Tory Temple

I like me some smut but there was just way too much here. At least half of almost every chapter was sex and, after the first two chapters which were pretty much only sex, I just scrolled right on past. And I think the plot did suffer for the inclusion of so many sex scenes. I would have liked to see more of Chance on Tuck's farm and the interaction between them there - out of the bedroom, I mean. I would have liked to spend more time with the MCs talking about why Tuck behaved the way he did.

OK, first of all, this is a lovely story, I adored the characters (both human and animal) and the plot is... intriguing to me.

"Keeping Karma" introduces the reader to Alex, a veterinary student with a special gift... he can hear the animals he works with; Dylan, an animal control officer who takes an instant liking to Alex, when he brings in an injured fawn; and Karma, a ferret living with Alex and his other pets even though she's an illegal pet in California.

Alex and Dylan hit it off and show more are soon living together, quite happily, but Karma's constant hijinks and Alex's secret just might throw a wrench in the whole thing... read it and find out what happens! ;-P

I picked up this title because I've always liked the idea of actually being able to talk to animals. Though I was wary that Tory Temple might be writing a gay Dr. Dolittle, the author did no such thing! Instead, writing an enjoyable tale perfect for an afternoon read. show less

After getting to know firefighter Trey and Deuce, the man with a pregnant dog whom Trey rescues, in ‘Adding it Up’, I really wanted to know how their beginning relationship would develop. There were a few potential stumbling blocks for them – mainly Trey’s ex-wife, Holly – and I was pretty sure there’d be some fireworks as they get to know each other better. And, as ‘By the Numbers’ shows, I was right!

Deuce and Trey continue to be great characters in this second book, and show more getting to know them better as they deepen their relationship was wonderful. The added dimension of Trey's ex-wife Holly and her effect on Trey and Deuce was fascinating, because her attitude changes over time and causes a whole new range of issues for both men. Lacey and her seven-year-old worries and expectations also challenge Deuce and Trey, but on a less fundamental level.

Deuce is a quiet guy, a computer nerd who takes life's "disasters" as they come. Whether those are puppy-caused (I loved those scenes!) or due to Trey's somewhat weird issues when Deuce tries to become friends with Holly - for Lacey's sake - Deuce seems to have an inexhaustible reservoir of patience. So when he loses it and leaves, the moment is very powerful.

Trey has some odd reactions to Holly and Deuce getting on well - until it becomes clear he is reacting out of fear. Holly has chased away two men he was interested in before, and Trey is terrified it will happen again. He has to learn to trust Deuce on a whole new level, and he also has to deal with some open wounds left by the divorce.

All of the above makes for some very real conflict and challenges both Trey and Deuce to grow in new direction. This second "relationship adventure” is full of conflict and dram on all levels, and makes for excellent reading. The development of their relationship is realistically difficult at times. Deuce has to deal with the unpredictability of Trey's shifts, both men face a lack of "alone time", and Trey has to face the fact that Holly may have changed - he just cannot believe it. His way of ultimately dealing with it shows a lot of growth on his part.

If you like romances where established couples have to learn to deal with day-to-day life, if you enjoy watching a newly formed family come together, and if you’re looking for a read that is realistic, yet entertaining and very sweet, then you will probably like this novel.


NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review. show less

I don't get it Since we never really read Tucker's point of view, I just don't get him. He seems like an overly complicated guy. I get that his life was difficult when he was a boy, but I seriously don't get his hangups and not wanting to express how he feels... ever. I'm so effing clueless as to what's forcing his actions. I caught myself, just wondering what the hell the big deal was. These characters are pretty volatile and spontaneous... which isn't good, but not necessarily bad. A lot show more of times, it just feels unnecessary.

Anyway, I enjoyed the story over all and like these guys, although, they resolve EVERYTHING with sex. It gets a bit repetitious.

Chance and Tucker seem like they're great together. Hopefully, we can get Tucker's perspective soon.

It seems like I didn't like the story from my review, but honestly it was engaging. show less