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Stranded with Desire
When their plane crashed, their desire took flight.
CEO Maine Braxton and his invaluable assistant, Colby, don’t realize they share a deep they’re in love—with each other. That secret may have never come to light but for a terrifying plane crash in the Cascade Mountains that changes everything.
In a struggle for survival, the two men brave bears, storms, and a life-threatening flood to make it out of the wilderness alive. The proximity to death makes them realize the importance of love over propriety. Confessions emerge. Passions ignite. They escape the wilds renewed and openly in love.
When they return to civilization, though, forces are already plotting to snuff out their short-lived romance and ruin everything both have worked so hard to achieve.
CEO Maine Braxton and his invaluable assistant, Colby, don’t realize they share a deep they’re in love—with each other. That secret may have never come to light but for a terrifying plane crash in the Cascade Mountains that changes everything.
In a struggle for survival, the two men brave bears, storms, and a life-threatening flood to make it out of the wilderness alive. The proximity to death makes them realize the importance of love over propriety. Confessions emerge. Passions ignite. They escape the wilds renewed and openly in love.
When they return to civilization, though, forces are already plotting to snuff out their short-lived romance and ruin everything both have worked so hard to achieve.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2016
5 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
Vivien Dean
76 books67 followersVivien Dean has had a lifetime love affair with stories. A multi-published author, her books have been EPPIE finalists, Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Nominees, and readers favorites. After spending her twenties and early thirties traveling, she has finally settled down and currently resides in northern California with her British husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
February 17, 2019
Audio - 4 stars
Story - 2 stars
It was just an ok story to listen to on a Sunday while doing chores.
Nothing special, same old , same old.
Story - 2 stars
It was just an ok story to listen to on a Sunday while doing chores.
Nothing special, same old , same old.
August 2, 2016
I love, love, love the "doing the bossman" trope. You know where the boss falls for his employee, the one that's been secretly pining for him all along.
And this book's blurb sounded pretty darn good - right up my alley - hinting at this particular trope.
Well...
In this book, we have Maine (the boss) and Colby (his assistant) whose plane crashes on their way home into the Cascade mountains. They make it out alive, but can't find the pilot. Together, the two men try to find their way off the mountain.
Of course, there's a bit of background story. Maine runs his own company, is engaged to be married to a nice woman, but is secretly gay. Knows he's gay, but doesn't think that he will be able to be openly gay, and pursue the nice assistant he's in love with. But nothing has an impact as much as a near-death experience to realize what's truly important, right?
Colby has been in love with his boss for a while and can't hardly believe it when Maine confesses the same. Their courage is tested a few times down the mountain, braving a bear and a massive flood. I really liked Colby. He has guts and spunk, but also a very vulnerable side, willing to stand aside if it would be the better choice for Maine.
I mostly bought the romantic relationship that very quickly develops (considering they're trying to survive their trip off the mountain), especially from Colby's side. I had some niggles with Maine's behavior, seeing how he is engaged, but again, nothing like almost dying to make you realize what counts. I felt sort of sorry for the rather nice woman in Maine's life, who's getting left, especially with how very understanding she was about the whole thing. I don't usually like cheaters, and while Maine had no way of contacting her while he was trying to get Colby and himself safely off the mountain, I felt that maybe he should have found his balls a little sooner. Like, before their plane fell out of the sky, especially since he realizes his feelings for Colby long before then.
The mystery around the plane crash, the ominous phone call that prompts Maine to leave Seattle sooner than planned, the hints at the coming show-down, the "whodunit" - all that was very nicely done and fit well within the romance plot. By the time of the "big climax", I wanted Maine and Colby to get their happy ending, so I was fully rooting for them.
For fans of Rick R. Reed, I would recommend you pick this up. Rick's style does shine through most of it. I don't have any experience with Vivien Dean, but her style appears to have meshed nicely with Rick's, and there weren't any jarring differences as far as I could tell. Overall this was an enjoyable read, with a fabulous HEA included.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
And this book's blurb sounded pretty darn good - right up my alley - hinting at this particular trope.
Well...
In this book, we have Maine (the boss) and Colby (his assistant) whose plane crashes on their way home into the Cascade mountains. They make it out alive, but can't find the pilot. Together, the two men try to find their way off the mountain.
Of course, there's a bit of background story. Maine runs his own company, is engaged to be married to a nice woman, but is secretly gay. Knows he's gay, but doesn't think that he will be able to be openly gay, and pursue the nice assistant he's in love with. But nothing has an impact as much as a near-death experience to realize what's truly important, right?
Colby has been in love with his boss for a while and can't hardly believe it when Maine confesses the same. Their courage is tested a few times down the mountain, braving a bear and a massive flood. I really liked Colby. He has guts and spunk, but also a very vulnerable side, willing to stand aside if it would be the better choice for Maine.
I mostly bought the romantic relationship that very quickly develops (considering they're trying to survive their trip off the mountain), especially from Colby's side. I had some niggles with Maine's behavior, seeing how he is engaged, but again, nothing like almost dying to make you realize what counts. I felt sort of sorry for the rather nice woman in Maine's life, who's getting left, especially with how very understanding she was about the whole thing. I don't usually like cheaters, and while Maine had no way of contacting her while he was trying to get Colby and himself safely off the mountain, I felt that maybe he should have found his balls a little sooner. Like, before their plane fell out of the sky, especially since he realizes his feelings for Colby long before then.
