Hot Head
June 14, 2011
53 Comments
/ 2,275 views
Title and Link: Hot Head
Author: Damon Suede
Cover Artist: Anne Cain
Publisher URL: Dreamspinner Press
Amazon Buy Link
Genre: Contemporary M/M
Length: Novel/ 105K words/320 paperback pages
Rating: 5+ stars out of 5
Review Summary: At its core this is a love story on the biggest stage - New York City
THE BLURB:
Where there’s smoke, there’s fire…
Since 9/11, Brooklyn firefighter Griff Muir has wrestled with impossible feelings for his best friend and partner at Ladder 181, Dante Anastagio. Unfortunately, Dante is strictly a ladies’ man, and the FDNY isn’t exactly gay-friendly. For ten years, Griff has hidden his heart in a half-life of public heroics and private anguish.
Griff’s caution and Dante’s cockiness make them an unbeatable team. To protect his buddy, there’s nothing Griff wouldn’t do… until a nearly bankrupt Dante proposes the worst possible solution: HotHead.com, a gay porn website where uniformed hunks get down and dirty. And Dante wants them to appear there—together. Griff may have to guard his heart and live out his darkest fantasies on camera. Can he rescue the man he loves without wrecking their careers, their families, or their friendship?
THE REVIEW
They say that everything is big in Texas but in New York City, which is the backdrop for Hot Head, firefighter Griff Muir is really large: 6 ft. 5 ins tall, 245 pounds of solid muscle, and everything on his body matched his height, from his size fifteen feet to his ”beer can dick,” 
but what impressed me most about Griff was his heart. From the ashes of 911 Damon Suede has written a novel that’s raw, dialogue that’s fresh, a plot that grips you and makes your stomach ache, prose that entices, and characters that are so incredibly complex, flawed and over the top you will have no doubt who wrote Hot Head because the author’s fingerprints are all over every page. This book has all the elements I look for in an unforgettable story - drama, human tragedy, family, heart, guts, excitement, the unexpected, and above all, unconditional love.
Hot Head opens on the 10th anniversary of September 11, and the firemen from Engine 333/Ladder 181 were toasting their 343 dead comrades in the Stone Bone where Griff worked part-time as a bouncer. All of the neighbourhood bars allowed firefighters to drink free on this one night every year since the Twin Towers fell, and Griff was at the Bone with his best friend and fellow firefighter Dante Anastagio with whom he had been secretly in love for years. Of course he would never tell Dante about his feelings because he was definitely straight and the horniest ladies’ man around. If Dante knew about the way Griff felt, their friendship would be over. At the end of the evening Griff was ready to go home but Dante wanted to talk to him and the problem seemed pressing. They barely escaped unscathed from the bar and were so drunk that when Griff woke up the next morning he was in Dante’s bed (a place he’d never been) and he had no idea how he got there, why he was naked, and most important, why Dante was beside him, and what had happened between them, if anything.
Dante had scraped together every cent he could lay his hands on and bought an old ramshackle fixer-upper brownstone near his parents’ home into which he poured every cent of his salary and spent every spare minute renovating. The place was a money pit even with the physical help of his family and Griff, and when he could no longer meet the mortgage payments, despite working a couple of other extra jobs, the bank was set to foreclose. He told Griff he had only one option to earn some quick money to stave off immediate foreclosure: make a porn movie. As a bonus, if Griff joined him they could double the fee. Griff was horrified, not only at the thought of making a porn movie but doing so with Dante, because he would not be able to control his arousal and Dante would know his secret.
Reading Hot Head I was transported to the delicious mix of the ethnic neighbourhoods in New York – Brooklyn, the Bronx, Staten Island, Yonkers, Queens – in all their decaying decadence against the glamour and glitter of preppy upscale Manhattan. The smells and different races living on top of each other trying to make a living and barely doing so were realistic and immediate and I felt as if I were living this story rather than reading it. The city was alive and the atmosphere sparkled underneath the mosiac that made up the Big Apple, but that apple had a worm at its core because of the reality that was 911.
Hot Head is a book you will want to savour. The characters are exceptionally well drawn and New York City with its beauty and flaws is a fitting canvas for Griff’s and Dante’s romance. Amidst all of this rich history and the daily grind of work Griff and Dante are two men who have a new reality – they are in love with each other but in their world of firefighters that love is not welcome. Nothing in this book is predictable. The emotions are gritty and raw, the protagonists are flawed, the supporting characters are as diverse as you would ever want to meet in the pages of a book, people get hurt, the writing is mostly great even though at times it’s so over the top that I had to admire Damon Suede for having the balls to dare write such prose and dialogue. But the prose is so rich and intense it made me forgive the author’s excesses as he writes the way he lives, OUT LOUD! There are some parts of the book that I gutted out and others where I wanted to scream, but when I’m emotional about a book it’s usually because the story moved me and Hot Head kept me on the brink and will stay with me for a long time.
When I read the book the first time I emailed Damon about 5.00 A.M. the next day and told him that he owed me a night’s sleep because I stayed up all night, sucked into the plot and the characters. Is Hot Head perfect? Not by a long shot, but it shouldn’t be perfect because there are so many emotions overflowing on the pages. People are untidy and they have human frailties, they are unpredictable and stupid, but sometimes just when you’re about ready to give up on them they are so incredibly generous and loving that you want to hug them. That’s exactly how they were portrayed in Damon’s M/M debut novel. This book is obviously a labour of love for the author because I could feel his emotions on the page. There is love of family, friendship, fun, grief, sex and more sex, but the author never forgot that the characters are what are important. Everything in the book is on a grand scale with no apologies. Hot Head is more than a romance. It’s also part of the Twin Towers aftermath but not in a way that’s maudlin. Sure, thousands died when the Towers were blown up but the book did not dwell on what is now history, it embraced it and moved on.
I did have a few quibbles especially about the extended photo sessions with Griff that went on for 3 days, and Dante’s jealousy during those sessions that seemed OTT, but the author can be forgiven for some of these indulgences after writing such a wonderful book. I can also overlook some of the almost purple prose such as the descriptions of Dante’s “medium rare, wine stained ” mouth and “scarab” eyes, because the cioppino, Dante’s favourite meal, more than made up for these small excesses.
Griff grew incredibly during the book and evolved from the overgrown 6’5″ shy, self effacing character with no self confidence into a wonderful man who knew he was loved by the one person who meant the world to him and was the core of his life. He was a contradiction because he was huge in terms of his physical proportions, but on the flip side he was emotional and needy. I could feel the heat and intensity between the protagonists because Dante was no slouch either where his feelings for Griff were concerned. Dante was like a bright flame that burned at both ends and Griff was the moth. Dante loved danger, embraced it without thinking about the consequences, and lived his life on the edge. However he was the one constant in Griff’s life who took care of him when he suffered from panic attacks for years.
All the characterizations were well drawn and you will love the Anastagio family, especially the parents and Dante’s brash sister Loretta. There are too many characters to mention but Tommy Dobsky, a paramedic who almost died horribly in a hate crime, will break your heart, and he’s coming back in the next book in the series, Hard Head.
Hot Head is entertaining, vibrant and original, the writing is fresh, the protagonists kick butt, and oh! before I forget, the sex is off the chart. 
Highly recommended.
Author Information
Wave
Madonna196
Bogusia
Larissa
Sirius
Great review, Wave! This has been on my list for weeks, but now I’m really excited.
Hi Kiracee
I think you will really enjoy Dante and Griff. They are wonderful characters.
Sounds fantastic. Can’t wait. This week is so great for releases a Josh book, the next Rifter and Damons book. We are so lucky. Thanks for the great review.
Hi Lisa
It’s summer blockbusters like in the movies. What can I say?
I hope you enjoy Hot Head as much as I did.
Wow! Talk about great review! This week will be amazing! Lanyon, Carole Cummings and Damon all have new books this week. And I’m certain I missed someone. Thanks, Wave! Hot Head goes on my list.
Hi Lady M
I know that your taste in books is more aligned to Lynn’s but I really loved this book. The characters moved me and I wish I had a family like Dante’s.
There are parts of the book that are gritty because of 911 but that’s the reality of the times.
Sounds absolutely fantastic! And what a wonderful review as well! I was contemplating on whether or not to buy this but your review just sealed the deal for me; the purchase is set. I can’t wait to get my hands on this.
Hi Beatrice
I loved the book but tastes vary. There are parts of the story that are reminiscent of 911 but I really loved Griffin and Dante and Dante’s family.
Gorgeous review- I was a little scared about this one fearing it might be too full of painful stuff, but I’m going for it now.
Raine
*Possible spoiler alert*
There is one Chapter about 911 but it’s not too painful – it’s a replay of what you’ve seen on television but instead Griff has a starring role.
Really enjoyed this amazing book, I was worried for quite a while that wonderful Griff wasn’t going to be fully appreciated by D, but funnily enough I liked the extreme jealousy scenes because it proved he did!
Hi Raine
I’m SO pleased that you enjoyed Hot Head. I absolutely LOVED this book.
Griff was definitely appreciated by Dante AND his entire family. He was such a wonderful character. I hope that Damon brings Griff and Dante back in Tommy’s story.
*Hint*
The story behind the book is heartbreaking. Just in case I had no reasons enough to read it your post makes me want to do it
Thank you for your review
Hi Helena
Thanks for remembering the story behind the book. That’s one reason to read it, if nothing else. But I hope you will love Hot Head and maybe believe that Damon did justice to the real story.
Wow!
Many many thanks for putting so much into this review, Wave. And for the unbelievable rating! Heady stuff for a M/M virgin…
I have to confess I’ve been on pins and needles a bit waiting for this critique because you kept teasing me with ominous utterances during our interview process… so this is better than I could have dared dream.
I love that the book worked for you on so many levels, and I hope I learned enough writing it that the next one will be better!
Hi Damon
I had to make you work for it.
Chocolate makes up for my sleep deprivation! lol
There were many reasons why I rated it as DIK as you can tell from the review. I really loved the characters and the plot and some of the dialogue was just unbelievable.
However, I’m only one reader. 
Looking forward to Tommy’s story. That one scene with him (not the beating – the other one) was incredibly erotic. WOW!
Oh I want and so much, thanks for the great review Wave. Hmmm, choices choices I have Josh lanyon’s latest waiting for me, this one will be waiting for me after I will get it tonight and Aisling is out tomorrow. Yum! Thanks again Wave.
Hi Sirius
You should be able to relate to some of the Boroughs in the book since you live in N.Y. I loved the setting and the characters rocked. Hope you enjoy Hot Head.
LadyM mentioned what a bonanza this week was turning out to be for M/M readers – we’re so lucky.
This sounds like a great read. Looking forward to reading it. Great review, Wave!
Hey Lily
Thank you.
I’ve been thinking of you. How are you doing? Please email me.
I loved this book and have already started reading it again. LOL. I hope you get it – Damon is an awesome writer.
Rushing to buy this one!! Great review Wave, you already whetted my appetite with the interview the other day and after reading this review I’m even more excited to read the book!
Leslie
I loved it but I guarantee that not everyone will. So if you loved the interview you will probably love the book. It’s unusual – that’s all I’ll say.
This book is just like you would expect from Damon.
I’m trying to save money by re-reading some of my old favourites but this week’s been too tempting. Your very persuasive review had me checking out the excerpt on the publisher’s site. Will probably be buying this shortly.
Hi Gaye
Hot Head is the free book today so you have a chance to get it without paying it for it. lol This book may not be for everyone because Damon has a different writing style.
Oooh, thanks for the heads-up. Darned time zones means I’m right down the list, but I might be lucky.
I was going to save this for later, really, I was. I was only going to read the first chapter and then go to bed. Who was I kidding. I stayed up all night, just like Wave.
Damon, I loved it! Loved Griff, loved Dante, loved the Anastagios. This is definitely a keeper. I will be re-reading it often. Thank you for writing such a wonderful story.
That is wonderful and gratifying, kiracee!! You are very welcome.
I’m so glad it kept you awake and resonated so deeply… LOL And to know that you’ll revisit my guys, that’s the best kind of review.
Sold! Wonderful review, and my copy is safe and sound on my hard drive.
Eden
I hope you enjoy Hot Head, Damon’s debut novel. I’ve already read it 3 tiumes.
3 times Wave
wow!
Great review Wave. It’s on my list to buy.
Hi Jaime
Hot Head makes for great summer reading but don’t do so in public.
Damon – I’ve loved your reviews so have been waiting for this book. So excited to read it, finally! Ooh, I hope I can get to sleep tonight!
Thanks, Wave! When Dreamspinner uploads the novel to iTunes/iBooks on July 1st, I’m definitely going to buy it.
Hi Stuart
I’m so glad that the review convinced you to buy Hot Head. I think it’s a wonderful love story and the plot is great. Please come back and let us know how you liked the book (or not)
after reading it.
i went through the interview archives – where was the one with damon suede? :0/
-kkm
Sorry, I hadn’t updated the interview archives. Here’s the link to the interview
http://www.reviewsbyjessewave.com/2011/06/13/damon-suede-interview/
And I wasn’t going to buy…but I did and read it straight through. Bought it on the back of the rating (I believe that DIK is always hard earned), then read your review after reading the book.
. Great book, great review!
Jenni
I’m so pleased you loved the book and that the rating helped you buy it. I think it will be hard for Damon to top this.
Thanks for letting us and Damon know how much you enjoyed Hot Head and I appreciate the nice words about the review.
Awesome Jenni! Many thanks for taking a chance on it.
Finished it last night! Awesome story and awesome characters.
Dante and Griff’s first kiss at the fire station was so freakin hot.
When they had sex at Dante’s house even hotter
These boys were so hot, sexy and very caring.
I can’t wait for more of Damon’s books.
Hi Jaime
Thank you for coming back to let us know that you enjoyed Dante and Griff and their story. Griff is my favourite but Dante is not far behind.
I think we might be in for a long wait for Damon to finish his next book because he seems to be very busy with his other career.
Oh boo! How dare he have a career and not enough time to write m/m books!
I would actually like a follow-up Dante and Griff story!
I think he mentioned something piffling like writing for stage and television.lol.
I’m hoping that Griff and Dante are back in Hard Head so that we can see how things are working out with them.
I’m trying, I’m trying!
I do write for theatre and film, and right now I’m on musical deadline with a producer. I AM getting M/M writing done as well, but the past week or so has been batty.
Last night late, I got a call from a friend who’s a gay cop down south. And now he wants the NYPD book bumped up in the series or else. Apparently he dug HOT HEAD so much he’s making his straight partner on the force read it!? Dying to know how that plays out. LOL
I do have a fat chunk of HARD HEAD done, (Tommy’s story)… and Griff and Dante will feature heavily, because all kinds of craziness is fixing to go down in Red Hook. But I have two other stories to wrap up first.
I think that right after you finish your assignments for the theatre you should get right on Hard Head and the NYPD story.
Did I tell you I love cops as much as firefighters? *hint*
You must tell me about your friend’s partner’s reaction to Hot Head. That should be worth another book.
Looking forward to seeing Dante and Griff again SOON. lol.
I read this book over the weekend. Great story.
Excellent virgin effort! The writing style is easy to read with a unique voice and complex characterizations. A fascinating insight for readers who have never visited NY. Not just another ‘generic’ or ‘cookie-cutter’ m/m book
At times I wanted to think ‘enough angst already’ but the storyline never drags and looking back I can’t recommend cutting anything out lol!
Everything about this story just works, no eyerolls or ‘drop me out of the story’ moments.
Addictive book, difficult to put down. Easily recommended for summer reading…but honestly, good enough to read (or re-read) anytime of the year!!
More please!
Hi Denni
Exactly my thoughts. What more can I say? I have re-read this book several times and it never gets stale.
Just re-read Hot Head for the third time and is definitely in my ‘Favs’ collection on my Kindle. Thanks for the great review, Wave. Really looking forward to Hard Head, and am honestly getting a little impatient.
Hi Tom
This was one of my most pleasurable reads this year and like you, I re-read it many times because I loved the characters.
You will have to talk to Damon about Hard Head since he’s finishing another book right now. Maybe if we all gang up on him he’ll drop his other projects.
I read your interview with him back in June and I thought it might be out by now and I certainly don’t want to pester him.
Perhaps I’ll just continue on with my Ethan Day re-read-a-thon before i move onto Marie Sexton to do the same. And of course I’ll continue to visit Jessewave for recommendations. 
You’re always welcome Tom.
Ethan is writing a couple of books which will be out by the end of the year and Marie has one that’s out next week. However, I’ll definitely ask Damon for an update on Hard Head.
Thanks, Wave
p.s. I would appreciate the deletion above of my almost duplicate comment