format. What are you guys waiting for? This series is a keeper!
In BR4, Katrina brings us back to the storyline begun in BR2. She does so in an impressive way with a strong, fast paced, first chapter. There is a hot scene with Derek and Cameron driving out of the courthouse. What is it about men and sports cars that is such a turn on? Fans of Cameron are in for a treat. The bad boy is back, as tempting as ever. Every second he spends on-screen is a pleasure. Even better, the love triangle between Cameron, Derek and Blue comes full circle and Cameron is left in a very good place. I was thrilled with the way his story was handled, realistic and hopeful at the same time.
In terms of plot, BR4 brings closure to the questions left open at the end of BR2. This is done with the addition of a new set of characters and in the context of new events related to the serial killer storyline. The mystery is finally resolved and the resolution was quite unexpected. Bravo Katrina for managing to link back to BR2 without rehashing the past, and with enough references to BR3 to remind us that Lord Master Sasha is still out there somewhere. Evil, I tell you! Speaking of evil. What's this about closing one love triangle and opening another? A feast for the senses, that's what it is. Dusty is truly an awesome character. It is clear that Katrina did her research. Dusty is not a blind man that happens to be attractive, he is a pretty bishie that just happens to be blind. No poor me. In fact, even "blind" is relative in Dusty's case. ;-) The demanding fangirl in me would love to see Dusty's full story. However, sometimes more is not better, and Katrina left Dusty in a very good place. In my mind, I already saw his HEA.
Overall, this story is a study of light and darkness. On the one hand, there are playful, light hearted scenes between Blue and Dusty. The beautiful images of the two young men together are a breath of fresh air, a fluffy lemon chiffon pie after a full course meal. The focus of the sex scenes is not on the arguably darker BDSM dynamic Blue and Derek usually enjoy (although there is a bit of that), but on Blue and Dusty having sex and having fun while Derek goes with the flow. (As much as a Master can be expected to go with the flow! LOL) It is sweet, summery and sexy! On the other hand, I couldn't help but feel for Derek. While he clearly enjoyed having both boys at his mercy, he is in a completely different place emotionally. Katrina does an excellent job of weaving the darker, more emotional bits seamlessly into the story. So much so, that it would be easy to read this book as a nice romp with a bit of suspense and leave it at that. Yet, in fact the story is as dark as it is light. Some of the darkness and angst is in the serial killer plot line, some is in Dusty's story and some revolves around Derek. It is the latter that really engaged my emotions.
The outcome of Derek's journey in BR3 is very apparent in BR4. Derek is clear about what he wants, Blue. He is also a realist. He knows Blue is not ready to settle into a traditional, monogamous relationship, yet. Derek expresses his love by giving Blue the freedom to be the young man that he is without unnecessary burdens. He ties Blue to him, not with threats but with unconditional love. Through the story, Derek deals with some difficult personal issues. He does so quietly and on his own. It takes a while for Blue to realize that something serious is going on. (Perhaps because he is too distracted by the silver haired bishie in his bed!) In my mind, this is one small indication of a bigger message that prevails in BR4. Blue's journey is not complete. His heart belongs to Derek and he knows it. He wants to please his master and restore balance to their relationship. Yet, he still looking for balance in the wrong places, not recognizing what Derek really needs. That said, the ending of this story shows Blue connecting with his master once again. It is beautiful and poignant, and it made me cry. Yaoi angst anyone? I suspect BR5 will complete Blue's journey.
Fans of the Blue Ruin Series will be thrilled with this story. New readers are encouraged to read BR1 and BR2 at least, before reading BR4. As always, "The End" arrived way to quickly. BR5 can't come out fast enough for me. Meanwhile, I have time to re-read the whole series before the next book is released. Dear Loose ID, I would love to do that re-read on print format. What are you guys waiting for? This series is a keeper!
November 28, 2010
In her most recent book in the Blue Ruin series, Blue Ruin 4: Need You Tonight, Katrina Strauss resumes the storyline she first introduced in Blue Ruin 2: Close to Me. Cameron Carter, Blue’s high school nemesis and now friend with benefits is back to testify along with Blue against their attempted murderer Zachary Smith. But Blue is uneasy about his testimony because he’s not convinced that Zachary is responsible for all the murders as the Maple Street Killer.
