Category Archives: Siren Bookstrand Inc

October 11, 2012 · 3:58 am

Review: My Fair Dork by Daisy Harris

Title: My Fair Dork by Daisy Harris
Men of Holsum College Book 8
Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand, Inc
Genre: M/M, Contemporary, Erotic, Romance
Word Count: 40,009
Book Rating: B

Review Copy Obtained from Author

Summary:

[Siren Allure ManLove: Erotic Alternative Romance, M/M, public exhibition, sex toys, HFN]

They say a guy can never be too hung. Well, Harold Jacobs doesn’t know who they are, but they’re wrong. Socially awkward for as long as he can remember, Harold feels his enormous package is just one more thing to be embarrassed about. Especially once hunky and popular Owen McKenzie notices it in the showers.

Owen knows he’s bi, but he keeps that secret close to his chest. He likes Harold, and wants to help him shed his dorky image and maybe even find a boyfriend. Still, Owen can’t stop obsessing about Harold’s equipment. And as much as he doesn’t want to flip-flop on his sexuality, Owen does want to test-drive what Harold has between his legs.

Their friendship erupts into full-blown lust. But can Owen accept the loss of his golden-child status and be Harold’s boyfriend? And can Harold outgrow his insecurity in time to keep the man he loves?

The Review:

My Fair Dork, Daisy Harris’s newest addition to her Men of Holsum College series, is an enjoyable romance between two unlikely lovers. When popular and well-liked Owen McKenzie offers to help make-over the less socially adept Harold Jacobs, the last thing he expects is to fall for the well-endowed freshman.

Harold Jacobs feels like an outsider and his self-consciousness over his plus size package is just one more reason to avoid the limelight. Trying to divert attention away from his biggest asset, he dresses in ill-fitting, mismatched clothes. Harold’s circle of friends is small, his self-esteem is low, and he is suspicious of Owen’s reasons for offering to jumpstart his social life.

Owen McKenzie is a popular football player and to all appearances, he is totally straight. What no one on campus knows is that Owen is really bisexual. His sexual experiences with other men have been limited to a few mutual hand jobs. He is incredibly attracted to Harold, but Owen has no intention of stepping out of the closet.

While Harold may be unsure of his personal appearance, he has no doubts about his sexuality. He knows he is gay, and he is comfortable with other people knowing it. The same cannot be said for Owen. Although he admitted to his parents that he is bi, he immediately jumped into a long term relationship with a girl and he has only dated women since going to college. Owen might be ok with exploring his attraction to Harold behind closed doors, but he does not want their relationship going public.

I really like Harold. His shyness and uncertainty are quite endearing. I enjoyed watching him gain self-confidence and turn from a self-perceived ugly ducking into a beautiful, self-assured swan. His concerns about the effect his larger than average package will have on his sex life are valid and I like how that part of the storyline played out.

In the beginning of My Fair Dork, I initially liked Owen. His reasons for helping out Harold rang true and he seemed self-confident enough to withstand the public scrutiny his relationship with Harold was bound to bring. For the most part, Owen was caring, considerate and sensitive. But there were a couple of things that occurred that made me question his motives and made him look like a selfish jerk. So overall, my emotions about his character are definitely mixed.

As with other books in the Men Holsum College series, My Fair Dork is incredibly erotic and Harold’s particular “problem” makes for some very creative sex scenes. Daisy Harris always does a wonderful job of keeping the storylines fresh, unique and angst free.

A beautiful lesson in self-acceptance, I highly recommend My Fair Dork to old and new fans of this delightful series.

Read my reviews of the Men of Holsum College series HERE.

2 Comments

Filed under Contemporary, Daisy Harris, Erotic, M/M, Men of Holsum College, My Fair Dork, Rated B, Review, Romance, Siren Bookstrand Inc

· 3:58 am

Review: Genius and the Jock by Daisy Harris

Title: Genius and the Jock by Daisy Harris
Men of Holsum College Book Seven
Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand, Inc
Genre: M/M. Contemporary, Erotic, Romance
Word Count: 37,602
Book Rating: B

Review Copy Obtained from Author

Summary:

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

First and goal. Three years ago, football star Griff Parker shared a locker room sexual encounter with brainy scholarship kid Raj Mehir. That stolen blow job turned Griff’s worldview upside down, unlocking desires he wasn’t ready to face.

Now a senior, Griff’s working in Holsum College’s biology lab, where he’s in direct contact with his freshman crush. Raj wants nothing to do with him or the memory of that afternoon. Too bad. Griff’s falling hard for Raj, battling his way past every one of his sexy scientist’s defenses.

Raj Mehir knows he’s gay. But he’s locked that knowledge tightly inside and has no desire to change that. But he does have desire for Griff. In a big way. Now he’s experimenting with Griff and inching closer to the closet door.

Double overtime. Two deeply closeted guys. Two hearts on the line. One term to change everything.

The Review:

Genius and the Jock is a charming romance with an aura of innocence that is incredibly appealing. In this latest installment of Daisy Harris’s Men of Holsum College series, deeply closeted Raj Mehir and Griff Parker eagerly explore their combustible sexual attraction.

Raj and Griff have not seen one another since their hurried but satisfying locker room encounter their freshman year. When Griff’s new job at the biology lab brings the two men together three years later, they discover their attraction to one another burns hotter than ever. With neither of them ready or willing to come out of the closet, they agree to keep their relationship a secret.

Both Raj and Griff feel like they have a lot to lose if they admit they are gay. Raj knows he is gay, but he does not tell anyone, not even his closest friend (and former crush), Cal. His family is very traditional and he knows they will never accept his sexuality. He has several preconceived ideas of what it means to be gay and it is quite enjoyable watching him become more at ease with and accepting of his sexuality.

Griff’s reasons for keeping his homosexuality a secret are understandable. He cannot afford college without his football scholarship and he has valid concerns about his teammates’ reaction should his sexuality become public knowledge. He is also worried about how his family will take the news that he is gay.

Genius and the Jock is a delightful journey of self-discovery for both Griff and Raj. Their first few sexual encounters are tentative as they learn together what pleases not only each other but themselves. Raj uncovers the kind and sensitive man underneath Griff’s macho exterior. Griff discovers that he is willing to do most anything to make Raj happy-both in bed and out.

Once again Daisy Harris has written a unique romance that is fast-paced and quite entertaining. Engaging characters, an interesting storyline and some very steamy sex make Genius and the Jock a must read for fans of the Men of Holsum College series.

To read my reviews of the other books in the Men of Holsum College series, please click HERE.

1 Comment

Filed under Contemporary, Daisy Harris, Erotic, Genius and the Jock, M/M, Men of Holsum College, Rated B, Review, Romance, Siren Bookstrand Inc

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 · 3:57 am

Bossy and the Brat by Daisy Harris

Title: Bossy and the Brat by Daisy Harris
Men of Holsum College Book Five
Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand, Inc
Genre: M/M, Contemporary, Erotic, Romance, light BDSM
Word Count: 36,542
Book Rating: C+

Review Copy Obtained from Author

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

Calvin Beaumont is a biology major, lab tech, and resident advisor—everything everyone expects him to be. There’s only one problem. He likes boys. In particular, a flirty dance major who was a freshman on his hall.

It’s sizzling summer at Holsum College, and Tyler Burk isn’t a freshman anymore. When he notices his hardworking resident advisor has same-sex feelings, he goads, teases, and tempts Mr. Bossy into dating on the sly. Cal may not be out, but he’s domineeringly hot, and Tyler doesn’t mind keeping things quiet…for a while.

But Calvin has wanted Tyler all year, and their sexting and secret rendezvous soon blossom into something neither one of them can control. Can Cal control his secret, as well as his sexy little brat? Or will he be man enough to admit he’s not the man everyone thought he was?

The Review:

Bossy and the Brat by Daisy Harris is a super hot friends turned lovers story. Following his breakup from his girlfriend, Cal Beaumont finally admits he is attracted to his across the hall neighbor Tyler Burke. The sex is sizzling hot between them, but Cal is reluctant to publicly acknowledge their relationship.

Tyler Burke has just finished up his freshman year, so he is young. His previous encounters have essentially been nothing more than casual hookups that he misinterpret as relationships. Tyler’s feelings are easily hurt and he is very needy. Not much about his past is revealed, so we never get a clear picture as to why he is so desperate for attention. I think if I knew why he was so needy, I might have been more sympathetic to his character. Instead I found his clinginess more annoying than endearing and I could not help but wonder what Cal saw in him other than a sexual attraction.

Cal Beaumont has recently admitted to himself that he is attracted to men but he has not admitted to himself that he is gay. He cannot imagine coming out to his parents or forgoing their expectations of him. He has little sexual experience with women or men, but he assumes a dominate role with Tyler right from the beginning. He uses his previous role as Resident Advisor as an excuse to keep his distance from Tyler and later as the reason why their relationship needs to be kept hidden.

The two protagonists spend much of the story apart, communicating mainly through sexy texts and phone calls. There are misunderstandings between them due to a lack of real communication and getting to know one another. Don’t get me wrong. The sexts are scorching hot and culminate in some very steamy masturbation scenes, but I thought they lacked an emotional connection.

There is a bit of a BDSM theme to Bossy and the Brat but it is fairly light. Cal assumes the dominant role and Tyler certainly enjoys being told what to do. Tyler pushes Cal’s boundaries and he gladly accepts his punishment for being naughty. Daisy Harris consistently delivers sex scenes that are quite erotic and she definitely turns up the heat in Bossy and the Brat.

Bossy and the Brat is one of the sexiest stories in the Men of Holsum College series. It is a light-hearted, enjoyable read. As always, I am looking forward to the next installment of one of my all time favorite series by the very talented Daisy Harris.

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

2 Comments

Filed under BDSM, Bossy and the Brat, Contemporary, Erotic, M/M, Men of Holsum College, Rated C+, Siren Bookstrand Inc

· 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