Review: Sharing Secrets by Matthew J. Metzger

Adam has a secret. But maybe Charlie has a few of his own.

Adam’s got a secret and nobody knows.

He’s promised himself never to get into relationships and risk revealing it, but Charlie Fielding has a way of getting under one’s skin. One party, one kiss and Adam is faced with a horrible choice—tell Charlie the truth or keep quiet. And either way, lose the only friends he’s had in years.

But Charlie might have a secret, too—and everybody knows but Adam.

"Nobody knows."

Matthew J. Metzger is a MUST read author for me, he is absolutely amazing,  yet he's one that I don't hear enough about and that's a real shame.

This book, like many of Metzger's, is YA - but it's real. The characters aren't some polished Hollywood version of teens, they are teens I can relate to and understand (despite my teen years being a loooong time ago!) Real proper characters. Adam and Charlie are just two unique characters that sold me their story in the first couple of pages. 

Many of Metzger's novels feature transgender characters, and this one is no different; the ups and downs and secrets and hurt aren't how you think they're going to be though. It's not straightforward, and it's not easy, but it's also compelling to read. To understand. To think about things in a different way than before.

I really don't want to spoil the storyline, so I'm being very vague. okay, so the storyline is absolutely compelling reading. I personally think this is the type of book that should be in school libraries, it covers diversity and illness/disability in the way it should; with a normalcy sadly lacking in many books. Adam, Charlie, Phoebe and Ollie are still teens doing teen things with teen worries. Give 'em a few years and they'd be adults doing adult things with adult worries... they just have another aspect to them. Adam and Charlie's are mayhaps a bit larger to deal with. 

I love how Metzger writes this but I'm struggling to put it into words without sounding ridiculous. Everyone is different. Everyone has things to deal with. Some are harder to cope with than others, but the people (characters) are still people and Metzger nails that. There are no caricatures in his literature.

The small town setting - the families, school, secondary characters - they all worked together to support the MC's and their story. It is a fantastic piece of work.

I absolutely think everyone should read this author. If YA isn't your thing then pick up another of his novels, but whatever you do check him out. He's very talented and this book was - IS - amazing.

A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.

Release Day Review: Bonfires by Amy Lane

Ten years ago Sheriff’s Deputy Aaron George lost his wife and moved to Colton, hoping growing up in a small town would be better for his children. He’s gotten to know his community, including Mr. Larkin, the bouncy, funny science teacher. But when Larx is dragged unwillingly into administration, he stops coaching the track team and starts running alone. Aaron—who thought life began and ended with his kids—is distracted by a glistening chest and a principal running on a dangerous road.

Larx has been living for his kids too—and for his students at Colton High. He’s not ready to be charmed by Aaron, but when they start running together, he comes to appreciate the deputy’s steadiness, humor, and complete understanding of Larx’s priorities. Children first, job second, his own interests a sad last.

It only takes one kiss for two men approaching fifty to start acting like teenagers in love, even amid all the responsibilities they shoulder. Then an act of violence puts their burgeoning relationship on hold. The adult responsibilities they’ve embraced are now instrumental in keeping their town from exploding. When things come to a head, they realize their newly forged family might be what keeps the world from spinning out of control.

Before I even start reviewing the book, I have to say how much I love the cover. It is beautiful and definitely went towards me wanting to read this story.

The story inside the beautiful cover was pretty darn good, too! The fact that the MC's were both older, with their own responsibilities was great. I appreciated the lack of angst in them admitting their feelings for each other. It wasn't a completely easy ride, but they were honest with themselves and lacked the drama that younger relationships seem to thrive on in literature. It was a refreshing change.

In fact, I have to admit to loving both Aaron and Larx. They worked really well together and were the kind of couple that I wish were real, that I wish I knew. The book was written with an underlying message of inclusiveness and acceptance of oneself. It was written with the understanding that this is not always easy, or possible, but that self-acceptance is where the journey starts.

At times I was quite frightened by the truth of people's hate, especially how that hate can ripple out and affect many people in different ways. It scared me because this is a reality for far too many people still, even in this (so called) enlightened age. The murder storyline that gave the book its mystery element just served to highlight how far hate can reach and how many it can affect. It also showed the opposite of this though and how love and understanding can reach out and affect more people than one may realise.

I have to admit - sometimes I find Amy Lane's writing confusing. I'm not sure if it is because of cultural differences and references I don't always get at first, but oft times I have to stop and re-read a sentence to make sense of it. I don't think this is a reflection on the writing though, more a reflection on how different my life is from the author's. I always get a feeling of small town America from Lane's books, a place I've never been, but I like that I feel that I'm there when I read them. Part of what I love about reading is the escapism into the lives of others.