The mystery around the plane crash, the ominous phone call that prompts Maine to leave Seattle sooner than planned, the hints at the coming show-down, the "whodunit" - all that was very nicely done and fit well within the romance plot. By the time of the "big climax", I wanted Maine and Colby to get their happy ending, so I was fully rooting for them.
For fans of Rick R. Reed, I would recommend you pick this up. Rick's style does shine through most of it. I don't have any experience with Vivien Dean, but her style appears to have meshed nicely with Rick's, and there weren't any jarring differences as far as I could tell. Overall this was an enjoyable read, with a fabulous HEA included.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher. A positive review was not promised in return. **
March 12, 2017
A life and death situation has a way of clarifying what is important in life - say, your BMW or your BFF? In Stranded with Desire the boss Maine and his assistant Colby find themselves in the middle of the Cascade mountains after a suspicious plane crash. Maine's initial manta is
Once rescued, Maine has to break the news to his fiance Helen, as well as discover who sabotaged their plane, and maybe the business as well. I appreciated how Helen is a strong and interesting character, not a characterization. The mystery element kept the story interesting, but I felt the villain of the piece was a bit too cartoonish. The ending ties everything together into a HEA, but I need a longer epilogue with some insight into Maine and Cody's life together.
While I was initially skeptical about Dreamspinner's Dreamspun Desires series, I like how the series presents common romance themes such as "marriage of convenience" or "office romances" but with a fresh new M/M slant. "Stranded with Desire" is a good solid story that adhered to the formula but didn't really wow me. 3.5 stars.
I received an ARC of this book from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
I will do whatever it takes to see you walk away from this, and when we’re on the other side, I’ll be better. I’ll be the man you think I already am, no matter what it takes.But as Maine and Colby work together to survive, Maine realizes being "the better man" means he has to stop ignoring his own desires in order to follow a career path and marriage dictated by his family.
Once rescued, Maine has to break the news to his fiance Helen, as well as discover who sabotaged their plane, and maybe the business as well. I appreciated how Helen is a strong and interesting character, not a characterization. The mystery element kept the story interesting, but I felt the villain of the piece was a bit too cartoonish. The ending ties everything together into a HEA, but I need a longer epilogue with some insight into Maine and Cody's life together.
While I was initially skeptical about Dreamspinner's Dreamspun Desires series, I like how the series presents common romance themes such as "marriage of convenience" or "office romances" but with a fresh new M/M slant. "Stranded with Desire" is a good solid story that adhered to the formula but didn't really wow me. 3.5 stars.
I received an ARC of this book from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
July 3, 2016
I admit it. I'm a fan of the boss/assistant falling in love trope. Give me a sweet story of the boss realizing his right hand man is also his heart's desire and I'm a happy girl.
Maine Braxton is a bit of a dichotomy. He's a powerful CEO with the world at his feet, but he's also humble and riddled with anxiety about whether he does the right thing. One thing he's kept hidden all his adult life is that he's gay. Instead he pushes that aside to be the son he thinks his parents want, and the strong, straight, masculine man he thinks his company and the world require. All at the expense of his heart and soul.
Colby LaSalle has been in love with Maine for almost as long as he's worked for him. It's slowly killing him because he knows there's no way his very straight boss will ever return his love.
But when their plane crashes in the mountains Colby finds out that his heart's desire is not only possible, but there for the taking, if he can only get Maine to follow his heart too.
I liked Colby so much, but was a little frustrated with Maine for much of the story. I also liked that there's a bit of a mystery to the story, which spiced it up, but sometimes the pacing fell a bit flat.
While this new installment in the Dreamspun Desires series didn't "wow" me...it had some good moments. Ultimately though, I enjoyed the story and was happy with it's HEA ending.
Advanced Review Galley copy of Stranded with Desire provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Maine Braxton is a bit of a dichotomy. He's a powerful CEO with the world at his feet, but he's also humble and riddled with anxiety about whether he does the right thing. One thing he's kept hidden all his adult life is that he's gay. Instead he pushes that aside to be the son he thinks his parents want, and the strong, straight, masculine man he thinks his company and the world require. All at the expense of his heart and soul.
Colby LaSalle has been in love with Maine for almost as long as he's worked for him. It's slowly killing him because he knows there's no way his very straight boss will ever return his love.
And any man, no matter how free, out, and suitable, would not be Maine.
Maine was all he wanted.
Maine, he thought, was all he could never have.
But when their plane crashes in the mountains Colby finds out that his heart's desire is not only possible, but there for the taking, if he can only get Maine to follow his heart too.
“I thought maybe I’d beaten this thing, you know? Sure, I couldn’t escape the thrill a firm, hairy body gives me in my dreams, but in my waking life? I could pretend. Pretend to be that guy the world perceived me as. Strong. Confident. Straight—a good catch for any woman. I pretended so long I began to wonder if what happened that summer with Eligio was some fantasy my poor starved soul had made up.
“And then you came along, and my façade crashed down around me like it was made of balsa wood or crystal or something. You came along, and I fell for you…”
I liked Colby so much, but was a little frustrated with Maine for much of the story. I also liked that there's a bit of a mystery to the story, which spiced it up, but sometimes the pacing fell a bit flat.
While this new installment in the Dreamspun Desires series didn't "wow" me...it had some good moments. Ultimately though, I enjoyed the story and was happy with it's HEA ending.
