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And So Is Love
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For two years of his ten-year prison sentence, Dane Faulkner has been a man best left alone. When Bailey Lewis disturbs his solitude and becomes a target for the local bullies, Dane finds the best way to protect him is to stake his own claim. What happens when the pretence becomes something more?
- - -
For two years of his ten-year prison sentence, Dane Faulkner has been a man best left alone. When Bailey Lewis disturbs his solitude and becomes a target for the local bullies, Dane finds the best way to protect him is to stake his own claim. What happens when the pretence becomes something more?
163 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
September 10, 2016
If I read this book as my first introduction from this author, I'd have been a fan. Unfortunately, I didn't. There are a number of books of hers that I have started and forgotten because it couldn't hold my interest.
But...this book. *bats eyelashes*
I'm spouting love words for this one. I love prison romances always wish there was more out there that caught my fancy. I'm a fan of the show "Oz" always look out for a story that could give me a slice of its greatness. This book was a ride. And I enjoyed the hell out of it. (P.S. There was even mention of Oz in the book!! I grinned my face off!)
Dane, who is super straight (you know where I'm going with this) is serving his term and the bad ass supreme in prison. No one fucks with him because he can back it up with his fists. So when he receives a new cellmate who is openly gay named Bailey, he can't handle it. Forget that he dreams about his cellmate, forget that he lies to protect him...he's not gay, Bro.
He fights tooth and nail not to be labeled as gay and fights his feelings that are totally reciprocated from Bailey. He fights everything including himself. But love will not be denied no matter what violence or hurt is thrown their way (Warning: There is off scene rape. And reading these two and their love that lasts for years (writing letters always get me) and their struggle, their feelings.
Is this like real life jail? Hell no. C'mon it's a prison romance so reality should be suspended at some point.
It's highly improbable.
(The things Dane did with no repercussion.)
It's highly illogical.
(A man had his jaw booted and broken and he was able to talk so soon? And there's the curious case of a broken arm in cast that disappeared for a moment and reappeared to hold up a man on his hands and knees?)
It's bordering fantasy with this description of prison.
(I mean this seemed like a fantasy prison, maximum security where you can wear regular clothes, choose the type of soap you want to scrub with, bring your food back to your cell, being granted conjugal visits without being caught? I've visited jails, talked to the incarcerated. This jail where Dane and Bailey are is quite the paradise comparing (excluding the threat of rape and stabbing with shanks, of course.))
But this book is so romantic, so touching. If you pierce this book, it'd probably leak pink love ooze that will stain your heart in soft and pink. I'm soft and pink now. *sighs*
Fuck it. It's fiction. And a gripping story at that. And with all the issues, it was fucking awesomesauce.
I'll bathe in the gushy soft and pink if I can read about Bailey and Dane and their totally delicious love story. I'm rounding my rating up because I'm basking in these two. I 100% believe their HEA will last forever...and ever.
I swear to you I have frigging pink, glittery hearts just swirling in my eyes.
But...this book. *bats eyelashes*
I'm spouting love words for this one. I love prison romances always wish there was more out there that caught my fancy. I'm a fan of the show "Oz" always look out for a story that could give me a slice of its greatness. This book was a ride. And I enjoyed the hell out of it. (P.S. There was even mention of Oz in the book!! I grinned my face off!)
Dane, who is super straight (you know where I'm going with this) is serving his term and the bad ass supreme in prison. No one fucks with him because he can back it up with his fists. So when he receives a new cellmate who is openly gay named Bailey, he can't handle it. Forget that he dreams about his cellmate, forget that he lies to protect him...he's not gay, Bro.
He fights tooth and nail not to be labeled as gay and fights his feelings that are totally reciprocated from Bailey. He fights everything including himself. But love will not be denied no matter what violence or hurt is thrown their way (Warning: There is off scene rape. And reading these two and their love that lasts for years (writing letters always get me) and their struggle, their feelings.
Is this like real life jail? Hell no. C'mon it's a prison romance so reality should be suspended at some point.
It's highly improbable.
(The things Dane did with no repercussion.)
It's highly illogical.
(A man had his jaw booted and broken and he was able to talk so soon? And there's the curious case of a broken arm in cast that disappeared for a moment and reappeared to hold up a man on his hands and knees?)
It's bordering fantasy with this description of prison.
(I mean this seemed like a fantasy prison, maximum security where you can wear regular clothes, choose the type of soap you want to scrub with, bring your food back to your cell, being granted conjugal visits without being caught? I've visited jails, talked to the incarcerated. This jail where Dane and Bailey are is quite the paradise comparing (excluding the threat of rape and stabbing with shanks, of course.))
But this book is so romantic, so touching. If you pierce this book, it'd probably leak pink love ooze that will stain your heart in soft and pink. I'm soft and pink now. *sighs*
Fuck it. It's fiction. And a gripping story at that. And with all the issues, it was fucking awesomesauce.
I'll bathe in the gushy soft and pink if I can read about Bailey and Dane and their totally delicious love story. I'm rounding my rating up because I'm basking in these two. I 100% believe their HEA will last forever...and ever.
I swear to you I have frigging pink, glittery hearts just swirling in my eyes.
December 23, 2012
I liked it but didn't love it. I will explain my issues in my upcoming review. If you want to read a great prison story then check out Protection. Fair warning, you should be able to handle a sad ending (there is no HEA).
REVIEW TO COME...
November 13, 2014
There is a great deal of violence, including on-page murder and off-page rape, in this book. The story feels slightly rushed, considering it spans half a dozen years (I'm estimating, as it was hard to keep track) in fewer than 200 pages.
The prison in And So Is Love is a three-star hotel. Prisoners spend hours at the gym, wear their own clothes, and even have access to specialty beauty products. Lube and condoms are magically procured!
There is an undercurrent of tenderness in the relationship between Dane and Bailey, but Dane blows hot and cold, and the GFY aspect of the story isn't explored.
I wanted the men to talk more, fight less. Dane is horrible to Bailey. There are glimpses of Dane's goodness, but they're few and far between. And Bailey is almost predatory in pushing Dane to have sex, which is particularly uncomfortable (and not entirely believable) considering what Bailey goes through.
Another chapter showing the men settling into real life would have gone a long way toward helping me believe their HEA.
That being said, there were parts of the story I enjoyed, and my heart broke for Dane, his armor crumbling all around him.
The prison in And So Is Love is a three-star hotel. Prisoners spend hours at the gym, wear their own clothes, and even have access to specialty beauty products. Lube and condoms are magically procured!
There is an undercurrent of tenderness in the relationship between Dane and Bailey, but Dane blows hot and cold, and the GFY aspect of the story isn't explored.
I wanted the men to talk more, fight less. Dane is horrible to Bailey. There are glimpses of Dane's goodness, but they're few and far between. And Bailey is almost predatory in pushing Dane to have sex, which is particularly uncomfortable (and not entirely believable) considering what Bailey goes through.
Another chapter showing the men settling into real life would have gone a long way toward helping me believe their HEA.
That being said, there were parts of the story I enjoyed, and my heart broke for Dane, his armor crumbling all around him.
December 27, 2015
This was a weird story for me. I haven't read many prison romances, but I was excited to try this one because of some rave review from my friends. I was expecting something violent and gritty, which this book was. However, the romance for me was totally lacking, and I thought that Dane was a serious dick.
I'm very willing to suspend reality for romance books, and I do it all the time, but seriously?? With this one?? I don't even understand what was happening most of the time. Dane shanked like 100 people with no consequences in this book, and got off with just a shrug. The cop that sort of helped Dane out? What was his deal? The whole prison system made absolutely no sense.
Also, I didn't see why Bailey liked Dane at all. He was a royal ass, and I didn't see how or why there was any spark between them. The GFY was waaayyyy too fast and easy, and Dane was too flip-floppy as a character. It was a hot mess, if I'm being honest.
It wasn't all bad, but a lot of the book was "huh??"-worthy for me. Just not my speed.
I'm very willing to suspend reality for romance books, and I do it all the time, but seriously?? With this one?? I don't even understand what was happening most of the time. Dane shanked like 100 people with no consequences in this book, and got off with just a shrug. The cop that sort of helped Dane out? What was his deal? The whole prison system made absolutely no sense.
Also, I didn't see why Bailey liked Dane at all. He was a royal ass, and I didn't see how or why there was any spark between them. The GFY was waaayyyy too fast and easy, and Dane was too flip-floppy as a character. It was a hot mess, if I'm being honest.
It wasn't all bad, but a lot of the book was "huh??"-worthy for me. Just not my speed.
December 14, 2014
*** 4.5 Stars ***
I know this one - with its off-page rape and its on-page violence - won't be everyone's cuppa tea, but I loved it. Like, really loved it. The story dragged me into this foreign world of a men's medium security prison and make me think, and question, and sympathize. Never would I have guessed that Blackwell could make me care so much about these characters and the outcome of their relationship in just a little more than 100 pages, but she did.
By far the best I've read from this author so far.
I know this one - with its off-page rape and its on-page violence - won't be everyone's cuppa tea, but I loved it. Like, really loved it. The story dragged me into this foreign world of a men's medium security prison and make me think, and question, and sympathize. Never would I have guessed that Blackwell could make me care so much about these characters and the outcome of their relationship in just a little more than 100 pages, but she did.
By far the best I've read from this author so far.
September 5, 2010
This is the fourth book by Scarlet Blackwell that I`ve read and
every book is a bit better than the last.She`s now on my auto-buy list.
First I was a bit reluctant to give And So Is Love 5 stars because of the resemblance to a TV-series and the gay-for-you storyline.
But Dane and Bailey are still dominating my thoughts so I upped my rating from 4 to 5 stars.
It`s prison life as it is - dangerous,violent and...lonely.
Dane -sentenced for second-degree murder and for two years in prison - just wants to be left alone.In comes Bailey as his new cellmate.An out and proud gay man sentenced for "defending himself".As expected his openness about his sexuality makes his life in prison a living hell.
The "straight" and slightly homophobic Dane slowly falls for Bailey.Unable to express his feelings -even to himself - he reacts the only way he knows,with violence.Sometimes with Bailey at the receiving end.Eventually Dane relents to his feelings for Bailey -the sex scenes are yery emotional and far from violent.Soon their affair is no longer a secret and other prison top-dogs are using Bailey as a weapon against a now vulnerable Dane.To protect Bailey`s life Dane pushes him away.Bailey`s now desperate fight for Dane`s love is almost painful to read.Secondary characters like Anthony"Professor" and the ward Malone who sympathize with the lovers are trying to help.Do Dane and Bailey have a chance?
The ending is satisfying but not too "sweet". Highly recommended!
By the way - gorgeous cover!
every book is a bit better than the last.She`s now on my auto-buy list.
First I was a bit reluctant to give And So Is Love 5 stars because of the resemblance to a TV-series and the gay-for-you storyline.
But Dane and Bailey are still dominating my thoughts so I upped my rating from 4 to 5 stars.
It`s prison life as it is - dangerous,violent and...lonely.
Dane -sentenced for second-degree murder and for two years in prison - just wants to be left alone.In comes Bailey as his new cellmate.An out and proud gay man sentenced for "defending himself".As expected his openness about his sexuality makes his life in prison a living hell.
The "straight" and slightly homophobic Dane slowly falls for Bailey.Unable to express his feelings -even to himself - he reacts the only way he knows,with violence.Sometimes with Bailey at the receiving end.Eventually Dane relents to his feelings for Bailey -the sex scenes are yery emotional and far from violent.Soon their affair is no longer a secret and other prison top-dogs are using Bailey as a weapon against a now vulnerable Dane.To protect Bailey`s life Dane pushes him away.Bailey`s now desperate fight for Dane`s love is almost painful to read.Secondary characters like Anthony"Professor" and the ward Malone who sympathize with the lovers are trying to help.Do Dane and Bailey have a chance?
The ending is satisfying but not too "sweet". Highly recommended!
By the way - gorgeous cover!
September 1, 2010
For two years of his ten-year prison sentence, Dane Faulkner has been a man best left alone. Then he gets a new roommate. Bailey Lewis is an out and proud gay man. But to shout his sexuality in prison is not a wise thing. Soon, Bailey becomes a target of the local bullies. At first, Dane doesn't care and refuses to get involved. Besides, he is not gay and there is no way he wants to smear his reputation that he has turned into "another fag" But when he sees Bailey almost get raped, Dane finds himself protecting him by claiming Bailey as his ...
Scarlet Blackwell slowly becomes one of my favorite authors. One thing I love about her stories is how RAW they are. She doesn't sugary coat the love. There is no abudant "I love you's" or overused terms of endearment. Sometimes it's plain intense and can feel impersonal. Men can still hurt each other's feeling. As simple as that. This one is another winner from Ms. Blackwell for me.
I think, I have only read two prison stories prior to this. But this one is more powerful and well, I might repeat myself, raw. There are gang rapes, and fights, and killing other inmates to survive. It's brutal, but it's how prison life is. The way that Dane and Bailey get together might not be pretty but it's as real as it comes in prison. It might feel sound like a "gay for you" story, since Dane is straight, and he might have sex with Bailey because he is in prison ... but this is not a sweet GFY. I think the bond that the two cellmates have is somehow stronger because of that. Because when the light is out and there are just the two of them, somehow you can feel their connection deeply. It's falling in love in one of the unlikeliest places ...
Scarlet Blackwell slowly becomes one of my favorite authors. One thing I love about her stories is how RAW they are. She doesn't sugary coat the love. There is no abudant "I love you's" or overused terms of endearment. Sometimes it's plain intense and can feel impersonal. Men can still hurt each other's feeling. As simple as that. This one is another winner from Ms. Blackwell for me.
I think, I have only read two prison stories prior to this. But this one is more powerful and well, I might repeat myself, raw. There are gang rapes, and fights, and killing other inmates to survive. It's brutal, but it's how prison life is. The way that Dane and Bailey get together might not be pretty but it's as real as it comes in prison. It might feel sound like a "gay for you" story, since Dane is straight, and he might have sex with Bailey because he is in prison ... but this is not a sweet GFY. I think the bond that the two cellmates have is somehow stronger because of that. Because when the light is out and there are just the two of them, somehow you can feel their connection deeply. It's falling in love in one of the unlikeliest places ...
January 24, 2013
Another compelling story by a great m/m author. This woman knows how to put you through an emotional wringer and never fails to deliver books that take you out of the comfort zone of sweet romance and throw you into worlds were people are flawed but passion runs high. Prison stories are never sunshine and flowers so to be able to create such a wonderful love story amongst such a harsh environment is a testament to her writing skills. I couldn't put this down and fell totally head over heels for Dane and Bailey, who do not get an easy ride in this book. Sexy and sensual yet tender and poignant at the same time. Superb!
January 31, 2012
This book is simply wonderful!
It's not an easy read and quite an emotional roller coaster at times, and yeah, I've cried my eyes out reading the penultimate chapters, but sweet Jesus, the ending was so good and satisfying I cried happy tears again.
I would recommend this story for anyone!
And the cover just fits the book - gorgeous.
It's not an easy read and quite an emotional roller coaster at times, and yeah, I've cried my eyes out reading the penultimate chapters, but sweet Jesus, the ending was so good and satisfying I cried happy tears again.
I would recommend this story for anyone!
And the cover just fits the book - gorgeous.
November 10, 2014
THIS BOOK IS ONE OF THE BEST M/M BOOKS THAT I HAVE HAD READ!!! Full of angst and a very dark read (even violent at times), but is beautifully done! YOU ROCK, SCARLET BLACKWELL!!! Great job!
December 22, 2012
I was doing a buddy read for this book, but I was a bad buddy and read it WAY too fast. But in my defense, there should be a warning on this book saying: CAN'T PUT DOWN ONCE PICKED UP! I read it all in one go, absolutely loved it. (It's 2AM now! Which says a lot) It was one of those heart-melting books that leaves you all gooey inside like a Scottish deep-fried Mars Bar. Though, I wish the cover was changed, because if the book wasn't suggested to me I would've bypassed it.
Anyway, this is a truely romantic M/M read, where we start out with Bailey coming to prison and having to share a cell with the hardened Dane, who doesn't let anyone too close. They instantly get off on the wrong foot with each other because Bailey is openly gay and Dane doesn't like it, his paranoia getting the best of him. But as time goes by, and Bailey comes up against some rather nasty characters, Dane steps in as his protection, leading the other prisoners to believe Bailey is his, which at that point he isn't. But due to circumstances and things thrown at them, they start a real relationship which spans the course of five years, involving a lot of angst, desire, pushing away, making up, and one extremely determined Bailey, who refuses to let Dane go, as well as a really nice guard. All of this is portrayed from Dane's point of view, and it works perfectly, leaving you with a seamlessly written story - which I loved. It is a beautiful romance which will leave you all happy and going aahhh.
*M/M Adult.
Anyway, this is a truely romantic M/M read, where we start out with Bailey coming to prison and having to share a cell with the hardened Dane, who doesn't let anyone too close. They instantly get off on the wrong foot with each other because Bailey is openly gay and Dane doesn't like it, his paranoia getting the best of him. But as time goes by, and Bailey comes up against some rather nasty characters, Dane steps in as his protection, leading the other prisoners to believe Bailey is his, which at that point he isn't. But due to circumstances and things thrown at them, they start a real relationship which spans the course of five years, involving a lot of angst, desire, pushing away, making up, and one extremely determined Bailey, who refuses to let Dane go, as well as a really nice guard. All of this is portrayed from Dane's point of view, and it works perfectly, leaving you with a seamlessly written story - which I loved. It is a beautiful romance which will leave you all happy and going aahhh.
*M/M Adult.
