Hi peeps! We have A.N. Casey stopping by today with the blog tour for his new release Permanent Jet Lag, we have a short interview, a great excerpt and a fantastic giveaway, so check out the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~
Permanent Jet Lag
by
A.N. Casey
Nineteen-year-old Lucas Burke prefers being alone. He likes the silence, and he loves not having to care about anyone else’s problems: the less he’s forced to feel, the better. But after a year of college-induced isolation from everyone he used to know, the wedding of a former classmate sends Lucas back home, and that means reconciling with a group of friends that now might as well be strangers.
His sister hardly knows him, his “genius” best friend is nothing more than an addict, and his ex-boyfriend is still in a coma. All the while, wedding preparations send Lucas head first into a relationship with the groom’s best man—a recently cancer-free ex-Olympian who can’t stop talking.
Lucas knows that if he wants to survive the summer, he’ll have to learn to be a friend again, but it doesn’t come easy, and it might already be too late.
Hi guys, we have Jere’ M. Fishback visiting today with the tour for his new re-release Tyler Buckspan, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway, so check out the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~
Tyler Buckspan
by
Jere’ M. Fishback
Fifteen-year-old Tyler Buckspan lives with his mom and grandmother in 1960s Cassadaga, a Florida community where spiritual “mediums” ply their trade. The mediums—Tyler’s grandmother among them—read palms and tarot cards, conduct séances and speak with the dead.
Tyler’s a loner, a bookish boy with few interests, until his half-brother Devin, nineteen and a convicted arsonist, comes to live in Tyler’s home. For years, Tyler has ignored his attraction to other boys. But with Devin in the house, Tyler can’t deny his urges any longer. He falls hopelessly in love with his miscreant half-brother, and with the sport of basketball, once Devin teaches Tyler the finer points of the game.
In a time when love between men was forbidden, even criminalized, can Tyler find the love he needs from another boy? And is Devin a person to be trusted? Is he truly clairvoyant, or simply a con artist playing Tyler and others for fools? What does Devin really know about a local murder? And can Tyler trust his own psychic twinges?
Hi guys. we have Jennifer Cosgrove stopping by today with the tour for her new release A Boy Worth Knowing, we have a fantastic guest post, a great excerpt and a brilliant giveaway, so check out the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~
A Boy Worth Knowing
by
Jennifer Cosgrove
Ghosts can’t seem to keep their opinions to themselves.
Seventeen-year-old Nate Shaw should know; he’s been talking to them since he was twelve. But they aren’t the only ones making his high school years a living hell. All Nate wants is to keep his secret and keep his head down until he can graduate. That is, until the new boy, James Powell, takes a seat next to him in homeroom. James not only notices him, he manages to work his way into Nate’s life. But James has issues of his own.
Between dead grandmothers and living aunts, Nate has to navigate the fact that he’s falling in love with his only friend, all while getting advice from the most unusual places.
Ghosts, bullies, first love: it’s a lot to deal with when you’re just trying to survive senior year.
Hi guys, we have Posy Roberts stopping by with her new bundle release North Star, we have a great excerpt and a fantastic giveaway, so check out the post and click that giveaway link! <3 ~Pixie~
North Star Bundle
by
Posy Roberts
Hugo and Kevin were best friends and secret lovers in high school, but a chance meeting years later proves that the spark that drew them together before is still there. In Spark, Hugo and Kevin must try to put together a relationship while overcoming the obstacles of coming out, divorce, and children. In Fusion, an unexpected illness may tear apart all they’ve been building. And in Flare, though they’ve finally settled together happily, outside forces are working hard to upset their family.
Genre: Contemporary, Coming of Age, First love – second chance
Length: 3 Novels (876 pages)
ISBN: 978-1-63477-520-5
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (5th August 2016)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating:♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Blurb: Hugo and Kevin were best friends and secret lovers in high school, but a chance meeting years later proves that the spark that drew them together before is still there. In Spark, Hugo and Kevin must try to put together a relationship while overcoming the obstacles of coming out, divorce and children. In Fusion, an unexpected illness may tear apart all they’ve been building. And in Flare, though they’ve finally settled together happily, outside forces are working hard to upset their family.
At first I was daunted by the length of this book, thinking it could have been culled a bit. The further I got, the more glued to the pages I was, however! There were many layers to this story and the quality of the authors writing is great. Often times I felt myself caught in a dreamlike mentality that was perfect for the main characters’ remembrances.