Advanced Review Galley copy of Stranded with Desire provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
December 2, 2020
‘Stranded with Desire’ contains a couple of tropes I like: “personal assistant and boss are secretly in love with each other” is one, and “plane crash victims fight for survival” is the other. But that is not all this novel offers. There is some extra suspense in the form of subterfuge, betrayal, and corporate intrigue. I also really liked the great set of secondary characters: the secretive, loyal Leo who only appears via phone calls, the rugged pilot Gus who likes to be called Rooster, and Maine’s fiancée who remains a nice and decent woman despite the unexpected shock she experiences.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review of the second edition on Rainbow Book Reviews.
August 26, 2016
I'm enjoying the few Dreamspun Desire books I've read. This wasn't as over the top cheesy as I expected it to be. A tad monotone in the feelings department. I did enjoy the forbidden fruit of dating and fantasizing about your boss.
Colby is in love with Maine Braxton. He dreams about him constantly, and is so enamored with him. LOL. I admit reading this from Colby's pov always leaves me starry eyed. With the most inopportune time to act on such feelings comes in the form of a plane wreckage.
I kinda liked them together, but I felt that as long as this book was that they didn't get to spend enough time together. I didn't like the dreams or internal monologue and didn't connect with them emotionally. This goes back to me saying that I felt like the story was a bit monotone. It was flat, and didn't feel like the Dreamspun Desires that I've read. Despite me liking it overall it just didn't read right to me. I was even thrilled with Maine's brothers antics just to get the ball rolling. Was it all lust? That's all I feel, no love at all. It let me down! But onward and upwards to the next book in the series!
Colby is in love with Maine Braxton. He dreams about him constantly, and is so enamored with him. LOL. I admit reading this from Colby's pov always leaves me starry eyed. With the most inopportune time to act on such feelings comes in the form of a plane wreckage.
I kinda liked them together, but I felt that as long as this book was that they didn't get to spend enough time together. I didn't like the dreams or internal monologue and didn't connect with them emotionally. This goes back to me saying that I felt like the story was a bit monotone. It was flat, and didn't feel like the Dreamspun Desires that I've read. Despite me liking it overall it just didn't read right to me. I was even thrilled with Maine's brothers antics just to get the ball rolling. Was it all lust? That's all I feel, no love at all. It let me down! But onward and upwards to the next book in the series!
December 2, 2020
‘Stranded with Desire’ contains a couple of tropes I like: “personal assistant and boss are secretly in love with each other” is one, and “plane crash victims fight for survival” is the other. But that is not all this novel offers. There is some extra suspense in the form of subterfuge, betrayal, and corporate intrigue. I also really liked the great set of secondary characters: the secretive, loyal Leo who only appears via phone calls, the rugged pilot Gus who likes to be called Rooster, and Maine’s fiancée who remains a nice and decent woman despite the unexpected shock she experiences.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
July 31, 2016
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is a really lovely story, with two very likeable leads who survive a frightening plane crash and work out what really is important in life. Colby has known for a while that his boss is the one he wants - even if Maine is engaged to a woman. But Maine is so busy making sure that the family business thrives, and keeping everyone happy, that he hasn't had time to acknowledge what his heart has been telling him. However the crash certainly changes things, and changes his path.
As we watch this new romance unfold, even if the feelings are strong already, it is very touching, and hopeful. I think that the writing captures well Maine's almost shock at recognising who is before him, his worry about upsetting others, but his courage at being honest.
Very enjoyable read, thank you Ms Dean and Mr Reed.
This is a really lovely story, with two very likeable leads who survive a frightening plane crash and work out what really is important in life. Colby has known for a while that his boss is the one he wants - even if Maine is engaged to a woman. But Maine is so busy making sure that the family business thrives, and keeping everyone happy, that he hasn't had time to acknowledge what his heart has been telling him. However the crash certainly changes things, and changes his path.
As we watch this new romance unfold, even if the feelings are strong already, it is very touching, and hopeful. I think that the writing captures well Maine's almost shock at recognising who is before him, his worry about upsetting others, but his courage at being honest.
Very enjoyable read, thank you Ms Dean and Mr Reed.
February 23, 2018
Der 14. Band der Beloved-Serie handelt diesmal von einem Flugzeugabsturz und einer zweiten Chance.
Zur Handlung. CEO Maine Braxton lebt eigentlich nur noch ein fremdbestimmtes Leben. Job, Familie, er möchte es allen recht machen, seine eigenen Bedürfnisse stellt er ständig zurück. Schwulsein passt nicht in diese Scheinwelt, weshalb er mit einer Frau verlobt ist, obwohl er heimlich von seinem Assistenten träumt.
Colby LaSalle, Maines rechte Hand, lebt offen schwul. Schon lange ist er in seinen Chef verknallt, weiß aber, dass er bei ihm chancenlos ist. Erst ein Flugzeugabsturz, den beide nur knapp überleben, mischt die Karten neu.
Die Geschichte um Maine und Colby hat mir gut gefallen. Der junge CEO erkennt dank einer Nahtod-Erfahrung, dass das Leben viel zu kurz ist, um immer nur für andere auf das eigene Glück zu verzichten. Deshalb entscheidet er sich gegen gesellschaftliche Zwänge und folgt seinem Herzen. Die Trennung von seiner Verlobten ist eher unproblematisch, in der Beziehung stimmte von Anfang an etwas nicht. Ich frag mich ernsthaft, wieso sie ihn überhaupt heiraten wollte. Die große Liebe war es jedenfalls nicht. Für etwas zusätzliche Spannung sorgt am Ende noch der eifersüchtige Bruder Maines.
Die Story erhält von mir 4 Sterne und eine Leseempfehlung.
Mein Dank geht an den Cursed Verlag für das erhaltene Rezensionsexemplar.