Hounded by the media and with Derek and their friend Jodi posing as decoys Blue and Cameron escape to a posh hotel room to hide out while the media frenzy surrounding the case dies down. They haven’t been alone together in a while and things quickly heat up between the two. Cameron still wants a relationship with Blue but Blue’s love and commitment to Derek forces a decision that will finally resolve tensions with Cameron and Derek.
Things eventually do settle down and Derek and Blue get back to their version of normal. Blue and Jodi are now students in cosmetology school and spending much time together and with their friend April. With everything that Derek and Blue have been through their relationship is solid and they have come to know and understand each other's needs. However, Blue remains preoccupied with having a real threesome.
Through Jodi, Blue meets and gets to know Dusty Sterling, a hot bishie with silvery blond hair and matching gray eyes. Blue's attraction to Dusty gives him all sorts of ideas he is sure will equally appeal to Derek. Although Dusty is blind he has premonitory abilities and his dreams and nightmares turn into warnings of danger for both Dusty and Blue.
I found Blue Ruin 4: Need You Tonight to be the most dramatic book in the series thus far with plenty of action, hot sex, and yaoi angst. Several things stand out. First, I feel that Katrina Strauss handled the resolution of the Derek-Blue-Cameron triangle very well not only in terms of Blue and Cameron’s relationship, but also in respect of leaving the door open for the future growth of Cameron himself.
What was even more interesting is that no sooner had the triangle between Derek, Blue and Cameron been resolved, the author introduces Dusty into the fold. I have mentioned in my reviews of previous books in this series the author’s strengths in writing fully developed primary and secondary characters and in this respect she follows through in the same manner with the writing of Dusty. As much as I enjoyed the dynamics between Blue, Derek and Dusty when they were in threesome mode, or Blue and Dusty’s burgeoning relationship and friendship, it was the character of Dusty himself that captured my attention and imagination within the context of these relationships to the point that I would forget at times that the series is supposed to be focused on Blue and Derek.
What also captured my imagination was the revealing of Derek. I have previously referred to the character of Derek as being much darker in comparison with Blue and very controlled and regimented, both with respect to his emotions and his surroundings. In Blue Ruin 3: Chains of Love we learn of the origins of Derek’s foray into BDSM, but it is in Book 4 that we come to understand the reasons behind his more somber disposition and his need for regimentation and control as he takes us back to his childhood. In many respects I felt that Derek’s childhood reminiscences and his current family situation were the most touching and poignant aspects of the book, even more so than Dusty’s tragic beginnings. This book gave me a better understanding of the motivations of this character, his love and commitment to Blue and his integrity in imposing the same parameters on himself as he imposes on Blue within the context of their relationship.
Add all of the above to a climatic ending to the Maple Street Murders and you get a page-turner that I’m certain will delight fans of the series. As with Blue Ruin 3, the author has left the door wide open not only for possible new adventures for Blue and Derek in future books, but also for potential new beginnings for Dusty and Cameron and the eventual revisiting of Sasha, Drago and Luka from Blue Ruin 3 through stories of their own. Katrina Strauss has expanded the Blue Ruin universe to such a degree with the introduction of several well-rounded secondary characters that fans of the series will no doubt be excited at the prospects of future spin-off books.
For those who have yet to read the Blue Ruin series I highly recommend starting with Blue Ruin 1: Some Kind of Stranger. The Blue Ruin world has grown to such a degree that the books should be read in sequence by order of publication/release date in order to fully appreciate the continuing story lines, the primary and secondary characters and their intersecting lives and relationships.
NOTE: This review was originally published online by Rainbow Reviews on December 27, 2009.
May 20, 2012
As much as I love the way those series are written, the relationship between the main characters keeps bugging me non-stop. I understand the whole D & S theme and the BDSM stuff being such a turn on for them. Hell I understand all too well them having a somewhat 'open' relationship and adding more mates in their play. What I don't understand is, why the heck can Blue do whatever he wants and Derek can't?