This story is about coming of age and self-discovery, yes, but it also made me examine my own relationships more closely and see things I have never considered before. There are many different types of intimacy exhibited, intimacy among best friends, lovers, family, some that are sexual, some that blur lines and I think that’s all part of the strength of this novel. Another strong theme throughout this story is the conscious part of the main characters to understand their relationships with others, both failed and successful and to understand how problematic cycles repeat, and how to break them. Kevin finally finds his way to breaking a cycle of a cruel and domineering father, so he can do better himself, and he educates himself how to be a better one for his own family. Hugo and Summer both openly discuss their own cycles of repeating bad relationships and how to avoid the same problems in the future.
Hugo, most importantly, gets over his fears and acknowledges how he doesn’t want to sabotage his renewed relationship with Kevin by hiding parts of himself. Realizing he needs to begin this second chance, with eyes wide open on both sides.
Roberts does a wonderful job setting a scene, defining that atmosphere in which an encounter or important moment takes place. She’s excellent at building up tension, and at hinting towards a major shift about to happen. I also took comfort in a familiarity with the Midwest setting, the whole lake cottage phenomenon and the language and culture of the Midwest. As a Michigan girl, I grinned at familiar phrases and past times. I read this book later into the early hours of the morning because I couldn’t put it down. As I normally read something of this length in segments that’s saying a lot! Bravo Posy, I look forward to the next installment in the series!
If you’re looking for something deeper, something special and something truly passionate…grab this book!
Fusion Review:♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
I read this story from the perspective of someone who lost her mother to cancer, discovered at stage four, that took her life fast and ugly. I cared for her at home until the moment she died in my arms. I know what the decision is like to take care of a loved one with a terminal illness and a short prognosis. It’s not really a decision. You do it, because the alternative would be even more painful, even more damaging to one’s emotions. So I totally understood Kevin’s decision to take care of Erin.
The title, Fusion, seems to be to be descriptive of how they become a family, how Kevin and Hugo become a stronger couple, forced together, permanently bound through the heat and pressure of this life changing experience. This is a tough and self-sacrificing choice that both Kevin and separately Hugo have made. Something like this takes guts and dedication for Hugo. He could have walked away. He could have simplified his life, focused on himself and his career, and saved a ton of awkwardness, heartache, and strain. But he quickly becomes my favorite character because he does not, he befriends Erin, he gives her the greatest gift anyone ever could. He allows her to die with the assurances that her children will be loved, safe, and cared for in her absence. I’ve got tears on the edge of my eyelashes as I type that comment, but it is so true.
The moments of respite written in for Kevin and Hugo is also supremely important to anyone caring for an ill loved one. Because we are no good to each other if, we’re weary beyond functioning in a healthy way. I’m glad they got their breaks, their isolation, their alone time to focus on their relationship. The only thing that threw me for a loop, though it seemed to work, was the night swimming scene between Erin, Kevin and Hugo, erotic yes, uncomfortable yes, a bit odd…glad she left the water when she did!
Anyhow, there is so much packed into this story, I could go on and on, but I’m glad it was told. It’s difficult material to write about but Posy did a great job! It’s honest and I have the feeling, written from an experienced perspective. A surprising, yet bolstering turn of events from book one. I’m eager for the next book!
Flare Review:♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
This book contains some very realistic scenarios of homophobia and discrimination when Hugo and the kids are bullied in many forms in this story. My heart broke for Hugo, torn between his needs, the family he loves, the man he loves, and the community he misses. People can be so narrow-minded and mean sometimes and I think the author captured that, examined it, and showed us all how to rise above it.
There are a lot of tangents in this installment, but I think it is needed to tie up loose ends for the series, but the primary focus seems to be on how this new family unit can become stronger, and how they can clear the hurdles of life more easily together than each can individually. There is also a delicate dance between the many facets of Hugo’s personality, including a close examination of what mindset he is really in with Miss Cherrie Pop!
I enjoy that the author tried to spotlight common misconceptions of why someone enjoys drag, or takes on a drag persona and what it really means for Hugo specifically. Hugo and Kevin’s love life also needed some balance, and they both found a way to get the one-on-one time they needed with a few fun kinks thrown in!
I’m in love with this series, these characters, and will miss all their adventures together. This whole series is a very worthwhile read, and a welcome addition to my permanent collection shelf!
Hi guys, we have Lily Velez stopping by with her new release Lavenders In Bloom, we have a short interview with lily, a great guest post, a great excerpt and an awesome giveaway so check out the post and click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~
Lavender in Bloom
by
Lily Velez
It’s the year 1802 in Avignon, France
Noah Capet has spent most of his young life living simple and unvaried days in the hushed countryside of southern France. Quiet, reserved, and diffident, his preference for existing is to do so in solitude, keeping to himself both in town and on his family’s farm—a predilection that’s altogether disrupted when a newcomer to town by the name of Jeremie Perreault begins an unremitting quest to befriend him.
Jeremie is everything Noah is not. Charismatic and gregarious, he leaves a trail of charmed admirers in his wake wherever he goes. Expressive and idealistic, he talks without end about his deep love for old books and his spirited dream to one day travel the world on a literary pilgrimage.
Over the course of a single summer, the two form an unlikely friendship, but just as quickly as it develops, it soon entirely dissolves as they’re forced to face the truth of what has unexpectedly emerged between them.
Lavender in Bloom is a tender and tragic coming-of-age story about first love and self-discovery, and a poignant reminder that time is fleeting and always takes with it the choices we’re too afraid to make.
Hi guys, we have R. Paone popping in with the tour for his re-release Love is Found, which has a shiny new cover, and we have a great excerpt so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~
Love is Found
(Only If 01)
2nd Edition
by
R. Paone
“My love for you will never die.”
A story based on true events of love, self-acceptance, and the turmoil of companionship.
“Love is Found” is the moving story about coming-of-age in suburban New York and discovering the broad concept of sexuality and love.
Based on true events of love, the story’s protagonist, Robert, finds himself thrown into the realization that upon entering graduate school he is beginning a new chapter in his adult life. Comfortable with being gay, he yearns for love but dwells on the ideal of being alone while being consumed by the world of academia. Upon starting a new job he meets a coworker, whom he begins an unlikely relationship with considering this man identifies as straight.
When sex is introduced and emotions run amok, the routine of Robert’s life is thrown into chaos with unexpected outcomes. Will Robert realize his true limits and whether he can conquer the strife of new love? Little does he know if his heart can survive the overwhelming desire and how this man will alter the course of his life just not now, but for the next decade.
The first novel in the debut “Only If…” series by R. Paone introduces the heartbreaking portrait of one young man finding love in all the wrong places while exploring themes of one’s sexual identity, passion, and nostalgia.
This edition of “Love is Found” has been newly edited and expanded containing over 10K of added content.
This contemporary work of fiction is approximately 78,000 words and contains strong thematic material that is intended for adult readers only.
Hi guys, we have Lily Velez stopping by to show off the cover to her upcoming release Lavenders In Bloom, Lily also has a great giveaway so check out the cover and click that giveaway link <3 ~Pixie~
Lavender in Bloom
by
Lily Velez
It’s the year 1802 in Avignon, France
Noah Capet has spent most of his young life living simple and unvaried days in the hushed countryside of southern France. Quiet, reserved, and diffident, his preference for existing is to do so in solitude, keeping to himself both in town and on his family’s farm—a predilection that’s altogether disrupted when a newcomer to town by the name of Jeremie Perreault begins an unremitting quest to befriend him.
Jeremie is everything Noah is not. Charismatic and gregarious, he leaves a trail of charmed admirers in his wake wherever he goes. Expressive and idealistic, he talks without end about his deep love for old books and his spirited dream to one day travel the world on a literary pilgrimage.
Over the course of a single summer, the two form an unlikely friendship, but just as quickly as it develops, it soon entirely dissolves as they’re forced to face the truth of what has unexpectedly emerged between them.
Lavender in Bloom is a tender and tragic coming-of-age story about first love and self-discovery, and a poignant reminder that time is fleeting and always takes with it the choices we’re too afraid to make.
Hiya guys today we have Mari Evans and her brand new release Trusting Love, we have a fantastic giveaway and a wonderful excerpt. So guys enjoy the post and click that Rafflecopter link 🙂 <3 ~Pixie~
Trusting Love
by
Mari Evans
Laurie Stallon isn’t like other high schoolers. After suffering years of abuse at his father’s hands, he now lives in a foster care facility and finds solace volunteering at the local animal shelter. Laurie’s had to grow up fast, and even though his eighteenth birthday is still weeks away, he’s more adult than most adults he knows. When he meets Dr. Sam Davies, the new shelter veterinarian, the attraction is instant. They become friends at work, but Laurie knows Sam will never go for someone like him. No matter how Laurie tries to prove his maturity to Sam, Sam continues to reject him as too young.
Needing a distraction, Laurie goes out dancing for his birthday and finds his life in danger yet again. When Sam is called to the hospital, he realizes Laurie needs someone to care for him. Sam takes him home, and they slowly build a relationship. But more than their age difference works against them. Facing the disapproval of friends and the scars from Laurie’s past, they’ll need to put all their trust in love for a chance at a future together.
Blurb:Two boys bond, sharing geeky things and fast food. And falling in love.
When Luke’s parents take in a foster kid named Randall, Luke is immediately taken with him, although he doesn’t want to admit to himself why. He wasn’t planning to be gay. He wasn’t planning to fall in love with another boy. But then he met Ran….
