Dirty Laundry by Heidi Cullinan

5 STARS

Tucker Springs - Book 3

I LOVED this book! One of the clichés of love stories is the "I'm a better me when I'm with you." and in so many cases we never see evidence of it other than the characters say so. In Dirty Laundry we DO see it. We see the first seeds get planted, so to speak, in the laundromat and we get to see the seedling push through the ground in the bar, the leaves unfurl and the stem grow strong in the various other places around Tucker Springs as Adam and Denver navigate the mine fields of... well... themselves. :) 

They are so perfect for each other and it's wonderful to watch them come to recognise this. I cried for Adam more than once and even Denver had me wiping away tears once - yes, it's that kind of heart-touching book.

Heidi Cullinan manages to convey to the reader what it's like to live with OCD and how it affects every aspect of a person's life. I love the solutions that Denver and Adam found to deal with the fact of the disorder and what I love most is that Denver didn't run when the going got tough and neither did Adam. And for me, the BDSM aspects of the story were perfect! The sex was hot and dirty sexy - Heidi writes GREAT sex scenes - and even the simple touch of a hand against a cheek was beautifully erotic.

So, yes, I loved this book and everyone should go out and buy it and read it again and again. I intend to!

Sidecar by Amy Lane

4 STARS

I really enjoyed this. It's a good story of a good man, Joe, and Casey, the young man he takes under his wing. 

It's a heart-warming love story that takes its time to unfold. There are no huge bombastic plot points, shocking reveals, explosive narrative twists... none of that, just a good, juicy, loving comfort-story of two really nice guys who have their faults but are clearly meant for each other from day one. 

I love Amy's writing and I thoroughly enjoyed Sidecar. This is one that I will both recommend and reread. :)

The Flesh Cartel - Consequences by Heidi Belleau and Rachel Haimowitz

5 STARS

The Flesh Cartel - Episode 4

Another fascinating installment in the Flesh Cartel series. :) 

This episode was heavy on the mind and light on the horrifying violence of previous episodes. The way Nikolai gets into the minds of Mat and Dougie is gripping, but what's this? Do we see Nikolai cracking just a little bit? Doubting his abilities? Ah, he is human after all. :) 

"Consequences" is the title of this episode and indeed, that is what it is all about. Both of the brothers learn lessons, learn limitations and definitely learn who holds their existence in his hands. Heidi and Rachel are masterful writers in their crafting of Nikolai, at least in my estimation because now I'm pulling for HIM! Another wonderful episode and now it's down to the business of waiting another month for Episode #5. *grumble* Is it March yet?