Blurb: Theo Reese is just an average high school student with a passion for hockey and an uncanny talent when it comes to computers… at least on the surface.
What his teammates, fellow students, and even his boyfriend don’t realize is that Theo leads a double life. When he’s not putting up his facade of normal, Theo is working as an agent for Tactical Operational Support, where his technical genius is more than just a hobby. At sixteen he is responsible for helping agents in the field and keeping the TOS network secure.
It’s a secret he has to keep—from everyone.
But secrecy becomes even harder when a hacker compromises the system TOS uses to track its agents and Theo’s dad goes missing. Theo must find him and stop the hacker, which means leaving the comfort of his computer screen and venturing into a very real and very deadly world.
And if that’s not enough to deal with, all the secrecy is really putting a strain on Theo’s love life.
Review: Theo has his plate full being a student, boyfriend, hockey player and working for a secret agency. The problem is there is never enough time in the day for everything so some things have to put on the back burner like quality time with his boyfriend, Eddie, who has no idea he works for a secret agency.
I liked the explanations as to what Theo was doing throughout the book or I would have been lost. TOS is kinda like other agencies that work for the government but who go in and do things the FBI, CIA, etc can not do. In this case it’s to take down Blackbird.
I really liked that despite the danger Theo wanted to help in any way he could. Though he did not come out unscathed it felt realistic as opposed to the MC always managing to avoid being hurt. The cast of characters throughout added an extra element of suspense and mystery. I especially loved the codenames they were awesome.
I am looking forward to reading more in the series.
Hi guys! We have Garrett Leigh stopping by today with her new release Finding Home, we have a hard hitting excerpt and a fantastic giveaway, so check out the post and leave a comment to enter the giveaway! <3 ~Pixie~
Finding Home
by
Garrett Leigh
How do you find a home when your heart is in ashes?
With their mum dead and their father on remand for her murder, Leo Hendry and his little sister, Lila, have nothing in the world but each other. Broken and burned, they’re thrust into the foster care system. Leo shields Lila from the fake families and forced affection, until the Poulton household is the only place left to go.
Charlie de Sousa is used to other kids passing through the Poulton home, but there’s never been anyone like his new foster brother. Leo’s physical injuries are plain to see, but it’s the pain in his eyes that draws Charlie in the most.
Day by day, they grow closer, but the darkness inside Leo consumes him. He rejects his foster parents, and when Charlie gets into trouble, Leo’s attempt to protect him turns violent. When Leo loses control, no one can reach him—except Charlie. He desperately needs a family—a home—and only Charlie can show him the way.
Hi guys, we have Jeff Adams popping in today with the tour for his upcoming release Tracker Hacker, we have a fantastic guest post from Jeff where he chats about his new Codename: Winger series, a great excerpt and we also have a brilliant giveaway, so guys, check out the post and then click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~
Tracker Hacker
(Codename: Winger 01)
by
Jeff Adams
High school student. Hockey player. Computer whiz kid. Covert agent?
At sixteen Theo Reese is the youngest agent for Tactical Operational Support. His way with computers makes him invaluable. He designs new gadgets, helps agents (including his parents) in the field, and works to keep the TOS network safe. But when a hacker breaches the system TOS uses to track agents, Theo is put to the test like never before.
Thrust from behind the safety of his desk, Theo must go into the field to put a stop to the hack. He’s scared but resolved because one of the missing agents is his father. And just to make it more interesting, he has to keep everything a secret from his boyfriend and teammates.
Can Theo get the job done, save his dad, and make things good with his boyfriend?
Hi guys! We have Annabelle Jay stopping by today with her upcoming release Caden’s Comet, we have a fantastic exclusive excerpt so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~
Caden’s Comet
(The Sun Dragon 04)
by
Annabelle Jay
Long ago, in the days before King Roland, the four dragon kingdoms—Ice, Sun, Earth, and Bone—battled for dominion over the bountiful planet Earth. Prince Grian, a young dragon, hid aboard a Sun Dragon ship, traveled to Earth, and met Caden, an Earth Dragon who’d run away from his village. Despite falling in love, destiny’s plans for them turned cruel, and both perished in the war.
The Artists who created the universe could not let this tragic loss of true love go unpunished. They wiped out the race of Sun Dragons, exiled the Bone Dragons to Draman, and banished the Ice Dragons to the North Pole, safely away from the Earth Dragons. Only the rebirth of Grian and Caden could break the curse. One day, the return of their love would usher in an age of peace and prosperity for all dragons.
