josy's review against another edition
5.0
After RL got in the way, I finally got to read this book one month later than I had planned. By this time, I was a bit afraid because I wanted to read Snakes Among Sweet Flowers as soon as I heard about its release and I thought that my expectations might be too high after having to wait for a chance to read it. You know what it is like, right? You are waiting (im)patiently to finally have the time to do something you desperately want to do, thinking about what it will be like, anticipating it, imagining it in all its details and when the time comes you end up being disappointed because in your mind you made that something so much bigger than it really is.
Well, I needn't have to be afraid. Snakes Among Sweet Flowers has been everything I had hoped it would be.
I started this book yesterday, just before I heard about the shooting that took place in Munich and ended with the death of 10 people, including the attacker, and many more injured. I had to set the book aside because I couldn't concentrate on it as much as I wanted to. I was too upset and unsettled. After going to bed and finding myself unable to sleep because my mind wouldn't quiet down, I picked this book up again and continued reading and it has been the best decision I could have made.
I read some of Jason Huffman-Black's short stories and I've always been surprised by how much his vivid writing would grab me, suck me in, and not let me go until I turned the last page. Snakes Among Sweet Flowers has been the same and I soon found myself absorbed in Cam's and Jackson's story to the point where I couldn't think about anything else but the events unfolding in Hog Mountain. I thought I could feel the sweltering heat, hear the cicadas at night, taste the sweet tea (which I have to say is too sweet for me, lol), and smell the food cooking in a Crock-Pot.
I really appreciated the fact that we got to see Cam's transformation from a scamming ex-con who isn't above stealing money from an elderly couple to someone who cares deeply about the people he found in this close-knit community he now lives in. This becomes especially apparent when the shit hits the proverbial fan and he does everything he can to keep those people safe.
At first, Cam is bewildered by the way of living in a small town in comparison to life in a big city where he came from. Big cities often have an anonymity to them, huge apartment complexes where you know your neighbors only by the name on their mailboxes, and where everyone cares only for themselves. Not so in Hog Mountain where everyone is involved with the other's lives. But, as different as it is from all he has previously known, Cam soon finds that he likes it and gets more and more comfortable in his old house that he sets out to turn into a home. And the more he likes it the more he finds himself unable to continue his scams. You see, Cam is not really a bad guy IMO. Despite the crimes he committed in the past, he has some morals and conscience left. For him, it has been easier to steal from people he didn't know than from people who invite him to dinner and tell him about their lives. And with the kindness, trust, and yes, nosiness, the good people of Hog Mountain heap on him he doesn't have much of a choice but to get to know them.
Then there is Jackson, the town's officer and golden boy, who is protective of his hometown and its citizens, and suspicious of the newcomer who served time in prison. Jackson doesn't trust Cam, wants to keep an eye on him in case he plans something shady, and Cam is wary of Jackson because of the experiences he has made with other law enforcements. However, over time Jackson realizes that it is possible for a person to change their way when they really are determined to do so and Cam has to admit that Jackson is not the bad cop trying to abuse his power who Cam imagined him to be.
Both MCs felt real to me with their different backgrounds, flaws, struggles, and even their transformation into the kind of person they want to be. There was no magical solution to the enemies-to-lovers-relationship and nothing easy and fluffy about it. It all came down to getting to know the other, overcoming their own prejudices, and learning to trust each other. Not something that happens overnight and certainly not something that happens without stepping out of your comfort zone. The author portrayed that very well IMO without the need to implant a huge case of miscommunication that is so often used. The undeniable lust that sparked between them almost from the beginning certainly wasn't a hindrance. But the fact that both men despised and ignored it at first, gave us the opportunity to witness a delicious slow burn.
Another fact I really liked and found refreshing was that in this story the Bible and the belief in God weren't used to condemn homosexuality like we get to see in some 'pray-the-gay-away'-stories but to show that God makes no distinctions no matter who you love.
