Make You Mine (The Rock Gods Book 3)
A**Z
Not Bad, But I Can't Believe She Went There
"Make You Mine" is a pretty good book. Don't let the subtitle, "The Rock Gods", mislead you, there's virtually nothing about rock and roll in this book, no concerts, no recordings, no touring, just the estates and private jets that are the inevitable end result of success in the music world.It was a bit long, and a bit heavy on the sex. This is another one of those books that has 400 pages, 350 of which are sex scenes. Oh, but I wish that, even in my prime, I could remain aroused for twenty-four hours a day, for weeks on end.The two lead characters, Jayson and Cooper are good together. Jayson is a carpenter whom Cooper meets at a rock-star party on Martha's Vineyard - a house where Jayson had done some work. After about fifty pages of commitment-phobia, they spend the rest of the book learning what a successful relationship is all about, navigating the shoals of hurt feelings and lack of communication (original, right?).A fair amount of time is spent winding up the previous book in the series, including an ending dedicated to the commitment ceremony of Alex, Danni and Chase, celebrating the three-way created in the earlier work. I don't know why, but three-ways just don't ring my bell, especially in a book focusing on two men who fall madly (and exclusively) in love with each other. In fact, Ms. Lister sets up an abortive three-way with Jayson, Cooper and a stranger as a "birthday present" for Jayson. It was a terrible idea, works out terribly (except that it's the first time they tell each other that they love each other), and seems to be more about the author's particular fetish for "menages" than it does the characters'.Add in a radically homophobic stepfather who beats his son, and the requisite number of arguments and reconciliations between Jason and Cooper - all of which, of course, end up in bed, and you have all 400+ pages, some of which was rather repetitive.Also, unlike some of the other female Gay Romance authors I've read (and there have been many!), the constant dwelling on how much they feel their love and how each smile throws them into a trance, and how perfect their bodies are reads somewhat "girly". I don't mean to denigrate girls or women in any way, but authenticity rather requires that men act like men - and I don't mean running around scratching themselves and belching, but not like teenage girls having their first crush.The writing was fine. Dialogue was generally believable and the voices were in keeping with the characters. Descriptions were vivid, though, at some times, overboard. In several cases, Ms. Lister goes on and on with descriptions of flowers decorating a pagoda and details of the dresses worn at Chase, Danni and Alex's commitment ceremony. At those points, there's little doubt that the book was written with a woman's voice.The editing was better than some reviewers noted. I suspect that the book must have been re-released with updates, as I have read many M/M Romance books where the editing was much worse. The only thing that sticks in my craw is my endless surprise that so many authors don't appear to have completed Junior High School English before they started penning their novels. It's downright embarrassing when an author like Ms. Lister doesn't seem to have a clue how to use apostrophes. Please, Ms. Lister, there are NO apostrophes in plurals! Never, ever, ever. And "yours" doesn't (or shouldn't) have one ("your's"). It is sad that the editors seem to be as bad as the authors whose work they edit.But what really upset me, and caused me to give this book three stars (and I considered that generous, but I liked the characters when they weren't mooning over each other) was, to my mind, almost unforgivable.If an author is going to write a gay novel, the very LEAST they can do is research the LGBT community and get to know them. Above all, you must NOT offend your gay readers. And Ms. Lister did.In several places in the book, she refers to a gay "lifestyle", even has some characters referring to their own sexual orientation as a "lifestyle". Anyone who knows the LGBT community, at all, would know that that is extremely offensive. The word "lifestyle" is used only by the worst "Christian" homophobes to denigrate and diminish gay people. It turns our sexual orientation into a casual "choice", like which restaurant you dine at, what trendy shoes you wear, and what movies you go to. Those are "lifestyle" choices. Sexual orientation is NOT a lifestyle choice. In fact, it is not a choice at all, but rather an immutable, essential part of your being - which has NOTHING to do with lifestyle. The whole intent of the use of that word is to signify that straights have a life, gays have a "lifestyle".I know the author didn't mean to be offensive by using the term "lifestyle", but she was. I can't believe she went there, parroting the words of the worst anti-gay bigots and putting them in the mouths of sympathetic gay characters.To be honest, it ruined this book for me, and I'm loath to read or recommend any other books by Ms. Lister until she is able to demonstrate that she is not as clueless as she appears to be about her subject.Until I wrote this, I didn't realize how angry I was about this. I really want to drop my rating to two stars, but now that only seems vindictive. But, if you care about LGBT people and how we are perceived and persecuted, I strongly suggest you let Ms. Lister know that "lifestyle" is not a synonym for "sexual orientation", and if she's going to continue writing gay fiction, she needs to figure that out and get it right.For that reason, alone, I do not recommend this book.
S**G
3.5-4 stars. Kind of forever..
First of all I really, really loved Cooper and Jayson. I loved the whole gay rock star. I have read m&m books, but none have been with a rock star. So that was new and I loved it. I felt the connection they had on the beach, but I felt things move a little too fast, but again, he IS a rock star, so I imagine dating or having a relationship with a rock star you have to have a fast paced relationship, especially living so far from each other.I also felt the story was WAY too long, I felt lots of stuff was not necessary and felt some parts were skimmed over that I wanted to see more of. Some stuff was boring and ragged on and I felt if it was a tiny bit shorter, especially since not THAT much happens, a lot of sex , that it would of been a five star for me. I loved the story, the relationship, the commitment, change, trust, I loved the struggles they go through and all the other side stories. I have never read any of the books before this, I see there is more before this and I will need to read them to get some background on some of the characters that are on the journey with Cooper and Jayson. Again, I loved the story line and really loved the characters, just felt a lot was not needed and too long and some answers were not answered for me, like Jayson's brother Eric, soo many questions. I hope he or Wheland get their own stories. I will read more from this author in the future and going to read other members books as well.A must read for sure! and VERY hot and sweet. These two are adorable and funny!"Give it all to me, Jay; every last bit of love you have and I will treasure it - like I treasure you."
R**S
5 Stars Isn't Enough For This Book
I can't praise Ann or her series The Rock Gods enough. This has to be by far one of the best M/M series I've ever had the pleasure of reading. Ann doesn't just write a story she brings it to life. From the story lines that captivate you to the characters that pull you in each book feels like coming home to family. This time we visit Cooper Rand and Jayson Keller's story.Cooper and Jayson first met in Take What You Want (The Rock Gods #2) where they had instant chemistry. Both of these men in the past have hooked up with both men and women in the past but now they are only involved with men. Neither Cooper or Jayson have ever been in a relationship before. They start off as hook ups but then emotions become involved. Emotions that were already there just not being acknowledged. Cooper and Jayson have many obstacles to overcome if they want to reach a place of happiness, love, and contentment in their relationship.One of my favorite things about this series is that we also get to catch up on what's going on in the lives of the characters from the previous books. If you haven't read this book yet I recommend doing so now. You will be blown away by this love story. Though this book can be read as a stand alone I do recommend reading Fall For Me (The Rock Gods #1) and Take What You Want (The Rock Gods #2) first. This way you will be better acquainted with some of the characters.Thanks Ann for another fabulous story. I can't wait for Wheland's story and my next trip home. <3
J**E
he's the fun guy to be around
Rock God, Cooper Rand. What can I tell you about this man? He is irresistible for starters, he's the fun guy to be around. His partying lifestyle is lively to say the least but there does become a time in everyone's life when they start to think about more. Until Cooper met Jayson the word 'more' didn't even enter his vocabulary.Jayson Keller is Chase's best friend, you might have met him in book two 'Take What You Want' and if you haven't, boy do you need to read that story. Jayson met Cooper at a party being hosted by the awesome Alex who you can also read about in book two. They strike you a friendship, friends with benefits some might say. God this book was hot, how the pages didn't burst into flames while I was reading is a mystery because it certainly was too hot to handle.Cooper has had endless hook ups, living the Rock Star lifestyle to it's fullest, partying, drinking, smoking, women, men, totally not choosey. Him and Wheland liked to play around. When Cooper's way of thinking starts to change, Wheland does not make it easy for him.Cooper and Jayson become real close both thinking of a future but then unsure of what the other is thinking. Life has not been easy for either of these guys and Jayson is still dealing with a lot. Cooper wants to be there for him when things go bad but Jayson hasn't quite grasped the concept of being in a relationship yet. Mistakes are made, people get hurt and only true love can survive.This was a passionate story filled with love, friendship and some seriously HOT sex. Every time I read another book from the Rock Gods series, I think, oh I love him and this is the best book by far but in reality they are all amazing and I couldn't just choose one.This is a must read for all M/M Romances lovers, nobody throws out passion like the Rock Gods.