In this book it was crystal clear that Derek wanted Dusty a lot, and the other way round. And yet Blue goes all superior on them, messing first with Cameron, then with Dusty and gives his final touch by actually ordering Derek around to get involved with their play. Even if Derek allows or in some cases supports this behavior, it doesn't look like something he'd do on his own, but as something he has to do in order to keep Blue around. I'd be much more satisfied if he actually did jump Dusty's bones.
Other than those 'relationship points', the plot was good as usual. A little bit of mystery, suspense, a good quantity of paranormalcy with Dusty in the center of it and a whole damn lot of good sex scenes. The BDSM theme wasn't barely there in this book, but the whole domination/submission thing was on, weakened, altered and spiced up due to Dusty's presence.
A pretty good book, but if you follow the series, you might actually be slightly disappointed. Still... looking forward to the next installment of the series. Can't help but need more!
In this book it was crystal clear that Derek wanted Dusty a lot, and the other way round. And yet Blue goes all superior on them, messing first with Cameron, then with Dusty and gives his final touch by actually ordering Derek around to get involved with their play. Even if Derek allows or in some cases supports this behavior, it doesn't look like something he'd do on his own, but as something he has to do in order to keep Blue around. I'd be much more satisfied if he actually did jump Dusty's bones.
Other than those 'relationship points', the plot was good as usual. A little bit of mystery, suspense, a good quantity of paranormalcy with Dusty in the center of it and a whole damn lot of good sex scenes. The BDSM theme wasn't barely there in this book, but the whole domination/submission thing was on, weakened, altered and spiced up due to Dusty's presence.
A pretty good book, but if you follow the series, you might actually be slightly disappointed. Still... looking forward to the next installment of the series. Can't help but need more!
April 24, 2016
This is one of those books I really looked forward to reading. I bought it at midnight the day it was released. I really enjoyed the story. Yet now, when I sit down to review it, I'm not sure what to say.
I really loved returning to Blue's world. I loved seeing more of Blue, Derek, April, Jodi, even Cameron. And I enjoyed getting to know Dusty.
For me, this installment was a bit more romantic and a bit less erotic on the BDSM front. Once again Blue and Derek find themselves trying out a threesome, this time with another submissive boy. Loved Blue and Dusty's dynamic with each other, from the sweet flirty friendship to the "something more" that developed.
Although Blue and Derek have experimented with three different threesomes (in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th books), they always seem to return to being exclusive in the end.
If a book 5 develops, I'll be happy to return to this world again.
I really loved returning to Blue's world. I loved seeing more of Blue, Derek, April, Jodi, even Cameron. And I enjoyed getting to know Dusty.
For me, this installment was a bit more romantic and a bit less erotic on the BDSM front. Once again Blue and Derek find themselves trying out a threesome, this time with another submissive boy. Loved Blue and Dusty's dynamic with each other, from the sweet flirty friendship to the "something more" that developed.
Although Blue and Derek have experimented with three different threesomes (in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th books), they always seem to return to being exclusive in the end.
If a book 5 develops, I'll be happy to return to this world again.
December 11, 2024
Rating After First Read: 2 Stars
Rating After Second Read: 2 Stars
December 11; 2024
At this point, I need to admit that I'm hate-reading this series. There are some books you love to read, and others that you hate to read but rarer still are books you love to hate and this is firmly in the last category for me. I find myself morbidly curious about the direction this series plans to take despite being fully aware that it's not going to be something I love.
Of all the books in this series so far this one was the lowest rated on my initial read-through of this series and that had me really intrigued to read this one. In my initial read-through, every book besides this one in this series got 3 or more stars and I think the reason for that is because this book didn't fit the erotica tag as well. The primary attraction for me with respect to this series was the erotica. It is what I remembered this series for and that's why I chose to re-read it even though throughout this re-read I keep getting sidestepped by other glaring issues in this series that I completely missed the first time I read it. However, erotica was the main pull for this series and this book does nothing new on that front. Considering how this series begin this book has very few sex scenes and that's probably the major reason this book didn't get a higher rating the first time around.
