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Special Delivery #2
Double Blind
Poker player and professional smartass Randy Jansen believes in fate but doesn't let it rule his life. Whether he-s at the table or between the sheets, Randy always knows the odds, and he only plays the games he can win-until he meets Ethan Ellison. Ethan came to Las Vegas with a broken heart and shattered spirit, and when he sits down at the roulette table with his last five dollars, he means this to be one of his last acts on earth. But Randy ropes him into first one bet, and then another, and then another.... Pretty soon they-re playing poker on the Strip and having the time of their lives-and all this even before Randy gets Ethan into his bed.
But before Ethan can plot out a new course for his life, they-re drafted into the schemes of Randy-s former lover, a tricky gangster who needs a fall guy. To survive, Ethan will have to stop waiting on fate and start making his own luck, and Randy will have to face the demons of his past and accept that to win this round, he-s going to have to put up a big ante. It isn-t money going into the pot this time, either: it-s his heart, and Ethan-s too-because for better or for worse, the game of love has a double blind.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 9, 2010
42 people are currently reading
1313 people want to read
About the author
Heidi Cullinan
41 books2,881 followersAuthor of over thirty novels, Midwest-native Heidi Cullinan writes positive-outcome romances for LGBT characters struggling against insurmountable odds because they believe there’s no such thing as too much happy ever after. Heidi’s books have been recommended by Library Journal, USA Today, RT Magazine, and Publishers Weekly. When Heidi isn’t writing, they enjoy gaming, reading manga, manhua, and danmei, playing with cats, and watching too much anime.
Heidi goes by Jun when being spoken to in person or online, and Jun’s pronouns are they/them.
Heidi goes by Jun when being spoken to in person or online, and Jun’s pronouns are they/them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 425 reviews
February 18, 2011
Okay. I fucking love Heidi Cullinan and I think I want to have her baby.
I'll confess: I was blown away by SPECIAL DELIVERY... which at first glance (trucker & twink crosscountry) had all the makings of crappy semi-porno, but actually turned out to be every bit as raunchy and sweet as I could have wanted. A genuinely superb M/M with teeth and heart and a big fat hardon.
But...
DOUBLE BLIND just knocks that shit out of the water. Again, looking at the blurb I sort of cringed at the stylized setup (man down on his luck in Vegas falls in with truckers and mobsters. Oof!) and the potential for über-crap, but her goddamn skill and clarity saves it every time.
This book gives us an unlovable dirtbag and a end-of-his-rope loser and makes us not just care about them but root for them. In a kind of wild abandon, she serves up metric tons of Vegas clichés, but without them ever feeling overfamiliar, because she reimagines them all lovingly for her fractured protagonists. There are business deals and hidden homo-history for minor characters and even tacky statuary as a major plot element. And just cause Cullinan knows how to build a full-on environment for her characters and her readers, she serves up funky and intriguing detail about the world of casinos, just as the first book had these crazy facts about trucking... so that the world kind of congeals around you and the characters. Real skill and a deft hand at work on every page.
Heidi Cullinan reinvents a skeevy character from SPECIAL DELIVERY in a completely satisfying and surprising way. Plus builds on the primary relationship introduced in that book without destroying what made it so satisfying. And again with the sweetness and raunchiness that has this funny way of sneaking up on you. Hot sex that doesn't feel like it's written out of a catalog by a robot. Every moment of filthy/endearing erotica advances plot and character and empathy...
The thing is... Cullinan writes with joy and appetite and glee, and they're downright infectious. Her verve and zest for these strange men and their unfamiliar (to me) circumstances make me feel like the books extend beyond their pages... which is the mark of the best genre writing. Gorgeous.
If you haven't read these two books, you're ass-crazy and you must go do that now. Go ahead... I'm waiting. SPECIAL DELIVERY. Seriously. And then DOUBLE BLIND. Call me a liar, I double-dog dare you.MM-mm good is right.
Sheesh. I just went and bought copies of HERO and everything else I could find(which I'll be reading, stat) to support her career. I may even write the woman an embarassing letter of appreciation. She is a treasure and she's getting better, polishing her own mettle.
I'll confess: I was blown away by SPECIAL DELIVERY... which at first glance (trucker & twink crosscountry) had all the makings of crappy semi-porno, but actually turned out to be every bit as raunchy and sweet as I could have wanted. A genuinely superb M/M with teeth and heart and a big fat hardon.
But...
DOUBLE BLIND just knocks that shit out of the water. Again, looking at the blurb I sort of cringed at the stylized setup (man down on his luck in Vegas falls in with truckers and mobsters. Oof!) and the potential for über-crap, but her goddamn skill and clarity saves it every time.
This book gives us an unlovable dirtbag and a end-of-his-rope loser and makes us not just care about them but root for them. In a kind of wild abandon, she serves up metric tons of Vegas clichés, but without them ever feeling overfamiliar, because she reimagines them all lovingly for her fractured protagonists. There are business deals and hidden homo-history for minor characters and even tacky statuary as a major plot element. And just cause Cullinan knows how to build a full-on environment for her characters and her readers, she serves up funky and intriguing detail about the world of casinos, just as the first book had these crazy facts about trucking... so that the world kind of congeals around you and the characters. Real skill and a deft hand at work on every page.
Heidi Cullinan reinvents a skeevy character from SPECIAL DELIVERY in a completely satisfying and surprising way. Plus builds on the primary relationship introduced in that book without destroying what made it so satisfying. And again with the sweetness and raunchiness that has this funny way of sneaking up on you. Hot sex that doesn't feel like it's written out of a catalog by a robot. Every moment of filthy/endearing erotica advances plot and character and empathy...
The thing is... Cullinan writes with joy and appetite and glee, and they're downright infectious. Her verve and zest for these strange men and their unfamiliar (to me) circumstances make me feel like the books extend beyond their pages... which is the mark of the best genre writing. Gorgeous.
If you haven't read these two books, you're ass-crazy and you must go do that now. Go ahead... I'm waiting. SPECIAL DELIVERY. Seriously. And then DOUBLE BLIND. Call me a liar, I double-dog dare you.MM-mm good is right.
Sheesh. I just went and bought copies of HERO and everything else I could find(which I'll be reading, stat) to support her career. I may even write the woman an embarassing letter of appreciation. She is a treasure and she's getting better, polishing her own mettle.
August 20, 2012
REVIEW COMPLETED AUGUST 20, 2012
After reading and lovin' Ms. Cullinan's Dance With Me I expected a story full of beauty, magic and power. And first and foremost I wanted strong and likable characters.
But I got this.
I loved the first 20 % of Double Blind and I fell head over heels in love with the cocky and at that time very confident Randy. Even though there was a lot of theory about poker and gambling, I didn't have any issues at all with this aspect of the story. If anything it was very intriguing and I liked it. And when I felt that Ethan may be --and Randy was so clueless--I found myself thinking "This book will be another winner." Oh my, was I ever wrong. Unfortunately Double Blind couldn't live up to my high expectations. Randy was one seriously strange revelation, alas in a very negative way. Double Blind is a gooey mess of melodrama. Needless to say that I hate melodramatic characters--it was a syrupy experience.
Whiny, clingy, needy, ridiculous, embarrassing, and weak. I just described Sam, Ethan and Randy, and I really, really dislike them. I can deal with one highly annoying secondary character, however, when I have to face three whiny and weak characters, it's going to make my reading life miserable in a major way. Can you imagine, the juvenile Sammy is actually squealing. *shudders* Oh yeah, and Sammy's love for Kylie Minogue made me…squeeee…here…and…squeeee…there. Sheesh, you guys should get your act together. Double Blind was very close to a DNF, and I've had a very hard time to finish it. Honestly, I am extremely disappointed as well as annoyed.
I appreciate it when a man is showing his vulnerable side, however, I want him to do it without losing his masculinity. What was manly about Sam, Ethan or Randy in the first place? Frankly, I am so clueless. That's the big difference between Sam and Laurie (hero of Dance With Me). Laurie was effeminate and vulnerable and yet he never lost his masculinity and at the same time he did radiate a powerful presence that was incredibly intense. He was portrayed very realistically. Sadly, you won't find anything like this in Double Blind. Sam is a dumb laughingstock.
Well, and then I wanted much more page time for Randy and Ethan because it's their story for Pete's sake!! With that said, it's all about Sam and Randy and Randy and Sam and Randy and Sam's love. Sam here, Sam there, Sam everywhere. Gah! Yeah, Baba is so not into love triangles. As a consequence, there was never enough character and relationship development between Ethan and Randy. And the ILY's did not ring true to me either. In fact, I thought it was weird how Ethan was positioned in this story. He seemed to be the odd guy out, like he's a fifth wheel or some such.
Double Blind introduced me to my very first m/m/m/m sex scene. Even though it was ok, it was kind of uninspiring and I didn't feel their chemistry either. To top it off, my hero can't be in love with two guys--it's simply a huge no-go and not acceptable.
I totally disliked the strip poker scene. Don't get me wrong, basically I have nothing against strip poker. What I found so idiotic were the characters. Again. Ethan and Randy got super stoned by smoking a joint and all three of them (including Sam) were giggling their asses off. Giggling men??? No comment. Their behavior was ridiculous as all get out and not really memorable. *rolls eyes again and again* To make matters worse the story started to get pretty boring and my interest just petered out.
There's more that I disliked but I think it's better to stop now.
Overall verdict
Double Blind blindsided me. It was a frustrating and tedious read and I wanted it to be over.
After reading and lovin' Ms. Cullinan's Dance With Me I expected a story full of beauty, magic and power. And first and foremost I wanted strong and likable characters.
But I got this.
I loved the first 20 % of Double Blind and I fell head over heels in love with the cocky and at that time very confident Randy. Even though there was a lot of theory about poker and gambling, I didn't have any issues at all with this aspect of the story. If anything it was very intriguing and I liked it. And when I felt that Ethan may be --and Randy was so clueless--I found myself thinking "This book will be another winner." Oh my, was I ever wrong. Unfortunately Double Blind couldn't live up to my high expectations. Randy was one seriously strange revelation, alas in a very negative way. Double Blind is a gooey mess of melodrama. Needless to say that I hate melodramatic characters--it was a syrupy experience.
Whiny, clingy, needy, ridiculous, embarrassing, and weak. I just described Sam, Ethan and Randy, and I really, really dislike them. I can deal with one highly annoying secondary character, however, when I have to face three whiny and weak characters, it's going to make my reading life miserable in a major way. Can you imagine, the juvenile Sammy is actually squealing. *shudders* Oh yeah, and Sammy's love for Kylie Minogue made me…squeeee…here…and…squeeee…there. Sheesh, you guys should get your act together. Double Blind was very close to a DNF, and I've had a very hard time to finish it. Honestly, I am extremely disappointed as well as annoyed.
I appreciate it when a man is showing his vulnerable side, however, I want him to do it without losing his masculinity. What was manly about Sam, Ethan or Randy in the first place? Frankly, I am so clueless. That's the big difference between Sam and Laurie (hero of Dance With Me). Laurie was effeminate and vulnerable and yet he never lost his masculinity and at the same time he did radiate a powerful presence that was incredibly intense. He was portrayed very realistically. Sadly, you won't find anything like this in Double Blind. Sam is a dumb laughingstock.
