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Body Surf
Tired of running wild and drifting without direction, Joe Amato craves some stability, wanting to belong to something, someplace, or even someone. When he sees Cameron, a gorgeous blond lifeguard working the beach near his sister's house, suddenly he knows exactly what he wants to grab onto.
Swamped with suitors, Cameron seems unattainable, so Joe can't believe his good fortune when the lifeguard seems to fall for him too. But there's Natani, a former lover of Cameron's who refuses to let go, and her persistence quickly turns to stalking and crazy antics.
Cameron struggles to dissuade her, desperate not to ruin things with Joe, but Natani has a secret, one that could destroy their happiness forever.
Swamped with suitors, Cameron seems unattainable, so Joe can't believe his good fortune when the lifeguard seems to fall for him too. But there's Natani, a former lover of Cameron's who refuses to let go, and her persistence quickly turns to stalking and crazy antics.
Cameron struggles to dissuade her, desperate not to ruin things with Joe, but Natani has a secret, one that could destroy their happiness forever.
73 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 28, 2012
4 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Darien Cox
26 books345 followersAuthor Darien Cox lives in New England and enjoys using romantic fiction to explore the intensity, insanity, humor, and chaos that accompanies cupid’s arrow.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 31, 2015
This book was a total fail, but Darien Cox doesn't care because s/he already has my money.
Why this book was terrible:
- fucking instaluv
- cornball lines like "I was dead before I met you," "I knew you'd be someone I could lose myself in," and my personal favourite (spouted about 2 days after the MCs met each other), "You own me." BLECH! I've never in my life come across a 20-something that would say this shit.
- use of the words "channel" and "lover" *shudders*
- petty, childish, unlikeable characters in a completely dysfunctional relationship.
- an over the top female vixen/villain that was... wait for it... Ideas like this one seriously make me question whether the author has anyone beta read their work. And, if they do, if they've bothered to find honest betas who'll straight up tell you your shit has gone off the rails.
The only thing I actually enjoyed about this book was when Cameron called Joe "Boston" when he was being cutesy. Sue me, but I think ridiculously obvious nicknames in this vein are adorable.
Why this book was terrible:
- fucking instaluv
- cornball lines like "I was dead before I met you," "I knew you'd be someone I could lose myself in," and my personal favourite (spouted about 2 days after the MCs met each other), "You own me." BLECH! I've never in my life come across a 20-something that would say this shit.
- use of the words "channel" and "lover" *shudders*
- petty, childish, unlikeable characters in a completely dysfunctional relationship.
- an over the top female vixen/villain that was... wait for it... Ideas like this one seriously make me question whether the author has anyone beta read their work. And, if they do, if they've bothered to find honest betas who'll straight up tell you your shit has gone off the rails.
The only thing I actually enjoyed about this book was when Cameron called Joe "Boston" when he was being cutesy. Sue me, but I think ridiculously obvious nicknames in this vein are adorable.
December 17, 2013
Aww I'm writing this quickie review with a little pout because I've just had a ball reading Darien Cox's four other m/m books and I was hoping I was going to make it five for five but unfortunately for me this one didn't quite work.
Darien does have a leaning towards insta love in all his (I'm going with Darien being a he till I learn differently) stories and love it or hate it, personally I think he does it pretty good but in this one I found the insta love and declarations ( and it is extremely instant) just that bit too much and the subplots with the stalking bitch and nasty dad didn't convince me either so my connection was a bit hazy on this story.
I'm not going to go all picky pikey on it because one slight disappointment in five books isn't worth making a fuss about and its not a horrible story at all, just didn't match up to my previous reading experiences, that I've had so much fun and pleasure with. Didn't love it but I certainly didn't hate it, and I'm glad I've read it to add to the DC experience.
Still a fan and looking forward now to future releases.
Darien does have a leaning towards insta love in all his (I'm going with Darien being a he till I learn differently) stories and love it or hate it, personally I think he does it pretty good but in this one I found the insta love and declarations ( and it is extremely instant) just that bit too much and the subplots with the stalking bitch and nasty dad didn't convince me either so my connection was a bit hazy on this story.
I'm not going to go all picky pikey on it because one slight disappointment in five books isn't worth making a fuss about and its not a horrible story at all, just didn't match up to my previous reading experiences, that I've had so much fun and pleasure with. Didn't love it but I certainly didn't hate it, and I'm glad I've read it to add to the DC experience.
Still a fan and looking forward now to future releases.
May 30, 2013
2.5* maybe...
Kinda spoilerish review
Cameron is a genius and wealthy spending his last summer at the Cape as a lifeguard before he goes back to CA and be who his parents expect him to be.
Joe isn't what his dad wants either, so he's working for his BIL and living with his sister over the summer while deciding what to do with his life.
