Title: Rain
Series: Rules of Engagement, Book 2
Author: L.A. Witt
Genre: Contemporary Romance, M/M Romance
Sensuality Rating: Erotic
Source: review copy from publisher
Published: October 2010 by Dreamspinner Press
Brandon Stewart and Dustin Walker started dating two years ago after meeting in the local bar over a game of pool. Dustin has struggled to come out to his homophobic family and come clean about his relationship with Brandon, and now they’re planning to get married. Now, in a bid to fix broken ties, Dustin's brother Tristan is trying to reconnect with him, which makes Brandon wonder if he, too, can mend fences with his own estranged brother. But is sixteen years of silence long enough for old wounds to heal?
Reviewed By: J9
In a Nutshell: Stellar romance about a couple truly trusting in their love and commitment to each other.
The Set Up: Dustin and Brandon have been a couple two years when Dustin’s brother decides he wants to tentatively reestablish contact. This starts Brandon thinking about his own brother who cut him off sixteen years earlier. Through the ups and downs of their lives and families, the men lean on their love to get them through.
Why I Read this Book: I read and reviewed book one in this series, Rules of Engagement, and was left totally conflicted if I loved or hated the book. I was hopeful this sequel would successfully resolve the wonderful romance set up in book one.
What I Liked: I was left desperate for more romance resolution at the end of book one and I can honestly say that I got that here. Dustin and Brandon have built a life together and readers are privy to that. The men navigate their jobs and families but always within the context of their relationship and I loved reading that.
Dustin and Brandon have a sigh-worthy romance here. They love, lust after and comfort each other. They’re there for the good and bad times and always support the other. I’ll confess that in real life this is what I have and I wish it for all humans, real or fictional.
What I Also Liked: This romance has a little bitter with the sweet. Dustin and Brandon’s brothers aren’t accepting of their relationship but in different ways and it was moving to see Dustin and Brandon support each other as they navigate these emotionally trying relationships. Their difficult relationships with their brothers are juxtaposed with the warm and loving acceptance of other family members and this is heartening to read.
What I Didn’t Like: Normally I’d gripe about the first person narration but I didn’t even care—this romance was so well written it didn’t matter who narrated it.
IMO: Anyone looking for a get-lost-in-the-romance book should read this.
J9’s Rating:
I need to read Rules of Engagement I think...sounds like my kind of series :)
ReplyDeleteI'm absolutely in love with LA Witt's work. She is completely amazing. I have this one on my TBR and will tackle that mountain on Dec 11th, right after my final! (it's my present to myself for getting through this freaking semester)
ReplyDeleteOh yes, these two books make a great read but must be read back to back! Do treat yourself!
ReplyDeleteI need to remember these books. I tend to like contemporary personal relationship stories more than any other type.
ReplyDeleteI like them too if they're done well, like any romance. But I'm a sucker for MM historicals; they're my favorite. Yes, I know, not always historically accurate but c'mon, MM relationships *had* to exist then too :)
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