I remember when I first met Ran. He was absolutely unprepossessing, all skinny white boy wearing his insecurities on his sleeves, which were tattered and faded on a too-big flannel shirt. He wore jeans that didn’t quite fit him, cheap tennis shoes that had once been white, and glasses that made his eyes look too big in his scrawny, pale face.
And he was holding a trash bag and standing in the middle of my bedroom looking miserable…
Review: Luke and Randall are foster brothers and best friends. The attraction is there from the start for Luke, it takes Ran a little longer to admit it. Ran promises not only himself, but also his foster parents that nothing is going on between them when they learn he’s gay. They’ve always treated him like family, but since learning of his sexuality, they are more rigid than they use to be. But not Luke, he ever present as a friend hoping to become more.
Underneath everything, this was a cute coming of age and finding your true love at a young age story. But sadly, there were many issues I had that made the book less enjoyable for me. Too much going on in so few pages, the author really should have tried to make this a full-length novel. The complete 360 degree turn that Luke’s parents did hit me like whiplash. It did not fit with the story at all. A few grammatical errors sprinkled here and there that stood out more with the other issues.
Luke and Ran were absolutely adorable though, and the slightly elusive sex for them really worked well for this storyline. If you’re looking for something young and cute, you may enjoy this one.
Blurb: Frankie is used to sticking to what he knows. He’s used to life in a small town, where rights movements make their last stop. He keeps his thoughts to himself, including the ones he has about his sexuality and his not-so-platonic feelings for his best friend, Tobias.
But something has to give. The end of senior year is coming up quick, and it’s bringing the end of life, as Frankie knows it. Frankie is going to have to make peace with himself and what he’s afraid of—whether it’s school bullies or his own feelings. Frankie is going to have to learn that if he wants to change anything at all, he’s going to have to start with himself.
Review: I found this book to be downright amazing. This book showed how hard it is for gay people to be accepted in small town high schools. Bullying, dangers, family rejection. This book has it all. I loved this book all the way through and cannot wait to see what else Emily comes up with as far as her literature.
Her short book was downright amazing. The characters were realistic and three-dimensional. They were living breathing people. The plot was solid: coming out. And it was written flawlessly.
I would highly recommend this one to those that wanna know how hard it is to come out in modern society. Even in a small town.
Blurb: Anders Blankenship never intended to hike the Appalachian Trail alone, but when his boyfriend cancels, Anders steels his courage, leaving the abusive relationship to tackle the long-distance hike. Though a hiking virgin, he’s glad he made the decision when he receives threatening messages from his ex. Luckily, Kevin, an experienced backpacker, takes him under his wing.
Kevin Winters isn’t looking for a hiking partner, let alone a fling with a cute man on the rebound. After learning he has the autoimmune disorder that killed his father, Kevin left his family to wander remote trails. Convinced his future holds only pain and death, Kevin refuses to get close to anyone. The family sourdough recipes he recreates over a campfire are his only solace.
In the wilderness, Anders and Kevin discover a lot of common ground. While the future holds uncertainties they may not be ready to deal with, it might also hold the chance for happiness.
Review: So let’s start the story with two broken men from totally different backgrounds who begin a journey and after four months find themselves both totally changed. The story is a case study in the m/m romance genre of broken men who must dig within themselves to find their own strength if they are going to be able to even embark upon a relationship. Anders must exit an abusive relationship, rebuild his confidence and determine what to do with his life. Kevin must deal with the tragic loss of his father, his youth and the onset of a life-threatening disease. There is absolutely no reason for either of these men to bond and find anything in common with each other.
What instead happens is these men become each other’s ying and yang playing off their individual strengths and weaknesses and thus forming a rather firm bond. They will be separated and events will become tragic and melodramatic, but they will find each other and both learn to grow from their pain and experiences into a strong partnership. Anders will find a man who really understands and values all that he is; and Kevin will find a man who is not afraid of his illness and who does not see him as any less than a strong man.
The book explores a multitude of themes: Living life to the fullest and family and it is done while exploring the word of hiking. The reader will learn much about hiking along the Appalachian Trail and nothing about the story seems forced or pretentious. The men take on the trail as a metaphor for how they will need to take on their own individual struggles. For Anders, he’s finally taking control of his life and happiness while Kevin is learning to enjoy having someone to share that journey with despite his fear of relationships and his seeming self-reliance.
This is a great read that blends great visual scenery, social studies, ecological conservationism, heat, passion and a touching love story.
Blurb: Dawson Barnes recognizes his world is very small and very charmed. Running his community college theater like a petty god, he and his best friend, Benji know they’ll succeed as stage techs after graduation. His father adores him, Benji would die for him, and Dawson never doubted the safety net of his family, even when life hit him below the belt.
But nothing prepared him for falling on Jared Emory’s head.
