Bit of Rough [Paperback]

Laura Baumbach (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2005

Architect James Justin impulsively lets himself be picked up in a biker bar by seductive hunk Bram Lord for a one nightstand that turns into something bigger. The physically impressive, forceful stranger mets, matches and exceeds James' sexual fantasies, but can shy, uncertain James be everything the strongly committed Bram wants?

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Gay or straight, man or woman. A Bit of Rough is a love story that I couldn't put down. -- Just Erotic Romance Reviews, October, 2005

A BIT OF ROUGH is a sexy man love story leaves readers with a new outlook on homosexual relationships. -- Romance Junkies, October, 2005

The author has drafted some love scenes that were very explicit and hot but expressed well. -- Romance at Heart, October, 2005

Product Details

• Paperback: 136 pages
• Publisher: Sybaritic Press (September 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0971223262
• ISBN-13: 978-0971223264
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,389,109 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Laura Baumbach is the author of numerous short stories, novellas, novels and screenplays. Her favorite genre to work in is manlove or m/m erotic romances. Manlove is not traditional gay fiction, but erotic romances written specifically for the romantic-minded reader, male or female. She works as an emergency trauma nurse by night and an author by day, with her husband and two sons filling in her free hours.

Among her numerous awards over the years, Laura was the 2007 EPPIE Finalist for best GLBT novel with her book sci-fi adventure DETAILS OF THE HUNT, the first in the Details Series, winner of the 2008 EPPIE for best GLBT novel with her vampire adventure story THE LOST TEMPLE OF KARTTIKEYA and was give Honorable Mention for her collaborative novel MEXICAN HEAT , the first in the Crimes & Cocktails Series, at the San Fransiciso Book Fair. MEXICAN HEAT is also currently a 2009 Lambda Literary Award Finalist for Best Gay Romance.

Laura is the owner of ManLoveRomance Press, a small print publishing house that specializes in gay erotic romance, mystery and fiction. (http://www.mlrpress.com) MLR Press was founded in January of 2007. She is also the owner of the promotional co-op for authors of gay romance and fiction, Manloveromance.com. (http://www.manloveromance.com)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bit of Rough, February 20, 2007

By 

M. Nix - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bit of Rough (Paperback)

James Justin doesn't normally cruise biker bars. His Friday nights are normally spent at

home, alone. Wanting to do something exciting after being passed over for a project, the

rising architect finds himself in a rowdy dive surrounded by leather wearing, tattooed,

bikers. Soon his attention is drawn to a group playing pool. Especially attractive is the

brawny cowboy with the sexy laugh.

Bram Lord spots James staring at him and likes what he sees. Inviting James outside, Bram maneuvers him into the alley behind the bar and into an intense sexual encounter. Bram is stronger, bigger and more forceful than James. Everything James finds exciting in a man.

Bram, having enjoyed the one night stand, asks to see James again. A long-term relationship looks promising for James and Bram who share intense passion and common interests. But can James overcome his secret insecurity and vulnerability to find love with the open and confident Bram?

A Bit of Rough is sexy, exciting and tender. Yes, I said tender. The love story between the shy, but charming, James and the rugged, caring Bram is tender and romantic. I especially enjoyed the loving manner in which Bram protected James. I'm jealous of James. Bram is simply yummy. Good looking, strong, bold, secure, and down and dirty in the bedroom. A delicious combination. Not that James doesn't have a lot to offer. He does. He's kind-hearted, charming, smart, and the perfect sexual match for Bram.

Great character development, a solid plot and scrumptiously erotic sex make for a well-written book. I enjoyed A Bit of Rough so much, I've read it twice and look forward to reading it again. For fans of gay erotica, Laura Baumbach's A Bit of Rough is a must-read.

Annmarie

Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not my cup of tea..., October 3, 2008

By 

S. Hanson (Atlanta, GA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Bit of Rough (Paperback)

I've read Laura's writing before and really enjoyed it but this book fell woefully short of 'good' in my opinion. The story was actually quite good, there were a lot of great elements to it and the writing was excellent....But I couldn't bring myself to like the main characters. Not even a little bit! They played out like cardboard cut-outs to me,

Bram fell instantaneously in love with James after screwing in a back alley which I loved but not the falling in love part! Love at first screw? Yikes! That was not even close to believable for me. Bram and James fit way too neatly into the rolls of perfect 'top' and 'bottom', a pit trap that female writers tend to fall into. Definitely the type of pit trap that makes me wince. James is PERFECT and small and timid and Bram PERFECT and big and bold and strong. What? No thank you Laura!

I think my personal tastes in gay fiction is what prevents me from liking this. I prefer my romance to be a little more subtle and less 'I love you forever and ever even though I only just met you.' I will definitely give this author a try with her other books because I do enjoy her writing but this one just wasn't for me.

One I did like was her short story from 'Bite Before Christmas' where she took a lot of elements I normally don't like and really made them work.

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Laura Baumbach's writing will leave you with amazing images of characters that will stay in your thoughts long after you've fini, February 3, 2007

By 

C. Dionne "Chrissy Dionne" (Cloverdale, OREGON USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bit of Rough (Paperback)

James Justin is a junior architect for a prestigious firm. Having suffered the disappointment of a project he was interested in at work going to a senior partner, James decides to do something different and exciting. Hoping to find a man to have a one-night stand, he goes to a biker dive. Finding a life-partner he's only dreamed exists is both exciting and a bit scary.

Bram Lord is the owner of a construction company and a mountain of a man. He's dominant, possessive, openly gay, and isn't afraid to go after what he wants. He wants James for more than one night. Convincing James that he's serious however, is going to require a little work and a lot of caveman tactics.

James is attracted to Bram before he ever sees him in the biker dive. Just hearing the man's voice turns James on. Bram's playing pool with a few of his employees when he encounters James for the first time. They haven't even exchanged names when Bram offers to buy James a beer and then suggests they get some air. Outside the dive, Bram takes James roughly against the side of the building and James loves it. Bram's dominance is both exciting and scary. James could easily lose his heart and himself to this man. It isn't until they getting ready to part ways for the night that James introduces himself and Bram gives James his business card. Bram asks James out for dinner, telling him to think about it and give him a call later if he wants to see him again. James calls Bram to confirm their date and give Bram his address. Bram leaves James with the warning that being late will earn him a punishment, leaving James both flustered and excited. When he arrives home to prepare for the date however, he's harassed and mauled by his neighbor, who ignores James struggles and denials. James is saved from a possible rape by Bram's timely arrival. Understandably, James is panicky after the attack and Bram's size alone would feel intimidating to James, Bram did everything in his power to comfort James verbally, even waiting for James to come to him instead of trying to physically touch him first. Bram and James are perfect for each other, will they be able to get past James distrust in people long enough to form a lasting relationship?

A BIT OF ROUGH is a very sexy man love story that will leave its readers with a new outlook on homosexual relationships. Full of hot sex but even better than the sex are the emotions that are expressed by both characters as they struggle through James reluctance to trust. Bram is the ideal Dominant man. Possessing all the qualities I've always found so sexy in men! Irregardless of what your sexual preference is, this is a story that will have you in need of a cold drink as you squirm your way through each intimate scene. Laura Baumbach's writing will leave you with amazing images of characters that will stay in your thoughts long after you've finished reading. Now with that being said, I want to know more about Mitch, Bram's friend with the legendary taste in women. He's a bit cocky and fun and I'd love to know what happens with him. A BIT OF ROUGH is a book I'd definitely recommend reading.

The sequel to this book (ROUGHHOUSING) is now also available. It's a wonderful continuation to this story!

Chrissy Dionne (courtesy of Romance Junkies)