A great book that I enjoyed and am glad I read.

A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.
For more information see Goodreads

Review: Guns n' Boys: Chokehold (Guns n' Boys #5) by K.A. Merikan

--- The ugliest truths blossom into the prettiest lies. ---

A year into the relationship with Domenico, Seth still wants him as desperately as ever. Nothing is better than being intoxicated with lust for his deadly man and feeling his steady hands all over.
No matter the misunderstandings, the fights... The crash. The burn.

Crossing the Mexican border has been a goal for Seth and Domenico for a few months, but the trip couldn’t have ended in more of a disaster. While Domenico is stuck at home, for Seth each passing day becomes more difficult. Desperate to keep his family afloat, he accepts a job offer from Los Sepultureros. The Gravediggers.

When Domenico’s need for control starts eroding their trust, Seth is sure their love can conquer all. But when Domenico rips open the wound left after the violence at the beginning of their relationship, it gushes blood all over their cozy lies and this time, there may be no way to seal it.

I was so pleased to get my hands on this book as I'm a huge fan of the Guns n' Boys series. Dom and Seth are one of my favourite book couples and I love stepping into their world - violent though it is!

For fans of this series, this book will give you a fix until the next one comes out. Dom is Dom and Seth is Seth. Miscommunication of any kind is usually a sure fire way to get me to stop reading a book, but because of the personalities involved here, it works. It isn't just a plot device, the lack of communication at times is a vital part of who the characters are. The lack of communication fuels the plot and pushes it forward, rather than being a construct simply to get A to B to C. 

The Mafioso world of Seth and Dom is very violent and this book is no exception. If you like your stories gory and gruesome I'd definitely recommend this series. This fifth instalment of the series goes south of the border and out of North America. An escape for Dom, Seth and Mark? Not where their luck is concerned! Though all they really want (at least Seth does) is a place to live happily, to have nice things, create good food and be a family - fate really sees their lives going in a different direction though.

As I'm an old romantic, the reason I am so in love with these books is the relationship between Dom and Seth. It's never simple but I adore it, and to me, the story surrounding them is an added bonus. I love it primarily for the way it tests and teases their relationship. The action is always well written and well thought out though and there is always a surprise or two just when I think I know where the book is going!

K. A. Merikan is an author I will keep coming back to. Versatile and original, the combined talents of Kat and Agnes are never boring and I'd recommend them to all those who like something a little bit different.

A copy of this book was given on exchange for an honest review.

For more information, see Goodreads.

Review: Love Me Harder by Remmy Duchene

Life hasn’t been perfect for Mathew Chance. Between not knowing who his parents are, and being bounced from foster home to foster home, he’s had to work for everything in his life. But lately, he seems to be overdoing it. With two jobs that barely give him time to breath, love is the last thing on his mind. He doesn’t know whether to bless fate or curse it for shoving Asher Mulgrew right into his path.

Wealthy divorce lawyer Asher Mulgrew has it all worked out. From a successful practice to a supportive sister and a fantastic niece, life is good. But he’s lonely. Though he’s not actively searching for a man, he isn’t about to look a gift horse in the mouth when he meets bartender, Mathew Chance. Mathew has a wall built around his heart and Asher isn’t sure he can break through even if he wants to. 

This is one of those stories I'm finding very difficult to review. It fell into that three heart band for me, of books that I can't say I actively dislike, but that I can't quite find myself enthused about either.

The story as a premise was great. The execution didn't quite carry through for me though. What I felt this book needed more than anything was another edit. One that would correct some simple grammatical issues, but that would also tighten the story. Some moments were great, but then the story would fall a bit flat with the next sentence. Sometimes I had to re-read the sentences to get the meaning.

For example: "The sad part was that she hadn't even ask for the house..." Shouldn't this be asked?

Another moment that had me pondering was this interaction between him and his law clerk: "I'm retiring, Dahlia. This is your two weeks notice." ... okaaaay.....two weeks?? He's a divorce lawyer, he can seriously shut down his practice in a fortnight? I'm no expert, I could be completely and utterly wrong. Maybe it's a case of things working different stateside, but it felt off to me. Enough for me to spend too much time thinking about it, when I should have been reading. I mean, I have to give a months notice (and be given a months notice), and I work part time as a TA in a primary school.... It was little bits like this that threw me from the story long enough that it became a disjointed read for me.

