Book Reviews

Book Blurb

It takes a tough man to wear lace well…and an even tougher man to get close to him.

I don’t know if Levi understands how deep my love of lace goes. He’s tough, but what if he’s not willing to put up with the constant harassment that comes with dating a guy who wants to wear a skirt?

He deserves to know all of me.

I deserve to live as the true me.

I just hope I don’t have to choose between Lace and Levi.

 

 

First edition published at Pride Publishing, December 2012.

 

Book Review

In 'Lace' by Jaime Samms, Caleb is gay and a cross-dresser both of which are inherent, not a choice. He loves the feel of lace against his skin, it's comfortable and comforting, yet he also loves to wear leather. He's miserable, feels alone and misunderstood. Learning how to be comfortable enough to express all sides of his character, Caleb needs to learn to trust that he's lovable and capable of loving just the way he is.

Caleb has never had the nurturing he deserves. When he tries to assert himself by coming out, his family disowns him. He goes to live with an uncle who is always trying to motivate Caleb, but he sees it as trying to control his life. Caleb is paranoid, just waiting to be attacked verbally or physically or both by anyone at any time. He's always ready for a fight and can take care of himself. Caleb always has to be in control. He can't relax and just be himself, not even with his sweet lover, Levi. He can't even trust him with his secret of loving lace for fear he will lose him. When the secrets begin to come to light, lots of things change drastically for Caleb. He is tired of hiding and deathly afraid of losing Levi forever. He finds a unique way to show his true colors not just to the whole world but, more importantly, to Levi.

Levi feels his hesitation; he knows that there are things Caleb is hiding. He believes in Caleb and loves him with his heart and soul; Levi stands with him, even trying his best to accommodate his quirks, i.e., having sex in unusual places and remaining clothed regardless of where their liaisons take place, but tries to hang in there. He adores Caleb, eccentricities and all, but he wonders if he will ever really know him. When Caleb finally shows Levi what he's been hiding, he does so in a dramatic way. The make up sex they have is beyond hot, loving, and reveals far more than either of them expects and it's all good.

Cross-dressing is a relatively new topic for me, but this book helped broaden my knowledge in this area and give me a better understanding of why someone might want to cross-dress and how it could be beneficial in ways I'd never thought about before. Through Caleb's experiences, my eyes were opened, not just about the shame and fear of rejection cross-dressing causes, but of the beneficial factors involved as well. By coming out as a cross-dresser, Caleb is able to be truthful about himself and not have to hide anything; that alone is a positive step toward being happy and healthy.

I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes a meaningful story with a different twist from the usual romance while reminding us that the best thing is to be true to ourselves. Thanks, Jaime, for the entertainment and education.

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. The first edition of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review.

 

Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Novella, 165 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date	09-June-2025
Price	$2.99 ebook
Buy Link	https://www.amazon.com/Lace-Jaime-Samms-ebook/dp/B0F9H7TFLG