May 18, 2015
Prison love, man. It's hard. I don't know how realistic this was but Bailey and Dane moved me more than I thought they would. It's like their bond slowly sneaked up on me. Per typical Blackwell fashion, and fitting to the prison set-up, one of the MCs was physically and emotionally abusive at times, with a lot of back and forth until the very end. But that longing...that waiting to hear from one another, the pining, and the depression, and the desperation...it got to me big time. It was epic, truly.
I took off a star because I selfishly wanted an epilogue and to see this couple remain stable for more than a few days at a time. I think they deserved it after all they went through. Still, I'm happy for their HEA.
Recommend!
PS. Steamy plus emotional sex is a killer combo and miss Blackwell nailed it once again.
I took off a star because I selfishly wanted an epilogue and to see this couple remain stable for more than a few days at a time. I think they deserved it after all they went through. Still, I'm happy for their HEA.
Recommend!
PS. Steamy plus emotional sex is a killer combo and miss Blackwell nailed it once again.
July 13, 2017
I just loved this book! I mean really, really loved it. Brutal, sweet, angsty and just everything I love. Two prisoners started out enemies and ended up so much more. Their journey just sucked but that just made it all the sweeter.
February 11, 2015
4.5 stars...That was a surprisingly sweet and sexy GFY story! I loved it!! Some parts did seem a little rushed, but overall I really enjoyed :)
April 28, 2011
Four and a quarter stars. I think Scarlet Blackwell writes amazing, angst-filled books. But...although the setting (a prison) added to the tension, I think it raised the tension a little too high for me. There was a definition Shawshank Redeption feel, and at times I was incredibly concerned about the health and welfare of the two main characters that I had to skip on to make sure that 1) they were OK and 2) they weren't caught. And yes, although it finished in a way that some might consider abrupt, I think it worked. It perhaps has a more HFN than HEA feel to it, but...I think any further story would be sequel material rather than an epilogue. The one thing I did miss was getting inside Dane's head...I think I needed to understand why his feelings changed.
Rescue Me is still my favourite Scarlet Blackwell book to date, but I am definitely looking forward to reading more from this author.
Rescue Me is still my favourite Scarlet Blackwell book to date, but I am definitely looking forward to reading more from this author.
November 3, 2012
I enjoyed this but there wasn't great character development or explanations of peoples actions. The guys were so incredibly antagonistic to each other right off the bat, but then they fall in love (supposedly) without any explanation as to what they even like about each other. Bailey holds on for deal life when Dane is a total ass pretty much all the time. Why?
If someone wanted a similar story I would recommend Protection by S.A. Reid. It's darker and more intense but also more plausible and a beautiful story.
Borrowed from Shannon for October BINGO challenge in Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group
If someone wanted a similar story I would recommend Protection by S.A. Reid. It's darker and more intense but also more plausible and a beautiful story.
Borrowed from Shannon for October BINGO challenge in Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group
June 29, 2013
I loved this book. It was a sexy and believable mix between reality and fiction. With some g4u books, the so-called straight character is suddenly gay at the sight of a dick, but that's definitely not Dane. It started out with a pushy guy offering sex and comfort, and Dane was unwillingly drawn to both. But he resisted for a long time - although it didn't feel very long when you read it - and he struggled with his feelings for Bailey for years. Comfort and sex was one thing, but like me, Dane couldn't resist Bailey for too long. That Bailey guy was fucking amazing. And Dane can thank him for believing in them when Dane didn't have the balls to :)
Definitely recommended.
Definitely recommended.
April 16, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. I swooned and sighed and even became emotional at times. The sex scenes were hot as hell and the growing relationship between Dane and Bailey was great to witness. I liked Dane's transition and being there for every step of it.
July 9, 2017
...Meh.
I kind of think I read this before, a long time ago, and just didn't remember it until the end. Which doesn't bode well for the story in general, but makes sense when I realized I had it sitting around and it's not like me to leave a prison story hanging out.
My big thing with this is that this lacked the grit of a true prison story. Even during scenes of murder, it felt surface level and didn't truly delve into the darkness. Such a shame, because I would've loved to have it go there.
I also really, really didn't like the way it presented Bailey. At first the author had him come across as tough and smart-mouthed, but then he became timid and almost oddly clingy. The oddly clingy factor is likely because the story lacked development. Where was the build up that bridged between Dane hating him and... well... not?
To top it off, there is very little realism. Like nonexistent. I don't know if it's different in the UK, but as someone who works with people who have spent time in prison or jail, I wanted to bang my head at times.
So while this wasn't terrible, and I was able to read it quickly, it was unfortunately forgettable and blah for me.
Of course, your mileage may vary.
I kind of think I read this before, a long time ago, and just didn't remember it until the end. Which doesn't bode well for the story in general, but makes sense when I realized I had it sitting around and it's not like me to leave a prison story hanging out.
My big thing with this is that this lacked the grit of a true prison story. Even during scenes of murder, it felt surface level and didn't truly delve into the darkness. Such a shame, because I would've loved to have it go there.
I also really, really didn't like the way it presented Bailey. At first the author had him come across as tough and smart-mouthed, but then he became timid and almost oddly clingy. The oddly clingy factor is likely because the story lacked development. Where was the build up that bridged between Dane hating him and... well... not?
To top it off, there is very little realism. Like nonexistent. I don't know if it's different in the UK, but as someone who works with people who have spent time in prison or jail, I wanted to bang my head at times.
So while this wasn't terrible, and I was able to read it quickly, it was unfortunately forgettable and blah for me.
Of course, your mileage may vary.
Read
March 2, 2011Prison romances are not so common in the classical romance genre, probably since this is probably really the only affair where the two lovers HAVE to be men; but with the raising of the Gay romance also this theme is taking a turn and it’s not the first time I read one. The main big difference this time is that both men are guilty of the crime for which they are in prison; prison novels in general, and prison romances above all, have to respect the rule that the goods are good and the bads are bad, and so, even if in a cell, the hero/heroes have to be as much as innocent as possible. Scarlet Blackwell decided this was not the case, and by the way, both Dane than Bailey are convicted for manslaughter, so violence is not new to them.
Dane has already spent two years in prison, and even if same-sex relationship are pretty common, he has never “lowered” himself; yes, Dane is a little bit homophobic, he doesn’t go around using gays as punching ball, but he is neither friendly with them. I’m not sure if he is in a huge denial phase or if he is really like that, one way or the other, he is not exactly the nice guy of the story. When Bailey joins him in the cell, and it is soon clear he is gay, Dane presents him a cold back, making easier for other inmates to rape the poor guy.
Now Bailey is not exactly the down-low type, he has a mouth on him that seems to attract danger; but I think he was most scared than not, and for sure he didn’t ask or encourage being raped. It’s probably even worse since it happened right the morning after the first night he showed a sign of weakness, and found inside the prison a little hope that he was not alone. It was like giving him a punch in the gut after having him deluded with a caress.
The story is highly emotional, and probably for some more romantic readers also a little too much harsh and violent; while the author gives a romance to Dane and Bailey, she doesn’t forget they are inside a prison, and life in prison is not at all easy. Even if in love, Dane and Bailey haven’t found the magic key to a parallel world where their time will move faster and faster to the day when they will be finally free to be together, they are still in a nightmare and they have to pay for their sins.
My only complain is that, even if it caused the death of another man, both their crimes seem to me not worthy of being in jail; but I’m not really an expert of the US criminal law.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0042AMG7E/?...
Dane has already spent two years in prison, and even if same-sex relationship are pretty common, he has never “lowered” himself; yes, Dane is a little bit homophobic, he doesn’t go around using gays as punching ball, but he is neither friendly with them. I’m not sure if he is in a huge denial phase or if he is really like that, one way or the other, he is not exactly the nice guy of the story. When Bailey joins him in the cell, and it is soon clear he is gay, Dane presents him a cold back, making easier for other inmates to rape the poor guy.
Now Bailey is not exactly the down-low type, he has a mouth on him that seems to attract danger; but I think he was most scared than not, and for sure he didn’t ask or encourage being raped. It’s probably even worse since it happened right the morning after the first night he showed a sign of weakness, and found inside the prison a little hope that he was not alone. It was like giving him a punch in the gut after having him deluded with a caress.
The story is highly emotional, and probably for some more romantic readers also a little too much harsh and violent; while the author gives a romance to Dane and Bailey, she doesn’t forget they are inside a prison, and life in prison is not at all easy. Even if in love, Dane and Bailey haven’t found the magic key to a parallel world where their time will move faster and faster to the day when they will be finally free to be together, they are still in a nightmare and they have to pay for their sins.
My only complain is that, even if it caused the death of another man, both their crimes seem to me not worthy of being in jail; but I’m not really an expert of the US criminal law.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0042AMG7E/?...
April 3, 2012
3.5 Stars. I did have some issues with the writing at first. The descriptions were just too blatant. She tells us "this is what Dane/Bailey looks like" and "this is what they act like." For some reason that just didn't flow for me. Not exactly my favorite writing style. And the prison atmosphere seemed very un-prison like. But I've never been to prison, so maybe that's how it is. Maybe you get to roam around all day doing whatever you want, listening to your iPod, working out in the gym, showering at your leisure.
Dane was somewhat of an ass. So hot and cold. I didn't like the fact that his lust for murder was so great, it made him a little harder to truly care about until right up at the very end. But like I said, never been to prison so maybe it really is 'kill or be killed.' Bailey seemed like such a pushover, and also a bit of a slut at times. He even said so himself, but that was never explored. There were a lot of things glossed over that were never really explored and I think that's where my main issues lie.
But in the end, the story turned very sweet. They were adorable together. I can see these two making it in the long run as long as they stick by each other. I loved their letters and the time they were given to spend together (as unbelievable as that scene was). I do wish there had been a little more at the end though.
Dane was somewhat of an ass. So hot and cold. I didn't like the fact that his lust for murder was so great, it made him a little harder to truly care about until right up at the very end. But like I said, never been to prison so maybe it really is 'kill or be killed.' Bailey seemed like such a pushover, and also a bit of a slut at times. He even said so himself, but that was never explored. There were a lot of things glossed over that were never really explored and I think that's where my main issues lie.
But in the end, the story turned very sweet. They were adorable together. I can see these two making it in the long run as long as they stick by each other. I loved their letters and the time they were given to spend together (as unbelievable as that scene was). I do wish there had been a little more at the end though.
June 5, 2015
Even on my best day (and this one is not) I can only suspend my disbelief that much...
I haven't been to prison,but at least I know what maximum level prison encompsasses. And that's not owning of an iPod (WTF?!), free carrying of knives and all sort of privileges that do not exist in a prison,let alone maximum security one. Then there were rapings,beatings,killing of other inmates and all that without any repercutions and basically under the watch of guards.
Secondly, I think I never read a book where I was so disinterseted in characters themselves...I didn't like them,but I didn't disliked them either. For all I cared,they could've died,and I would still feel nothing...which I think was due to the writing. Everything was told in a rather superficial manner,and the story felt somewhat choppy. All that prevented me from investing myself in the story,and I must say,premise sounded really good.
In the end we get HEA,but all I could think was ...that buggs me the wrong way. It's like author just forgot to resolve that question,and it was not insignificant one...
Unfortunately,I can't recommend this one...
I haven't been to prison,but at least I know what maximum level prison encompsasses. And that's not owning of an iPod (WTF?!), free carrying of knives and all sort of privileges that do not exist in a prison,let alone maximum security one. Then there were rapings,beatings,killing of other inmates and all that without any repercutions and basically under the watch of guards.
Secondly, I think I never read a book where I was so disinterseted in characters themselves...I didn't like them,but I didn't disliked them either. For all I cared,they could've died,and I would still feel nothing...which I think was due to the writing. Everything was told in a rather superficial manner,and the story felt somewhat choppy. All that prevented me from investing myself in the story,and I must say,premise sounded really good.
In the end we get HEA,but all I could think was ...that buggs me the wrong way. It's like author just forgot to resolve that question,and it was not insignificant one...
Unfortunately,I can't recommend this one...
July 5, 2011
Ugh! I want to kick Dane in the nuts, repeatedly! I wish Bailey had!
June 21, 2014
I can't give a better review than the one below by SheReadsALot. This was Ms Blackwell's best.
August 26, 2022
If you are tired of the formulaic romance novellas, this prison romance is a break from the normal. Dane first meets Bailey when he is brought into Dane's cell as his new roommate. Immediately, Dane finds out that Bailey is gay and warns him that he should keep a distance from Dane, as Dane is not gay. The realities of prison are not glossed over and most of the things that could be imagined do take place in the book. Gradually, Dane is surprised to find himself attracted to Bailey. Bailey is quite willing and interested in Dane. Most of this book is not a feel-good romance and there are prolonged periods of no contact. Also, it is a gay-for-you, as Dane experiences no bisexual awakening. The book ends somewhat quickly and there is no epilogue. Their love has a foundation of forced proximity and shared troubles, but it also becomes the love of a lifetime. It's a bittersweet and beautiful change of pace.
July 2, 2012
Prison love - not really something you think about on a regular basis. This book was really interesting to me and it kind of reminded me of the now defunct HBO series, Oz, which is probably why I really enjoyed this book. Now, don't get me wrong - there's nothing actually "enjoyable" about this book. Lots of bad shit happens and life is hard...really, really hard. It makes you wonder what kind of people can survive that kind of life and while you don't always condone their actions, you can try to understand them a little bit. Decisions become much more difficult when driven by survival and not morality.
This book worked for me because it was from Dane's POV. Dane's actions throughout the book were really chock full of assholery, but because we get his POV and his emotions are a wide open book, you can really see his thought process, even if you do think he's an idiot. Ends justifies the means and all that good stuff...
For a novella length book, there was really a lot going on. I was really engaged the entire time and I was anxious for an HEA. Well, of course our two boys Dane and Bailey are now convicts and I worry about them never getting a true HEA, trying to make a life together while never being able to make more than minimum wage. But I'm hopeful that things will work out.
This book worked for me because it was from Dane's POV. Dane's actions throughout the book were really chock full of assholery, but because we get his POV and his emotions are a wide open book, you can really see his thought process, even if you do think he's an idiot. Ends justifies the means and all that good stuff...
For a novella length book, there was really a lot going on. I was really engaged the entire time and I was anxious for an HEA. Well, of course our two boys Dane and Bailey are now convicts and I worry about them never getting a true HEA, trying to make a life together while never being able to make more than minimum wage. But I'm hopeful that things will work out.
January 31, 2016
Wow! It was so confusing and sometimes rushed, but at the same time I felt so emotionally drained, I actually cried
Yeah, we could admit Bailey and Dane are quite opposites and at first glance, their love is... strange, but it's only proof for love hitting us where we don't expect it. Prison is only background showing no matter who you are, no matter what you've done in your life - you can always love - damn with others who say you can't. Love is stronger than cell bars, separation, stronger than time.
Scarlet Blackwell writes amazing books, each and every one I love. There are no sweet talking, humming birds, holding hands, wedding bells and other fluffy stuff. There's a real life, characters aren't perfect, they have their flaws, sometimes major, but at the end they can find their way to happiness.
Yeah, we could admit Bailey and Dane are quite opposites and at first glance, their love is... strange, but it's only proof for love hitting us where we don't expect it. Prison is only background showing no matter who you are, no matter what you've done in your life - you can always love - damn with others who say you can't. Love is stronger than cell bars, separation, stronger than time.
Scarlet Blackwell writes amazing books, each and every one I love. There are no sweet talking, humming birds, holding hands, wedding bells and other fluffy stuff. There's a real life, characters aren't perfect, they have their flaws, sometimes major, but at the end they can find their way to happiness.
March 28, 2011
I'm pretty torn about this book.. I feel like it could have been an epic love story... if it hadnt been sooo rushed..
Its about a straight guy falling in love with his gay cellmate, in prison.. Just that one line makes me shiver, because that could be the start of an extremly interesting and hot, sweet, sexy, heartbreaking and heartwarming story..
It just wasnt.. It was sooo rushed that we didnt get to know the emotional parts of the characters.. We just quickly read what they felt and in the next line it would be 6 months later, and we would go.. Ohh and then it would be 6 months later again..
I really loved the Dane character.. I thought he fit perfectly, and I LOVED(!!!) that he didnt use the word Love until the end.. I would have cringed and growled if he had used it before that moment I think.. Bailey? Well.. Yeah, he used it wayyy too soon for my liking..
So yes, I'm torn, but only because I feel like this could really have been an epic love story, had it not been rushed so much..
September 22, 2013
This was not nearly as traumatic as I thought it was going to be. I thought the characters had great chemistry and were really cute together. Unfortunately I found the book really unrealistic. I actually liked it more than I thought I would, given those issues. I thought the length was good. Less would have been too short to develop it, but if it had been longer I think I would have run out of patience. Decent quick read for the weekend.
November 28, 2012
I've been wanting to read this book for months now. Ever since I read Protection I wanted to read another prison romance. I liked Bailey's spunk and character but I think he could have toned it down a bit. You can't antagonize people in prison and not expect to get your ass kicked. I didn't like how Dane abused Bailey just because he couldn't deal with his own feelings. That was so not cool.
I did get drawn into their romance. I was rooting for them. I love Officer Malone. I loved Dane's parole speech and it brought tears to my eyes. I was nervous if we'd get a happy ending and we do. I'm glad we got one.
I hope I don't have to go to prison to find my soul mate ;-)
I did get drawn into their romance. I was rooting for them. I love Officer Malone. I loved Dane's parole speech and it brought tears to my eyes. I was nervous if we'd get a happy ending and we do. I'm glad we got one.
I hope I don't have to go to prison to find my soul mate ;-)
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