See the Light and Velocity (Adult titles)

See the Light      
by Cassandra Carr is a yummy ADULT tale.

This is a spicy m/m novella that centers around hockey player Jason ‘Roney’ Monroe and older coach Patrick Parker, neither of whom has come out about their attraction to males, which sorely complicates their growing desire for one another.  Patrick is reluctant to deal with the ethical and professional implications of becoming sexually or romantically involved with a player that is he responsible for helping groom to represent their country at the Olympic games.  Josh is decidedly still in the closet and apprehensive about his reception in his chosen profession if he comes out.  Both men must decide whether their hearts and spirits will overcome their misgivings, hopefully before it is too late for them both.


A sensual m/m romantic tale that combines the excitement of the world of hockey with the challenges that face anyone who doesn’t conform to the conventional norm.   The author does a wonderful job of presenting the dilemma that each man faces as well as the frequently harsh censure that they may have to overcome from family, friends and colleagues, let alone strangers.  The sizzling attraction between the two men and the lengths that they go to, first to avoid one another and then to find a way to deal with their lust for each other is deftly portrayed and the deepening of the relationship is delightful to watch.  It is wonderful to see that there are some mature people in this couple’s world who are supportive and accepting even as one knows that, unfortunately, this is a work of fiction and real life doesn’t always have such a positive atmosphere.  Another enjoyable tale from a talented author.



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My review of Impact (one of her bull rider's novellas) is at this link. 

Velocity        


is also an ADULT title that is the fourth novella in the ‘Buckin’ Bull Riders’ series and features Paolo D’Allesandro, younger brother of Marco (who was featured in book 3, “Momentum”). Paolo left Italy to follow his older brother to the United States and join the bull riding circuit but he has never felt the same passion or expertise for the vocation. Meeting the graduate student Savannah Harrington seems to exacerbate both his disenchantment with his sport and his sense of inferiority which continues to plague him even more as his broken English prevents him from saying everything he wants to. Savannah’s study of adrenaline junkies leads her to Paolo and neither of their lives will ever be the same.

This entertaining novella continues the saga of bull riders, set after the events in “Momentum” which focused on the elder D’Allesandro brother. Written with the author’s usual dexterity for creating an engaging and spicy tale, this heartwarming story reminds the reader of the importance of being true to oneself and following one’s own dream, not someone else’s. The added twist of the challenges faced by an immigrant to the country gives depth to the story and makes one hopeful that there will be additional cameos by this engaging pair in future tales. Glimpses of the stars of the previous three books in the series help tie them all together yet this title can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Another fun read.

© Night Owl Reviews

I received a copy of these titles in return for an honest review.



I was delighted to see these titles offered for review as I think that this author tells wonderful and sensual tales that have characters one can relate to (although not necessarily emulate, lol).  I always look forward to reading Ms Carr's stories because I know that they will be both spicy and well-written.

Impact and Velocity (Adult titles)

Impact              

by Cassandra Carr is an ADULT title which is the first in the ‘Buckin’ Bull Riders’ series and features rider Conner Raub who is conflicted about revealing his Dom tendencies, especially around the world of bullriders.   Jessica Talbot is curious to explore BDSM and she definitely wants Conner to be her guide but she is unsure how they will reconcile their personal and professional interactions.  Their connection in the bedroom is immediate and incandescent but they must overcome judgements by those around them and decide what their priorities are and how they will deal with the growing attraction that is changing their lives, especially when it may threaten all that they have worked so hard to achieve.

A deliciously sizzling start to a fun series featuring sexy cowboys and the unabashedly sensual women who want to be a part of their lives.  It was entertaining watching Jessica try to convince the skittish Conner that she was quite willing to accept him for who he was and wanted to be the perfect sub for him.  His reluctant capitulation to the determined woman was a fascinating seesaw as he exerted his dominance when they were alone yet tried to be circumspect when they were in public.  An excellent introduction to the world of bull riders.


The most recent yummy addition to this series is Velocity.   


I still need to write my review but here is a description and excerpt to whet your appetite for this entertaining title.

Paolo D’Allesandro has been living in his older brother Marco’s shadow. But he’s getting older now and realizing he and Marco don’t want the same things. He’s not sure what his next step is, but knows he needs to quit riding to figure it out.

Savannah Harrington is a grad student working on a thesis about adrenaline junkies, and she’s joined the bull riders’ tour to study the men and their motivation to willingly take part in a dangerous sport. She meets Paolo and both feel an instant connection. She can’t stay away from the sexy Italian and his mind-numbing skills in the bedroom, but knows the relationship can’t last.

Both wish their circumstances were different, but Paolo doesn’t think he has anything to offer Savannah, and Savannah doesn’t want to pressure Paolo into another life decision that will make someone else happy, but not fulfill him. As her time to go back to school draws closer, they need to figure out how to get their highest score yet—in the game of love.

Excerpt:

Bucked.

Again.

Paolo D’Allesandro picked up his bull rope and skulked out of the dirt-covered arena. He wasn’t sure what he was doing wrong. His brother Marco and several other successful bull riders had tried time and again to give him advice, but it never seemed to stick.

He’d been living off Marco’s generosity for too long now. He needed to win. After slowly making his way back to the riders’ area, trying not to scowl at the sympathetic looks being thrown his way, he stowed his gear and grabbed his bag. Marco’s round would be starting soon and he should go help his brother. With a sigh, he walked over to the area behind the chutes. It was at times like these, when he’d been bucked off twice in a row again, that he wondered if he’d ever make it as a bull rider.

After helping his brother seat himself on the bull, Paolo wandered away. Sure, he could’ve stayed to help other riders, but he always felt like such a loser when all these better riders stayed on their bulls. A few moments later he heard a whoop and turned back to the arena. Brady Parrish was on his feet after an obviously successful ride, giving a bow to the crowd. Paolo shook his head, chuckling. The man certainly knew how to turn on the charm.

When Paolo returned to the riders’ area, Brady was still at it, holding court after another win. Paolo approached, searching the crowd for Marco or Marco’s girlfriend Natalie. Spying them, he pushed through the crowd, but stopped dead when a woman turned to greet Marco.

His heart hammered as he took in her appearance, from her high-heeled sandals to a flirty little sundress and up to the most angelic face he’d ever seen, aside from the cherubs that graced the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. That perfect face was framed by dark-brown, closely cropped hair. Paolo had heard mention of someone having a heart-shaped face, and this must be what they meant. Huge eyes almost tan in color, a small nose, and full, rosy lips made him wish he could draw or paint to record her beauty for future generations, just as Michelangelo had. She was exquisite.

Marco popped him on the arm and he realized he’d been staring. His face grew hot.

“This is Savannah Harrington.” Marco turned to the woman. “My brother, Paolo.”

Savannah stuck her hand out and Paolo automatically took it.

Warm and soft. Just the way I like a woman.

He shivered and one of Savannah’s brows rose. Before he made even more of an ass of himself, he said, “It is nice to meet you.”

“You too.”

Paolo saw Brady look from him to Savannah with an assessing gaze and realized they were still holding hands. Releasing hers, he stuck his in the pocket of his jeans lest he be tempted to touch her again. Brady spoke. “Savannah is here for a while researching adrenaline junkies. Apparently she thinks bull riders fit the bill.” Paolo frowned and Brady grinned. 

“Adrenaline. Like the high you get when you stay on the bull or what you feel in a life-or-death situation.”

He nodded. He hadn’t taken to English quite as well as his brother and a lot of words were still a mystery to him.

“Savannah is getting her master’s degree in…” Brady glanced at her with both eyebrows raised and she smirked.

“Neuroscience.” She looked at Paolo once more. “Science of the brain.”

This woman was so far out of his league she might as well be in another galaxy, but Paolo was fascinated nonetheless. Marco had always done better than he in school, though Paolo had a few subjects he liked and did well in. When Marco had fled the family compound in Italy, Paolo, though only eighteen at the time and barely out of secondary school, had followed. Now he was twenty-three and had never regretted not continuing his schooling until this very moment.

“That sounds…” He searched for the word he was looking for. “Interesting.”

Lame.

Copyright 2013, Cassandra Carr

 Books Two and Three in the series also look like yummy reads!  I love that all of these titles are undeniably linked, yet each can be read as a stand-alone.