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Boys of the Zodiac #2
Taurus: All That You Do
Antique dealer Christopher Gleason isn-t looking for love. He isn't even looking for a one-night stand. But when a young man with a shy smile and a sense of innocence offers to buy him a drink one night, he's tempted enough to accept. He's even tempted to take it further, until he learns the innocence isn't an act. Though he can't deny his attraction, or the fact that he likes the young man quite a bit, Christopher puts him off. He'd rather be friends than risk hurting him.
Gage Kimball fled Salt Lake City for Los Angeles with his guitars, what little money he had, and no friends. Raised in a devout Mormon family within a tightly knit community, he's never had the chance to be himself or explore his sexuality. Until now. Christopher supplies the emotional support Gage needs, but Gage wants more than friendship. Even at the risk of everything he has left.
Gay / Contemporary / The Arts / Series
Gage Kimball fled Salt Lake City for Los Angeles with his guitars, what little money he had, and no friends. Raised in a devout Mormon family within a tightly knit community, he's never had the chance to be himself or explore his sexuality. Until now. Christopher supplies the emotional support Gage needs, but Gage wants more than friendship. Even at the risk of everything he has left.
Gay / Contemporary / The Arts / Series
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2010
4 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Craig
112 books173 followersJamie Craig is actually a pen name for the collaboration of authors
Vivien Dean http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/... and
Pepper Espinoza http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
ABOUT JAMIE CRAIG
Vivien Dean and Pepper Espinoza have been writing and publishing together as Jamie Craig since 2006. They have published with Juno Books, Samhain Publishing, Liquid Silver Books, and multiple titles with Amber Quill Press.
Pepper Espinoza has been writing and publishing erotic romance since 2005. She grew up in Utah and lives there now, where the landscape and history provide a great deal of inspiration for her work. Besides writing, she enjoys playing video games, watching movies, and going to concerts.
Vivien Dean returned to writing in 2005, and has published with Liquid Silver Books, Samhain Publishing, and Amber Quill Press. She currently resides in northern California with her husband and two children.
Vivien Dean http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/... and
Pepper Espinoza http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
ABOUT JAMIE CRAIG
Vivien Dean and Pepper Espinoza have been writing and publishing together as Jamie Craig since 2006. They have published with Juno Books, Samhain Publishing, Liquid Silver Books, and multiple titles with Amber Quill Press.
Pepper Espinoza has been writing and publishing erotic romance since 2005. She grew up in Utah and lives there now, where the landscape and history provide a great deal of inspiration for her work. Besides writing, she enjoys playing video games, watching movies, and going to concerts.
Vivien Dean returned to writing in 2005, and has published with Liquid Silver Books, Samhain Publishing, and Amber Quill Press. She currently resides in northern California with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 29, 2010
Christopher Gleason would rather be spending his night at home relaxing after a hard day but instead he's at club Power playing designated driver for Rev, his best friend. Sitting at the bar nursing his one drink of the night he's not surprised when someone offers to buy his next drink. He is surprised however when he sees the cute young man who offered. Gage Kimball is different from the usual guys that party at Power and despite himself Christopher is intrigued with the sexy yet innocent vibes Gage gives off. When Gage invites him home Christopher readily agrees but when he discovers the innocent vibes are real he backs off with an offer of friendship leaving Gage frustrated, hurting and alone.
Despite the way the night ended Gage decides to accept Christopher's offer of friendship and invites him to his first performance. When Christopher arrives at the club where Gage is singing and playing guitar he's accompanied by Rev and a few other friends. After the show he introduces Gage to his friends and is dismayed when Bodie, more a friend of Rev's than his, takes an instant liking to Gage. Now Christopher must deal with his attraction to Gage and seeing him with another man. He still thinks he's doing the right thing but hates knowing he passed up a chance to be with Gage.
As days pass by Gage is enjoying himself with Bodie while still harboring an attraction to Christopher. Bodie gives him what he came to LA for, a connection to another man like himself, and soon they are spending more and more time together. Although Gage is sure that Bodie would like more than the oral sex they indulge in he can't quite bring himself to let their relationship go further.
