papercranestitches's review
4.0
A new friend recommended that I expand my MM horizons to include Lou Harper's books and I was NOT disappointed by my first exposure to this author. In fact, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more by her!
I loved both characters; the contrast between Sam's bad-boy-makes-good and Jay's troubled-and-slutty-youth-with-a-vulnerable-core really worked for me. I completely bought into the development of their relationship and dug the May-December element to the story. I am such a slut for the age gap trope! *grins*
While I found the BDSM elements to the story hot and well-written, something about those scenes also made me want to giggle while reading them. I can't put my finger on exactly what incited my giggly response, but I think it might been that the style of writing was pretty sweet and light - perhaps too sweet and light for a story with this type of kink. There was no darker motivations, no working out of issues through kink. Sam and Jay just liked what they liked (and I liked reading about it!). But sometimes it felt like the literary equivalent of a kid playing dress up. I don't mean this in a derogatory way in the least - I really liked the style of this story and I know a LOT of friends that feel the same way. I just know that I also wouldn't hesitate to recommend Last Stop to friends of mine that don't particularly like hardcore BDSM stories.
Also... High five to Ms. Harper for the shout out to Heidi Cullinan's Special Delivery. #LongLiveMitch!
I loved both characters; the contrast between Sam's bad-boy-makes-good and Jay's troubled-and-slutty-youth-with-a-vulnerable-core really worked for me. I completely bought into the development of their relationship and dug the May-December element to the story. I am such a slut for the age gap trope! *grins*
While I found the BDSM elements to the story hot and well-written, something about those scenes also made me want to giggle while reading them. I can't put my finger on exactly what incited my giggly response, but I think it might been that the style of writing was pretty sweet and light - perhaps too sweet and light for a story with this type of kink. There was no darker motivations, no working out of issues through kink. Sam and Jay just liked what they liked (and I liked reading about it!). But sometimes it felt like the literary equivalent of a kid playing dress up. I don't mean this in a derogatory way in the least - I really liked the style of this story and I know a LOT of friends that feel the same way. I just know that I also wouldn't hesitate to recommend Last Stop to friends of mine that don't particularly like hardcore BDSM stories.
Also... High five to Ms. Harper for the shout out to Heidi Cullinan's Special Delivery. #LongLiveMitch!
crtsjffrsn's review
3.0
Life in a small town is quiet--just the way Sam Mayne likes it. He's content to work in his diner, keep his head down, and not expect much. But when Jay Colby, a sexy young drifter, pops into the diner looking for work, Sam finds that maybe a part of him is missing some of the excitement he thought he left in the past. The two dive in head-first, both agreeing they're not looking for any sort of commitment from each other. But a sudden change in Sam's demeanor one afternoon and his attempt to quickly push Jay away backs them into a corner that only pulls them closer together. There are men after Sam, and the two must heat out on the run to have any chance of survival. But can they outrun the men with guns? And if they do, does their plan to part ways still stand after they've been through something that can only be described as life-and-death?
This is quite a little adventure, that takes these two across the country with glimpses at the criminals who are following just a few steps behind along the way. It is interesting to see how Sam and Jay begin, and how the circumstances in which they find themselves not only change how they see each other but also how they see themselves. There's a dynamic element in this story that comes through in the subtlety of their interactions at first, before being underscored through more overt action. Theirs is a well-developed relationship arc, and I found I appreciated the author's treatment of it throughout.
This is quite a little adventure, that takes these two across the country with glimpses at the criminals who are following just a few steps behind along the way. It is interesting to see how Sam and Jay begin, and how the circumstances in which they find themselves not only change how they see each other but also how they see themselves. There's a dynamic element in this story that comes through in the subtlety of their interactions at first, before being underscored through more overt action. Theirs is a well-developed relationship arc, and I found I appreciated the author's treatment of it throughout.
suze_1624's review
4.0
I enjoyed this book. It wasn't all shiny and smelling of roses - Sam was a rough,tough ex mob enforcer. Much seemed to made of his age but he is only 36, so not drastically older than Jay.
I was wondering how they were going to avoid the inevitable when you've upset the mob, getting concerned that there would be no nice resolution - rest assured, its there! Apart from the ending, all the nasty stuff happens 'off page' ( its a romance after all). I dont know whether this is an accurate reflection of mob life, but it worked for me. The story did make me think how people in the WPP must always be feeling insecure.
The writing style was very clean, Keeping the story pace moving along quickly - I started late at night otherwise I'm sure I'd"ve read in one sitting!
For those looking for hot sex scenes, you wont be disappointed.
I was wondering how they were going to avoid the inevitable when you've upset the mob, getting concerned that there would be no nice resolution - rest assured, its there! Apart from the ending, all the nasty stuff happens 'off page' ( its a romance after all). I dont know whether this is an accurate reflection of mob life, but it worked for me. The story did make me think how people in the WPP must always be feeling insecure.
The writing style was very clean, Keeping the story pace moving along quickly - I started late at night otherwise I'm sure I'd"ve read in one sitting!
For those looking for hot sex scenes, you wont be disappointed.
kaje_harper's review
4.0
This was a fast, smooth read with main characters I enjoyed watching together. Sam has been hiding from his past in a dull Montana town for a couple of years, quietly working and avoiding relationships. He owns a diner, and his life is safe but boring.
Jay is young, but he's had a string of short and badly-ended relationships, that ended with him moving on. He walks away from his latest truck-driver-ride and on a whim, applies for a job at the diner instead of finding another ride out of town. Sam knows he probably shouldn't hire Jay, given that he's attracted to both Jay's looks, and his sparky attitude. But Jay clearly need the job, and brings out a protective side to Sam. When he finds out Jay has nowhere else to stay, Sam also offers his spare room, and it doesn't take long in close quarters for sex to be on the menu.
The beginning of their relationship is fun, driven by the very different characters of the two men, and quickly incorporating a little mild kink. But then Sam's past catches up with him, forcing him to leave town. Jay turns out to be harder to ditch than Sam expects, and they already care for each other enough not to try too hard to separate. They end up on a road trip, trying to find a safe place to have a life. But with Sam's past, nowhere is really far enough to be safe.
There was some hot sex, some suspense, and a nice building relationship. I might quibble with the plot at the end a little, but I definitely enjoyed it.
Jay is young, but he's had a string of short and badly-ended relationships, that ended with him moving on. He walks away from his latest truck-driver-ride and on a whim, applies for a job at the diner instead of finding another ride out of town. Sam knows he probably shouldn't hire Jay, given that he's attracted to both Jay's looks, and his sparky attitude. But Jay clearly need the job, and brings out a protective side to Sam. When he finds out Jay has nowhere else to stay, Sam also offers his spare room, and it doesn't take long in close quarters for sex to be on the menu.
The beginning of their relationship is fun, driven by the very different characters of the two men, and quickly incorporating a little mild kink. But then Sam's past catches up with him, forcing him to leave town. Jay turns out to be harder to ditch than Sam expects, and they already care for each other enough not to try too hard to separate. They end up on a road trip, trying to find a safe place to have a life. But with Sam's past, nowhere is really far enough to be safe.
There was some hot sex, some suspense, and a nice building relationship. I might quibble with the plot at the end a little, but I definitely enjoyed it.
ktomp17's review
4.0
This was a pretty good book. Sam was a lonely and paranoid (with good reason) guy. Jay was a runaway who had a great spirit about him. The two of them were exactly what the other needed. I liked the drama of the story and the relationship between the two, which played equal parts to the story. This was well written and kept me engaged.
More...