Hot Head

Hundreds of reviews have been written raving about this novel. In some ways adding another to the pile may seem like a waste of space. I mean, what could I say that hundreds of other people haven't already said and likely said it better than I ever could? That would be a good question, but if I didn't write this review, I wouldn't be able to rave and gush and dance about how absolutely amazing, completely unforgettable this book is.There are so many great things to say about this novel, that I've decided to list them, complete with numbers.In no particular order, here are 13 reasons to read this book:1. Griff is the perfect romantic hero. He's kind of quiet, self-effacing, with heroic tendencies who doesn't recognize his own appeal. He's generous and kind, but with enough temper and steel to keep him from coming off as week or boring.2. "They'd all looked into the abyss and it kept right on looking back, window-shopping for damnation, it seemed."3. Dante is also the perfect romantic hero. He's charismatic, outgoing, a little over-the-top. He comes across a little shallow on the outside, but under the facade, he's vulnerable and desperate. He's gorgeous and knows it, but has enough pain and insecurities to keep him from being gratingly arrogant.4. The relationship is built spectacularly. From the back-story of how they met, the life-altering trauma of being working firemen during the chaos of the Twin Towers attacks, the fraternal friendship and eventually the romantic love that will change their life--it all adds up to a masterful love story.5. Firemen are sexy. Two firemen are even sexier. 'Nuff said.6.The writing is superb--creative, raw, unapologetic, heart-wrenching and at times poetic.7. The pacing is perfect. Every step, every stage, builds on the one before it, until the reader is desperate to get to the next scene, the next chapter.8. Suede builds a fabulous metaphor between the events of 9-11 and the growth of the characters. I'll add here that it is done in such a way that it does not detract from the seriousness and horrifying events of that day, but instead builds on the resilience and transformation of a neighborhood, community and country.9. "Because people should not be punished for loving and hoping and holding their hearts open."10. The setting is authentic. From the ethnic neighborhoods of the regular blue-collar man, to the trendy neighborhoods of Manhattan, it is New York in all it's beauty and flaws.11. "I can't imagine doing it for your whole goddamn life. 'S'like being burned alive, lying to people you love. No wonder people become drunks and hide and hit each other. Truth. Easier to be dead inside."12. The sex is hot! This book is by no means an erotic romance, where the story is the sex. This is a pure romance and the love scenes are about love. Whether it's the love of a friend will to do intimate things in front of a camera to help out or as two people celebrating their romantic attraction, the love scenes were so drenched in emotion and passion that it makes me yearn.13. Secondary characters add depth and texture to an already layered plot. The Anastagio family is a riot--dramatic, exaggerated, Italian. Tommy is heart-breaking (and rumor has it Tommy will be back in a book of his very own). Alek keeps you guessing, but ultimately gives Griff the catalyst to fight for what he wants.If you like your romances heart-felt and smokin' hot, you've gotta check this one out.

A well-written, sexy, down-and-dirty romance! I loved Damon Suede's hard-nosed Brooklyn narrative, with the colorful expressions (who knew there were so many different names for male "body parts!"). True, I'd agree with some of the other reviewers that this book could have used a bit more editing to tighten it up in parts (hence a 4 star instead of a 5), but I thoroughly enjoyed it, warts and all!VERY MILD SPOILERS FOLLOW:The story is told in third-person narrative, but mainly from the perspective of Griff Muir, a 6'5" hunk of a NY firefighter who is desperately in love with his best friend, Dante Anastagio. Dante is a "hot head" in his own right (downright crazy at times, larger than life most of the time) who, along with Griff, survived the horrendous attacks on the World Trade Center on 9/11. As the blurb indicates, Dante gets himself in a bit of hot water financially, and decides internet porn is a quick answer to his financial woes. He drags the reticent Griff along, kicking and screaming. Not that Griff doesn't lust after his best friend, but because Griff is convinced that Dante will never return his feelings, and he knows he's just letting himself in for major heartbreak. You can imagine what happens, and there's a sweet revelation towards the end of the book which made me grin from ear to ear.Mr. Suede's "voice" is perfect in this book. Gritty, irreverent, it channels the blue-collar Brooklyn vibe (I have to admit I lived in the more swanky Brooklyn Heights, but my father grew up near the area where this book takes place). Yeah, I giggled a bit over the different...er...terminology, shall I say, for the various male body parts, but it didn't distract and, in most places, actually added to the overall feel of the piece.There were times when the story could have been more tightly edited, especially after the main resolution, and there are some repetitive bits that could have come out (for example, sometimes characters were described in the same manner in 2 or 3 places). That said, I was never bored reading this, and the sex scenes were very hot and well-drawn.

Eu recomendo muito este livro. Amei a família do Dante e relação do Dante com o Griff como amigos.A única coisa que eu queria a mais é um livro sobre o Tommy.

Fantastically written storyline, absolutely engrossed. I’m not normally a book person but this had me hooked. Highly recommended :)

I've bought this in Spanish as well and I have to say that it's one of my all time favorite m2m stories.

very good dialogues and characterization, I was very surprised by this book as the story seemed quite simple at first but it was so well written that it ended up being very enjoyable, so far it is the best gay novel I've read.

The story is told from the third person limited point of view of Griffin, a New York firefighter. He has been in love with his best friend Dante forever. But Dante is a real lady's man, a player. When Dante is in financial troubles and comes up with this crazy porn website, Griff wants to support him in any way he can. Even if it means a great deal of torture for himself.It took a while for me to get into the story. But once I was there, I stayed up late in the night to read the book and didn't care that I had to work the next day. I so loved Griff and Dante who call each other G and D. Even as "only" best friends their love was so palpable. Griff doesn't dare to tell his best friend the truth, it's hard enough to accept it for himself... because, naturally, firefighters aren't gay, especially not when they're American heroes.First, I was interested in the crazy sounding plot. But soon, I just got to love the characters. I was surprised by the depth of their feelings, the complexity of the plot. Suede really has a gift for writing. His men aren't gay in any clichéd sense, they like beer and football and hanging out at bars with their friends. When they talk to each other, they use thick NY slang. And then, in the emotional and heartfelt scenes, Suede takes up a completely different language, quiet and beautiful. This is why I chose a quote which transports the latter feelings and not the obvious contemp romance-like lines.I was happy to be part of Griff and Dante's journey and of course expected no less than a happy ending. Yet, there is still the problem with their jobs and other things that might be obstacles in their way. I'm really looking forward to the next installment. Until then, I'll just discover some other gems of this highly fascinating genre.