Book Review: Timing by Mary Calmes

Title: Timing
Series: Timing, Book 1
Author: Mary Calmes
Genre: Contemporary Romance, M/M Romance
Sensuality Rating: Erotic
Source: Review copy provided by publisher
Published: March 15, 2010 by Dreamspinner Press

Stefan Joss just can't win. Not only does he have to go to Texas in the middle of summer to be the man of honor in his best friend Charlotte's wedding, but he's expected to negotiate a million-dollar business deal at the same time. Worst of all, he's thrown for a loop when he arrives to see the one man Charlotte promised wouldn't be there: her brother, Rand Holloway. Stefan and Rand have been mortal enemies since the day they met, so Stefan is shocked when a temporary cease-fire sees the usual hostility replaced by instant chemistry. Though leery of the unexpected feelings, Stefan is swayed by a sincere revelation from Rand, and he decides to give Rand a chance. But their budding romance is threatened when Stefan's business deal goes wrong: the owner of the last ranch he needs to secure for the company is murdered. Stefan's in for the surprise of his life as he finds himself in danger as well.

Reviewed By: J9

In a Nutshell: I really enjoyed this sexy and sweet romance with lots of fun secondary characters. I did roll my eyes a few times that Stefan was so beloved and charismatic that everyone from kids to old people fawned over him but I moved past that.

The Set Up: Stefan is the man-of-honor at his best friend Charlotte’s wedding in Texas. His boss asks him to negotiate a land acquisitions deal at the same time but what Stefan is dreading most is the ongoing battle with Charlotte’s older brother, Rand. Rand is tired of fighting with Stefan and wants to turn their passions to the bedroom instead. Stefan is floored by Rand’s change of heart but when Stefan’s business deal turns deadly, the men have more than their relationship to worry about.

Why I Read this Book: Cardeno C. is an author I enjoy reading and s/he recommended this series to me.

What I Liked: I really liked the intensity between Rand and Stefan. Sure, they’re scorching hot in bed but even better is the emotional intensity between them. Stefan and Rand have fought for sixteen years and readers are a part of that as well as the change when Rand finally admits his feelings for Stefan. I loved Stefan’s reaction and how far Rand is willing to go to convince Stefan that his feelings are real. There is a sweet, earnestness in Rand throwing himself into a relationship with Stefan that was deliciously juxtaposed with Rand’s tough cowboy persona. For Stefan it’s like his ground has shifted so to watch him stumble into a new relationship with Rand was erotic and emotional. Both Stefan and Rand are honest with each other which is a huge enjoyment for me as a romance reader as it showcases the characters’ maturity.

What I Also Liked: I love relationships and this one offers many. Of course, Rand and Stefan’s is the primary but then the next most important one is Stefan’s and Charlotte’s. They’ve been besties since college and their relationship is sweet, tender and funny. Charlotte’s fiancé and her family, including her lovely mother May and crotchety Uncle Tyler, are all lovely characters. This novel has lots of people, all getting ready for the big wedding and watching Rand and Stefan’s relationship change. I love communities in my romance and I certainly got that with this Texas wedding!

The mystery plot involves Stefan trying to buy a ranch for his company which is the last of the hold-outs to build a mega-store. This doesn’t intrude on the romance much until the very end which was good since that part of the plot seemed a bit contrived but was fine to invoke a little suspense.

What I Didn’t Like: This author often writes one lead who EVERYBODY adores and Stefan is it here. People adore him and hang on his every word. Crotchety old people suddenly take to his inner and outer beauty and Stefan can get people to do what he wants, though he tries not to abuse it. He’s injured and the bride, groom and bridesmaids all pile on his bed to pet him and make sure he’s alright. This nearly made me stop reading the novel but I’m glad I pushed through it to see Stefan’s character as more complex than I initially thought.

Finally, one word: COVER

IMO: Timing is a pure fun with an erotic and emotional, though not angsty, romance. Sure, Stefan’s god-like perfection bugged me a little at novel’s beginning but once I got to know him a bit I even enjoyed his character.

J9’s Rating:


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