Zur Handlung. CEO Maine Braxton lebt eigentlich nur noch ein fremdbestimmtes Leben. Job, Familie, er möchte es allen recht machen, seine eigenen Bedürfnisse stellt er ständig zurück. Schwulsein passt nicht in diese Scheinwelt, weshalb er mit einer Frau verlobt ist, obwohl er heimlich von seinem Assistenten träumt.
Colby LaSalle, Maines rechte Hand, lebt offen schwul. Schon lange ist er in seinen Chef verknallt, weiß aber, dass er bei ihm chancenlos ist. Erst ein Flugzeugabsturz, den beide nur knapp überleben, mischt die Karten neu.
Die Geschichte um Maine und Colby hat mir gut gefallen. Der junge CEO erkennt dank einer Nahtod-Erfahrung, dass das Leben viel zu kurz ist, um immer nur für andere auf das eigene Glück zu verzichten. Deshalb entscheidet er sich gegen gesellschaftliche Zwänge und folgt seinem Herzen. Die Trennung von seiner Verlobten ist eher unproblematisch, in der Beziehung stimmte von Anfang an etwas nicht. Ich frag mich ernsthaft, wieso sie ihn überhaupt heiraten wollte. Die große Liebe war es jedenfalls nicht. Für etwas zusätzliche Spannung sorgt am Ende noch der eifersüchtige Bruder Maines.
Die Story erhält von mir 4 Sterne und eine Leseempfehlung.
Mein Dank geht an den Cursed Verlag für das erhaltene Rezensionsexemplar.
February 3, 2018
Kurze, romantische Unterhaltung mit einer kleinen Portion Action und Drama.
January 21, 2018
I can't really put my finger on why I didn't like this book. There wasn't anything wrong with it, but it didn't click with me either. I found myself not caring about either of the characters or what happens to them, but the book wasn't really bad either.
September 20, 2016
With a moniker like Dreamspun Desires, you should know that any story you will be reading under this umbrella will be a romance, pure and simple, with a definite happy ever after and maybe just a touch of implausibility thrown in for good measure. But you can’t ask for a better writing team then Rick R. Reed and Vivien Dean as is evidenced by their contribution, Stranded With Desire.
Colby has liked his boss for a long time. In fact, if pushed he would grudgingly tell you that most of his waking fantasies feature Maine in them, and it’s not a business discussion that is occupying the two at the time. However, Colby is also a realist and knows full well that assistants do not end up having the love they have for their bosses reciprocated—particularly when they are straight and engaged to be married. But that can’t stop a boy from dreaming. Maine is a driven businessman who has always put others first. Be it the company and maintaining it’s pristine reputation and profit margin, his parents’ wishes for him to be the CEO, or his fiancé’s feelings, Maine has lived a half life for longer than he cares to admit to himself. In fact, it would take an act of god or some life threatening disaster to budge Maine from the idea that his desires are not important and must stay carefully locked away.
Then the plane that Colby and Maine are taking home from a business trip crashes…and everything changes. Suddenly it is vital to Maine that he makes Colby aware of a secret he has carried for years. That revelation will create a whole new set of problems for both Colby and Maine, not the least of which is what to do when you are in love with your assistant but hell bent on continuing the predetermined path that keeps you sealed away in the closet forever. When the trek to find help after the crash turns deadly, both Maine and Colby must face the fact that their love may never see the light of day.
The best thing about this story, Stranded with Desire, was the two main characters and their incredibly sweet personalities. Not cloyingly sweet—rather, you really want to see these guys get their happy ever after. You cannot find fault with Maine’s thinking that he should remain closeted—he presents as a genuinely nice person, one who would never want to hurt anyone, much less Colby.
And Colby? He is definitely in love, but he is also Maine’s best friend—he wants this guy to be happy, and if loving his man from afar for the rest of his life is what he must do, well, then he is ready for that to happen. These are two selfless men who really deserve the love they have for each other, and that is what keeps this story from being just a glorified sickly sweet romance.
While the limited mystery element concerning the plane crash and corporate intrigue that Maine’s brother, Hart, provided was a minor plot device, it was still played well and added just enough tension to the novel to quicken the pace just when it needed it. The limited amount of sex was just right and did not overwhelm the real trajectory of the story, which was, essentially, when does a person stop living for others and start living for himself? This is the question Maine faces, and I am happy to report he chooses wisely in the end.
Stranded With Desire is a cute romance that is a perfect novel to curl up with when you just want a happy ever after with little to no angst involved.
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach Reviews
Colby has liked his boss for a long time. In fact, if pushed he would grudgingly tell you that most of his waking fantasies feature Maine in them, and it’s not a business discussion that is occupying the two at the time. However, Colby is also a realist and knows full well that assistants do not end up having the love they have for their bosses reciprocated—particularly when they are straight and engaged to be married. But that can’t stop a boy from dreaming. Maine is a driven businessman who has always put others first. Be it the company and maintaining it’s pristine reputation and profit margin, his parents’ wishes for him to be the CEO, or his fiancé’s feelings, Maine has lived a half life for longer than he cares to admit to himself. In fact, it would take an act of god or some life threatening disaster to budge Maine from the idea that his desires are not important and must stay carefully locked away.
Then the plane that Colby and Maine are taking home from a business trip crashes…and everything changes. Suddenly it is vital to Maine that he makes Colby aware of a secret he has carried for years. That revelation will create a whole new set of problems for both Colby and Maine, not the least of which is what to do when you are in love with your assistant but hell bent on continuing the predetermined path that keeps you sealed away in the closet forever. When the trek to find help after the crash turns deadly, both Maine and Colby must face the fact that their love may never see the light of day.
