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Post by alohaTHOR on Mar 6, 2015 7:51:22 GMT -5
By the way! If anyone has read any of these books, I would LOVE to talk to you about them! <3
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Post by alohaTHOR on Mar 17, 2015 1:07:26 GMT -5
Aristotle and Dante Learn the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz
Synopsis: Aristotle (Ari) is a loner by choice. He doesn't quite understand the world around him: boys, girls, his parents, his siblings and because of that he keeps to himself. Although everyone around him thinks of him as lonely and sad but he is content all by his lonesome. And then he meets Dante who loves to draw, and paint, and read literature and poems, someone who feels with all of himself, someone unlike any other Ari has ever met. Their lives have changed forever.
Review: 4.5 / 5 First and foremost, forgive me for this poorly written review that is about to come. I am not sure I could ever come up with the words that describe how I feel about this book.
Ari & Dante is eloquently written yet simple, that much is true. I was in love with the writing style from the first two lines of the book.
"One summer night I fell asleep, hoping the world would be different when I woke. In the morning, when I opened my eyes, the world was the same."
A huge majority of this book is about friendship, family, trust, loyalty, and Ari and Dante's journey to finding themselves. For Ari, he feels as if the life he lives is not the one he has chosen for himself. He is lost in a world of not feeling anything but rage, rage that his parent's don't speak about his brother, that he doesn't understand his father, that his mother hovers over him. For Dante, he deals with the acknowledgement of being different and how this difference affects his personal life. Both characters were written well and have such a deep bond, the conversations they have are as if they had been best friends for decades rather than just weeks/months. It's easily seen how they fall into rhythm with one another, almost understanding each other more than they do themselves.
"He'd captured the afternoon light streaming into the room, the way the shadows fell on the chair and gave it depth and made it appear as if it was something more than an inanimate object. There was something sad and solitary about the sketch and I wondered if that's the way he saw the world or if that's the way he saw my world. I stared at the sketch for a long time. It scared me. Because there was something true about it."
Dante makes everything better. I truly believe he is the star of the novel. He has such a unique and special way of seeing the world and everything about him is just wonderful. I don't think there is a single thing I didn't like about Dante.
Overall, this book is actually quite deep. It's philosophical in a way. There was a lot to think about, the "secrets of the universe" to be learned. A great coming of age novel, a great story of love and friendship and of familial bonds. I will definitely be picking up more books by Saenz if all his writing is like this.
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Post by alohaTHOR on Mar 20, 2015 5:08:47 GMT -5
Then The Stars Fell by Brandon Witt
This is actually book # 2 in the El Dorado Springs Chronicles... So once again I've read a series out of order... seems to have become a habit of mine...
Synopsis: Trying to recollect himself and get a hold of his life, Wesley Ryan moves to the small town of El Dorado Springs, a place full of happy childhood memories. Taking over the local veterinary clinic, Wesley tries his best to adjust into his new life but when he meets handsome, gruff, and masculine widower Travis Bennett, his heart begins to beat to a different rhythm.
Review: 4 / 5
While reading this book, all I could think of was that this was a m/m version of a Nicholas Sparks novel. I don't know why, I've never even read one of Sparks' novels (except for half of Dear John). It was well written, the perspective changing each chapter, mainly between Travis and Wesley (told in 3rd person), and sometimes giving us insight to the other characters around them: Travis' family (his sister and three children). It was an interesting way to learn more about the main characters and how they affected everyone else, we don't get to see that often in books. But at the same time, we don't get to see as much progression between the relationship of Travis and Wesley, which is a bummer. There are no explicit scenes, which isn't necessarily bad because that left the intimate moments of their relationship to be about anything but sex. The book focused a lot on the relationships Travis has with his family and his deceased wife and Wesley's relationship to Travis' family. Speaking of Travis' family, I instantly fell in love with his youngest son, Mason, probably the cutest little boy ever written into existence. Overall, it was nice change of pace from the Y/A books I usually read, definitely worth reading.
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Post by alohaTHOR on Mar 21, 2015 11:30:26 GMT -5
Plan B by SJD Peterson Synopsis: Out and proud, Danny isn't afraid to be who he is. If that happens to be a slightly androgynous man who wears makeup, tight fitting clothes and knee high boots, then so be it. He loves that he turns heads when he walks into a room, whether it be for good or bad reasons. But when he catches the eye of Lance Lenard, a handsome straight football player, and begins to fall for him, Danny can't help but second guess if Lance is attracted to him or his feminine demeanor. When neither party has a 'plan b' and their 'plan a' doesn't include the other, can their relationship survive? Review: 3.5 / 5You know, at first I wasn't sure I was going to like this. I hope no one takes any offense to this but I'm just not into guys who wear make-up or are overly feminine, which Danny happens to be. But that didn't stop me from liking the novel. First off, I like when characters fight. For some strange reason, I feel like if a couple doesn't then it is too perfect... too crafted... I'm not sure if I make any sense... Anyway, there are things I love about this book simply because things happened the way I wanted them to, not necessarily to the 't' but in the general vicinity. The ending was a bit... sudden? If it were eased into more slowly I would have given a higher rating but nonetheless it concluded the story well. The characters were great, I mean.. they are who make the story right? You could give me a book with horrible plot but great characters and I'd probably fall in love with it. The relationship Danny has with his best friend Bo is truly cute, I wish there was more interaction with him. I'd also have love to see more of Lance's relationship with his sister Katie. Danny has some hilarious quips and quirks. Overall a nice book to read, the steamy sexy scenes certainly helped
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Post by alohaTHOR on Mar 21, 2015 11:40:50 GMT -5
Inseparable and When Adam Kissed Me by Chris Scully
Okay, so these are two short stories (I think about 150 pages or so together) that are companion stories (?).
Synopsis: Inseparable - Waking up in a hospital with no memories, Adam's fear quickly rises. But when a man named Joe, who claims to be his roommate and best friend, is around, that fear is driven away and he is left with a warm and giddy feeling. As he tries to regain his memories and recover from his accident, Adam can't help but feel there is something more to his relationship with Joe. When Adam kissed Me is the detailed account of the aftermath of Inseparable, written in Joe's perspective.
Rating: 3.5 / 5
I wish it were longer. That's my problem with short stories I guess. They give me a taste of something good but it's never enough, even when it is expanded into another short story. These short stories are a cute, emotional, sexy telling of a relationship of two men in their late 20s. I loved all the minor characters, definitely loved Adam and Joe. I just wish it were longer... Simple as that.
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Post by alohaTHOR on Mar 21, 2015 22:31:26 GMT -5
Superhero by Eli Easton
Synopsis: Owen and Jordan are best friends, have been since they were kids. But their relationship slowly starts to change when Jordan becomes aware of his 'more than a friend' feelings for Owen and comes out to him. Set on a path for a wrestling scholarship and career, Owen doesn't know how to take this news even when it and Jordan is all he can think about. With college looming closer, Owen and Jordan must face the reality that their dreams might not include one another.
Rating: 3.5 / 5
A really cute short story, equipped with likable characters, nice pacing, and a warm feel.
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Post by alohaTHOR on Mar 22, 2015 12:09:02 GMT -5
Hushed by Kelley York
Synopsis: Archer is willing to do anything for his best friend Vivian, even if it is murder. Crossing name after name off his hit list, Archer believes that this will finally get Vivian to see him as the only man who's ever loved her. But then he meets Evan and begins to strive for his touch, his comfort and warmth, his love, causing Archer to question if he is too much of a monster to be saved.
Rating: (not completely sure) / 5
I thought I was frustrated reading Collide by JR Lenk... I hated Archer... but found myself loving him too, he was adorable in his own way and his interactions with Evan made him all that more likable... I hated Vivian, felt sorry for her but hated her guts nonetheless. She was bat-shit crazy. I hated how the story progressed, things just... didn't feel right in almost any aspect. Things were too over the top, too melodramatic. Sure the book has a dark tone and all, but too much happened in so little time. I didn't feel like I had enough time to digest one event before being thrust into the next. The saving grace for me in this book was Evan,even though he was a little too perfect but that might have been just because every other character was so damn dysfunctional. Where can I find me my own 'Evan'? The ending wasn't so bad either. Don't quite know if I hated the book or not... Maybe I'll come back later once it's all settled.
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Post by alohaTHOR on Mar 24, 2015 10:29:49 GMT -5
Remember My Name by Chase Potter
Synopsis: Estranged twin brothers, Jackson and Ben are reunited when Ben is forced to stay the summer with Jackson and their father. Neither quite knowing how to act around one another, Jackson and Ben are confronted by how 8 years has affected their relationship. But as the months go on, they find that there may still be sparkles of hope at regaining their once close and inseparable kinship.
Rating: 4 / 5
First and foremost, this is not a romance novel. Sure, it has romance in it but it is not the focus of the book. The book is centered around Jackson and Ben, twin brothers who have not seen one another in 8 years and their struggle to find common ground. The novel is told in alternating perspectives and Potter has a much better grasp on plot progression compared to his first novel, it moves at a much better pace. So, you're probably wondering why this book made it onto this page now. Jackson is gay and Ben isn't, which adds another element to their relationship. We do get to explore Jackson's sexuality through his relationship with Matt, an older boy.
Although I wasn't rushing to finish the book, I did like it. I liked that Jackson and Ben both had their own voice, that they were different but very similar. I liked how they were there for each other and how much they love each other. I was smiling at their texts near the end. They do share some intimate moments bordering homoerotic, which made me often question how the book would end but ultimately I am glad it didn't go that way. A pleasurable read!
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Post by alohaTHOR on Mar 28, 2015 6:41:25 GMT -5
Latakia by JF Peterson
I read this a couple of weeks ago but I forgot to write a review for some reason.
Synopsis: Matt is a good guy, sometimes too much so for his own good. He wants to be a better boyfriend and love so much more, even when his boyfriend is the least deserving of it. When a trip out of the country puts Matt's life in danger, this resolve solidifies. But then he meets the handsome and sometimes aloof Travis, a navy seal, who saves his life multiple times and finds it all that much harder to keep his promise.
Rating: 4 / 5
I loved reading this. The story is nicely paced and has really strong characters that are extremely memorable. You just can't hep but smile when they are all together. The only things I dislike is that Matt is too naive at times(I nicknamed him DoorMatt) and that Matt's friends are a bit stereotypical portrayals of gay men - sex crazed and effeminate. Otherwise, it was pretty great all around.
The Last Days of Summer by JF Peterson
Synopsis: Rett is used to running away and when his boyfriend asks him to move in, that's exactly what he does. He takes the first job offered to him in another city and breaks it off. Now single and alone, Matt begins his new job as a physical therapist for the MLB team the Mobile Joes. There he meets sexy, funny, and optimistic Cory, the new recruit and finds himself falling in love with not only the talented baseball player, but the game itself, something he never thought possible.
Rating: 4 / 5
JF Peterson must like baseball, I say this because this novel is heavily influenced by baseball and Latakia also had a bit of it thrown in there. Anyway, the beginning and the middle were great but I felt it getting severely repetitive when it neared the ending. It rehashed a lot about Rett's insecurity, to the point I was bored with it. Maybe it was just me... idk... other than that I loved the characters, where do I sign up for a guy like Cory? I loved how they acted around each other you could definitely see that Cory really loved Rett. But I think my favorite character has to be Jerry, Cory's father. He was really funny. Two thumbs up.
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Post by alohaTHOR on Mar 28, 2015 7:23:00 GMT -5
Love Is In The Title by RJ Scott
Synopsis: A short story about a boy who requests songs on the radio to be played for his crush.
Rating: 3.5 / 5
A very short and cute story about Luke, a tall and lanky math nerd, who is openly gay (or at least everyone knows/thinks he's gay) who constantly requests songs to be played on the radio in hopes that his crush, Cameron, the captain of the football team, will turn his way.
Coming Home by M.J. O'Shea
Synopsis: After 14 years, Tallis "Tally" Carrington returns to his hometown Rock Bay, Washington after losing his job and being evicted. Starting again in the town that hates his family, Tally lands a job in a coffee shop owned by Lex, a man he used to bully in high school, although unbeknownst to him. As they continue to run the shop together, Tally and Lex find it harder and harder to keep their hands off one another and that their feelings might be more than just lust.
Rating: 3.75 / 5
I liked it. Nothing groundbreaking or heart wrenching, just a cute story about two guys who fall in love. There are cliches of course but there are always cliches. Both characters were well-developed and the minor characters just as wonderful. The playful banter between best friends, in this case - Lex and Amy, is always welcomed and the overprotective-ness from the best friend is always great too - at one point Tally tells Lex that Amy was going to rip off his balls if he hurt Lex and Lex responds by saying she doesn't even know what balls are.
Not sure if I will pick up the 2nd and 3rd though, I've heard they are not nearly as good as this one. Hm...
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Post by alohaTHOR on Mar 28, 2015 22:07:04 GMT -5
Life After Joe by Harper Fox
Synopsis: After an out-of-the-blue breakup with his longtime boyfriend, Matt tailspins into a life of sex, drugs, and alcohol. But then he meets Aaron, who isn't just looking for a hookup and he begins to wonder when and how his life had become so messed up. But as he falls in love with Aaron, the insecurities that arose from his breakup with Joe pushes Matt to question the solidarity of their relationship, especially when it seems Aaron is hiding something from him.
Rating: 2.5 / 5
Another short story I worked in. I had hopes for this story, it got some good ratings on GoodReads but I was utterly disappointed. MELODRAMATIC to say the least. Matt is engulfed in self pity after his boyfriend of like.. 15 years breaks up with him for a woman... His alcoholic tendencies are touched upon and bam... almost instantaneously disappears. He can't bring himself to trust anyone after Joe. Basically, Matt is annoying and paranoid like... all the time. I still felt like this story could have gone through another look at editing. The whole issue with Aaron was ... I just didn't like how it was dealt with. Matt's friend = horrible. Joe = horrible. Matt = horrible. Aaron = semi-tolerable.
There was a lot not expanded on that could have made the story better.
Not even the sex scenes could get me to re-read this and if I'm perfectly honest, they weren't even that great.
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Post by alohaTHOR on Mar 29, 2015 9:09:00 GMT -5
Ethan, Who Loved Carter by Ryan Loveless
Synopsis: Hoping to settle into a quieter and more inconspicuous life style, Carter Stevenson moves from the busy city of Los Angeles to the quiet and peaceful town of Santa Josephina. Afraid of what people will think of him, Carter hides himself and his Tourette's away. However, Carter's life begins to change when he meets Ethan Hart, the man who lives next door, who is tall, handsome, kind, and sensitive. Although worried that Carter won't see past his damaged brain, Ethan makes his feelings known to Carter and hopes that with time, Carter can come to love him too.
Rating: 4 / 5
I loved it! It was sweet and sappy all the way through and I just had to read it in one sitting. But I guess I should warn you now, some of you might be uncomfortable reading this. Ethan has suffered a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury). So, although he has the body and libido of a 27 year old man, his mental state is that more of a child and teenager. He can't control his feelings and is forgetful, sometimes requiring lists of steps to remind him how to do certain things. His mannerisms and speech are also child-like in some aspects. Even so, I loved him and Carter together. At first I was worried that maybe I could only see that Ethan was a child while Carter was a man but as I kept reading, all I could see was love, their ever present and never ending love for one another. Their connection through music was beautiful and how they changed and bettered one another was well-written and developed. There's no love triangle, so that's a plus. The story focused on Ethan and Carter and their "conditions" which was nice and refreshing.
I don't know why, but the little brothers of the main characters' are always my favorite or near favorite, so I have to mention Elliot (Ethan's 15 year old brother). He was totally adorable in that overprotective but annoying punk of a brother way.
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Post by alohaTHOR on Apr 2, 2015 7:12:51 GMT -5
Rock by Anyta Sunday
Synopsis: Anger, confusion, sadness; these are just a few emotions Cooper feels when he learns his parents are divorcing and that his father has had another life for the past five years. Slowly but surely, Cooper becomes accustomed to his new family but things become strained when he begins to fall for Jace, his "step-brother".
Rating: 4.5 / 5
I don't think there was anything I disliked about this book. It had nice pacing, it was well-written, and the characters were amazing. I felt for Cooper and Jace, they were both strong characters and I loved their quirks. Cooper and his vast knowledge of geology was interesting to read about and how much it was interwoven in the story was an interesting idea that worked for me. His inner monologues were often insightful and you can clearly see how much he loved Jace. Jace, my heart bled for. It isn't hard to find yourself smiling at their intimate moments and there are quite a few funny scenes. It definitely makes my re-read list.
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Post by alohaTHOR on Apr 4, 2015 7:55:51 GMT -5
Pull Me Under by Zarah Detand
Synopsis: After snapshots of him are captured at a gay club, Benedict Jimmer, a star footballer (soccer), is thrust into the spotlight. To ease the process of coming out and fight tabloids of him being a promiscuous and sexual deviant, Ben's manager and friend, Aaron, suggests a fake relationship. With much reluctance, Ben agrees but as he slowly gets to know Henry,he finds that the line between his fake relationship and his true feelings is a very thin and blurred one.
Rating: 4 / 5
This book is ridiculously good. Okay, I might be over-exaggerating but nonetheless, it's wonderful. Both Ben and Henry are hilarious and sexy and cute and adorable and so much more. Every second Ben and Henry were together had me smiling.
Ben is amazing and he really grows throughout the book although he does retain some of his naivete til the end. It's clear from the near beginning that Ben feelings for Henry are more than just friendship and it's both great and torturous to see him come to terms with that.
I love Ben's interactions with Jake, his best friend and teammate. I wish that I could hear and see his "Irish charm" as he keeps mentioning.
Anyway, the reasons why this didn't get a higher rating is that it's slow-paced, much too slow for my taste but other's might like the slow-pace. I was anxious throughout the book because Detand really knows how to build tension and then not address it for like.. ever! There is a plus side to this though, we really get to know Ben and Henry and I mean REALLY REALLY get to know them. Their wit and banter and remarks and how well they know each other, it's all elaborately displayed.
Ending? Not bad but not great.
Would I re-read this? I'm not sure if I could get through the slow bits again but it is definitely worth reading at least once.
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Post by alohaTHOR on Apr 4, 2015 22:09:56 GMT -5
Peter by Kate Walker Synopsis: Peter is a pretty average teen boy, a bit rebellious and doesn't get along with his older brother Vince. When he meets David, a friend of Vince's, Peter begins to wonder why he feels so comfortable in David's embrace, leading him to explore his sexuality. Rating: 3.5 / 5I wanted to like this story because it held such potential. From the get go, I knew it was going to be a coming of age story but it fell flat for me. There is clear chemistry between Peter and David but it was brushed off by their 5 years age difference (David is 20 and Peter is 15) and Peter's confusion of if he is or isn't gay, although Peter admits he likes David. I mean, I understand that Peter might be too young for David but what is up with all winks and smiles and tender caresses only to lead to David basically saying "Sorry, can't be in a relationship with you but if you ever need anything, I'll be there for you." It just didn't mesh well with me. I've read some reviews that speculate that perhaps Peter isn't gay at all and simply likes David because David seems to be the only one who actually cares about him and is kind to him but I don't think that is the case. Peter, David, and Vince are the only characters in the book I cared for, Peter's mother I could tolerate. Everyone else came off so... unlikeable... whether it was Tony, Peter's best friend, who can only think of "getting off", Peter's image obsessed and homophobic father, or the all-too-quick-to-back-stab-Peter runt of the bikers, Eddy. One thing that was really great about this book was the dialogues. They felt natural and realistic, I can imagine actually having conversations like them. The book is told in a sensitive and delicate way and really explores Peter's mind as it grips the reality of what everyone expects him to be like and what he actually wants to be / who he is. I think the book was well-written, just the plot was unsatisfying.
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Post by alohaTHOR on Apr 10, 2015 21:00:20 GMT -5
I recently read just about every short story / book Eli Easton has written, they range from 50 pages to 200 pages, and although they are short they have really well developed characters and plot lines.I definitely recommend them! Here's a list of the ones I have read so far: Superhero Blame It on the Mistletoe Unwrapping Hank How To Howl At The Moon Before I Wake The Trouble with Tony (Sex in Seattle #1) The Enlightenment of Daniel (Sex in Seattle #2) The Mating of Michael (Sex in Seattle #3) Puzzle Me This The Lion and The Crow
The Lion and The Crow is probably my favorite of the bunch.
Still on the To-Read list: A Prairie Dog's Love Song
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Post by alohaTHOR on Apr 26, 2015 0:52:14 GMT -5
So, over the course of a couple weeks, I've read multiple books but I've been too lazy to do reviews on them. So I think from now on I will just review on the ones I like better. Spoilers
#1 - Try by Ella Frank
Try by Ella Frank is a sexy and raunchy erotic novel about two men who begin a relationship. There is Logan, a sex on legs lawyer, with a silver tongue and then there is Tate who is equally irresistible and a bit hard-headed. The thing is Logan doesn't do relationships and Tate has never been with a man before. They both navigate their fears as they come to terms that their relationship is turning into something more than just sex.
Rating - 4.5 / 5 Man, it took me awhile to get through this book. As compelling as it was, it was just too much for me at times (not in a bad way). There is undeniable chemistry between Tate and Logan. Every time they are together, they are unable to keep their hands and eyes off each other. The way they banter back and forth is extremely sexy, and man does Logan have a mouth. And as said before, their chemistry is so great that the sexual tension between them could be cut with a knife. I'm sure that 90% of the book is just sex yet the MCs are fleshed out well and I completely adore them. Not to mention it is pretty well written.
#2 - Fearless by Chris O' Guinn
Fearless by Chris O Guinn is a coming of age story about a cynical 15 year old boy named Justin. Justin is a social outcast by choice but finds himself striving for more in life when he reluctantly befriends the bad boy stoner, Liam. Justin is thrust into a world he's never known before, one where he has friends and is actually good at something, one where he can fall in love and that's exactly what he does. But when he comes to learn a shocking truth about Liam, his new world begins to dim.
Rating - 3. 75 / 5 The friendship between Liam and Justin is absolutely adorable. I loved just about everything about this book until... well the secret came out (I'd already had a hunch)... It wasn't so much that I disliked it but it became sort of predictable to me. That didn't stop me from tearing up but that's just because I cry at just about anything and everything. Anway, the whole thing with Justin and his IM buddy... just wasn't... my cup of tea (?) I just don't know...
#3 - The Vast Fields of Ordinary by Nick Burd
The Vast Fields of Ordinary by Nick Burd is a coming of age story about Dade Hamilton, whose life isn't necessarily easy. His mom is constantly popping pills as to chase away her problems and his father is almost always absent. His secret fling with star jock, Pablo Soto, just blew up in his face and Dade can easily say that he has no friends. Until he meets Alex, an older boy with a mysterious aura that immediately attracts him. Dade finds himself falling in love with Alex but as the summer's end draws near, neither boys are sure of their future. All Dade knows is that it's anywhere but Cedarville.
Rating - 3 / 5 I'm not quite sure what to say about this book. I guess that it had potential because it certainly did. It just fell a bit flat for me. Not that it was bad in any way in particular but I just found myself wanting more and I'm still a bit confused on parts of the book so that doesn't really help either. So... let's all get this out there... SPOILERS ARE ABOUT TO COME:
1 - Alex is a drug dealer 2 - Apparently doing drugs is okay 3 - What's up with the straight people in this book? They're all written as either obnoxious or completely dysfunctional 4 - There wasn't enough Alex / Dade time for me to actually ship them 5 - WTF was up with the Jenny Moore story line? 6 - Err... Pablo? 7 - What's this book about... like really... like... is it supposed to be some epiphanic telling that Dade needs to find happiness within himself rather than in someone else? Cuz I totally didn't get that even though that's what the book says (?)
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Post by alohaTHOR on Jun 3, 2015 15:19:08 GMT -5
It's been quite a while since my last review but I just happened to stumble upon a book so deserving of one. So here it is:
Violence Begets by P.T. Denys
Synopsis: After the death of his brother, Rick St. James quickly finds his life crumbling. The only person who ever cared and actually loved him (besides his kid sister) is gone and his father blames him for his brother's death. What initially starts as neglect and the cold shoulder, Rick and his father's relationship turns abusive. It doesn't help that he is the new kid at school and resident bad boy and expert manipulator Kevin Vincent has his eyes set out on Rick. As he falls in line with Kevin and his minions, Rick learns that he and Kevin have a lot more in common than he thought and that Kevin's secrets are even more horrid than his own. While experiencing their own living nightmares, Rick and Kevin begin to fall in love as they witness the pain and despair in each other.
Rating: 4.75 / 5
Holy Jesus-f*cking-Christ (excuse me for my language), this book has taken an emotional toll on me. This is not one for the weak-hearted, which at times like these I definitely feel like I am. But honest to God, this book had me going. So to start off, like I said in the synopsis, this story contains A LOT of child abuse directed at two teenage boys. That being said, this book was so damn well-written. It was dark, brutal, raw, angsty... My heart was constantly hammering against my chest as Rick and Kevin's story continued to unfold. I really felt for them, I felt their pain and their hopes and dreams of escaping. I wanted so badly for them to get their happy ending because they so damned deserved it. There were no detailed sex scenes in the book but it wasn't needed. The relationship between Rick and Kevin was perfectly crafted and their love for one another radiates off the pages, whether it be by the way they tend to each other's wounds or the way they know each other so well. But I have to be honest, I didn't cry. I think I was already numbed by all the constant sh*tstorms they had to deal with that by the time I was done with the book, I just felt empty. This book made me sort of hate people...
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Post by alohaTHOR on Jun 28, 2015 8:07:29 GMT -5
I know I've been slacking in the book reviews but here's a new review!
Zero at the Bone by Jane Seville
Synopsis: After witnessing a mob hit, Doctor Jack Francisco is put into protective custody. His life as he knows it is gone but it might be gone sooner than he thinks when a hired hitman shows up at his place. Luckily for him, "D" isn't too keen on taking an innocent life and decides to spare him. But with this decision also comes with the task of protecting the doctor. As they work together to survive, they both find in each other someone to love, something neither of them were expecting.
Rating: 4.25 / 5
Zero at the Bone is a great book. I know it isn't my typical pick but every once in awhile I get a craving for it. As I stated in the synopsis, Jack and D are thrown together in the most unlikely of circumstances. Jack is in protected custody and D is a hitman hired to kill him. This sets up the dynamics between them pretty quickly. D is the ice cold, stoic, un-feeling and expert killer. Jack is the energetic, optimistic, and vibrant doctor. Jack saves lives while D takes them. Jack needs D's help to stay alive and soon enough, D needs Jack as well. I love their relationship and the conversations they have . Although there is plenty of skirting around the big issues between the two, they have easy and playful conversations and really nice intimate moments without it being sexual. Not that the sex is anything to sneeze at.
A bit of warning though, Seville writes D's dialogues with a southern accent so at times, I had to re-read what he said to understand what he was saying. It might not be a problem but I would have liked it better to say he had an accent rather than giving him one through words.Personal preference.
The reasons for the rating not being any higher is that I really struggled to finish this book, despite it being a good read. It took me almost a week to finish the book where as I usually finish within a couple days. At times I felt weary from reading and the progression is a bit slow, not that it's particularly a bad thing. Another reason is that few concepts were constantly rehashed throughout the book (such as D's secrecy & his bloodstained conscience) and the ending was a bit lackluster for me. I know there are a few short entries that tie up the book (series?) but I don't know if I will pick them up.
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Post by alohaTHOR on Jul 20, 2015 7:51:53 GMT -5
In what seems to be an everlasting state of procrastination and lack of motivation, I have read another book ahead of the list I should have read months ago. So here's another review of a book I probably shouldn't have read yet. It contains bits of spoilers but you should already know that since this is a review!
Victim of Love - Darien Cox
Synopsis: Olsen Westergard is a straight-laced scientist on vacation with his colleagues. Due to his months long dry spell, his friends are eager to help Olsen remedy that in anyway possible. But what Olsen didn't expect was that he would fall instantly for a drunken stranger on the beach. And as fate would have it, Olsen would be getting to know said stranger very well during the week.
Rating: 3.5 / 5
Before buying this book, I read a sample of it first. I'm usually one to just buy impulsively but I was on the fence about this one. From what I read of the first chapter, I absolutely loved it. The characters were fun and endearing, and I absolutely loved Beck (although at the time he was just a drunken stranger). As the story continued, it became a bit contrived in my opinion. Somethings just didn't feel natural to me and there were times when I thought that people would never say some of the things the characters said in this book. Other times, I thought the dialogue was fantastic. After the vacation was over, the story seemed to drag on. It lost its spark because the main highlight of the book (to me) was the playful banter and chemistry Beck and Olsen had when they were together 24/7. There was that cliche that I hoped wasn't a cliche about Beck's past that didn't quite turn out to be what I expected but I still found myself rolling my eyes while it loomed over their relationship since it was the main conflict for the couple.
So, this is probably where most people would disagree with me. As always, I've read reviews and such after and before I read the book and to my surprise, most of them were overwhelmingly positive. Although I found the plot lacking in the second half of the book, it isn't the main reason for the low rating. I just couldn't bring myself to like Olsen, the main character from which the story is told from in 1st PPOV, no matter how much I tried. In some form or another, he always came off as desperate, naive or a push over. For practically the entire book, he did everything in the way Beck wanted or he never stood up to his friends when they pointed out his faults, etc. I just didn't see how a guy like Beck, who I thought was written amazingly, saw in a guy like Olsen.
So there you have it. Another book read, another review done.
Oh yeah and before I forget, I also finished the last book in Ella Frank's Temptation series, Trust. As always, the chemistry between Logan and Tate is palpable and these two are probably the sexiest characters I've ever had the pleasure of reading about. Although I loved the other two books, I found this one bordering on unnecessary as not much happened in it that was extremely relevant in my opinion that couldn't have been worked into Book 2. The main question I have for Frank is why was Chris Walker (Logan's ex) even introduced when he was barely even in the third book and served absolutely no purpose. There was a missed opportunity.
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Post by alohaTHOR on Sept 6, 2015 18:25:11 GMT -5
Wow, it's been so long since I've posted a review ~ I've been busy doing nothing but let's restart this? I'll do some reviews on the memorable books I've read since I've last posted.
Him by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy
Synopsis: It's been four years since Ryan Wesley cut his best friend, Jamie Canning, out of his life but even time and distance couldn't stop him from loving Jamie. But when Ryan and Jamie meet again, all the feelings Ryan have tried to bury resurfaces and he finds himself incapable of letting Jamie walk out of his life again, but he has much more to worry about than Jamie's rejection. There's also the prospect of going pro in the NHL.
Rating: 4.5 / 5
I've always been a sucker for the OFY / GFY (out for you / gay for you) genre and so of course this book found its way to my kindle. The writing and the flow of the book is very easy to get sucked into, Jamie and Ryan are both easily lovable and their relationship is adorable. They make each other push past their limits and make each other better (and a crap ton crazier). Everything is better (imo) when the two main characters have a competitive/playful relationship. Needless to say, I loved the book.
Take My Picture by Giselle Ellis
Synopsis: Despite being thrown off by Jake Wyzchek's abnormal behavior, Aaron Bennet accepts his job offer. He didn't expect it to lead him the best five years of his life, even if he won't admit it. Basically inseparable, Aaron and Jake are put to the test when slowly but surely they realize their feelings for one another.
Rating: 4.5 / 5
I cried reading this. Maybe I'm just overemotional. I have a hate/love relationship with heart wrenching books like this one. From the get go, Aaron and Jake are perfect for each other in every single way. This point is backed by much evidence on more than one occasion in the book but they were both too stubborn and too much of idiots to realize it. They are my relationship goal - like seriously. To find someone who completely gets you like they do each other? <3
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Post by alohaTHOR on Sept 6, 2015 18:59:29 GMT -5
I separated this post from my last because this one is a series. It's a series I read awhile back but recently re-read and it's called "Straight Guys" by Alessandra Hazard.
Book #1 - Just a Bit Twisted
Synopsis: Shawn Wyatt is well on his way to doomsville. He is penniless despite working two jobs, his grades are slipping and if he doesn't do something about it his scholarship will get pulled, and he barely has time to raise his two younger sisters. While trying to haggle a deal with his handsome yet heartless professor Derek Rutledge, Shawn gets an offer too tempting to refuse but finds himself at odds when he starts falling for Derek because for as long as he's known, Shawn has been straight.
Book #2 - Just a Bit Obsessed
Synopsis: Christian Ashford didn't know what he was thinking when he accepted Mila's offer at a threesome but just the thought of her hunky and gorgeous boyfriend, Alexander Sheldon, was enough to set him off. Unfortunate for him though, Alexander wants nothing to do with him but after an accidental kiss, Alexander finds himself craving Christian's touch - to the point of obsession.
Book #3 - Just a Bit Unhealthy
Synopsis: After years of being in love with rising football (soccer) star Gabriel DuVal, Jared Sheldon decides to call it quits and move back to the States, after all, Gabriel is in love with his girlfriend. But Gabriel also loves Jared. A love that runs so deep that he isn't willing to let go of Jared. But it isn't enough to simply be loved, Jared wants more, and it's something Gabriel can never give - or is it?
Book # 0.5
Synopsis: Sage can't believe he's going to prison. He isn't the hardened criminal type and he knows his pretty boy looks isn't exactly a good thing for him. But luckily, or not so luckily, his cellmate Xavier is willing to protect him but in exchange for his body. Without any other option, Sage accepts but is conflicted when he finds he wants Xavier just as much as Xavier wants him.
All these books are interconnected. Shawn (book 1) and Christian (book 2) are best friends and Alexander (book 2) and Jared (book 3) are cousins. I love that about books in a series - how they connect with one another! Anyway, all these books are very simple. There's a straight guy that falls in love with a not so straight guy.
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Post by alohaTHOR on Sept 16, 2015 1:42:41 GMT -5
Just a Bit Wrong by Alessandra Hazard
Synopsis: Golden boy in the public's eye, Tristan DuVal is anything but innocent and kind. Professional physiotherapist Zachary Hardaway immediately sees through this facade when he is hired to care for Tristan after he suffers an injury and although he finds Tristan difficult to deal with, he doesn't give up. Starting off rocky, Tristan and Zach find themselves in a world of trouble when they begin to lust after one another. But as their physical relationship turns into something more, Zach must decide what Tristan means to him as his wedding approaches.
Rating: 4.5 / 5
I absolutely loved this book. There wasn't one aspect I didn't like about it and I feel like Hazard is getting better and better in her storytelling. Tristan and Zach's hot-and-cold relationship had just the right amount of tenderness and hostility - they were so passionately antagonistic towards each other while not being able to resist the other. It was just <3. Definitely competes with Just a Bit Obsessed (Book #2) for my favorite of Hazard's.
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Post by overtherainbow on Sept 18, 2015 17:06:26 GMT -5
So, I've been really bored lately... school is school, ya know... and the next book on my reading agenda has not arrived yet, Collide by J.R. Lenk. When will you come D:< Anyway, I noticed that I never really did reviews on the Something Like series (or as some people know them as, the Seasons series). So all aboard the Something Like train cuz here they come. Now I might be biased since this has become my favorite book series since reading them but... here goes. These will contain minor spoilers so be warned.Something Like Summer by Jay Bell Synopsis: Something Like Summer is the heartwarming and tear-jerking tale of a love between two boys over the course of more than a decade. There is Benjamin (Ben) Bentley, a talented singer and the only out student at his high school, and Tim Wyman, the tall, dark, and handsome jock that just transferred, not to mention the perfect fantasy. Brought together by certain events, the two fall passionately in love but their relationship is tested when Tim's fears get the better of him. Review: 4.25 / 5 This is the beginning of my downfall. Something Like Summer is the book that started the series and centers around the main character Ben Bentley. He is arguably the most important character throughout the series, and in my opinion, the strongest. He is compassionate, caring, cute, adorable, loving, sexy, funny, just an all-around great guy. He can be unbelievably ridiculous at times, often running with his emotions but who hasn't been guilty of that? He is young and makes mistakes but he is also wise enough to know never to make them again. He grows throughout the book and it is a pleasure to watch. Anyway, this is a great book. Definitely should be read first. Something Like Winter Synopsis: Something Like Winter is the second in the series and focuses on the main character Tim Wyman. In this book, we get Tim's side of the story along with what happens to him during the time jump. Review: 4 / 5 To be honest, when first reading Something Like Summer, Tim was probably my least favorite character. Having read Winter my mind was changed. I wasn't jumping out of my seat or proclaiming my love for Tim or anything of that sort but I understood him better. There were so many things I couldn't overlook in Summer but after finding out the reasons and motivations of Tim's actions, the romantic in me gave in. Tim earned a spot in my heart. Read this after Summer! It grazes over events that took place in Summer but also goes into ones we didn't get to in Summer. Something Like Autumn Synopsis: Here is the last third of Summer's trio, a book featuring (my favorite character) Jace Holden. In Autumn, we learn of Jace's past and then dive into his relationship with Ben, which wasn't so strongly discussed in Something Like Summer. Review: 4.5 / 5 Of the three books so far, this one made me the most emotional. I don't want to give away why but I still cry every single time I read it. As I said in the synopsis, Autumn begins when Jace is still a teenager. Jace definitely has the most tragic past of the three and it warms your heart when he finds happiness. My heart is aching just thinking about it so I will just leave it at that. Jace <3 Something Like Spring Synopsis: Spring introduces a new character in the form of Jason Grant. At the beginning of the book, Jason is 15 years old and in the foster care system. He has been so for a few years now, never really fitting in anywhere, and wanting to go back to his mother even though she is no longer alive. After another failed attempt at a home he actually wants to stay at, Jason gives up his search for a home and tries living on his own. After unsuccessfully do so, he contacts his old case worker Michelle Trout (Jace's sister) and she sets him up to live with Ben and Tim. Review: 4.75 / 5 This is by far my favorite book of the series. I really responded and related to Jason and felt his pain. For so long he was dealt bad cards and it was nice to see that although discouraged, he was willing to try to find happiness. I would say that all the books are about love. First loves, true love, the type that never goes away, whether it is a lover, friend, or family. This book in particular does so in the family aspect which is really heartwarming. It dives into the lives of Ben and Tim after the events of Summer/Winter/Autumn and they really are too cute. I enjoyed every moment they spent together with Jason and the ending is just magical. There are a lot of parallels between Jason's relationship with Caesar and William and Ben's relationship with Jace and Tim, which was a nice touch. There is so much we get to see in Spring that ties up loose ends and it is just... ahh.. I cry every time I read this book too. Something Like LightingSynopsis: In this book, we go back almost a year before the time Spring starts, with the book focusing on Kelly, the ex-boyfriend of William. Kelly is a star athlete, the fastest runner at his high school. His dream is to compete in the olympics one day. It just so happens he is preparing for a three-part marathon and William is the best swimmer. Each trading tips, the two begin to fall in love but find it difficult to stay in love when they are so different. After his dreams are crushed, he has become bitter and broken but with the help of Jason and a few others, Kelly finds his way back to the things he used to love. Review: 4 / 5 Okay, so you definitely should read Spring before this one. This is technically not of the Something Like series, it is the first in the Storm series but it is still in the same universe. As said, the book is focused on William's ex-boyfriend Kelly. In Spring, we don't find out much about him besides general information through William and their friends and he is painted horribly. He is gorgeous on the outside but on the inside? This book deals with the loss of dreams and finding new ones, with love in the mix of course. There is a book coming out this summer I believe, which will be told from the perspective of Kelly's love interest, so keep a look out for that. OVERALLJay Bell must have magical fingers or some elves that help him with his writing or something. His writing move me to tears, I feel anxious each time I read the books because they are each filled with heart wrenching moments. There aren't many authors that can get you so wrapped up in fictional characters' lives as Bell has so graciously done multiple times. Even in his other books (I've read a couple of his short stories and Kamikaze Boys) his skills shine through. Each character is so well written that you can't help but fall in love with them. Being books about gay teens/adults, there is a fare share of coming out but Bell never really puts emphasis on this. Coming out seems like a big deal but he brisks over it as if it were any simple matter, something that I like. He doesn't make it a big issue because it shouldn't be one. I don't know what else to say except that he is an amazing author and these books are amazing as well. You probably know this already but Something Like Summer is currently being made into a movie. It will be released sometime next year.