A trip to the beach a couple of weeks later is a turning point in Christopher and Gage's friendship. They decide to spend time together, alone, to really get to know each other. As they learn about each other their feelings deepen but the barrier of Christopher's initial rejection is still there. Christopher offers Gage a job at his antique store and a few days later they go on a buying trip. They spend a wonderful day together antique shopping and finally start talking about their feelings back at the hotel. They both admit how they really feel for each other and Gage also admits that who he truly wants to be with is Christopher. After spending a passion-filled night together Gage knows he has to let Bodie know immediately that things are over between them.
His talk with Bodie however leaves him more confused than ever and once again questioning Christopher and his motives. This misunderstanding is eventually resolved when Christopher finally explains why he turned him down that first night they met. Actions explained, misunderstandings resolved and feelings openly admitted, Christopher and Gage have a passionate reunion and they drift off to sleep happily looking forward to a second chance at happiness.
What I liked...
I really liked Gage. He's a young man who had the courage to act on his feelings. Raised in a strict Mormon home but knowing that he wants, and needs, something different he comes out to his parents. They turn their backs on him and he moves to LA to live his new life. He's a well written character that is likable and 'feels' real as he struggles with the pain of losing his family, his attraction to a man that only seems to want friendship and his feelings for the other man who's finally showing him what it means to be gay and with someone.
What I didn't like...
I didn't much like Gage's sexual relationship with Bodie which lasted throughout most of the book. I can understand it as Christopher turned him down and they don't really have anything together until almost the end of the story but still I didn't like it.
I also wasn't happy with Christopher's decision and actions throughout most of the book. It really didn't make sense to me that he would reject Gage just because he was a virgin. However, when at the end his reasons are explained I understood him a bit better and was able to accept why he acted the way he did.
Overall...
I really enjoyed this story despite my reservations. It's well written with interesting characters and a storyline that was simple but not boring. The sex scenes between Christopher and Gage are hot and sexy and the emotional aspects of the story are just as satisfying to read. There is a strong HFN ending to this story and it's easy to see that these two men could have a HEA in their future. I would have loved a few more pages showing their relationship after that night but even without seeing them truly together I was happy to have read the book.
Despite the way the night ended Gage decides to accept Christopher's offer of friendship and invites him to his first performance. When Christopher arrives at the club where Gage is singing and playing guitar he's accompanied by Rev and a few other friends. After the show he introduces Gage to his friends and is dismayed when Bodie, more a friend of Rev's than his, takes an instant liking to Gage. Now Christopher must deal with his attraction to Gage and seeing him with another man. He still thinks he's doing the right thing but hates knowing he passed up a chance to be with Gage.
As days pass by Gage is enjoying himself with Bodie while still harboring an attraction to Christopher. Bodie gives him what he came to LA for, a connection to another man like himself, and soon they are spending more and more time together. Although Gage is sure that Bodie would like more than the oral sex they indulge in he can't quite bring himself to let their relationship go further.
A trip to the beach a couple of weeks later is a turning point in Christopher and Gage's friendship. They decide to spend time together, alone, to really get to know each other. As they learn about each other their feelings deepen but the barrier of Christopher's initial rejection is still there. Christopher offers Gage a job at his antique store and a few days later they go on a buying trip. They spend a wonderful day together antique shopping and finally start talking about their feelings back at the hotel. They both admit how they really feel for each other and Gage also admits that who he truly wants to be with is Christopher. After spending a passion-filled night together Gage knows he has to let Bodie know immediately that things are over between them.
His talk with Bodie however leaves him more confused than ever and once again questioning Christopher and his motives. This misunderstanding is eventually resolved when Christopher finally explains why he turned him down that first night they met. Actions explained, misunderstandings resolved and feelings openly admitted, Christopher and Gage have a passionate reunion and they drift off to sleep happily looking forward to a second chance at happiness.
