Mark and Tony by LB Gregg (Men of Smithfield #1)
Contemporary Romance
August 6, 2012 (re-release)
Carina Press

Reviewed by Mandi

This book is a revised and re-edited version of a book previously titled Gobsmacked. I read it a couple of years ago, and I enjoyed it the second time around just as much. LB Gregg now has it rereleasing with Carina Press, and I couldn’t be happier that people get another chance to read her Men of Smithfield. This one still remains my favorite.

Mark Meehan is a doctor and well known in the small town of Smithfield. When he comes home early from work one day and sees his boyfriend banging the landlord, in their bed no less, he loses it. Well, it is a delayed reaction. He leaves, and then later tracks down Jamie in church, and bashes his head in with a bible. Let’s just say Mark is a wee bit angry. He then goes home, and literally takes all of Jamie’s possessions to the dump. On his way home from there, he gets pulled over by local police man Tony Gervase (for going 15 in a 40). Tony is a big Italian cop, who is also gay and plays his life very cool and collected.Tony and Mark used to be best friends, until their lives got busy and phone calls and hanging out were forgotten. Mark feels guilty about this, as Tony has lost him mom recently.

When Mark gets home he starts to realize Jamie just didn’t cheat on him, but has been taking Mark’s money out of his savings account, and hasn’t paid the rent for months. Needing a place to go to sort things out, he takes himself and lots of beer to Tony’s house. Tony goes on to tell him that everyone in town knew Jamie was a jerk, further depressing Mark. Tony is there for Mark to help sort out this Jamie situation, and he realizes Tony has wanted to be there for him for a very long time.

For all the anger issues Mark has, he is a very likable character. He is so flabbergasted that Jamie deceived him, while the rest of the town says, ‘duh.’ Tony saves the day more than once, always keeping a cool head while Mark and Jamie battle it out. I find Mark and Tony to be so good together. They give each other a hard time, but with that foundation of a solid friendship they’ve had for so long, you root for them to find happiness together. For as spazzy as Mark is, Tony is there to soothe things over. I really enjoyed their chemistry.

Besides the amusing scenes LB Gregg can write, her sex is hot too. In public, Tony is a quiet, serious cop, but put him in the bedroom – and he has a dirty mouth. Mark and I quite enjoyed it.

If you haven’t experienced the Men of Smithfield yet, here is your chance. The other three books will be coming out with Carina Press soon.

Rating: B

Recent Reviews:
The Book Pushers – B+
Tracy’s Place – 4.25/5
Redhot Books – B
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