Wow, bad writing is bad.

There is almost no dialogue in this book. And when people do talk they say things totally out of character. There is no relationship development, we should just believe these guys like each other, even though I have no idea why. Beck and Oleg still have to have a first date at 65%, but they act as if they are already in a relationship.

What was also weird was that Beck kept something from Oleg and when Oleg found out the truth, it is told in one sentence.

In the quiet moment that followed, Beck introduced Oleg to his stepfather and briefly summed up the events of the last few days.

Talk about anti-climactic.

I liked the concept of this story. There was some great potential here. Unfortunately the writing was so bad that I had a hard time finishing this.

Do not recommend.

 and now I'm adding another one to the list. Lou Sylvre's 'Falling Snow on Snow' was everything I look for in a story, holiday or not. It was about filling that space in your heart that longs for that one person...that special someone who loves you above all else, it was about finding faith, love, hope, compassion, forgiveness and ultimately a home.

Beck was 14 when his stepfather kicked him out. He's spent most of his life since then on the streets making a living as a busker playing his guitar at the local market. What starts out as just another day suddenly changes when Beck hears a voice singing along to his music...for Beck it's not just any voice, no this voice has the tone of an angel and he wants to see the person who that voice belongs to.

Oleg has the voice of an angel and a family. A big, loving, supportive Russian family what he doesn't have is a special someone and he keeps looking in all the wrong places for Mr. Right...until he sees Beck. But as in most cases the path to love is neither straight nor smooth. It takes a leap of faith for both of these men to find what they're looking for.

I started reading this one and could not put it down. I loved Lou Sylvre's 'Vasquez & James' series and this story is written with all of the emotional passion that I found in those books. Of course I wish there'd been more not because the story wasn't complete just simply because I loved it that much. I felt Beck's anger and frustrations with the path his life had taken but I also felt his hope and his strength as he took ownership of his mistakes and determined to have something better...to have a chance at love and happiness with Oleg.

While this was by no means a light and fluffy story it was a story filled with hope and love. Ms Sylvre did this holiday gift up beautifully right down to the bow on the package (the cover). I was totally enchanted with this one and if I can only recommend one book this holiday season I'd have to say this is it. Thankfully I can recommend several others as well but right here, right now this is the one that I want you to notice. Happy Holidays!

********************

An ARC of 'Falling Snow on Snow' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

 'Cause it's gone...gone...gone
And I can't go on, woah...

Seriously this was my mental sound track as I read this story...

I love the Righteous Brothers. I truly do but nearly 200 pages of the same song running through your brain over and over...well, let's me tell you it gets tedious after a while...actually it gets downright monotonous and dammit even my mental voice doesn't sing near as good as The Righteous Brothers...

Looking at current reviews for this book I'm not sure I shouldn't duck and run as I do this. I've put this off for a couple of days now thinking I might change my mind. If you've seen any of my reviews for the original series that this book spun off of than you know. I loved without reservation the entire series Vasquez and James was such an absolute treat for me. I devoured the books and wallowed in their wonderfulness!!! Apparently I should have quite while I was ahead. I'm thinking maybe I should have stopped there but really how could I? When this was written by an author that is a no questions asked must buy for me.

Unfortunately for me this book failed. The characters were flat. The spark of attraction that seemed to begin between Brian and Jackie in Finding Jackie book 3 of Vasquez & James just wasn't there for me. There were some repetition issues that for me got in the way like the constant repetition of the fact that as well as being in love they both wanted a D/s relationship. This was repeated over and over in various ways but still the same message. It was something that I wanted to feel through their actions and interactions and not simply be told over and over again. There were glimmers here and there mostly towards the end of the story that made me feel potential for these two men but overall it just wasn't enough to save this story for me and to add to all that I found the mystery/thriller aspect of the story to be predictable.

While there occasional moments that I enjoyed I have to admit that all in all my favorite thing was the cover. I mean seriously look at that cover it's gorgeous and that man is so Jackie. I don't need to look anywhere else for the perfect representation of that character. I desperately wanted the story to be as beautiful as the cover and for me it just wasn't.

At the end of it all. I still love Lou Sylvre's writing and when the next book comes out I'm going to be reading it because one not so great read in my eyes does not make me willing to give up reading an author who has taken me on five very incredible and emotional adventures not to mention creating one of the sexiest m/m couples going.

So, Ms. Sylvre maybe we were more miss than hit this time but I have faith and I'm crossing my fingers that for me the next one is a hit. By the way did I mention how much I LOVE that cover.

“One of the greatest discoveries a man makes, one of his great surprises, is to find he can do what he was afraid he couldn't do.” ~ Henry Ford

Brian Harrison quit his job at Vasquez Security and went to London because of his unsettling response to Jackie Vasquez, who was only sixteen at the time; but Brian never forgot Jackie. Six years later, Brian visits Jackie's uncle, Luki, where he also gets to see Jackie again. Brian is stunned at the difference between the boy he left and the grown man he is now. Interestingly enough, the mysterious bond between them is as strong as ever. Brian would like to explore these feelings, but because of Jackie's traumatic past, he hesitates. Brian's kink is Shibari, a Japanese bondage style, and he fears that involving Jackie in such an activity may cause him harm.

When Brian and Jackie decide to pursue this inexplicable bond between them, they both know the road is going to be a rocky one. They have both changed a lot and have to learn a lot about each other. Brian is still wary of hurting Jackie, but Jackie definitely wants to be with Brian and boldly pursues him. At first, their relationship is long distance, which is always complicated, but somehow they manage. Brian works for Scotland Yard; Jackie is still in college, but fortunately is accepted to a graduate school in London. They take time to get to know each other, pushing limits, but mindful of each other's reactions. Brian learns that he is very right about Jackie being a natural born sub. He becomes his Dom and carefully works with Jackie, initiating him to the art of Shibari, which Jackie takes to very naturally. Both of them are almost overwhelmed by the emotional and lustful scenarios their lovemaking involves and become closer in every way. They blend together, two halves making a complete and beautiful whole—yin and yang.

Even though Jackie wants to be with Brian, he insists on getting his own apartment rather than moving in with him. He knows that he's still got a lot of growing and thinking to do. He has taken his therapy very seriously and pushed himself hard to understand himself, but his shadowy past still interferes with his life, keeping him guessing whether the fear he feels is real or imagined, a lingering effect of the horrors he's had to overcome. He is determined not to let them control his present and future. Life as a cop's partner is never easy. Brian might be called away at any time; it's hard to make plans. When they are together, they burn up the sheets with passion which is extremely emotional at the same time. Brian makes Jackie feel safe and takes his responsibility to him seriously. When Jackie inadvertently becomes involved in a case, he is, once again, placed in a position that could either make or break him. Jackie must use the coping techniques and self-examination skills he has worked so hard to master. His choice will determine his future and Brian's as well.

This story is well-written and multilayered. The passionate love story is seamlessly fused with the mystery and suspense portion. 'A Shot of J&B' could be read alone; but, beside missing fantastic stories with great characters, to truly understand the complexities of Brian and Jackie's relationship, I recommend reading the 'Vasquez and James' series first. If you like a bit of light D/s action along with a passionate romance, self-growth, suspense, and mystery, this may be a story you will enjoy. Thanks, Lou, for giving Brian and Jackie their well-earned happy ending.