Title: Covet Thy Neighbor
Series: Tucker Springs, Book 4
Author: L.A. Witt
Genre: Contemporary Romance, M/M Romance
Sensuality Rating: Erotic
Source: NetGalley
Published: March 2013 by Riptide Publishing
Tattoo artist Seth Wheeler thinks he’s struck gold when Darren Romero rents the apartment across the hall. The new guy is gorgeous, witty, and single, plus he’s just the right blend of bold and flirtatious. Perfect.
Except then Darren reveals that he moved to Tucker Springs to take a job as the youth pastor at the New Light Church. Seth is not only an atheist, but was thrown out by his ultra-religious family when he came out. He tends to avoid believers, not out of judgment but out of self-preservation.
But Darren doesn’t give up easily, and he steadily chips away at Seth’s defenses. Darren is everything Seth wants in a man . . . except for that one massive detail he just can’t overlook. Is Darren’s religion the real problem, or is it just a convenient smokescreen to keep him from facing deeper fears? It’s either see the light, or risk pushing Darren away forever.
Reviewed By: J9
In a Nutshell: Enjoyable read with an untraditional romance but the ending was a bit unresolved for my taste.
The Set Up: Tattoo artist Seth has built a full life for himself after his ultra-religious family disowned him when he came out. The only thing missing is a boyfriend so when he meets his hot new neighbor, Darren, he thinks even this will work out. Until he learns Darren is a pastor. Darren doesn’t act like any pastor Seth has ever met but he’s not sure he’s ready to be vulnerable to a religious man.
Why I Read this Book: This series featuring the gay men of Tucker Springs, Colorado has captured my attention.
What I Liked: I enjoyed both Darren and Seth. Seth is a self-made man who is comfortable in who he is as a person. Since this novel is told first person by Seth, it’s great that his voice was likable and open. Darren is more mysterious because of the narration style but his story is compelling: a youth pastor who isn’t judgmental and admits to not knowing everything. I adore Darren’s big speech at novel’s end when he’s opening up to Seth about how Seth pushing him away makes him feel.
I also really liked that neither man was willing to compromise their life principles for sex or each other. So then the real romantic tension is if these two outwardly different men can be in a relationship. And if so, what would that relationship look like? This isn’t an easily fixed issue, like the classic big misunderstanding, and I enjoyed the complex and nuanced tension between Darren and Seth.
What I Also Liked: I admit to being a fan of Tucker Springs, the town setting for the series. It’s nice to imagine a place where neighbors help each other and good advice is just across the street at your friend’s house. The couple from book one plays large roles here so I enjoyed revisiting them, though separately which was a little odd.
What I Didn’t Like: The romance here was unresolved for me. The men didn’t say exactly what I wanted them too. However, given where they each were coming from, perhaps where they ended up is the best a reader (and they) could hope for.
IMO: This erotic romance was enjoyable with a unique romantic tension I really liked. If the romance’s resolution is a tad unresolved I’ll forgive it since it fit for the characters.
J9’s Rating:
J9’s reviews for other books in this series:
Second Hand, Book 2 – 3 ½ frogs
Dirty Laundry, Book 3 – 2 frogs
I wanted more of an ending too! I really liked the characters and the story, so like you, I can forgive that little detail.
ReplyDeleteGlad I wasn't the only one! I worry sometimes that I read so much that I just have too high of expectations. LOL.
DeleteAlso, I wasn't sure if I should mention the thing-they-do-on-the-roof (no, you dirty birds, not THAT!). I'm cool with it but wondered if it's something readers should know about or if it's a spoiler since it says something about Darren's less than strict religious convictions. Whatcha think?
It kinda surprised me too, but it didn't offend me. I didn't mention it in my review either...hmmm.
DeleteHe was definitely not a typical minister, but he's one that I would like to have - especially for kids. Simply because he was so down to earth, understanding, human and approachable. The kid-in-the-tattoo-parlor was a priceless moment too, but I didn't mention that either.
I guess all of that seems important to us because we've read it and know how those things define who Darren really was. From a future reader's standpoint though I think it's kind of like an unveiling. We got to know bits and pieces about him at the same time Seth did so it probably would have been a little spoilery. So basically I think I'm saying the roof scene was great, but it was a surprise to Seth so new readers should get to experience it the same way we did. If it offends anyone, there's probably a lot more about the series that would offend them too. ;)
As far as the ending goes, I mentioned that I felt like the book just ended in my review. There was a resolution and then 'the end.' Yeah, I felt a little cheated. It seems like the other books gave you more at the end. I suppose that's one of the dangers of reading a series written by different authors. I'm still loving it though. I've gotten all the books for review, except for the first one. As soon as I was done Covet thy Neighbor I purchased Where Nerves End. I just had to get to know Michael and Jason better. LOL!
Very good point--other readers should get to experience specific ways Darren is unique. Glad I didn't mention it, even if it is a bit of a hot button.
DeleteI love that kid in the tattoo parlor scene too! Showcases both Darren and Seth's personalities perfectly.
This was headed toward a four rating but I agree, just a bit stingy on the emotional resolution. Oh well, in all likelihood we'll get glimpses of Darren & Seth in future books.
What an interesting concept for a book! I hate unresolved endings but this sounds like it's worth a try for me.
ReplyDeletePlus I now have to know what the roof thing that you're all talking about is lol
LOL! Knew that would spark someone's interest. ;)
DeleteAh, Karen! We're tricky like that ;-) But it is worth the read anyway
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