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When Work is a Pleasure
Introverted young reporter Garrett Kowalski is unprepared for the reality of his weekend assignment at the Folsom Street Fair, where he's assigned to interview porn stars, including Justin. Garrett has no choice but to come out of his shell when Justin and his co-worker tease him up onto the stage for a live demonstration. That might have been that, just a one-off job but Garrett takes advantage of follow-up fact checking for his article to get to know Justin better... and it leads to an unexpected friendship and flirtation that just might grow into something more.
132 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2009
3 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Alix Bekins
20 books25 followersAlix lives in the coastal mountains of Northern California with her partner and their dog. She’s been writing for as long as she can remember in a variety of genres, including fiction, erotica, poetry, and nonfiction and has even managed to get some of it published from time to time.
Sexuality is the cornerstone of her life and work and always has been, through two degrees and several life plans. Her work and writing focus on the themes of self-discovery and coming out, with a healthy dose of kink on the side.
Alix is pretty sure she’s the only person in the world who wears a plastic Viking helmet as a thinking cap when she battles writer’s block. She always wins.
Contact info:
Email: alixbekins@gmail.com
Blog: https://alixbekins.wordpress.com
Sexuality is the cornerstone of her life and work and always has been, through two degrees and several life plans. Her work and writing focus on the themes of self-discovery and coming out, with a healthy dose of kink on the side.
Alix is pretty sure she’s the only person in the world who wears a plastic Viking helmet as a thinking cap when she battles writer’s block. She always wins.
Contact info:
Email: alixbekins@gmail.com
Blog: https://alixbekins.wordpress.com
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 30, 2014
Well, damn! That was fun. Like really, really fun and kind of just what I needed after reading some wonderful heartbreak.
Garrett is a reporter assigned to interview porn stars for an upcoming issue of the magazine he works for and guess what just happens to be going on? The Folsom Street Fair, WOOP WOOP! Garrett is a regular guy, he appreciates porn as much as the next person and has developed a huge crush on rising porn star Alec with Hawk Studios. And while all the goings on at the street fair sound great and fantastical in theory, he's not really comfortable participating and even the observing has him a little stressed out. Hard as a rock, but still a little stressed.
He does manage to meet a few of the stars from Hawk Studios, get invited to a pre launch party, and schedule some interviews. This is part of the story I really liked, the portrayal of the stars showed them as regular guys with brains, dreams and they really just liked their jobs. They got paid to have sex and it worked for them. A little bit of a Pollyanna attitude? Maybe, but I'm sure this happens too, just like the heartbreaking broken boy stories and this was just a refreshing change.
AAAAAAnnnnnyway, Garrett gets to meet Alec at the party and reading him being all star struck and horned out was hilarious. I love Garrett's voice throughout the story and when he and Alec, who turns out to be Justin in his RL, banter, I cracked up repeatedly. Garrett struggled a little with the Alec vs Justin personas, but he was pretty centered and honest with himself the whole story.
Garrett and Justin strike up a friendship and start the attraction dance and the story follows the beginning of their friendship onto the beginning of a possible relationship. This is the only part I had trouble with. I wanted one more chapter. One more motherf'ing chapter.
I would say this ended as a very positive and optimistic HFN. If anybody could deal with a relationship with a porn star it would probably be Garrett, yay for Garrett. Now, about that "missing" last chapter? I still want it.
Highly recommended fun read even with the spoiler above.
Garrett is a reporter assigned to interview porn stars for an upcoming issue of the magazine he works for and guess what just happens to be going on? The Folsom Street Fair, WOOP WOOP! Garrett is a regular guy, he appreciates porn as much as the next person and has developed a huge crush on rising porn star Alec with Hawk Studios. And while all the goings on at the street fair sound great and fantastical in theory, he's not really comfortable participating and even the observing has him a little stressed out. Hard as a rock, but still a little stressed.
He does manage to meet a few of the stars from Hawk Studios, get invited to a pre launch party, and schedule some interviews. This is part of the story I really liked, the portrayal of the stars showed them as regular guys with brains, dreams and they really just liked their jobs. They got paid to have sex and it worked for them. A little bit of a Pollyanna attitude? Maybe, but I'm sure this happens too, just like the heartbreaking broken boy stories and this was just a refreshing change.
AAAAAAnnnnnyway, Garrett gets to meet Alec at the party and reading him being all star struck and horned out was hilarious. I love Garrett's voice throughout the story and when he and Alec, who turns out to be Justin in his RL, banter, I cracked up repeatedly. Garrett struggled a little with the Alec vs Justin personas, but he was pretty centered and honest with himself the whole story.