But when Prince Grian is reborn, he finds reuniting with his soulmate on Earth will be no easy feat. As he searches for his lost love, the Earth Dragon Protection Society, or EDPS, searches for him, ready to kill him when they find him. If Grian can elude the EDPS, he might find that the true love he once had isn’t guaranteed to bloom a second time.
Both Aston and Grant have a talent for finding trouble—it’s what landed them at the Stanton School for Boys—but this time, their mischief might send them to a completely different world.
When they accidentally destroy their teacher’s priceless archaeological artifacts, he demands they replace them. And since the teacher in question is Merlin, refusing isn’t an option for the two boys. Thanks to Merlin’s magic, they’re about to become time travelers.
The first piece on their list is the Eye of Ra, a mystical amulet belonging to the young King Tut. Ancient Egypt is nothing like Aston and Grant expected, with its war, disease, and lack of modern technology. To survive, they must befriend King Tut and learn to trust him—and each other. In a primitive world, where death and danger wait around every corner, one thing is clear: revisiting history could cost someone their life.
Review: Grant and Ashton are two school boys who are thrust into the past to retrieve the Eye of Ra that was destroyed in a fire because of them. I found it intriguing and interesting that it was Merlin’s possessions that were destroyed. I liked that instead of reporting the boys he decides to take matters into his own hands and as a result the boys learn a valuable lesson in history first hand.
At times it seems as if the young men are not going to make it through the story in one piece. I felt myself immersed in a story that I would have enjoyed seeing with my own eyes.
Though this journey was not without danger, Ashton and Grant make the most of it while trying to stay alive. The environment was beautifully written as was the interactions. A magical and historical story that grabs you from the start and does not let go until the end.
Hi guys, we have Gene Gant stopping by today with his upcoming release In Time I Dream of You, we have a brilliant guest post and a great excerpt so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~
In Time I Dream of You
by
Gene Gant
Gavin Goode, a promising high school athlete with good grades, forfeited his future when he joined a brutal street gang called the Cold Bloods. The gang’s leader, Apache, discovered Gavin is gay and framed him for murder. Now in prison, Gavin faces rape and abuse on a daily basis as gang members there attempt to break him. When his father is critically injured and Gavin reaches his lowest point, a mysterious ally appears. Cato is much more than the guard he seems. He has come from the future, and he possesses the technology to undo everything that’s gone wrong in Gavin’s life.
But meddling in the timeline has dire consequences, and Gavin faces an impossible decision: sacrifice himself and his father, or let thousands of innocents die instead.
This book features sexual, physical and emotional abuse.
Hi guys, we have Haven Francis popping in today with her new young adult release Riding With Brighton, we have a great new excerpt and a fantastic $25 Amaon GC giveaway, so check out the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~
Riding With Brighton
by
Haven Francis
Yesterday, Jay was convinced his life was damaged beyond repair.
Yesterday, Brighton was sure his life was perfect.
Then today happened.
Realizing he’s wasted his life in the meaningless pursuit of popularity and athleticism, Jay Hall knows he has nothing in common with alternative, free-thinking artist Brighton Bello-Adler. But he’s determined to change that.
Brighton’s managed to fill his life with an eclectic mix of people and interests that keep him satisfied. As the only gay guy in his small town, the one thing that’s missing is a man, but Jay’s not gay, so Brighton’s not sure what he’ll gain by letting him into his life. Still, he’s willing to find out.
Heading off on an impromptu road trip, the boys chart a course connecting their worlds, and along the way discover pieces of themselves they didn’t know were missing. As the sun rises on a new day, Jay and Brighton know their lives have changed. Now they just have to figure out how to live in them.
In a fresh and clever romance that turns stereotypes upside down, the journey to coming out and coming of age is full of challenges and surprises, but ultimately, acceptance and love.
Hi guys, we have Haven Francis popping in today with her upcoming young adult release Riding With Brighton, we have a brilliant guest post and a great excerpt, so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~
Riding With Brighton
by
Haven Francis
Yesterday, Jay was convinced his life was damaged beyond repair.
Yesterday, Brighton was sure his life was perfect.
Then today happened.
Realizing he’s wasted his life in the meaningless pursuit of popularity and athleticism, Jay Hall knows he has nothing in common with alternative, free-thinking artist Brighton Bello-Adler. But he’s determined to change that.