Aloof dance superstar Jared is a sweet, vulnerable man and Dawson’s life suits him like a fitted ballet slipper. They forge a long-distance romance from their love of the theater and the magic of Denny’s. At first, it’s perfect: Dawson gets periodic visits and nookie from a gorgeous man who “gets” him—and Jared gets respite from the ultra-competitive world of dancing that almost consumed him.
That is until Jared shows up sick and desperate and Dawson finally sees the distance between them concealed painful things Jared kept inside. If he doesn’t grow up—and fast—his “superstar” might not survive his own weaknesses. That would be a shame. Because the real, fragile Jared that Dawson sees behind the curtain is the person, he can see spending his life with.
Review: Oh my God, what is there to say about this book, or about Amy Lane’s writing? It’s ridiculous really when you think about it, since her books have been one better than the other, and no matter the genre there is this one constant; the promise of a freaking fantastic, mind-blowing, reality-shattering good time.
No, I’m not biased, she’s just that good. If you’ve read one of her works then you know, you really know what I’m talking about, if you haven’t yet, then I must wonder what cave you’ve been hiding and urge you to make it up to your soul and feed it some seriously quality books, just pick one and you’re bound to feel the freedom that comes along with it. Yeah, I’m a fangirl, sue me.
So, back at this book, oh God, this time Amy graced us with yet another charming couple, though to be honest, under no circumstances were Dawson and Jared the MCs here. That spotlight was big enough for the entire crew, as they were each and every single one of them amazing. But Dawson made it out there the most. Dawson with his clumsiness and babbling, making you laugh out loud; Dawson with his amazingly sweet personality and big, no huge heart making you gush over him; Dawson with his purity and loveliness making you fall for him; Dawson with his persistence and faith that magic can be done.
This character will simply rock your world, for he’s what we all wished we had in our lives. And then there’s Jared the dancer. Jared whose whole life has been lonely except for dancing. His family rejecting him for being gay, his dream job demanding everything he has till the last drop of blood, everyone wanting a piece of him, Jared doesn’t believe in family, friendship, or love so pure it can be a reason to live for. Until Dawson lands on him… literally.
This is a love-story. A story that tells the tale of magic, the power it holds on us, how it can heal our soul. This is a romance, the kind that soothes you from inside out and makes you believe again, makes you want again. A story that breaks through every crump of bitterness leaving the sweetest of feelings in its wake. This is a story you want to read anyway, just because it’s so freaking great.
And what’s not to love with a solid plot, gorgeously developed characters, a flowing pace, and a never-ending pull and drive to keep on reading, because not doing so seems like a crime. I swear I felt like I had a spell on me the moment I read the first line. A spell that never let go until the curtain went down and the end was achieved. I laughed, I swooned, I cried, I fanned myself, I smiled, and I felt hopeful. But most of all I felt a soul-deep satisfaction for not having this one missed. It was just pure perfection. Everything, all of it.
So, bottom end, yet another brilliant novel one ought to have on their shelf. Strongly recommended!
Genre: Novels, Western, M/M/M or More, Coming of Age
Length: Novel (220 pages)
Publisher:Dreamspinner Press (November 1st, 2013)
Heat Level: Mild
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Reviewer: Cat
Blurb:Don Jenkins will do anything for a happy, thriving family and home. When he discovers that Griff McAllister, his life partner and love since high school, seems to be losing faith in him, he’s at a loss for how to mend the relationship. Then Howard Campbell is added to the mix, a man Don and Griff both love beyond words, and jealousy and mistrust threaten not just their bond, but even Don’s ability to keep his farm viable.
Nearly losing Howard in an accident serves as a wakeup call. They begin to pull their relationship out of the muck and work to remember why they came together in the first place. If they can figure out how to help one another and make sure each man gets what he needs, the trio might build the loving future they’ve dared to hope for. They have to be brave enough to commit every resource they can muster—especially trust, understanding, and acceptance—and realize true love is never as easy as it looks
Review: Wow! This is one heck of a beautiful, sexy story; that was even better than I expected. The title and cover got my attention and the blurb reeled me in. I don’t reread too many books, but this one is worthy of a reread and will go on a new list of favourites!
Let me tell you a little bit about the story. Don and Griff became friends at age twelve when Griff, the new guy in school, stepped in and helped Don from a bully. They hit it off and became inseparable best friends.
Howard was a year older but had a thing for Don and one day when Don was 16 and Howard 17, they shared their first kiss and occasionally more when Howard would escape to Don’s dad’s farm from his abusive family. After a bout of jealousy, Griff and Don became lovers and since Griff was a bit possessive and jealous, Howard went his own way. Howard’s family life took yet another turn at age 19 and Griff and Don ended up being all the family he had. Things got really complicated when Griff kissed Howard and Don saw his chance to have both men. But life isn’t easy as it looks and the life Don, Howard and Griff have chosen is even harder. Is it possible for three men to love each other and have a happy perfect life, like Don thinks he can have??