What I liked...
I really liked Gage. He's a young man who had the courage to act on his feelings. Raised in a strict Mormon home but knowing that he wants, and needs, something different he comes out to his parents. They turn their backs on him and he moves to LA to live his new life. He's a well written character that is likable and 'feels' real as he struggles with the pain of losing his family, his attraction to a man that only seems to want friendship and his feelings for the other man who's finally showing him what it means to be gay and with someone.
What I didn't like...
I didn't much like Gage's sexual relationship with Bodie which lasted throughout most of the book. I can understand it as Christopher turned him down and they don't really have anything together until almost the end of the story but still I didn't like it.
I also wasn't happy with Christopher's decision and actions throughout most of the book. It really didn't make sense to me that he would reject Gage just because he was a virgin. However, when at the end his reasons are explained I understood him a bit better and was able to accept why he acted the way he did.
Overall...
I really enjoyed this story despite my reservations. It's well written with interesting characters and a storyline that was simple but not boring. The sex scenes between Christopher and Gage are hot and sexy and the emotional aspects of the story are just as satisfying to read. There is a strong HFN ending to this story and it's easy to see that these two men could have a HEA in their future. I would have loved a few more pages showing their relationship after that night but even without seeing them truly together I was happy to have read the book.
February 28, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
Jamie Craig has rereleased All That You Do, and with no stated changes to the book, I assume it is the same as it was when originally published. There were several things to like about this story—Gage being the main one. The strength and courage it took for him to move to a town where he knew no one and pursue a music career was one thing, but the fact that his entire support system, aka his family, denounced and shunned him made him the most intriguing character in the novel for me. He was also the one that I felt grew most emotionally. He matured before our eyes and what was an admittedly interesting young man morphed into an even more appealing and realistic person over the course of the story. The potential for him to use the hurt and frustration he felt about Christopher essentially sidelining him because he wasn’t worldly or sexually experienced enough could have easily made Gage a whiny and needy character that had lots less appeal. I really liked that he turned out to be the polar opposite.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
Jamie Craig has rereleased All That You Do, and with no stated changes to the book, I assume it is the same as it was when originally published. There were several things to like about this story—Gage being the main one. The strength and courage it took for him to move to a town where he knew no one and pursue a music career was one thing, but the fact that his entire support system, aka his family, denounced and shunned him made him the most intriguing character in the novel for me. He was also the one that I felt grew most emotionally. He matured before our eyes and what was an admittedly interesting young man morphed into an even more appealing and realistic person over the course of the story. The potential for him to use the hurt and frustration he felt about Christopher essentially sidelining him because he wasn’t worldly or sexually experienced enough could have easily made Gage a whiny and needy character that had lots less appeal. I really liked that he turned out to be the polar opposite.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
May 10, 2020
3.5 stars
August 3, 2010
4.5 stars
Both Pepper Espinoza, and her work as Jamie Craig with fellow writer Vivien Dean, are solid 4 star writers for me. I enjoy everything I read by them, and this was no exception.
This was a sweet, simple romance with likeable characters and just the right amount of drama. One of the main characters, Gage, is a Mormon from Salt Lake who went to LA so he could finally be himself. I really related to Gage and felt that he was written perfectly. I loved this book and am already halfway through the sequel. Highly recommended!
Both Pepper Espinoza, and her work as Jamie Craig with fellow writer Vivien Dean, are solid 4 star writers for me. I enjoy everything I read by them, and this was no exception.
This was a sweet, simple romance with likeable characters and just the right amount of drama. One of the main characters, Gage, is a Mormon from Salt Lake who went to LA so he could finally be himself. I really related to Gage and felt that he was written perfectly. I loved this book and am already halfway through the sequel. Highly recommended!
