Where Nerves End (A Tucker Springs novel) by L.A. Witt

Where Nerves End (A Tucker Springs novel) by L.A. Witt
Stars: 3/5

Length: 61,000 words, 180 pages
Blurb
Jason Davis can handle a breakup. And an overwhelming mortgage. And a struggling business. And the excruciating pain that keeps him up at night thanks to a shoulder injury. Handling all of it at once? Not so much. When his shoulder finally pushes him to a breaking point, he takes a friend’s advice and gives acupuncture a try.

Michael Whitman is a single dad struggling to make ends meet. When a mutual friend refers a patient, and that patient suggests a roommate arrangement to alleviate their respective financial strains, Michael jumps at the opportunity.

Living together would be easy if Jason wasn’t so damned attracted to Michael. Good thing Michael’s straight, or the temptation might just be too much.

Well, their mutual friend says Michael is straight…

Overall
Sweet, cute story that isn't incredibly fresh, but holds up on its own. Another lovely Tucker Springs tale.

Review
Oddly enough, this was the first Tucker Springs story to come out, so of course it was the last one I read (not including any future releases)! Part of that was just circumstance, so when I had birthday money to burn on books, I remedied that problem.

I could very much associate with Jason and his pain, and his struggle to find something that would relieve the agony, along with the sleeplessness that can join that pain. (And I'll be honest, the story has caught my interest regarding acupuncture.)

While I liked Michael and Jason together, I struggled with the mid- to late-sections of the book. The conflict, while reasonable, didn't feel believable to me. I had trouble really relating to Michael's dilemma, although I realize it's a very real challenge. In real life, something minor--no matter imaginary or not--can stop us from going after what we want. So it wasn't that it wasn't something that needed to be overcome, I just felt he was making a bigger deal about the whole thing than was necessary.

But, along that same vein, the resolution and falling action all fit well with the story, the characters, and the conflict. So I guess I'm a little mixed on the whole thing. It's all perfectly reasonable and realistic, but it also made me want to smack Michael upside the head.

If anyone was scared off by the presence of child in the story, this one is fairly safe. He's 7 years old and only with Michael half the time, so he's barely on screen for those who prefer their romances child free. And toward the end, he has some rather cute scenes with his family.

In general, I found the story enjoyable, but it didn't wow me. Aside from some disagreements with Michael, I don't have anything bad to say about this tale. Definitely worth a read, especially for fans of Tucker Springs, who--if you're anything like me--want to collect them all! (And on that note: These probably work best read in order, but for the most part, it's not necessary. The only points given away is you know who ends up with whom, which is usually obvious anyway in this genre.)

Out of Focus by LA Witt

Out of Focus by LA Witt
Stars: 3.5/5

Length: 244 pages
Blurb
He’ll bend for them. But they may break over him.

For twelve years, Dom lovers Ryan “Angel” Morgan and Dante James have run a successful photography business, and satisfied their need for a submissive with the occasional sizzling three-way. On a wedding job, they both zero in on the bride’s beautiful brother, but as professionals, they keep their attraction on the down-low—for now.

Jordan Steele has no trouble establishing mastery over his stallions. When he hires Angel and Dante to shoot promotional photos for his stable, though, there’s something about them that calls to his inner submissive. After a little flirtation and a photo session that gets almost too hot to handle, Angel and Dante are happy to show him the ropes. And the whip.

Once they break the ice, their sexual chemistry burns hotter than a macro flash. Everyone gets what they need…until emotions come into play. Their power could develop into something permanent, throw everything off balance—leaving one of them the odd man out.

Overall
A good showing of a threesome with hot sex scenes and believable resolutions that was a touch heavy on the number of sex scenes and didn't completely enthrall me. Enjoyable, sexy and well done.

Strengths
The triad in this story was well handled, from the coming together (*cough*) to the difficulties they face when having three, especially when two are an established couple. The characters all think things through and come up with good solutions, making this a believable scenario.

Also, the sex scenes with all three are delicious, a great dynamic between characters and playing with some medium-light BDSM. Although there were too many sex scenes for my liking, most of the ones in it as very enjoyable. If you're looking for something with a nice amount of steamy, sex to balance out the plot, this will be good for it.

The cover is eye-catching and artistic, which is fitting since two of the main characters are expert photographers. The cover seems to go right in line with the type of work they do on the side. It's symbolic, powerful and erotic in it's struggle. Very nice.

Weaknesses
There was too much sex for me. Not mind-numbingly too much, but any time there was a scene that didn't involve all three, I tended to skim. This might not be a problem for everyone, and if you're looking for a book with a fair amount of sex, this is your gig. The sex doesn't outweigh the story, and most the sex scenes are important to overall development, but still, a bit much sex.

The ending wasn't bad, but it was just...OK. While resolutions are often obvious in the romance genre, (and that's not my complaint), this one didn't evoke a strong emotional response where, even knowing how things would end up, I still get emotionally invested in the characters and the situation. While I liked the characters, wanted them happy, and liked the ending, I wasn't on pins and needles waiting for the resolution.