Brighton’s managed to fill his life with an eclectic mix of people and interests that keep him satisfied. As the only gay guy in his small town, the one thing that’s missing is a man, but Jay’s not gay, so Brighton’s not sure what he’ll gain by letting him into his life. Still, he’s willing to find out.
Heading off on an impromptu road trip, the boys chart a course connecting their worlds, and along the way discover pieces of themselves they didn’t know were missing. As the sun rises on a new day, Jay and Brighton know their lives have changed. Now they just have to figure out how to live in them.
In a fresh and clever romance that turns stereotypes upside down, the journey to coming out and coming of age is full of challenges and surprises, but ultimately, acceptance and love.
Hi guys, we have Suki Fleet popping in today with This is Not a Love Story, we have a fantastic excerpt, a brilliant giveaway and Tams review, so check out the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~
This Is Not A Love Story
(Love Story 01)
by
Suki Fleet
When fifteen-year-old Romeo’s mother leaves one day and doesn’t return, he finds himself homeless and trying to survive on the streets. Mute and terrified, his silence makes him vulnerable, and one night he is beaten by a gang of other kids, only to be rescued by a boy who pledges to take care of him.
Julian is barely two years older than Romeo. A runaway from an abusive home, he has had to make some difficult choices and sells himself on the street to survive. Taking care of Romeo changes him, gives him a purpose in life, gives him hope, and he tries to be strong and keep his troubles with drugs behind him. But living as they do is slowly destroying him, and he begins to doubt he can be strong enough.
This is the story of their struggle to find a way off the streets and stay together at all costs. But when events threaten to tear them apart, it is Romeo who must find the strength within himself to help Julian (and not let their love story turn into a Shakespearean tragedy).
Hi guys! We have Pearl Love popping in today with her upcoming young adult urban fantasy Salvation’s Song, we have a brilliant guest post where Pearl talks about the inspiration for the story and we have a great excerpt, so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~
Salvation’s Song
by
Pearl Love
Only a chosen few can prevent an ancient evil from overtaking the world: the Singers, the Seekers, and the Saviors….
Tyrell Hughes and Jeremy Michalak are both juniors at Winton Yowell High School in Chicago, and aside from sharing a homeroom, they couldn’t be more different. Tyrell is well-liked, surrounded by friends, popular with girls, and looking forward to a bright future. Jeremy transfers to Winton Yowell to escape the troubles of his past. He’s hoping to survive his last two years of high school by flying under his new classmates’ gaydar and indulging in his passion: playing clarinet.
Tyrell and Jeremy struggle to ignore their attraction to each other. But that becomes increasingly difficult as young people across the city start dying. Both teens realize they alone know the true cause of the tragedies—and have the ability to put a stop to them. They’re the city’s only chance to defeat the dark forces threatening it, but to succeed, they’ll need to find common ground and reconcile the desires they’re trying to deny.
Blurb: Hunter Donovan’s life always seemed perfect, but there was something rotten beneath the shiny surface. When the truth comes out and his dad is sent to prison, Hunter can only react with anger. His rage boils out of control, leading to a violent incident at school, and then to Hunter being sent to a mental health facility—Better Days.
Hunter doesn’t see how therapy can help him. If it can’t change the past, what good is it? It’s not like he can go back in time, see the horrible things going on right under his nose, and put a stop to them. No, he should have found that strength when he had the chance, and now it’s too late.
There is a ray of light at Better Days, though, in the friendships Hunter forges. Anxiety-ridden Casey, uninhibited Rosie, recovering bulimic Bethany, and Stray, a self-harmer who’s never had a home, lighten Hunter’s feelings of isolation.
Despite the connections he’s forming—and even the love blossoming between him and Stray—Hunter can’t escape his shame and remorse. If Hunter can’t open up and find a way to deal with what happened, he might end up another casualty of mental illness, just like one of the friends he’s grown to love.
Review: An emotional book about teenagers who have struggled with tragedies. Hunter has been admitted to Better Days. With the support of the other teenagers there he comes to grips with himself as well as the secret he learned about his family.
I loved how no matter what each had gone through they had someone there for them to guide them. It was refreshing to read a story about someone truly helping another. Each character has been through something tragic. I loved how Hunter tries to protect those at the place from bullies.
The damage done to Hunter and his family are indescribable. It broke my heart at what was done and who did it. A truly wonderful story that had me in tears at times for the things that happened to these young people and the suffering they were dealing with on a daily basis.
