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Boys of the Zodiac #5
Leo: All That You Are
Sometimes love conquers all only if you’re willing to fight for it...
Gage Kimball relishes his new life in Los Angeles. He’s made new friends, has steady gigs, and, most importantly, has the best boyfriend a person could ask for in antique dealer Christopher Gleason. But there are still open wounds, a family, and a past that he doesn’t want to deal with...until his seventeen-year-old brother shows up on his doorstep with bad news—Gage’s father is ill and the family needs him back in Salt Lake City.
Gage knows he must go to his father’s bedside, even if the festering anger, the betrayal, and the pain that’s still too fresh threaten to destroy the life he’s made for himself. Will Gage be able to make peace with the past and heal himself once and for all before building a solid future with Christopher?
Genres: Gay / Contemporary / The Arts / Exhibitionism / Public Places / Series
142 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 25, 2010
1 person is currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Craig
112 books173 followersJamie Craig is actually a pen name for the collaboration of authors
Vivien Dean http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/... and
Pepper Espinoza http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
ABOUT JAMIE CRAIG
Vivien Dean and Pepper Espinoza have been writing and publishing together as Jamie Craig since 2006. They have published with Juno Books, Samhain Publishing, Liquid Silver Books, and multiple titles with Amber Quill Press.
Pepper Espinoza has been writing and publishing erotic romance since 2005. She grew up in Utah and lives there now, where the landscape and history provide a great deal of inspiration for her work. Besides writing, she enjoys playing video games, watching movies, and going to concerts.
Vivien Dean returned to writing in 2005, and has published with Liquid Silver Books, Samhain Publishing, and Amber Quill Press. She currently resides in northern California with her husband and two children.
Vivien Dean http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/... and
Pepper Espinoza http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
ABOUT JAMIE CRAIG
Vivien Dean and Pepper Espinoza have been writing and publishing together as Jamie Craig since 2006. They have published with Juno Books, Samhain Publishing, Liquid Silver Books, and multiple titles with Amber Quill Press.
Pepper Espinoza has been writing and publishing erotic romance since 2005. She grew up in Utah and lives there now, where the landscape and history provide a great deal of inspiration for her work. Besides writing, she enjoys playing video games, watching movies, and going to concerts.
Vivien Dean returned to writing in 2005, and has published with Liquid Silver Books, Samhain Publishing, and Amber Quill Press. She currently resides in northern California with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 7, 2010
4.25 stars out of 5
This is the sequel to Taurus: All That You Do and brings back Christopher and Gage. They've been dating for a couple of months and things are going great for them. Gage is still working at Christopher's antique shop during the day and playing gigs at night. He's been developing a following and settling into his relationship with Christopher. As Gage looks forward to his first performance at the Roxy and an out of town buying trip with Christopher he receives a surprise visit from Ben, his younger brother, who comes with the news that their Dad has cancer.
Now Gage has to decide if it's a good idea to go back to Utah and the parents who disowned him. He knows things won't be easy if he goes back, especially since Christopher would be with him, but decides to give his family one more chance. His fears about how his parents will react are spot on as the reunion is not a happy one but he is surprised by the warm reception he gets from a couple of his older brothers.
Determined to stick it out Gage sends Christopher on his buying trip despite Christopher's offer to stay. Things get really ugly with the interference of some of the Church elders and the continued hurtful attitudes of one of his brothers and his mother. After a painful scene at the hospital Gage takes refuge in something that he loves very much, music. He goes to a club to listen to a few local musicians and there meets a friend his hasn't seen since high school. Between the effects of too much alcohol, the stress of his father's illness and his mother's hurtful attitude Gage ends up doing something he knows right away he shouldn't have.
When Christopher returns and sees Gage he knows something's wrong and despite the pain it causes him he's thankful for Gage's honesty. Together they must find a way to fully get past what happened and also in some way resolve the situation with his parents. The confrontation between them and Gage's family is painful yet ends with a beautifully romantic gesture. Gage is ready to put that part of his life firmly behind him as he looks forward to a happy and loving future with Christopher.
What I liked...
As with the first book I really like both of the protagonists. They are well drawn, interesting and likable men and their relationship really drew me in. Despite that they've only been in a serious relationship for a short while it's easy to see the depths of their feelings for each other and they, and their slowly developing relationship, kept me fully engaged throughout the story.
There are several secondary characters in the story and my favorite by far was Bowden, Gage's older brother. His supportive attitude and obvious love for his brother was really nice to see.
What I didn't like...
I really didn't like Gage's mother and to a certain extent his father and one of his brothers. But it was his mother, with her rabid anti-gay stance and obvious lack of motherly love for her son that I really couldn't stand. That type of character always disturbs me.
Overall...
This sequel was a very good follow up and I really enjoyed it. I'm a big fan of this author's writing style and was quite happy with the book despite Gage's regrettable act and the 'mother from hell' character. The relationship between Christopher and Gage has grown into a really loving one and despite their not actually saying the words until late in the book it was apparent. They have great chemistry and their sex scenes are scorching hot but it's the times when they are sweet and tender with each other, when they allowed their feelings to really shine through that I most enjoyed. The HEA ending was romantic and sexy and left a satisfied smile on my face. I definitely recommend it.
This is the sequel to Taurus: All That You Do and brings back Christopher and Gage. They've been dating for a couple of months and things are going great for them. Gage is still working at Christopher's antique shop during the day and playing gigs at night. He's been developing a following and settling into his relationship with Christopher. As Gage looks forward to his first performance at the Roxy and an out of town buying trip with Christopher he receives a surprise visit from Ben, his younger brother, who comes with the news that their Dad has cancer.
Now Gage has to decide if it's a good idea to go back to Utah and the parents who disowned him. He knows things won't be easy if he goes back, especially since Christopher would be with him, but decides to give his family one more chance. His fears about how his parents will react are spot on as the reunion is not a happy one but he is surprised by the warm reception he gets from a couple of his older brothers.
Determined to stick it out Gage sends Christopher on his buying trip despite Christopher's offer to stay. Things get really ugly with the interference of some of the Church elders and the continued hurtful attitudes of one of his brothers and his mother. After a painful scene at the hospital Gage takes refuge in something that he loves very much, music. He goes to a club to listen to a few local musicians and there meets a friend his hasn't seen since high school. Between the effects of too much alcohol, the stress of his father's illness and his mother's hurtful attitude Gage ends up doing something he knows right away he shouldn't have.
When Christopher returns and sees Gage he knows something's wrong and despite the pain it causes him he's thankful for Gage's honesty. Together they must find a way to fully get past what happened and also in some way resolve the situation with his parents. The confrontation between them and Gage's family is painful yet ends with a beautifully romantic gesture. Gage is ready to put that part of his life firmly behind him as he looks forward to a happy and loving future with Christopher.
What I liked...
As with the first book I really like both of the protagonists. They are well drawn, interesting and likable men and their relationship really drew me in. Despite that they've only been in a serious relationship for a short while it's easy to see the depths of their feelings for each other and they, and their slowly developing relationship, kept me fully engaged throughout the story.
There are several secondary characters in the story and my favorite by far was Bowden, Gage's older brother. His supportive attitude and obvious love for his brother was really nice to see.
What I didn't like...
I really didn't like Gage's mother and to a certain extent his father and one of his brothers. But it was his mother, with her rabid anti-gay stance and obvious lack of motherly love for her son that I really couldn't stand. That type of character always disturbs me.
Overall...
This sequel was a very good follow up and I really enjoyed it. I'm a big fan of this author's writing style and was quite happy with the book despite Gage's regrettable act and the 'mother from hell' character. The relationship between Christopher and Gage has grown into a really loving one and despite their not actually saying the words until late in the book it was apparent. They have great chemistry and their sex scenes are scorching hot but it's the times when they are sweet and tender with each other, when they allowed their feelings to really shine through that I most enjoyed. The HEA ending was romantic and sexy and left a satisfied smile on my face. I definitely recommend it.
July 27, 2010
"Leo: All That You Are" is a sequel of "Taurus: All That You Do", featuring Christopher and Gage. One month after they finally be together, Christopher and Gage is still in bliss. They can't get enough of one another. One day, Ben, Gage's younger brother, visits with a news that their Dad is suffering from cancer. Ben hopes that Gage will be willing to visit. Gage, who still cares, despite the treatment that he receives from his parents, decides to go with Ben. Christopher is coming with them too, to give Gage the moral support he needs.
I love this sequel better. The relationship of Christopher and Gage develops further. It's great to see how Christopher comes for Gage, when Gage must face his unsupportive parents and brother. It's also great to see Gage's interaction with his other brothers, who are more open and accepting to him being gay. There is one scene that I'm not very comfortable of, since it borders to infidelity, BUT, considering the situation and to see the result of that scene actually goes for the better, I can let it go.
I really hope to see a sequel featuring secondary characters from this story. Christopher's best friend, Rev, or the mysterious brother, Joseph. I am kinda wondering if he's also gay :)
I love this sequel better. The relationship of Christopher and Gage develops further. It's great to see how Christopher comes for Gage, when Gage must face his unsupportive parents and brother. It's also great to see Gage's interaction with his other brothers, who are more open and accepting to him being gay. There is one scene that I'm not very comfortable of, since it borders to infidelity, BUT, considering the situation and to see the result of that scene actually goes for the better, I can let it go.
I really hope to see a sequel featuring secondary characters from this story. Christopher's best friend, Rev, or the mysterious brother, Joseph. I am kinda wondering if he's also gay :)
March 7, 2011
I read this story out of order in the BOTZ series because it was the continuation of the "All That You Do" story, and I wanted to see where those two characters were going to go.
One problem I have with stories that continue a completed romance (as this story does) is the progression of the plot is usually some stupid fight/breakup that the couple goes through...this book doesn't really go there. The problem is with Gage's family, and dealing with the aftermath of his coming out. Really, "aftermath" is probably mostly a misnomer...only his parents truly know about Gage's homosexuality, and Gage must now reveal it to his many (SIX!) brothers.
I know nothing of Mormon life or culture, but the little I do know seems to fit with what is portrayed...rather rigid, unaccepting of "sinners" or those outside of the box allowed by their religion, and a strong emphasis on service/mission. The story and Gage's supporters may have been a little harsh at times toward Mormons, but that could be my ignorance hoping the reality isn't quite that bad. I was frustrated at his mother's inability to accept, and staunch refusal to even bend in her beliefs, although it was hard to see Gage's father with the same tenacity...maybe because he was in recovery or preparing for surgery the times we do see him. All accounts of his rejection of Gage are secondhand, except for one statement when Gage appears at the hospital, so it's hard for me to see his rigidity on homosexuality.
I really like the image of Gage's family, and how it divided them; he found a lot of support, which surprised him (and me), but also some heartache and harsh words.
My main problem with the book was the scene of infidelity. I always have a problem with infidelity in a couple that is supposedly committed and monogamous, but the act portrayed here was probably one of the easiest to accept/recover from. Part of that is the sex act itself; it involved only a drunk handjob from an old friend, and Gage didn't even reciprocate. Once he realized what had happened, he escaped and told Christopher as soon as they were together again in person. Brownie points for Gage.
Also, how Christopher works through the betrayal, both out loud to Gage and in his thoughts, made me accept how he handled it. It hurt him, but he does bring up the good point that they had never talked about exclusivity (although it may have been implied), and they talked about the incident, why it happened, that it would never happen again, and how to move past it. It gives us an idea how mature Christopher is by example, rather than inferring it from his friends' comments and teasing.
Related to this issue, it felt like the marriage proposal happened too quickly after the infidelity incident and discussion...it made it feel fake or cheaper, since they hadn't taken much time to resolve that issue and put it behind them. Plus, at that point they had only really been dating a little over month...though it doesn't really say how long it is until the wedding (that I recall, anyway).
Really good conclusion to this storyline, despite the niggles. Wouldn't mind a short showing them in wedded bliss...but then, I always like to see happy ever afters shown rather than implied. :D
One problem I have with stories that continue a completed romance (as this story does) is the progression of the plot is usually some stupid fight/breakup that the couple goes through...this book doesn't really go there. The problem is with Gage's family, and dealing with the aftermath of his coming out. Really, "aftermath" is probably mostly a misnomer...only his parents truly know about Gage's homosexuality, and Gage must now reveal it to his many (SIX!) brothers.
I know nothing of Mormon life or culture, but the little I do know seems to fit with what is portrayed...rather rigid, unaccepting of "sinners" or those outside of the box allowed by their religion, and a strong emphasis on service/mission. The story and Gage's supporters may have been a little harsh at times toward Mormons, but that could be my ignorance hoping the reality isn't quite that bad. I was frustrated at his mother's inability to accept, and staunch refusal to even bend in her beliefs, although it was hard to see Gage's father with the same tenacity...maybe because he was in recovery or preparing for surgery the times we do see him. All accounts of his rejection of Gage are secondhand, except for one statement when Gage appears at the hospital, so it's hard for me to see his rigidity on homosexuality.
I really like the image of Gage's family, and how it divided them; he found a lot of support, which surprised him (and me), but also some heartache and harsh words.
My main problem with the book was the scene of infidelity. I always have a problem with infidelity in a couple that is supposedly committed and monogamous, but the act portrayed here was probably one of the easiest to accept/recover from. Part of that is the sex act itself; it involved only a drunk handjob from an old friend, and Gage didn't even reciprocate. Once he realized what had happened, he escaped and told Christopher as soon as they were together again in person. Brownie points for Gage.
Also, how Christopher works through the betrayal, both out loud to Gage and in his thoughts, made me accept how he handled it. It hurt him, but he does bring up the good point that they had never talked about exclusivity (although it may have been implied), and they talked about the incident, why it happened, that it would never happen again, and how to move past it. It gives us an idea how mature Christopher is by example, rather than inferring it from his friends' comments and teasing.
Related to this issue, it felt like the marriage proposal happened too quickly after the infidelity incident and discussion...it made it feel fake or cheaper, since they hadn't taken much time to resolve that issue and put it behind them. Plus, at that point they had only really been dating a little over month...though it doesn't really say how long it is until the wedding (that I recall, anyway).
Really good conclusion to this storyline, despite the niggles. Wouldn't mind a short showing them in wedded bliss...but then, I always like to see happy ever afters shown rather than implied. :D
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2010
It's fun to read books that take place in the place where you live, especially when the author clearly knows what she's talking about. All of the elements having to do with Salt Lake or the Mormon religion were spot on, and made this an even more enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews