Review: Stellar MM romance
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 19, 2010
Reviewed by Nicole: 5 starsThis book left me with a happy buzz, and that is a rare achievement for me with a romance novel devoid of paranormal elements. I have read many, many novels about falling in love and finding oneself along the way but this one had an utterly sweet aftertaste, which made it stand out to me.The underlying conflict in the novel is interesting enough to keep your attention piqued. I found myself doing all the things you should in this type of novel--rooting for my heroes, eagerly anticipating their triumphs and the downfall of an enemy. This enemy just happens to be a bigot, and I love nothing more than watching those types get smacked down, literally.This isn't your mom's romance novel. The scenes in the novel are graphic, so if man love descriptives aren't for you, you might want to skim some of the steamier scenes, but you'd be missing out... With that being said, I was digging it! The scenes were hot and stayed romantic, avoiding any trashy factor entirely. Noah is just so inexperienced and insecure, and even though he does something in the novel that could be borderline stalkerish, it translates across as unassuming and semi-charming. Jason brings such a strength to the novel; he knows himself and his needs. I adored this little novel, just as I adored Jason and Noah.Reviewed by J9: 5 starsCAUGHT BY SURPRISE is a stellar MM romance so long as readers can look past the implausible set up.I admit the premise of this novel is silly: two FBI agents awaken nude together and finally get together.  With that admittance, the rest of the novel (which is most of it) develops the relationship in a realistic and delicious way.  Noah's journey to coming out is heartwarming to read and Jason's refusal to settle for a closeted life made me proud of his self-determination.  The emotional intimacy of the pair grows and develops within the context of them being a committed couple and I loved the times where they shared feelings and worries with each other.  This is an erotic romance but it had such emotional intimacy that it was perfectly balanced for my ideal MM romance.The plot mostly revolves around FBI politics, and not much on a suspenseful case but I liked this unique plot.  It feeds into Noah and Jason's romance but doesn't overshadow it.  I love the secondary characters and Noah and Jason's fellow FBI agents.  But the very best secondary character is Noah's younger brother because he plays a huge role in the novel's emotional denouement.CAUGHT BY SURPRISE is such a stellar MM romance that I hope this isn't the only story set in this world.  MM romance fans should be this on their TBR pile today.Reviewed for TheRomanceReviews.com