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When Mr. Glad Rags meets Mr. Riches, the result is flaming fun.
Tobias “Mas” Maslin doesn’t need much. A place of his own, weekends of clubbing, a rich boyfriend for love and support. Too bad his latest sugar daddy candidate turns out to be married with kids. Mas wants to be special, not someone’s dirty little secret.
When he loses his job and his flat on the same day, his worlds starts unraveling…until he stumbles across a vintage clothing shop. Now to convince the reclusive, eccentric owner he’s in dire need of a salesman.
Perry Cavendish-Fiennes set up Cabbages and Kinks solely to annoy his controlling father. Truth be told, he’d rather spend every spare moment on his true passion, art. When Mas comes flaming into his life talking nineteen to the dozen, he finds himself offering him a job and a place to live.
He should have listened to his instincts. The shop is already financially on the brink, and Mas’s flirting makes him feel things he’s never felt for a man. Yet Mas seems convinced they can make a go of it—in the shop, and together.
Warning: Contains an eccentric, bumbling Englishman, a gobby drama queen, fantastic retro clothing, scary fairies, exes springing out of the woodwork, and a well-aimed glass of bubbly. Written in brilliantly British English.
Tobias “Mas” Maslin doesn’t need much. A place of his own, weekends of clubbing, a rich boyfriend for love and support. Too bad his latest sugar daddy candidate turns out to be married with kids. Mas wants to be special, not someone’s dirty little secret.
When he loses his job and his flat on the same day, his worlds starts unraveling…until he stumbles across a vintage clothing shop. Now to convince the reclusive, eccentric owner he’s in dire need of a salesman.
Perry Cavendish-Fiennes set up Cabbages and Kinks solely to annoy his controlling father. Truth be told, he’d rather spend every spare moment on his true passion, art. When Mas comes flaming into his life talking nineteen to the dozen, he finds himself offering him a job and a place to live.
He should have listened to his instincts. The shop is already financially on the brink, and Mas’s flirting makes him feel things he’s never felt for a man. Yet Mas seems convinced they can make a go of it—in the shop, and together.
Warning: Contains an eccentric, bumbling Englishman, a gobby drama queen, fantastic retro clothing, scary fairies, exes springing out of the woodwork, and a well-aimed glass of bubbly. Written in brilliantly British English.
331 pages, Paperback
First published May 27, 2014
8 people are currently reading
421 people want to read
About the author
Josephine Myles
66 books652 followersEnglish through and through, Josephine Myles is addicted to tea and busy cultivating a reputation for eccentricity. She writes gay erotica and romance, but finds the erotica keeps cuddling up to the romance, and the romance keeps corrupting the erotica. She blames her rebellious muse but he never listens to her anyway, no matter how much she threatens him with a big stick. She's beginning to suspect he enjoys it.
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Note to readers: I don't read reviews of my stories on here anymore, as I think they're geared for other readers, not the writers (plus I'm chicken and would rather stick my fingers in my ears going "la-la-la"). If you'd like to let me know what you thought about any of my stories, please PM me or send me an email. I'd be very happy to hear from you :)
***
Note to readers: I don't read reviews of my stories on here anymore, as I think they're geared for other readers, not the writers (plus I'm chicken and would rather stick my fingers in my ears going "la-la-la"). If you'd like to let me know what you thought about any of my stories, please PM me or send me an email. I'd be very happy to hear from you :)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
January 30, 2015
4.5 bloody marvelous stars
This was Junk's snappier, dirtier cousin, and it was all kinds of good. Seriously, I liked this more than the first book, which was a bit bogged down by the hoarding theme and heavy emotional issues. So much of that book was spent with Lewis pulling back and Jasper being needy and pushing. I was knackered when I finished. (Oh, shut up, both of these babies are set in Bristol, ok?)
I'm still glad I read it though, because we see a lot of Jasper and Lewis in this second installment, and they are all kinds of fabulous together. Closure, people, closure.
Stuff is all about Mas, Jasper's mate and one-time fuck buddy, who finds himself jobless and homeless. Like a shiny vintage fairy, Perry pops into his life. Well, Mas pops into Perry's shop actually and turns Perry's structured, posh universe upsidedown. Mas is a bit of a queen and totally exasperating, but I freaking loved him. And sweet Perry, he just takes to butt sex like a starving man going for a hambone.
There was mild angst and major communication issues, because Perry was emotionally castrated and Mas wouldn't shut up. Perry thought he wasn't good enough for Mas, and Mas thought he wasn't good enough for Perry, and on and on they went on that merry-go-round. Do you see?
But then there was the shop launch and a wedding (don't get your knickers in a knot. It's not THEIR wedding. Yet.), and I couldn't stop grinning.
I love British boys, AND I love the way Myles doesn't waterdown her writing for an American audience. I spent years in London, and I love authentically British books, and this one was the shit. God, the dialogue was hilarious. It had me grinning and giggling. Mas and his big, twinky mouth:
The whole thing made me insanely happy.
And there you have it: the best recommendation for a book.
This was Junk's snappier, dirtier cousin, and it was all kinds of good. Seriously, I liked this more than the first book, which was a bit bogged down by the hoarding theme and heavy emotional issues. So much of that book was spent with Lewis pulling back and Jasper being needy and pushing. I was knackered when I finished. (Oh, shut up, both of these babies are set in Bristol, ok?)
I'm still glad I read it though, because we see a lot of Jasper and Lewis in this second installment, and they are all kinds of fabulous together. Closure, people, closure.
Stuff is all about Mas, Jasper's mate and one-time fuck buddy, who finds himself jobless and homeless. Like a shiny vintage fairy, Perry pops into his life. Well, Mas pops into Perry's shop actually and turns Perry's structured, posh universe upsidedown. Mas is a bit of a queen and totally exasperating, but I freaking loved him. And sweet Perry, he just takes to butt sex like a starving man going for a hambone.
There was mild angst and major communication issues, because Perry was emotionally castrated and Mas wouldn't shut up. Perry thought he wasn't good enough for Mas, and Mas thought he wasn't good enough for Perry, and on and on they went on that merry-go-round. Do you see?
But then there was the shop launch and a wedding (don't get your knickers in a knot. It's not THEIR wedding. Yet.), and I couldn't stop grinning.
I love British boys, AND I love the way Myles doesn't waterdown her writing for an American audience. I spent years in London, and I love authentically British books, and this one was the shit. God, the dialogue was hilarious. It had me grinning and giggling. Mas and his big, twinky mouth:
You got other plans then? Other than sticking your cock into me? And I'll let you do that before we go and when we get back if you're a good boy and come with me. You might even get a bonus handjob in the gents' if it's not too crowded.
The whole thing made me insanely happy.
And there you have it: the best recommendation for a book.
May 24, 2014
There is something quirky and slightly off and utterly endearing about Jo Myles’ characters. They are imperfect and sometimes awkward to read. But, I find myself engrossed in their oddities and the emotions the characters share on page. It’s almost like this fantasy world in a contemporary setting.
Stuff is the second of the Bristol Collection (book 1 is “Junk”) and we meet again, Mas (Jasper’s sometimes-hookup from book 1).
Mas is a bit ADD, way over the top, and a slightly nutty. I adored him. Mas finds his way into a vintage clothing shop owned by Perry.
Perry is an eccentric artist and collector and shy as they come. I adored him. Perry finds himself intrigued by Mas.