All in all, I liked the characters created, I liked the storyline, I just wanted it more polished. The love between the characters was there, the story arc was there... it just didn't quite come together for me. Really I feel as though the publishers/editors could have done a more thorough job and the finished article would have been a completely different read. Of course, as ever, this is only my opinion. There is a sweet story there, and it's not - by far - the worst editing I've read... but it was all a bit meh in the end and meh is too easily forgotten. I will certainly be looking for more from this author, I've not given up on him yet. I wanted to like this more than I did and that gives me hope I'll enjoy the next read more. 

For more information check out Goodreads

A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.

Review: An Infatuation by Joe Cosentino

With his ten-year high school reunion approaching, Harold wonders whether Mario will be as muscular, sexy, and tantalizing as he remembers. As a teenager, it was love at first sight for Harold while tutoring football star Mario, until homophobia and bullying drove Mario deep into the closet. Now they’re both married men. Mario, a model, is miserable with his producer wife, while Harold, a teacher, is perfectly content with his businessman husband, Stuart. When the two meet again, will the old flame reignite, setting Harold’s comfortable life ablaze? How can Harold be happy with Stuart when he is still infatuated with his Adonis, his first love, Mario? Harold faces this seemingly impossible situation with inimitable wit, tenderness, and humor as he attempts to reconcile the past and the future. 

Minutes are worth more than money. Spend them wisely.

                                                          Thomas P. Murphy  

Time.

It's a funny thing; it heals, it flies, it can be wasted or treasured. It's too short - or too long -, it's of the moment and the past and the future. But what can time do to infatuation? That one perfect first love? This is what Harold, and his husband, Stuart, wonder when Harold's ten year reunion comes round.

High School, being a teenager, developing from childhood to adulthood and all the emotions and fears and uncertainty that comes with it can be both the best and worst time of a person's life. Whilst it is true that the start of the journey is just there, any route still able to be taken, it is also true that being different - and fear of being different - can hinder, cripple, the choices a person makes. 

When a person has to hide who they are, for fear of ridicule, of violence. Of being an outsider, friendless, alone. Of abandonment. When a person has to hide because of these - and many more - factors, then ultimately the routes that seem so wide open are suddenly diminishing. Choices are becoming fewer, decisions harder, options minimising. Life becomes a compromise. And not a compromise through choice, but a forced compromise. Even in the land of hope and plenty.

As we wander back with Harold through his memories, it is easy to see him as the victim. The weak one. The one who is different, who is bullied, who is (in the eyes of his peers, and they are so important at the time) lesser. Mario on the other hand, has it all. He is popular, good-looking, a jock. His family have money. He is well known and well liked. The boy at the top of his game. So basically, they are two opposites: nerd and jock, popular and not, strong and weak.

And ain't that the truth? Though as we follow Harold's story, it becomes obvious that those black and white lines are actually much further from defined than one would first think. And this is because Joe Cosentino is a very clever writer. He takes the stereotype (I admit to using that word hesitantly) and shows more. I've said before that this author is very observational, and he really is. He takes a character, makes them  almost cartoon like, then cleverly dissects away to reveal the real them. And all with a brilliant touch of humour.

And make no mistake, this author is very, very witty. With the timing of the actor he is, his humour shines through, again and again. Hah - time again. The perfect time to wit. (It's my review, I can make a noun a verb if I want. Even if it does make me think of owls, which are in no way part of this review).

As well as Harold, his loving and understanding husband, Stuart, and Mario, there is one other character I want to mention. Mr Ringwood. I had extreme feelings about Mr Ringwood. At first glance I despised him. Though understanding, he didn't have enough backbone to do the right thing. How he treated Harold was wrong - so, wrong. And he knew it. But in a way he was as much a victim as Harold. Not at that precise point in time in the same way Harold was, and don't get me wrong, as an adult it was his job to protect Harold, but he was a victim nonetheless. For all the reasons listed above. Time had yet to help him though. Time did nothing more at that point than make the fear bigger. Too big to do the right thing. Later though, time does help, he knows it, knows it's too late for him, that it is time for someone else.

"It's too late for me. My time has gone, but your time, Harold, is now."

Like an onion, Joe Cosentino's stories have layers. I would really recommend them. This is a Bittersweet novel, but it has laughs-a-plenty despite the sad and ugly lurking beneath the veneer. A truly fabulous read.

Excerpt and to buy links:

One Friday afternoon I accidentally ran into my hero in the boy's locker room. I’d had enough of the big guys banging me into gym lockers, pushing me into cold showers, and hanging me from the gym ropes. So I was on my way to give Mr. Adoni a note from Dr. Dlorah excusing me from gym class for the remainder of the school year (due to my highly contagious disease being studied by my doctor in Guatemala, where he could not be reached for the next year).

