ROUGH RIDE by Laura Baumbach

Book 2.5 in Rough Series
Publisher: MLR Press
Date Published: November 2011
ISBN 978-1-60820-454-0
ASIN B006FD10XW
Contemporary, Short Story, Gay (M/M), Holiday
E-book
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained by Publisher


James Justin lost his family the day he came out as a gay man. From then on, he has worked to bury the pain of their rejection. He has spent every holiday lonely since then. But his new lover/boyfriend, Bram Lord, has a plan up his sleeve to show James that love can be a long and winding road to a heart’s desire.

Laura Baumbach’s Rough series is one I absolutely fell in love with the moment I opened A BIT OF ROUGH (Book 1). From then on I was eager to see what Bram and James were up to and ROUGH RIDE is no exception. Granted this was a short, hot holiday novella, it is a powerhouse of emotions-from love, loneliness, lust and forgiveness-that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I have to admit, this just wetted my appetite for more of these two wonderful characters. Laura Baumbach is a stellar storyteller who delivers stories packed with heat and emotions. With the right amount of angst, emotional upheaval, lust and love playing out within the pages of the Rough series, the reader is transfixed, eager to see what is next for Bram and James.

ROUGH RIDE is a short, powerful story that continues James and Bram’s romance. Filled with a few twists I didn’t see plus lots of hot simmering sexual tension, I was enthralled till the very end. I can attest I was unable to put down the e-reader just to make dinner; I needed to find out what would happen next for these two. I absolutely adore James and Bram together. Opposites attract and in this case it works perfectly. One is a burly alpha male while the other is submissive but also an alpha too. These two just click together. You can see it the minute they step on the pages. This is an author who knows how to let her characters shine within the confines of the story and keep the reader guessing until the very end.

ROUGH RIDE is a perfect addition to this series and one I am hoping that will continue with more Rough stories. If you are looking for a fun, sensual story that will make you believe in love all over again. Laura Baumbach is a talented and magical author who delivers stories that will take your breath away. I can’t wait to see what else she has in store for her readers in the future.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of the book.

ROUGHHOUSING by Laura Baumbach

Book 2 in Rough Series
Publisher: MLR Press
Date Published: September 2011
ISBN 978-1-60820-435-5 (E-book)
ASIN: B005LKMOIA
Contemporary M/M
E-book
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained by Publisher


James and Bram are back with James having trouble believing that Bram loves only him. He has always rushed into things in the past and it always got him hurt. Now with his job getting stressful, James is trying to figure out his relationship with Bram amid his turmoil of emotions. Can James believe in Bram and in himself in order to be happy with Bram? Bram is so forceful, so sexy and getting tired of trying to show James that he is here to stay. Can he show James, once and for all, that his love is true?

ROUGHHOUSING takes up right after A BIT OF ROUGH left off and here we see more deeply into the relationship of Bram and James. James has issues that are getting the best of him. He is scared to think of Bram getting tired of him and tossing him aside like so many others have done in the past. Bram is tired of trying to show James he is “THE ONE” to James and to show him his heart, time after time. Laura Baumbach delivers a stellar second book in her Rough Series that deliver angst, passion and a love worth fighting for. The story is fast paced, writing tight and the characters are so life-like, I was sure I could meet them at any local bar.

James is feeling like he was on a roller coaster. He adores Bram but he is trying to slow things down, so he can figure things out but Bram has a way of steamrolling over James at times. But James’s insecurities are getting the best of him and it will take all of Bram’s love and devotion to help James figure out he belongs right by Bram’s side, now and forever. Laura Baumbach delivers two amazing characters that will steal your heart. Gentle James and alpha Bram swooped in and turned me into mush while I read ROUGHHOUSING. The characters are very enjoyable, life like and I could literally see them on the corner of my street or at a local restaurant. There were a few secondary characters that were quite enjoyable and gave me a few giggles at times.