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Post by alohaTHOR on Sept 18, 2015 17:26:30 GMT -5
So, I've been really bored lately... school is school, ya know... and the next book on my reading agenda has not arrived yet, Collide by J.R. Lenk. When will you come D:< Anyway, I noticed that I never really did reviews on the Something Like series (or as some people know them as, the Seasons series). So all aboard the Something Like train cuz here they come. Now I might be biased since this has become my favorite book series since reading them but... here goes. These will contain minor spoilers so be warned.Something Like Summer by Jay Bell Synopsis: Something Like Summer is the heartwarming and tear-jerking tale of a love between two boys over the course of more than a decade. There is Benjamin (Ben) Bentley, a talented singer and the only out student at his high school, and Tim Wyman, the tall, dark, and handsome jock that just transferred, not to mention the perfect fantasy. Brought together by certain events, the two fall passionately in love but their relationship is tested when Tim's fears get the better of him. Review: 4.25 / 5 This is the beginning of my downfall. Something Like Summer is the book that started the series and centers around the main character Ben Bentley. He is arguably the most important character throughout the series, and in my opinion, the strongest. He is compassionate, caring, cute, adorable, loving, sexy, funny, just an all-around great guy. He can be unbelievably ridiculous at times, often running with his emotions but who hasn't been guilty of that? He is young and makes mistakes but he is also wise enough to know never to make them again. He grows throughout the book and it is a pleasure to watch. Anyway, this is a great book. Definitely should be read first. Something Like Winter Synopsis: Something Like Winter is the second in the series and focuses on the main character Tim Wyman. In this book, we get Tim's side of the story along with what happens to him during the time jump. Review: 4 / 5 To be honest, when first reading Something Like Summer, Tim was probably my least favorite character. Having read Winter my mind was changed. I wasn't jumping out of my seat or proclaiming my love for Tim or anything of that sort but I understood him better. There were so many things I couldn't overlook in Summer but after finding out the reasons and motivations of Tim's actions, the romantic in me gave in. Tim earned a spot in my heart. Read this after Summer! It grazes over events that took place in Summer but also goes into ones we didn't get to in Summer. Something Like Autumn Synopsis: Here is the last third of Summer's trio, a book featuring (my favorite character) Jace Holden. In Autumn, we learn of Jace's past and then dive into his relationship with Ben, which wasn't so strongly discussed in Something Like Summer. Review: 4.5 / 5 Of the three books so far, this one made me the most emotional. I don't want to give away why but I still cry every single time I read it. As I said in the synopsis, Autumn begins when Jace is still a teenager. Jace definitely has the most tragic past of the three and it warms your heart when he finds happiness. My heart is aching just thinking about it so I will just leave it at that. Jace <3 Something Like Spring Synopsis: Spring introduces a new character in the form of Jason Grant. At the beginning of the book, Jason is 15 years old and in the foster care system. He has been so for a few years now, never really fitting in anywhere, and wanting to go back to his mother even though she is no longer alive. After another failed attempt at a home he actually wants to stay at, Jason gives up his search for a home and tries living on his own. After unsuccessfully do so, he contacts his old case worker Michelle Trout (Jace's sister) and she sets him up to live with Ben and Tim. Review: 4.75 / 5 This is by far my favorite book of the series. I really responded and related to Jason and felt his pain. For so long he was dealt bad cards and it was nice to see that although discouraged, he was willing to try to find happiness. I would say that all the books are about love. First loves, true love, the type that never goes away, whether it is a lover, friend, or family. This book in particular does so in the family aspect which is really heartwarming. It dives into the lives of Ben and Tim after the events of Summer/Winter/Autumn and they really are too cute. I enjoyed every moment they spent together with Jason and the ending is just magical. There are a lot of parallels between Jason's relationship with Caesar and William and Ben's relationship with Jace and Tim, which was a nice touch. There is so much we get to see in Spring that ties up loose ends and it is just... ahh.. I cry every time I read this book too. Something Like LightingSynopsis: In this book, we go back almost a year before the time Spring starts, with the book focusing on Kelly, the ex-boyfriend of William. Kelly is a star athlete, the fastest runner at his high school. His dream is to compete in the olympics one day. It just so happens he is preparing for a three-part marathon and William is the best swimmer. Each trading tips, the two begin to fall in love but find it difficult to stay in love when they are so different. After his dreams are crushed, he has become bitter and broken but with the help of Jason and a few others, Kelly finds his way back to the things he used to love. Review: 4 / 5 Okay, so you definitely should read Spring before this one. This is technically not of the Something Like series, it is the first in the Storm series but it is still in the same universe. As said, the book is focused on William's ex-boyfriend Kelly. In Spring, we don't find out much about him besides general information through William and their friends and he is painted horribly. He is gorgeous on the outside but on the inside? This book deals with the loss of dreams and finding new ones, with love in the mix of course. There is a book coming out this summer I believe, which will be told from the perspective of Kelly's love interest, so keep a look out for that. OVERALLJay Bell must have magical fingers or some elves that help him with his writing or something. His writing move me to tears, I feel anxious each time I read the books because they are each filled with heart wrenching moments. There aren't many authors that can get you so wrapped up in fictional characters' lives as Bell has so graciously done multiple times. Even in his other books (I've read a couple of his short stories and Kamikaze Boys) his skills shine through. Each character is so well written that you can't help but fall in love with them. Being books about gay teens/adults, there is a fare share of coming out but Bell never really puts emphasis on this. Coming out seems like a big deal but he brisks over it as if it were any simple matter, something that I like. He doesn't make it a big issue because it shouldn't be one. I don't know what else to say except that he is an amazing author and these books are amazing as well. You probably know this already but Something Like Summer is currently being made into a movie. It will be released sometime next year. Haha, yeah I know. I've been stalking their media pages since they started - hence my profile picture (I swear I used it before they changed their picture to it as well). I'm so excited!
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