Book Tour for Autumn Fire by Cameron D. James (Review & GIVEAWAY)

Fans of the m/m genre will find Autumn Fire by Cameron D. James a subtly heartwarming, but definitely steamy, read about two men at different points in their lives finding each other after an unconventional meeting.  Keep reading to get a glimpse of this read, along with my impressions of it, as well as learning even more about this release by visiting the other blogs hosting this tour.  Make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win a $20 Amazon GC and 1 of 5 copies of this author's new short story!

Dustin likes the closet. It’s warm, comfy, and dark. Who needs to be out when you can get all the anonymous sex you want via the internet? And, besides, coming out is messy and gets you nowhere--certainly not a relationship. Real gay love is fiction.
When Dustin meets CollegeJock22 for a quick blow-and-go in the university library men’s room, everything he thought he knew crumbles. He can’t get that man out of his head and will do almost anything to have him. The only problem? CollegeJock22 is even more in the closet than Dustin.
He’s in so deep he can’t even see the crack of light under the door.

EXCERPT:

Hot blowjobs! Call Dave!
Dustin glanced over the phone number scrawled in faded ink, marring the grey paint. A half a dozen more “offers” decorated the wall—hookups made inherently sleazy when delivered in bathroom graffiti.
Not that he should judge, since he occupied the stall in the men’s room at the back of the library for an anonymous blowjob with some guy he met on the internet.
Dustin barely knew anything more about CollegeJock22 than he did about “Dave,” but it was still different…somehow. He’d at least seen CollegeJock22’s picture, if only a grainy crotch shot.
His thoughts crashed to a halt when the bathroom door next to him opened. Blood immediately pounded in his ears, so loud he struggled to hear the hesitant footsteps make their way to the urinal. Cold sweat spread across his forehead. He’d done his share of hookups, but never in a public place before. The danger of being caught both terrified and excited him.
Dustin stared at the sneakered foot, visible just below the stall wall, as the other man stopped at the urinal on the other side of the metal divider. He waited for the signal. Until he heard it, he didn’t know who had come in, CollegeJock22 or some random dude needing to take a piss.
He heard a zipper open, but not the telltale sound of urination. The foot shifted. The pant leg lifted, briefly flashing a white sock. The signal. Dustin flashed his own sock.
Nothing happened. Embarrassment swelled as he realized the awkward coincidence. This was not CollegeJock22.
Then the other man’s feet moved. Another wave of cold sweat peppered his skin. He’d been right. CollegeJock22. Now he just prayed the man wasn’t fat and ugly, his profile one big lie. Dustin’s breath grew shallow and his heart thudded as the man stood on the other side of the stall door.
Dustin left it unlocked, as planned.
It squeaked softly as CollegeJock22 nudged it open.
All doubts vanished. Quite simply, CollegeJock22 would be the hottest guy Dustin ever hooked up with, the rare man who actually lived up to his profile. He easily stood five foot eleven with tight golden curls peeking out from below his ball cap. His muscled chest pulled his shirt taut beneath his open jacket and his cock…a gorgeous piece of meat dangled from his open fly. The thick and semi-hard dick sprouted from a dusting of fine hair, probably at least seven inches when erect.

FIND AT GOODREADS here.

BUY LINKS:  CARNAL PASSIONS  |  AMAZON  |  ARe

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

Dustin has been sowing his wild oats ever since coming to the big city for college.  He's had numerous quickies with men he's met on the internet and found them satisfying until his encounter with sexy jock Kyle, who's sensually sweet in his first encounter.  After that no man compares as each encounter feels more unfulfilling and degrading than the next.  A twist of fate has them meeting up again with the original sparks still flying between them and Dustin finally convinced about the existence of love and wanting to change into someone more committed.  Dustin's evolution is believable as he realizes that love and sex are completely different.  He's willing to make a commitment to his sexuality by coming out and by admitting to Kyle his true feelings regardless of the outcome.  These acts were admirable and I applauded the freedom this brought to his soul.

Kyle has always lived a heterosexual lifestyle though he knew it never quite fit.  Fear of being labeled has held him back from experiencing what he's been dreaming of until his quickie in a bathroom with Dustin that surprised both of them with its intensity.  Kyle's a likable character scared of being judged but the promise of love and commitment lead him to making monumental changes.

Though these two spend more time apart than together I still found their connection believable and its evolution satisfying as nothing worthwhile comes without work.  I felt sympathetic towards Dustin with his numerous degrading and unsatisfying quickies but happy when he finally realized he deserved more and that some things are worth the risk.  Helping him navigate his love life are his surprisingly supportive roommate Jason and Jason's girlfriend Angela.  They never judge his actions and encourage in him self-esteem and acceptance of his needs.  I found these two opposites so delightful in fact that I'd love their story to be told too.  From start to finish sex plays a big part in the story.  Dustin discovers a strange array of increasingly unsettling quickies that while hot had me wondering why he engaged in.  Thankfully Kyle entered into his life and saved him from the self-destruction these quickies were leading him towards.  Along with the numerous sexual interludes comes some truly emotional moments showing the struggle in coming out and living your life for yourself unconcerned with others's perceptions.  This is the first time I've read this author but definitely won't be the last.

My rating for this is a B+

*I received this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.

AUTHOR INFO:

Cameron D. James is a lover of books, coffee, chocolate, and cute Starbucks baristas.

WEBSITE:  www.camerondjames.com
BLOG:  www.camerondjames.wordpress.com
TWITTER:  www.twitter.com/Cameron_D_James
GOODREADS:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7153692.Cameron_D_James

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