And so starts their working relationship into their love affair.
Perry is one of my favorite shy geeky characters. He’s up there with Victor Bayne and Percival Endicott Whyborne. I mean it…yes, I love him that much. He does something to my heart. He is guarded but wants so badly not to be lonely anymore. Ugh…it hurts me just thinking about it. I want him to be loved and to love so fully. Thank goodness for Mas and his incessant ways.
This story is sweet and it’s patient in how it’s told. It has some funny moments, some cringe-worthy moments, some painful moments, and some massively endearing moments. My heart was worked out and then stretched to fullness by it by the end. And, as a massive plus, it is gloriously British. Love.
It’s rare that I’m so touched by a story that I don’t want to read anything for awhile afterward (aka “book hangover”). But, Stuff did that to me. I wanted to just sit and remember Perry. I wasn’t ready to move on from him. Even now, I want more time with him. Can I have some more time with Perry, Ms. Myles (*ahem*…maybe another book? :) )
July 20, 2017
The more romance I read, the more I look for MCs that break away from the blah and the bland. I want an MC to punch me in the face with personality, and Mas punched me in the face.
Stuff was a quirky book about quirky things. We have a bold, mouthy, talkative twink and an eccentric, aristocratic loner getting together, yet somehow it works.
I was very curious about Perry and his sexuality. He'd never had a girlfriend or boyfriend, and he seemed interested in his, ehem, paid friend-with-benefits more for her personality than anything else. I wondered if he was a demisexual or a gray-asexual (if I could only pick Josephine Myles's brain on that!) in addition to being a newly realized bi/pansexual. Hmmmm.
For me, though, Mas carried the book. I love an MC with spunk in him (ba-dum-chis), and Mas took over every scene. He was vulnerable, daring, and just plain old fun.
The plot was weird in a good way, and I knew right from the beginning that this was a book for me. And it was. Oh, and this book can be read as a stand-alone, but it is nice to know the guys from the first book because they make a number of appearances.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
Stuff was a quirky book about quirky things. We have a bold, mouthy, talkative twink and an eccentric, aristocratic loner getting together, yet somehow it works.
I was very curious about Perry and his sexuality. He'd never had a girlfriend or boyfriend, and he seemed interested in his, ehem, paid friend-with-benefits more for her personality than anything else. I wondered if he was a demisexual or a gray-asexual (if I could only pick Josephine Myles's brain on that!) in addition to being a newly realized bi/pansexual. Hmmmm.
For me, though, Mas carried the book. I love an MC with spunk in him (ba-dum-chis), and Mas took over every scene. He was vulnerable, daring, and just plain old fun.
The plot was weird in a good way, and I knew right from the beginning that this was a book for me. And it was. Oh, and this book can be read as a stand-alone, but it is nice to know the guys from the first book because they make a number of appearances.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
May 31, 2014
I'm struggling to write a review of this because I genuinely liked it, and I ADORE Josephine Myles, and this is exactly what I expect from her, and yet some how I still want something more.
I think it comes down to Mas. I love an over-the-top twink as much as the next person. Mas is 22 years old and seems to vacillate between irascibly immature and too wise for his age. That dichotomy made it hard for me to really connect with him, even though I liked him.
I loved Perry, however, and all his longing and wanting and repressed passion was like catnip to me. purrrrrrrr
So, I liked it! I recommend it. But if you're new to Josephine Myles, there are several of her books I'd recommend over this one, notably:
The Hot Floor (one of my all time favorites and the menage story by which I measure all other menages)
Barging In
Tailor Made (a favorite read this year for me)
Handle With Care
I think it comes down to Mas. I love an over-the-top twink as much as the next person. Mas is 22 years old and seems to vacillate between irascibly immature and too wise for his age. That dichotomy made it hard for me to really connect with him, even though I liked him.
I loved Perry, however, and all his longing and wanting and repressed passion was like catnip to me. purrrrrrrr
So, I liked it! I recommend it. But if you're new to Josephine Myles, there are several of her books I'd recommend over this one, notably:
The Hot Floor (one of my all time favorites and the menage story by which I measure all other menages)
Barging In
Tailor Made (a favorite read this year for me)
Handle With Care
August 29, 2014
Josephine Myles writes such wonderful characters, and Mas and Perry are two of my favorites. The way we are shown who they are through dialogue and actions is...splendid :)
Some of my favorites lines...
Lewis looked back at him, his eyebrows raised. "And there'll be no flirting with me and Jas, either." "Oh come on. Like I can turn this off and on at will."
Mas's entire being tried to splurt itself out through his cock in a blissful suicide attempt.
Mas pulled himself together as best he could and used the duct tape of determination to hold all his emotions in check but it still felt like he was falling apart.
"You have a perfectly lovely sized penis, and you know it. Now stop sulking and follow me."
Some of my favorites lines...
Lewis looked back at him, his eyebrows raised. "And there'll be no flirting with me and Jas, either." "Oh come on. Like I can turn this off and on at will."
Mas's entire being tried to splurt itself out through his cock in a blissful suicide attempt.
Mas pulled himself together as best he could and used the duct tape of determination to hold all his emotions in check but it still felt like he was falling apart.
"You have a perfectly lovely sized penis, and you know it. Now stop sulking and follow me."
June 2, 2014
Mas is a survivor, always up for a good time. He's a bit down on his luck right now, maybe, but still optimistic about his chances. After losing his retail job, and failing to shoplift on his way out to stave off eviction, Mas finds himself penniless and homeless. He briefly even considers taking up a position as a married man's kept boy, but he has more self-respect than that. A chance move, ducking into a little vintage clothes shop to avoid an unpleasant encounter, brings Mas into a gay-boy clothes dream, and face to face with Perry. And both the clothes and the man give Mas some very hopeful ideas...
Perry was born to a rich family, but he's been isolated since a conflict with his parents and the death of his beloved Aunt. His passion is for sculpture, but he's running the clothing shop on the side, to meet provisions in the will that let him inherit from his Aunt. He's fixated on his art, and gives the rest of his life only enough attention to get by. But when Mas invades his shop, with his bright babble and his enthusiasm and his pretty looks and big ideas, Perry's life is turned inside out.
Both of these characters are eccentric, walking the line between fascinating and too much. For the most part, I felt that they stayed on the good side of that line, and both had their definite charms. I liked the secondary characters in their supporting roles (and especially Perry's relationship with his woman friend.) The MCs were fun to watch together, with Mas's positive energy steam-rollering Perry, and then Perry's obtuseness triggering angst attacks in Mas. They were well matched as they blundered into a relationship, and then sweet together.
A quirky and endearing story, with a bit of a fairytale quality to it.
Perry was born to a rich family, but he's been isolated since a conflict with his parents and the death of his beloved Aunt. His passion is for sculpture, but he's running the clothing shop on the side, to meet provisions in the will that let him inherit from his Aunt. He's fixated on his art, and gives the rest of his life only enough attention to get by. But when Mas invades his shop, with his bright babble and his enthusiasm and his pretty looks and big ideas, Perry's life is turned inside out.
Both of these characters are eccentric, walking the line between fascinating and too much. For the most part, I felt that they stayed on the good side of that line, and both had their definite charms. I liked the secondary characters in their supporting roles (and especially Perry's relationship with his woman friend.) The MCs were fun to watch together, with Mas's positive energy steam-rollering Perry, and then Perry's obtuseness triggering angst attacks in Mas. They were well matched as they blundered into a relationship, and then sweet together.