The locker room smelled of an odd combination of soap, cologne, sweat, and desire. Mario was getting ready for football practice, standing at his gym locker without a combination lock on it. Nobody would dare to break into it (Except for me that one time I smelled his jock strap. Okay maybe it was a few times, but not more than ten.). Mario slid his T-shirt (red today) over his thick, black hair and threw it on the nearby bench. No longer harnessed by cotton, his arm, back, chest, and neck muscles swelled to full size. I was half hidden behind the adjoining row of lockers, wearing my usual green and blue flannel shirt and brown corduroy pants. Mario, who wasn’t looking in my direction, said something really beautiful to me that I will never forget. “Hi.”

“Did you just? Oh. Hi. Hello. Good afternoon. Nice to see you. I mean, change with you.” I looked down at the floor (but cheated a bit) as Mario kicked off his boots, slipped off his jeans then threw them in the lucky locker. His red underpants (briefs) revealed ample manhood. This is better than the newspaper’s underwear ads!

“Good gym class today with Mr. Adonis, I mean, Mr. Adoni.” Did I just say that? “Harold High.”

“Hi.”

“High.” How can I get my pulse down to 260?

“Hi.” Mario reached into his locker for his sweat clothes.

Shouldn’t people be doing that for you? “Oh, my last name is High. Like a kite.” How can I stop my arms from waving like an airport flagger on speed?

“Mario Ginetti. Like nothin’ else imaginable.” Mario smiled, revealing a row of perfectly white teeth, and held the sweat clothes in his hands as if he was mortal.

“I know. I watch your body play.” Why can’t I stop talking? “I mean, I watch you play … football … on the field … in your football outfit.” I feel like Michelangelo with his David!

As Mario put on his sweats, I continued to sweat.

“I'm voting for your body … I mean I'm voting for you for president of your … our … the student body.” I need my jaw wired shut. “I’m your lab partner in Chemistry class. Ms. Hungry’s class … I mean Ms. Hunsley’s class.”

His olive-colored face glistened as Mario’s face registered recognition—of me! “I thought I knew you from somewheres. Hey, thanks for doing the lab reports.”

“It’s my honor … I mean my pleasure. It’s fine. If you need help putting up posters for your campaign, I can … ”

Having just tied the laces of his sneakers, Mario stood absolutely still. He looked at me as if he was staring into my heart and somehow knew what I was feeling. “I gotta take a wicked piss.”

Can I watch?

“Thanks for helping me out, Buddy.” He slammed the locker door and left.

He called me, Buddy! My heart was as soft and silly as putty that Mario held in the palm of his hand like his soap on a rope.

AN INFATUATION by JOE COSENTINO: a novella from Dreamspinner Press: e-book $4.99

purchase links:

Dreamspinner press 

Amazon

For more information check out Goodreads.

A copy of this story was given to the reviewer. The review reflects her honest feelings.

Review: Falling by Suki Fleet

Josh's idea of a romance is curling up alone and reading a novel with a happily ever after. He’s made his flat a safe haven where the wall are covered with beautiful words, and his living room ceiling is a map of the universe.

Angus may be shy and inexperienced, but he's incapable of hiding anything, especially his attraction to his older neighbor.

When Josh admits to Angus that he’s gay, he doesn't expect Angus’s reaction. Angus’s obvious interest terrifies Josh. For years he’s managed to keep the world at arm’s length and avoid getting too close to anyone. Well, anyone except Elenor, Angus’s mother, who helped Josh rebuild his life after he was hospitalized for depression. But Josh still thinks he’s broken. His past has left scars he thinks are too deep to heal. Despite Josh’s defenses, Angus begins to mean more to him than just the cute boy next door. If Josh can take a risk and let someone into his isolated world, he might have a chance for a real life happy ending. 

I have loved all of Suki Fleet's stories, but as soon as I read Falling it went straight behind This Is Not a Love Story as my next favourite. As ever, Suki catches the essence of of those struggling through life, without making them desperately needy victims. Circumstance and situation do not kill her characters, they just make them stronger. Yet she allows them time to struggle, time to come to terms with their needs and wants. She allows them help, but does not forcefully manipulate them. I absolutely admire this about her writing - it is what keeps me going back time and again.