T**R
Beautifully Written, Gripping Storyline!!
After reading the first Two books in The Rock Gods series it has felt like forever waiting for the Third book, Make You Mine to be released.Ann Lister certainly does not hold back with her style of writing and somehow manages to handle the most unconventional relationships with the dignity and respect they deserve!This book focuses on cooper and Jayson, Two men who have never been in love and are only used to hook up's with other men and the odd female.After their first meeting both realise there is a attraction between them that neither can ignore, regardless to the fact they live on different costs.Copper being the drummer for the rock band Ivory Tower makes meeting up easier as he has the use of the bands private jet. From the next meeting the sexual tension between them is huge and I did wonder if the book was going to be filled with too many pages of sex for my liking. I could feel myself wanting to get back to the story line as I was already gripped by these amazing characters!I don't want to give the storyline away as it is one that must be read and savoured.The relationship that builds between Copper and Jayson is breathtaking they have many obstacles to over come, including,learning to communicate plus their own insecurities.I loved seeing the characters from the previous books it was exceptionally easy to slip straight back into their world as if there had been no wait between books at all. This is down to the authors incredible talent of character development, they become etched in your mind and heart and there is no forgetting them!The tension in the storyline builds throughout and there is a few parts where I could feel my emotions getting the better of me as there was lots of drama going on with this loveable couple as well as other characters.I did realise the amount of sex in the beginning of the book was paramount to the story, it gave me a better understanding towards the characters lifestyles and certainly calmed down as the story took hold.Ann lister has written this book beautifully, although there was lots going on the premises of the story was based on family which certainly we learn does not have to be based on blood relatives!I absolutely loved this book and am hoping the next in the series will be available soon as I am now rather sad to have read the last page!Highly recommended!
R**N
Oh Boy What A Choker
I must say this is one of the sweetest stories I've read in my long while. Jayson is gay and in the closet and lives in a small town. While at a friends party he meets Cooper the drummer of a band who is noted for being a player, never commiting and only doing hook-ups, with male, female or a combination of both together. He and Jay get together on the beach during the party, and seem it instantly hit it off. Being that neither has actually had a solid relationship they both struggle to understand the feelings that are going on between them. I love this sooo very much, it's romance and passion with capitals. Read it and do yourself of favour
M**6
Fantastic..!!
I absolutely loved Make you Mine, well worth the wait, all the (Rock Gods) have been fantastic Anne Lister doesn't disappoint that's for sure..!! The chemistry between Cooper and Jayson was off the scale, I love how everything was portrayed, totally believable brilliant story and journey. I loved all the characters, everything came together beautifully but not without it's ups and downs. I have to say the ending was so lovely and I'm hoping we will get to here Wheland's story next??
F**I
Loved it!
Really enjoyed re-visiting these characters from the other books which I also loved. The story is essentially a beautiful, romantic love story about 2 people finding each other and finding out all about each other. Lots of hot sex and great conversation between the characters that I found intimately engaging. Really hoping there will be another one to come. Would highly recommend for a satisfying and well written read.
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