February 9, 2015
This one could have been a 4 or 5 star story except for one rather annoying thing, Christopher’s reason for walking away from Gage … that was just so whatthefuckity for me that I was prevented from enjoying the rest of the story … even his ‘explanation’ for his behavior failed to truly explain his reasoning … if this plot hole were missing, or if you’re able to ignore it, you’re left with a sweet character who inadvertently finds himself in love triangle … it’s light … it’s fluffy … the smex is good … I just found the weak plot device annoying.
February 18, 2021
3.5 seems right. Not a "meet and work toward HEA" story. MCs aren't together for most of the book. And ending isn't a settled thing. But, the writing is good.
April 1, 2024
TW: Cheating done by one of the MC's
Read
December 22, 2010All That You Do is a very nice “virgin” romance, above all since the virgin is not so shy and clueless as he seems at first.
Gage is new in town, he comes from Salt Lake City and away from a Mormon mission; being gay was not exactly easy there, and in any case his passion for rock and country music was a push more to go away. 22 years old and still virgin when he arrives in Los Angeles he is more lonely than ever, and he thinks that casual sex can help him in chasing away loneliness. He goes in a gay leather club, but everything, and everyone is too much for him, until he doesn’t see Christopher.
Not a leather club guy, Christopher is there to help a friend, and he is exactly what Gage is searching: a slightly older, 31 years old, and with a safe aurea around him, he is exactly the type Gage feels safe to cruise. Only that Christopher is a good guy all around, and when he finds out that Gage has no experience at all, instead of taking advantage of him, he decides to play the role of a good friend. Christopher’s attitude is also a consequence of a bad experience he himself had when he was too young to decide, and I think his idea was to give Gage a chance to have a look around, while being always near and ready to help him, and when it was time, to be the one to escort him in his next adventure.
This is the point where I sincerely didn’t like so much Gage; he is a nice and friendly guy, honest and naïve, and all in all I like him, but he also proved to be very young. When Christopher refused to have sex with him that first night, he didn’t exactly rejected him; he gave Gage all the contacts he needed as a new guy in town, he was there for him as soon as he called him, he was supporting and caring. And Gage? First chance he had to be with another guy he took that without thinking twice. All right, Gage is young and probably horny, but I think he should have given more credits to Christopher and wait a bit for him. The wait was worth the prize.
In any case, Christopher again proves to be a good guy, and he doesn’t weight on Gage his mistake; true, he is hurt, but he is also able to understand that Gage is sincere in his actions, and that basically he is only too young and inexperienced. Christopher’s attitude is probably the only reason why this romance has an happily ever after.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1602727953/?...
Gage is new in town, he comes from Salt Lake City and away from a Mormon mission; being gay was not exactly easy there, and in any case his passion for rock and country music was a push more to go away. 22 years old and still virgin when he arrives in Los Angeles he is more lonely than ever, and he thinks that casual sex can help him in chasing away loneliness. He goes in a gay leather club, but everything, and everyone is too much for him, until he doesn’t see Christopher.
Not a leather club guy, Christopher is there to help a friend, and he is exactly what Gage is searching: a slightly older, 31 years old, and with a safe aurea around him, he is exactly the type Gage feels safe to cruise. Only that Christopher is a good guy all around, and when he finds out that Gage has no experience at all, instead of taking advantage of him, he decides to play the role of a good friend. Christopher’s attitude is also a consequence of a bad experience he himself had when he was too young to decide, and I think his idea was to give Gage a chance to have a look around, while being always near and ready to help him, and when it was time, to be the one to escort him in his next adventure.
This is the point where I sincerely didn’t like so much Gage; he is a nice and friendly guy, honest and naïve, and all in all I like him, but he also proved to be very young. When Christopher refused to have sex with him that first night, he didn’t exactly rejected him; he gave Gage all the contacts he needed as a new guy in town, he was there for him as soon as he called him, he was supporting and caring. And Gage? First chance he had to be with another guy he took that without thinking twice. All right, Gage is young and probably horny, but I think he should have given more credits to Christopher and wait a bit for him. The wait was worth the prize.