Well, and then I wanted much more page time for Randy and Ethan because it's their story for Pete's sake!! With that said, it's all about Sam and Randy and Randy and Sam and Randy and Sam's love. Sam here, Sam there, Sam everywhere. Gah! Yeah, Baba is so not into love triangles. As a consequence, there was never enough character and relationship development between Ethan and Randy. And the ILY's did not ring true to me either. In fact, I thought it was weird how Ethan was positioned in this story. He seemed to be the odd guy out, like he's a fifth wheel or some such.
Double Blind introduced me to my very first m/m/m/m sex scene. Even though it was ok, it was kind of uninspiring and I didn't feel their chemistry either. To top it off, my hero can't be in love with two guys--it's simply a huge no-go and not acceptable.
I totally disliked the strip poker scene. Don't get me wrong, basically I have nothing against strip poker. What I found so idiotic were the characters. Again. Ethan and Randy got super stoned by smoking a joint and all three of them (including Sam) were giggling their asses off. Giggling men??? No comment. Their behavior was ridiculous as all get out and not really memorable. *rolls eyes again and again* To make matters worse the story started to get pretty boring and my interest just petered out.
There's more that I disliked but I think it's better to stop now.
Overall verdict
Double Blind blindsided me. It was a frustrating and tedious read and I wanted it to be over.
April 23, 2014
4.5 stars
This book just KNOCKED me on my ass.
I resisted stubbornly reading it. I hated swarmy Randy in book 1, Special Delivery. I had no interest in reading his story. I thought anyone and everyone who loved Randy crazy. And...I don't want to read kink. It's not my thing, most especially if I have zero interest in those involved. *stomp my feet* *pound my chest*
Shit. Do I have egg on my face?
I should know better. I know I can trust Heidi Cullinan. She doesn't tell me to read any and all her books. She told me to read THIS one. She told me she thought I'd really enjoy it. She told me, when I took her "which character are you?" quiz, that she'd crack up if I got Randy (and yes, I got Randy). She never forced me, but she encouraged me...and I get this feeling she just knew.
Here's the thing: I AM RANDY in so many ways. Randy, the one I judged so harshly yet knowing so little about him. Randy, with the huge heart and all the walls. Randy, who wants and even needs to take care of people. Randy, protective and soft on the inside and imperfect but so lovable. Randy, the guy who has to make things right for people. Randy, the one misunderstood.
RANDY...quite possibly one of my favorite characters ever.
I loved this book. Well, Randy, obviously, won me over. But Ethan was a perfect fit for Randy and I loved seeing his growth and development. I loved their LOVE for each other. I loved how they could see the ACE in each other. I loved how Ethan knew Randy wasn't a Joker.
And yes, I LOVED the poker. I used to play...a lot...and had quite the side gig going on for awhile. I was a Vegas-weekender and played in the Bellagio poker room (though the Mandalay Bay room was my favorite). So this book felt...familiar. And putting life into perspective via poker? Well, it hit deep. But it should, right?...because I AM RANDY.
And about that kink? *pshhh* I barely remember it. ha! I was connected emotionally to what was going on, but mostly, I was focused on Ethan and Randy.
Now, I will say that there were a couple things that distracted me a bit (and only a tiny bit). Sam was, to me, a bit unrecognizable. Yes, he was sensitive and young in Special Delivery. But he turned into a Jory in Double Blind...everyone loved him and the world revolved around him. And I was kinda annoyed by him, to be honest. The second little niggle had to do with H&M...but that's just my own irritation...
I hate this review because I can't put into coherent thoughts or words how much this book MEANT to me. I know it's HOT so people love it. I know the characters are great so people love it. I know it's Heidi Cullinan so people love it. But this book...it turned something in me. I finished bits along the way and would just put my Kindle down and nod or say to myself "Oh shit!" or wonder what it was I just felt in my gut or in my heart. It's inexplicable, unfortunately. But this book 'got me' and I loved loved loved it.
*babbling over*
F*cking A...I loved this so hard.
October 3, 2015
OF COURSE I'LL GIVE IT FIVE STARS BECAUSE IT'S RANDY'S STORY!
I love it, I love it, I LOVE IT!!!
I loved Randy,
I loved Ethan,
I loved Randy & Ethan together,
I loved the story,
I loved Herod's,
I loved Vegas!
I loved Poker,
I loved Roulette...
Basically I loved everything about it!!!
If Special Delivery was more sex, Double Blind was more fun, and more heart. Which I loved loved loved...
I really love Randy. He's a bastard, funny, naughty, dirty, horny, IRRESISTIBLE. And I love when these kind of characters fall in love. And when that happened to Randy, it was a joy to read. I loved everything that happened to him, everything he'd gone through, and how he handled everything that was thrown at him. He's probably one of my most favorite M/M Romance characters ever . I'm quite disappointed though that he didn't get a glorious ending like Ethan did.
Speaking of Ethan, I loved him too! He's the beaten down type of MC. And Randy found him at the right place at the right time. I loved how they met! What happened to them was sweet serendipity. And I loved it. I loved Ethan's journey in this story. He's a phoenix that risen from the ashes. And Randy brought him back to life. The ending he got was very very gratifying.
I liked Sam and Mitch's appearances here, especially Sam's. Even though he shown vulnerability here, I liked that the focus was not fully shifted to him, but Randy was still the main focus. Also, I was impressed on all the help he gave to Ethan and Randy here.
Crabtree was iffy. I know something was up with him and my hunch about him was right. It's quite obvious actually.
Sex here was not as kinky as in Book 1 but there were paddling, and a foursome between Ethan, Randy, Sam and Mitch. So beware if you guys don't like that. But for me it was very hot.
Loved the setting. My US GR friends, you guys are so lucky that you are nearer to Las Vegas. It seems like a very very fun place to be. And I love the game stuff here especially the Poker! I love card games and games in general so it's a plus for me.
So there you go, my very biased review. (Because I love Randy so much) Don't miss it if you liked Special Delivery!
A HIGHLY RECOMMENDED READ!
I love it, I love it, I LOVE IT!!!
I loved Randy,
I loved Ethan,
I loved Randy & Ethan together,
I loved the story,
I loved Herod's,
I loved Vegas!
I loved Poker,
I loved Roulette...
Basically I loved everything about it!!!
If Special Delivery was more sex, Double Blind was more fun, and more heart. Which I loved loved loved...
I really love Randy. He's a bastard, funny, naughty, dirty, horny, IRRESISTIBLE. And I love when these kind of characters fall in love. And when that happened to Randy, it was a joy to read. I loved everything that happened to him, everything he'd gone through, and how he handled everything that was thrown at him. He's probably one of my most favorite M/M Romance characters ever . I'm quite disappointed though that he didn't get a glorious ending like Ethan did.
Speaking of Ethan, I loved him too! He's the beaten down type of MC. And Randy found him at the right place at the right time. I loved how they met! What happened to them was sweet serendipity. And I loved it. I loved Ethan's journey in this story. He's a phoenix that risen from the ashes. And Randy brought him back to life. The ending he got was very very gratifying.
I liked Sam and Mitch's appearances here, especially Sam's. Even though he shown vulnerability here, I liked that the focus was not fully shifted to him, but Randy was still the main focus. Also, I was impressed on all the help he gave to Ethan and Randy here.
Crabtree was iffy. I know something was up with him and my hunch about him was right. It's quite obvious actually.
Sex here was not as kinky as in Book 1 but there were paddling, and a foursome between Ethan, Randy, Sam and Mitch. So beware if you guys don't like that. But for me it was very hot.
Loved the setting. My US GR friends, you guys are so lucky that you are nearer to Las Vegas. It seems like a very very fun place to be. And I love the game stuff here especially the Poker! I love card games and games in general so it's a plus for me.
So there you go, my very biased review. (Because I love Randy so much) Don't miss it if you liked Special Delivery!
A HIGHLY RECOMMENDED READ!
March 25, 2010
Did I think this could be as hot as the first? Well, I could hope, right? And did this book deliver!! Wow! I love these characters! I want to know these characters! I want to fuck these characters! :)
August 4, 2016
4.25 POKER-FRENZY-INDUCED STARS!
Fair warning, if you hate Vegas, casinos, and mobsters, maybe skip this one, because there's all kinds of Sin City action here: cards (poker and high-stakes poker and poker variations and even more poker), roulette (don't just bet on black, people!), lots of booze, craps, and did I mention POKER, and so on ad infinitum.
This book begins two years after the first book ends. Randy is still in Vegas, still lonely, but a little less so since he has Mitch and Sam in his life. On a weird bet with a gangster named Crabtree who looks like Santa Clause, Randy strikes up a conversation with Ethan, who's come to Vegas to drown his pain and lose his soul (and money).
I didn't much like Randy in book one. I may have mentioned that I wanted him to die. In this book, Randy has changed, certainly for the better, and he becomes so tender and lovey and shit after meeting Ethan that he's like Mother Teresa on a motorcycle; hell, he even goes to therapy!
Ethan is a good guy who's been screwed by his married (to a woman, of course) "boyfriend." When he meets Randy, he has nothing. But his luck changes when Crabtree asks him to revive his casino to its former glory days. Then Ethan is all cool looks, black suits, and gin.
The plot did get a little convoluted: million-dollar transfers, most wanted gangsters in hiding, double-blind plays involving godsons and investments and lots and lots of $$$$$$$$$$$, demon statues, sexy limo rides, a big-ass show featuring big-name stars, and SO MUCH MORE. There's also lots and lots of Emotional Angst: both Randy and Ethan hide, argue, lay it on the line, fall apart, and fall in love.
We get a good dose of Sam and Mitch from book 1 here, although I didn't love the side plot regarding Sam's psychological issues. The focus, however, is Randy/Ethan's relationship, and since Sam and Mitch are in town, we get some group loving. Incidentally, while I thought the sex in book 1 was off-the-charts hot, most of the scenes in this book were either under-a-blanket vague or fade to black, which is not typical of Heidi, and which, I'm not ashamed to admit, was damn disappointing. I also wanted more background information about Ethan, particularly his religious upbringing.
This book definitely needs to be read after book 1. Randy more than redeems himself; Sam and Mitch are still happy; Ethan is a nice addition; also, there are CATS (plural!).
There is way too much poker talk, no doubt (Heidi most definitely did her research), and the plot did get sucked into a nearly-nonsensical vortex toward the end. But even so, this was enjoyable and cool. Drink up.
Fair warning, if you hate Vegas, casinos, and mobsters, maybe skip this one, because there's all kinds of Sin City action here: cards (poker and high-stakes poker and poker variations and even more poker), roulette (don't just bet on black, people!), lots of booze, craps, and did I mention POKER, and so on ad infinitum.
This book begins two years after the first book ends. Randy is still in Vegas, still lonely, but a little less so since he has Mitch and Sam in his life. On a weird bet with a gangster named Crabtree who looks like Santa Clause, Randy strikes up a conversation with Ethan, who's come to Vegas to drown his pain and lose his soul (and money).
I didn't much like Randy in book one. I may have mentioned that I wanted him to die. In this book, Randy has changed, certainly for the better, and he becomes so tender and lovey and shit after meeting Ethan that he's like Mother Teresa on a motorcycle; hell, he even goes to therapy!
Ethan is a good guy who's been screwed by his married (to a woman, of course) "boyfriend." When he meets Randy, he has nothing. But his luck changes when Crabtree asks him to revive his casino to its former glory days. Then Ethan is all cool looks, black suits, and gin.