This book has a lot of things going on, especially in the first quarter of this book that are not even related to the main plot, and it takes too long to deliver on the promise of the blurb. Dusty is someone who we have already been peripherally introduced to in book three. The cover and the blurb already have him poised to play a major role in this book yet he is not even introduced in the first quarter of this book. Forget going beyond, it takes way too long to get this book to the point the blurb already promised us would come which makes everything that happens in this book prior to that point seem rather extraneous.
The first quarter of this book deals with Blue's relationship with Cameron and his mother and those are themes worthy of exploration but the blurb has primed me to expect something else. A 'something else' that only fully develops halfway through this book which means, that not only has the blurb spoiled the direction this book is going to take, it has also made me way too impatient to wade through all this other stuff that isn't dealing with what I now believe to be the main plot of this book which makes for a rather impossible situation through no fault of the book.
The blurb of this book should have focussed on how with the court case against the Maple Street murderer underway, Cameron is back in the picture and how with Blue's fledgling career on top of everything else Blue and Derek are finding less and less time with each other and how things change when a silver-eyed boy is in need of temporary shelter. Instead of immediately telling us that this book will have a threesome featuring Derek, Blue and Dusty and how Dusty's psychic abilities will somehow come in handy in solving yet another murder spree when all that is not going to be relevant for the first half of the book.
On one hand, the blurb of this book really sets it up to fail and on the other, this book is trying to do too many things at once and it abandons all of them when Dusty comes into the picture. The DA's mistress is someone we have been aware of since book three and this book started dropping hints on that subject really early and I wondered if things would develop further on that front but nothing. Then there is Polly who seems to be getting a makeover in this book literally and figuratively and I wondered if that would tie in with the DA's mistress but again nothing. Then there was the paparazzi that seemed to be following Polly specifically and Blue incidentally and I really thought that that would tie into something but nada. Also, this book solves one murder spree only to have another murderer left unaccounted for like at the end of book two, Close to Me.
This book focuses on Blue (& by extension Dusty) a little too much and it was a little disheartening to see Derek so thoroughly sidelined. I don't like Derek but this book made me feel sorry for him. Derek is really going throughout in this book on multiple fronts and the fact that Blue is nowhere to be found just cements how bad of a couple they are. I always thought this relationship was a bad deal for Blue but it's apparent now that neither of them is getting a good deal out of this relationship.
Here's hoping that the next and final book in this series manages to tie up even one of the loose ends this book has created.
Rating After Second Read: 2 Stars
December 11; 2024
At this point, I need to admit that I'm hate-reading this series. There are some books you love to read, and others that you hate to read but rarer still are books you love to hate and this is firmly in the last category for me. I find myself morbidly curious about the direction this series plans to take despite being fully aware that it's not going to be something I love.
Of all the books in this series so far this one was the lowest rated on my initial read-through of this series and that had me really intrigued to read this one. In my initial read-through, every book besides this one in this series got 3 or more stars and I think the reason for that is because this book didn't fit the erotica tag as well. The primary attraction for me with respect to this series was the erotica. It is what I remembered this series for and that's why I chose to re-read it even though throughout this re-read I keep getting sidestepped by other glaring issues in this series that I completely missed the first time I read it. However, erotica was the main pull for this series and this book does nothing new on that front. Considering how this series begin this book has very few sex scenes and that's probably the major reason this book didn't get a higher rating the first time around.
This book has a lot of things going on, especially in the first quarter of this book that are not even related to the main plot, and it takes too long to deliver on the promise of the blurb. Dusty is someone who we have already been peripherally introduced to in book three. The cover and the blurb already have him poised to play a major role in this book yet he is not even introduced in the first quarter of this book. Forget going beyond, it takes way too long to get this book to the point the blurb already promised us would come which makes everything that happens in this book prior to that point seem rather extraneous.
The first quarter of this book deals with Blue's relationship with Cameron and his mother and those are themes worthy of exploration but the blurb has primed me to expect something else. A 'something else' that only fully develops halfway through this book which means, that not only has the blurb spoiled the direction this book is going to take, it has also made me way too impatient to wade through all this other stuff that isn't dealing with what I now believe to be the main plot of this book which makes for a rather impossible situation through no fault of the book.
