Dana reviews Live for Love (All Cocks Stories, book 5) by T.M. Smith (Published by TTC Publishing, June 30, 2016, 192 pages) A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review. Release day review.
To read my review for Gay for Pay, book 1, click here. To read my review for Fame and Fortune, book 2, click here. To read my review of How to Deal, book 3, click here. To read my review for Dare to Hope click here.
Blurb:
Beauregard Boudreaux is a native of New Orleans Louisiana, born and raised there, he never thought he would ever stray far from home. The untimely death of his first love left Beau lost, adrift, looking for a place as far away from the pain as possible. Initially, he came to New York to visit a friend, the city growing on him, so he decided to stay. His law degree comes in handy at the LGBT Center he runs, but his bar is his baby.
William Richards grew up in Chicago, his family oddly normal and very accepting of his sexuality. Modeling paid the bills, gigs across the country as a model, male entertainer and a personal trainer giving him the opportunity to see the world. He hasn’t experienced loss or pain as Beau has, the common denominator between them is the loneliness. As All Cocks big, brooding bottom Connor, William has found friendship, family and an outlet for his craving to be more submissive than men of his size and stature usually are.
The two men are perfect for each other, their tastes and lives align and the writing seems to be on the wall. But Beau has a secret he shares with a choice few, a secret that not only threatens to keep them apart, it’s deadly. Determined to keep a wall between himself and William, Beau fights the attraction, pushes William away every time he steps closer. Can one man’s determination and strength be enough to tear down a wall that holds back decades of pain and darkness? And if he can, will either of them survive the flood?
Disclaimer: This book is the fictional story of a man living with HIV. I have put a lot of time and effort into presenting this story as true to fact as possible, without going into gory or gruesome detail. If this subject is a trigger for you, you may want to skip this read. But my hope is that you give Beau a chance to capture your heart as he has mine, and William’s.
Buy links: Amazon | ARe Add to: Goodreads
The cover: I don’t always talk about covers but I really think this is a great one for the story. The image reflects William’s longing for a relationship that allows him to be taken care of especially when it comes to sex. I actually was able to briefly meet the model at a convention event a few years ago and though I don’t know him well, I thought he seemed like a genuine and kind person, which represents William well.
The story: I’ve been lucky enough to review every book in this series, so far. Each book has introduced such different and sexy characters, and some of them have gone through some really tough moments in their lives. They have made bad decisions that led to tragedy, been sexually assaulted, lost loved ones, and/or been emotionally and physically scarred in a war. Each story has made me want to wrap my arms around these beautiful men who have been damaged but ultimately found love and family with the All Cocks studios.
In this book, the author tackles a subject that I think is very overlooked in the m/m romance genre – HIV. With how little it’s mentioned, it almost seems like it doesn’t exist anymore. There have been big strides, medicines can help control the virus and it’s not as deadly as it once used to be. But it does still exist, and the men and women that have contracted HIV definitely deserved to find love. I know discussing risks and PrEP side effects isn’t romantic, but an HIV positive character can fall in love and make love.
As far as the story goes it’s fairly low angst. When William finds out that Beau is hiding the secret of his positive status there is a bit of touch and go with the emotions. His history of unconditional love from his parents makes it a lot easier for him to forgive and accept what Beau held back. Not to mention that Beau is the only person who seems to understand that despite William’s bulky muscles and height, he has no interest of taking control during sex.
The side characters in this story are great. Beau might not have had the supportive family that William did, but his former partner’s mother has taken him under her wing. She is sassy and loving. William’s parents have a slight problem with him falling in love with an older, and HIV positive man, but just like William they aren’t willing to let the risks stop them from loving. The members of All Cocks porn company show how much they are family in this story more than ever. I wanted so much to be part of them, too. I am more impressed than ever with this fifth book in the All Cocks series. I definitely recommend this book and the whole series.
9.5/10 Pots of Gold (95% Recommended) – Compares to 4.75/5 Stars
A military brat born and raised at Ft. Benning Georgia; TM Smith is an avid reader, reviewer and writer. A Texas transplant, she now calls DFW her home. Most days she can be found curled up with a good book, or ticking away on her next novel. Smith is a single mom of three disturbingly outspoken and decidedly different kids, one of which is Autistic. Besides her writing, she is passionate about Autism advocacy and LGBT rights. Because, seriously people, Love is Love!
Rainbow Gold Reviews 