A quirky and endearing story, with a bit of a fairytale quality to it.
Read
March 23, 2014Stuff is the second in the Bristol Collection after Junk, and tells Mas's story. It's a more lighthearted read than Junk, despite shopkeeper Perry being a borderline hoarder.
Stuff gave me a chance to set something in a vintage clothes shop--one of my favourite kinds of hang-out!--and it's also my first go at writing a "gay for you" (or "out for you" if you prefer) storyline. I liked the idea of Mas having a challenge on his hands, and falling for a man who is not only posh, but also rather hard to seduce.
Stuff gave me a chance to set something in a vintage clothes shop--one of my favourite kinds of hang-out!--and it's also my first go at writing a "gay for you" (or "out for you" if you prefer) storyline. I liked the idea of Mas having a challenge on his hands, and falling for a man who is not only posh, but also rather hard to seduce.
May 31, 2014
3.5 Stars
Charmed.
The telling of Mas and Perry's love affair is a sweet read. Pretty much adored these men--I kinda have a thing for underestimated people--and both of them are very under appreciated.
Mas is the quintessential heart-on-their-sleeve guy whose eagerness is easily taken advantage of and rarely given the attention he deserves. As if the only people worth listening to or taking seriously are miserable bastards. He lights up the room just by being in it personality--LOVE that.
Perry is the reclusive, gets lost in his own world, creative type. I want one of his creations. I like how he thinks when he tries to solve problems and even more, I like how he owns up to what's his 100%. His shop reminded me of my childhood and digging through vintage clothes and marveling at carved buttons of wood, mother of pearl and jet.
So, I was charmed by the men, took a trip down memory lane in Cabbages and Kink, and smiled. The strength of the story is the characters and setting. The plot has some typical twists and turns, but I enjoyed my time with it.
Favorite quote, because it sounds like me:
Charmed.
The telling of Mas and Perry's love affair is a sweet read. Pretty much adored these men--I kinda have a thing for underestimated people--and both of them are very under appreciated.
Mas is the quintessential heart-on-their-sleeve guy whose eagerness is easily taken advantage of and rarely given the attention he deserves. As if the only people worth listening to or taking seriously are miserable bastards. He lights up the room just by being in it personality--LOVE that.
Perry is the reclusive, gets lost in his own world, creative type. I want one of his creations. I like how he thinks when he tries to solve problems and even more, I like how he owns up to what's his 100%. His shop reminded me of my childhood and digging through vintage clothes and marveling at carved buttons of wood, mother of pearl and jet.
So, I was charmed by the men, took a trip down memory lane in Cabbages and Kink, and smiled. The strength of the story is the characters and setting. The plot has some typical twists and turns, but I enjoyed my time with it.
Favorite quote, because it sounds like me:
“How about you wait to give me constructive criticism when I’m doing something wrong, and until then let me find my own way around?”
May 31, 2014
Another charming, quirky and gentle English love story from Jo Myles featuring slutty but oh so loveable Mas, my favourite character from Junk and his shy, socially inept, very posh and 'straight' boss Perry, who seems to be fascinated by all things Victorian and steampunk. 4.5 stars from me, and thanks to Deb for the buddy read and to Candice for her input.
A shortie review. As is usual with Jo's work, there are plenty of hilarious one-liners, the interaction between Perry and Mas was so touching and sweet, and it was great to catch up with Jasper and Lewis, whose relationship seems to be coming on in leaps and bounds. Cherise was the token female character, the 'whore' with a heart of gold, and Perry's go-to woman for occasional sex and advice on all sorts of things, she was a lovely woman. I always feel uplifted by Jo's stories, and I'll be making my way to her table at the Bristol meet next week to do a little bit of book shopping. ♥♥♥♥♥
A shortie review. As is usual with Jo's work, there are plenty of hilarious one-liners, the interaction between Perry and Mas was so touching and sweet, and it was great to catch up with Jasper and Lewis, whose relationship seems to be coming on in leaps and bounds. Cherise was the token female character, the 'whore' with a heart of gold, and Perry's go-to woman for occasional sex and advice on all sorts of things, she was a lovely woman. I always feel uplifted by Jo's stories, and I'll be making my way to her table at the Bristol meet next week to do a little bit of book shopping. ♥♥♥♥♥
August 28, 2014
I'm smiling so much right now...and it's not just because my kindle battery is at 69%, which is always funny if you have a juvenile sense of humour. Nope it's mostly because I absolutely adored this book. A full review will be coming soon at BMBR.
October 6, 2017
4.3 Stars
HA! So much fun and hella sexy. Much less angsty and not quite as heavy as the first one, although it did have a bit of hurt feelings and such due to bad communication. (Not really "mis"communication - which can be a bit frustrating since it's all over the genre - but these characters just kinda fell in together and it took some time for them to understand what the other meant with the words they were saying - or not saying as the case might be, too.)
I adored Mas; usually that kind of character can be a bit grating, but he was like a puppy, just humping any old leg, hoping for a bit of a head scratch and someone to take him home to love. But he and Perry together are just adorable. I can't tell you how many times I laughed at Perry's reaction to all things Mas. Also, I want some of those fairies mentioned - and maybe a clockwork gecko. That whole store sounds amazeballs.
Bonus points for Cherise; I love it when authors can incorporate the every-day kind of sex-worker into a story and not have it be a shameful, degrading or hurtful profession. Just a lady with some specialize services to sell and a guy willing to pay for them. No big deal. YAY!
Dare is up next in the series, isn't he? I hope so. He's so crass and more than just a bit rough. *bites lip* Yummy. Can't wait to see what kind of man he gets paired up with...
HA! So much fun and hella sexy. Much less angsty and not quite as heavy as the first one, although it did have a bit of hurt feelings and such due to bad communication. (Not really "mis"communication - which can be a bit frustrating since it's all over the genre - but these characters just kinda fell in together and it took some time for them to understand what the other meant with the words they were saying - or not saying as the case might be, too.)
I adored Mas; usually that kind of character can be a bit grating, but he was like a puppy, just humping any old leg, hoping for a bit of a head scratch and someone to take him home to love. But he and Perry together are just adorable. I can't tell you how many times I laughed at Perry's reaction to all things Mas. Also, I want some of those fairies mentioned - and maybe a clockwork gecko. That whole store sounds amazeballs.
Bonus points for Cherise; I love it when authors can incorporate the every-day kind of sex-worker into a story and not have it be a shameful, degrading or hurtful profession. Just a lady with some specialize services to sell and a guy willing to pay for them. No big deal. YAY!
Dare is up next in the series, isn't he? I hope so. He's so crass and more than just a bit rough. *bites lip* Yummy. Can't wait to see what kind of man he gets paired up with...
May 4, 2016
Perry peered down at it with a disapproving frown. “I should get a cloth.”
Mas watched him stalk over to the kitchenette, grab a cloth from the sink and then head back. Perry was still moving like clockwork. There was something stiff about him—-and not in the good kind of way. He looked like a man who needed his joints oiling.
He also looked like someone who needed a good laugh, but it looked like he was too tightly wound to do that in front of anyone he wasn’t close to. And was he close to anyone at all? It didn’t sound that way, if Mas was the first person to come up here.
Okay, so project one. Get Perry to laugh. Anything that came after that would be a bonus.
