Authors: Bethany Brown & Ashlyn Kane
Genre: GLBT Contemporary, M/M
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Cameron’s best friend, Detective Patrick Hawkins, is very happy for the new couple. But he’s equally worried when mysterious gifts with disturbing letters keep appearing, targeting Cameron. When the stalking escalates to a senseless and stunning act of violence, Patrick is there for the two men, both physically and emotionally. Working together, Cameron, Jeremy, and Patrick set out to find the stalker and put a stop to his actions, but will they be able to stop him before it’s too late?
Honesty from the outset –
This is the second book in the Lost Boys and Love Letters series by this author team. The first, True North (reviewed here), I enjoyed so I was more than pleased to put my hand up to review Picture Perfect.
Although this is part of a series, Picture Perfect can be read as a stand alone. I wasn’t quite certain of – or if there was – a connection between the two books and to be honest I never went looking for it when it seemed obvious the story could easily be read on its own.
Once more, the main and secondary characters are the true gems of the work; being both well developed and appealing. Yet, they did not appear to have the same depth to them like the characters of True North. Thinking about it, I realised this wasn’t quite true; rather that because of their openness about their sexuality, their past – and current – crushes on each other, and their willingness to admit to these feelings from the outset, a lot of the angst associated with a new relationship is not there, or for that matter needed, between Cameron and Jeremy.
A couple of issues/warnings –
There are times when some readers might feel like they’re choking on the sweetness of it all and granted, some things seem a little too perfect and happy (kind of) families. Occasionally I’m in the mood for sugar with my romance so it didn’t bother me at all. 
My recommendation –
I think those who enjoyed the first book will also like Picture Perfect, although there may be some who, like me, will overall prefer True North. Regardless, I’ll be looking forward to the next in the series. The writing style of this author team is such a joy to read.
I agree with you Kris. The whole Patrick thing kind of came out of left field although they do say that Cameron and Patrick have shared before so it wasn’t out of character I suppose for them, but there’s sharing for fun and sharing with someone you are in love with. It didn’t ruin the story or anything for me though. I also throught there was some set-up for a Patrick book down the line. Not sure its true or not. I did like True North more but enjoyed this one as well and will definitely check out future work by the authors. I like their style and sometimes a little sugar is tasty.
I was looking forward to reading this book. I liked True North, but when I heard about the menage (I don’t like menages) I decided to skip this one. Great Review:)
Tammy, you sound as if you had the same response that I did.
I think you’re right. The menage doesn’t ruin the book, but it just seemed a little ‘bam, let’s smex’-ish. I also agree the sub-plots re: Patrick seemed to be setting up another book. We’ll see if we’re on the right track. *g*
These authors write so well together that I think they’ll become autobuys for me.
Romance Sugar: 100% taste and enjoyment without all the calories.
Thanks Daisiemae.
As I said I did like True North better, but did enjoy this one too.
I hope I won’t be giving the game away by saying that the menage definitely doesn’t dominate the book. It happens fairly close to the end and is really only one sex scene.
I’m not trying to change your mind or anything because if menage is something you don’t like, you don’t like it.
Just wanted to let you know that it really wasn’t such a huge part of the book.
Why is it calling me Tammy instead of Tam?
Tam
Because you set up a Blogger profile and used your Rogers account I would think, since Rogers uses Tammy. Damn I’m smart. *g*
I was gonna say Tam because I thought I’d recognised your writing style, but didn’t want to look like a total dick. Must be psychic.
Sigh. I did it at work and must have signed in wrong since it didn’t have my picture either. Blah. Crazy day there. But I’m in properly now (with rogers so who knows) and hey, long weekend for me. Wheeeee.
True North is in my TBR pile, and I think I’ll pick this up after I read that. I’ll try to not let the menage scare me away… Thanks Kris.
As I said to Daisiemae, the menage isn’t tooo scary.
Both books are very enjoyable, Lynn; if not for anything else but the goodness which is this writing team.
I have to admit the sugary sweetness of this novel is making my teeth hurt.
I started reading it a few weeks ago, stopped because I couldn’t stand all the mushyness and have just picked it up again after reading this review because I thought I might have been missing something.
I also admit the mention of the menage was another incentive to pick up the book again. I’m so shallow.
I’m still finding it too saccherine for my tastes but I’ll stick it to the end and see whether things improve.
I really liked True North so wanted to give this a try. It was going good and I was liking the relationship that was developing between Cameron and Jeremy, so was really thrown when Patrick was invited into bed (or kitchen) with them. But what really pissed me off was when Jeremy and Patrick got it on without Cam because he….well that’s probably a spoiler…but that did it for me.
Random smexing annoys a kitteh muchly. I shall skip this, but will consider True North, which I has yet to read.
Low-fat sugar is good for you… sometimes… Jen, you superficial girl you.
Lisa, I’m glad I’m not the only one who thought the menage was kinda odd. I couldn’t really understand the one-on-one between P and J, but admit to having a bias because I don’t get a r/ship that involves a third only now and again. Having said that, it was discussed between Cam and J. Still…
Hey Emmy. I did think True North was better. I also reckon this writing team has talent and will do good things in the future.
Yeah I’m with you all the way on this one Kris. I just don’t get what they were doing together instead of being with Cam after he was hurt. Just didn’t play for me. I think the only book I’ve read where I believed in a m/m/m romance was 911 by Chris Owens.
[...] as many references are made to happenings in the other books. You can find reviews on this site for True North and Picture Perfect (book two) by [...]