In any case, Christopher again proves to be a good guy, and he doesn’t weight on Gage his mistake; true, he is hurt, but he is also able to understand that Gage is sincere in his actions, and that basically he is only too young and inexperienced. Christopher’s attitude is probably the only reason why this romance has an happily ever after.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1602727953/?...
March 7, 2011
This was an interesting story, in that for nearly the entire timeframe of the story the two protagonists are not in a relationship. Christopher picks up Gage the night meet, but backs away from intimacy once he finds out Gage is a virgin, and that his innocence is not an act. After this, Gage enters into a relationship of sorts with a semi-friend of Christopher's. I really like this element because it led to some awkward situations between the two protags, and ramped up the sexual tension between them with the obvious barrier of the pseudo-boyfriend.
The only part about this element that I don't like is when they have sex for the first time...which is when Gage is still technically dating the other guy, and right after assuring his boyfriend that they were exclusive and he had no designs on Christopher. It seemed to jar a little with Gage's character, who doesn't strike me as much of a liar, and I really don't care moments of infidelity (although I'm more okay with it here, because the cheating isn't on Christopher, but it implies it could happen in the future in their relationship).
Watching Gage evolve and grow was very satisfying, and I really liked the interplay between Christopher and Gage; their an interesting couple, and really diverse and into each other.
I wish there had been a little more alluding to the reasons behind Christopher's initial reaction to Gage...it isn't until rather late in the book that it's revealed that Christopher's reaction are due to a previous relationship, not some aversion to virgins. He speaks of a rule against innocents, and first-timers or those just coming out, but earlier we only see his reaction to Gage's virginity, no reasoning or hints that there might be more to it, despite the fact that we're in Christopher's head for much of the book. Even something as simple as "I couldn't have sex with Gage that first night because of his innocence; I couldn't go through that again." would have been enough to give a hint that there WAS another reason for us to find out...it was hard to understand Christopher's reticence before Gage was in a relationship without that bit of knowledge.
Despite that niggle, I really liked the book, and it ended in such a way that I felt really satisfied at the outcome.
The only part about this element that I don't like is when they have sex for the first time...which is when Gage is still technically dating the other guy, and right after assuring his boyfriend that they were exclusive and he had no designs on Christopher. It seemed to jar a little with Gage's character, who doesn't strike me as much of a liar, and I really don't care moments of infidelity (although I'm more okay with it here, because the cheating isn't on Christopher, but it implies it could happen in the future in their relationship).
Watching Gage evolve and grow was very satisfying, and I really liked the interplay between Christopher and Gage; their an interesting couple, and really diverse and into each other.
I wish there had been a little more alluding to the reasons behind Christopher's initial reaction to Gage...it isn't until rather late in the book that it's revealed that Christopher's reaction are due to a previous relationship, not some aversion to virgins. He speaks of a rule against innocents, and first-timers or those just coming out, but earlier we only see his reaction to Gage's virginity, no reasoning or hints that there might be more to it, despite the fact that we're in Christopher's head for much of the book. Even something as simple as "I couldn't have sex with Gage that first night because of his innocence; I couldn't go through that again." would have been enough to give a hint that there WAS another reason for us to find out...it was hard to understand Christopher's reticence before Gage was in a relationship without that bit of knowledge.
Despite that niggle, I really liked the book, and it ended in such a way that I felt really satisfied at the outcome.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2011
I liked this book, but was equally frustrated with a major aspect of the story involving a love/lust triangle. The two main characters are Christopher and Gage. Christoper is the older of the two and gets teased by friends for being the "old man" - more to do with the fact that he takes responsibility than his age. Gage is a young innocent who is really looking to assuage his guilt (placed on him by his family for his deviant nature) and loneliness. The fact that Gage is "innocent" is what causes Christopher to back away from the relationship immediately and creates some confusion for the reader because the reasoning isn't totally explained until late in the book. Because Gage doesn't want to be alone, he latches on to another guy (who shall remain nameless because I really disliked him). This secondary relationship lasts for a large portion of the book, and even when our two main characters come together, it's not a very solid "together" and the ending is more of a HFN vs. HEA. The one major redeeming quality of this book? Smokin' hot sex! Let's just say that Christopher is a great teacher and Gage is a very eager and responsive student!!!
