Sticky Fingers

Title: Sticky Fingers
Author: H.T. Murray
Publisher: Torquere Books
Genre: M/M contemporary romance
Length: Sip (17 pages)
Rating: 4.25 stars out of 5

A guest review by Jenre

Summary Review
A sexy peek into the HEA of Cal and Ian from Go Fish.

THE BLURB

Several months into the romance phase of their lifelong relationship, Cal Jerome and Ian Jeffries, of Go Fish fame, are just returning home from a vacation on the Jerome ranch and enjoying a taste of home that involves backyard barbecue and watermelon. Ian’s never been particularly suave, so it’s no surprise he ends up wearing more watermelon than he eats. Completely turned on by the image of Ian covered in watermelon juice, and now, equipped with a handy dandy rind with which to staunch the trademark Ian Jeffries mood-thrashing rhetoric, Cal decides sweet with a side of salty makes for spicy hot fun.

THE REVIEW

We first meet Cal and Ian in the hilarious Go Fish which I reviewed here. This time, instead of Ian’s snarky third person point of view, it’s Cal’s turn to narrate as he observes Ian getting very sticky after eating watermelon and devises the perfect way to clean him up.

As you can probably guess this short is basically an extended sex scene between Cal and Ian. However, the lightness of tone and the obvious affection that Cal has for Ian makes this just a step above the norm. I liked that we get to see the relationship a few months down the line and learn that despite their affection for each other the men are still keeping their relationship on the quiet. I also liked the way that Cal’s fondness for Ian shone through the writing and that even his faults, such as being snarky whilst having sex and ruining the mood, are accepted by Cal as just being part of Ian.

The sex scene itself was a study in contrasts. Ian is subdued as Cal is vocal and aggressive; and the taste of the sweet watermelon mingles with the salt of Ian’s skin. The whole scene was a delight for the senses as Cal revels in the sight and taste of Ian, further emphasising how much the pair have fallen in love.

This story is pretty much aimed at fans of Go Fish who want to have a little peek into the HEA of Cal and Ian. It’s not as overtly funny as Go Fish – probably because much of the humour in that story derived from Ian’s personality – but there are bright flashes of self-depreciating humour in Cal’s narrative too, such as his rueful admission of how much they missed their fish whilst on holiday. If you haven’t read Go Fish then I suggest you read that book first but those who have read that previous book and want more of Cal and Ian will find this little short utterly delightful.