Garrett and Justin strike up a friendship and start the attraction dance and the story follows the beginning of their friendship onto the beginning of a possible relationship. This is the only part I had trouble with. I wanted one more chapter. One more motherf'ing chapter.
I would say this ended as a very positive and optimistic HFN. If anybody could deal with a relationship with a porn star it would probably be Garrett, yay for Garrett. Now, about that "missing" last chapter? I still want it.
Highly recommended fun read even with the spoiler above.
November 4, 2019
I really enjoyed this one. It was quite erotic without being overly "pornish" considering the subject matter. It was very well done, however, as other reviewers have noted, it ended abruptly without notice. I hope that means the author has more story to tell of Justin and Garrett, if not, the vaguely HFN ending was disappointing.
April 21, 2012
For a book where the MCs never make it to home base, this sure was steamy!
I really enjoyed this book about Garrett, a shy and somewhat self-depricating reporter for a gay magazine in San Francisco that first crushes on a guy in a porn video then meets him while interviewing porn stars for a story during the Folsom Street Fair. Justin, or "Alec" as he first comes to know him, is a regular guy, albeit one that is an exhibitionist with a pretty high sex drive. Once Garrett gets to know Justin, he starts to see the man behind the sex-god facade and they start to build a slow relationship.
I have only read one other story by Alix Bekins (Relationships 201), which I wasn't a huge fan of. Lately, lots of people have been giving great reviews to her newest release, Written in the Stars, and I decided to give her work another try, starting here before reading that one (mostly because I love any type of sex industry stories, be they rent-boys, GFP to GFY, or porn stars). I ended up really enjoying this story.
I suppose what I enjoyed most was that the author wrote a story that really is about regular guys, but didn't try to play up the "normal" too much. Sure, Justin still is pretty kinky and loves lots of sex, and Garrett goes through lots of questioning about whether he could potentially fall in love with a man who sleeps with other men for money, and what that might do to him and their relationship in the long run. Also, despite sexual tension rated at a 10 out of 10 (these two are hot together!), they do try to take their relationship slow, having lots of sex, but never going all the way before the end of the story and making a commitment. Most of the book is them going from flirty friends to casual dating to even more serious dating, and in that questioning phase... deciding where to take their relationship as "Alec" is on the cusp of moving to Garrett's city permanently (from LA to SF) and signing a 2-year contract with a studio. There's a lot about them that's up in the air, but they don't rush things, instead talking a lot, even though they could barely get through any conversation without something sexual happening, lol. Then, without spoilers, the story ends without a whole lot of conflict. Maybe this would be a turn-off to some, but since I had already clued into the fact that I was reading what was supposed to be a more realistic tale of a relationship in the porn industry, I didn't expect the typical plot climax and resolution -- just a steady rise.
All in all, an easy, sexy story. I'll definitely be reading her newest book!
I really enjoyed this book about Garrett, a shy and somewhat self-depricating reporter for a gay magazine in San Francisco that first crushes on a guy in a porn video then meets him while interviewing porn stars for a story during the Folsom Street Fair. Justin, or "Alec" as he first comes to know him, is a regular guy, albeit one that is an exhibitionist with a pretty high sex drive. Once Garrett gets to know Justin, he starts to see the man behind the sex-god facade and they start to build a slow relationship.
I have only read one other story by Alix Bekins (Relationships 201), which I wasn't a huge fan of. Lately, lots of people have been giving great reviews to her newest release, Written in the Stars, and I decided to give her work another try, starting here before reading that one (mostly because I love any type of sex industry stories, be they rent-boys, GFP to GFY, or porn stars). I ended up really enjoying this story.
I suppose what I enjoyed most was that the author wrote a story that really is about regular guys, but didn't try to play up the "normal" too much. Sure, Justin still is pretty kinky and loves lots of sex, and Garrett goes through lots of questioning about whether he could potentially fall in love with a man who sleeps with other men for money, and what that might do to him and their relationship in the long run. Also, despite sexual tension rated at a 10 out of 10 (these two are hot together!), they do try to take their relationship slow, having lots of sex, but never going all the way before the end of the story and making a commitment. Most of the book is them going from flirty friends to casual dating to even more serious dating, and in that questioning phase... deciding where to take their relationship as "Alec" is on the cusp of moving to Garrett's city permanently (from LA to SF) and signing a 2-year contract with a studio. There's a lot about them that's up in the air, but they don't rush things, instead talking a lot, even though they could barely get through any conversation without something sexual happening, lol. Then, without spoilers, the story ends without a whole lot of conflict. Maybe this would be a turn-off to some, but since I had already clued into the fact that I was reading what was supposed to be a more realistic tale of a relationship in the porn industry, I didn't expect the typical plot climax and resolution -- just a steady rise.