They meet and fall in bed and fall in love, stalker ex girlfriend, evil evil dad, super supportive older sister and a dog named Polly.
That sums it up I guess, I get young guys ( 21 and 22 respectively) falling quick and hard..but really? "I was dead until you kissed me"! The first night sex and ' you own me' , " I love you" the second night.."live with me" the third night.
I can do instant love, when you read as many paranormals as I do, you have to go with it, but this one just didn't work for me, the dialog was OTT cheesy and the speed they moved their relationship forward and overcame their one small hiccup was whiplash inducing.
Kinda spoilerish review
Cameron is a genius and wealthy spending his last summer at the Cape as a lifeguard before he goes back to CA and be who his parents expect him to be.
Joe isn't what his dad wants either, so he's working for his BIL and living with his sister over the summer while deciding what to do with his life.
They meet and fall in bed and fall in love, stalker ex girlfriend, evil evil dad, super supportive older sister and a dog named Polly.
That sums it up I guess, I get young guys ( 21 and 22 respectively) falling quick and hard..but really? "I was dead until you kissed me"! The first night sex and ' you own me' , " I love you" the second night.."live with me" the third night.
I can do instant love, when you read as many paranormals as I do, you have to go with it, but this one just didn't work for me, the dialog was OTT cheesy and the speed they moved their relationship forward and overcame their one small hiccup was whiplash inducing.
December 7, 2017
There are so many ' wrong ' with this story.
1.The female bitch (in most MM stories) is typical, the bitchiest of the bitches, and I I have an urge to kill her right away.
2.Cam is TSTL, I mean, he can't be that stupid, right?
3.No solution about Joe's car? Ever heard about police report? Yo, Cam?
4.That bitch just walked away and no 'rewards' for her? Here, let me give it! Grrr!
5.Insta love? Seriously? I read so many insta love in books, but this one is so unbelievable.
6.The no condom sex? Just believe it like that? I'm clean, you clean, let's do it. (I can hear my eye rolling until now).
1.The female bitch (in most MM stories) is typical, the bitchiest of the bitches, and I I have an urge to kill her right away.
2.Cam is TSTL, I mean, he can't be that stupid, right?
3.No solution about Joe's car? Ever heard about police report? Yo, Cam?
4.That bitch just walked away and no 'rewards' for her? Here, let me give it! Grrr!
5.Insta love? Seriously? I read so many insta love in books, but this one is so unbelievable.
6.The no condom sex? Just believe it like that? I'm clean, you clean, let's do it. (I can hear my eye rolling until now).
March 26, 2017
Another short insta love sexy romance but this time the guys are even younger and there's a completely bizarre plot twist towards the end that really comes out of nowhere.
Still, Cameron and Joe have the usual sexual chemistry I expect from this author so suspend belief and just run with it.
Still, Cameron and Joe have the usual sexual chemistry I expect from this author so suspend belief and just run with it.
June 18, 2018
Solid three star story! I wish I had reviewed it right after I read it because now the details are hazy and I just remember over all enjoying it. It's a shorter story of course with things happening fairly quickly and the two falling in love very fast. The 'mean girl' reveal was surprising, haven't decided if it was clever or not. Liked this overall and am a fan of this author!
September 26, 2012
Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews
If you are not a fan of insta-love, then this may not be the story for you. It may not be love at first sight, but it certainly seems that way, and it is love extremely quickly. If you put that part aside, however, there is some lovely writing within this story. There are phrases that made me see the love, but not so sweet that I’d roll my eyes. At one point, Joe even admits to himself that he never believed in love at first sight, yet here it was happening to him. So they are aware this thing is going at hyperspeed. But Joe also thinks that “Seeing Cameron had been like seeing something that was always his, something he’d forgotten he owned, and needed to reclaim.” What a great way to express that feeling.
Another example of this author’s creative turn of phrase, “Apparently, he’d been walking around for years thinking his secret was covertly covered up, only to find it’d been naked with its junk hanging out the entire time.” Made me laugh, as well as realize that happens so often. You think you are hiding things so well and then…
The writing aside, the story itself was enjoyable and light. I liked it more in the beginning, the twist at the end was something I didn’t believe. Natani is something else. Joe’s sister Alyssa is the sister everybody should have, and Cameron’s family is the one you don’t wish on anyone.
An easy read, and I’ll be watching for other work by this author.
If you are not a fan of insta-love, then this may not be the story for you. It may not be love at first sight, but it certainly seems that way, and it is love extremely quickly. If you put that part aside, however, there is some lovely writing within this story. There are phrases that made me see the love, but not so sweet that I’d roll my eyes. At one point, Joe even admits to himself that he never believed in love at first sight, yet here it was happening to him. So they are aware this thing is going at hyperspeed. But Joe also thinks that “Seeing Cameron had been like seeing something that was always his, something he’d forgotten he owned, and needed to reclaim.” What a great way to express that feeling.