Publisher: Harmony Ink Press (Dreamspinner Press) (4 April 2017)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating:♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
Blurb: Micah Johnson is living two separate lives. On the field he’s making a name for himself as a rookie with the AFL football team the Fremantle Dockers—at just eighteen. But when he steps off the field, Micah is a mess: confused, away from home for the first time, and feeling isolated from family and friends three thousand kilometres away. The foster family he’s staying with is nice, but Micah isn’t ready to open up to them about what he’s going through. Distracting himself with hookups and partying seems like a good idea until a friend’s life is changed by misfortune and Micah’s own health is threatened by his behavior. Micah knows he has to make a change, that he can’t do it alone, and that maybe there’s no shame in reaching out to others.
Review: I’m just putting it out there – I love reading anything by Sean Kennedy and I especially love reading anything in the Tigers and Devils, and the related series Get Out (which this title is part of). However, something important to note is that the Get Out series needs to be read in order, starting with The Ongoing Reformation of Micah Johnson. I will admit that I have a particular soft spot for this series because I love reading sports books with sportsmen who are out of the closet. The fact that this series, like Tigers and Devils, is set in Australia and as an Aussie this is just way too many levels of awesome.
Micah Johnson Goes West picks at where we left off. Micah was a troubled teen who was helped by a program run by an ex-football (AFL) player who was outed towards the end of his playing career (See Tigers and Devils, though not necessary to read to understand). He is mostly reformed but since being drafted into the AFL and having to move from Melbourne to Perth is difficult for him to cope. He tries not to depend on his now ex boyfriend as an anchor to sanity, but that only leads him down a path of self destruction once more until he gets to know his roommate/team foster family Sam and Dane. Micah is struggling as the first openly gay footy player but he is still on the path of “growing up” and becoming the football player he wants to be.
This book strikes me on a number of levels. 1) As I said, I’m Aussie and I love the fact there is stories being written about gay men in football, it’s something that we need in real life. 2) I totally relate to Micah’s difficulty in moving from Melbourne to Perth since I made the move in the opposite direction between Adelaide and Sydney for work. And 3) It reminds me of something cool that hasn’t been overly talked about (I wonder if it’s because it’s about 2 women and not 2 men, whatever). Ok, so a bit of back story, in Australia this year was the first year that the women’s AFL was played at a professional level. The Co-captain of the Adelaide Crows – who won the grand final just the other week – is a woman who started her professional career playing state and national level basketball. She also happens to have a wife, who she married in the States, and adorable twins who were pictured seated in the AFLW grand final trophy with their sporty mama.
One other thing I love about this book – it almost has a soundtrack, with the song by the Village People, Go West – although to me it is was the version by Pet Shop Boys which was popular during my childhood. The themes of the song, as stated by Micah’s ex, perfectly sum up the themes surrounding Micah’s life. I love the concept of books having soundtracks, although I often construct my own playlists and often use Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Pete Murray songs for romances.
So in short – this is one fantastically written and totally down to earth, coming of age in professional sport in the world of the Australian Football League. I love Sean Kennedy’s wit and humor and the development of the characters so far have me looking forward to more.
Genre: Angels and Demons, Ghosts, Spirits, Other Paranormal, Teen Fiction
Length: Novella (224 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (June 2, 2016)
Heat Level: Low – Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts
Blurb: Everett Hallman might not be the world’s most powerful witch, but he does his part by helping wayward souls find their way to the beyond. Then a feeling Everett can’t explain lures him away from the magical woods near his house, to a local martial arts school. There, he is intrigued when he uncovers remains left by supernatural beings of enormous power, and he cannot resist looking into the mystery.
Everett learns he is a Bridge Master: a witch capable of passing into different spirit realms, but his revelation comes with a new set of problems. First, the powerful witch instructing him disappears, and then he notices something strange about his attractive new friend from the martial arts studio. Worst of all, Everett’s reserves of spell-casting energy continue to deplete. Only one thing is certain—Everett cannot turn his back on this puzzle until he gets some answers.
Review: Everett is a witch and something more that he learns about. He’s also a bridge master able to create a bridge between two worlds. He has a crush on Bryce from the dojo. When the two boys grow closer Everett suspects that Bryce is more than human. Going against his grandfather’s wishes Everett sets out to discover the truth about Bryce.
Along the way he puts himself in dangerous situations. I really liked Everett’s determination to find the truth about everything. Though I felt he should have used caution during certain circumstances throughout the story.