The plot did get a little convoluted: million-dollar transfers, most wanted gangsters in hiding, double-blind plays involving godsons and investments and lots and lots of $$$$$$$$$$$, demon statues, sexy limo rides, a big-ass show featuring big-name stars, and SO MUCH MORE. There's also lots and lots of Emotional Angst: both Randy and Ethan hide, argue, lay it on the line, fall apart, and fall in love.
We get a good dose of Sam and Mitch from book 1 here, although I didn't love the side plot regarding Sam's psychological issues. The focus, however, is Randy/Ethan's relationship, and since Sam and Mitch are in town, we get some group loving. Incidentally, while I thought the sex in book 1 was off-the-charts hot, most of the scenes in this book were either under-a-blanket vague or fade to black, which is not typical of Heidi, and which, I'm not ashamed to admit, was damn disappointing. I also wanted more background information about Ethan, particularly his religious upbringing.
This book definitely needs to be read after book 1. Randy more than redeems himself; Sam and Mitch are still happy; Ethan is a nice addition; also, there are CATS (plural!).
There is way too much poker talk, no doubt (Heidi most definitely did her research), and the plot did get sucked into a nearly-nonsensical vortex toward the end. But even so, this was enjoyable and cool. Drink up.
March 5, 2014
#1 Queen Randy Slut – Jenni Lea
For all the world that I loved Special Delivery, I loved Double Blind even more. Holy crap, did I love this book! I can’t even… I mean… just… Gah! I don’t even know where to begin!
Randy, Randy, Randy. Sir, I sure do love you. You are the most irritating, rambunctious, courageous, annoying, loud, hilarious, crafty, sexy crazy-ass motherfucker I have ever met. You are wonderful. I want to push Ethan out of the way and marry you instead. Except, I love Ethan too. He is certainly your other half, flip side of your coin, the yin to your yang. In other words, he is perfect for you.
I lurve this book. I lurve it so HARD.
See what the rest of the unicorns thought of Randy er, I mean Double Blind and check out blog tour info on our blog. Just click on the link below.
August 21, 2010
^^ DOUBLE THE HOTTNESS!^^
Double Blind, is double the pleasure, double the fun and double the cum. It is funny, heartbreaking and a wonderful story into the lives of characters we have come to love. This book is in a category all on its own, the idea of using poker to explain life and it makes so much sense. This series is a wonderful tale of human emotions, the fear that comes with love and the healing that can only be found through friendships. This is the second book to Special Delivery and that book deserves its own feckin pedestal. We met Sam and Mitch and they play an important role in this book, but the book is all about Randy. I love him, which came as a surprise because he sort of pissed me off in the first book, but man oh man is this dude awesome or what.
The setting is Las Vegas and Randy plays poker professionally and he is very good. He has this uncanny ability to read people the same way he reads a poker game, but his skills are about to be shaken up with Ethan. When he makes a bet on Ethan, with no idea he would come to love him and save his life in the process. The relationship seems doomed from the start, but that’s what makes it so authentic. There is no love at first sight and candy and gum ball raindrops, the emotion cuts deep down to bone and there are tears.
Ethan gets himself caught up in some serious business with some of the more seedy business men of Las Vegas, here is this shy unassuming man and its was like coming to his own, when he takes over a casino. With millions of dollars at his disposal, it seems Ethan has bitten off more than he can chew, but no worries Randy is there as a constant guide, and it is there that a true love begins to blossom. They sound ordinary enough, but the life they live is so much more. Randy, Ethan, Mitch and Sam’s life is far from vanilla, you could call it napoleon because these boys are into some serious forms of pleasure, and when they play they play hard.
Sex or should I say sexuality is big part of this series, but this is no fuckin for fuckin sakes. It is so much more, a way to tap into their emotions and express themselves through many different layers of sex. When all four men play, believe me when I say it is a good time, never has there been anything hotter or more beautiful. Even through dirty sex, the love they have for each other is very clear and everything just feels right.
Randy is a complex character, and Ethan is the right man for him, they both have past they would rather not share, but they find themselves opening up to each other and sharing a part of themselves that no one knows. This book is just one good scene after another. Its filled with humour, angst and nail biting moments. Heidi has done another smash hit with this book and it took me over two months to find the right words to express in this review, and I still haven’t done it any justice.
You got to read this series, its just GAWD fucking brilliant. Plus its never a bad thing to see Mitch and Sam again, and they made this book just right. With shady characters and a gay party that will have you cheering, READ IT!!!!
Double Blind, is double the pleasure, double the fun and double the cum. It is funny, heartbreaking and a wonderful story into the lives of characters we have come to love. This book is in a category all on its own, the idea of using poker to explain life and it makes so much sense. This series is a wonderful tale of human emotions, the fear that comes with love and the healing that can only be found through friendships. This is the second book to Special Delivery and that book deserves its own feckin pedestal. We met Sam and Mitch and they play an important role in this book, but the book is all about Randy. I love him, which came as a surprise because he sort of pissed me off in the first book, but man oh man is this dude awesome or what.
The setting is Las Vegas and Randy plays poker professionally and he is very good. He has this uncanny ability to read people the same way he reads a poker game, but his skills are about to be shaken up with Ethan. When he makes a bet on Ethan, with no idea he would come to love him and save his life in the process. The relationship seems doomed from the start, but that’s what makes it so authentic. There is no love at first sight and candy and gum ball raindrops, the emotion cuts deep down to bone and there are tears.
Ethan gets himself caught up in some serious business with some of the more seedy business men of Las Vegas, here is this shy unassuming man and its was like coming to his own, when he takes over a casino. With millions of dollars at his disposal, it seems Ethan has bitten off more than he can chew, but no worries Randy is there as a constant guide, and it is there that a true love begins to blossom. They sound ordinary enough, but the life they live is so much more. Randy, Ethan, Mitch and Sam’s life is far from vanilla, you could call it napoleon because these boys are into some serious forms of pleasure, and when they play they play hard.
Sex or should I say sexuality is big part of this series, but this is no fuckin for fuckin sakes. It is so much more, a way to tap into their emotions and express themselves through many different layers of sex. When all four men play, believe me when I say it is a good time, never has there been anything hotter or more beautiful. Even through dirty sex, the love they have for each other is very clear and everything just feels right.
Randy is a complex character, and Ethan is the right man for him, they both have past they would rather not share, but they find themselves opening up to each other and sharing a part of themselves that no one knows. This book is just one good scene after another. Its filled with humour, angst and nail biting moments. Heidi has done another smash hit with this book and it took me over two months to find the right words to express in this review, and I still haven’t done it any justice.
You got to read this series, its just GAWD fucking brilliant. Plus its never a bad thing to see Mitch and Sam again, and they made this book just right. With shady characters and a gay party that will have you cheering, READ IT!!!!
March 13, 2014
This book hurt my OCD, no it freaking broke it. The poker was fascinating but when it comes to something like this, Randy is right, you learn by playing and I couldn’t grasp what the hell he was saying about it in the beginning. It went over my head. What it did do though was make me want to break out the cards and try to play with the husband. Not something I would normally do, so good job Randy. Well done. But while the poker was a bit overwhelming for this girl, the meaning behind it, at least what I took from it looking back just sat me on my ass. Damn. Just damn.
I have to say, I know this is a re-release of a beloved book and I am so happy I am reading it this time around. Knowing what happened with Randy not only in Special Delivery but then again in Hooch and Cake, I was in the mindset for more of this rough and tumble man with the heart of gold. I wanted to be with him to find what he didn’t think he could or what he deserved. The moment Randy sees Ethan at that wheel…I was just as lost as he was.
Now, I am known to fangirl my ass off when it comes to Heidi and her boys but I will dial that in for this one.
Randy, you fantastic beast of a man. How could I not say you were my #1 book boyfriend and earn a badge for it? Come on. I fell for you so hard in Special Delivery and again as you planned Mitch and Sam’s wedding with such care and detail but to see you, quite frankly, lose your shit over Ethan was amazing. You made me laugh, you made me shift in my seat with your sexy flirting/dancing and you made me fall head over heels and down the mountain for you over and over again. Why? It’s…well…
Yeah, because of that. And then you meet Ethan and you have this bet and watching the two of you count the hours and minutes to see who won, you just killed me. Ethan, your story was heartbreaking and of course having Randy come into your life, to save your life would be the only way it could happen. I adored watching you fight yourself in so many ways and learn as well. All those lessons, boy this whole deal was one crash course in life and love for you and you took it like a champ. It would have to be that way wouldn’t it? Funny that I loved you from the first time I met you but I fell for you about the same time that I fell for Randy in Special Delivery. That, my dear dear man, was HOT! I was not sure where it all was going but that look and when you get all elegant and strong and control …um UNF UNF UNF! There could be no better match for Randy than you. I am not happy that your life took the turn it did for you to meet but, well, you know?
Just like with any story from Heidi, this book will drag you along through every emotion you can gather to feel and back again. You go from the trenches of pain to the exhilaration of pure pleasure all while melting into the biggest puddle of goo imaginable. How she does it, I don’t know but I am addicted to it and I don’t ever want to be off this ride. Heidi knows how to hit you and hits you hard with the feels. I knew I would get emotional with this one but was unprepared for the tears that sprang up once again where normally they shouldn’t…but they should. You see, sex is physical pleasure yes, but when there is that emotion attached, that intimacy that is when it’s mind blowing for me and there were a number no all of those scenes in this book had my heart racing and the ones that had me tearing up were gorgeous. I was a mess though for the last 30% of the book, I can't lie, a total mess and I am still lost with the boys.
Double Blind, this book for me was full of gambling metaphors for life. What else can you do when a book is set in Sin City. What I took away from it all is this…life IS a game folks. Play your best, toss out your bluffs and your double blinds. Know when to call, when to raise, when to fold and when to claim your pot and leave the table, because baby, you won.
I have to say, I know this is a re-release of a beloved book and I am so happy I am reading it this time around. Knowing what happened with Randy not only in Special Delivery but then again in Hooch and Cake, I was in the mindset for more of this rough and tumble man with the heart of gold. I wanted to be with him to find what he didn’t think he could or what he deserved. The moment Randy sees Ethan at that wheel…I was just as lost as he was.
Now, I am known to fangirl my ass off when it comes to Heidi and her boys but I will dial that in for this one.
“It’s that you hate to lose, isn’t it?”
“I don’t like anything where you can’t get the best of it.”
“In other words, a game you don’t control.”
Randy, you fantastic beast of a man. How could I not say you were my #1 book boyfriend and earn a badge for it? Come on. I fell for you so hard in Special Delivery and again as you planned Mitch and Sam’s wedding with such care and detail but to see you, quite frankly, lose your shit over Ethan was amazing. You made me laugh, you made me shift in my seat with your sexy flirting/dancing and you made me fall head over heels and down the mountain for you over and over again. Why? It’s…well…
Because Randy is the strangest, most wonderful thing I’ve ever seen and right now he’s the sun I can’t otherwise seem to find, even when it’s right above me.
Yeah, because of that. And then you meet Ethan and you have this bet and watching the two of you count the hours and minutes to see who won, you just killed me. Ethan, your story was heartbreaking and of course having Randy come into your life, to save your life would be the only way it could happen. I adored watching you fight yourself in so many ways and learn as well. All those lessons, boy this whole deal was one crash course in life and love for you and you took it like a champ. It would have to be that way wouldn’t it? Funny that I loved you from the first time I met you but I fell for you about the same time that I fell for Randy in Special Delivery. That, my dear dear man, was HOT! I was not sure where it all was going but that look and when you get all elegant and strong and control …um UNF UNF UNF! There could be no better match for Randy than you. I am not happy that your life took the turn it did for you to meet but, well, you know?