The best thing about this story, Stranded with Desire, was the two main characters and their incredibly sweet personalities. Not cloyingly sweet—rather, you really want to see these guys get their happy ever after. You cannot find fault with Maine’s thinking that he should remain closeted—he presents as a genuinely nice person, one who would never want to hurt anyone, much less Colby.
And Colby? He is definitely in love, but he is also Maine’s best friend—he wants this guy to be happy, and if loving his man from afar for the rest of his life is what he must do, well, then he is ready for that to happen. These are two selfless men who really deserve the love they have for each other, and that is what keeps this story from being just a glorified sickly sweet romance.
While the limited mystery element concerning the plane crash and corporate intrigue that Maine’s brother, Hart, provided was a minor plot device, it was still played well and added just enough tension to the novel to quicken the pace just when it needed it. The limited amount of sex was just right and did not overwhelm the real trajectory of the story, which was, essentially, when does a person stop living for others and start living for himself? This is the question Maine faces, and I am happy to report he chooses wisely in the end.
Stranded With Desire is a cute romance that is a perfect novel to curl up with when you just want a happy ever after with little to no angst involved.
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach Reviews
July 28, 2016
“Stranded with Desire” is a short, fluffy, “coming-out” romance. Away from the real world and after a life threatening experience, Maine Braxton realizes that he needs to get his priorities straight for the first time in his life, kiss and confess his feelings for Colby, come out, run a business empire and crush his hateful little brother, in that order. This story ends with an HEA so yeah, he definitely achieves everything on his list.
Colby and Maine has been secretly pining away for each other for all the years they have worked together. Maine is Colby’s straight boss, who is engaged to a beautiful woman and he knows that he will always have to love him from afar. Whereas, Maine has hidden his sexual orientation from everybody from the very beginning. He has a specific role to play as the CEO of a large company and he has always thought that his being gay is going to ruin his father’s company somehow. But when both are almost killed in a plane crash and get stranded in the mountains, their feelings for each other comes out to play with a BANG!!!
I was not too excited about how the story ended but I liked the “stranded” part a lot. The way they struggle with their feelings and survive nature is very well written. It is realistic (not the rescue part though!!!). In the second part they do get back to the real world and are shown to be struggling with the decisions that need to be made for Maine to start a relationship with Colby, without hurting Maine’s fiancée and his company. I liked Maine’s fiancée, Helen a lot. She was a solid character and her support was the first huge thing that our lovely couple needed the most.
The ending could have been better. I wanted more Colby and Maine romance. An extended look into their lives after Maine’s coming out would have been great. That epilogue left me hanging. It was an ok read.
Colby and Maine has been secretly pining away for each other for all the years they have worked together. Maine is Colby’s straight boss, who is engaged to a beautiful woman and he knows that he will always have to love him from afar. Whereas, Maine has hidden his sexual orientation from everybody from the very beginning. He has a specific role to play as the CEO of a large company and he has always thought that his being gay is going to ruin his father’s company somehow. But when both are almost killed in a plane crash and get stranded in the mountains, their feelings for each other comes out to play with a BANG!!!
I was not too excited about how the story ended but I liked the “stranded” part a lot. The way they struggle with their feelings and survive nature is very well written. It is realistic (not the rescue part though!!!). In the second part they do get back to the real world and are shown to be struggling with the decisions that need to be made for Maine to start a relationship with Colby, without hurting Maine’s fiancée and his company. I liked Maine’s fiancée, Helen a lot. She was a solid character and her support was the first huge thing that our lovely couple needed the most.
The ending could have been better. I wanted more Colby and Maine romance. An extended look into their lives after Maine’s coming out would have been great. That epilogue left me hanging. It was an ok read.
December 3, 2016
Poor Colby. He’s been in love, and not hiding it well, with his boss – almost from the start. Because he’s engaged to be married to a woman, Colby thinks it’s a safe assumption to deem Maine unattainable because he’s straight and his boss.
Meanwhile, Maine, who recognizes the need he sees in Colby’s eyes because it’s mirrored in his own, fears coming out because of his position in society and the company he runs.
When the two are forced into intimate closeness when their plane crashes in the Olympic Mountains, their mutual desire can’t be hidden any more.
**
Just as those “sweet” romances we’ve read in the past, this has very little heat and a predictable story arc – but it’s very well done. Colby is hopelessly pining, but Maine is a swoon-worthy suitor. Maine’s “main” failing is his ridiculous belief that he can’t be out when we don’t really have a good reason he should hide.
Even at the end, after the big reveal, I wasn’t sure why he was hiding.
However, this was a terribly sweet story and almost all the people in it were heroes (with one notable exception) so there were almost no bad feelings to be had. A very enjoyable way to pass a few hours!
4 of 5 stars
Audio
Johnny Mack is a new-to-me narrator and he did a great job! He didn’t give anyone any specific accents or try too hard to make the feminine voices sound like women, but it was always easy to know who was speaking. His voice is easy to listen to and he has a great sense of timing and voice modulation. There were a couple of sound errors where it was obvious he had re-recorded some words at a different volume, but they were few and far between.
I really enjoyed listening to this and highly recommend it.
4.75 of 5 stars
Overall 4.5 of 5 stars
Meanwhile, Maine, who recognizes the need he sees in Colby’s eyes because it’s mirrored in his own, fears coming out because of his position in society and the company he runs.