Add to all this an amazing cover, a great host of secondary characters and a 'What-the-hell-just-happened'-moment I didn't see coming, and you have a wonderful book about second chances in life and finding love that is very well written and will make you feel like you are sitting on a porch with a glass of chilled sweet tea while you listen to the sounds of the night around you.
Well, I needn't have to be afraid. Snakes Among Sweet Flowers has been everything I had hoped it would be.
I started this book yesterday, just before I heard about the shooting that took place in Munich and ended with the death of 10 people, including the attacker, and many more injured. I had to set the book aside because I couldn't concentrate on it as much as I wanted to. I was too upset and unsettled. After going to bed and finding myself unable to sleep because my mind wouldn't quiet down, I picked this book up again and continued reading and it has been the best decision I could have made.
I read some of Jason Huffman-Black's short stories and I've always been surprised by how much his vivid writing would grab me, suck me in, and not let me go until I turned the last page. Snakes Among Sweet Flowers has been the same and I soon found myself absorbed in Cam's and Jackson's story to the point where I couldn't think about anything else but the events unfolding in Hog Mountain. I thought I could feel the sweltering heat, hear the cicadas at night, taste the sweet tea (which I have to say is too sweet for me, lol), and smell the food cooking in a Crock-Pot.
I really appreciated the fact that we got to see Cam's transformation from a scamming ex-con who isn't above stealing money from an elderly couple to someone who cares deeply about the people he found in this close-knit community he now lives in. This becomes especially apparent when the shit hits the proverbial fan and he does everything he can to keep those people safe.
At first, Cam is bewildered by the way of living in a small town in comparison to life in a big city where he came from. Big cities often have an anonymity to them, huge apartment complexes where you know your neighbors only by the name on their mailboxes, and where everyone cares only for themselves. Not so in Hog Mountain where everyone is involved with the other's lives. But, as different as it is from all he has previously known, Cam soon finds that he likes it and gets more and more comfortable in his old house that he sets out to turn into a home. And the more he likes it the more he finds himself unable to continue his scams. You see, Cam is not really a bad guy IMO. Despite the crimes he committed in the past, he has some morals and conscience left. For him, it has been easier to steal from people he didn't know than from people who invite him to dinner and tell him about their lives. And with the kindness, trust, and yes, nosiness, the good people of Hog Mountain heap on him he doesn't have much of a choice but to get to know them.
Then there is Jackson, the town's officer and golden boy, who is protective of his hometown and its citizens, and suspicious of the newcomer who served time in prison. Jackson doesn't trust Cam, wants to keep an eye on him in case he plans something shady, and Cam is wary of Jackson because of the experiences he has made with other law enforcements. However, over time Jackson realizes that it is possible for a person to change their way when they really are determined to do so and Cam has to admit that Jackson is not the bad cop trying to abuse his power who Cam imagined him to be.
Both MCs felt real to me with their different backgrounds, flaws, struggles, and even their transformation into the kind of person they want to be. There was no magical solution to the enemies-to-lovers-relationship and nothing easy and fluffy about it. It all came down to getting to know the other, overcoming their own prejudices, and learning to trust each other. Not something that happens overnight and certainly not something that happens without stepping out of your comfort zone. The author portrayed that very well IMO without the need to implant a huge case of miscommunication that is so often used. The undeniable lust that sparked between them almost from the beginning certainly wasn't a hindrance. But the fact that both men despised and ignored it at first, gave us the opportunity to witness a delicious slow burn.
Another fact I really liked and found refreshing was that in this story the Bible and the belief in God weren't used to condemn homosexuality like we get to see in some 'pray-the-gay-away'-stories but to show that God makes no distinctions no matter who you love.
"Whether homosexuality is a sin or not, if a man or woman believes that Jesus is the son of God, he or she is going to be in heaven right beside you, sitting at the Lord’s feet. And if God loves them enough to welcome them into heaven, who do you think you are to turn them away from your own home or community?"
"If we judge, then should we not be judged?" … "What if your son or your daughter should grow up to be different? What if their child sees love in a different way? Will you disown them? Damn them as something unholy?"
Add to all this an amazing cover, a great host of secondary characters and a 'What-the-hell-just-happened'-moment I didn't see coming, and you have a wonderful book about second chances in life and finding love that is very well written and will make you feel like you are sitting on a porch with a glass of chilled sweet tea while you listen to the sounds of the night around you.
michaeljpdx's review against another edition
4.0
You can read my full review of “Snakes Among Sweet Flowers” at my web site.
suze_1624's review against another edition
4.0
Overall I enjoyed this, 3.5+*
It did take me a few chapters to get into the story - it is fairly low key, perhaps slow like my image of life in the heat of the South (from films!) can be.
Cam is perhaps a bit naive thinking he can run his scams in a small town, and certainly at first he is not a sympathetic character. But his gradual rehabilitaion is curtesy of the kindness from folk, or indeed if you are Ida then it is more like killing with kindness! He becomes embroiled in the welfare of others, though this sort of 'one family town' is totally alien to me so have to trust that it may happen.
There are a few areas of 'what?' (Cam leaving the wallet to be found) but even when the threat of Harold becomes even more real, the slow and steady pace remains.
Jackson and Cam's budding relationship starts frosty and has barely thawed when Cam becomes his carer, forcing more imtimacy and Jackson out of the closet - did enjoy the preacher's sermon!
I did like that when it all went down, Cam didn't go in all guns blazing - the police (can never get my head around US law - sheriff, county, state, highway, why cant there be one!) are there, keep him in control and largely all is resolved OK.
Like a big slice of sweet pie!
It did take me a few chapters to get into the story - it is fairly low key, perhaps slow like my image of life in the heat of the South (from films!) can be.
Cam is perhaps a bit naive thinking he can run his scams in a small town, and certainly at first he is not a sympathetic character. But his gradual rehabilitaion is curtesy of the kindness from folk, or indeed if you are Ida then it is more like killing with kindness! He becomes embroiled in the welfare of others, though this sort of 'one family town' is totally alien to me so have to trust that it may happen.
There are a few areas of 'what?' (Cam leaving the wallet to be found) but even when the threat of Harold becomes even more real, the slow and steady pace remains.
Jackson and Cam's budding relationship starts frosty and has barely thawed when Cam becomes his carer, forcing more imtimacy and Jackson out of the closet - did enjoy the preacher's sermon!
I did like that when it all went down, Cam didn't go in all guns blazing - the police (can never get my head around US law - sheriff, county, state, highway, why cant there be one!) are there, keep him in control and largely all is resolved OK.
Like a big slice of sweet pie!
the_novel_approach's review against another edition
5.0
Snakes Among Sweet Flowers is a first time read for me from author Jason Huffman-Black, and it was very entertaining. His writing is easy to follow and the novel has very good storyline and great portrayal of characters. Huffman-Black really brings the small town warmth of Hog Mountain to life.
Camden “Cam” Sanders isn’t really a bad guy. At a young age he got caught up with a gang of thieves, which eventually became too violent for him. He served time and is now making his way for a normal life in Hog Mountain, Georgia—maybe. Cam still has a little bad left in him—he has just the right amount of charm to scam people—but he finds that small town people really are nice and forgiving. Cam finds himself in a dilemma because he doesn’t understand people being nice, and as he experiences their friendliness, he shows his soft side. Along with Tommasina, Galen, Luanne, and Tony, we get to see Cam become more invested in the people around him.
Jackson Rhodes is a somewhat closeted, church going, police officer in Hog Mountain. He really cares about the people in his community and goes the extra mile to protect everyone. But he doesn’t care for Cam; he’s suspicious of him from the start. When a theft gets reported and he finds Cam is involved, he confronts Cam and it comes to blows. Jackson is frustrated to no end with Cam, but he gets some needed advice from his father, Walter, and Ida Evans.