It was a really good story with magic, romance, supernatural creatures, mystery and suspense. I could not stop reading one I started as I wanted answers as well. Well written and interesting.
Blurb: Kane used to be a normal boy with normal worries. Now he fights alongside his boyfriend, Hawk, and an unlikely group of allies as they attempt to reclaim Hawk’s throne and save the Nine Realms. With time running out, Hawk decides to raise an army against the evil shapeshifter, Puck, and his army of The Dark. The adventurers split up in search of a force that will join their cause and help restore order to the Nine Realms.
New allies aren’t as easy to find as they hoped. Kane, Hawk, and their friends face unforeseen danger as centuries-old grudges threaten their quest. Nothing is what they thought it was, and Kane and Hawk must find the truth in time to defend against Puck’s encroaching army. But the truth about who their true foe is will change everything.
Review: Oh. My. God. Give me a minute while I get my emotions under control. I don’t know how to start this review as my head is still spinning from the wonderfully woven tale to the cliffhanger at the end.
Trying to find allies to fight an evil man is much harder than the band of allies anticipated. But find them they do and just in the nick of time. As with all epic tales there is fantasy mixed with paranormal on every aspect. The worlds themselves are beautifully depicted to the point where you actually see them. Hawk and Kane along with their allies are jolted as a new threat emerges along with the old ones.
I found that splitting the allies up and getting different POVs was extremely informative. We learn more about Molly, as well as a slew of others that have appeared throughout. The more I read of this series the more it climbs my list of all-time favorites.
I don’t want to give anything away so I’ll just say this: read the series. You won’t be disappointed. I certainly was not. As always this series has a lot going on in it and leaves you with a feeling of having been on a long journey underwater and finally let up for air only to feel anticipation for the next book in the series.
Absolutely brilliantly written, I loved it. Highly recommended.
Genre: High Fantasy, Teen Fiction, Werewolves, Shapeshifters
Length: Novel (212 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (October 1, 2012)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts
Blurb: Kane Vess thought his life in rural Iowa was mind-numbingly boring. Then Hawk, a prince from another world, appeared and turned Kane’s life upside-down. At first Kane welcomed the adventure and the chance to be with Hawk—but then a shapeshifter named Puck kidnapped Hawk and dragged him back home.
Now Kane is caught up in another planet’s magical civil war, searching for the boy he loves in a place he knows nothing about. With the help of a gem elemental, an ice barbarian, and a clockwork woman, Kane has to find Hawk and stop Puck before he can destroy the nine realms.
Review: This series is an epic tale of Kane and Hawk, two boys drawn together in the fight of their lives. In this continuation Kane will stop at nothing getting Hawk back. It’s a gruelling and intense journey fraught with allies and a deceitful puck who has insinuated himself in royal household for reasons of his own: power. He causes a deadly uprising with the dark against the royals. He schemes and manipulates anyone to achieve his goal even at the cost of his own.
Kane travels to where Hawk is being held by three sisters who feed on blood. But the connection between Hawk and Kane is powerful yet not without a lot of pain being felt by both of them. They gain allies in the form of two dark assassins, Ator and Pullus who were the ones that originally kidnapped Hawk in the first place.
So much more happens in this awe inspiring story with twists and turns that left me on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen. Simply put an amazing journey with exceptional realms and all sorts of beings with a plot that is fantastic. I loved the entire book and cannot wait to read more.
Hi guys, we have Russell J. Sanders popping in today with his upcoming release All You Need Is Love, we have a brilliant guest post and a great excerpt, so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~
All You Need Is Love
by
Russell J. Sanders
It is 1969 when Dewey Snodgress, high school theater star, meets irrepressible hippie Jeep Brickthorn, who quickly inserts himself into Dewey’s life—and eventually, into his heart. Meanwhile, Dewey prepares to appear in a production across town, a play about protestors of the Vietnam War, where he befriends the wild and wonderful Lucretia “LuLu” Belton, who is also determined to follow her dreams and become an actress—whether her parents approve or not.
The show has a profound effect, especially on Dewey’s father, who reconsiders his approval of the war after his son’s performance. But Dewey knows his dad won’t be so accepting if he reveals the love he’s developing for Jeep, so he fights to push his feelings away and keep the peace in his family.
Still, Dewey can’t ignore the ripples moving through society—from the impending Woodstock Festival to the Stonewall Riots—and he begins to see that the road to happiness and acceptance for him and Jeep might lead them away from conservative Fort Worth, Texas—and Dewey’s dad.
Kane’s ordinary life became anything but when he met his soul mate, Hawk, and was drawn into a world of enchantment with rules very different from the world he left behind. Together, Kane and Hawk are on a quest to prevent the destruction of the Nine Realms, and that means rescuing Hawk’s mother and putting a stop to Hawk’s father’s evil plans.
The end of the journey is within their sights at last, but time is running out. Kane and Hawk’s mission to free Titania from the Big Bad Wolf and save Athens from Oberon’s wrath will lead them through many different worlds. And their adventure won’t end there—they will have to face the one who has been pulling the strings and manipulating the situation all along before the Nine Realms will be safe. It’s a journey that will leave them—and everything else—irreparably changed.
Review: An epic end to Kane and Hawk’s long journey to find the culprits who are hell-bent for more power no matter the cost. I absolutely loved the entire book. I felt as though I was there witnessing everything.
A lot happens that tidies up the previous books while at the same time hinting at another mission for the males. Al the characters I loved throughout the series show up in this one to help with the fight but not without casualties. The battles were intense at times yet at the same time the group splits up to go about different things and of course we are along for the ride.
Adventurous, mysterious, action, drama, fantasy and a whole slew of other genres are all throughout this wonderfully written story. I could not stop reading until the very end. It had me hooked from the first page of the first book and continued well into this story. This is a must read in order series as each book continues where the previous book leaves off.
Hi guys, we have Sherrie Henry stopping by today with the tour for her upcoming release Flag on the Play, we have a brilliant guest post from Sherrie and a great excerpt, so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~
Flag on the Play
by
Sherrie Henry
Sixteen-year-old football punter Liam Hartley has come to terms with being gay, but it isn’t something his religious and conservative community will ever accept. He’s isolated in his Midwest town until Cody Williams transfers to his school from Chicago. A proud bisexual young man, Cody shows Liam he isn’t alone—or abnormal—and they soon become more than friends.
Despite the intimate, secret world he shares with Cody, Liam is in pain. The hatred spewed by bigots has an effect on Liam, even if Cody carefully hides their relationship with a pretend girlfriend. Liam is jealous—he doesn’t want to have to share Cody, and he doesn’t want to have to live in shame. Cutting himself seems to be the only way to deal with everything he’s suffering, and things only get worse when Liam and Cody are outed in front of the school. And even if they can make it through the hardship, they know their relationship is destined to end when Cody’s family returns to the city.
Liam can’t go back to facing the hatred and religious judgment by himself. He won’t survive it. Somehow, Liam and Cody must secure a future for both of them, and that means finding a way to stay together.
Blurb: Jamie’s pretty much an average gay teenager. He’s in the closet, has an unrequited secret crush on a fellow high school athlete, and an awful home life. It’s a good thing he has his friend Billy to distract him and to show him that being out has its benefits. Billy is everything Jamie isn’t: openly gay, wealthy enough to follow fashion trends, and with a social calendar full of dates with older men.
Then Jamie’s life spins into a downward spiral. Billy starts acting weird and hiding things from him. His stepfather’s abusive behavior escalates until Jamie dreads going home. His English teacher assigns him to tutor the object of his affection, gorgeous track star Dylan. Jamie’s not even sure he can talk to Dylan, let alone tutor him, and it’s impossible to talk to Billy about it. Billy’s too wrapped up in a dangerous game called bug chasing: trying to catch HIV. Billy’s risky behavior nearly shatters their friendship and forces Jamie to look at the world in a whole new way. Can Jamie keep Billy safe, stay on top of homework and a new boyfriend, and convince his mom to give his stepdad the heave-ho?
First edition published by Torquere Press in 2008.
I have not read any stories by this author so I wasn’t really sure what to expect. I do admit that if I was picking a story by the cover of a book, then I would not have picked it. The cover just doesn’t make a hit with me. Now normally I do not read any stories that have teens in them or where they are the main characters. They just seem to be missing what I want in a story. However for some reason I picked the story.
Jamie’s best friend is Billy and his crush is Dylan. Seventeen is such a hard age for anyone but especially for gay teens. His mother’s new husband is a homophobic ass and was one of the reasons he was in the closet. His best friend however is out and proud, but is a true idiot. Then there is Dylan and to Jamie’s shock he is also gay.
