Cast Off

Love this series. Book 3 ... Rick and Ian ... Like the dynamic between the characters.

One of the things that I've really enjoyed in the 'Toronto Tales' series by KC Burn is that each of these stories overlap a little and intertwine. More than just having the same characters appear in all three of the books, each book has parts where it overlaps with a previous book and I found that to be a whole lot of fun. 'Cast Off' is the story of Rick, whom I've already fallen for, and Ian, Kurt's older brother. It's also the story of Ian's coming out which I've been waiting for since the first installment in the series.
Rick and Ian meet at Kurt and Davy's painting party where, ironically, Ian comes clean to Kurt about being gay. Apparently Ian has been gay his whole life but has hidden it from everyone and only got the courage to tell his family after Kurt announced his sexuality. Rick and Ian have instant chemistry and move straight into the bedroom. But Rick sneaks out after he wakes up, leaving Ian sleeping, and Rick kicking himself for breaking two of his rules. He never lets someone else drive him and he never stays the night or even falls asleep with one of his \"buddies\" in his rotation. Now he's not sure whether Ian will be a part of the rotation or if Ian is a keeper like his brother Kurt. The important thing about keepers? Rick stays far away from them. He doesn't do relationships, he doesn't invite anyone home, he always meets them somewhere, and he never gets emotionally involved.
Ian coming out at his parents' house while yelling at his pregnant sister? Priceless. Actually it was a good scene and the unconditional love and support was exactly what I knew he'd get from his family. Now his biggest issue? Ian has never dated a man, been in a relationship, shared his life, or any of the things you do when you're committed to someone. Ian only knows one-night stands so this is a brave new world for him. Running into Rick the following weekend at a gay bar leads them right back to where they were with Rick breaking the same two rules, again, and also breaking his no kissing rule. This is getting out of hand and Rick has to do something about it. He has the rules for a reason and this has to stop. Much to Rick's surprise, he and Ian become friends, which leads to trust and Rick finally sharing the reasons for his rules. Ian is shocked when Rick agrees to give them a chance. Unbeknownst to them both, though, there's someone out there who doesn't want them to have a chance.
This was a very sweet and heartbreaking love story. Watching Rick tentatively come out of his shell of fear and learn to trust and love was truly beautiful. Ian turned out to be the man to have and he finally got the man and relationship he'd desired and craved for years. I really liked this and I thank KC for bringing it to me. I'm really hoping there'll be another in the series. *hint, hint*
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

K.C. Burn has given us another well written story with a little angst and a lot of love. The sex doesn't overwhelm the story and I appreciate this.
2 of the secondary characters from the first 2 books take center stage here and neither are what I thought they'd be. There is strength and a horrendous past to be overcome and it's wonderfully portrayed. The start of their relationship was rocky but they got their HEA.
This is one of those books that gets glued to your fingers; you can't put the thing down until you're finished reading.

Cast Off is the third book in the Toronto Tales series, and I still think that number one Cop Out is my favourite. Although this one is still a nice addition to the series.
The story is about characters we have met in the previous books. Ian is finally following in his brother's foot steps and coming out. He falls for Rick but Rick is totally adverse to commitment.
The story follows Ian as he comes to terms with his sexuality and breaks the news to his family. And we see the relationship face its challenges due to Rick's fears. But Rick finally accepts that being in love with Ian and being part of a couple is worth it.
I liked both characters but interestingly found them to appear younger than the ages given in the book. Rick particularly doesn't behave like a 35 year old speech pathologist, he seems much younger. I am not sure why I felt that but really it doesn't even matter.
There is a good blend of sexy moments and romantic drama with some more lighthearted parts.
3.5 stars for those enjoying the series.