Just like with any story from Heidi, this book will drag you along through every emotion you can gather to feel and back again. You go from the trenches of pain to the exhilaration of pure pleasure all while melting into the biggest puddle of goo imaginable. How she does it, I don’t know but I am addicted to it and I don’t ever want to be off this ride. Heidi knows how to hit you and hits you hard with the feels. I knew I would get emotional with this one but was unprepared for the tears that sprang up once again where normally they shouldn’t…but they should. You see, sex is physical pleasure yes, but when there is that emotion attached, that intimacy that is when it’s mind blowing for me and there were a number no all of those scenes in this book had my heart racing and the ones that had me tearing up were gorgeous. I was a mess though for the last 30% of the book, I can't lie, a total mess and I am still lost with the boys.
“It’s okay sweetheart. So, should we go pain the town red?”
“I think we’re gonna paint it a little rainbow, but yeah.”
Double Blind, this book for me was full of gambling metaphors for life. What else can you do when a book is set in Sin City. What I took away from it all is this…life IS a game folks. Play your best, toss out your bluffs and your double blinds. Know when to call, when to raise, when to fold and when to claim your pot and leave the table, because baby, you won.
January 12, 2017
Audio edition.
Iggy Toma is amazing!
Well, I didn’t expect to like this as much as I did.
Randy is still in Las Vegas, playing poker, and… being Randy. When he sees a man constantly betting on black, he is intrigued. That man looks like he has nothing left to lose. He goes out to the roulette table to meet him. This man is Ethan, who has indeed nothing to lose.
Ethan’s lover took his money and broke it off with him and Ethan has nothing left. He intends to lose the last of his money and then blow his brains out with the gun under his car seat. But he didn’t count on Randy… Randy, who bets on anything. Even a kiss from him. Which Ethan is not willing to give him.
Randy is trying to teach Ethan how to play poker to spend more time with him. And Ethan is intrigued by the game, but also by Randy. Enough to go home with him.
When the two spend more time together it is clear these two have amazing chemistry. And Ethan knows that without Randy, he would literally be dead…
When I first met Randy in Special Delivery I hated him. I thought I would never ever like him. But… I was wrong. I did like him, a lot.
Randy was vulnerable, he was sweet, and he loved with all his heart.
But the main star in this book was Ethan. Oh boy, am I in love with Ethan!!
I was wondering what kind of man ‘weird’ Randy would end up with, but I never thought it would be someone like Ethan. Ethan was just perfect. I loved him from the start. I loved how he was kind of alpha male, but with a softer side. He took in a kitten!!
Yes, the poker stuff bored me out of my mind at first, but it got better as I listened on. I even started to like it..
I wasn’t sure how Sam and Mitch would fit into Randy and Ethan’s relationship, but they did. They were a big part of this story and I loved how both were there for Randy and Ethan. They all became friends. And the foursome was HOT!!
I really enjoyed this and I’m glad Randy found his true love in Ethan.
Iggy Toma is amazing!
Well, I didn’t expect to like this as much as I did.
Randy is still in Las Vegas, playing poker, and… being Randy. When he sees a man constantly betting on black, he is intrigued. That man looks like he has nothing left to lose. He goes out to the roulette table to meet him. This man is Ethan, who has indeed nothing to lose.
Ethan’s lover took his money and broke it off with him and Ethan has nothing left. He intends to lose the last of his money and then blow his brains out with the gun under his car seat. But he didn’t count on Randy… Randy, who bets on anything. Even a kiss from him. Which Ethan is not willing to give him.
Randy is trying to teach Ethan how to play poker to spend more time with him. And Ethan is intrigued by the game, but also by Randy. Enough to go home with him.
When the two spend more time together it is clear these two have amazing chemistry. And Ethan knows that without Randy, he would literally be dead…
When I first met Randy in Special Delivery I hated him. I thought I would never ever like him. But… I was wrong. I did like him, a lot.
Randy was vulnerable, he was sweet, and he loved with all his heart.
But the main star in this book was Ethan. Oh boy, am I in love with Ethan!!
I was wondering what kind of man ‘weird’ Randy would end up with, but I never thought it would be someone like Ethan. Ethan was just perfect. I loved him from the start. I loved how he was kind of alpha male, but with a softer side. He took in a kitten!!
Yes, the poker stuff bored me out of my mind at first, but it got better as I listened on. I even started to like it..
I wasn’t sure how Sam and Mitch would fit into Randy and Ethan’s relationship, but they did. They were a big part of this story and I loved how both were there for Randy and Ethan. They all became friends. And the foursome was HOT!!
I really enjoyed this and I’m glad Randy found his true love in Ethan.
July 4, 2021
Audio: 3 stars
Ends of words or sentences said in such a low volume it was almost impossible to hear them, sometimes even sounding like they were cut off. I don't know if the problem was the quality of the audio on Scribd or if it was the narrator, but I'm guessing it's the former because I've never had this problem with Iggy Toma's narrations before.
Story: 3.5 stars
I liked the story fine, but there was something missing. Too many poker analogies maybe and too many instances of an MC "knowing" something very specific that was not actually verbalized by the other MC because "reading people". I call bullshit.
Ends of words or sentences said in such a low volume it was almost impossible to hear them, sometimes even sounding like they were cut off. I don't know if the problem was the quality of the audio on Scribd or if it was the narrator, but I'm guessing it's the former because I've never had this problem with Iggy Toma's narrations before.
Story: 3.5 stars
I liked the story fine, but there was something missing. Too many poker analogies maybe and too many instances of an MC "knowing" something very specific that was not actually verbalized by the other MC because "reading people". I call bullshit.
October 22, 2014
4.5 stars
This story opens with Randy Jansen watching a man play and lose at the roulette table, over and over again. Watching the video feed with him is his boss Billy Herod and Billy's godfather, Crabtree. Randy has a well known reputation for being able to read people and he makes a bet with Billy that he knows the man's story. But within a bit of time after he meets Ethan Ellison, Randy is surprised to learn that he's lost his bet and as they spend time together his fascination with down on his luck Ethan grows. Before the end of the night both men have surprised the other and their mutual attraction burns hot. After an intense scene in front of the fountains at the Bellagio Randy ends up taking Ethan home with him. Waking up early and heading out for breakfast supplies Randy is surprised when he gets home and finds that his best friends Mitch and Sam have arrived for an early visit.
At this point the story shifts and instead of the focus being solely on Randy and Ethan it now encompasses a mix of characters and relationships as they, along with Mitch and Sam, explore the complexities of friendships, sex with multiple partners and a bit of BDSM kink. Further adding to the mix are Billy and Crabtree and their connections to the mob. There are a few other characters introduced throughout the book that are also good additions to the story. The location of this story, the city of Las Vegas, is wonderfully portrayed and described throughout from the luxurious hotels and casinos to the shabby and more run down sections of the city. Another important part of the story is the game of poker. The author takes time to really show the details of the game and although at times it felt like too much information it nevertheless worked well and was for the most part interesting.
But ultimately it's the characters that drive this wonderful story. Randy and Ethan are complex and well drawn, opposites in many ways yet they fit together very well. Mitch and Sam, married for two years now, are still very much in love and I really enjoyed their presence in this story. It was wonderful to see how they've grown as a couple while still maintaining their relationship with Randy. While I wasn't too taken with Randy in Special Delivery I really came to love him in this story. The subplot of Sam needing to deal with the loss of his mother years ago and having Randy also benefit from that was nicely done. All four men are flawed in some way, these are not perfect characters at all, and their struggles as they try to get a handle on themselves and their varied relationships was very well written. Aside from a deep friendship Randy, Mitch and Sam also share an ongoing sexual relationship with each other that quickly includes Ethan. There are quite a few menage scenes in the story and they are very hot just as the scenes between Randy and Ethan alone are hot. I did feel at times that the fluidity of the sexual relationships between the four men was a bit unbelievable yet once again it works well within the story.
There are other subplots to the story as well including Ethan's involvement with Crabtree and Billy's casino. There is intrigue, suspense and a bit of mystery also. Another fun part of the story focuses on a big event Ethan is planning for the casino. This book has so much going for it and will grab you from page one and not let go. With a mix of great characters and interesting relationships, the wonders of Vegas and the draw of poker as well as the ups and downs of falling in love, this is a story that kept me engaged throughout.
Overall I really enjoyed reading this story but I did have a couple of small issues. My main one is with Ethan. From a down on his luck, ready to end it all man he quickly morphs into a high powered casino executive and a pretty good poker player. He goes from being a man totally in love and really suffering after the end of a long term relationship, which by the way when I read the particulars I didn't like at all, to quickly falling for someone new and being quite comfortable having sex with that man and his married friends. Added to that is that when his age is revealed it frankly threw me for a loop as I had pictured him to be much younger. I was very surprised with that revelation. Also the passage of time was a bit confusing at times. There is a lot going on in this story and at times it read as if a lot more time had passed than what actually did. A couple of times when time is mentioned it surprised me. That said however these things didn't take too much away from my enjoyment of the story and may not affect other readers the same.
Double Blind is a very well written book and one that ultimately I really enjoyed reading. The plot is intriguing and exciting, it's fast paced and has many different subplots that all worked well within the main storyline. The characters are well developed and three dimensional and the relationships explored throughout, whether Randy and Ethan's, Mitch and Sam's or the one they all shared together, really drew me in and kept my attention throughout the book. This can be read as a stand alone book but will be better appreciated if read after Special Delivery. I highly recommend Double Blind and look forward to reading more stories by Heidi Cullinan.
This story opens with Randy Jansen watching a man play and lose at the roulette table, over and over again. Watching the video feed with him is his boss Billy Herod and Billy's godfather, Crabtree. Randy has a well known reputation for being able to read people and he makes a bet with Billy that he knows the man's story. But within a bit of time after he meets Ethan Ellison, Randy is surprised to learn that he's lost his bet and as they spend time together his fascination with down on his luck Ethan grows. Before the end of the night both men have surprised the other and their mutual attraction burns hot. After an intense scene in front of the fountains at the Bellagio Randy ends up taking Ethan home with him. Waking up early and heading out for breakfast supplies Randy is surprised when he gets home and finds that his best friends Mitch and Sam have arrived for an early visit.
At this point the story shifts and instead of the focus being solely on Randy and Ethan it now encompasses a mix of characters and relationships as they, along with Mitch and Sam, explore the complexities of friendships, sex with multiple partners and a bit of BDSM kink. Further adding to the mix are Billy and Crabtree and their connections to the mob. There are a few other characters introduced throughout the book that are also good additions to the story. The location of this story, the city of Las Vegas, is wonderfully portrayed and described throughout from the luxurious hotels and casinos to the shabby and more run down sections of the city. Another important part of the story is the game of poker. The author takes time to really show the details of the game and although at times it felt like too much information it nevertheless worked well and was for the most part interesting.