ROUGHHOUSING delivers a strong story that is very hot and sexy at times. I recommend you keep a handy bucket of ice nearby or your significant other. You will need it. I can’t wait to see what happens next for Bram and James. Laura Baumbach is a talented writer who pens intriguing stories with enjoyable characters. If you’re looking for a strong character rich story, then try ROUGHHOUSING. I do recommend reading A BIT OF ROUGH first to see how James and Bram met and fell for one another.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

A BIT OF ROUGH by Laura Baumbach

Book 1 in the Rough Series
Publisher: MLR Press
Date published: April 2007
ISBN: 978-0-9793110-7 (ebook)
ASIN: B00104KJVK
Contemporary M/M
E-book
Reviewed by Dawn
Obtained by Publisher


James Justin decides to do something different and goes to a biker bar where he finds himself drawn to big and rough Bram Lord. One night of lust turns into something more for them both. Bram gives something to James that James has been longing for. But James is afraid he can’t be enough for forceful Bram. Can James let go of his insecurities to enjoy falling in love with the one man destined to be his?

I have got to admit, I have a very big love for big, alpha men who turn to marshmallows with their significant other. A BIT OF ROUGH delivers such a character that had me melting in a puddle the minute Bram stepped onto the pages. Ms. Baumbach delivers a sexy tale of two people trying to make a relationship work amid insecurities, misunderstandings and hot passion. With each page I was drawn more into Bram and James’s world, learning about these two magical characters and rooting for them to get their happily ever after.

The writing was tight, storyline moved quickly and the characters were very well written. With each page we see a little more of these characters hearts and this author doesn’t stint on showing their warts either. Bram has that “Take charge/protective of those he loves” or in James’s words, “Caveman” personality that just made me want to cuddle up next to this big, strong man and purr. James is a bit more complex. He has issues that date back to his childhood and I felt for him. I longed to give him a hug and say it’s going to be ok. There were some wonderful secondary characters that had me giggling at times and the passion between Bram and James was so hot, I was afraid the computer would explode at times.

With each page of A BIT OF ROUGH, I was drawn into Bram and James’s story and didn’t want to leave. Ms. Baumbach delivers a wonderful tale of two people trying to figure out how to make a relationship work. If you love strong alpha heroes who can turn you into a puddle of goo then grab A BIT OF ROUGH. Settle in and enjoy Bram and James’s story. I can’t wait to see more of these two wonderful characters in the future.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2010 GOLDEN ROSE WINNERS!!!!!!

Since 2001 the Golden Roses have been one of the most coveted awards. We were among the first, if not the first contest looking for excellence in reading and writing. Over the past few years any number of contests have sprung up and after taking a look at many of the current offerings decided this year we did not want to run yet another popularity contest. While it is gratifying to see authors rally around others from their company, we've seen these contests move from excellence in writing to who can garner the most votes.

We had a panel of five judges reading the submitted books in the four categories. And now, congratulations to our 2010 Golden Roses!!!!!!

The Golden Rose for Paranormal (including sci fi) is SOUL OF A GUARDIAN by Angela Verdenius

The Golden Rose for Historical is WINNER TAKES ALL by Sandra Sookoo

The Golden Rose for Romantic Suspense is MEXICAN HEAT by Laura Baumbach & Josh Lanyon

The Golden Rose for Mystery is FOR THE LOVE OF LIVVY by J.M. Griffin

The Golden Rose for Contemporary Romance was a tie with SHADOW BOXING by Karen Wiesner and BE MY BABY by Meg Benjamin

Please check out our Golden Rose page to learn more about these talented authors.

Welcome to Laura Baumbach's guest blog

Welcome Ms. Laura Baumbach to Love Romances and More, thank you for joining us.


Did you always want to become a writer?

Actually, no. It never occurred to me to even try until about 9-10 years ago. I did a short story on a whim. It received some encouraging feedback so I wrote another. And another and another. Now it’s a decade later and I’m still writing them as more encourages me to continue. If the feedback stops, I will probably stop writing. I write for others’ enjoyment not for myself.

What is the most, and the least interesting fact about writing?

Most interesting…seeing creations from inside my daydreams become real on paper. SO real other people see them and love them. That’s sheer magic. Least interesting…the mechanics of writing. I’m a storyteller at heart not an author. I leave the mechanics for the editors to sort out. I’m probably a nightmare to edit, but I haven’t asked.

How did you celebrate your first release? What was it like to see your book in a bookstore? Do you have a special ritual for celebrating a book release?

With a trip to LA to receive an award for it. It was very cool. It was all an very minor event but I thought it was awesome to the max at the time. I still have fond memories of the trip.

How did your family react to fact that you also write M/M romance novels? Have your family read your books?

They were more startled by the fact that I write period than by what I write. My husband who is very supportive, runs my websites and our bookstore. I’ve recently retired from nursing to stay home and write more and run my small press so he’s happy about my new career. He’s always wanted me to quit nursing with its bad hours, holiday shifts and weekends requirements. After 34 years I finally agreed. My boys couldn’t care less what I write about. They are proud of my achievements. My youngest is an author as well. At age 10, last year, he wrote a children’s book titled Duck Adventures. They both attend some conferences with me.

Most authors are also avid readers. Is this the case with you? If so, who are some of your favorites? Have any influenced your writing?

I honestly try not to read much in my genre outside of submissions to the press, but I do love to read mysteries. I can’t write them well, but I love to read them. At the moment JoAnne Soper-Cook is heading the list of my favorites.

Your release date is really full, which I love as a fan of your books, do you have a problem with deadlines and have you ever suffered a writers block?

I do have a problem with deadlines. This last year has been so busy with the unexpected grow of the press, the addition of the bookstore and the demands of running and promoting them. When you agree to represent other authors, their work and best interests have to come first and I find my own writing being pushed aside. That was one of the motivating factors in my retiring this year. My own work needed attention and it was only going to get it unless something else in my world gave up time. House, husband, kids, nurse, publisher, promoter and author. There wasn’t enough time to do them all well. The job as an emergency nurse lost the coin toss after the husband said he and the kids weren’t going.

Do you prefer stand-alone books or series?

Series. I love series. Once I find a couple of heroes I love I want more!


Your characters come to life in your books. Do you feel each of your characters live with you as you write? Do their lives sometimes take over a part of your life? Can you name an example? Do you have living role models for your characters?

Well, thank you! What lovely compliment! I’m sincerely flattered. It’s what I strive for in my stories. They don’t become a part of my life, no. But I do go to visit them. Lol. I have a set kind of ritual I do when I write. My office is a large room isolated at one end of the house. I close the doors, pull the curtains closed tight, turn off all the lights except for a small LED light over my keyboard and write. The quiet and darkness all around me lets me slip off into the world I’m creating. When I pick my characters I cast each one with a real actor that I think could play the role perfectly. So they play out the story as I write. It’s silly I suppose but it makes the story flow like a rushing river when the mood is just right.

Where do you get the inspirations for your books?

Oddly, I’m most influenced by phrases or quirky habits. I heard one a few months back and it was the basis for my latest ghost story Coins in a Dead Man’s Boot. I know it’s far fetched but that phrase gave birth to an entire pirate ghost adventure story. It’s for the historical ghost anthology I’m doing with Alex Beecroft and Josh Lanyon for October titles The Mysterious.


Do you find it difficult at times to write love scenes?

I never find love scenes hard to write but they do take me longer than other scenes. I like creating the exact mood and including all the sensations and senses that they are intricate scenes. I love writing them.

What is your favorite book from the books that you have written so far? Who is your favorite hero and why?

My favorite book is A Bit of Rough and my favorite character is Bram from this book. He’s part my husband and part creation, ending up being the best fantasy man I could create. He’s rough and strong, hard bodies, decisive, all man but confident enough to speak his mind and his heart. He’s a god.

Which book was the hardest to write and which the easiest?

A Bit of Rough was the easiest because it was my first romance and I didn’t know what I was doing I just wrote. Lol. Mexican Heat was the hardest because it was my first collaboration. Collaborations are unique events.

If you could change places with one character from your books, who would it be and why?

It would have to be James from A Bit of Rough so I could have Bram. Second runner up would be Aidan from Details of the Hunt. Sex with Talos would have to be amazing.

If you could travel through time to visit a special time period or famous person, what or who would it be and why?

The thought of actually, really traveling through time makes me nervous. I don’t think I’d go anywhere. If I did it would be to visit Hercule Poirot, the famous Belgian detective who lives in England. But since he isn’t even a real person that probably won’t count.

Do you listen to music while you are writing and if so what music is it?

No. It distracts me. I start to create stories that fit the songs and lose track of the one I’m trying to write.

If you could choose of your books for a movie, which one would it be and who would you as the cast?

#1 Mexican Heat. Gabriel would be played by Johnny Depp and Antonio would be played by Antonio Banderas.
#2 Details of the Hunt. Aidan would be played by Johnny Depp and Talos would be The Rock.

Are you working on anything right now, and can you tell us a teaser about these projects?

Genetic Snare, the sequel to Details, is finishing up after going through 2 rewrites. It showcases some family intrigue with Talos’ family cashe, some very hot sex as the bonding between Aidan and Talos develops, and some danger and mystery when Aidan finds out not everyone is eager for him to become the human mate of an Oracan hunter. It’s late by about a year. I got very insecure about my writing last year and had to work that through. It should finally be out at Christmas time.

Tequila Sunrise, the sequel to Mexican Heat, will come out after that one. It follows the relationship between Gabriel and Antonio as they both adjust to Gabriel’s blindness and old enemies take advantage of the weak spot this creates. It’ll be part mystery and part romance like the last one.

But first around Halloween, the ghost anthology The Mysterious will debut. That’s the Coins in the Dead Man’s Boot story. I’m still writing this one but it about a cultured larcenous highwayman, a slightly crazy pirate, and a vengeful ghost who haunts the seas. Romance is the big element of this one.

Big congrats to your latest releases, can you please tell us something about them.

My two latest releases are Mexican Heat and Wet Skin.

Mexican Heat is the first in the Crimes and Cocktails Mystery series.

SFPD detective Gabriel Sandalini might as well have put a gun to his own head. One red-hot sexual encounter in a bar’s back room has put two years of deep undercover work in jeopardy—two years of danger and deception as he worked his way into crime boss Ricco Botelli’s inner circle. Gabriel can’t afford emotional entanglements. Hell, he can’t afford emotions. But that was before he had a name to pin on that anonymous one-off—Miguel Ortega.

Miguel Ortega doesn’t trust anyone, but tough, street-smart Gabriel brings out the conquistador in his Spanish blood. But distractions are nothing short of deadly right now, not with his boss’s impending marriage to Botelli’s sister, which will ensure peace—and massive drug profits—for both families.

On a trip to Mexico to set up drug supply lines, a violent confrontation proves they’ve got each other’s backs—to a degree.

Then one savage act changes everything, testing not only their fragile bond, but Gabriel’s will to live.

It’s a three book series I’m doing with Josh Lanyon about undercover cops, one SFPD and one FBI. I created the characters a couple of years ago in a short story but Josh joined me for collaboration on the full-length erotic romantic suspense novels. It was a finalist for the Lambda Literary Best Gay Romance awards this year, and it received an HONORABLE MENTION at the 2009 San Francisco Book Festival, plus several romance review site awards/nominations.

Wet Skin is an erotica anthology I did with writing icon William Maltese with water themed stories.

William Maltese again joins Laura Baumbach for several erotic tales that explore the first-time wonders of the flesh and water. From Maltese's intriguing The Cataracts, to Baumbach's playful Slippery When Wet, the amount of heat generated here will bring back the delicious pleasures of first-time experiences.

It’s several short stories from me and one novella from William. All erotica with the main focus on the sex. That makes it a bit different than the erotic romances I usually write but it was fun to do the stories. I’ll be doing another one with him next year with the theme of Roman slaves/soldiers. He adores that time period but I’ll have to do some research first!

Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with me, Danny.