Category Archives: Daisy Harris

August 24, 2012 · 3:57 am

Pride and Politics by Daisy Harris

Title: Pride and Politics by Daisy Harris
Men of Holsum College Book Six
Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand, Inc
Genre: M/M, Contemporary, Erotic, Romance, Light BDSM
Word Count: 41,742
Book Rating: B+

Review Copy Obtained from Author

Summary:

[Siren Classic ManLove: Erotic Alternative Romance, M/M, light consensual BDSM, HEA]

Aloof and arrogant, Holsum College junior Hunter Ford has enjoyed all the perks of being from one of America’s most prominent families. Hunter can have anything he wants—except time away from his family’s political spotlight and the image consultant hired to keep him there.

Steve Camden’s job is simple—make Hunter toe the line for the duration of his uncle’s vice-presidential campaign. This is the break Steve’s been waiting for and a chance to provide a better life for his deaf sister. But he didn’t count on an attraction to the broken scion—one that rearranges everything Steve thought he knew about himself.

As Steve melts Hunter’s icy exterior, the heat between them threatens more than just their hearts. Then a ghost from Hunter’s past shows up on the campaign, challenging Hunter’s stability, and straining Steve’s ability to defend and protect the man he’s growing to love.

A Siren Erotic Romance

The Review:

Hunter Ford and Steve Camden heat up the campaign trail in Pride and Politics, the sixth installment of Daisy Harris’ Men of Holsum College series.

Arrogant, rude and self-centered are three adjectives that accurately describe Hunter Ford. Cold, callous and indifferent pretty much sums up how he treats the men in his life. Yep, I pretty much loathed the Hunter we saw in earlier books of the series, but WOW! All I can say is, Ms. Harris beautifully redeems him in Pride and Politics.

Hunter does not undergo a magic transformation. Nope, in the beginning, he is still the guy we love to hate. But, as the story progresses, we discover the events that shaped him and we finally see the man lurking behind his haughty facade. He slowly exposes his secrets to Steve and with each revelation, Hunter gains a new perspective of himself. He is genuinely remorseful for the way he has treated the men in his past. He owns up to his mistakes and reaches out to those he has harmed the most. With newfound maturity, he confronts the demons of his past, and he finally takes control of his life.

Steve Camden is a fabulous character and he is just what Hunter needs. Older and more mature than Hunter, Steve does not put up with Hunter’s antics. He is quite perceptive, and as events unfold on the campaign trail, he sees the vulnerability that Hunter keeps well hidden. He is also quite protective of Hunter and as an enemy discovers, Steve proves to be a rather formidable foe.

Unlike the other books in the series, Pride and Politics does not take place on the Holsum College campus. Instead, the story plays out amidst the various campaign stops. It is an unusual, but very effective approach and I like that Ms. Harris chose someone who was out of college to pair Hunter with. He needs someone to take control of their relationship and there is an interesting power shift between these two very dominant men.

Ms. Harris delivers some very steamy and slightly kinky sex. From mind-blowing blowjobs to some light BDSM, the sex scenes are varied and exquisitely carnal. Be prepared for a surprise or two as Steve and Hunter explore some of their naughty fantasies.

An outstanding addition to the Men of Holsum series, Pride and Politics is an entertaining story that gives a behind the scenes look at what goes on during a political campaign. Daisy Harris continues to keep this series fresh and original with a change of scenery and new characters.

Read my reviews of the other books in the Men of Holsum series HERE

1 Comment

Filed under Contemporary, Daisy Harris, Erotic, Light BDSM, M/M, Men of Holsum College, Pride and Politics, Rated B+, Romance, Siren Bookstrand Inc

August 9, 2012 · 3:56 am

Player and the Prude by Daisy Harris

Title: Player and the Prude by Daisy Harris
Men of Holsum College Book Four
Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand, Inc
Genre: M/M, Contemporary, Erotic, Romance, BDSM
Word Count: 35,376
Book Rating: B

Review Copy Obtained from Author

Summary:

[Siren Classic ManLove: Erotic Alternative Romance, M/M, public exhibition, light consensual BDSM, light spanking, HEA]

Brooks Price loves a challenge. So when a frenemy dares him to sleep with a dorky, over-tall film major, Brooks amps up his considerable charm.

Matt Porter can’t guess why Brooks is flirting with him. Raised religious, Matt doesn’t believe in sex before relationships. Unfortunately, Brooks is all about sex, and Matt doubts Brooks is interested in anything else.

Slowly, Brooks chips away at Matt’s armor—taking him on dates, asking for kisses, holding hands—baby steps, none of which Matt can resist or refuse. However, when Brooks pushes too far, Matt freaks out.

Despite his stoic exterior, Matt’s painfully conflicted over his sexuality—scared of his darker desires, worried about hurting Brooks. The pair explores boundaries, but when things turn rough and Matt unleashes his inner wants, he doesn’t know if he can overcome his shame about sex in order to be with the man he’s growing to love.

The Review:

On opposite ends of the sexual experience spectrum, Brooks Price and Matt Porter are an unlikely pair in the latest installment of Daisy Harris’s fabulous Men of Holsum College series. Player and the Prude is an intense story that ventures into more serious territory than the previous books of the series.

Indulging in numerous casual hookups, Brooks Price is a player. His initial pursuit of Matt is based partly on his attraction to Matt, but mainly because of a bet. It does not take long for Brooks to realize that Matt will not be the quick and easy conquest he expects. Brooks is surprisingly patient with Matt. He takes the time to actually date and get to know him before taking their relationship to the next level.

Matt Porter is not exactly a prude, but he has a strong belief that sex should only take place in a committed relationship and based on genuine emotions. He has mainly comes to term with his sexuality, but he does not understand some of his darker feelings and urges. Matt has difficulty reconciling his sexual fantasies of domination and control with his growing feelings for Brooks.

The relationship between Matt and Brooks is sweet and slow growing. A real connection forms between them and their sexual experimentation is innocent and a sharp contrast to Matt’s desire for rougher sex. His confusion and shame are understandable given his deeply religious upbringing. Brooks displays an unexpected amount of sensitivity when Matt finally confesses his fantasies.

Player and the Prude is a thoughtful exploration of a more extreme side of human sexuality. Matt’s doubts and conflict are believable and the resolution is realistic. The BDSM aspect of the storyline is well done and the sex scenes are incredibly hot.

A delightful addition to the Men of Holsum College series that fans of Daisy Harris are sure to love.

Read my reviews of the first three books in the Men of Holsum College series HERE.

4 Comments

Filed under BDSM, Contemporary, Daisy Harris, Erotic, M/M, Men of Holsum College, Player and the Prude, Rated B, Romance, Siren Bookstrand Inc

May 30, 2012 · 3:56 am

Diva and the Frat Boy by Daisy Harrris

Title: Diva and the Frat Boy by Daisy Harris
Men of Holsum College Book Two
Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand, Inc
Genre: M/M, Contemporary, Erotic, Romance
Length: 22,485 words
Book Rating: B+

Review Copy Obtained from Author

Summary:

[Siren Classic ManLove: Erotic Alternative Interracial Romance, M/M, public exhibition, HEA]

Nathaniel Reece is savvy and fierce and wouldn’t give boring-ass Greg Sanders the time of day, except Greg is the president of a fraternity Nathaniel wants to join. But once Nathaniel gets a taste of the ferocity under Greg’s cool exterior, he can’t stop himself from trying to lure the uptight frat brother out of his shell.

The face of gay life on campus and a crusader heading off to law school, Greg doesn’t see any problem with seducing the flamboyant and exciting Nathaniel. But that’s before he finds out his fraternity brothers are refusing Nathaniel’s pledge bid. Greg’s athletic and masculine and has never had to deal with the censure of his friends or the odd looks of strangers, but if he’s going to be what Nathaniel needs, he’ll have to be comfortable not just being out, but also standing out.

The Review:

The second installment of Daisy Harris’s Men of Holsum College series, Frat Boy and the Diva is a hot but sweet romance between two very different men. Nathaniel Reece is flamboyant, out and proud. In other words, he is the complete opposite of the equally out but quiet and could pass for straight any day of the week Greg Sanders. Will it be possible for these two people with vastly dissimilar personalities to embrace and fully appreciate one another’s differences?

Nathaniel is so gay he makes everyone (including himself) uncomfortable. He plays up his natural tendencies in an attempt to protect himself from being hurt. With a long string of casual hook ups behind him, he is not expecting a long term relationship with Greg.

Greg is fairly insulated from the prejudices that Nathaniel faces. He believes the fraternity is accepting of all students gay and straight until he is faced with the growing realization that some of his fraternity brothers are not as tolerant and open minded as he originally believes. With his growing feelings for Nathaniel, Greg is forced to confront his own prejudices as well as those of the fraternity and the general public.

I really enjoyed watching the relationship between Greg and Nathaniel grow from one of extremely hot and steamy sex to one filled with deeper emotions. Greg is slow to appreciate the man behind Nathaniel’s flashy personality. Nathaniel always remains true to himself even when Greg finds it difficult to accept his public persona. Nathaniel maintains an emotional distance, but Greg does not let that keep him from following his heart.

Frat Boy and the Diva is a thought-provoking story that does not shy away from exposing the discrimination that sometimes exists in the gay community. Daisy Harris teaches a valuable lesson in not prejudging people based on their appearance as well as the importance of self-acceptance.

A beautiful and deliciously sexy love story that fans of contemporary romances are sure to enjoy.

Read my review of College Boys the first book in the Men of Holsum College series HERE.

2 Comments

Filed under Contemporary, Daisy Harris, Diva and the Frat Boy, Erotic, M/M, Men of Holsum College, Rated B+, Romance, Siren Bookstrand Inc

May 9, 2012 · 3:56 am

College Boys by Daisy Harris

Title: College Boys by Daisy Harris
Men of Holsum College 1
Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand, Inc
Genre: M/M, Contemporary, Erotic, Romance
Word Count: 33,610
Book Rating: B+

Review Copy Obtained from Author

Summary:

When soccer star Chris Fischer moves next door to an openly gay classmate, he doesn’t realize the wall between their rooms will be so thin he’ll hear his neighbor’s every move. But soon he and Peter become friends, and Chris is intrigued—imagining what happens on the other side of the wall.

Active on the Queer Student Council, Peter Cohen wishes he wasn’t so damn hot for his straight neighbor. He can’t tell if Chris is flirting or in denial or what, but Chris’s innocent overtures lure Peter into flirtation that throws his world into chaos. Peter doesn’t want to date a closet case, but he desperately, passionately wants Chris.

Soon Chris must choose whether to run away from his new feelings or embrace a relationship with the guy he loves. And Peter must decide if he can give his heart to a guy who hasn’t yet figured it all out.

The Review:

College Boys by Daisy Harris is a fabulous romance with two very charming protagonists. Straight jock Chris Fischer moves into a dorm room next to the openly gay Peter Cohen. Their budding friendship is complicated by Peter’s attraction to the sexy soccer player and Chris’s discovery that he is not as straight as he thinks he is.

Although Chris is from a small Southern town, he is quite open minded and accepting of Peter’s sexuality. There is a little bit of a shared history between the two men, but it does not affect their budding friendship. Their sexual experimentation is very sensual and I love how they slowly transitioned from friends to lovers.

Their romance is very realistically portrayed. Ms. Harris does not downplay Chris’s struggle to accept his rather confusing attraction to Peter. His realization that he is gay is gradual and he worries about how his teammates will react to his sexuality. As someone who is comfortable with his sexuality, Peter is not eager to enter into a relationship with someone who is firmly in the closet.

College Boys by Daisy Harris is a well-written love story. The characters are well rounded and very appealing. Chris and Peter’s romance is sweet but the sex between them is positively sizzling.

A captivating beginning to a fresh and innovative series that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment of the Men of Holsum College.

1 Comment

Filed under College Boys, Contemporary, Daisy Harris, Erotic, M/M, Men of Holsum College, Rated B+, Romance, Siren Bookstrand Inc