Another example of this author’s creative turn of phrase, “Apparently, he’d been walking around for years thinking his secret was covertly covered up, only to find it’d been naked with its junk hanging out the entire time.” Made me laugh, as well as realize that happens so often. You think you are hiding things so well and then…
The writing aside, the story itself was enjoyable and light. I liked it more in the beginning, the twist at the end was something I didn’t believe. Natani is something else. Joe’s sister Alyssa is the sister everybody should have, and Cameron’s family is the one you don’t wish on anyone.
An easy read, and I’ll be watching for other work by this author.
October 8, 2014
And another Darien Cox gem with endearing characters, super delicious nekkid fun, and some loving on the beach.
I abso-fucking-lutely love Cam and Joe in Body Surf!
Their moments together are really yum!
Yes it's insta-love at its finest, but hey, that's one of my kinks.
Honestly, Darien Cox books are like comfort food, only they don't mess with your body, at least not in an unwanted way *wink*
I abso-fucking-lutely love Cam and Joe in Body Surf!
Their moments together are really yum!
Yes it's insta-love at its finest, but hey, that's one of my kinks.
Honestly, Darien Cox books are like comfort food, only they don't mess with your body, at least not in an unwanted way *wink*
December 16, 2015
Pretty cool story, but a little short. A part 2 would be good.
October 15, 2015
3.5 'I liked this short, easy to read mm story with hot charcters' stars.
June 7, 2020
the getting together part was great, the "crazy ex" part was annoying but fine (i kinda did like the cookies scene, and then the angst, the angst was great), everything past that was fucking ridiculous
October 26, 2012
Darien Cox is a new author for me and I really liked his easy style of writing and ability to really make me care about his characters. I loved the kinship and the sizzling chemistry the two heroes had for one another and enjoyed the story they told.
Joe is unsure about what he wants to do in life. He’s restless and although he knows he should have his future all planned out; instead he is living with his sister in Cape Cod and working for his brother-in-law until he’s able to make a decision. Despite his sister’s good intentions and support, Joe is still lonely. So when he sees a handsome lifeguard at the beach, he immediately captivated by him. But as Joe continues to watch the sexy lifeguard, he begins to believe that the man might be a little bit of a player and is straight by the way females hang all over him. Even though this bothers him, he can’t help but feel a little flattered and hopeful when the sexy lifeguard seems to be watching him almost as much as Joe does.
Cameron can’t help but notice the sexy stranger watching him at the beach, so when he runs into the man, Joe, as he was surfing a day or so later; Cameron is excited to meet him. There’s something about Joe that really fascinates Cameron and he’s thrilled when Joe agrees to go out with him. But as the two men start to get know each other, problems arise. Cameron has a woman who is practically stalking him and her lies soon bring trouble into the two men’s’ lives. Will they be able to work through all of the miscommunication between them so they can have a future together?
I loved Cameron and Joe. I thought there were both well-written, likeable heroes that lived and breathed off of the written page. Both men have a lot of things going on in their lives and things they must overcome if they want to have a happy relationship together, and I thought the author did a great job at tackling these issues head-on, so these men could find their happy ending together.
The story itself is fast-paced and an easy and sexy read. There is a twist to the story that I didn’t see coming, and the author surprised me at being able to work through it in an interesting and realistic manner. I particularly enjoyed the heated chemistry between Cameron and Joe and I thought they were a good and solid couple together. If you are looking for a sweet and sexy read about two men looking for love while doing some serious soul-searching of themselves, Body Surf is definitely a book you should consider. I’m looking forward to reading more from Darien Cox in the future. Recommended!
Joe is unsure about what he wants to do in life. He’s restless and although he knows he should have his future all planned out; instead he is living with his sister in Cape Cod and working for his brother-in-law until he’s able to make a decision. Despite his sister’s good intentions and support, Joe is still lonely. So when he sees a handsome lifeguard at the beach, he immediately captivated by him. But as Joe continues to watch the sexy lifeguard, he begins to believe that the man might be a little bit of a player and is straight by the way females hang all over him. Even though this bothers him, he can’t help but feel a little flattered and hopeful when the sexy lifeguard seems to be watching him almost as much as Joe does.
Cameron can’t help but notice the sexy stranger watching him at the beach, so when he runs into the man, Joe, as he was surfing a day or so later; Cameron is excited to meet him. There’s something about Joe that really fascinates Cameron and he’s thrilled when Joe agrees to go out with him. But as the two men start to get know each other, problems arise. Cameron has a woman who is practically stalking him and her lies soon bring trouble into the two men’s’ lives. Will they be able to work through all of the miscommunication between them so they can have a future together?