When the two are forced into intimate closeness when their plane crashes in the Olympic Mountains, their mutual desire can’t be hidden any more.
**
Just as those “sweet” romances we’ve read in the past, this has very little heat and a predictable story arc – but it’s very well done. Colby is hopelessly pining, but Maine is a swoon-worthy suitor. Maine’s “main” failing is his ridiculous belief that he can’t be out when we don’t really have a good reason he should hide.
Even at the end, after the big reveal, I wasn’t sure why he was hiding.
However, this was a terribly sweet story and almost all the people in it were heroes (with one notable exception) so there were almost no bad feelings to be had. A very enjoyable way to pass a few hours!
4 of 5 stars
Audio
Johnny Mack is a new-to-me narrator and he did a great job! He didn’t give anyone any specific accents or try too hard to make the feminine voices sound like women, but it was always easy to know who was speaking. His voice is easy to listen to and he has a great sense of timing and voice modulation. There were a couple of sound errors where it was obvious he had re-recorded some words at a different volume, but they were few and far between.
I really enjoyed listening to this and highly recommend it.
4.75 of 5 stars
Overall 4.5 of 5 stars
February 17, 2017
3.7 Stars
Not bad; a little OTT and sappy, but sweet and sexy, too. I liked the survival parts a whole lot more than I did the backstabbing business maneuvering & blackmail scheme - wish that part had been the entire story, honestly.
Not bad; a little OTT and sappy, but sweet and sexy, too. I liked the survival parts a whole lot more than I did the backstabbing business maneuvering & blackmail scheme - wish that part had been the entire story, honestly.
August 1, 2016
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie in exchange for a fair and honest review. ***
Colby has been in love with his straight boss, Maine Braxton, almost from the moment he was hired, but he has no expectations that anything will come out of this, considering Maine is engaged to be married soon. A plane crash might prove that all he'd considered impossible, might be possible after all and that there's a chance at happiness for them. There are some things that might put a damper on their love story, though, like Maine's fiancée and a plot to take Maine's place as CEO in the family's business.
I loved this book! It reads like the old Harlequin books I fell in love with as a teenager. Colby was reliable and confident and Maine, despite having to be in the closet due to his family's responsibilities, was sweet and eager. It was lovely seeing them realize that they could actually have a future together and while I'm not fond of cheating in books, in this case, I didn't mind it that much and strangely, it wasn't because the fiancée was a witch. On the contrary, Helen was awesome and I felt bad for her. However, it wasn't as if Maine could keep lying to himself and her once he realized that there was a chance of more with Colby.
The crash plotline and the subsequent investigation were really interesting and it was nice to see how it all developed. All in all, the book was a really good collaboration, intriguing, romantic and sweet, with very low heat level, but entertaining enough so I could overlook that fact. Very recommendable!
Rating: 4 Stars!!!
Colby has been in love with his straight boss, Maine Braxton, almost from the moment he was hired, but he has no expectations that anything will come out of this, considering Maine is engaged to be married soon. A plane crash might prove that all he'd considered impossible, might be possible after all and that there's a chance at happiness for them. There are some things that might put a damper on their love story, though, like Maine's fiancée and a plot to take Maine's place as CEO in the family's business.
I loved this book! It reads like the old Harlequin books I fell in love with as a teenager. Colby was reliable and confident and Maine, despite having to be in the closet due to his family's responsibilities, was sweet and eager. It was lovely seeing them realize that they could actually have a future together and while I'm not fond of cheating in books, in this case, I didn't mind it that much and strangely, it wasn't because the fiancée was a witch. On the contrary, Helen was awesome and I felt bad for her. However, it wasn't as if Maine could keep lying to himself and her once he realized that there was a chance of more with Colby.
The crash plotline and the subsequent investigation were really interesting and it was nice to see how it all developed. All in all, the book was a really good collaboration, intriguing, romantic and sweet, with very low heat level, but entertaining enough so I could overlook that fact. Very recommendable!
Rating: 4 Stars!!!
September 3, 2016
CEO Maine Braxton and his extremely competent assistant, Colby LaSalle are returning from Seattle when their plane crashes leaving them stranded in the Cascade Mountains. Their fight for survival involves braving not only the weather but bears and a flood. With their struggle to survive secrets are revealed. Each has desired the other but felt nothing could come of it. They escape the mountains ready to face their new found feelings only to find the real world has other ideas.
Vivien Dean and Rick R. Reed combined their amazing talent to bring us Stranded by Desire. The suspense of both the danger in escaping and the personal issues kept you reading well past your bedtime. Maine and Colby were incredible heroes, making you fall in love with both of them. There are a few twists that will keep your interest and watching the struggle of Maine and Colby makes for great reading. Stranded with Desire will not leave us stranded.
Vivien Dean and Rick R. Reed combined their amazing talent to bring us Stranded by Desire. The suspense of both the danger in escaping and the personal issues kept you reading well past your bedtime. Maine and Colby were incredible heroes, making you fall in love with both of them. There are a few twists that will keep your interest and watching the struggle of Maine and Colby makes for great reading. Stranded with Desire will not leave us stranded.
August 16, 2016
Another delightful tidbit (better than Godiva chocolate!) from the Dreamspun Desires series. I hope this line never ends because it takes me back to my early years when I had to furtively read romance novels behind the cover of my comic books. Yes, it was that long ago!
Maine and Colby are so great together and it was so much fun watching them come to terms with what happened and work their way to their HEA.
Maine and Colby are so great together and it was so much fun watching them come to terms with what happened and work their way to their HEA.
Want to read
June 16, 2016Just in time for my birthday!