July 1, 2010
3.5 stars
I'm not very comfortable with the idea of relationship involving third person -- and it's one of the reasons that I can't give this a 4 stars rate. While Gage has the innocence flair in him, I prefer that he explores his sexuality with Christopher, rather than involving Bodie as his quick boyfriend. Because one way or another, when Gage decides to sleep with Christopher -- even after he goes out with Bodie and Bodie asks him to go exclusive -- it does mean infidelity. No matter how I think that Gage is Christopher's ... in addition, I think Christopher's reason to reject Gage in the first place is a bit lame.
HOWEVER, the writing is excellent like always. I never have problem with any of Jamie Craig's writings. I think there's going to be a sequel later on (entitled Leo), so yeah, I would love to read more about Gage and Christopher ...
I'm not very comfortable with the idea of relationship involving third person -- and it's one of the reasons that I can't give this a 4 stars rate. While Gage has the innocence flair in him, I prefer that he explores his sexuality with Christopher, rather than involving Bodie as his quick boyfriend. Because one way or another, when Gage decides to sleep with Christopher -- even after he goes out with Bodie and Bodie asks him to go exclusive -- it does mean infidelity. No matter how I think that Gage is Christopher's ... in addition, I think Christopher's reason to reject Gage in the first place is a bit lame.
HOWEVER, the writing is excellent like always. I never have problem with any of Jamie Craig's writings. I think there's going to be a sequel later on (entitled Leo), so yeah, I would love to read more about Gage and Christopher ...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2011
I didn't really get this book. Christopher, the 'old man' in the story (he's 31, I believe) meets Gage, a Mormon virgin who has just moved to LA, at Power, a gay 'meat market'. They connect and go back to Gage's small apartment then Christopher gets scared off when he finds out that Gage is totally innocent of any gay (or any sexual) experience. We later find out why and the reason was kind of silly. Gage connects with one of Christopher's circle, a guy named Bodie, and they have a sort of relationship (they don't have sex but Gage learns how to go down on a man).
The story is short and the people aren't all that likeable. It was an OK read.
The story is short and the people aren't all that likeable. It was an OK read.
January 15, 2013
The book was tantalizing and had me trying not blush when I was reading it. There were some technical inconsistencies that didn't really detract from the story but the editor should have caught those. The setting, pace, and tone of the book were all perfect to keep me hooked. Now I want to read the other books in the Zodiac Boys series!
August 24, 2023
71.5% DNF
I was already struggling through with the story as Gabe is primarily with another character and not Christopher for the majority.
However I liked their interactions and chemistry, so was looking forward to seeing them get together. If there's one thing I hate it's cheating and that's exactly what Gabe does and Christopher doesn't care since he dislikes Bodie... So nope.
I was already struggling through with the story as Gabe is primarily with another character and not Christopher for the majority.
However I liked their interactions and chemistry, so was looking forward to seeing them get together. If there's one thing I hate it's cheating and that's exactly what Gabe does and Christopher doesn't care since he dislikes Bodie... So nope.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2016
I thought Christopher, for the first half of the book was both too good to be true and a jerk and Gage was so innocent it made my teeth hurt. But the characters became more interesting and compelling as the story started to wrap up. I ended up really loving this book.
August 26, 2010
3.5 stars.
June 11, 2010
I really loved both of main characters. The book was well written and interesting. Even the plot was realistic and good.
I recommend it.!!
I recommend it.!!
August 1, 2010
Good plot. Contained long and lots of sex scenes, lesser space for the continuity, so sometimes I skipped since it's too long and boring me.
August 2, 2012
Not bad, but the ending was abrupt.
February 5, 2012
more like 3.5 than 3, and one of the better ones in the series so far
March 5, 2016
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1st read - Apr 8, 2011
2nd read - Mar 5. 2016
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews