Special thanks to Leontine from Leontine's Book Realm for the super header.


Friday, December 2, 2011

The Closer You Get by L.A. Witt

Title: The Closer You Get
Author: L.A. Witt
Length:  170 pages
Publisher: Samhain

Blurb: Sequel to The Distance Between Us

Self-described manwhore Kieran Frost is loving the single life. Two years after moving to Seattle, he still has his friends with benefits, Rhett and Ethan, plus a never-ending supply of gorgeous, available men wandering through the bar where he works. A relationship? Spare him the drama and heartbreak. He’s got no complaints about his unattached lifestyle.

When Rhett’s daughter introduces him to newly-out-of-the-closet Alex Corbin, Kieran’s interest perks up. After all, the quiet ones are always the freaks in bed. But Alex isn’t just shy and reserved. He’s a virgin in every sense of the word, having never even kissed anyone else.

Kieran is no one’s teacher, and his first instinct is to run like hell in the other direction. But his conscience won’t let him throw the naïve kid to the wolves for someone else to take advantage of. The plan is to introduce Alex to his own sexuality, pull him out of his shell, then go their separate ways.

It’s the perfect, foolproof plan…assuming no one falls in love.

Review:

I confess I have not read the first story in this series, but you really don't need to in order to enjoy this one. Enough of the history from that first book is explained to make it clear. Kieran is immediately intrigued with Alex, although he's stunned the guy is a total virgin at the age of 21. Usually Kieran stays away from virgins but he likes Alex and fears that he'll hook up with someone who could hurt him, so he decides to help "educate" him about being gay in Seattle.

There is lots of fun stuff like a trip to the sex toy store and bars. Although I did wonder that Alex claimed to have never watched porn. Yes, when he lived at home he didn't want anyone to find out, but he's been in Seattle for a year and it's not like internet porn isn't rampant and free. However, putting that aside, I have to say that the build-up to sex is "whoa hot" in this. Wow, the first kiss is smoking and you just want to see more. Although you never get into Alex's head, it is rather fun to hear Kieran who's a bit like an eager puppy but trying to keep it cool and not freak out Alex.

There is a whole sub-story of Kieran's father's wedding and dealing with his mother who has not gotten over the divorce and Kieran's disgust with his father's cheating, which explains in part his refusal to have a "relationship". There was the separation thing, but it was short-lived so didn't annoy me as it wasn't dragged out. All in all, if you are in the mood for a super-steamy story it's a great choice.

I will likely go back and read the first one, I know some people had issues and it's not on some moral grounds I've not read it, I just never did and this one grabbed my attention. I think fans of the first book will also enjoy the epilogue for this one greatly.

8 comments:

Chris said...

I definitely liked this one more than the first book.

Tam said...

That's what I heard Chris but I'm not sure. I know a lot of people don't like when the MCs have sex with someone else and that can colour some readers' views, but for me personally I'm okay with that as long as it's all open. But we'll see. I have so many books to read but I'll keep it in mind.

Chris said...

I think I would've been ok with the sex part if they hadn't been such jerks about it.

Tam said...

That's kind of why I've been steering clear. Someday.

Jenre said...

I had a few issues with the first book, mainly because I didn't like the main couple too much - like Chris said they were jerks - rather than the odd m/m/m relationship they get into with Kieran. I liked Kieran though and wanted him to have a HEA so I think I'll be getting this book at some point.

Plus I love virginal heroes!

Tam said...

The little you see of the two in this book they seemed okay. Maybe they got their act together. :-) The sexual tension between Keiran and Alex was very hot.

Chris said...

They were better in this book than they were in the first book - but I still didn't like them, because of all the crap they pulled in the first book.

Tam said...

Just like people it's hard to let a character's past behaviour go. :-)