Reviews
Rough Canvas
Erotic/BDSM Contemporary Romance
© Copyright 2007 - All Rights Reserved
Night Owl Romance Reviews
Reviewed by Alex Fitzroy
September 2007
Rating: 5 Stars and Reviewer Top Pick
http://www.nightowlromance.com
I think that if I had to sum this book up in one word, that word would be 'intense'. It is a wonderfully written book, but the writer's clean, powerful style is in perfect harness with her insights into the artistic soul, human nature, the nature of love and obsession. What drives the book is a strong conviction in the power of and need for love and honesty not only between lovers but in each person's own inner life. Characterization too is strong and unforgettable – both Marcus and Thomas are simultaneously likeable, admirable and annoyingly stubborn and self-destructive, and a host of supporting characters are beautifully drawn and fun to be around.
There is a lot of sex, but not once did I feel I was reading a cookie-cutter sex scene slapped in there at the expense of the plot. Each scene is simultaneously new and exciting, and reveals something about the heroes and their relationship with each other. And they are consistently scorching hot.
The story is complex and worth getting your teeth into, as well as being a real page-turner. This is a superbly written and gripping book, sometimes disturbing, always hot, and at times genuinely moving. It brought tears to my eyes three or four times. Highly recommended!
Just Erotic Romance Reviews
Reviewed by Claudia Orpik
October 2007
Rating: 5 Stars and Gold Star Award
http://justeroticromancereviews.com
I waited a long time for Thomas and Marcus’s story, having first read about them in Ms. Hill’s earlier work, Holding the Cards. While it isn’t necessary to read Holding the Cards to fully appreciate Rough Canvas, Josh and Lauren return in this novel with a vengeance. Rough Canvas left me speechless with its beauty. Ms. Hill portrays a homoerotic relationship with such depth and emotion that these characters will haunt you long after you place this novel down. I identified with the sensitive Thomas who isn’t totally comfortable with his sexual orientation but cannot deny the BDSM relationship he had with Marcus. Marcus hides a past, which makes him incapable of believing in the power of love. Ms. Hill explores both men’s feelings throughout this book, expressing their physical, mental, and sexual attraction to one another. Have a Kleenex box handy because the interesting settings, BDSM elements, and emotional storyline will keep you fully engaged with Rough Canvas, right until the very end. I must say, being a heterosexual woman, I was a bit uncomfortable at times with the raw sexuality portrayed in the book. Nonetheless, please, please, please do not let the homoerotic elements of this novel deter you from picking up this book. At its core, Ms. Hill answers an age-old question: What is love? I must say love is sometimes raw in its sexuality, brutal in its honesty, and controversial in its sexual orientation. For moving me beyond words, bringing new insights into the homosexual experience, and raw BDSM elements, Rough Canvas is worthy of the Gold Star Award.
Two Lips Reviews
Reviewed by Barb
October 2007
Rating: 5 Stars and Recommended Read
http://twolipsreviews.com
Rough Canvas is the perfect title for this wonderful love story. Each chapter is like watching a masterpiece being created by the hands of an artist. You will be captivated and in awe as this creation comes to life. But Rough Canvas also manages to be a very hot, sweaty “wow can you really do that?” type of book. There is a lot of delightfully sinful D/s sex, though I have to warn that there are some scenes that may be unsuitable for more sensitive readers.
Joey Hill’s books are nigh on impossible to define as each has to be read for itself and each offers the reader something uniquely theirs to relate to. Not only are they great books, they also pick at your soul. Her characters are strong yet willing to open themselves up emotionally, and Marcus and Thomas are no exceptions. So if you just want to buy one book this year, make that book Rough Canvas. You will not be disappointed, I can assure you. I will, however, not guarantee that you will stop at only one of her books. No matter what your reading preference, you will find something to love in everything this author puts to her pages.
Fallen Angel Reviews
Reviewed by Hayley
September 2008
Rating: 5 Stars and a Fallen Angels Recommended Read
http://fallenangelreviews.com
BDSM stories are often either a hit or a miss with me. I like certain aspects of the BDSM lifestyle but others leave me cold. With Rough Canvas Joey W. Hill has hit just the right note. Both Thomas and Marcus are fascinating characters, Thomas for his seeming innocence and strong sense of familial duty, Marcus due to his polished veneer that hides so many secrets and his masterful ways. The sexual scenes were emotionally wrenching and stripped away all the shields and walls that people hide their true feelings behind. Highly erotic and yet soul searchingly deep, the sensual scenes made this novel a 5 Angel Recommended Read for me!
Love Romances and More
Reviewed by Danny
October 2007
Rating: 5 Stars
http://loveromancesandmore.com
ROUGH CANVAS is Ms. Hill’s first foray into the world of m/m romances and it is a huge success. This book is one of the most emotional and sexiest stories that this reviewer has ever read in this genre. Ms. Hill takes not only her characters but also her readers on an emotional roller coaster ride. She writes about the different problems that Marcus and Thomas have to overcome during their way to happiness. No matter if the problem is Thomas’ mother’s inability to accept their relationship, Marcus’ troubled past or the acceptance problems of society, each of them are mentioned in the book. That makes the book so believable and realistic, that it becomes a wonderful tale. The BDSM scenes are not so drastic that the book isn’t something for beginners of the genre. To be truthful, it might be a really good starter book.
ROUGH CANVAS is definitely a must read, not only for all fans of Ms. Hill’s books but also for all fans of BDSM as well as m/m books. If you have never have read one of her books, this reviewer has to tell you that her books are really addictive. This reviewer can hardly wait to read her next one.
Alternative Reads Site
Reviewed by Aris
October 2007
http://www.alternative-read.com
A masterpiece of passion. The deep primal soul response to love that breaches all obstacles thrown in its way. Violent at times, tender at times, the perfect balance of give and take that is worked out by meeting life head on. We all need someone to lean on, to find our strength in, and to give life purpose. This story is wonderfully deep, edgy, intense. It kept me glued to my chair, hoping with my very being for the author to take me to the mountain and she did.
Romance Junkies
Reviewed by Chrissy Dionne
September 2007
Rating: 5 Blue Ribbons
http://www.romancejunkiesreviews.com
Joey W. Hill’s ROUGH CANVAS is the sixth book in her NATURE OF DESIRE series and I’ve got to tell you this book is just as intense and powerful as the predecessors. Marcus and Thomas are larger than life characters whose relationship presents a myriad of emotions and quandaries that will have readers eagerly reading through the pages wondering just how their relationship will turn out. I especially loved revisiting some of the characters from previous books in this series and enjoyed meeting new ones who are so vital in these men’s lives. This is a wonderful addition to the NATURE OF DESIRE series and does contain strong BDSM elements (as do all the books of this series). If you loved the rest of the books in this series, I’d highly recommend this one – though it really isn’t necessary to have read the others in order to enjoy ROUGH CANVAS.