Oh, boy is this one heck of a good story! It’s beautiful, happy and sad, and even though most of the sex is off the page, it’s sexy as all get-out! Just when you think it can’t get any better, BAM!! There comes another twist with Griff and Don that was smoking hot and sexy!
I loved everything about this story. I will say it’s pretty much escapism because even though in this story life and love wasn’t easy, in real life the amount of acceptance by all of Don and Griff’s family would be even more unlikely. But this is fiction and sometimes we need those stories that make us want things that seem out of reach, and love that is complicated can be a reality. This is one of those stories!! Charming, beautiful, suspenseful and sexy what more could you want?
If you like friends to lovers, long-term relationships, loving families, farm-boys, horses, ranchers (yes, I got my cowboys), light bdsm (mild, loving D’s), sensuous mansex, and a very good ménage a trois, this is definitely for you! I suggest if you’re looking to dip your toes in MM romance or even a M/M/M ménage this is a good one to start with. I think you will be hooked!
Blurb: For Ryan Sanders, the Paige Community Center is more than a place where he teaches at-risk teens about musical theater. He found a sense of belonging there during one of the hardest times of his life. With the center facing a financial crisis, he’ll do whatever it takes to keep the doors open—even soliciting fundraiser donations from Langley-Quartermaine Financial.
Adam Langley has a plan: survive an internship at his father’s company, finish college, get his trust fund, and find his former high school best friend Ryan and beg his forgiveness. In that order, because if Ryan does forgive him, Adam believes he’ll finally find the courage to come out to his wealthy, bigoted father.
Adam’s carefully considered plan is shattered when Ryan appears at the office a full ten months before Adam is ready, and Ryan is just as stunned. Against his better judgment, Adam gets involved with the fundraiser—and Ryan. Old feelings won’t be denied, and as Ryan and Adam reconnect, they realize neither knows the entire truth about the horrific night three years earlier, that tore their friendship apart.
Review: Okay so let’s get the most important thing out-of-the-way. EXCELLENT read. Buy the book, support the author, and as the young people say, #nuffsaid!
Now let’s get on to the business of a review. YA coming of age stories have been done to death and they come in a myriad of forms. The story line is fairly predictable in YA and so the depth and likability of a story comes from a reader’s empathy with the characters and feeling like you have a stake in the outcome of the young men. The reader gets that in spades with this story. I should let you know that you will need to have a device nearby to YouTube the various Broadway songs as they are talked about in the book. The title, of course, gives the reader a hint, since it’s one of Rent’s iconic songs. The book gives you a two-fer, a great read and some nice ear worms as well.
Adam and Ryan have been through the ringer. Their childhood friendship and budding romance are shattered first by violence and then by cruelty disguised as love, caring and well-being. These two young men must both learn to trust again, but the love they felt for each other was never lost. What they must do, however, is take control of their lives if they wish to chart their own destiny. This is a lesson that Adam, moreso, that Ryan must learn. Often readers are annoyed with the indecisiveness of their YA characters, but that is central and believable to their current level of maturation, making their fear and inability to commit to a course very believable. What the reader hopes to see is that the character can begin to grow and mature from whatever situation they are placed in. This is done perfectly in this story.
Aligning the book with a Broadway show gives the reader the same sense of anticipation of watching a show and waiting for the climax. The reader is taken along the metaphorical play performance while also watching the story of the two men unfold. The other characters of family, friends and co-workers provide meaningful input into the story and push the two characters along to their inevitable ending. The end of the story is fitting as it culminates in both the benefit performance and Adam coming into his own.
Blurb: Pasha Batalov has lived his whole life doing what a good son is expected to do. He dropped out of school to help run the failing family restaurant, and ever since he’s put up with his difficult business partner, who also happens to be his father. And, of course, he keeps his sexual orientation a secret from his conservative Russian family. After being closeted costs him his first serious relationship, Pasha resigns himself to one-night stands and loneliness.
But after a chance encounter with lost delivery truck driver, Daniel Englewood, Pasha starts to question all of his assumptions about life. Daniel is sweet, funny, smart, drop-dead gorgeous—and for the last six years, he’s been living with HIV. Pasha worries that he won’t be strong enough to help Daniel if HIV turns to AIDS, but he can’t walk away from their deepening attraction. He also doesn’t know if he can be strong enough to face the hardest task that a relationship with Daniel demands: coming out to his family and friends, and risking losing everything else he holds dear.
Review: I read this book without reading the blurb first, which allows me more twists and turns. The book unfolds with the primary focus being on Pasha and his family situation; his life being chained to the restaurant, his secret and how angry he is that he lives in the closet, how he uses sex to cope with that anger. This is a story where I wished Pasha had made the choice to come out, not to have it happen by chance. But really making out with his boyfriend in the driveway was inviting discovery wasn’t it?
This book is about the fears and dangers of coming out, and with that coming into your own strength. No longer hiding means making a claim and standing by it, no longer living with the burden of carrying that secret. But once past the first secret, Pasha then needs to decide if he is strong enough to carry the responsibility of standing by Daniel’s side. can he be the partner he needs to be? Is he strong enough?
There are many smaller dramas along the way in this book, from gay bashings, to family illness, and other failing family relationships. Pasha sometimes stumbles through these things as we all do, and other times he takes control, makes difficult decisions, and makes the reader proud!
As far as sexual content goes, the encounters Pasha has before Daniel are rather explicit, fast and furious. The encounters between Pasha and Daniel are slower, more seductive, and passionate.
There are many obstacles to overcome in this book, and both Daniel and Pasha seem to do a god job handling them. I’m sure this is only part of the story, while we are left with a happy ending, there are many problems foreshadowed in the book.
I think next we will see more of Pasha and Daniel reinventing the restaurant, handling Pasha’s mother, Daniels’ family, and their growing relationship. And I’m eager to read all about it!
Blurb:Lugh’s mother packed up and moved them from sunny Florida to tiny Steamboat Springs, Colorado after his father’s accidental drowning. Resigned to his mom having to work a lot, and only just beginning to deal with his dad’s death, Lugh is disappointed when she is called in to work on his fifteenth birthday. After an unnerving dream, he decides to head to the nearby river where he ends up following a strange, urgent, internal pull. When another boy helps him rescue a young cat from the river, Lugh discovers a family secret he never suspected. Now, with his new cousin Abby and their friend Wyn, Lugh must figure out the rules of his new life before the forces that seek to destroy them can get the upper hand. CONTENT ADVISORY: As part of a series, this book contains a HFN ending. Stand by for book two, where the action continues!
Review: Lugh moves to a new town and finds out he is Magus (warlock). Had a cat for a familiar and learns more of his powers.
This is a sweet story about coming out and growing up. The familiars are cute and I like how they talk to the magus, I loved the introduction to the characters, there was a bit of mystery. But, for me the book was very long-winded for a predictable story. The description is beautiful, we do learn a lot about Lugh, and the bond between him and his familiar is adorable. This a great young adult story, sweet, charming with a little mystery.
If you like witches, magic, mystery, cats or animals in general with a touch of romance this is for you.
Blurb: Alex Durant lives in a room behind the motorcycle repair shop where he works as an underpaid mechanic, bullied by his boss. There’s a truth he’s ignored most of his twenty-three years: men on their bikes turn him on, not women on the pin-up calendars that line the shop walls. It’s during a well-earned vacation to Sturgis, South Dakota, to attend the motorcycle rally where he comes face to face with his truth.
He meets the confident and outgoing Jordon Baker, who races motorcycles as a career. Alex is overwhelmed by Jordon’s incredible smile and kind eyes and his need to live life to the fullest. In the week they spend together, it’s Jordon who shows Alex things he’s never experienced: concerts, races, and the stars. It’s Jordon who shows him that two male bodies can ignite in pleasure when they come together. By the end of the week, Alex sees in Jordon’s eyes what he feels in his heart, and the truth of that scares him to the core.
But Sturgis week has ended, and Alex is back to the grind. He’s now stuck with making a difficult choice: continue to live his sad life alone and in hiding, or live his truth with the man who has big eyes for the world.
Review: At first, this book seemed like it would be a little hard to follow. But the more I read, the more I got interested. Alex had been living his life in the closet, never truly letting anyone into his life except a dear friend named Zeke. He had been living on the streets when he got caught dumpster diving for food. The man took him in, gave him a place to stay and a job to do at a garage working on bikes. He decided to take his first vacation where he met Jordan. Jordan was a sight to see and Alex was in lust. They talked about a lot of things realizing that they had more in common than they thought.
The story had a lot of darkness in it. Every time Alex thought of Jordan, he knew he was falling fast. It seemed though that they lived in a time where coming out of the closet was very dangerous, but they decided that they wanted each other enough to try. I really liked the story. I like to see the passion that these two had and it was a wonderful story.
Blurb: Prom ends with a bang of unexpected epic proportions and leaves Chris with a disheartened outlook on where he is in his life, when he should be on top of the world. He’s graduating high school with honors and has the best boyfriend in the world, but things still aren’t right. Bullies make him doubt his choice to accept the way he feels and come out of the closet. Those friends turned foes make him realize how much the narrow-minded masses can hate gay people.
And everyone Chris loves starts to worry about him.
To give Chris a new perspective, his parents and loving boyfriend send him to his first gay pride—but Chris doesn’t see the point, and he damn sure doesn’t want to go. Will pride help him see there’s nothing wrong with him? Will it change his feelings and his mind?
1st Edition published by Allison Cassatta, January 2012
Review:This book is part of a series and must be read in order. Chris and Josh share a dance at the prom but come up against abuse from people Chris thought were friends, Chris is disheartened by their reactions and becomes wary. Graduating high school should be one of the proudest moments of his life but the bullies make it a day of humiliation and Chris begins to wonder if the love he has for his boyfriend Josh is worth all the abuse and humiliation. Josh and Chris’ parents decide to show him that not everyone is bigoted and small-minded by arranging a weekend away at his first gay pride, but Chris doesn’t want to go until Josh sweet talks him.
This is an absolutely sweet and touching coming of age story that has angst, fear, anger, kindling hope and determination. In Dear Diary we are told the story of Chris and everything that had come about until the moment he was getting ready for his high school prom, in this story it picks up on the way to the prom continuing Chris’ and Josh’s story. Chris is cautious when he first gets to the prom, even though he knows that Josh is disappointed but he takes a chance and asks Josh to dance and it ends badly. Chris has to face up to the fact that some of his friends are now foes even though he doesn’t want to believe it, but the message is sent home further when he is cornered in the school bathroom. Josh tries to give Chris something to look forward to but to also give him perspective of the world around him with a trip to gay pride.
This isn’t a cutesy, rainbows dancing, love fest it’s a realistic coming of age, coming out story warts and all. Chris is faced with hate and anger from those he called friend, and he begins to wonder if being gay is worth the hassle. It is only because of the love and support of his family and friends that he gets through Graduation, but even that is tainted by humiliation. Josh is a super supportive boyfriend that sticks it through the tough times and gives Chris the love he rightly deserves; he also knows that seeing gay pride just might be what Chris needs.
There is a huge gamut of emotions that you feel as you read this book and we are made to see the fear, loss and anger that a young man faces when friends turn to foes. We see the effect it has on his confidence and emotions as he tries to work out why they are so prejudice and bigoted. We see the incredible support he gets from those that truly love him and the love he has for one special man. Josh and Chris’ relationship couldn’t have gone through a harder time, but their love for each other shines through and smashes the doubts. They are sweet together and their lovemaking is wonderful.
I recommend this to those who want a hard-hitting coming out story, who want a young love that’s built from stone, that want realistic problems being faced and our young couple facing the fire and coming through stronger together.
Blurb: Chris Bishop has everything a high school senior could want—a loving family, a perfect girlfriend, and a bright, shining future. At his dad’s suggestion, he spends a summer working at a law firm to gain experience, but he never bargained on meeting Josh. Josh is handsome and green-eyed and just what Chris doesn’t want—or does he? Some things Chris has admitted only to his digital diary, but by the time prom comes around, he needs to make a decision: risk the pain of honesty about himself and his feelings for Josh, or play it safe and lose what matters most.
First Edition published by XoXo Publishing, June 2011
Review: Chris is getting ready for his senior prom; he is reflecting on the last eight months and confiding to his digital diary everything that has happened to him since he met Josh. Josh who Chris met when working the summer at a law firm and had Chris rethinking everything about himself as he recognized his attraction to Josh.
This is a wonderful coming of age story as a young man remembers everything that changed for him in the past several months, as he prepares to shut the door on one of part of his life and say goodbye to his high school years and begins the next step of his life. We join Chris as he prepares for his prom, as he pours his heart out to his diary taking us through his attraction to another boy, his conflicting emotions of his first male kiss, his fear of coming out, his confession to his girlfriend and admitting to his parents his new relationship.
Allison Cassatta takes us into the heart of an eighteen year old as he makes sense of his sexuality and finally says to himself ‘I’m gay’, this story takes us through those moments most important to Chris as he worked out what he felt and how he reacted. Although we only see Josh from Chris’s perspective we get a very good sense of him, he’s only a year older and is slightly more confident in his sexuality. We also see quite a bit about Chris’s ex-girlfriend Sarah and we are left puzzled, as Sarah is also getting ready for the prom at Chris’s house. The ending is just wonderful, filled with hope and love.
This is a brilliant story that would be great for young adults who are still trying to find themselves; it would show them that they aren’t alone in their struggle for identity and that it is okay to be scared. I have to recommend that everyone who loves m/m read this story of young love and discovering one’s self.
Title: North Star Bundle Books 1 – 3
Spark Review: 
Fusion Review: 
Flare Review: 
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