Taste Test: Boys Next Door

Title: Taste Test: Boys Next Door
Authors: Cassidy Ryan, Dakota Flint, Zoe Nichols. Edited by Mychael Black
Publisher: http://www.torquerebooks.com
Genre: Contemporary GLBT (M/M)
Length: 43 pages
Rating: 4.25 stars out of 5

THE BLURB

Sometimes it’s the guy right under your nose that’s perfect for you, but what does it take to notice the boy next door? The Boys Next Door Taste Test explores the untapped joys of what’s right at your doorstep. In Cassidy Ryan’s A Perfect Match, Keaghan is trying to keep his hands off his brother-in-law’s kid sibling, but Trace is just right for him. Will they be the perfect match? In Dakota Flint’s Breaking Point Jonathon Burns moves back into his childhood home after the end of his long-term relationship. He’s not prepared for Alex Walsh, the boy he once loved, trying to rekindle old flames. Jonathon doesn’t want to risk his heart again, so he tries to resist and even tells Alex to back off, but will he fall again anyway? Finally, in Peep Show, by Zoe Nichols, Seth Richards is your average thirty-five year old man whose life is pretty normal. Until Dillon Callaway moves into his neighborhood, that is. When Dillon gives him a show from across
the way, Seth knows his life is about to turn upside down. Can he find the courage to break his comfortable routine?

THE REVIEW

The Taste Test: Boys Next Door anthology contains three stories with variations on the same theme. Here’s my breakdown of each story with their individual ratings.

A Perfect Match by Cassidy Ryan 4.25 stars out of 5

Keaghan is a stallion who is dying to charge into the fray and devour Trace, the young innocent piece of man meat left on his doorstep – well not exactly on his doorstep but on his property, with a large “keep off” sign. He is also deathly afraid of his sister who he thinks would shred his manhood and leave him a gelding if he touches Trace. Keaghan has been trying to keep his hands off his sister’s young brother-in-law by taking cold showers, staying away from home, sleeping on the couch in his office to the amusement of his assistant who thinks this is hilarious, and generally doing everything he can to avoid singing soprano. Eventually when he can no longer stop the flood by holding his finger in the dike he gives in to temptation, confirming in the process that the sweetest treat is the forbidden fruit.

I really loved his story which was funny and sweet. Keaghan’s character was very well developed for such a short story and I found him to be quite appealing. Trace, at 10 years younger, was just dynamite although not as much was known about him but there was an added May/December flavour to the story which gave it a bit more spice. A Perfect Match was a very good read.

Breaking Point by Dakota Flint 4.25 stars out of 5

Jonathon was being tortured … by Alex … It seemed that everywhere he turned, there he was. If he wasn’t stretching or doing chores half naked outdoors, he was doing something else to attract Jonathon’s attention. Alex was bound and determined to get a rise out of him in more ways than one. Jonathon didn’t want to start anything with his first love, Alex, 10 years later, especially after the hurt of his recent break-up with his boyfriend of 7 years. Then one night the thunderstorm raging outside symbolizes his turbulent emotions and frustration with the entire situation and he explodes in a totally unexpected way. Is Alex going to get his wish to be in Jonathon’s arms again?

This is another wonderful story with terrific characters who have enough of a back story to make them appear real. Both Jonathon and Alex were so well drawn I would not have been surprised to see them on the street. Great job Ms Flint.

Peep Show by Zoe Nichols 4.25 stars out of 5

Thirty-five year old Seth Richards’ life has been pretty quiet until a very young man moved in across the street, and what a man – the stuff of dreams! Dillon Callaway is young, hot, with a body that doesn’t quit. Their first encounter certainly put any doubts to rest about Dillon’s sexual orientation. Seth fantasizes about him and has to take cold showers to ease his physical reactions. Then Seth spies Dillon naked in his bedroom one evening and he can’t resist giving in to his natural urges. He has his own peep show with Dillon in the starring role including the accompanying benefits – all that’s missing is the popcorn! Then his cover is blown when the phone rings and he finds himself in another kind of peep show – the kind with rewards of the carnal kind.

Zoe Nichols did such a fine job on Peep Show I wished it would never end. I loved both Seth’s and Dillon’s characters and the author made them three dimensional so that they appeared to be authentic, and they definitely rang each other’s bell. Another great May/December story.

If I had to choose a favorite from these three terrific stories I don’t think I would be able to because they were all unique. Each story, while different, was excellent and I thoroughly enjoyed them. I’m becoming quite fond of these Taste Tests which deliver a most pleasurable delight.