But ultimately it's the characters that drive this wonderful story. Randy and Ethan are complex and well drawn, opposites in many ways yet they fit together very well. Mitch and Sam, married for two years now, are still very much in love and I really enjoyed their presence in this story. It was wonderful to see how they've grown as a couple while still maintaining their relationship with Randy. While I wasn't too taken with Randy in Special Delivery I really came to love him in this story. The subplot of Sam needing to deal with the loss of his mother years ago and having Randy also benefit from that was nicely done. All four men are flawed in some way, these are not perfect characters at all, and their struggles as they try to get a handle on themselves and their varied relationships was very well written. Aside from a deep friendship Randy, Mitch and Sam also share an ongoing sexual relationship with each other that quickly includes Ethan. There are quite a few menage scenes in the story and they are very hot just as the scenes between Randy and Ethan alone are hot. I did feel at times that the fluidity of the sexual relationships between the four men was a bit unbelievable yet once again it works well within the story.
There are other subplots to the story as well including Ethan's involvement with Crabtree and Billy's casino. There is intrigue, suspense and a bit of mystery also. Another fun part of the story focuses on a big event Ethan is planning for the casino. This book has so much going for it and will grab you from page one and not let go. With a mix of great characters and interesting relationships, the wonders of Vegas and the draw of poker as well as the ups and downs of falling in love, this is a story that kept me engaged throughout.
Overall I really enjoyed reading this story but I did have a couple of small issues. My main one is with Ethan. From a down on his luck, ready to end it all man he quickly morphs into a high powered casino executive and a pretty good poker player. He goes from being a man totally in love and really suffering after the end of a long term relationship, which by the way when I read the particulars I didn't like at all, to quickly falling for someone new and being quite comfortable having sex with that man and his married friends. Added to that is that when his age is revealed it frankly threw me for a loop as I had pictured him to be much younger. I was very surprised with that revelation. Also the passage of time was a bit confusing at times. There is a lot going on in this story and at times it read as if a lot more time had passed than what actually did. A couple of times when time is mentioned it surprised me. That said however these things didn't take too much away from my enjoyment of the story and may not affect other readers the same.
Double Blind is a very well written book and one that ultimately I really enjoyed reading. The plot is intriguing and exciting, it's fast paced and has many different subplots that all worked well within the main storyline. The characters are well developed and three dimensional and the relationships explored throughout, whether Randy and Ethan's, Mitch and Sam's or the one they all shared together, really drew me in and kept my attention throughout the book. This can be read as a stand alone book but will be better appreciated if read after Special Delivery. I highly recommend Double Blind and look forward to reading more stories by Heidi Cullinan.
January 26, 2014
I love Special Delivery, but I love this book even more! Double Blind is an incredible book... Randy and Ethan are an amazing couple!
This story is about fate and luck! The plot is excellent and so clever!
I loved how Randy and Ethan met each other, and how spontaneous their relationship begun. Ethan is vulnerable and so strong at the same time... and Randy, always arrogant but so kind to Ethan... They became the healing of each other and the ending was absolutely perfect!
Crabtree is also fantastic... He was the ignition of this love story!
The fact that we can see more Mitch and Sam, is a huge gift! The interaction of these four men is fabulous, and I would love to see more of them!
This story is about fate and luck! The plot is excellent and so clever!
I loved how Randy and Ethan met each other, and how spontaneous their relationship begun. Ethan is vulnerable and so strong at the same time... and Randy, always arrogant but so kind to Ethan... They became the healing of each other and the ending was absolutely perfect!
Crabtree is also fantastic... He was the ignition of this love story!
The fact that we can see more Mitch and Sam, is a huge gift! The interaction of these four men is fabulous, and I would love to see more of them!
April 12, 2012
Actually 3.5 stars.
I was definitely disappointed with Double Blind after the strangely beautiful Special Delivery, but this book did have its share of brilliant moments. For simplicity's sake, I'll just go down the list of the parts I didn't like, and then I'll conclude by listing the parts that worked for me.
Here's what I didn't like:
1. There was way, way more information about poker and other casino games than I ever wanted to know. The interesting part of the story - you know, the relationship - kept getting put on hold while the characters discussed or played poker for pages at a time. Much of what happened at the poker table was supposed to be symbolic of the issues that the characters were working through, but I was too bored to care.
2. There was way, way too much Sam. Sam already got his own book. He was great in Special Delivery, and I totally loved him, but this was supposed to be Randy and Ethan's book. I just got tired of Sam hijacking the story and pulling Randy's attention away from Ethan.
3. The menage didn't work this time. What was sexy between Sam, Mitch, and Randy in Special Delivery just became awkward once Ethan was tossed into the mix. Ethan had such a unique feel compared to the other characters. He was intense about everything: everything had meaning, everything was Deeply Important. A four-way coupling just didn't seem to suit his personality at all. The end result was that the menage scenes became Deeply Important, which of course killed the buzz and left me totally confused about which characters were supposed to be in love with whom. As Ethan thinks to himself at one point, "This was why people didn't generally run around in unconventional three- and four-way pairings. The politics never ended."
Here's what I did like:
1. Ethan. He was my favorite character from either book. He was such a study in contrasting extremes: so simultaneously noble and downtrodden, adventurous and timid, confident and self-doubting. His plunges into despair were as fascinating to watch as his flashes of brilliance. Whether he was soaring or plummeting, he was always interesting.
2. Randy. He was annoying but also somewhat endearing in Special Delivery, and there was no denying the importance of his role in Sam and Mitch's HEA. But it wasn't until his book that I got to see past his crazy, crass persona enough to really love him. One interesting thing about this novel was that while Ethan was gradually learning how to bluff (an important survival technique for someone who lives from one emotional extreme to another), Randy was learning how to drop his poker face and be real. I enjoyed this contrast, and particularly enjoyed how it affected - and was affected by - the development of their relationship.
3. Ethan and Randy's first kiss. It was, for me, the sexiest moment in the book. It was also one of the most emotionally-charged, romantic scenes in the book, and it was the point at which I decided I loved Ethan. I wish the promise of that moment had been carried through to the end of the book without all the distractions posed by Sam, Mitch, and poker.
I'd definitely be interested in reading more by Heidi Cullinan. She writes about very complex, unusual characters in interesting situations. I felt like she dropped the ball a bit with Double Blind, but I still enjoyed it.
I was definitely disappointed with Double Blind after the strangely beautiful Special Delivery, but this book did have its share of brilliant moments. For simplicity's sake, I'll just go down the list of the parts I didn't like, and then I'll conclude by listing the parts that worked for me.
Here's what I didn't like:
1. There was way, way more information about poker and other casino games than I ever wanted to know. The interesting part of the story - you know, the relationship - kept getting put on hold while the characters discussed or played poker for pages at a time. Much of what happened at the poker table was supposed to be symbolic of the issues that the characters were working through, but I was too bored to care.
2. There was way, way too much Sam. Sam already got his own book. He was great in Special Delivery, and I totally loved him, but this was supposed to be Randy and Ethan's book. I just got tired of Sam hijacking the story and pulling Randy's attention away from Ethan.
3. The menage didn't work this time. What was sexy between Sam, Mitch, and Randy in Special Delivery just became awkward once Ethan was tossed into the mix. Ethan had such a unique feel compared to the other characters. He was intense about everything: everything had meaning, everything was Deeply Important. A four-way coupling just didn't seem to suit his personality at all. The end result was that the menage scenes became Deeply Important, which of course killed the buzz and left me totally confused about which characters were supposed to be in love with whom. As Ethan thinks to himself at one point, "This was why people didn't generally run around in unconventional three- and four-way pairings. The politics never ended."
Here's what I did like:
1. Ethan. He was my favorite character from either book. He was such a study in contrasting extremes: so simultaneously noble and downtrodden, adventurous and timid, confident and self-doubting. His plunges into despair were as fascinating to watch as his flashes of brilliance. Whether he was soaring or plummeting, he was always interesting.
2. Randy. He was annoying but also somewhat endearing in Special Delivery, and there was no denying the importance of his role in Sam and Mitch's HEA. But it wasn't until his book that I got to see past his crazy, crass persona enough to really love him. One interesting thing about this novel was that while Ethan was gradually learning how to bluff (an important survival technique for someone who lives from one emotional extreme to another), Randy was learning how to drop his poker face and be real. I enjoyed this contrast, and particularly enjoyed how it affected - and was affected by - the development of their relationship.
3. Ethan and Randy's first kiss. It was, for me, the sexiest moment in the book. It was also one of the most emotionally-charged, romantic scenes in the book, and it was the point at which I decided I loved Ethan. I wish the promise of that moment had been carried through to the end of the book without all the distractions posed by Sam, Mitch, and poker.
I'd definitely be interested in reading more by Heidi Cullinan. She writes about very complex, unusual characters in interesting situations. I felt like she dropped the ball a bit with Double Blind, but I still enjoyed it.
Read
March 3, 2014Re-releases Tuesday, and Randy and Ethan will be by the forum on my website this week.
http://www.heidicullinan.com/node/175
http://www.heidicullinan.com/node/175
June 4, 2016
A six star read. Unputdownable story of Las Vegas, Poker and m/m love. Just adored Randy and Ethan, great characterisation and humour.
'Maybe he was playing for all the aces in the world, for every man and woman whom life had hit too hard, who just needed one moment of wonder to believe again.'
'Maybe he was playing for all the aces in the world, for every man and woman whom life had hit too hard, who just needed one moment of wonder to believe again.'
November 27, 2011
I have to say I did not like one single thing about this book! Double Blind is the story of Randy, who we meet in Special Delivery, and his supposed love interest Ethan. Randy is a playa who lives in Vegas and works several jobs that include playing poker at Herod's casino owned by a wastrel named Billy and managed by his godfather and gangster Crabtree. Ethan comes to Vegas after being duped hard by the man he loved and is sitting as the roulette table betting his last $5 when he comes to the attention of Randy and Crabtree. A bet ensues and Randy finds himself spending the evening with Ethan trying to ferret out his story and get a kiss before midnight. Randy takes Ethan under his wing and tries to teach him about the game of poker as well as the game of life and in turn Ethan shows Randy it's okay to stop treating everything as a game and be real once in a while. As the story progresses Ethan finds himself being a pawn in a game set up by the mysterious and dangerous Crabtree. As an Ace he has to choose whether to be the low card or risk it all for a chance to be the high card. In the end his risk pays off with both Crabtree and Randy and they fall in love...blah blah blah.
My issues with this book are many but I will hilite the main ones here. First, it was BORING! There were pages and pages of garbled poker tutelage and euphemisms and perhaps I am just unintelligent but I didn't understand any of it! My second and Bigger issue was that less than a quarter of the way through the book Mitch and Sam (the MCs from Special Delivery) show up and are staying with Randy and Ethan. Now, after the first book in the series I was okay with the sexual sharing and understood the boundaries that clearly defined Mitch and Sam as committed to each other. They all went to shit in this book! It is noted early in the book that Randy is in love with Sam and honestly more time is spent with Randy and Sam than with Randy and Ethan. Every single instance of emotional sharing, vulnerability, tenderness, etc was shared NOT between the supposed MCs of the book but between Randy and Sam! In addition, all the rules that were set up to make a clear line between relationships were broken in this book. In a nutshell the whole book was Sam&Randy...Sam&Randy...Sam&Randy...and oh by the way Randy loves Ethan. I did not enjoy it and did not find myself believing one ounce of love existed between Randy and Ethan.