All in all, an easy, sexy story. I'll definitely be reading her newest book!
April 24, 2012
I should probably write a proper review where I give a run down of the plot and all that jazz. Really, though, I just want to kind of gush about how much I am diggin' this author's work.
This the second book by Alix Bekins that I've read, the first being Written in the Stars. Garrett and Justin's story was cute, sweet, hot and damn enjoyable to read. Bekins managed to write a story with a porn star MC who is having sex on film because he chooses to and enjoys it. Justin wants to go back to school eventually and making good money while doing porn will get him where he wants to go faster. It was a refreshing angle.
Garrett, the journalist who starts a friendship and eventually a relationship with Justin, has some mixed emotions about Justin's work but the story never slides into melodrama. Garrett came across as just an every day dude and so did Justin. I LIKE reading about characters who are low on the drama scale.
The last two stories I've read by Bekins have made me smile and I appreciate that. I like ansgty, gritty stories too but variety is the spice of life and lighter stories have just as much value to me as the heavy doom-and-gloom-tears-and-fears stories.
So, I'll definitely be picking up whatever Bekins comes out with next.
This the second book by Alix Bekins that I've read, the first being Written in the Stars. Garrett and Justin's story was cute, sweet, hot and damn enjoyable to read. Bekins managed to write a story with a porn star MC who is having sex on film because he chooses to and enjoys it. Justin wants to go back to school eventually and making good money while doing porn will get him where he wants to go faster. It was a refreshing angle.
Garrett, the journalist who starts a friendship and eventually a relationship with Justin, has some mixed emotions about Justin's work but the story never slides into melodrama. Garrett came across as just an every day dude and so did Justin. I LIKE reading about characters who are low on the drama scale.
The last two stories I've read by Bekins have made me smile and I appreciate that. I like ansgty, gritty stories too but variety is the spice of life and lighter stories have just as much value to me as the heavy doom-and-gloom-tears-and-fears stories.
So, I'll definitely be picking up whatever Bekins comes out with next.
January 30, 2011
Was completely engrossed in the story, truly enjoying it and then it was just over...no, no, NO! How could it end like this? Grrr. Nice, easy, fun read, very abrupt ending.:(
January 17, 2018
Agh, boring. Boring. And the couple didn't click too much. Even the final line is showing that they're not so much convinced that it will last and will end well. Big no to this book.
April 19, 2011
When Work is a pleasure is the story of Garrett a reporter for Queer America gets an assignment that brings him to the Folsom Street Fair. The characters are well developed and the witty banter between Garrett and Justin had me laughing out loud, while other times scratching my head and saying out loud "Oh hell no he did not just say that." Garrett was a doll and but Garrett had to grow on me. I guess that's as realistic as it gets since we don't always like everyone we meet and talk to. Overall the story was very enjoyable and the sex scorching!!! I hope Alix Bekins has a sequel in store for us. The HFN ending seemed a little abrupt but it certainly set up for a great sequel. (Keeping my fingers crossed)
January 6, 2011
I wanted to like this more, because I really liked Garret, the Queer America reporter who meets and falls for his porn star crush, Justin, during an assignment for the magazine. But, while I liked him, Justin just didn't work for me. He is an unapologetic porn star, very flirty with everyone. I just can't like a guy who introduces his "boyfriend" (they never seem like a couple) to "the guy who sucked my cock all afternoon". Even though that's what the guy did do, for work, why grind that in your partners face? I think it was supposed to be funny, just seemed disrespectful to me. I wanted Garrett to have more Thames being faithful to someone who's screwing other people all day.
August 2, 2011
Hmm, JenMcJ hit it right on the head so look at her review too.
I am usually pretty angst phobic but this really was not hard to read at all. The author did a good job of writing the story of a porn actor with a boyfriend without causing too much anxiety over jealousy. Perhaps the characters were way too well adjusted but it made for a nice read. The Mom was the only thing I didn't buy into. Any Mom would have some words of caution. Just saying.
The end was as everyone else notes. Happy-ish.
I am usually pretty angst phobic but this really was not hard to read at all. The author did a good job of writing the story of a porn actor with a boyfriend without causing too much anxiety over jealousy. Perhaps the characters were way too well adjusted but it made for a nice read. The Mom was the only thing I didn't buy into. Any Mom would have some words of caution. Just saying.
The end was as everyone else notes. Happy-ish.
May 5, 2017
This almost lost a star because of that super abrupt ending. What happened? I want to know about Gar and Justin man! Hot sex, just as hot phone sex and a story of a relationship build that was full of contrasts - from work to personal beliefs. Enjoyable absolutely!
June 2, 2012
What the F just happened? Did the author just seriously NOT show us the two main characters having sex for the first time, after taking it slowly and torturing us with foreplay and blowjobs? Seriously? Irony, anybody? I mean, Justin the porn star (Alec) is being screwed, and screws, other people in the book along the way, and yet the main event is ignored all together. The book stops right where they're about to do it. You're kidding, right, Alix? Lol!
Other than that major disappointment, the book was pretty enjoyable for me. I didn't like that Garrett would have to sort of share Justin as a result of his career choice, but my dislike of the idea wasn't so bad that I hated the book. So, yeah, not bad. The irony alone was enough to get me through it, despite the crap ending (good ending, bad place to stop, damn it!).
Other than that major disappointment, the book was pretty enjoyable for me. I didn't like that Garrett would have to sort of share Justin as a result of his career choice, but my dislike of the idea wasn't so bad that I hated the book. So, yeah, not bad. The irony alone was enough to get me through it, despite the crap ending (good ending, bad place to stop, damn it!).
November 23, 2009
Garrett, a writer for Queer America, is researching an article on porn stars when he meets 'Alec', the hottest new star for Hawk Studios. The two develop an unexpected friendship (how can you have exclusivity with a man who has sex as his job?). I loved this quick hot sexy book right up until the ending, which I thought was kind of wimpy. I couldn't decide if it was working up to a sequel and that's why things were left hanging, or if it was just a week HFN ending. Will hope for another book!
February 16, 2013
This story had a lot of sex..all be it mostly telephone..i am complaining mind you, sex is always good. the relationship between Garrett and Justin while very hot was lacking somethings here and there and..from the perspective of Garrett. Garrett wanted so much more out of his relationship with Justin but seemed somewhat afraid to ask...I felt for him in that respect..even though he did get his guy in the end, it was clearly not exactly the way he truly wanted it...Garrett settled..he accecpted..he looked the other way...
October 1, 2016
Loved seeing Garrett come out of his shell slowly as a friendship developed between him and one of his huge crushes. This story shows the possibility of more vs. summing up the entire romance between the MCs. That makes it a little easier for them in general because they don’t have to completely solve the potential issue of Justin/Alec continuing in the porn industry while they try to have a meaningful relationship. Short and kind of sweet!
April 19, 2011
While this m/m romance was well done, I had a problem (my very own problem and not necessarily that of the book) with how relatively easily a reporter dealt with his new boyfriend’s career as a pr0n star.
March 10, 2011
I really enjoyed this - the sex was hot and included the progression of a young man discovering his submissive side. I would have enjoyed this even more I think if it had been a longer story, I would have liked to see more about how the relationship between the three men evolved.
June 7, 2011
3.5, but I rounded up. It had a lot of potential to be better, but the ending was too abrupt. There was no climax. It just...was (if that makes any sense). Don't get me wrong, it was a great story. I just would have liked to see more.
May 20, 2012
kindle edition.
Liked it enough that I've read it twice in the past week.
I thought it was sweet and did a very good job with talking about how hard it must be for significant others when their sweetie is in the porn industry. There would have to be a real division between work and home life.
Liked it enough that I've read it twice in the past week.
I thought it was sweet and did a very good job with talking about how hard it must be for significant others when their sweetie is in the porn industry. There would have to be a real division between work and home life.
November 20, 2009
More like 3.75 stars. There is a lot to work with for a sequel.
November 27, 2009
I enjoyed this story - particularly the witty banter between the two protagonists - and hope there's a sequel in the works; one with a less ambiguous ending.
October 8, 2010
The story's pretty decent, but the sex is hot. So this book got a 4 from me for the hot smexin'.
I wonder if that's an accurate view into these guy's lives?
I wonder if that's an accurate view into these guy's lives?
April 22, 2012
3.5 - I really enjoyed this story. I certainly would not mind a follow up of how Garrett and Justin navigate/negotiate the new relationship as well as I want to see Justin meet Mom!!
February 1, 2014
3.5
Pretty good story about a porn star and a much less experienced journalist. I was surprised that they took their relationship so slow but it was a good surprised.
Pretty good story about a porn star and a much less experienced journalist. I was surprised that they took their relationship so slow but it was a good surprised.
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January 27, 2014Formerly J2 RPF/Supernatural fanfic - same title.
January 31, 2014
Hottest, sweetest, most endearing f'ing pornos I've ever read. lol
April 8, 2016
Love it!
I really enjoy Garrett and Justin's story, but it's too short! I really need a sequel.
I really enjoy Garrett and Justin's story, but it's too short! I really need a sequel.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews