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Shivaree #0.5
Backwoods
A standalone prequel to Shivaree. Shane thinks he’s simply auditioning a new musician for his bar, but when Gabriel saunters into the Shivaree it becomes clear the man has more to offer than just his talent. Gabriel’s got sexual charisma potent enough to make a straight man such as Shane lose his senses, lose sleep, lose himself to dark desires and not want to find his way back to reality .What follows is not a love story. This is a story about an unforeseen attraction that brings a strong, sane man to his knees, and about lovers tangled up in each other too deep to know who’s in control and who’s helpless.
100 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 10, 2010
11 people are currently reading
626 people want to read
About the author
Cara McKenna
41 books2,238 followersSince she began writing in 2008, Cara McKenna has published nearly forty romances and erotic novels with a variety of publishers, sometimes under the pen names Meg Maguire and C.M. McKenna. Her stories have been acclaimed for their smart, modern voice and defiance of convention. She was a 2015 RITA Award finalist, a 2014 RT Reviewers’ Choice Award winner, a 2012 and 2011 RT Reviewers’ Choice Award nominee, and a 2010 Golden Heart Award finalist. She lives with her husband and baby son in the Pacific Northwest, though she’ll always be a Boston girl at heart.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
December 30, 2019
Jesus, father Lawd! This is freaking hot.. 🔥 🔥 🔥.
I don't even know what to think of Shane but i freaking love him. I adore Gabriel and his vodoo shit.
If you are in the mood for some earth shattering phantom orgasms then look no further this book is it.
-Hot.. Hot... Hot..
-Sexy
-Funny
-The writing and the dialogue is interesting. And did i mention hot.
I don't even know what to think of Shane but i freaking love him. I adore Gabriel and his vodoo shit.
If you are in the mood for some earth shattering phantom orgasms then look no further this book is it.
-Hot.. Hot... Hot..
-Sexy
-Funny
-The writing and the dialogue is interesting. And did i mention hot.
April 22, 2013
5 Stars!! Raw…almost primal, I felt like a voyeur reading this, and I loved it!! Dirty me!!
Shane has never been attracted to a man until Gabriel walks into his bar, his life and becomes his sinful secret obsession. There is something almost mystical about Gabriel, the way he sings, dresses, dances, his laid back attitude and when he speaks with his lazy sensual N’orleans drawl …oooooh *shiver*. Shane wants to believe he has all the power in their sexual relationship, when he has none; it’s Gabriel who has control over Shane. He is in lust with Gabriel, and disgusted with himself. He NEEDS Gabriel, to the point that he aches with desire. It nauseates Shane when he sees Gabriel with a woman, and he makes him a deal. Shane will allow a woman into their bed, as long as she meets his approval. On to Shivaree, and will lust become love? Gabriel and Shane were explosive together, add a third to the mix…run for the bomb shelter!!
Shane
Gabriel
August 1, 2013
**4.5 stars**
Wow, this was waaayyyy better than I was expecting. This is edging on 5 stars. Excellent erotica, really hot stuff here.
I honestly wasn't anticipating much from this book. I thought that it would be blah, and since I knew that the next in the series is a MMF menage, I was hesitant to even give this a go. Boy, I am so glad that I did! This book is raw, decadent sex with a southern gothic feel. I loved the mood and atmosphere. I could see the backwoods, down and dirty bar, and picture the men who frequented it. The author did an amazing job getting me in the mood, so to speak. Also, I loved the singular POV. Being inside Shane's head was wonderful- erotic and revealing- and left Gabriel to be a bit of a mystery.
This book is heavy on the sex and has very little romance, maybe the beginnings of something more. The sex was off the charts steaming: Rough, gritty, and powerful. If this sounds like something you would like, give this fabulous short a try!
Wow, this was waaayyyy better than I was expecting. This is edging on 5 stars. Excellent erotica, really hot stuff here.
I honestly wasn't anticipating much from this book. I thought that it would be blah, and since I knew that the next in the series is a MMF menage, I was hesitant to even give this a go. Boy, I am so glad that I did! This book is raw, decadent sex with a southern gothic feel. I loved the mood and atmosphere. I could see the backwoods, down and dirty bar, and picture the men who frequented it. The author did an amazing job getting me in the mood, so to speak. Also, I loved the singular POV. Being inside Shane's head was wonderful- erotic and revealing- and left Gabriel to be a bit of a mystery.
This book is heavy on the sex and has very little romance, maybe the beginnings of something more. The sex was off the charts steaming: Rough, gritty, and powerful. If this sounds like something you would like, give this fabulous short a try!
June 16, 2016
4.5 Stars.
In Backwoods, the prequel for Shivaree, Shane and Gabriel meet for the first time at Shane’s bar. With Gabriel, the ever-loving free spirit, and Shane, the steadfast logical one, there is constant sexual tension between these opposite men, and it is oh so hot!
Gabriel freely embraces his sexual proclivities whether it is with men or women, but only Shane is able to give Gabriel the fantasies he always wanted. (Just to give you a hint…there may have been some talk about prison scenarios.) With Shane’s angst and discomfort about exploring a sexual connection with a man, it underscores Shane’s need for dominance and to establish the boundaries of their relationship.
As Shane’s feelings toward Gabriel become much more than he ever expected, Shane begins to get more territorial. Gabriel is willing to make concessions for Shane but he won’t budge on one element. This new agreement joins these two men into unventured territory and it is also shows how much they are committed to each other. Given Shane’s insecurities and possessiveness and Gabriel’s wandering tendencies, this union has the potential to be tumultuous and very hot!
In this prequel, the reader is really able to understand Shane’s struggle with a gay relationship since he has never been remotely attracted to a man in his life until Gabriel. With Shane’s personality, his internal battles are rooted in real doubts and needs, but he is willing to embrace his feelings despite the consequences he fears. Gabriel is a sensual and sexual man and his aura is palpable, no wonder Shane cannot resist him. lol. After reading Shivaree, I am anxious to see how it all progresses between Shane and Gabriel.
For me, Cara McKenna is a go-to author because of her ability to write a substantive plot in erotica with characters that grow and feel real emotions. If you are looking for a steamy and hot read, I highly recommend Backwoods. Gabriel and Shane will take your breath away.
Shivaree Series:
Note: I do recommend reading these books in order if you plan on reading the series, but one could read the first and seconds books as standalones.
In Backwoods, the prequel for Shivaree, Shane and Gabriel meet for the first time at Shane’s bar. With Gabriel, the ever-loving free spirit, and Shane, the steadfast logical one, there is constant sexual tension between these opposite men, and it is oh so hot!
“I like it rough,” Gabriel whispered. “Bet you fuck nice an’ rough.” Shane kept silent, but back every animal promise his body was dying for him to make to this man.”
Gabriel freely embraces his sexual proclivities whether it is with men or women, but only Shane is able to give Gabriel the fantasies he always wanted. (Just to give you a hint…there may have been some talk about prison scenarios.) With Shane’s angst and discomfort about exploring a sexual connection with a man, it underscores Shane’s need for dominance and to establish the boundaries of their relationship.
“Shane wanted to take him to the edge and hold him there, watch him fall, see him wrecked by what Shane could do to him.”
As Shane’s feelings toward Gabriel become much more than he ever expected, Shane begins to get more territorial. Gabriel is willing to make concessions for Shane but he won’t budge on one element. This new agreement joins these two men into unventured territory and it is also shows how much they are committed to each other. Given Shane’s insecurities and possessiveness and Gabriel’s wandering tendencies, this union has the potential to be tumultuous and very hot!
“Please, Shane. Fill me up.” He licked his lips, grasped Gabriel’s cheeks and pushed in another inch, rough this time. “Come on. Lemme in.”
In this prequel, the reader is really able to understand Shane’s struggle with a gay relationship since he has never been remotely attracted to a man in his life until Gabriel. With Shane’s personality, his internal battles are rooted in real doubts and needs, but he is willing to embrace his feelings despite the consequences he fears. Gabriel is a sensual and sexual man and his aura is palpable, no wonder Shane cannot resist him. lol. After reading Shivaree, I am anxious to see how it all progresses between Shane and Gabriel.
“Still there he was. Branded right over Gabriel’s heart, incidental or not. Permanent.”
For me, Cara McKenna is a go-to author because of her ability to write a substantive plot in erotica with characters that grow and feel real emotions. If you are looking for a steamy and hot read, I highly recommend Backwoods. Gabriel and Shane will take your breath away.
Shivaree Series:
Note: I do recommend reading these books in order if you plan on reading the series, but one could read the first and seconds books as standalones.
March 16, 2019
What was that?!?
Backwoods was scorching hot.
My head is a little all over the place. The atmosphere of mystery surrounding Gabriel and Shane's bar was bewitching and left me on edge. The writing had an eerie touch that just did for me, and I have no idea where this is going.
I am not sure what to make of Shane's persona, he's a contradiction, he wants everything from Gabriel, so possessive of him inside his bedroom walls. And what Gabriel gets from it? a couch, hard fucks and a ridiculous pet name.
I found the boy endearment out of character and annoying.
Onto the next!
Backwoods was scorching hot.
My head is a little all over the place. The atmosphere of mystery surrounding Gabriel and Shane's bar was bewitching and left me on edge. The writing had an eerie touch that just did for me, and I have no idea where this is going.
I am not sure what to make of Shane's persona, he's a contradiction, he wants everything from Gabriel, so possessive of him inside his bedroom walls. And what Gabriel gets from it? a couch, hard fucks and a ridiculous pet name.
I found the boy endearment out of character and annoying.Onto the next!
October 5, 2016
3.5 Stars!
Holy Hell!
That was....that was really HOT.
But Shane was an asshole.
And I hated how he called Gabriel "boy". Definitely not my term of endearment of choice.
I'm curious to see if Shane thaws a bit. And how I feel about Natalie being added to the mix.
Holy Hell!
That was....that was really HOT.
But Shane was an asshole.
And I hated how he called Gabriel "boy". Definitely not my term of endearment of choice.
I'm curious to see if Shane thaws a bit. And how I feel about Natalie being added to the mix.
May 12, 2019
3.5 stars but it finished stronger than that. Even though it started a little wonky for me, I was well and truly hooked by the end.
There's insta-lust here, which is really the only kind of insta I can buy, because that shit happens. I was a little put off initially by the backwoods (sorry, but it's really the best word for it) dialect of the characters, but I fell into the rhythm of that as I got to know them better.
HOT. That's pretty much all I can say about that.
HOT-HOT-HOT.
Bear in mind that this is categorically erotica, very little in the way of "romance," and the character development is a long game. And while erotica doesn't often yield more than 3 stars for me, this one stepped it up and became much more than what it started as. I'll be moving to the second volume v shortly, and I'm expecting big things...
There's insta-lust here, which is really the only kind of insta I can buy, because that shit happens. I was a little put off initially by the backwoods (sorry, but it's really the best word for it) dialect of the characters, but I fell into the rhythm of that as I got to know them better.
HOT. That's pretty much all I can say about that.
HOT-HOT-HOT.
Bear in mind that this is categorically erotica, very little in the way of "romance," and the character development is a long game. And while erotica doesn't often yield more than 3 stars for me, this one stepped it up and became much more than what it started as. I'll be moving to the second volume v shortly, and I'm expecting big things...
July 13, 2016
4 "I'd take them both" stars
Sweet baby Jesus....
This left me hot and bothered...on so many levels...i cant even start to dwell on that...
Mother effin hawt M/M smart erotica read....yeah, i said smart...cause it has emotional substance other than the obvious one...
And imagine that, this time i didnt feel left out of the equation...
Shane- domineering, demanding alpha who admits NOTHING or acknowledge any of the feels...he s got his own mould to get out of and break free...
So when he walks into Shane's bar in the middle of swamp nowhere...
there s just an undeniable kind of magic that Gabriel brings into the carnal revelation...
He s a beautiful, mysterious almost mistical man, traveller/musician...who touches deep and deeper and not only with the sound of music.
What they engage into is ...i swore i wont say it again cause my gentle parts would not stand the pressure...lol
Boy, if you want your summer nights hotter than they already are, go ahead and read this and may the force be with you...you ll need it to survive...lol
Sweet baby Jesus....
This left me hot and bothered...on so many levels...i cant even start to dwell on that...
Mother effin hawt M/M smart erotica read....yeah, i said smart...cause it has emotional substance other than the obvious one...
And imagine that, this time i didnt feel left out of the equation...
Shane- domineering, demanding alpha who admits NOTHING or acknowledge any of the feels...he s got his own mould to get out of and break free...
So when he walks into Shane's bar in the middle of swamp nowhere...
there s just an undeniable kind of magic that Gabriel brings into the carnal revelation...
He s a beautiful, mysterious almost mistical man, traveller/musician...who touches deep and deeper and not only with the sound of music.
What they engage into is ...i swore i wont say it again cause my gentle parts would not stand the pressure...lol
Boy, if you want your summer nights hotter than they already are, go ahead and read this and may the force be with you...you ll need it to survive...lol
December 28, 2021
Toxic and hot as hell. 🔥
August 27, 2016
2.5 Underwhelmed Stars....
I sort of liked this novella but definitely didn't love it. I think the biggest issue I had was their speech. It was very hick-ish...all I had was a visualization of toothless guys spitting their Skoal into a can. Yah, not hot.
Examples? Sure...
""Tha's you, Shane."
"Anythin' I wan', Shane?"
"Bout gettin' held down by a big man, like you done 'las night. 'Bout bein' fucked hard and tossed away."
I rest my case. It ain't hot. Oops! It's contagious apparently. As long as I tuned out their speech it got a bit better.....
Shane is an auto mechanic. He also owns a bar in town called Shivaree. When a guy comes in to play music for the night, he's drawn to him like never before. Never before has he had feelings for a man, turned on by a man.
Now, this is another issue I have... I think GFY stories can be really hot, but I feel like they have to first have the emotional connection...like truly friends that turn to lovers. I can't claim to be an expert in homosexuality but I have a bit of a struggle believing a totally straight guy can go from women only to setting his eyes on a guy and going totally gay for him. Does this happen in real life? Like taking him home for a personal BJ that same day?
I'm all over MM genre but it needs certain elements for it to come together for me. The characters need to be masculine, the scenes almost feral. These characters just fell way short for me. Had they been described different and spoke a bit more "put together" I'd have loved it. Shane, whenever he spoke to the musician Gabriel, called him "boy." Another annoyance since they're only like five years apart in age.
So my casting visual looks a bit like this...
And their dialogue a bit like this...
I won't let this deter me from continuing the Shivaree series. Just praying for new characters along the way. UPDATE. Same characters? I'm out.
Yeehaw! Moving on....
March 13, 2012
Story Rating 4 Stars
Character Rating 5 Stars
Romance Rating 3 Stars
Heat Level 5 Stars
Overall Rating 4.5 Stars
I finished this book a few day's ago but wanted to finish the 3 part series before tackling a review.
Backwood's was the first book and while reading I had soooo many different feelings going on. This was a very rough and raw romance, I've never read anything quite like it. The two hero's were so different from each other. You had Shane who had never been attracted to a man before. He had a hard time coping with this fact and in doing so he played the extremely Dominate roll. He would not let Gabriel in his heart and body fully which hurt Gabriel and made him seek acceptance from others. Then there was Gabriel, he was like magically charming and everyone just gravitated to him and wanted him. He was very sexual and I believed he just wanted Shane completely but Shane at this point could not cope with why he wanted a man the way he did.
This is where Shivaree stars.
Character Rating 5 Stars
Romance Rating 3 Stars
Heat Level 5 Stars
Overall Rating 4.5 Stars
I finished this book a few day's ago but wanted to finish the 3 part series before tackling a review.
Backwood's was the first book and while reading I had soooo many different feelings going on. This was a very rough and raw romance, I've never read anything quite like it. The two hero's were so different from each other. You had Shane who had never been attracted to a man before. He had a hard time coping with this fact and in doing so he played the extremely Dominate roll. He would not let Gabriel in his heart and body fully which hurt Gabriel and made him seek acceptance from others. Then there was Gabriel, he was like magically charming and everyone just gravitated to him and wanted him. He was very sexual and I believed he just wanted Shane completely but Shane at this point could not cope with why he wanted a man the way he did.
This is where Shivaree stars.
May 29, 2016
First, if you are looking for a hot as fuck story – this is a MUST read author. Cara McKenna delivers a fantastic story that is pure erotica and it is always a thrill to read and experience. In this prequel to the Shivaree Duet we meet bar owner and part time mechanic, Shane. Mid-thirties and living the single life with scattered one-night stands, his whole world is going to be turned upside down when he sets his eyes on Gabriel.
Gabriel is sort of this nomad, blowing into town for a spell, set to play some music on a stage and head out onto the next – but things suddenly change when he lands himself on Shane’s couch and in a drunken haze, these two men begin to explore their chemistry.
This was a fantastic intro to this angsty story. Shane, straight dominant man, sort of an asshole with southern charm falling for the magical Gabriel who seems to catch the eye of every man and woman in the room. I love these gay for you type books. There is something that is hot as fuck when a man can be so turned that he decides to explore the idea of something that had never interested him at all. But from what we get with this intro is just a little insight to the amazing sexual chemistry these two have – we get to understand that Gabriel might too sexual of a man to really be committed, while Shane might be too straight of a man to ever be public with his new lover.
I could not wait to dive into the next installment of this series!
Gabriel is sort of this nomad, blowing into town for a spell, set to play some music on a stage and head out onto the next – but things suddenly change when he lands himself on Shane’s couch and in a drunken haze, these two men begin to explore their chemistry.
This was a fantastic intro to this angsty story. Shane, straight dominant man, sort of an asshole with southern charm falling for the magical Gabriel who seems to catch the eye of every man and woman in the room. I love these gay for you type books. There is something that is hot as fuck when a man can be so turned that he decides to explore the idea of something that had never interested him at all. But from what we get with this intro is just a little insight to the amazing sexual chemistry these two have – we get to understand that Gabriel might too sexual of a man to really be committed, while Shane might be too straight of a man to ever be public with his new lover.
I could not wait to dive into the next installment of this series!
June 24, 2012
I started reading the second book in this series - not realising it was a series to begin with...BIG MISTAKE.
You definitely need to read Backwoods before you read Shivaree or Getaway (big thanks to my girls for pointing that out to me).
I loved Backwoods. It's another fabulous story from Cara McKenna - an author who is now on my automatic buy list. She writes scorching hot stories with emotional depth.
Backwoods is the short story of Shane, a typical 100% masculine guy who falls in love with Gabriel - a man who has seduction pouring from his skin. Gabriel is irresistible to men and women alike and has a high sex drive, willing and eager to sate his urges whenever possible.
This story was XXX scorching hot and I loved the emotion involved in such a short piece.
There was one specific part of the story where my jealous nature sat up and began to plot revenge, but everything worked out...then stopped abruptly.
If you plan on reading this story make sure you are prepared to buy the second installment straight after. You simply can't read the first story without reading the next.
You definitely need to read Backwoods before you read Shivaree or Getaway (big thanks to my girls for pointing that out to me).
I loved Backwoods. It's another fabulous story from Cara McKenna - an author who is now on my automatic buy list. She writes scorching hot stories with emotional depth.
Backwoods is the short story of Shane, a typical 100% masculine guy who falls in love with Gabriel - a man who has seduction pouring from his skin. Gabriel is irresistible to men and women alike and has a high sex drive, willing and eager to sate his urges whenever possible.
This story was XXX scorching hot and I loved the emotion involved in such a short piece.
There was one specific part of the story where my jealous nature sat up and began to plot revenge, but everything worked out...then stopped abruptly.
If you plan on reading this story make sure you are prepared to buy the second installment straight after. You simply can't read the first story without reading the next.
September 6, 2012
Backwoods by Cara McKenna is one book that really got me hooked on m/m romance. Though this story is dark and deals with obsession more than romance or love and for me a real new, fresh and well-written book in this genre.
The plot is used frequently , where the straight macho male suddenly one days finds himself attracted to a man and how much he fights this new and unknown feeling but here we find such an emotional, complex story, filled with angst, sensuality and how amazing….none of those repetitive sex scenes!!!!
I became so enthralled with the two main protagonists, Shane, the hard uber alpha male, suddenly losing it all when he meets Gabriel…omg…this is some man – dark, sexy with a hint of mystery and something you can’t exactly put your finger on….just that he’s the kind of guy a man or woman could go crazy and mad about.
The sex scenes are explicit and burning hot….I could feel the heat myself!!!!
The backdrop is absolutely stunning….the backwoods out somewhere…and you’re telling me that this happens in those places??? What, with all these rough and ready men, comes this exotic creature like Gabriel that has all the locals – men and women – panting for him – which of course our hero just loves!!!! He doesn’t care who he does it with …he will do it if he wants…and poor old Shane just does not get it!!!! I felt for Shane at times but his total behavior – dominance, dominance… and the whole “boy” thing really got to me at times, but in the end, I felt him, his whole world exploding before his eyes and all because of this fey Gabriel!!!! This is raw and sometimes cruel sex between two men, both fighting against something that I am not sure what it was.
The ending introduces a real surprise and I wonder where it will go in the next book.
Well written, great character development, interesting settings that had me wanting to jump right into the next book in the series. Oh yes, forgot…I loved this book!!!!
The plot is used frequently , where the straight macho male suddenly one days finds himself attracted to a man and how much he fights this new and unknown feeling but here we find such an emotional, complex story, filled with angst, sensuality and how amazing….none of those repetitive sex scenes!!!!
I became so enthralled with the two main protagonists, Shane, the hard uber alpha male, suddenly losing it all when he meets Gabriel…omg…this is some man – dark, sexy with a hint of mystery and something you can’t exactly put your finger on….just that he’s the kind of guy a man or woman could go crazy and mad about.
The sex scenes are explicit and burning hot….I could feel the heat myself!!!!
The backdrop is absolutely stunning….the backwoods out somewhere…and you’re telling me that this happens in those places??? What, with all these rough and ready men, comes this exotic creature like Gabriel that has all the locals – men and women – panting for him – which of course our hero just loves!!!! He doesn’t care who he does it with …he will do it if he wants…and poor old Shane just does not get it!!!! I felt for Shane at times but his total behavior – dominance, dominance… and the whole “boy” thing really got to me at times, but in the end, I felt him, his whole world exploding before his eyes and all because of this fey Gabriel!!!! This is raw and sometimes cruel sex between two men, both fighting against something that I am not sure what it was.
The ending introduces a real surprise and I wonder where it will go in the next book.
Well written, great character development, interesting settings that had me wanting to jump right into the next book in the series. Oh yes, forgot…I loved this book!!!!
September 8, 2015
Warnings for a very pervy review!
Shivaree is a place with no pretension; all that's required is 'Just be, and enjoy yourself'.
Shane Broussard,
a 35 year-old bar owner of Shivaree, seems content with his life.
No commitments, just one-night stands, easy peezy right?
Shane follows the philosophy of "one door closes and another opens"; well, that is until he meets Gabriel.
Gabriel Marino-Doucet.
A 30 year-old - exotic Mandolin player from New Orleans with a voice that oozes sex.
Gabriel arrives at Shivaree to audition as the bars new musician and when Shane gets a first glimpse of him, it becomes clear the man has more to offer than just his talent.
Everyone seems hypnotized by this man, so Shane offers him a spot to return & perform as often as he wants.
With real no place to go, Gabriel accepts the offer as well as the offer to camp out on Shane`s sofa.
Gabriel's sexual allure is so strong that to a straight man like Shane, he seems to lose his senses and hungers to surrender to those desires and never comeback.
He's completely mesmerized by him.
Shane is at war with himself. He can't comprehend the feelings and emotions he is experiencing whenever Gabriel is in the same room.
This unexpected attraction has thrown him into a situation where he`s not sure if he`ll be comfortable in.
Peek at your own risk; hope I don`t get into trouble ;p
As side from the simplistic writing style, this is a pretty quick read AND very very hot.
Forewarning, the next book contains scenes with M/F, M/M/F and M/F/M; in my humble opinion, I could have done without the main female character ;p
Shivaree is a place with no pretension; all that's required is 'Just be, and enjoy yourself'.
Shane Broussard,
a 35 year-old bar owner of Shivaree, seems content with his life.
No commitments, just one-night stands, easy peezy right?
Shane follows the philosophy of "one door closes and another opens"; well, that is until he meets Gabriel.
Gabriel Marino-Doucet.
A 30 year-old - exotic Mandolin player from New Orleans with a voice that oozes sex.
Gabriel arrives at Shivaree to audition as the bars new musician and when Shane gets a first glimpse of him, it becomes clear the man has more to offer than just his talent.
Everyone seems hypnotized by this man, so Shane offers him a spot to return & perform as often as he wants.
With real no place to go, Gabriel accepts the offer as well as the offer to camp out on Shane`s sofa.
Gabriel's sexual allure is so strong that to a straight man like Shane, he seems to lose his senses and hungers to surrender to those desires and never comeback.
He's completely mesmerized by him.
Shane is at war with himself. He can't comprehend the feelings and emotions he is experiencing whenever Gabriel is in the same room.
This unexpected attraction has thrown him into a situation where he`s not sure if he`ll be comfortable in.
Peek at your own risk; hope I don`t get into trouble ;p
As side from the simplistic writing style, this is a pretty quick read AND very very hot.
Forewarning, the next book contains scenes with M/F, M/M/F and M/F/M; in my humble opinion, I could have done without the main female character ;p
September 19, 2010
Another keeper, and I can't wait to read Shivaree now that I've read the prequel!
The brain is the most important sex organ, which is why I always appreciate the "thinky smut" almost as much as the kinky smut. Cara McKenna delivers a bit of both here, but it's the balance between the two that keeps the reader engaged and wanting more! Because the real story is about the hero's journey from "Aw hell no" to "okay, maybe," and beyond, it would have been so easy to get mired in his thought processes. And easy, too, to let those thoughts become maudlin and angst-ridden. But Shane is not that kind of hero. And Ms. McKenna is not that kind of writer.
I admit I'm not usually a fan of m/m. But Backwoods was a fresh take on it, and one I enjoyed very much. Well done!
The brain is the most important sex organ, which is why I always appreciate the "thinky smut" almost as much as the kinky smut. Cara McKenna delivers a bit of both here, but it's the balance between the two that keeps the reader engaged and wanting more! Because the real story is about the hero's journey from "Aw hell no" to "okay, maybe," and beyond, it would have been so easy to get mired in his thought processes. And easy, too, to let those thoughts become maudlin and angst-ridden. But Shane is not that kind of hero. And Ms. McKenna is not that kind of writer.
I admit I'm not usually a fan of m/m. But Backwoods was a fresh take on it, and one I enjoyed very much. Well done!
October 7, 2010
Very good, gritty m/m story about a straight bar owner who auditions a musician and is completely unprepared for (and not so happy about) his attraction to the man. Be aware that this doesn't have an HEA or even HFN ending.
March 26, 2014
Well that was phenomenally hot. I don't usually read straight-up (as it were) erotica but this author makes sex feel like a plot.
April 21, 2025
Ask me no questions and I’ll tell you no lies about how interesting and also hot I found this.
April 13, 2016
4 Stars.....absolutely filthy...loved it.
Well,I wanted a really dirty M/M book and this one definitely delivered.
A prequel novella that can be read in a few hours.
Shane is 35 and runs a bar.He's straight and has never been attracted to a man before.....that is until he sets his eyes on Musician,Gabriel.He becomes completely obsessed with the beautiful man playing in his bar.He's fascinated by him and can't stop thinking about him.
He's disgusted,ashamed,conflicted in his desire for Gabriel but at the same time has never been so turned on.
Gabriel is a bit of an enigma.You don't really get to know his background,where he lives,what he's up to in his time away from Shane.I would have loved his POV,but I think can see why the Author didn't go there.
The sex is desperate,raw and extremely filthy.Throw in some delicious dirty talk and I was more than happy.........
Well,I wanted a really dirty M/M book and this one definitely delivered.
A prequel novella that can be read in a few hours.
Shane is 35 and runs a bar.He's straight and has never been attracted to a man before.....that is until he sets his eyes on Musician,Gabriel.He becomes completely obsessed with the beautiful man playing in his bar.He's fascinated by him and can't stop thinking about him.
He's disgusted,ashamed,conflicted in his desire for Gabriel but at the same time has never been so turned on.
Gabriel is a bit of an enigma.You don't really get to know his background,where he lives,what he's up to in his time away from Shane.I would have loved his POV,but I think can see why the Author didn't go there.
The sex is desperate,raw and extremely filthy.Throw in some delicious dirty talk and I was more than happy.........
February 24, 2014
What a hot dirty little story!
Read this one on a whim last night and surprisingly enjoyed it. Yes it is heavy on the sex but the story was still there. I loved the fucked up dynamic between the two leads, Shane and Gabriel. They remind me a little of Danny & Paul from the Eden series.
Next novella is a menage(MMF). I'm not happy about that as I tend to dislike menage stories but I'm curious to see what happens with Shane and Gabriel next.
Read this one on a whim last night and surprisingly enjoyed it. Yes it is heavy on the sex but the story was still there. I loved the fucked up dynamic between the two leads, Shane and Gabriel. They remind me a little of Danny & Paul from the Eden series.
Next novella is a menage(MMF). I'm not happy about that as I tend to dislike menage stories but I'm curious to see what happens with Shane and Gabriel next.
July 24, 2016
Whoa this was hot and dirty! Can't wait to see what happens.
March 26, 2014
Why haven’t I read McKenna before, must be daft. Have to rectify immediately.
In Backwoods we meet Shane who meets Gabriel and is knocked out for six and when he tries to get up again Shane realises that he is not the same man. We see him become wholly undone and what a hot trip. It’s totally against my genetic coding to wax lyrical about the heat and intensity generated by Ms McKenna’s words, just take my slight hints here to really mean something, because they do.
With a scanty plot, I was still held enthralled by the characters. The story is told totally from Shane’s point of view and although I would have loved having Gabriel’s POV, I applaud McKenna’s decision to leave us with Shane only. I think that with a single POV we are taken into a person’s mind and spend some time seeing the world and people around them from their eyes. It’s like our life we only have our point of view to count on. With a single POV McKenna was able to increase our understanding of Shane and makes us feel more intensely. We come to see Gabriel as he sees him and I was surprised as he was when Gabriel called him out and we (Shane and I) realise that there is more that what we think to the story.
Have to go on to the next one now!
In Backwoods we meet Shane who meets Gabriel and is knocked out for six and when he tries to get up again Shane realises that he is not the same man. We see him become wholly undone and what a hot trip. It’s totally against my genetic coding to wax lyrical about the heat and intensity generated by Ms McKenna’s words, just take my slight hints here to really mean something, because they do.
With a scanty plot, I was still held enthralled by the characters. The story is told totally from Shane’s point of view and although I would have loved having Gabriel’s POV, I applaud McKenna’s decision to leave us with Shane only. I think that with a single POV we are taken into a person’s mind and spend some time seeing the world and people around them from their eyes. It’s like our life we only have our point of view to count on. With a single POV McKenna was able to increase our understanding of Shane and makes us feel more intensely. We come to see Gabriel as he sees him and I was surprised as he was when Gabriel called him out and we (Shane and I) realise that there is more that what we think to the story.
Have to go on to the next one now!
August 20, 2012
How excited was I to find this freebie!? I'm glad it was free, too. Not because it wouldn't have been worth the money. Only because it's a totally m/m story, and I'm not convinced that I'm into that yet. This pushed me one step closer. Good GOD it was hot! Following Shane through his confusion and trepidation over his attraction to Gabriel was something that I didn't think I would like. But I did.
The setting really amped this story up. More often than not I tend to not even know where a story is set. But the general atmosphere of this dark and lusty little backwoods bar really gave it that extra something.
It was impressive how much sex was packed in this little book. However, I wanted something more. Some extra interactions between the two of them at the bar, maybe. And, up until the end, I was a little leery of Gabriel. Maybe because we're not in his head, and boys aren't very good at communicating. So it was hard to tell exactly how he was feeling. That was starting to get fixed in the last chapter, though.
I'm really looking forward to continuing this story. Let's get some girly bits in there, these boys need a little va-jay!
The setting really amped this story up. More often than not I tend to not even know where a story is set. But the general atmosphere of this dark and lusty little backwoods bar really gave it that extra something.
It was impressive how much sex was packed in this little book. However, I wanted something more. Some extra interactions between the two of them at the bar, maybe. And, up until the end, I was a little leery of Gabriel. Maybe because we're not in his head, and boys aren't very good at communicating. So it was hard to tell exactly how he was feeling. That was starting to get fixed in the last chapter, though.
I'm really looking forward to continuing this story. Let's get some girly bits in there, these boys need a little va-jay!
January 5, 2014
Although the book was filled with some pretty stinkin' hot, dirty lovin', it just didn't work for me. I felt as though there was little substance to the plot other than Shane's coming to terms with what he wanted. The book totally lost me when I understand that this is a set up to book two, but (pardon the crassness here) you don't shit where you eat. Or maybe you do when the next thing you know Several of my friends that I am normally in sync with gave this book very high ratings, so maybe it is just a matter of it not being the right book right now??? Don't know.
March 18, 2019
I forgot how much I love the writing of Cara McKenna so a big shout out to my book buddy Jan for highlighting this one.
I'm not normally a reader of M/M stories but was glad I dipped my tentative toes in and read this one.
It was hot, very hot, and the writing of Cara McKenna added to the heat. Loved the fact that the alpha in this one was a straight as a die until he met Gabriel and what happens after that is BANG!
I'm not normally a reader of M/M stories but was glad I dipped my tentative toes in and read this one.
It was hot, very hot, and the writing of Cara McKenna added to the heat. Loved the fact that the alpha in this one was a straight as a die until he met Gabriel and what happens after that is BANG!
May 18, 2019
4 Stars
Hot damn. This was really interesting and I kinda love how it's left so open-ended, even if I hate the circumstances behind it (and the weird rules for extraneous sexual encounters with others). I almost don't want to read the next one, but I know I have to go through it, and the 3rd, for them to have a happy ending. (Spoilers can be your friend, too.)
Hot damn. This was really interesting and I kinda love how it's left so open-ended, even if I hate the circumstances behind it (and the weird rules for extraneous sexual encounters with others). I almost don't want to read the next one, but I know I have to go through it, and the 3rd, for them to have a happy ending. (Spoilers can be your friend, too.)
June 3, 2024
Really enjoyed this one. Light on the feelings, high on the intensity. It's billed as a standalone, and does end with a HFN. However the next books in the series are MMF. Not sure if I will continue or not.
January 2, 2014
“D’you fuck or get fucked?” Shane held his breath, fearing one answer, fearing the pleasure he knew he’d get from the other.
“With men?” Gabriel asked through a moan. “Get fucked.”
Shane’s spent cock twitched as he fought to keep from imagining it, to keep from groaning from the dark excitement coursing in his veins.
“I like it rough,” Gabriel whispered. “Bet you fuck nice an’ rough.”
Backwoods by Cara McKenna is a 100 page novella and is the first book in the Shivaree series. I don't consider this book a stand-alone because it ends without resolution and the story is continued in the next book, Shivaree.
I was able to borrow this book as part of a monthly promo book in my lending group and honestly didn't know much about it. Overall, I liked it. I'm not sure I loved how the romance between the two main characters starts. Maybe I have a hard time thinking a straight man will get drunk at a bar, invite a stranger home, watch porn together, and then share a sexual experience. Maybe, I'm naive but it just seemed a little rushed to me.
“I suck cock better than that,” he repeated, mischief in his voice.“Even big, thick ones like yours.”
“That what you like?” Shane asked, eyes aimed straight ahead.
“Yeah.”
His grip tightened as his fist sped up. “You askin’ me?”
“You invitin’ me?”
I think I would have been more invested in the story if there was more lead in before the romance starts or more character development. You really don't have to wait long before you get to the "good stuff" in this book and usually I am a fan on that. I think because I haven't read alot of M/M romances, I like to see a little more between the two characters outside the bedroom before I get inside the bedroom. That's just a guess. I've read one previous M/M book where I had a hard time getting involved in the story and that book was very sexy heavy. I also read another M/M book where I thought the story and characters were very well developed and I loved it...Also, one of the main characters, Shane, is very dominant with the other character, Gabriel. I don't mean whips and chains and stuff, just bossy, demanding, etc. Now normally I am all for an alpha/dominating character but like I said, I'm new to M/M so it took a little getting used to for me. Not a drawback at all, just something to note.
“Tell me ’bout last night,” Gabriel mumbled.
“’Bout how I bent you over my couch and fucked your ass?” Blood flooded Shane’s cheeks and groin with equal heat as the words tumbled from his mouth. “How I held you down and rammed my cock inside you, fucked you ’til you got so hot you were begging me for it?”
“Yeah.”“How you felt so fucking tight and dirty and hot I thought I was gonna pass out?”
Gabriel moaned. Shane stared at his black stubble, breathed in his smells, stronger in the morning.
“Last night was the single hottest thing I ever experienced,” Shane said, only able to utter that frightening admission because the man who had him so hopelessly spellbound was currently plastered against him, a sloppy, horny mess.
“Make me come,” Gabriel gasped.
Did I mention this one was HOT? Totally is. I am definitely reading the second book in the series! Overall, a 3.5 for me.
May 3, 2011
This was the first book I've ever read that was a male/male romance. Shane - the heterosexual, gruff bar owner in Nowheresville, Louisiana and Gabriel - the "too beautiful to be believed" mandolin player. Gabriel walks into Shane's bar one night - and neither of their lives would ever be the same again.
Shane has never been attracted to men......until he meets Gabriel. There's something magical about Gabriel that Shane just can't understand - and what starts out as Gabriel just bumming a night on Shane's couch soon turns into nights of passion and the best sex Shane has ever had.
OK - I really loved this story. The chemistry was very real between Shane and Gabriel. I love the fact that Shane is a macho alpha-male heterosexual who can't quite understand his attraction to this man. He fights the attraction, takes his anger out on Gabriel (which he loves) and they have some crazy hot mansex.
This was my first m/m book....but it certainly won't be my last. Hot sex is hot sex, y'all. Whether it's m/m, m/f, m/f/m.....whatever. H.O.T.
My ONLY complaint is that this book was so short. I would have rather it have been a full length novel with more time for some character building (more for Gabriel than Shane).
Shane has never been attracted to men......until he meets Gabriel. There's something magical about Gabriel that Shane just can't understand - and what starts out as Gabriel just bumming a night on Shane's couch soon turns into nights of passion and the best sex Shane has ever had.
OK - I really loved this story. The chemistry was very real between Shane and Gabriel. I love the fact that Shane is a macho alpha-male heterosexual who can't quite understand his attraction to this man. He fights the attraction, takes his anger out on Gabriel (which he loves) and they have some crazy hot mansex.
This was my first m/m book....but it certainly won't be my last. Hot sex is hot sex, y'all. Whether it's m/m, m/f, m/f/m.....whatever. H.O.T.
My ONLY complaint is that this book was so short. I would have rather it have been a full length novel with more time for some character building (more for Gabriel than Shane).
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