My issues with this book are many but I will hilite the main ones here. First, it was BORING! There were pages and pages of garbled poker tutelage and euphemisms and perhaps I am just unintelligent but I didn't understand any of it! My second and Bigger issue was that less than a quarter of the way through the book Mitch and Sam (the MCs from Special Delivery) show up and are staying with Randy and Ethan. Now, after the first book in the series I was okay with the sexual sharing and understood the boundaries that clearly defined Mitch and Sam as committed to each other. They all went to shit in this book! It is noted early in the book that Randy is in love with Sam and honestly more time is spent with Randy and Sam than with Randy and Ethan. Every single instance of emotional sharing, vulnerability, tenderness, etc was shared NOT between the supposed MCs of the book but between Randy and Sam! In addition, all the rules that were set up to make a clear line between relationships were broken in this book. In a nutshell the whole book was Sam&Randy...Sam&Randy...Sam&Randy...and oh by the way Randy loves Ethan. I did not enjoy it and did not find myself believing one ounce of love existed between Randy and Ethan.
March 5, 2014
Rereading with some fellow unicorns. Randy just gets better and better.
I think I liked my re-read on Double Blind even more than the original read. Not because of any changes but because there is just so much story and so many amazing characters, they can’t possibly be digested the first time around. While this is Randy and Ethan’s story it is really so much more and getting sucked into a world that is “so much sin wrapped up in so much pretty” is a damn fine ride.
While Randy and Ethan are definitely the main characters and their romance is a major subject line, obviously, this is so much more than a sequel to Special Delivery. You know the kind of sequel/series thing where the next book is just the next two characters in line for a romance with a passing nod to previous couples? This is not that. This is a character study of fascinating people, circumstances and settings. Sam and Mitch are back and aren’t just mentioned in passing, they are an integral part of Randy’s life, just like loved ones are in real life, and seeing all their relationships grow and change was just as good this second time around and I think I appreciated all the subtleties in dialog and action even more.
Going back to the “romance is a major subject line” thought, Ethan and Randy were just so perfect for each other. As heartbreaking as Ethan’s story was, he and Randy never would have ended up together without it. I don’t mean just logistically either. Ethan really had to be at his “lowest Ace” point to see Randy and be open to his special brand of wisdom. I got the feeling that each one was the others first to really see the other, faults and all. In fact, I think they loved each other more for the perceived faults. It may have taken them each awhile to fully admit ALL their feelings, but they both knew from early on they needed each other and they really had been looking for each other forever, they just didn’t know it.
“Because Randy is the strangest, most wonderful thing I’ve ever seen and right now he’s the sun I can’t otherwise seem to find, even when it’s right above me in the sky.”
I think I liked my re-read on Double Blind even more than the original read. Not because of any changes but because there is just so much story and so many amazing characters, they can’t possibly be digested the first time around. While this is Randy and Ethan’s story it is really so much more and getting sucked into a world that is “so much sin wrapped up in so much pretty” is a damn fine ride.
While Randy and Ethan are definitely the main characters and their romance is a major subject line, obviously, this is so much more than a sequel to Special Delivery. You know the kind of sequel/series thing where the next book is just the next two characters in line for a romance with a passing nod to previous couples? This is not that. This is a character study of fascinating people, circumstances and settings. Sam and Mitch are back and aren’t just mentioned in passing, they are an integral part of Randy’s life, just like loved ones are in real life, and seeing all their relationships grow and change was just as good this second time around and I think I appreciated all the subtleties in dialog and action even more.
Going back to the “romance is a major subject line” thought, Ethan and Randy were just so perfect for each other. As heartbreaking as Ethan’s story was, he and Randy never would have ended up together without it. I don’t mean just logistically either. Ethan really had to be at his “lowest Ace” point to see Randy and be open to his special brand of wisdom. I got the feeling that each one was the others first to really see the other, faults and all. In fact, I think they loved each other more for the perceived faults. It may have taken them each awhile to fully admit ALL their feelings, but they both knew from early on they needed each other and they really had been looking for each other forever, they just didn’t know it.
“Because Randy is the strangest, most wonderful thing I’ve ever seen and right now he’s the sun I can’t otherwise seem to find, even when it’s right above me in the sky.”
October 5, 2012
2.5 Stars
Unfortunately, this didn't live up to my expectations. I loved Randy in Special Delivery. In this book, he was just ok. I enjoyed the first half of the book but it went downhill quickly. Randy started off as cocky as ever but then turned into an over-emotional mess. I couldn't believe it. I was glad that he was able to open up and take a chance on his feelings for Ethan but it was like a dam broke and all that came out was mush. It seemed like every time I turned around, Randy and Ethan were crying. OMG, both of them were just a mess. I could accept a little from Ethan, since I felt his turmoil. It was ok from Sam because, well he's Sam but coming from Randy, it just seemed so out of character.
There were also some really great moments, like Randy and Ethan's first kiss or when Randy admitted his feelings for Ethan to Mitch and the bets were fun too. Although, it seemed like as soon as Randy and Ethan started getting closer, Randy would think of Sam or analyze his feelings for Sam or talk about Sam. It was way too much Sam and I like Sam! Did we have to witness Sam's entire therapy session? I totally get their connection, it's not what bothered me. What bothered me is that there were too many moments where Sam and Randy were the focus and Ethan faded in the background. It should have been the other way around where Ethan was front and center and Sam was in the background.
I was happy to see Sam standing up for himself and developing confidence while at the same time not lose himself. I also liked seeing Randy and Mitch connect even further.
So for me this book wasn't a total loss but it wasn't what I hoped it would be.
Unfortunately, this didn't live up to my expectations. I loved Randy in Special Delivery. In this book, he was just ok. I enjoyed the first half of the book but it went downhill quickly. Randy started off as cocky as ever but then turned into an over-emotional mess. I couldn't believe it. I was glad that he was able to open up and take a chance on his feelings for Ethan but it was like a dam broke and all that came out was mush. It seemed like every time I turned around, Randy and Ethan were crying. OMG, both of them were just a mess. I could accept a little from Ethan, since I felt his turmoil. It was ok from Sam because, well he's Sam but coming from Randy, it just seemed so out of character.
There were also some really great moments, like Randy and Ethan's first kiss or when Randy admitted his feelings for Ethan to Mitch and the bets were fun too. Although, it seemed like as soon as Randy and Ethan started getting closer, Randy would think of Sam or analyze his feelings for Sam or talk about Sam. It was way too much Sam and I like Sam! Did we have to witness Sam's entire therapy session? I totally get their connection, it's not what bothered me. What bothered me is that there were too many moments where Sam and Randy were the focus and Ethan faded in the background. It should have been the other way around where Ethan was front and center and Sam was in the background.
I was happy to see Sam standing up for himself and developing confidence while at the same time not lose himself. I also liked seeing Randy and Mitch connect even further.
So for me this book wasn't a total loss but it wasn't what I hoped it would be.
February 2, 2014
3.5 stars only on this love Randy. But way to much on the poker aspect very light on the sexy time. And if course kept stars up due to Sam and Mitch showing up.
March 6, 2014
There are only two things you need to know:
(1) Better than Special Delivery
(2) Randy
(1) Better than Special Delivery
(2) Randy
March 1, 2014
We all have authors that we tend to gravitate to, those that you know will always deliver and Heidi Cullinan, for me, is one of those authors, with Special Delivery the first book in this series being my favourite book from her. Whilst Double Blind didn’t quite wow me in the same way, there is one thing for sure that made this book a winner in my starry eyes and his name is Randy. Heidi’s characterisation of that man is just superb. She managed to turn a man that I didn’t particularly care much for in the first book, and to be honest, only really tolerated because his affection for Sam and Mitch was so apparent… into a man I am completely smitten with, actually head over heels… I love him! He’s the star of the show as far as I’m concerned and everything about him shines. Even the close relationship he maintains with Sam and Mitch and subsequently the four of them… HELL YES!!! Lots of Kinky fuckery to be had in this book, gave me the warm and fuzzies rather than the prickly annoyance I felt towards him previously.
I suppose in Special Delivery I got the impression that Randy was shallow and selfish but there is so much more to him. He’s a thinker, he analyses, he’s perceptive and see’s and feel’s so much more than even he wants to admit to himself. He is actually a very selfless person who thrives off the challenge rather than the conquest, he’s tactile and warm and definitely not the cold hard person he portrays. Yes, he’s a bad boy… it oozes from him, cocky and arrogant are part of his charm and he certainly doesn’t try to hide it, as Randy has no filter to his mouth or his imagination. He makes no apologies either for his love of fucking and his hedonistic lifestyle, totally contradicting the childlike vulnerability we get to see more of in this book, he certainly had my emotions conflicting all over the place, wanting to get down and dirty with him one minute and wrap him up in my motherly arms the next whilst at the same time having me in hysterics with his sarcastic wit, humour and inner monologue… there is definitely nothing one dimensional about Randy… I’m smitten, totally!!! I mentioned that already didn’t I?!
Ethan is a different character all together, he’s not as dynamic as Randy and certainly doesn’t have his charisma and I did sit and wonder if perhaps Randy was the most incessant of the two when the book was being formulated in Heidi's head. That makes Ethan sound flat in comparison, when in truth that’s not really the case he just has a different personality, in my eyes, not as animated. But I think that’s because when we first meet Ethan he is at the very lowest point anyone could possibly get in their lives, where the consequences of your actions no longer hold any meaning, where the turn of a wheel decides your fate.
Randy’s killer intuition kicks in and he can see the lost and lonely soul within Ethan, probably because it’s something he recognises as part of himself. And this is where Randy excels, his strength of character is what holds them all together, Sam and Mitch included. He’s like the repair man that comes in and fixes everything making it all better, the glue that holds them all together using that charm of his to his best advantage… even when on the inside he himself feels like falling apart, resigned to the loneliness of his own fate… the tears of a clown!
But there is one man who’s perception, intuition and manipulation even out smarts my Randy… Crabtree a mobster with a nefarious reputation that happens to have a penchant for kinky sex and kittens, showed his true colours. His part in the story, the sale of the Casino, Ethan's elevation to manager and the subsequent unravelling of the plot, the finale as it were, was a blinder, and at the end of the day this book is all about love… lot’s of it, Sam and Mitch are overflowing with it, Randy is like a love sick teenager that has just discovered it, Ethan has realised the reality and enormity of it and Crabtree… well, he’s basking in it all… oh and kinky sex, lot’s of that too!
The only part that didn’t work for me in this book was the poker… a bit like Sam, I’m rubbish at cards, totally goes over my head and I don’t understand it, I’m not manipulative enough to bluff and hate gambling, not for morality reasons, but just because I hate the uncertainty of gambling, I would rather have money in my hand than put it’s ownership at the hands of fate. I think I must be the only person who has been to Vegas and didn’t gamble a penny! So while Randy was teaching Ethan the game of poker which is a continuous thread throughout the book, I must admit I switched off because it’s like talking a foreign language to my head… which isn’t a criticism of the book, because there were parts of the poker tuition that had me hooked especially as Randy is so passionate about a game that has been such a big part of his life, it’s just the technicalities I don’t understand.
That being said, this book is amazing and it was great to see Sam and Mitch again too… we even got some of Mitch’s dirty talk and that just gives me tummy flutters big time! I am totally enthralled with this series and Heidi’s writing as always is exemplary, she never fails in my eyes to give me as a reader a bloody good read!!!
March 7, 2014
Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance
3.5 Stars
Before we get too deep into the review of Double Blind, if you don’t know or haven’t heard Ms. Cullinan wrote a free novella that should be read prior to Double Blind called Hooch & Cake <— FANTASTIC!!! And… it holds insights into Randy’s evolution and did I mention it’s free?