A fave trope!
A fave trope!
August 3, 2016
A generous three stars.
October 31, 2016
Just a nice in between read
December 31, 2020
Colby LaSalle is an out gay man in his mid 20s. He’s the executive assistant to Maine Braxton, CEO of Braxton Enterprises, a sexy engaged man in his late 30s. Despite Maine being engaged to a beautiful woman, Colby pines a bit for Maine. Their few years of close acquaintance has kindled a burning flame Colby can’t put out. They are in Seattle for a business trip when Maine is warned about some espionage being planned back in Chicago. He instructs Colby to make plans to immediately return home, using their corporate jet, but to not tell anyone.
When the plane goes down in the Cascades a couple of hours later Colby and Maine believe they are truly alone, with no one knowing they need a rescue. Two days on a mountainside with heavy rains and little food or shelter is all Maine needs to confess his closeted sexuality and deep love for Colby—who’s both excited and agonized. While he’s overjoyed that his affection is returned, Colby is less than convinced that Maine will both break off his engagement and come out of the closet.
And, with the threat of exposure further compromising Maine’s stewardship of his family business, Colby is sure his only options might be as a secret side piece. But, Maine’s a decent man, and he knows that Colby is worth loving out loud. I liked the tension that existed between these two positions, especially when we get to meet Maine’s fiancé, who truly is a great lady. Maine and Colby are both so sweet, and good men. It was easy to root for them connecting and making a path forward together, especially following the danger of their ordeal in the mountains.
I liked this story a lot. I had a few issues with continuity, which I think may stem from two thing. First, I’m a native Chicagoan and have lots of experience with the commutes in and around O’Hare—a bit of the driving stuff made me shake my head. Second, I wondered about some details of time being a bit off, in terms of word choice, where it seemed Colby’s employment was only two…or a few…years, give or take. Beyond that, it’s an engaging survival romance, with a sassy coming out storyline. Happy endings all around.
When the plane goes down in the Cascades a couple of hours later Colby and Maine believe they are truly alone, with no one knowing they need a rescue. Two days on a mountainside with heavy rains and little food or shelter is all Maine needs to confess his closeted sexuality and deep love for Colby—who’s both excited and agonized. While he’s overjoyed that his affection is returned, Colby is less than convinced that Maine will both break off his engagement and come out of the closet.
And, with the threat of exposure further compromising Maine’s stewardship of his family business, Colby is sure his only options might be as a secret side piece. But, Maine’s a decent man, and he knows that Colby is worth loving out loud. I liked the tension that existed between these two positions, especially when we get to meet Maine’s fiancé, who truly is a great lady. Maine and Colby are both so sweet, and good men. It was easy to root for them connecting and making a path forward together, especially following the danger of their ordeal in the mountains.
I liked this story a lot. I had a few issues with continuity, which I think may stem from two thing. First, I’m a native Chicagoan and have lots of experience with the commutes in and around O’Hare—a bit of the driving stuff made me shake my head. Second, I wondered about some details of time being a bit off, in terms of word choice, where it seemed Colby’s employment was only two…or a few…years, give or take. Beyond that, it’s an engaging survival romance, with a sassy coming out storyline. Happy endings all around.
January 29, 2017
I have read and enjoyed both authors individually and was excited to see what they came up with as a duo. The story was entertaining and I quickly fell into the book. The drama and action of the plane crash believable and I could picture the conditions with ease. For the romance, I understood Maine’s (Colby’s boss) change of heart. Near death experiences will do that. I was worried how Maine’s fiancé was going to be handled, and was relieved she wasn’t vilified. I sympathized with her pain.
The chemistry between Maine and Colby was good. There was an OTTP moment when Colby runs away, quite literally out of the building and down the street because he believed Maine changed his mind and would stay with his fiancé. It made me snort laugh.
Where this lost credibility with me was the culmination of the whodunit. The story worked well for me right up to the point Maine confronts the person who arranged to have the plane tampered with. The lack of research on federal and aviation laws was glaringly obvious which pushed the story out of the realm of believability. That neglect led the ending in a different direction than it should’ve gone if based in reality. And really, it pissed me off that someone that terrible got a pass. All in all, this was a good read if you suspend disbelief.
Story – 3 Stars
Performance – 5 Stars
Overall – 4 Stars
Reviewed by Rachelle for Crystal's Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for review*
The chemistry between Maine and Colby was good. There was an OTTP moment when Colby runs away, quite literally out of the building and down the street because he believed Maine changed his mind and would stay with his fiancé. It made me snort laugh.
Where this lost credibility with me was the culmination of the whodunit. The story worked well for me right up to the point Maine confronts the person who arranged to have the plane tampered with. The lack of research on federal and aviation laws was glaringly obvious which pushed the story out of the realm of believability. That neglect led the ending in a different direction than it should’ve gone if based in reality. And really, it pissed me off that someone that terrible got a pass. All in all, this was a good read if you suspend disbelief.
Story – 3 Stars
Performance – 5 Stars
Overall – 4 Stars
Reviewed by Rachelle for Crystal's Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for review*
November 27, 2020
Actual rating: 3.5🌟
This story is a boss-employee 'falling in love' trope. As the synopsis stated, things changed when Maine and his assistant Colby experienced a plane crash and ended up in a forest somewhere.
When I was browsing Netgalley, this one caught my attention because of the cover and then eventually the synopsis.