In Falling, Josh has built himself a sanctuary. His home is his safe haven, books his escape. To say I understood Josh is an understatement; I could be Josh in this respect. His depression is manageable now, though it is fair to say he stays within his comfort zone. That doesn't mean he is a shadow of a person. He really isn't, he holds down a job, he helps his neighbours, but he does have his boundaries. The level of socialisation he is comfortable with. It takes more than a small amount of courage to step out of his comfort zone.

Angus. Angus is younger, shyer and, when his mum needs help, he becomes reliant on Josh. This is complicated by the fact that her his hopelessly attracted to Josh. And Josh to him, despite the fact he tries to deny it/ignore it.

This story is definitely not a  black and white, colour neatly in the lines, story. It is grey and it is messy and it is real. Thought and deed, mix with intent and ever changing boundaries. For a story that is about characters dealing with depression this made it so spot on. Depression is messy. It isn't neat. What a sufferer can deal with one day is completely out of bounds the next and this is reflected in the writing. No pigeon holing here. 

This makes the romance all the better for me. Friendship grows, trust develops. Lust and friendship and growing love, mix to make a heady, heart-thumpingly good, romantic story line. The essence of the story is the ability to trust outside carefully constructed walls. For me trust is an essential part of any relationship. Any. Friends, lovers, family, professional. Trust has to be at the forefront, so watching Josh (and Angus) develop that trust made my heart beat just a bit faster. 

Suki Fleet fans will love this story and I urge anyone who has not tried this author to give her books a go. Every one is amazing - and Falling would be a great place to start.  Oh and I should mention - I love the cover. I love all the covers, they are what attracted me to her writing in the first place! I know it doesn't make a difference to the story, but covers do make a difference to the books I choose.

Review: Silver Scars by Posy Roberts

You need people to love you, especially when you shove them away.

A bomb destroyed high-powered lawyer Gil Lemieux’s seemingly perfect life, and PTSD has ruled every decision since the explosion that left him scarred inside and outside. Moving home with his mom is meant to be a temporary measure, just like proofreading for a medical editorial firm is meant to be a stopgap. But two years after taking on the wrong court case, he’s still living in fear.

Keith Kramer might be based 1,500 miles away from Gil, but their shared work brings them together—a chance meeting that’s life-changing. Gil is drawn to Keith’s good looks and intelligence, but it’s his innate understanding that Gil is more than the scars on his skin that is truly attractive. He’s everything Gil used to be and more. It blows Gil’s mind that his attraction might be returned.

Only doubt could widen the distance between them. Keith’s hopefulness, borne out of surviving some tough challenges of his own, isn’t enough to bridge the distance alone. Gil will need to believe he has as much to offer as Keith if they’re to build a life together.

Gil's story is heartbreaking really, and tells tale of just how fragile life is. Not just in the live or die way, but in the way that, as humans,we think we know where our life is going. We have a plan, we've done the schooling, got the job, the house, the family, the whatever it is we've strived for (or we're in the midst of doing said things) and we rarely anticipate how easily it can all be snatched away.

We see daily on the news disasters happening, but they are something that happens to other people. In Silver Scars Gil becomes that 'other' person, the one on the news. It could have been a flood, a gas explosion, a house fire...any number of things, for Gil though it was someone he'd pissed off in his job as a lawyer and a homemade bomb. That he got away with his life is barely comforting when that life is so compromised by PTSD that he finds it hard to leave his house. Well, his mom's house, despite living alone for numerous years, that is out of the question now.

Everyday is a struggle for Gil. He gives himself challenges - sometimes he meets them, other times he doesn't. When he makes it a cross country on board a plane alone for work, he is rightly proud of himself. It's hard, he feels judged as people look at the scars the bomb left him with. Obvious and ugly and god, please don't ask about them. And some do, some don't, some stare, others ignore...

Keith pays no attention to them whatsoever. Thank fuck. Because Keith is doing things to Gil's libido that he hasn't felt since before the bomb. Keith is gorgeous and friendly and makes Gil laugh. He also makes him feel at ease. Shame he's so ostentatious and flashy, with his carved cane fashion accessory.

Except he isn't. Keith understands all too well the pain of recreating your life.

I loved how both of these characters found each other. Two people with their own battle scars, physical and mental. Seen and unseen. I liked the understanding and empathy they had for each other and the way they worked to build a life together - despite there being as many downs as ups in their relationship. That is, after all, the way of life. It's not what you have to face much of the time but how you face it, and that is a really strong message in this story. 

This story, despite the content of PDST and trauma, actually felt very happy and positive. Sure, both characters had days when they weren't coping well, when they were dealing with the shit life threw at them, but overall I found that the love story over rode those moments. It gave both Gil and Keith something to hope for, to trust in - it gave them strength. They didn't fight each others battles, that would not be possible, but they gave each other the strength to fight their own.  And that is an amazing thing.

A really enjoyable story. 

A copy of the story was given in exchange for an honest review.

For more information see Goodreads.

Review: In the Middle of Somewhere by Roan Parrish

DANIEL MULLIGAN is tough, snarky, and tattooed, hiding his self-consciousness behind sarcasm. Daniel has never fit in—not at home with his auto mechanic father and brothers, and not at school where his Ivy League classmates look down on him. Now, Daniel’s relieved to have a job at a small college in Northern Michigan, but, a city boy through and through, when Daniel arrives in Holiday, Michigan, it’s clear that this small town is one more place he just won’t fit in.

REX VALE clings to routine to keep loneliness at bay: honing his large, muscular body until it can handle anything, perfecting his recipes, and making custom furniture. Rex has lived in Holiday for years, but his shyness and imposing size have kept him from connecting with people. Though he loves the quiet and solitude of his little cabin in the woods, Rex can’t help but want someone to share it with.

When Daniel arrives in Holiday, they are smitten with each other, but though the sex is intense and explosive, Rex fears that Daniel will be one more in a long line of people to leave him, and Daniel has learned that letting anyone in could be a fatal weakness. Just as they begin to break down the walls that have been keeping them apart, Daniel is called home to Philadelphia where a secret is revealed that changes the way he understands everything.

Can a scrappy professor, an intense carpenter, and a stray dog make a go of it in their cabin in the woods? Sometimes, you have to go to the middle of nowhere to end up exactly where you want to be. 

I have to be honest - if you stick a snowy scene on the cover of a book, especially a log cabin in a snow covered forest, the chances are I'm going to read the story, whether I've read the blurb or not. It 's like Russian roulette with books (whaddya mean I need to get out more?) - sometimes the story is great, sometimes not so much. This one I really enjoyed though.

Parrish tells us the story of two people who don't quite fit the mould. Daniel sees himself as not quite worthy of the teaching position he holds, his background is not a family of academics, but of manual workers. He always felt like a square peg in a round hole at home, but going to university didn't change that. He still felt like the odd one out. He spends his whole life trying to fit. To be comfortable with himself and who he is. Don't be mistaken into thinking this means he is an apologetic excuse for a human, because he really isn't. He's just never quite found where he belongs.

Rex is in a similar situation. He has a secret he is ashamed of and builds up defences around himself to counteract this. He is very protective by nature and wants to look after Daniel. Something Daniel is not used to and it makes him feel a bit useless.

I like the fact that, despite their differences, it was their similarities that brought them together. Roan Parrish developed these characters really well and they are the starting point of the whole story. I like how problems were resolved and the characterisations developed as the story went on.

This kind of book is like a hot chocolate to me. Sometimes it's the only thing that'll hit the spot. I thoroughly enjoyed it, the setting, characters and storyline were all fantastic. I'm certainly going to look out for more by this author.

A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.

For more information, check out Goodreads.

Review: Despite the Odds by Chris T. Kat

Never judge a book by its cover.

Michael Campbell can’t hold a job for more than a few days. He’s lucky his foreman is giving him another chance with the solar panel project at an elementary school in Atlantic City. When he spies a man walking strangely in front of the school, Michael laughs, assuming he’s drunk or high. Little does he realize that Joshua Stone, a teaching assistant, has cerebral palsy, and he’s having a bad muscle control day. Taking a tumble right in front of the handsome construction worker is just his luck.

When Michael learns the truth, he feels bad for his cruel behavior. He offers to give Joshua—and his tricycle, the Racing Rhonda—a lift. Joshua accepts the help, and suddenly there’s a gorgeous man breezing into his life, turning his world upside down. But Michael has more issues than his inability to hold down a job, and neither man is sure if they’ll be able to overcome their fears in order to be together.

Anybook that doesn't have your a-typical MC's is going to grab my interest. I love books that feature characters who are real, who have the same issues that many folks in this real big ol' world have to face. Don't get me wrong, reading is the best form of escapism there is, and I've read and enjoyed many books with 'perfect' hero's, but those books with real heroes are going to always be held nearest to my heart.

Especially when the MC who actually has the most difficulty isn't the one you think it's going to be.

Chris T. Kat, does a good job of showing that, while we as a world often focus on physical differences, it is oft times not those that can be most disabling for a person.That the unseen can be just as, or more, debilitating than the seen. Don't judge a book by it's cover is an old cliché, it doesn't make it any less true.