This is only my third experience with Ms. Cullinan, but it’s clear to me she’s an exceptional talent. He has the gift of storytelling, of taking the reader on the ride. She delves into her characters, makes us see the world through their eyes. She’s done a superb job of making Randy three-dimensional. The Randy we were introduced to in Special Delivery is only one facet of Randy. The vulnerable Randy that is lonely and struggles with feeling like an outcast and misfit is the Randy we get to know in Double Blind.
Randy is one of those characters that leaps off the page. He’s a renaissance man. If there is something that he can’t do or fix I’ve no doubt he could fake or bluff his way through it until he was an expert. He’s that guy. He’s complex and real. He’s smarmy and sweet. He’s endearing and infuriating. Just when I want to staple things to him, he does something so completely unexpected I want to hug him. Randy’s a far cry from perfect which makes him human and, by extension, a riveting character. Plus, y’know, I gotta respect a man that goes to Whole Foods hoping to “be inspired by the culinary gods”. *fistbump*
Double Blind takes place in Las Vegas which is befitting of Randy’s personality-big, in your face, unapologetic. I’ve been to Vegas a couple times and while it’s bright, gaudy, ostentatious and garish, I inevitably see the underbelly, the seediness of it. If I dwell too much or look too closely, I find it kind of depressing. I think watching Leaving Las Vegas before I ever went to Las Vegas was probably a bad call on my part. Double Blind takes a peek into that underbelly and, as you can imagine, some of it ain’t pretty. There are quite a bit of mob references both contemporary and historical. There is much information regarding the mob’s involvement in the rise of Las Vegas. In many ways, Double Blind reads like a travel guide for Vegas which was both informative and distracting. Also, there is probably too much of what I’ve dubbed ‘gamblespeak’.
I’m going to compare and contrast for a sec, bear with me. Double Blind uses the same basic formula as Special Delivery. If you’ve read my review for Special Delivery then you know how it affected me. Many, many components went into making it a magical experience. The relationship development between Mitch and Sam pulled me in and, generally speaking, I like D/s relationships that are clearly defined. I loved Sam and his humiliation/degradation kink and the way that incorporated Randy, but more than the sex there was the poignant sub-plot of Sam’s mother and his struggles with what remains of his family.
The foundation of Special Delivery is their adventure through the west in a big rig. I love to travel. I love hearing about other people’s travels, so that was a win for me, but it was also Mitch’s job. Randy’s job is mostly based in Vegas and is heavily tied to gambling. While I understand the need for the relationship between Ethan and Randy to be predicated on gambling, it simply holds no interest for me. The relationship progression between both couplings is probably about the same length of time, but I felt it building with Mitch and Sam. The relationship felt organic and, dare I say, authentic through the alley, phone sex, dinner and trip through the west. In Double Blind it was just… there. At times it even felt a little desperate. Plus, let’s face it the plot twist in Special Delivery was Randy. I mean, lightening doesn’t strike twice. Thus, Double Blind didn’t have the same magic of Special Delivery. For me.
The pacing bogged down with all the gamblespeak, casino shenanigans and Las Vegas ballyhoo. Frankly, I started skimming after a certain point. If you are interested in bluffing or learning how to gamble with an emphasis on poker, you have hit the proverbial jackpot. Congratulations! In my opinion, the sub-plots of Crabtree/Herod and Sam/Randy overtook the primary and the sacrifice was the relationship development between Randy and Ethan. I hate to say it. I really do, you know how I feel about these two, but I think Sam and Mitch detracted from Randy’s story rather than adding to it. It seemed like Randy and Ethan spent more time apart embroiled in their own sub-plots than together. Even the sex seemed awkward as though they were trying too hard, trying to fit a square peg into a round hole or maybe even trying to be Sam and Mitch. Quite simply, Randy and Ethan didn’t get enough air time.
Don’t get me wrong there are some amazing moments in Double Blind. The characterization of Randy is phenomenal. True, some of it was unexpected and I did kind of miss crass and crude Randy, but I enjoyed learning more about him and seeing him open up, make himself vulnerable especially the moments between he and Sam in therapy. And p.s. Ms. Cullinan nailed all the projecting within the therapeutic environment. Well done.
The sexy times are both hot and at one point hilarious. Two words: strip poker. Trust me. It’s worth it for that alone and the scene between both couples. YUMMERS! Plus, my lil Sammie uh… yeah… umm… WOW. I had NO idea. Let’s just say I’d really like a short about the evolution of Mitch and Sam’s relationship. *cough*
I’d recommend Double Blind to Randy fans.
I would like to thank Samhain for providing me with a copy of Double Blind in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 Stars
Before we get too deep into the review of Double Blind, if you don’t know or haven’t heard Ms. Cullinan wrote a free novella that should be read prior to Double Blind called Hooch & Cake <— FANTASTIC!!! And… it holds insights into Randy’s evolution and did I mention it’s free?
This is only my third experience with Ms. Cullinan, but it’s clear to me she’s an exceptional talent. He has the gift of storytelling, of taking the reader on the ride. She delves into her characters, makes us see the world through their eyes. She’s done a superb job of making Randy three-dimensional. The Randy we were introduced to in Special Delivery is only one facet of Randy. The vulnerable Randy that is lonely and struggles with feeling like an outcast and misfit is the Randy we get to know in Double Blind.
Randy is one of those characters that leaps off the page. He’s a renaissance man. If there is something that he can’t do or fix I’ve no doubt he could fake or bluff his way through it until he was an expert. He’s that guy. He’s complex and real. He’s smarmy and sweet. He’s endearing and infuriating. Just when I want to staple things to him, he does something so completely unexpected I want to hug him. Randy’s a far cry from perfect which makes him human and, by extension, a riveting character. Plus, y’know, I gotta respect a man that goes to Whole Foods hoping to “be inspired by the culinary gods”. *fistbump*
Double Blind takes place in Las Vegas which is befitting of Randy’s personality-big, in your face, unapologetic. I’ve been to Vegas a couple times and while it’s bright, gaudy, ostentatious and garish, I inevitably see the underbelly, the seediness of it. If I dwell too much or look too closely, I find it kind of depressing. I think watching Leaving Las Vegas before I ever went to Las Vegas was probably a bad call on my part. Double Blind takes a peek into that underbelly and, as you can imagine, some of it ain’t pretty. There are quite a bit of mob references both contemporary and historical. There is much information regarding the mob’s involvement in the rise of Las Vegas. In many ways, Double Blind reads like a travel guide for Vegas which was both informative and distracting. Also, there is probably too much of what I’ve dubbed ‘gamblespeak’.
I’m going to compare and contrast for a sec, bear with me. Double Blind uses the same basic formula as Special Delivery. If you’ve read my review for Special Delivery then you know how it affected me. Many, many components went into making it a magical experience. The relationship development between Mitch and Sam pulled me in and, generally speaking, I like D/s relationships that are clearly defined. I loved Sam and his humiliation/degradation kink and the way that incorporated Randy, but more than the sex there was the poignant sub-plot of Sam’s mother and his struggles with what remains of his family.
The foundation of Special Delivery is their adventure through the west in a big rig. I love to travel. I love hearing about other people’s travels, so that was a win for me, but it was also Mitch’s job. Randy’s job is mostly based in Vegas and is heavily tied to gambling. While I understand the need for the relationship between Ethan and Randy to be predicated on gambling, it simply holds no interest for me. The relationship progression between both couplings is probably about the same length of time, but I felt it building with Mitch and Sam. The relationship felt organic and, dare I say, authentic through the alley, phone sex, dinner and trip through the west. In Double Blind it was just… there. At times it even felt a little desperate. Plus, let’s face it the plot twist in Special Delivery was Randy. I mean, lightening doesn’t strike twice. Thus, Double Blind didn’t have the same magic of Special Delivery. For me.
The pacing bogged down with all the gamblespeak, casino shenanigans and Las Vegas ballyhoo. Frankly, I started skimming after a certain point. If you are interested in bluffing or learning how to gamble with an emphasis on poker, you have hit the proverbial jackpot. Congratulations! In my opinion, the sub-plots of Crabtree/Herod and Sam/Randy overtook the primary and the sacrifice was the relationship development between Randy and Ethan. I hate to say it. I really do, you know how I feel about these two, but I think Sam and Mitch detracted from Randy’s story rather than adding to it. It seemed like Randy and Ethan spent more time apart embroiled in their own sub-plots than together. Even the sex seemed awkward as though they were trying too hard, trying to fit a square peg into a round hole or maybe even trying to be Sam and Mitch. Quite simply, Randy and Ethan didn’t get enough air time.
Don’t get me wrong there are some amazing moments in Double Blind. The characterization of Randy is phenomenal. True, some of it was unexpected and I did kind of miss crass and crude Randy, but I enjoyed learning more about him and seeing him open up, make himself vulnerable especially the moments between he and Sam in therapy. And p.s. Ms. Cullinan nailed all the projecting within the therapeutic environment. Well done.
The sexy times are both hot and at one point hilarious. Two words: strip poker. Trust me. It’s worth it for that alone and the scene between both couples. YUMMERS! Plus, my lil Sammie uh… yeah… umm… WOW. I had NO idea. Let’s just say I’d really like a short about the evolution of Mitch and Sam’s relationship. *cough*
I’d recommend Double Blind to Randy fans.
I would like to thank Samhain for providing me with a copy of Double Blind in exchange for an honest review.
September 6, 2016
I enjoyed this follow up to Special Delivery (one of my all time favorite books) focusing on Randy and Ethan. I will admit however, that the poker theme got to be a bit too much for me. My husband has been trying to get me to play poker for many years now, but I just seem to have a mental block for the game and that may have taken a bit of the enjoyment out of the book for me.
We know Randy is good at reading people and a master manipulator. When he spies Ethan on the CCTV at the casino where he works, throwing away money at the roulette table with a desperate look, something draws him in and he can't turn away. His desire to help is clear and his equally manipulative, mobster friend Crabtree jumps at the chance to bet on Randy's interaction with the man. It soon becomes obvious that Ethan is much worse off than Randy expected and Randy quickly becomes protective of the man.
Ethan is at the very end of a frayed rope. Devastated and broken he is down to his last dollar when Randy sweeps in to his rescue. He is quickly engulfed by Randy, Crabtree and Vegas and soon is involved in Crabtree's attempt to wrestle control of the casino from his godson who is running it into the ground. The storyline here got a bit convoluted for me and sort of took away from the growing relationship between Randy and Ethan. What saved it for me, however, is the return of Mitch and Sam.
It's been about two years since the end of Special Delivery, Sam and Mitch are regular houseguests of Randy and the three have maintained their menage relationship. Sam is having increasing difficulty dealing with Mitch's long road trips and he is working as a travelling nurse, about to start a shift at a local hospital. Sam is also unhappy about still being treated as a child by both Mitch and Randy. The love Randy feels for Sam is very obvious to Ethan, who is quickly brought into the three way relationship both socially and physically. With Mitch forced to leave for work, Sam relies on Randy for emotional support and we learn a lot about both of them during Sam's therapy sessions.