Tobias Maslin–-or as he prefers it, Mas-–loses his job, botches an attempt at shoplifting, and then loses his home, all in one day. It is actually quite an accomplishment. Well, it would be if you were aiming for homeless and broke. But one good thing does come out of all this, because when Mas ducks into a store to avoid the security guard from his old job, Mas finds himself in vintage clothes heaven. Ok, more like vintage clothes purgatory, but still pretty cool (if cluttered).
Perry Cavendish-Fiennes (oh he of the ridiculously long name) runs the vintage clothes shop, Cabbages and Kinks. Well, not so much runs, as puts up with the occasional (very occasional) customer interrupting him while he is working on his artwork upstairs. It may not be very lucrative-–and he may have had his gas shut off because he owes so much in back-payments that it really isn’t worth counting–-but it pisses off his father, so Perry figures it isn’t all bad. Having Mas burst into his shop and into his life was unexpected and sorta unwelcome. At least at first. Turns out that there is something addictive about the man-–even if he cannot stop flirting to save his life. Still, how he finds himself employing and then rooming with Mas…he will never quite figure out. Except that Mas is as unique as Perry’s creations, and just as beautiful. Not that Perry is gay, or anything.
Dear lordy, I loved this book. Probably even more than I loved Junk. And I am pretty sure that I would happily pay money to work in Perry’s shop. I absolutely adore all things old–-well vintage anyways–-and while I don’t have a body that lends itself to actually wearing all these awesome clothes, it doesn't stop me from falling love. And you really don’t want to get me started on how much I would love one of Perry’s odd steampunk-esk creations. Because I would. I would love it with every cog in my mechanical heart.
There is something so very nice about the whole romance that is built up between Mas and Perry. Part of it is the fact I love books where our very-nice straight boy turns out to be not so very straight, but there’s more to it. Maybe it was the way that Mas is just so wonderfully flirty–-the way he seems to befuddle and bewitch Perry. Maybe it is Perry’s cluelessness (I think I have said before how much I adore this). Or perhaps it is the fact that for all their faults, and minor flare-ups, they don’t let the drama rule their lives. They actually try and figure things out, and not just let something petty ruin what is a wonderful love story.
It doesn't hurt that they spend a majority of the book in those awesome vintage clothes that make me want to lick them from top to bottom.
The story itself was pretty much angst free, though there were certainly moments of tension. And you just know that all those little white lies are going to come back to bite them in their delicious tushies…but they handle it so well that I didn't mind. I actually enjoyed it. For all that this book was over 350 pages, it seemed like a quick read because I just had so much fun while reading it.
And the secondary characters were great. I loved the brief looks into Jasper and Lewis’ lives, and as odd as it may seem, Cherise, the hooker that Perry was seeing before Mas flew into his life, was a great addition to the story. She becomes a really good friend to Perry, and helps him with all that emotional/relationship/Mas stuff that seems to just fly right over the man’s head.
Even if you haven’t read Junk I would recommend that you read this (though Junk was a great book, so you should probably read it anyways). There are a few things that tie this book back into the first in the series, but I do think it can be fully enjoyed even if you haven’t done your time with Jasper and Lewis. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I really hope that there is another book coming…though who Myles will throw at us next, I have no clue.
(And if anyone wants to show their love and send me a steampunk gecko to put on my wall…well I certainly wouldn't say no. :P)
This was a review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
May 26, 2014
From rags to riches or from rock bottom to cloud nine? Mas and Perry find that together they can conquer anything and after all isn’t that what love is all about? Once again Jo Myles delivers a thoroughly entertaining read with rich, vibrant characters and a sweet story about how determination and teamwork can make a success of any situation.
Mas has just been sacked from his previous job as a sales assistant and is chased by the security guard on the way out. I loved Mas from the very beginning, even in his cameo roles in the first book Junk, he was also a source of upbeat entertainment and of course it’s only right he gets his own story. For me Mas was just such an upbeat, vibrant character. As camp as a row of tents, but always positive and every sentence loaded with a double entendre, you could say your typical drama queen, but I just love these sort of characters. On the outside full of snark and innuendo, but this is all front and hiding on the inside is a very sensitive person who has had a lot to contend with in his life but always picks himself up again. Loved him. He had me in hysterics on more than one occasion. On the run from his previous employer he bolts into a shop to hide and walks into a neglected, dark and dusty place that seems stuffed to the hilt with all kinds of antique clothing, oddities and curios. Here he meets Perry the shop owner.
It is obvious that Perry is a loner and that the shop is by no means a roaring success, but it speaks to Mas’s fashion genes and he falls immediately for the reclusive Perry. Perry for me was your typical gay man in denial. The typical situation where everyone else knows he’s gay, but he just hasn’t admitted it to himself yet. This is due to his background in part, coming from a very rich and titled family, this kind of digression would never be tolerated. Mas picks up on the vibes very early like a moth to a flame and this aloof character piques his interest as does the shop. The more he gets to know Perry the more a project starts to develop in his head. How to convince Perry he is gay without frightening him off and to get his shop up and running, seeing the potential it has with the fashion world. He sees possibilities beyond possibilities and starts to set up a shop that has a Steampunk fashion feel to it. Mas goes to work and he knows no boundaries, with a verve and drive that had me feeling tired just reading it.
I loved the play and tension between the characters. Obviously Perry is very patient, quirky and a little reticent and Mas would obviously try the patience of the saints, so just as well he has found Perry. In Mas’s enthusiasm for getting the shop established Perry’s attraction grows until the dam bursts and he just has to give into what his hormones are telling him. I loved the build-up, Mas toying with Perry like a cat playing with a mouse, always trying to shock him with his innuendos and leading Perry on whenever he could. Fact is though Mas has now got a target to work towards and has the stick between his teeth like a pit bull terrier and there’s no letting go. I really admired Mas’s tenacity and his dedication to get everything up and running. Perry sees the potential in Mas and gives him free reign as his heart is more in his art and sculptures.
There are bumps along the road and this is where Jasper and Lewis from book one make their appearance as the supportive friends who help them overcome their differences and help out clearing the shop too. Again there was just enough of Jasper and Lewis to see how they are now getting on, but they don’t steal the light from Mas’s and Perry’s story. The balance was just right.
As Mas has been a bit of a man-tart until now, which is putting things mildly, but you discover that he is also the way he is as he has been so often used and let down by previous lovers that he has really given up on the idea of finding a steady and lasting relationship. His history becomes his nemesis at the official new opening of the shop Cabbages and Kinks, where one particular, angry ex turns up and tries to cause a scene. I could feel how Mas squirmed trying to cope with this situation and how is also trying to be mindful of Perry’s reactions.
For me the strength of Jo’s books and writing always lies in her characters. Characters to love, to laugh with, to get frustrated with, to sympathise with, to adore, to cuddle, basically Jo lifts the characters from the pages and brings them to Technicolor life. The story is nicely paced and when all is said and done, realistic for someone like Perry who is discovering he is gay and getting a crash course in being “out and proud” with Mas. I hope there is going to be another book and now I’m trying to guess who is going to get their story told next.
Mas has just been sacked from his previous job as a sales assistant and is chased by the security guard on the way out. I loved Mas from the very beginning, even in his cameo roles in the first book Junk, he was also a source of upbeat entertainment and of course it’s only right he gets his own story. For me Mas was just such an upbeat, vibrant character. As camp as a row of tents, but always positive and every sentence loaded with a double entendre, you could say your typical drama queen, but I just love these sort of characters. On the outside full of snark and innuendo, but this is all front and hiding on the inside is a very sensitive person who has had a lot to contend with in his life but always picks himself up again. Loved him. He had me in hysterics on more than one occasion. On the run from his previous employer he bolts into a shop to hide and walks into a neglected, dark and dusty place that seems stuffed to the hilt with all kinds of antique clothing, oddities and curios. Here he meets Perry the shop owner.
It is obvious that Perry is a loner and that the shop is by no means a roaring success, but it speaks to Mas’s fashion genes and he falls immediately for the reclusive Perry. Perry for me was your typical gay man in denial. The typical situation where everyone else knows he’s gay, but he just hasn’t admitted it to himself yet. This is due to his background in part, coming from a very rich and titled family, this kind of digression would never be tolerated. Mas picks up on the vibes very early like a moth to a flame and this aloof character piques his interest as does the shop. The more he gets to know Perry the more a project starts to develop in his head. How to convince Perry he is gay without frightening him off and to get his shop up and running, seeing the potential it has with the fashion world. He sees possibilities beyond possibilities and starts to set up a shop that has a Steampunk fashion feel to it. Mas goes to work and he knows no boundaries, with a verve and drive that had me feeling tired just reading it.
I loved the play and tension between the characters. Obviously Perry is very patient, quirky and a little reticent and Mas would obviously try the patience of the saints, so just as well he has found Perry. In Mas’s enthusiasm for getting the shop established Perry’s attraction grows until the dam bursts and he just has to give into what his hormones are telling him. I loved the build-up, Mas toying with Perry like a cat playing with a mouse, always trying to shock him with his innuendos and leading Perry on whenever he could. Fact is though Mas has now got a target to work towards and has the stick between his teeth like a pit bull terrier and there’s no letting go. I really admired Mas’s tenacity and his dedication to get everything up and running. Perry sees the potential in Mas and gives him free reign as his heart is more in his art and sculptures.
There are bumps along the road and this is where Jasper and Lewis from book one make their appearance as the supportive friends who help them overcome their differences and help out clearing the shop too. Again there was just enough of Jasper and Lewis to see how they are now getting on, but they don’t steal the light from Mas’s and Perry’s story. The balance was just right.
As Mas has been a bit of a man-tart until now, which is putting things mildly, but you discover that he is also the way he is as he has been so often used and let down by previous lovers that he has really given up on the idea of finding a steady and lasting relationship. His history becomes his nemesis at the official new opening of the shop Cabbages and Kinks, where one particular, angry ex turns up and tries to cause a scene. I could feel how Mas squirmed trying to cope with this situation and how is also trying to be mindful of Perry’s reactions.
For me the strength of Jo’s books and writing always lies in her characters. Characters to love, to laugh with, to get frustrated with, to sympathise with, to adore, to cuddle, basically Jo lifts the characters from the pages and brings them to Technicolor life. The story is nicely paced and when all is said and done, realistic for someone like Perry who is discovering he is gay and getting a crash course in being “out and proud” with Mas. I hope there is going to be another book and now I’m trying to guess who is going to get their story told next.
May 1, 2017
I was thinking I really loved this cover until I looked more closely at the guy in back. His head is way too big for his body. And what's going on with his half arm elbow placement? Photoshop fail.
I can't wait to read the book, though.
Update August 4th.
3.5 stars, rounded up reluctantly.
I was disappointed with this story. I really didn't like either character for a long time. He was way too pushy and sure of himself in a way that was disrespectful for other people's feelings. He also had questionable morals. I know I'm a goody two shoes, but stealing a bag full of expensive perfume just because you were fired (partially for what I feel were reasonable reasons), really bothers me.
Percy was just too stuffy and unemotional and distant. I just couldn't get close enough to him to care. When I finally did like them, there were just too many minor misunderstandings and tiny arguments. I know that the idea was to show that Mas was a drama queen, but it wasn't at all endearing. I'm actually a sucker for the Big Misunderstanding; I just hated the lot of tiny misunderstandings and hurt feelings that just didn't deliver any real punch.
The characters from the previous book make an appearance, and I still love them. I also loved the vintage clothes, and I had fun watching Mas work on his project. Percy's projects were, well,
I can't wait to read the book, though.
Update August 4th.
3.5 stars, rounded up reluctantly.
I was disappointed with this story. I really didn't like either character for a long time. He was way too pushy and sure of himself in a way that was disrespectful for other people's feelings. He also had questionable morals. I know I'm a goody two shoes, but stealing a bag full of expensive perfume just because you were fired (partially for what I feel were reasonable reasons), really bothers me.
Percy was just too stuffy and unemotional and distant. I just couldn't get close enough to him to care. When I finally did like them, there were just too many minor misunderstandings and tiny arguments. I know that the idea was to show that Mas was a drama queen, but it wasn't at all endearing. I'm actually a sucker for the Big Misunderstanding; I just hated the lot of tiny misunderstandings and hurt feelings that just didn't deliver any real punch.
The characters from the previous book make an appearance, and I still love them. I also loved the vintage clothes, and I had fun watching Mas work on his project. Percy's projects were, well,
October 9, 2016
I really liked Mas in 'Junk' (the previous book) but 'Junk' itself was a bit boring, so it took me a while to read 'Stuff'. And I enjoyed it a lot. It was somehow more dynamic than 'Junk', and again - Mas! I couldn't help it, I adored him. This type of character - a disadvantaged young man, easy-going and optimistic on the outside but hiding a vulnerability - just makes me want to cuddle him. And see him finally as loved and cherished as he deserves.
I loved the story of the shop transformation. As with 'Junk' it was very uplifting and inspiring. I liked Perry - not immediately - but the way he put himself fully into relationship was very appealing. And - I'm not even sure how I feel about the fastest resolved crisis... on one hand, I wouldn't mind a bit more angst. On the other hand, I was happy that Perry stopped behaving like a jerk almost at once.
Oh, and Jasper and Lewis were lovely! A lot more endearing in this book than in the first one.
A very enjoyable read, all in all.
I loved the story of the shop transformation. As with 'Junk' it was very uplifting and inspiring. I liked Perry - not immediately - but the way he put himself fully into relationship was very appealing. And - I'm not even sure how I feel about the fastest resolved crisis... on one hand, I wouldn't mind a bit more angst. On the other hand, I was happy that Perry stopped behaving like a jerk almost at once.
Oh, and Jasper and Lewis were lovely! A lot more endearing in this book than in the first one.
A very enjoyable read, all in all.
November 23, 2015
I didn’t read the first in the series and probably won’t go back and do so based on this one. The overall story was likeable, but somehow just not “enough”. The first half was definitely more enjoyable than the 2nd. Initially Mas is a hot mess and it seems like it’s going to be a cute story about him trying to get his shit together after meeting shop owner Perry. Perry is straight-ish & by that he believes himself to be straight. I won’t call this a GFY as much as a “hadn’t really thought about it before” story. Perry didn’t really seem like “relationships/sex” rated very high on his “to dos” and by the end of the book he even has figured out he’s been in a long term state of depression. As a result I won’t even begin to question his newfound bisexual (possibly?) status by the end of the book or how casually he accepts it. No real internal struggle.
What really irked me was that everything was effortless in this story. Mas loses his job yet stumbles into a shop that could use exactly what he has experience in. Shop owner needs a little help realizing he hasn’t connected with anyone because he needs a boyfriend vs. a girlfriend which he does with little resistance. The shop goes from being barely profitable to written up in all local publications due to a little Mas reorganization. Most of the “conflict” steams from lack of communication which gets resolved time and time again within mere hours due to Mas ex Jasper and his partner. I think there were three “disagreements” (fights is too harsh of a word), maybe “misunderstanding’ is better, and each one like clockwork cleared up after a little Jasper/Lewis intervention.
I agree with another reviewer too that while there were some sexy times (I believe three) I didn’t find them particularly steamy. I couldn’t put my finger on the why though. Overall I’d rate this as a 2.5 rounded up because it did keep me entertained.
What really irked me was that everything was effortless in this story. Mas loses his job yet stumbles into a shop that could use exactly what he has experience in. Shop owner needs a little help realizing he hasn’t connected with anyone because he needs a boyfriend vs. a girlfriend which he does with little resistance. The shop goes from being barely profitable to written up in all local publications due to a little Mas reorganization. Most of the “conflict” steams from lack of communication which gets resolved time and time again within mere hours due to Mas ex Jasper and his partner. I think there were three “disagreements” (fights is too harsh of a word), maybe “misunderstanding’ is better, and each one like clockwork cleared up after a little Jasper/Lewis intervention.
I agree with another reviewer too that while there were some sexy times (I believe three) I didn’t find them particularly steamy. I couldn’t put my finger on the why though. Overall I’d rate this as a 2.5 rounded up because it did keep me entertained.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2015
Let's face it, when it comes to story with Brit premises, I most often than not would love it. Here came Mas and Perry with totally opposite backgrounds and personalities that so adorably meshed one another. Mas might be a tad over the top for me with his dramatic femme-gay can't stop talking impulsively reacting self, but Ms. Myles wrote him so wonderfully I couldn't help but loved the guy!
I also Peregrine! For a newbie coming out Perry was so lost yet determined to catch up! The back and forth adaptation to their wholly contrasting style often got me cackling. Yes, there were times when skeletons coming out of the closet... - no pun intended - causing trouble in paradise. Thankfully, those were all sorted out quickly (I hate stories where the characters hemmed and hawed, making matters more difficult for them) with no little help from friends.
Nicely done entertainment, Ms. Myles. I off course would proceed to the next book of the series. :)
I also Peregrine! For a newbie coming out Perry was so lost yet determined to catch up! The back and forth adaptation to their wholly contrasting style often got me cackling. Yes, there were times when skeletons coming out of the closet... - no pun intended - causing trouble in paradise. Thankfully, those were all sorted out quickly (I hate stories where the characters hemmed and hawed, making matters more difficult for them) with no little help from friends.
Nicely done entertainment, Ms. Myles. I off course would proceed to the next book of the series. :)
March 11, 2016
This one was totally fun! Two guys seemingly from totally different worlds, who no one would ever think would be a match, just fall in love. I love how the two complete opposites complement each other. The oddities in each are something they both treasure about each other. Loved it! Of course, half the British slang went over my head, but it was still very enjoyable.
June 22, 2015
Loved it! A sweet, satisfying read. Happy face. :):):)
June 19, 2017
Loved the book but hate that cover. That is not how I pictured Mas and Perry at all.
March 16, 2015
Mas & Perrykins! Stuff #2 in the Bristol collection by Josephine Myles is as entertaining and fun as #1 in the series but it had a lighter feel to it but it's not so light that it isn't worth reading or 'brain bleach'. This time around we meet Mas who is a Twink with brains and one tough cookie. He’s the ex-lover of Jasper. He encounters Perry who is so sweet and lost and still kind of tough in his own way too. Together they work on unstuffing Perry's flat, lagging business. The best part about this series is the way Myles seamlessly integrates characters from the first book in a realistic, entertaining, cohesive way.
I can't wait for #3!
Long live Josephine Myles!
I can't wait for #3!
Long live Josephine Myles!
July 5, 2014
3.75 stars
Very sweet and heartfelt. Both Mas and Perry were adorable. You really want them to find their way. It was also good to see Jasper and Lewis again.
That said, Mas's prattle was exhausting sometimes and the book could have been cut somewhat.
I guess Josephine Myles has got herself (and readers) another winner.
Very sweet and heartfelt. Both Mas and Perry were adorable. You really want them to find their way. It was also good to see Jasper and Lewis again.
That said, Mas's prattle was exhausting sometimes and the book could have been cut somewhat.
I guess Josephine Myles has got herself (and readers) another winner.
August 21, 2016
I love these guys, I'm not 100% sure I love them together, must think, but a highly recommendable read.
Second time reading this and still not sure I want these two together.
Second time reading this and still not sure I want these two together.
June 1, 2014
3.5 stars
Read
June 12, 20174.5 Stars!!!
We met Mas in Junk, book 1 of the Bristol Collection by Josephine Myles, as Jasper's friend with benefits. While Stuff could be read as a standalone, Jasper and Lewis feature prominently in this book and truly, it was a great read, don't miss out on it.
Mas lost his job and his flat in the same day he meets Perry, who owns a vintage clothing shop that isn't doing all that well close to Mas' home. It doesn't take all that much for Mas to manage to convince Perry to hire him and offer him a place to live for the time being and while Perry has considered himself straight up until meeting Mas, he can't deny the attraction he feels for Mas, even if he's having trouble coping with it. However, there are a lot of things that might still go on the way of their HEA, especially when Mas' past comes back into the picture.
For as much as I loved Junk and Jasper and Lewis, I think I have a new favorite couple. Mas and Perry were so adorable, I just could not fall for them. Mas was a bit manipulative (okay, a lot) and immature, but he was so endearing at the same time, I just wanted to cuddle him and promise everything would work out. He was so hardworking and willing to help Perry make his business a success, he wore his heart on his sleeve and even if things didn't always work as he expected them to, he kept trying. I loved Perry as well, he was such a sweet boy and while he had some problems coming to terms with his sexuality, once he did, he was all in. He was easy to get flustered and angry, but he was just as easy to forgive and forget and had no issues asking for Mas' forgiveness when he messed up. The chemistry between them was hotter than hell, and they complemented each other well out of the bedroom, too.
I loved catching up with Jasper and Lewis and meeting Cherise, who was lovely.
Stuff was delightfully British, with the fun, hotter-than-hot, down-to-earth style that characterizes Josephine Myles, well-written, paced very nicely and with amazing characters you can't help falling for. Definitely recommendable! Can't wait for book 3!!!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
We met Mas in Junk, book 1 of the Bristol Collection by Josephine Myles, as Jasper's friend with benefits. While Stuff could be read as a standalone, Jasper and Lewis feature prominently in this book and truly, it was a great read, don't miss out on it.
Mas lost his job and his flat in the same day he meets Perry, who owns a vintage clothing shop that isn't doing all that well close to Mas' home. It doesn't take all that much for Mas to manage to convince Perry to hire him and offer him a place to live for the time being and while Perry has considered himself straight up until meeting Mas, he can't deny the attraction he feels for Mas, even if he's having trouble coping with it. However, there are a lot of things that might still go on the way of their HEA, especially when Mas' past comes back into the picture.
For as much as I loved Junk and Jasper and Lewis, I think I have a new favorite couple. Mas and Perry were so adorable, I just could not fall for them. Mas was a bit manipulative (okay, a lot) and immature, but he was so endearing at the same time, I just wanted to cuddle him and promise everything would work out. He was so hardworking and willing to help Perry make his business a success, he wore his heart on his sleeve and even if things didn't always work as he expected them to, he kept trying. I loved Perry as well, he was such a sweet boy and while he had some problems coming to terms with his sexuality, once he did, he was all in. He was easy to get flustered and angry, but he was just as easy to forgive and forget and had no issues asking for Mas' forgiveness when he messed up. The chemistry between them was hotter than hell, and they complemented each other well out of the bedroom, too.
I loved catching up with Jasper and Lewis and meeting Cherise, who was lovely.
Stuff was delightfully British, with the fun, hotter-than-hot, down-to-earth style that characterizes Josephine Myles, well-written, paced very nicely and with amazing characters you can't help falling for. Definitely recommendable! Can't wait for book 3!!!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
July 28, 2017
In this second book from the Bristol Collection, we meet Mas (again, sort of) who was Jasper's sometime fuck-buddy, suddenly out of a job and suddenly homeless. And nevermind the nasty security dude following him and accosting him in the store about the bottles of perfume Mas might be smuggling out in his backpack.
But Mas runs fast, and then slips into a small store while trying to hide from the big bad security dude.
Fortuitously, Mas ends up in a Vintage shop owned by Perry, who's a bit (okay, a lot) more posh than Mas. And quite startled at the young man popping into his store.
With her typical Britishness and fabulous sense of humor, Jo Myles lets their story unfold one vintage garment at a time. Mas is a quirky and often exasperating character, and Perry, much more sedate, doesn't quite know what to do with the quivering and bouncing slip of a boy.
I adored them both so much! Perry doesn't know what hit him, never thought of himself as gay, but holy hot boysecks, there's not a single thing he lets stand in his way once he allows Mas to sex him up. Except maybe for his belief that he's not good enough for Mas.
All the while, Mas has a similar issue thinking that he's not good enough for the very posh Perry in his vintage vests and shirts.
Of course, neither one of them has the guts to talk about their self-doubts so they just dodder along until - well, you read this for yourself.
A fitting continuation of book one, we also get to revisit with Jasper and Lewis, and their oh so happy ever after.
Utterly charming and adorable, this book made me smile and giggle and awww a lot. Perry is wonderful, Mas is slightly crazy, but together they just fit perfectly.
Recommended.
** I received a free copy of this book from Signal Boost Promotions as part of the re-release of this series. A positive review was not promised in return. **
But Mas runs fast, and then slips into a small store while trying to hide from the big bad security dude.
Fortuitously, Mas ends up in a Vintage shop owned by Perry, who's a bit (okay, a lot) more posh than Mas. And quite startled at the young man popping into his store.
With her typical Britishness and fabulous sense of humor, Jo Myles lets their story unfold one vintage garment at a time. Mas is a quirky and often exasperating character, and Perry, much more sedate, doesn't quite know what to do with the quivering and bouncing slip of a boy.
I adored them both so much! Perry doesn't know what hit him, never thought of himself as gay, but holy hot boysecks, there's not a single thing he lets stand in his way once he allows Mas to sex him up. Except maybe for his belief that he's not good enough for Mas.
All the while, Mas has a similar issue thinking that he's not good enough for the very posh Perry in his vintage vests and shirts.
Of course, neither one of them has the guts to talk about their self-doubts so they just dodder along until - well, you read this for yourself.
A fitting continuation of book one, we also get to revisit with Jasper and Lewis, and their oh so happy ever after.
Utterly charming and adorable, this book made me smile and giggle and awww a lot. Perry is wonderful, Mas is slightly crazy, but together they just fit perfectly.
Recommended.
** I received a free copy of this book from Signal Boost Promotions as part of the re-release of this series. A positive review was not promised in return. **
June 10, 2017
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words review
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
For the full review, visit http://wp.me/p220KL-aLM
From that review: " Stuff, the second in The Bristol Collection series, is a wonderful delightful romance from Josephine Myles. I think the world of the first story Junk. There Myles delved into the life of hoarder Jasper Richardson and the man who helped him clear the clutter from his life and house,Lewis Miller. That was an intense story that covered a lot of emotional territory for Jasper and the reader, especially those unfamiliar with the mental illness of hoarding. Myles did a spectacular job and delivered a sympathetic portrait of a man desperately in trouble that he needs professional help. Jasper's illness and recovery was necessarily the primary focus of that story. It had to be and it worked. Here romance, quirky wonderful romance is front and center!.."
for all our reviews, author interviews and things books, visit us at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
For the full review, visit http://wp.me/p220KL-aLM
From that review: " Stuff, the second in The Bristol Collection series, is a wonderful delightful romance from Josephine Myles. I think the world of the first story Junk. There Myles delved into the life of hoarder Jasper Richardson and the man who helped him clear the clutter from his life and house,Lewis Miller. That was an intense story that covered a lot of emotional territory for Jasper and the reader, especially those unfamiliar with the mental illness of hoarding. Myles did a spectacular job and delivered a sympathetic portrait of a man desperately in trouble that he needs professional help. Jasper's illness and recovery was necessarily the primary focus of that story. It had to be and it worked. Here romance, quirky wonderful romance is front and center!.."
for all our reviews, author interviews and things books, visit us at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
June 18, 2017
This book looks like it might be a rom com because the characters are writ fairly large and quirky as all get out but these is an ache in this book that takes it deeper.
Perry is an artist but a very passive (for the most part) person who let things happen to him and uses inaction to make choices. This is balanced against how very driven and quirky he is at the same time.
Mas is an pretty assertive person who needs much more self reflection and is young and reactive but also very clever and wise. The time with Perry gives time to grow up a bit and soften.
The lack of communication and false drama of misunderstanding hurt my enjoyment of the romance but I love the writing and the characters.
Perry is an artist but a very passive (for the most part) person who let things happen to him and uses inaction to make choices. This is balanced against how very driven and quirky he is at the same time.
Mas is an pretty assertive person who needs much more self reflection and is young and reactive but also very clever and wise. The time with Perry gives time to grow up a bit and soften.
The lack of communication and false drama of misunderstanding hurt my enjoyment of the romance but I love the writing and the characters.
June 13, 2014
I was very excited to see this book on the new releases list. I absolutely loved Junk, and I was definitely looking forward to reading Mas’s story.
After losing his job and being evicted, Mas finds himself in dire straits. When he ducks into a random shop to hide from a pursuer, Mas finds himself not only surrounded, literally, by vintage clothing, but he also finds himself instantly smitten by shop owner Perry. After looking around, Mas realizes the store is a huge mess, and he doesn’t understand how anyone could possibly shop there.
Perry Cavendish-Fiennes was born and raised with a silver spoon in his mouth. Perry didn’t want any of those trappings as he got older. What he really wants is to just create his art, run his store and be left alone by his family. When hurricane Mas enters Perry’s store, little does he know that his life is about to be turned upside down.
Mas is in need of a job and Perry is in need of help in the shop. The two end up striking a bargain of sorts, and while working closely together, Perry starts to experience things he hasn’t experienced before. Being attracted to a man is brand new for Perry, and Mas decides that moving slow is the best plan of action if he hopes to have anything romantic with Perry.
Over the time they spend together working in the shop, Perry realizes that he is attracted to Mas and once they end up in bed together, he is totally gone for him. The only obstacle these two seem to have is themselves. Perry has no real relationship experience and Mas has never been in a true relationship either.
Watching these two TOTAL opposites work through their differences to find some common ground was very entertaining. Mas is a very outgoing person, and he seems to be born to work with the public, while Perry is happiest left alone in his workshop with his art.
Mas has a fairly checkered past and he reveals most of it to Perry, and they work through most of their differences easily. They both have to work around jealousy and learn to talk to one another to find their way to their happily ever after. Everything seems to be going well until the night of the grand re-opening of the shop. It seems Mas’s past is coming back to bite him in the butt, and Perry may just find the one thing he can’t forgive.
This was a wonderful continuation of the Bristol series, and I absolutely fell head over heels for Mas. Josephine Myles did a wonderful job of bringing this little store, and the men that run it, to life. It was wonderful watching Perry come out of his self-imposed shell, while Mas grew up right before my eyes. These two brought out the best in each other and the people around them. Jasper and Lewis were back in this story to help Mas find his way to happiness, and we also got to meet some great new characters along the way. I would highly recommend this book, and I hope there will be more from all of these wonderful characters in the future.
Reviewed by Jackie by The Novel Approach
After losing his job and being evicted, Mas finds himself in dire straits. When he ducks into a random shop to hide from a pursuer, Mas finds himself not only surrounded, literally, by vintage clothing, but he also finds himself instantly smitten by shop owner Perry. After looking around, Mas realizes the store is a huge mess, and he doesn’t understand how anyone could possibly shop there.
Perry Cavendish-Fiennes was born and raised with a silver spoon in his mouth. Perry didn’t want any of those trappings as he got older. What he really wants is to just create his art, run his store and be left alone by his family. When hurricane Mas enters Perry’s store, little does he know that his life is about to be turned upside down.
Mas is in need of a job and Perry is in need of help in the shop. The two end up striking a bargain of sorts, and while working closely together, Perry starts to experience things he hasn’t experienced before. Being attracted to a man is brand new for Perry, and Mas decides that moving slow is the best plan of action if he hopes to have anything romantic with Perry.
Over the time they spend together working in the shop, Perry realizes that he is attracted to Mas and once they end up in bed together, he is totally gone for him. The only obstacle these two seem to have is themselves. Perry has no real relationship experience and Mas has never been in a true relationship either.
Watching these two TOTAL opposites work through their differences to find some common ground was very entertaining. Mas is a very outgoing person, and he seems to be born to work with the public, while Perry is happiest left alone in his workshop with his art.
Mas has a fairly checkered past and he reveals most of it to Perry, and they work through most of their differences easily. They both have to work around jealousy and learn to talk to one another to find their way to their happily ever after. Everything seems to be going well until the night of the grand re-opening of the shop. It seems Mas’s past is coming back to bite him in the butt, and Perry may just find the one thing he can’t forgive.
This was a wonderful continuation of the Bristol series, and I absolutely fell head over heels for Mas. Josephine Myles did a wonderful job of bringing this little store, and the men that run it, to life. It was wonderful watching Perry come out of his self-imposed shell, while Mas grew up right before my eyes. These two brought out the best in each other and the people around them. Jasper and Lewis were back in this story to help Mas find his way to happiness, and we also got to meet some great new characters along the way. I would highly recommend this book, and I hope there will be more from all of these wonderful characters in the future.
Reviewed by Jackie by The Novel Approach
June 11, 2017
When I read 'Junk', book one in Josephine Myles's series 'The Bristol Collection', I spent a lot, and I mean a lot, of my time laughing. I have a considerable appreciation for this author's works, especially the ones written in "brilliantly British English". Knowing this, it was no surprise that I jumped at the opportunity to read 'Stuff'. Well, that, and Mas had intrigued me during Jasper's story so I wanted to see what the author fashioned for him. *grins*
When Mas entered Perry's shop, I felt as if I were standing on a Kansas prairie watching the biggest twister imaginable come roaring at me. I imagine that's how Perry felt, too. Perry comes from an old British family that can trace their roots back to before the Norman invasion. He owns and runs a vintage clothing store but that's not where his heart lies. The art, the sculptures, that he creates out of garbage and used metals, etc. is where his joy is found. Perry has never had a girlfriend, heck, he's not had a boyfriend, either, although he's sure he's straight. Perry isn't good in social situations and has difficulty reading verbal and physical cues. Mas, on the other hand, is a terrible flirt, very outgoing, a chatterbox, and there's a lot more to him than most give him credit for. Mas has just lost his job, he's been evicted, and decides that Perry needs him to manage the store and make it profitable, along with marketing Perry's art. Poor Perry. He hasn't got a clue what he's in for.
Maybe I should've said poor Mas. Mas may come across as a himbo, but, deep down, he wants someone to love him, to value and cherish him. When Mas feels himself falling in love with Perry, he knows there's no possible way Perry could ever feel the same. Mas is just a stopover for most men, so why should Perry be any different? When Perry tells Mas his story, i.e. he really comes from wealth, Mas is just sure that's one more sticking point to preventing Perry from loving him. On the other hand, Perry believes the ramblings that come out of Mas's mouth and thinks Mas is too much of a party boy to ever reciprocate Perry's feelings. Tells you how much they know, huh?
Oh I adored this book! It was far more lighthearted than Jasper and Lewis' story, but it had its share of drama to balance out the fun. Mas and Perry are wonderful characters and I'm so glad Jo shared them with me. Thank you, Jo, for a great addition to the series.
NOTE: This book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
When Mas entered Perry's shop, I felt as if I were standing on a Kansas prairie watching the biggest twister imaginable come roaring at me. I imagine that's how Perry felt, too. Perry comes from an old British family that can trace their roots back to before the Norman invasion. He owns and runs a vintage clothing store but that's not where his heart lies. The art, the sculptures, that he creates out of garbage and used metals, etc. is where his joy is found. Perry has never had a girlfriend, heck, he's not had a boyfriend, either, although he's sure he's straight. Perry isn't good in social situations and has difficulty reading verbal and physical cues. Mas, on the other hand, is a terrible flirt, very outgoing, a chatterbox, and there's a lot more to him than most give him credit for. Mas has just lost his job, he's been evicted, and decides that Perry needs him to manage the store and make it profitable, along with marketing Perry's art. Poor Perry. He hasn't got a clue what he's in for.
Maybe I should've said poor Mas. Mas may come across as a himbo, but, deep down, he wants someone to love him, to value and cherish him. When Mas feels himself falling in love with Perry, he knows there's no possible way Perry could ever feel the same. Mas is just a stopover for most men, so why should Perry be any different? When Perry tells Mas his story, i.e. he really comes from wealth, Mas is just sure that's one more sticking point to preventing Perry from loving him. On the other hand, Perry believes the ramblings that come out of Mas's mouth and thinks Mas is too much of a party boy to ever reciprocate Perry's feelings. Tells you how much they know, huh?
Oh I adored this book! It was far more lighthearted than Jasper and Lewis' story, but it had its share of drama to balance out the fun. Mas and Perry are wonderful characters and I'm so glad Jo shared them with me. Thank you, Jo, for a great addition to the series.
NOTE: This book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
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