Category Archives: 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

May 8, 2012 · 3:58 am

Incognito by Miho Li

Title: Incognito by Miho Li
Publisher: Siren-Bookstrand, Inc
Genre: M/M, Contemporary, Romance
Length: 92 pages/Word Count: 25,377
Book Rating: C+

Review Copy Obtained from Author

Summary:

When Ren sees the new transfer student—Shin, black hair, storm-cloud-gray eyes, and more beautiful than any guy had a right to be—he makes it his mission to get to know him. Too bad Shin is about as sociable as fungus, and about as likable, too. But Ren isn’t good at giving up, so he takes on the challenge of cracking Shin’s titanium shell. What he finds underneath, though, is way more than he’s prepared to handle.

People are disappearing in Akita, and Shin might be behind it. As Ren’s feelings grow for the reserved man, so do the number of missing person reports, and Ren doesn’t know if their budding relationship is enough to withstand both the well of secrets and the organization Shin works for.

The Review:

If you are looking for a light-hearted read, then you should pick up a copy of Miho Li’s novella Incognito.

Ren is like an untrained puppy. Enthusiastic and lovable but severely undisciplined. He is relentless in his pursuit of enigmatic transfer student Shin. He takes Shin’s repeated rejection in stride and he never backs down from the challenge of gaining Shin’s friendship and trust. He is a character you cannot help but love and he slowly but surely slips past Shin’s defenses and into his life.

The relationship between Ren and Shin is slow moving, but it is quite fun watching Ren push his way into Shin’s life. Shin is quite mysterious and reserved. He does not freely give up information to Ren. Instead Ren snoops and pries, slowly discovering Shin’s secrets.

The storyline between Ren and Shin is interesting but it was difficult to really get to know the characters in depth. We learn a little about Ren’s background and some information about his family, but very few details are revealed about Shin. The mystery aspect of Incognito was glossed over, leaving some unanswered questions. The dialogue is well-written and quite humorous.

Incognito by Miho Li is delightfully entertaining story that fans of male/male romances will enjoy.

1 Comment

Filed under Contemporary, Erotic, Incognito, M/M, Miho Li, Rated C+, Romance, Siren Bookstrand Inc