This book had a very different tone from the first one. I loved catching up with Sam, Mitch and Randy, but felt that I missed out on getting a real feel for Randy and Ethan's relationship since they did not spend all that much time alone together and Randy fell for him hard and fast. Randy is a complex and fascinating character that I enjoyed watching go from fun and bawdy, to unexpectedly deep (yes Randy gets deep) and vulnerable. As always, Heidi Cullinan's writing is excellent and the sex is hot. I am really looking forward to the next book in the series.
We know Randy is good at reading people and a master manipulator. When he spies Ethan on the CCTV at the casino where he works, throwing away money at the roulette table with a desperate look, something draws him in and he can't turn away. His desire to help is clear and his equally manipulative, mobster friend Crabtree jumps at the chance to bet on Randy's interaction with the man. It soon becomes obvious that Ethan is much worse off than Randy expected and Randy quickly becomes protective of the man.
Ethan is at the very end of a frayed rope. Devastated and broken he is down to his last dollar when Randy sweeps in to his rescue. He is quickly engulfed by Randy, Crabtree and Vegas and soon is involved in Crabtree's attempt to wrestle control of the casino from his godson who is running it into the ground. The storyline here got a bit convoluted for me and sort of took away from the growing relationship between Randy and Ethan. What saved it for me, however, is the return of Mitch and Sam.
It's been about two years since the end of Special Delivery, Sam and Mitch are regular houseguests of Randy and the three have maintained their menage relationship. Sam is having increasing difficulty dealing with Mitch's long road trips and he is working as a travelling nurse, about to start a shift at a local hospital. Sam is also unhappy about still being treated as a child by both Mitch and Randy. The love Randy feels for Sam is very obvious to Ethan, who is quickly brought into the three way relationship both socially and physically. With Mitch forced to leave for work, Sam relies on Randy for emotional support and we learn a lot about both of them during Sam's therapy sessions.
This book had a very different tone from the first one. I loved catching up with Sam, Mitch and Randy, but felt that I missed out on getting a real feel for Randy and Ethan's relationship since they did not spend all that much time alone together and Randy fell for him hard and fast. Randy is a complex and fascinating character that I enjoyed watching go from fun and bawdy, to unexpectedly deep (yes Randy gets deep) and vulnerable. As always, Heidi Cullinan's writing is excellent and the sex is hot. I am really looking forward to the next book in the series.
March 11, 2014
If you’re considering reading Double Blind, that means you've probably already had the joy of meeting Randy (and of course Mitch and Sam), in Special Delivery. Maybe you have opinions about Randy: good, bad, icky, indifferent; if your answer is all of the above, you’ll definitely be in for a treat.
Double Blind picks up in Las Vegas, and I’m changing the book’s name here and now to Randy’s Redemption. See, it’s all about getting to know Randy. What makes him tick, what he likes and doesn't like, and opinions about him from the people who know and love him best.
I myself got a far better, far more appealing, far sexier feel for Randy in Double Blind. He’s working at a casino one night (one of his many jobs, because, Randy) when he comes across the very lost and very alone Ethan. Ethan is down to his last few dollars and has been left by his former lover. Randy to the rescue, y’all, with an education for Ethan in poker, family, love and second chances.
Read Double Blind for a fun, engaging, flashy story filled with mouth-watering sexy time, (including a perfectly delicious four-way; brb, fanning myself...). But also read it if you had doubts about Randy and what an all-around great guy he could actually be.
Although it dragged for me in a few places, and the poker stuff was a bit over my head (and outside of my interests), I totally enjoyed Double Blind. Heidi Cullinan is just a fabulous storyteller and I’m looking forward to reading the third book in this series very soon!
3.5 stars, rounded up
Double Blind picks up in Las Vegas, and I’m changing the book’s name here and now to Randy’s Redemption. See, it’s all about getting to know Randy. What makes him tick, what he likes and doesn't like, and opinions about him from the people who know and love him best.
I myself got a far better, far more appealing, far sexier feel for Randy in Double Blind. He’s working at a casino one night (one of his many jobs, because, Randy) when he comes across the very lost and very alone Ethan. Ethan is down to his last few dollars and has been left by his former lover. Randy to the rescue, y’all, with an education for Ethan in poker, family, love and second chances.
Read Double Blind for a fun, engaging, flashy story filled with mouth-watering sexy time, (including a perfectly delicious four-way; brb, fanning myself...). But also read it if you had doubts about Randy and what an all-around great guy he could actually be.
Although it dragged for me in a few places, and the poker stuff was a bit over my head (and outside of my interests), I totally enjoyed Double Blind. Heidi Cullinan is just a fabulous storyteller and I’m looking forward to reading the third book in this series very soon!
3.5 stars, rounded up
November 19, 2011
This book is a sequel of sorts (with a change of MC to Randy) for Special Delivery. One of the best parts of the book was to meet Sam again and watch him grow and mature a bit without losing his sweetness. Randy and Ethan were also great characters and other than falling for each other a little too quickly, I really enjoyed the romance and relationship here. The plot was a bit OTT for me, in the amounts of money thrown around and the speed with which Ethan learned to play poker with the big boys, but not enough to interfere with the pleasure of the story. Still a very enjoyable ride. (Incidentally with less kink/BDSM than in Special Delivery.)
August 9, 2018
A six star read.
January 13, 2019
★★★★★ ~ 5 Stars
Reread 1/2019 ~ Crabtree's Parable of the Cards ~ https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/9647...
Still don't understand poker but enjoyed this reread again, definitely a comfort read.
Reread 2/2014 - If you've read
but before you read DB, go download
- Sam and Mitch' wedding with Randy, planner extraordinaire right in the thick of it. Will help explain a lot about where Randy is at in the beginning of DB. My review if you're interested: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... Enjoy!
Reread 7/2013 - Even better read the second time around - a more fleshed-out story than Special Delivery. Anxiously waiting for
in 2014.
Outstanding read. I've never played poker or card games so a lot of the terms went over my head although I was able to deduce the context and thought explaining the meaning of life via poker was pretty ingenious. Randy wasn't the nicest guy in
but you get to understand his character and reasoning in DB.
Randy and Ethan are at crossroads. Ethan contemplating suicide and Randy realizing that his life is empty. Both characters were much deeper than at first glance and slowly the onion layers are peeled to reveal that they have so much more in common and are complementary. They were both ready to jump off the cliff together and make a meaningful relationship.
Of course, Sam and Mitch appear and I love the way Sam is growing into himself and overcoming his demons, and dragged Randy kicking and screaming to deal with his own fears and healing which Randy needed to do before he could be a whole person.
Did I mention that the sex was even kinkier and Ethan definitely fit right in. Ethan watched the group dynamic and never jumped in, he asked to be invited to stay and the scenes were even better with him as a part.
Reread 1/2019 ~ Crabtree's Parable of the Cards ~ https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/9647...
Still don't understand poker but enjoyed this reread again, definitely a comfort read.
Reread 2/2014 - If you've read
but before you read DB, go download
- Sam and Mitch' wedding with Randy, planner extraordinaire right in the thick of it. Will help explain a lot about where Randy is at in the beginning of DB. My review if you're interested: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... Enjoy!Reread 7/2013 - Even better read the second time around - a more fleshed-out story than Special Delivery. Anxiously waiting for
in 2014.Outstanding read. I've never played poker or card games so a lot of the terms went over my head although I was able to deduce the context and thought explaining the meaning of life via poker was pretty ingenious. Randy wasn't the nicest guy in
but you get to understand his character and reasoning in DB. Randy and Ethan are at crossroads. Ethan contemplating suicide and Randy realizing that his life is empty. Both characters were much deeper than at first glance and slowly the onion layers are peeled to reveal that they have so much more in common and are complementary. They were both ready to jump off the cliff together and make a meaningful relationship.
Of course, Sam and Mitch appear and I love the way Sam is growing into himself and overcoming his demons, and dragged Randy kicking and screaming to deal with his own fears and healing which Randy needed to do before he could be a whole person.
Did I mention that the sex was even kinkier and Ethan definitely fit right in. Ethan watched the group dynamic and never jumped in, he asked to be invited to stay and the scenes were even better with him as a part.
March 4, 2013
First of all, this is the second in the series Special Delivery. Sadly, #1 is out of print, it will be back but not for almost a year. With that said, this can be read as a stand alone, and boy, howdy does it stand alone!
Once again, I am delighted and awed by Miss Cullinan's ability to bring characters to life, and spin a wonderful, loving story. If you haven't read Dirty Laundry, get that after you read this.
It takes place in Las Vegas, involves gambling, mostly poker all which had me at the opening sentence. I love Vegas, love stories about it, generally can't get enough. Not only does she understand Vegas, but she can school you in Texas Hold 'Um, which is critical for this to work.
Randy Jansen is the smart ass, take no prisoners one half of the duo that the story revolves around. He is known all over Vegas for his ability with cards. He is watching the floor in the office of casino Herods, when he spies a man playing roulette. He keeps betting on black and keeps losing. Randy is drawn to the other half of this duo Ethan Ellison. Ethan is on a mission after the break up of a long time relationship with a married man. What follows between the two is heart breaking, heart stopping and so loving.
Also, involved in this are Sam and Mitch from the first book, Billy Herod, and Crabtree the owner? of Herods. All playing important parts in the story. The reader gets treated to romance, and mystery in one of the greatest cities in the world. How could you ask for more. Well, wait, then there is the limo scene, one of the sexiest I have ever read. If that's not enough, there is a four some, that will make you change your pants. :)
For some reason this song played a lot while I was reading. I found it very appropriate. Blake Shelton's" Sure Be Cool If You Did"
http://youtu.be/JUX2YIpH0r4
I give this a straight flush, break the house, full of stars.
Once again, I am delighted and awed by Miss Cullinan's ability to bring characters to life, and spin a wonderful, loving story. If you haven't read Dirty Laundry, get that after you read this.
It takes place in Las Vegas, involves gambling, mostly poker all which had me at the opening sentence. I love Vegas, love stories about it, generally can't get enough. Not only does she understand Vegas, but she can school you in Texas Hold 'Um, which is critical for this to work.
Randy Jansen is the smart ass, take no prisoners one half of the duo that the story revolves around. He is known all over Vegas for his ability with cards. He is watching the floor in the office of casino Herods, when he spies a man playing roulette. He keeps betting on black and keeps losing. Randy is drawn to the other half of this duo Ethan Ellison. Ethan is on a mission after the break up of a long time relationship with a married man. What follows between the two is heart breaking, heart stopping and so loving.
Also, involved in this are Sam and Mitch from the first book, Billy Herod, and Crabtree the owner? of Herods. All playing important parts in the story. The reader gets treated to romance, and mystery in one of the greatest cities in the world. How could you ask for more. Well, wait, then there is the limo scene, one of the sexiest I have ever read. If that's not enough, there is a four some, that will make you change your pants. :)
For some reason this song played a lot while I was reading. I found it very appropriate. Blake Shelton's" Sure Be Cool If You Did"
http://youtu.be/JUX2YIpH0r4
I give this a straight flush, break the house, full of stars.
March 12, 2014
Randy and Ethan are an amazing couple! So perfect for each other!
I loved everything about them from the start...
Overall the plot is quite clever and exciting but I really wanted less of poker
and more emotions and loving of two... beautiful men.
The fact that we can see more Mitch and Sam was a nice surprise.
I will read the third book for sure.
I loved everything about them from the start...
Overall the plot is quite clever and exciting but I really wanted less of poker
and more emotions and loving of two... beautiful men.
The fact that we can see more Mitch and Sam was a nice surprise.
I will read the third book for sure.
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