Cast Off

Toronto Tales, Book 3

De: K. C. Burn

Narrado por: Tristan James

Thirty-five-year-old Rick Haviland is a well-respected speech pathologist, but while his friends are all settling into relationships, he refuses to give up his no-strings-attached club-boy sex life. For him, relationships are dangerous; he's got a secret to hide. When he meets Ian O'Donnell, an account manager with a local tabloid, Rick figures his personal rules for relationships should be enough to keep him safe from more than a one-night stand.

When Ian comes out of the closet, tired of anonymous hook-ups and keeping secrets from his large Catholic family, Rick is right there, and he's just the sort of man Ian might like to get to know better. Their attraction is immediate, electric and mutual. Ian convinces Rick to break more and more of his rules, and his defenses crumble. But someone watches, someone who'd like to see this new relationship fail. When Ian's job becomes a means to expose Rick's secret, it could destroy both their careers and their hearts.

©2013 KC Burn (P)2014 Dreamspinner Press

Best of the series!

Would you consider the audio edition of Cast Off to be better than the print version?

Haven't read it, but I absolutely loved the Audio book.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Cast Off?

Ian calmly listening to Rick tell his story, then refusing to walk away.

Which character – as performed by Tristan James – was your favorite?

Ian. I loved how he was always so cool, calm and collect. But when he does finally lose it Rick doesn't know what to do without his always calm and in control Ian.

If you could take any character from Cast Off out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Ian, he was such a doll setting up all those "dates" with Rick.

Any additional comments?

Rick Haviland doesn't do attachments. He does one night stands and occasionally, finds a friend that is willing to share the benefits of a hook-up only kind of relationship. But as soon as a guy starts acting like a "keeper", their name is scratched off the list. Meeting Ian O'Donnell changes everything. Rick keeps his past tucked away, never revealing his whole self to anyone, not even his best friends. That shadow that looms over Rick is what has kept him from getting to close to anyone, but Ian slowly breaks down all Rick's barriers and he finds himself wanting more with someone for the first time ever.

Ian is no stranger to keeping secrets, he hid his sexuality from everyone he knew until recently. When his brother, Curt, who is also Ian's best friend, came out to their family Ian was pissed. Not at Curt mind you, but at himself for not having the courage at the time to do the same. From the start, Ian wants more than just a casual hook-up kind of relationship with Rick, but he recognizes the look of sheer terror in Rick's eyes at just the mention of anything to do with any type of commitment. So Ian works the friends angle instead. The man is actually courting Rick, and Rick doesn't even realize it. But darkness in your past is never forgotten and not easily washed away. When Rick's past invades his present, it could destroy them both.

This is probably my favorite book of this series. Ian was definitely the stronger of the two men, both physically and emotionally. That being said, I liked that he was the one that kind of had blinders on when usually, it would have been the other way around. Ian is so focused on Rick that he doesn't see when another guy is blatantly flirting. And then Rick decides to ignore what he sees when someone is slashing his tires, keying his car and setting his porch on fire. Both men are forced to pay attention when Rick receives an envelope of very revealing images. While the images could destroy both men's careers as well as Rick's entire world, they force Rick to be completely open and honest with Ian about his past. Again, I really liked the way this played out. Rick is convinced that Ian will duck and run, cast him off just like everyone always does when they learn the truth. But Ian is already completely committed, he digs his heels in a stays.

Opposites definitely attract in this book, narrated by Tristan James, and he really brought the characters to life. He nails the Irish brogue perfectly any time he speaks it, and he has these subtle shifts in his voice that alert the listener to a change in the characters attitude or mood. You also don't have to wonder who is speaking as James clearly changes tone and inflection from one character to another. The series as a whole is very well written, the various characters are all part of the same family and close knit circle of friends. So I would not only recommend you giving this one a read or a listen, I would recommend doing so in order so you can fully appreciate the books as the Author intended.

good story. good narration

The first book in this series builds on Kurt's connection to his family. I enjoyed how that connection played an important role in how he handled the conflicts he encountered. The second book in this series included characters from the first book, but didn't focus on family quit as much. This book draws more from the first one because it focuses on Kurt's older brother Ian. I enjoyed this book a little more than the second because of the focus on family. The author really seems to shine when creating emotional stories about the importance of family connections whether you are born with them or you build them.

The narrator has a wonderful voice, and the performance is decent although there are a few odd pauses and emphasis on the wrong parts of a sentence from time to time.

I absolutely loved this story! Loved Tristan Janes

Loved Tristan James narration. I loved his characterizations of all of Ian's family and Rick too.

Nice sequel

This is the 3rd book of the series. However, I read the first book (Cop Out) and I think this book is really the sequel to the first book as it involves Kurt's brother Ian, who makes appearances in Cop Out. I haven't read the 2nd book, but reading the 1st helps with this one. Now the review. I really enjoyed this book and Tristan James as the narrator is just wonderful. Since this also involves a big Irish family, his wonderful brogue makes an appearance. I also like that we get both MCs POV. The relationship between Ian and Rick is a complicated one because of Rick's past. The blurb implies that Ian's "coming out" is a big part of the story, but it really isn't. It is primarily a story of Rick overcoming the "rules" he has imposed on all his relationships and taking a chance with Ian. And the author does a cute little twist at the end so it is not totally predictable. I connected with both MCs and enjoyed their journey to finding love. Worth a credit.

Bi-sexual novel of extremly elegant taste.

It doesn't matter what sex you are. This books material can fit into your life. Married or unmarried in can help any relationship. A must read for anyone.
W. Sparks