Billy has hooked up with someone older than he is and well let’s just say Billy is very young minded in away. He thinks that if he catches AIDS then Robbie will want him permanently; well you know how predators are. His step-dad is getting meaner and more abusive, but his mom has to wake up and see the smoke. Then there is Dylan and well if you want to know more, you have to read the book.
It is a very good book, very touching and will bring you to tears. However it is also very depressing and I can’t say that I found anything in it that I actually liked. For some reason it just doesn’t work with me, however I can see that it could possibly be a big hit for teenagers as it is about them pretty much. So for me it left me just depressed and I never want to read it again. It does talk about having AIDS, so be ready for it.
Other than my issues with it, if you are into teen stories that has pain and angst then this will be a big hit for you. If you know of any teenagers then you might want them to also read it.
Pixie’s Review: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 ½ Hearts
Jamie is 17yrs old and has a massive crush on Dylan. His best friend Billy is acting a little strange and his step-dad is on this earth to make his life miserable.
Jamie has a lot on his plate as he struggles with his best friend’s actions; Dylan confessing to him and trying to get his mom to see what a waste of space his step-dad is. When Jamie hunts for Billy, Dylan offers to help him out. When Jamie finds out the truth behind Billy’s actions and is devastated, Dylan is there to offer comfort and support. When Dylan confesses why he is there for him, Jamie is over the moon. Jamie comes across as a young man who might not be the best at everything. Who might struggle in some areas but he knows who he is and although he hides it a lot, he knows he does and he really doesn’t believe that he is something he isn’t.
Dylan is a dumb jock or rather that’s what he wants people to believe. When he gets a chance to spend time with Jamie he grabs it with both hands. It’s not easy as he works through what he wants but when he nearly loses Jamie he decides that he can face anything if he’s with Jamie. Dylan comes across as slightly privileged but not full of himself and he seems to be a genuine young man who does think of others, although he struggles with what to do he isn’t stupid in what he says or his actions.
Billy is one screwed up young man. He thinks he’s in love and will do anything to be with that man; even if it means giving up his life. He hides what he is doing from Jamie and deserts Jamie when he realizes that Jamie just doesn’t understand that he is now truly happy… that is until reality sets in. Billy seems to be desperate to belong and completely screws up his life in the process. But when he turns to Jamie, Jamie is there to help him and advise him no matter how badly Billy acted or treated Jamie. True best friends.
This is a really well written story about young men who are finding themselves and making mistakes, but it is also about facing up to their actions and realizing that that it isn’t only them who are allowed to make mistakes. Some parts of this book had me laughing; some nearly crying and some filled me with pure joy. There are two scenes that I really loved and both of them took place at the school. They filled me with hope that somewhere, at some time, more people will act like this and it will become an everyday occurrence.
This is a perfect Y/A romance that I have to recommend you read if you already haven’t because it is wonderful.
Hi peeps, we have R.G. Thomas stopping by today with his upcoming young adult release The Battle of Iron Gulch, we have a brilliant guest post from B.G. and a great excerpt, so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~
The Battle of Iron Gulch
(The Town of Superstition 03)
by
R.G. Thomas
Thaddeus Cane has finally reached the foot of Wraith Mountain. He hopes to soon find his mother, Claire, who was cursed by the witch Isadora when Thaddeus was just a baby, and bring Claire back to Superstition to live with him and his father, Nathan. With Teofil, his garden gnome boyfriend, and Teofil’s mother, sister, and new elf friend Dulindir, Thaddeus discovers, however, that getting to his mother will not be as easy as they’d hoped. They are forced to find shelter in the small town of Iron Gulch as Thaddeus’s father takes a job in order to secure the equipment they will need to climb the mountain.
The longer they stay in Iron Gulch, the more Thaddeus feels things in the small town are not as pleasant as they appear on the surface. When a new and vicious enemy suddenly reveals itself, Thaddeus and his group will have to battle not only for their own lives, but those of the residents of Iron Gulch. As the battle rages on, they find Thaddeus’s mother, and turn their fight to free her and end Isadora’s tyranny once and for all.
Title: Tracker Hacker
Title: The Eye of Ra (2nd edition)
Title: Turn the World Upside Down
Title: Micah Johnson Goes West
Title: The Bridge (2nd edition)
Title: The Unseen Tempest
Title: Eye of the Storm
Title: Stormfront
Title: Changing Jamie, (2nd Edition)
