Tag: Harper’s Reviews

The Roommate Situation by Zoe X. Rider

zr_theroommatesituationTitle: The Roommate Situation

Series: N/A

Author: Zoe X Rider

Genre: New Adult Romance

Length: Novel (330 pages)

ISBN: 978-1-62300-492-7

Publisher: Loose Id, LLC (October 7, 2014)

Heat Level: Moderate – light bondage / non penetrative sex

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts

Reviewer: Harper

Blurb: College freshman Shane Hahn finds himself unexpectedly shuffled to a new dorm room–which is fine by him, but his over-involved mother takes one look at toothpick-chewing, motorcycle-riding Derek McClain, his new roommate, and gets on the phone with the school. The school requires that Shane be the one to file the room-change paperwork, but Shane’s reluctant.

He’s attracted to Derek’s independence, even though that independence means Derek has to pay his own way through college, which he does by making leather products (you know: belts, wallets…bondage gear) and selling it online. Shane isn’t even allowed to work while he’s in school, much less join a band, which is what he really wants to do with his life. Unfortunately, his parents are holding his guitar hostage until he can prove he’s taking his future seriously.

Purchase Link: http://www.loose-id.com/the-roommate-situation.html
Review: I liked the idea of this book, and was really excited about reading it. Unfortunately, for me, it was just ok.
The pacing was the biggest problem for me, it was very slow and drawn out.

The book is set in College. Shane is a freshman finding his feet away from the tight reins of home. His original roommate commits suicide, so he gets moved to a new residence, cue Derek.
Derek is a mysterious leather wearing biker, who happens to have a business making leather items including bondage gear.

There was a lot of page filling, which made you understand about Shane’s parents control but in all honesty, it was too much, I just wanted to “get in to” the story.

Neither Shane or Derek have been with another guy so the initial get together was quite cool but for me it needed more depth- it wasn’t insta love but there was definite insta attraction/awareness.

I liked the way Shane and Derek were there for each other, with each of them having personal issues during the book. It showed a realistic mutual need and appreciation.

There was a fantastic scene created where Shane takes control, it truly had my toes curling. But sadly, that was the only one I really thought WOW about.

I think I was expecting a bit more from the kink, but it was very tame. I’m surprised the author didn’t have them experimenting more (maybe that’s in the next book).

I was most disappointed with the ending though, you finally get a feeling the story is going to get going and then Bam – THE END! There was no gradual ending, no closure, it was just done. I’m hoping there will be a follow-up book so we can see how the boys play out.

To summarize, this book is a coming of age, double gay for you, college romance.

Would I recommend it? Yes…but you have been warned. 😉

Only For You Bundle by Chad Lane

61popvY4tmL._SL1000_Title: Only For You Bundle (Gay For You Romance)
Author: Chad Lane
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Anthology (118 pages)
Publisher: Chad Lane (March 11th, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5 nearly 4Hearts
Blurb: Book 1 – When genius college student David and jock ex-rugby player Matt are put together as college roommates, they’re both in for an education that will change their lives. David’s sheltered upbringing has left him socially awkward, a 80s fashion sense and a stick-thin physique. Matt decides to look out for the daydreaming student and teaches about some of the things he has missed out on. They quickly become best friends.

However, David’s feelings for Matt grow deeper than just friendship. After an awkward encounter with a girl Matt sets him up with, David knows he only wants one thing.

But will David convince Matt to succumb to their desires? Or will it all end in disaster?

Book 2 – David, the geeky genius, and Matt, the jock, are happy and experiencing real love for the first time. In the height of their “honeymoon stage,” however, Christmas break sneaks up and they have to go their separate ways for a month.

Both struggle with being apart for the first time in months, while also dealing with parents who want to know about girlfriends and their futures.

David’s family is more accepting so he comes out to them. But Matt’s family is more traditional and very conservative so his month long break gives him some moral doubts. When they come back to campus this divide begins to tear at the relationship.

And when David gets involved with the LGBT group on campus and attracts the attention of an it’s gorgeous leader, Joshua, the relationship begins to strain.

Despite the bond they have built, Matt’s reluctance to be open with their relationship is driving them apart. When Matt’s parents visit and set him up with a family friend’s daughter, Matt is forced to make a decision. Under all the stress of his sexuality, he kisses the girl at the end of the night but realizes its David he really wants. But David is already at the January Prom with Joshua…

Book 3 – Matt has finally told his Dad about David and is dealing with his families anger and disappointment in him. He knew they wouldn’t be as accepting as David’s. But when Matt’s father cuts him off from the family business, he is devastated.

In the meantime, the two boys work on being more open with their relationship in public – it’s a struggle, but they both try to overcome their fears together.

Matt hasn’t spoken to his parents since the confession, but one day he gets a call from his mother inviting the two boys to come spend a weekend at their family home. This weekend will test their relationship to the absolute limits. But that doesn’t mean they can’t have some fun, especially when a game of tennis turns very sexual.

Will Matt’s parents accept their son for who he is?
Will their relationship last the weekend?
Will Matt show David his favorite make-out location?
Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Only-For-You-Bundle-Romance-ebook/dp/B00IY1O7GA

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00IY1O7GA
Reviewer: Harper
Review: I enjoyed this bundle, much like I enjoyed other bundles by this author. However, I have a few points to make…

In the very beginning of the book, the author has some editing issues with regard to the names of characters, which caused me to have to reread parts numerous times. But, thankfully, it was only for the first few pages and after that, the name issue was no longer. Much like the author’s other bundle, these are not 3 novel length books, more 3 short novellas which put together still equated to a shorter book. I managed to read the entire bundle in the space of 3 hours.

Although I like the book, I did at times find the story to be too syrupy sweet. The reactions of their peers for example was just a little too good to be true. Sadly, it’s not realistic to say everyone was ecstatic that the king of the studs had discovered he’s gay.

Despite my points above, I did enjoy the bundle and will actively look to read another book by this author.

If you are a fan of sweet GFU love stories, then I’d highly recommend this book and this author to you.

ENJOY