It was an okay read but due to not that much information or scenes with Maine and Colby before the plane crash, I wasn't that much concern about them post-crash. I feel disconnected while they were trying to survive. ✌
The parts about their dream/fantasy towards each other is a bit long and I feel that they didn't add that much on the story. Though they are okay and kinda helped establish the chemistry between the two.
Hart and Helen doesn't make sense to me. Again not that much scenes with them for the characters to be sufficiently established. They somehow ended up one dimensional for me.
I hope the book was longer to know more of the characters. Still an okay and fast read.👍
***Thanks to NineStar Press, LLC for granting me access of this book via Netgalley for an honest review.***
This story is a boss-employee 'falling in love' trope. As the synopsis stated, things changed when Maine and his assistant Colby experienced a plane crash and ended up in a forest somewhere.
When I was browsing Netgalley, this one caught my attention because of the cover and then eventually the synopsis.
It was an okay read but due to not that much information or scenes with Maine and Colby before the plane crash, I wasn't that much concern about them post-crash. I feel disconnected while they were trying to survive. ✌
The parts about their dream/fantasy towards each other is a bit long and I feel that they didn't add that much on the story. Though they are okay and kinda helped establish the chemistry between the two.
Hart and Helen doesn't make sense to me. Again not that much scenes with them for the characters to be sufficiently established. They somehow ended up one dimensional for me.
I hope the book was longer to know more of the characters. Still an okay and fast read.👍
***Thanks to NineStar Press, LLC for granting me access of this book via Netgalley for an honest review.***
November 27, 2020
3.5 Stars
Stranded with Desire is an entertaining employee/boss romance by Vivien Dean and Rick R Reed.
Things start off with some action, as the prologue opens with a plane crash. With the first chapter, we get a look back at before the ill fated flight. Thus setting up Colby's feelings about his boss, Maine.
Maine's closeted and firmly locked in the closet. He's also engaged to a women on the board of his company. But spending some time stranded with Colby changes everything.
I enjoy the way they come together, help one another, and open up to each other. It's sweet and tender, making for a sweet read.
Their tale has some great twists and turns, in addition to family issues, company issues, and some big life decisions.
The writing is good, riveting from the start with a thrilling storyline and a great pace. That said, I don't prefer the present tense writing. Most of the time, I don't notice it in this story, but when I do, I cringe.
Overall, Stranded with Desire is an intriguing and riveting story of survival and love.
Stranded with Desire is an entertaining employee/boss romance by Vivien Dean and Rick R Reed.
Things start off with some action, as the prologue opens with a plane crash. With the first chapter, we get a look back at before the ill fated flight. Thus setting up Colby's feelings about his boss, Maine.
Maine's closeted and firmly locked in the closet. He's also engaged to a women on the board of his company. But spending some time stranded with Colby changes everything.
I enjoy the way they come together, help one another, and open up to each other. It's sweet and tender, making for a sweet read.
Their tale has some great twists and turns, in addition to family issues, company issues, and some big life decisions.
The writing is good, riveting from the start with a thrilling storyline and a great pace. That said, I don't prefer the present tense writing. Most of the time, I don't notice it in this story, but when I do, I cringe.
Overall, Stranded with Desire is an intriguing and riveting story of survival and love.
November 25, 2020
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a sweet, short read. While I liked it overall there were a things that could be improved. I think the characters could have been a little more fleshed out and a few of their heart to hearts felt a bit formal.
I was also a little disappointed that at the end of the day Maine cheated on his fiancee instead of breaking it of with her first. While I understand it was supposed to show how invested he was in the relationship with Colby and he ended the engagement right the next morning it still felt wrong. I don't think waiting one more night would have hurt the story overall.
This was a sweet, short read. While I liked it overall there were a things that could be improved. I think the characters could have been a little more fleshed out and a few of their heart to hearts felt a bit formal.
I was also a little disappointed that at the end of the day Maine cheated on his fiancee instead of breaking it of with her first. While I understand it was supposed to show how invested he was in the relationship with Colby and he ended the engagement right the next morning it still felt wrong. I don't think waiting one more night would have hurt the story overall.
November 25, 2020
Colby loved Maine’s growly voice, the way his pants showed his assets, his take charge attitude, and his vulnerability. He just plain loved Maine.
Maine has a great facade. He runs a multi million dollar company, has a beautiful fiancé, and is deeply in love with his assistant Colby.
For the subject matter, this was a surprisingly light read. Just enough backstory to know what was going on but it didn’t over power the story. This was a fast read for me, some angst, some action, but mostly just two men finally admitting they love each other.
Well written book with nice characters.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
Maine has a great facade. He runs a multi million dollar company, has a beautiful fiancé, and is deeply in love with his assistant Colby.
For the subject matter, this was a surprisingly light read. Just enough backstory to know what was going on but it didn’t over power the story. This was a fast read for me, some angst, some action, but mostly just two men finally admitting they love each other.
Well written book with nice characters.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
May 4, 2017
Love the boss/assistant trope, as well as the stories where there's an MC pining after the other. So I thought I would really enjoy this story. And for about the first half, I did like it. Unfortunately the wrap up at the end is where things started to go wrong for me.
January 25, 2018
3.75⭐️. An enjoyable read in the classic style, nothing exceptional. Written in the typical M/M Romance sequence. If you are in the mood for an uncomplicated but entertaining few hours this is a pleasant escape.
February 1, 2022
diese Geschichte um Maine und Colby hat mir gut gefallen,
eine nett erzaehlte Coming-Out-Story gespickt mit einigen kriminellen Machenschaften
eine nett erzaehlte Coming-Out-Story gespickt mit einigen kriminellen Machenschaften
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