The blurb of this book should have focussed on how with the court case against the Maple Street murderer underway, Cameron is back in the picture and how with Blue's fledgling career on top of everything else Blue and Derek are finding less and less time with each other and how things change when a silver-eyed boy is in need of temporary shelter. Instead of immediately telling us that this book will have a threesome featuring Derek, Blue and Dusty and how Dusty's psychic abilities will somehow come in handy in solving yet another murder spree when all that is not going to be relevant for the first half of the book.
On one hand, the blurb of this book really sets it up to fail and on the other, this book is trying to do too many things at once and it abandons all of them when Dusty comes into the picture. The DA's mistress is someone we have been aware of since book three and this book started dropping hints on that subject really early and I wondered if things would develop further on that front but nothing. Then there is Polly who seems to be getting a makeover in this book literally and figuratively and I wondered if that would tie in with the DA's mistress but again nothing. Then there was the paparazzi that seemed to be following Polly specifically and Blue incidentally and I really thought that that would tie into something but nada. Also, this book solves one murder spree only to have another murderer left unaccounted for like at the end of book two, Close to Me.
This book focuses on Blue (& by extension Dusty) a little too much and it was a little disheartening to see Derek so thoroughly sidelined. I don't like Derek but this book made me feel sorry for him. Derek is really going throughout in this book on multiple fronts and the fact that Blue is nowhere to be found just cements how bad of a couple they are. I always thought this relationship was a bad deal for Blue but it's apparent now that neither of them is getting a good deal out of this relationship.
Here's hoping that the next and final book in this series manages to tie up even one of the loose ends this book has created.
November 26, 2009
Well BR5 not only lived up to my expectations of a great book but surpassed them as this series always does. There aren't many series/authors I buy without a second thought but Katrina Strauss/Blue Ruin series is one of them. This is a great book with gorgeous, sexy men and a great story. Unlike some books where I am always waiting for the next steamy scene and the actual story telling just seems to get in the way, BR5's story is as enjoyable as the sex scenes we all love and enjoy. It is a great read from start to finish and, as much as I love e-books, I really would like to see this entire series in print - hard back print - so I could lovingly care for it on my bookself.
The introduction of Dusty was fantastic and he proved as popular a character as he deserved to be considering the interest he generated from a mere cameo appearance. Blue and Derek both grow in this book and the strength of their relation shines through - especially in the final scene. I can only hope there there is a BR5 and that Dusty gets another mention in the next installment.
Please let there be a Blue Ruin 5 - now I'm off to re-read the entire series!
The introduction of Dusty was fantastic and he proved as popular a character as he deserved to be considering the interest he generated from a mere cameo appearance. Blue and Derek both grow in this book and the strength of their relation shines through - especially in the final scene. I can only hope there there is a BR5 and that Dusty gets another mention in the next installment.
Please let there be a Blue Ruin 5 - now I'm off to re-read the entire series!
May 25, 2013
Overall, I’ve really enjoyed this series. Trouble (yes, with a capital “T”) seems to follow Blue wherever he goes, and that always adds a bit of mystery and danger to each story. I definitely didn’t foresee the problems that cropped up in this edition, and I was hooked on wondering what was going to happen.
I liked the addition of Dusty in this particular book, but I also missed one of the key elements that drew me to this series in the first place – the D/s relationship between Derek and Blue. There was very little of that dynamic present in this book. The three of them together experimented with a little bit of bondage play, but the overall BDSM tone to this book was extremely low key.
At the same time I was hoping for a “back to basics” between Derek and Blue, I was also sad to let go of Dusty. I loved him as a character and I’d love nothing more than to see him have his own story with a wonderful HEA. The ending definitely left that possibility open, but also left a few other key sidetracks to the story open-ended as well. Does that mean there’s hope for a future edition? I hope so…
I liked the addition of Dusty in this particular book, but I also missed one of the key elements that drew me to this series in the first place – the D/s relationship between Derek and Blue. There was very little of that dynamic present in this book. The three of them together experimented with a little bit of bondage play, but the overall BDSM tone to this book was extremely low key.
At the same time I was hoping for a “back to basics” between Derek and Blue, I was also sad to let go of Dusty. I loved him as a character and I’d love nothing more than to see him have his own story with a wonderful HEA. The ending definitely left that possibility open, but also left a few other key sidetracks to the story open-ended as well. Does that mean there’s hope for a future edition? I hope so…
November 21, 2011
God this was an excellent ending to a series. Even though I wish to have more, Ms. Strauss tied up all lose ends and she gave me a happily ever after. Along the way, we also finally get some hot threesome action with Blue topping Dusty. That was pretty hot, with Blue being taken by Derek while Dusty was being taking by Blue. I'm with Jodi-can - I'd like to watch it and take pictures too!
As much as I love these characters, the closure was good and ended just right. While it would be need to read a one off story about Cam and Dusty and how Derek's mother came to visit, I'm afraid it may wreck the lovely ending. There are definitely other stories around the secondary characters like Jodi, April and Polly I'd like to know about. But really, these 4 books are about Blue and Derek. Their relationship together over the course of four books has been wonderful to watch. I highly recommend this series to m/m lovers who enjoy a bit of kink.
As much as I love these characters, the closure was good and ended just right. While it would be need to read a one off story about Cam and Dusty and how Derek's mother came to visit, I'm afraid it may wreck the lovely ending. There are definitely other stories around the secondary characters like Jodi, April and Polly I'd like to know about. But really, these 4 books are about Blue and Derek. Their relationship together over the course of four books has been wonderful to watch. I highly recommend this series to m/m lovers who enjoy a bit of kink.
July 8, 2015
This one was the perfection I've been hoping for, since I started this series. It hurts my heart to leave it behind and move on to the last book. This one actually made me cry.
Dusty is exactly what Blue says he is - something special. He's strong, resilient and lightens the intensity between Derek and Blue, but it was nice to see all three of them together, as well.
This time, the crime element made total sense, Blue wasn't a slut and everything just came together perfectly. There isn't much I can say without giving it all away, but I was disappointed to see that Dusty didn't end up with Sasha; that was my preferred solution for that situation, ever since I finished the last book and read this one's blurb. But I do believe Dusty will love living in a little hick town, in a cute little house with a certain someone.
By far the best book of the series, so far.
Dusty is exactly what Blue says he is - something special. He's strong, resilient and lightens the intensity between Derek and Blue, but it was nice to see all three of them together, as well.
This time, the crime element made total sense, Blue wasn't a slut and everything just came together perfectly. There isn't much I can say without giving it all away, but I was disappointed to see that Dusty didn't end up with Sasha; that was my preferred solution for that situation, ever since I finished the last book and read this one's blurb. But I do believe Dusty will love living in a little hick town, in a cute little house with a certain someone.
By far the best book of the series, so far.
November 26, 2009
Absolutely loved this story, Katrina kept me in suspense all the way to the end. Not many stories keep me coming back but the story with Derek and Blue does and I hope to here more from these sexy men in the future! Thanks Katrina for a wonderful story!
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January 7, 2011Of the four Blue Ruin books, all of which are good, this is by far the best. I loved the glimpse into Derek's character, the in depth look at who he is. It's alos nice to see Blue maturing and growing as a character.
November 4, 2013
They finally brought in a third and I didn't know if I was going to like this new guy but I did, I soooo did. I really enjoyed their dynamics and because of this I'm not sure I loved the ending, dammit!
March 7, 2021
4 stars
June 11, 2010
June 11, 2010
August 8, 2012
Boring. Blah.
August 25, 2012
I enjoyed the wrap-up of the loose ends in Derek and Blue's tempestuous relationship and would love to see Dusty and Cameron's relationship develop. All in all, a satisfying end to the series. :)
January 28, 2013
This series just hit all the right buttons for me. Suspense, lovable characters, hunky guys in charge, and some seriously smoking sex.
August 28, 2014
Review to come.
November 7, 2013
an old classic series :)
October 18, 2010
Loved Dusty and his chemistry with Blue and Derek!
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