We meet Michael and Joshua and make the instant judgement that Joshua is the most debilitated of the two, and in many way he is. It doesn't stop him getting what he wants or needs though. It's not held him back from life. He is a determined character who refuses to be pities even when he does need help. And isn't it a sign of strength to ask for help when it's needed? We all need help at times for different things and (to use another cliché) pride often comes before a fall!

Michael is a prime example. On the outside he seems fine and dandy. Physically able, clearly able minded...yet he is the bull headed MC who is being held back by what he considers a disability. Sometimes I wanted to slap him! I have to admit, when we first meet him I'm not all that keen - especially the way he takes the piss out of Joshua when it's clearly a case of the pot calling the kettle black. Like him though, I made a snap judgement on a little fact. We all do, it's human nature, no matter how much we don't want to. And as Michael was proved wrong as the story went on, so was I.

Despite it sounding choc full of morality issues, this was really actually a quite light love story. The kind that brightens the day and makes you pleased to have read it. It could have gotten deeper and heavier but it isn't any less of a book because it doesn't. In many ways that was exactly why I liked it. It brought me two characters, who had issues but managed to navigate them while falling in love and at the end of the day the love story is what I love.

A really enjoyable read.

For more information on Goodreads or Booklikes!

Review: Spell Bound (The Warlock Brothers of Havenbridge #1) by Jacob Z. Flores

Mason Blackmoor just can’t compete with his brothers, much less his father. They represent the epitome of black magic, strong, dark, and wicked, and though Mason tries to live up to his respected lineage, most of the spells he casts go awry. To make matters worse, his active power has yet to kick in. While his brothers wield lightning and harness the cold, Mason sits on the sidelines, waiting for the moment when he can finally enter the magical game.

When a dead body is discovered on the football field of his high school, Mason meets Drake Carpenter, the new kid in town. Drake’s confident demeanor and quick wit rub Mason the wrong way. Drake is far too self-assured for someone without an ounce of magical blood in his body, and Mason aims to teach him a lesson—like turn him into a roach. And if he’s lucky, maybe this time Mason won’t be the one turned into an insect.

Not surprisingly, the dislike is mutual, and Drake does nothing to dispel Mason’s suspicion that the sexy boy with a southern drawl is somehow connected to the murder.

If only Mason didn’t find himself inexplicably spellbound whenever they are together, they might actually find out what danger hides in the shadows

This is only the second book I've read by this author - but it certainly won't be the last. Here Jacob Z Flores has created a world which I already love...anyone who likes YA stories that have a fantasy/paranormal twist will like these. I love that whole it's our world but with elements much of society doesn't know about theme of books and TV and this embraces that genre so well.

Mason is a character who is hiding a secret and this affects how the world at large views him. Even his closest friends don't truly know him, this seemed very metaphorical to me of teenagers the world over. He has an image to uphold, but truly he only has that image as a way to shield himself. I love that Drake was able to work his way through the shield and into Mason's life, intended or not.

At times this book was laugh-out-loud funny. My particular favourite was 'park whoring'. I'm a park whore fan myself - could watch it for hours. Even if I do call it free running... The whole book managed to find a great balance between humour and action.

I'm eager to find out more about this world, though this story wrapped up I'm not done with these characters. t feels to me like there is a whole lot more to find out about the Blackmoors and the world they inhabit. I also feel like there is more to Aunt Millie than we learnt about here...I often have a feeling in these kinds of tales that the general public in the worlds know more than they are letting on. More than the supernatural characters realise...Danny from Teen Wolf anyone?? I like this because it feels like the simple story we're shown in the first book is just the first layer - I can't wait to read more of this series to see where it goes.

A really enjoyable read, and as I said, an author I'll be looking out for more of.

For more info check out Goodreads.
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.

Review and author visit: The Marrying Kind by Jay Northcote.

Today I review The Marrying Kind by Jay Northcote. Jay popped by to leave an extract from the book and buy links, so you can see what I thought, read the extract and if it tickles your fancy head straight over to pick up your own copy!!Simples.

Nathan wants to put a ring on it, but is Owen the marrying kind?

Two years on from their first date, Owen and Nathan are living together and life is good—except they’re not on the same page about marriage.

A traditionalist at heart, Nathan wants it all: the wedding, the vows, and a pair of matching rings. Owen, on the other hand, believes marriage is old-fashioned and unnecessary. They don’t need a wedding to prove their commitment to each other. Love should be enough on its own.

All it takes is one moment of weakness on a night out to force the issue. Owen finds himself engaged after a half-drunk proposal, and Nathan’s enthusiasm sweeps him along. But as the big day approaches, the mounting tension finally combusts.

If he’s going to save their relationship, Owen will need to decide once and for all if he’s truly the marrying kind. 

I know when I pick up a Jay Northcote story I'm going to enjoy it. I have to admit though, I was a teeny tiny bit apprehensive about reading this one. I love the thrill of characters first falling in love and think it takes real skill to write about established couples. Not that I think Jay doesn't have that skill, but...well, you know when you pick up a sequel and it's not quite all that?  I was worried...I shouldn't have been though!

I loved reading the story of Owen and Nathan's continuing romance and the next steps towards marriage. I have to admit that some of it resonated so clearly with myself and my husband when we got married, he really is not one for weddings at all. All that fuss and money - not his scene. (We ended up getting married just the two of us in Austria and it was beautiful and romantic and I loved every second of it)). So I could understand Owen's feelings, as well as Nathan's. 

I loved the fact that, despite their different worries, it was so clear throughout this story that they were still very much in love with each other. THAT is marriage. Different feelings but eventually working together to make it work. In fact this was what really resonated with me. The love I felt these two shared. I also liked the fact that Jay Northcote didn't resort to a big misunderstanding and go down that route. Okay, there were arguments - that's a part of life. There was ways things could have been resolved more easily...if we lived in a perfect world and I'm glad even this book world isn't perfect because it is real. And the reality is that love wins. 

Somewhere about 70% my heart stopped for one icy minute. I wasn't sure, couldn't quite say how things would end...

But despite that (because of that?) I truly enjoyed this book. Nathan and Owen will stay with me for a while because at the end of the day they love each other and I love love. Another winner from this author, for me anyway.

A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.

Series info: 

The Marrying Kind is a sequel to The Dating Game. It continues Owen and Nathan's story, so I recommend you read The Dating Game first. I have no firm plans for more stories about Owen and Nathan. The Marrying Kind has a definite happy ending, so please consider their story complete for now.

Excerpt: 

Nathan glanced surreptitiously at Owen sitting beside him as Jack and Simon spoke their vows. Jack’s voice was quiet but sure, and Simon’s rang out clearly over the assembled crowd.

Owen’s gaze was fixed on the couple, and his eyes were suspiciously bright. As Nathan watched, Owen cleared his throat and wiped what Nathan assumed was a tear out of the corner of his eye.

Nathan suppressed a smile and turned his attention back to the groom and groom. So much for Owen’s protests that he didn’t see the point in weddings and that they were outdated, pointless events that were stupid even for straight couples unless they were religious. Even if he didn’t believe in the principle of marriage—gay or otherwise—it was nice to see he wasn’t totally immune to the emotion of the occasion. Nathan was going to enjoy taking the piss out of Owen later. But in the meantime, he reached for Owen’s hand and squeezed. Owen squeezed back.

Nathan’s eyes were moist too by the time they’d finished. The part where the celebrant said “I now pronounce you husband and husband” really set him off. Simon looked so utterly radiant after he and Jack finally stopped kissing and turned to face the wedding guests, hand in hand. Jack was flushed and awkward compared to Simon. He obviously wasn’t happy being the centre of attention, unlike his new husband, but his smile was genuine and the joy rolled off both of them, touching everyone in the room.

Nathan sighed. Owen’s hand was still in his. Their fingers were tangled together casually—just like their lives. They’d been in a relationship for over two years now, living together for half of that, and Nathan had never been happier. But looking at Simon and Jack, he wanted more. He wanted that. But he was afraid to ask Owen, because he was pretty sure what his answer would be, and it wouldn’t be the one Nathan hoped for.

Title: The Marrying Kind

Series: Owen & Nathan – part 2

Author: Jay Northcote

Genre: contemporary m/m romance

Length: 35,000 words approx

Release date: Friday 17th April 2015

Publisher: self-published (Jaybird Press)

Editor: Sue Adams

Cover artist: Garrett Leigh

Buy links:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VXB8WHI

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-themarryingkind-1780025-149.html

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/534516

Author Bio:

Jay lives just outside Bristol in the West of England, with her husband, two children, and two cats.

She comes from a family of writers, but she always used to believe that the gene for fiction writing had passed her by. She spent years only ever writing emails, articles, or website content. One day, she decided to try and write a short story–just to see if she could–and found it rather addictive. She hasn’t stopped writing since.

www.jaynorthcote.com

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