Title: If You Really Love Me
Author: Gene Gant
Genre: Contemporary/YA
Length: Novel (172 pages)
ISBN: 978-1-62798-941-1
Publisher: Harmony Ink, Dreamspinner Press (May 1st 2014)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Reviewer: Cat
Blurb: A Harmony Ink Press Young Adult Title
With time ticking until graduation, Ellis Carter doesn’t have a plan for after high school. Since his best friend Cary dropped out, he has no one to talk to. All he knows is he doesn’t want to continue being a burden to his mother. Adding to his daily torture is the school’s new resident bad boy, Saul Brooks. So to say he’s amazed, when the mysterious Saul invites him to the gym for a workout, is an understatement. Soon, they go from workout buddies to boyfriends, and Ellis couldn’t be happier. But happiness is fleeting. His mother begins a new relationship he thinks will lead to pain, and Cary makes a decision that could take him out of Ellis’s life for good. Just when he needs to lean on his boyfriend the most, Ellis discovers Saul has a secret that could break them apart.
Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4922
Review: Ellis is a loner in his final months of high school and really doesn’t have any plans for his life. He secretly has a crush on the new man, Saul. But, even though he doesn’t hang around with the other kids, he is afraid Saul has heard his secret and wouldn’t be interested and/or probably is straight.
Saul has some secrets of his own. He does notice Ellis and soon he is more than interested in Ellis, he is completely obsessed with him. Carey, Ellis best friend wasn’t able to make it through school and isn’t able to find a job. He isn’t sure what to do with his life and is facing some sad decisions. Ellis mom has some secrets and at time takes her frustrations out on Ellis. There were times I really wanted to smack her.
This is a very sweet, story of three young men and how they are dealing with becoming adults. At times, it is a bit sad. All the sex is off the page and I feel that it’s tastefully done for young adult.
If you like sweet stories of budding romance, coming of age, handling what life throws at you, and a satisfying ending this is definitely for you!