Cam made one last mistake before leaving Harold Livey’s gang of thieves, and now he’s being tracked down, putting the people of Hog Mountain in danger. Cam has to decide to trust in Jackson and tell him what’s going on.
I love Jackson and Cam; their growing feelings for each other bring out the best in both of them. And they both have a special bond with Galen, Luanne and Tony. There are many solid characters to enjoy in this story, and I found Dr. Grant Moore, the town vet, to be just a little to creepy/stalkerish. Snakes Among Sweet Flowers is suspenseful, dangerous, and was an absolute page turner for me. Jason Huffman-Black is an author I will definitely keep an eye out for.
Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach Reviews
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.com/review-snakes-among-sweet-flowers-by-jason-huffman-black/
Camden “Cam” Sanders isn’t really a bad guy. At a young age he got caught up with a gang of thieves, which eventually became too violent for him. He served time and is now making his way for a normal life in Hog Mountain, Georgia—maybe. Cam still has a little bad left in him—he has just the right amount of charm to scam people—but he finds that small town people really are nice and forgiving. Cam finds himself in a dilemma because he doesn’t understand people being nice, and as he experiences their friendliness, he shows his soft side. Along with Tommasina, Galen, Luanne, and Tony, we get to see Cam become more invested in the people around him.
Jackson Rhodes is a somewhat closeted, church going, police officer in Hog Mountain. He really cares about the people in his community and goes the extra mile to protect everyone. But he doesn’t care for Cam; he’s suspicious of him from the start. When a theft gets reported and he finds Cam is involved, he confronts Cam and it comes to blows. Jackson is frustrated to no end with Cam, but he gets some needed advice from his father, Walter, and Ida Evans.
Cam made one last mistake before leaving Harold Livey’s gang of thieves, and now he’s being tracked down, putting the people of Hog Mountain in danger. Cam has to decide to trust in Jackson and tell him what’s going on.
I love Jackson and Cam; their growing feelings for each other bring out the best in both of them. And they both have a special bond with Galen, Luanne and Tony. There are many solid characters to enjoy in this story, and I found Dr. Grant Moore, the town vet, to be just a little to creepy/stalkerish. Snakes Among Sweet Flowers is suspenseful, dangerous, and was an absolute page turner for me. Jason Huffman-Black is an author I will definitely keep an eye out for.
Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach Reviews
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.com/review-snakes-among-sweet-flowers-by-jason-huffman-black/
swamphag's review against another edition
5.0
In this book we get a retired criminal trying to make a new life for himself and a cop who is utterly suspicious of him. I was worried that I wasn’t going to like it (who knows why) but I really enjoyed it. Black’s writing was really good and he did a good job of pacing the book and developing the characters. It didn’t devolve into stereotype vs stereotype like some other opposites-attract books tend to do.
The people in the small town were numerous and charming. It was nice to see Cam interact with them and grow because of his relationship with the people in the town instead of just his interest in Jackson. Black did a good job of showing Cam’s growth from criminal to a charming small town local and making sure it wasn’t an instant change.
It was a slow burn type of romance so we really get to know both Cam and Jackson as they get to know each other. Jackson was sooooooooo reluctant to get involved with Cam because he saw him as a criminal, but also because Jackson is closeted as all hell. The pace made it easy to root for them and made their eventual relationship more believable.
The only two things that I didn’t really like about it were Grant (gay townie) and the ending. I don’t know why Black included a random section with Grant’s POV in the book, but Grant was really useless in general and did nothing for me. It just added random drama when there was already enough going on.
The ending was just kind of abrupt: sex bye! The rest of the book was really good though and I read it in a hot minute because it just sucked me in.
review originally posted over at Just Love Romance https://justloveromance.wordpress.com/2016/06/20/snakes-among-sweet-flowers-huffman-black/
The people in the small town were numerous and charming. It was nice to see Cam interact with them and grow because of his relationship with the people in the town instead of just his interest in Jackson. Black did a good job of showing Cam’s growth from criminal to a charming small town local and making sure it wasn’t an instant change.
It was a slow burn type of romance so we really get to know both Cam and Jackson as they get to know each other. Jackson was sooooooooo reluctant to get involved with Cam because he saw him as a criminal, but also because Jackson is closeted as all hell. The pace made it easy to root for them and made their eventual relationship more believable.
The only two things that I didn’t really like about it were Grant (gay townie) and the ending. I don’t know why Black included a random section with Grant’s POV in the book, but Grant was really useless in general and did nothing for me. It just added random drama when there was already enough going on.
The ending was just kind of abrupt: sex bye! The rest of the book was really good though and I read it in a hot minute because it just sucked me in.
review originally posted over at Just Love Romance https://justloveromance.wordpress.com/2016/06/20/snakes-among-sweet-flowers-huffman-black/
gabi90's review against another edition
3.0
There was a quiet humor to the narration, which I liked a lot. The story was progressing surely but really slowly. Nothing really happened other than Cam trying to live a new life in a small town after he abandoned the evil ways of living in Atlanta, and he didn't want to go back to jail a third time. The townspeople were very neighborly, and welcomed him with open arms, - not that he deserved it since he tried to con them and steal from them - except one sexy police officer, who had his suspicions.
A two-time ex-con and a police officer. They hated each other at first, and for obvious reasons, they didn't trust each other. I guess it's safe to say this fits into to the enemies-to-lovers category.
Up until around the 60% mark, I loved it, and I thought once we get to the romancy stuff it would be mind-blowing and worth the wait, right? Wrong! One minute they were sucking each other off casually, the next...
"Are we okay?" Cam asked.
"I... I-I don't know"
They were acting like they were together for some time now, but excuse me, no. That didn't happen, they skipped some steps.
And I didn’t even get to enjoy that part when all of a sudden the shit hit the fan with Cam's past knocking on the door and it turned into a crime-fest. And I could've accepted that (though I'm not a fan), but the lack of romance killed it for me.
And then at the end there was all kinds of topics: about coming out and the church, about settling down.
One highlight of this story for me was Grant, the town's snobby gay guy with a wife and 2.5 kids. Everyone knew he was gay, but no one really talked about it. He didn’t really serve a purpose other than, but he was kinda hilarious. He got exactly one chapter where we got his POV, but it was fun. He's an ass though but I liked him as a side character.
Trigger warnings: rape (Cam talks about it in a memory, so it's not very detailed), angry sex (after some hand to hand combat; not penetrative), stealing from old people, mention of child abuse, also !spoiler!.
A two-time ex-con and a police officer. They hated each other at first, and for obvious reasons, they didn't trust each other. I guess it's safe to say this fits into to the enemies-to-lovers category.
Up until around the 60% mark, I loved it, and I thought once we get to the romancy stuff it would be mind-blowing and worth the wait, right? Wrong! One minute they were sucking each other off casually, the next...
"Are we okay?" Cam asked.
"I... I-I don't know"
They were acting like they were together for some time now, but excuse me, no. That didn't happen, they skipped some steps.
And I didn’t even get to enjoy that part when all of a sudden the shit hit the fan with Cam's past knocking on the door and it turned into a crime-fest. And I could've accepted that (though I'm not a fan), but the lack of romance killed it for me.
And then at the end there was all kinds of topics: about coming out and the church, about settling down.
One highlight of this story for me was Grant, the town's snobby gay guy with a wife and 2.5 kids. Everyone knew he was gay, but no one really talked about it. He didn’t really serve a purpose other than
Spoiler
outing Jackson, the deeply closeted police officer and Cam's love interestTrigger warnings: rape (Cam talks about it in a memory, so it's not very detailed), angry sex (after some hand to hand combat; not penetrative), stealing from old people, mention of child abuse, also !spoiler!
Spoiler
killing and death (on-page)jpjackson's review
5.0
I loved this story! Cute charming, some intrigue and a great cast of small town characters, all of whom I could relate to having lived in a small town! Fully encourage anyone to read this story.