I loved Cameron and Joe. I thought there were both well-written, likeable heroes that lived and breathed off of the written page. Both men have a lot of things going on in their lives and things they must overcome if they want to have a happy relationship together, and I thought the author did a great job at tackling these issues head-on, so these men could find their happy ending together.
The story itself is fast-paced and an easy and sexy read. There is a twist to the story that I didn’t see coming, and the author surprised me at being able to work through it in an interesting and realistic manner. I particularly enjoyed the heated chemistry between Cameron and Joe and I thought they were a good and solid couple together. If you are looking for a sweet and sexy read about two men looking for love while doing some serious soul-searching of themselves, Body Surf is definitely a book you should consider. I’m looking forward to reading more from Darien Cox in the future. Recommended!
December 16, 2012
This review was originally written for The Romance Reviews and can also be found there.
I was absolutely thrilled when I first started reading BODY SURF. The perfect combination of sexy and adorable was exactly what I needed and the last thing I expected was to find it on a beach.
Joe is taking the summer to work for his sister's husband after leaving college and having an argument with his father about it. He needs a break and direction, but he'll take the former if he can't come to terms with the latter. What he didn't expect was Cameron, a lifeguard who was everything Joe wanted in man. While Cameron seems unattainable, Joe is willing to try and what he eventually gains was well worth the risk.
Now while the beginning was quite frankly amazing, the rest of the book was pretty much overwhelmed by conspiracies and too fast solutions. The instant love that follows needed some work to be believable, but instead the author needed to focus on the conflict that was just a tad bit over the top. Even by the end, resolution of the same didn't work for me, but it bothered me more that the story lost the adorable feel and turned more toward the ordinary.
It was still a good little story but not really one of those that will make you sit up and pay attention. What is worth mentioning is Joe's sister and I would definitely like to see more of her in maybe another, future book.
I was absolutely thrilled when I first started reading BODY SURF. The perfect combination of sexy and adorable was exactly what I needed and the last thing I expected was to find it on a beach.
Joe is taking the summer to work for his sister's husband after leaving college and having an argument with his father about it. He needs a break and direction, but he'll take the former if he can't come to terms with the latter. What he didn't expect was Cameron, a lifeguard who was everything Joe wanted in man. While Cameron seems unattainable, Joe is willing to try and what he eventually gains was well worth the risk.
Now while the beginning was quite frankly amazing, the rest of the book was pretty much overwhelmed by conspiracies and too fast solutions. The instant love that follows needed some work to be believable, but instead the author needed to focus on the conflict that was just a tad bit over the top. Even by the end, resolution of the same didn't work for me, but it bothered me more that the story lost the adorable feel and turned more toward the ordinary.
It was still a good little story but not really one of those that will make you sit up and pay attention. What is worth mentioning is Joe's sister and I would definitely like to see more of her in maybe another, future book.
April 5, 2016
“I was dead,” Cameron whispered in his ear. “Until I kissed you.”
Sound romantic? Or...chessy?
Well, this is the 5th Darien book I read. I read two of her/his book months ago, and just finished three more titles on 3 days in a row.
Like I said before, actually I'm not a big fans of "insta-love" things. But the last three books I've read is all about insta-love, start from "fall in five days", down to just in "two days" and then "in ONE day"!!!
Seems the author have special fond in "insta-love" things and that become her/his signature story.
On two previous book i read (Cameraman & Shanti), I still can 'handle' the insta-things and the cheesiness in the story, but not with this one.
Cuz there's too much part that "Duh" me a lot. In my normal days, this book definitely will failed me, but since I'm in the "right-unlogic-mood", I'll give this book "the right" rate...because even it's feels meh at some part, I admit I still find this story entertaining me enough and can I enjoying it.... ;)
September 22, 2012
This book was short and sweet, maybe too sweet. It even had a little twist near the end that I didn't see coming. Perfect for light reading.
January 5, 2013
2.5 stars.
March 10, 2013
ひと夏の恋もの。主人公のお姉さんがいいキャラしてます。さわやかで気軽に読めるこのお手ごろ感がいい。
June 18, 2013
2.5 stars
September 4, 2013
not a huge fan of instalove and the ending was like BAM over.... i it was longer and drawn out it would have been better
December 30, 2014
The most horrifically cheesy, ridiculous book I've ever read. It was almost a dnf about 100 times. Horrible, just horrible.
December 11, 2016
Short and sweet
I swear... I'm all the way thirsty for this authors words. Each story has the perfect amount of sweet hit and angst. A perfect recipe for a great book!!!
I swear... I'm all the way thirsty for this authors words. Each story has the perfect amount of sweet hit and angst. A perfect recipe for a great book!!!
September 5, 2015
The most believable character in the book was Joe's sister Alyssa
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews