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.
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.
Hey guys, today we have John Amory, one of the authors from the Dreamspinner Press Charity Anthology One Pulse, visiting with an incredible guest post, so check out the post and then I want you to check out the blogs that the other One Pulse authors will be visiting during the next two weeks. <3 ~Pixie~
One Pulse
by
Jon Keys, Alicia Nordwell, Mickie B. Ashling, M.T. Aspen, M.A. Church, Caitlin Ricci, George Seaton, Jayce Ellis, Bree Cariad, Chrissy Munder, Ellis Carrington, Felicitas Ivey, John Amory, Grace R. Duncan, John Goode, J. C. Long, Elizabeth Noble, Renee Stevens, Troy Storm, Connie Bailey, Dev Bentham, Andrea Speed, Laura Lascarso, Lila Leigh Hunter, Emery C. Walters, C.C. Dado, Sera Kane, KC Burn, Vicktor Alexander, Edmond Manning
Stories drive life. Sometimes life is good; sometimes life is bad. But it’s the nature of our community that in the aftermath of an act of hatred, we respond with love. Because darkness cannot exist in the presence of light. Cruelty cannot stand against compassion. Negativity will never overcome hope.
To show our support for those affected by the Orlando shooting, our authors, editors, artists, and staff have volunteered their talents to create this anthology. All proceeds will be donated to LGBT organizations in central Florida. Join us as we celebrate the triumph of love over every obstacle.
Hi guys, we have John Goode stopping by today with his upcoming release What About Everything? we have a brilliant guest post and a great excerpt, so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~
What About Everything?
(Tales of Foster High story 09)
by
John Goode
No matter how fast you run, the past has a way of catching up with you.
When an accident ruins Matt’s parents’ anniversary party, Tyler and Matt decide a vacation is in order, and they book a gay Disney cruise with Robbie and Sebastian. It’ll be the perfect place to relax and do some much-needed soul-searching. A couple of years have passed since they met, but Tyler and Matt are no closer to getting married. They must take a long, hard look at their relationship and decide if they’re happy with the way things are, or if they want more—and if they can find the courage to take the next step. A difficult choice is made even harder when two people they thought they’d left behind show up to complicate the issue and turn the whole cruise upside down.
Blurb: Peter was devastated when he lost his love, Shayne, in a car crash. Though he knows nothing will bring Shayne back, Peter takes solace in listening to Shayne’s voice mail, just to hear his voice one last time. He’s not prepared when one night, Shayne answers the phone.
A Bittersweet Dreams title: It’s an unfortunate truth: love doesn’t always conquer all. Regardless of its strength, sometimes fate intervenes, tragedy strikes, or forces conspire against it. These stories of romance do not offer a traditional happy ending, but the strong and enduring love will still touch your heart and maybe move you to tears.
Review: Peter is still in the throes of grief nearly a year after his beloved Shayne died. His regrets are hard to deal with and his only solace is listening to Shayne’s voice on his voicemail, then something happens and Peter discovers that fate may just be taking pity on him.
John Goode has produced a story that is touching, its heart-breaking and it is tragic. Peter is in therapy trying to deal with the loss of the love of his life, he knows who is to blame and he lays that blame at fates fickle feet. Peter just can’t move forward, he has regrets, things he never said and now never can, and he just can’t understand why fate would take Shayne away from him.
This is a story that will make tears slide down your cheeks, have you whimpering in denial and praying that you will always have the time to say what you need to. Peter and Shayne had already been through enough, Shayne struck down with HIV but finally pulling through to live a healthy happy life with Peter, but then he is struck down in a car accident and Peter is left alone. Peter has many regrets and can’t let Shayne go; when Shayne answers the phone one night Peter thinks that he might be able to change fate.
This is a true love story of pure love that is cut short, and of the grief and the regret that the person left behind endures. The story of how they got together was sweet and the tale of how they got their nick names was romantic… they were a couple fated to be together. I really want to say more but feel that this is a story that must be read, to fully appreciate the turmoil that Peter is going through and his reactions to what is happening around him.
All I will say is that I cried, I cried for the ‘what if’s’, I cried for his chance to put aside his regrets, for life getting in the way and I cried at knowing he had lost the love of his life.
I am going to recommend this to everyone as it is a story that we all need to read to remind us to appreciate what we have every single day. Now I am off to make sure that my family and friends know how much I love them.
Hey guys, a bunch of us bloggers have got together to show our support for T.J. Klune and Eric Arvin by joining up for the Grand Adventures blog tour. This blog tour is to bring to attention the wonderful authors who donated a story and Dreamspinners Press who are donating 100% of the income from the sale to Eric & T.J. and there’s even a great giveaway for you to enjoy! I know the people in this genre are just incredible! So check out what the authors have to say, visit Dreamspinners Press and have a look at the great Grand Adventures goodies and click our Rafflecopter link to win some of those great goodies 🙂 ~Pixie~ p.s. I’d like to give a shout out to Brandilyn from Prism Book Alliance for pulling us bloggers together and organizing our roles in this tour 😉
Description:
On September 1, 2011, TJ Klune wrote, “…it’s not about the ending, it’s about the journey…” in a review of Eric Arvin’s Woke Up in a Strange Place. With those words, two men began a journey of love and invited us to ride along. TJ and Eric have shared so much with us: their wonderful books, their smiles, their humor, their lives, and their inspiring devotion to each other. In December of 2013, their journey took a detour when Eric was taken to the emergency room. He survived the surgery to remove a cavernous hemangioma from his brain stem, but the challenges TJ and Eric face are far from over.
The authors in this anthology donated their talent as a way to support Eric’s continued recovery, to help bring strength to TJ, and to show both of them just how much love surrounds them. Grand Adventures is a diverse range of stories about the journey of love. We’re going on some grand adventures for a great cause. Thank you for joining us.
One hundred percent of the income from this volume goes directly to TJ and Eric.
Foreword by S.A. McAuley
An Unexpected Thing by John Amory (Sequel to Protection)
The Twinkie Ignition by J.E. Birk
When Friendship Becomes More by Sophie Bonaste
Isle of Waiting by Sue Brown (A Missing Moment from Isle of Waves)
The Jogger by KC Burn
Holding Court by Cardeno C.
For Dear Life by Mary Calmes
Under the Full Moon by Ellis Carrington
Stripped by Shae Connor (2nd Edition)
That Place Across the Hall by C.C. Dado
Mistaken MD by Phoenix Emrys
Cops and Comix by Rhys Ford
Last First Kiss by LE Franks
Tomorrow by John Goode
From Fantasy to Friends by CR Guiliano (A Companion to For You)
Hello everyone! My name is John Amory, and my contribution to the Grand Adventures anthology is titled “An Unexpected Thing.” This short is actually a sequel to a story that Dreamspinner published last June in its Daily Dose compilation called “Protection.” The new story picks up about two years after Jamie and Ben met; both are back from London and traveling the West Coast. Jamie is en route to a shooting competition with Ben in tow, but when their plane is diverted, they are forced to find their own way through the Cascades to Seattle. They, of course, find something else along the way.
I have never met TJ or Eric, but I was struck by their struggle like everyone else. We are all a family of authors and readers in this genre, and it felt like someone in our family had suddenly fallen ill. I wanted to help, especially since TJ’s book Into This River I Drown had such an effect on me. When “Protection” was accepted for publication last year, it was the first book I chose from Dreamspinner’s catalog to read, so that I could get a feel for their audience, their authors, the style of stories they publish, etc. I was blown away by River, which is, in so many ways, a really atypical (but still brilliant) M/M romance. There was so much else going on: grief, redemption, faith, closure, all of these things played into the book’s themes, and they’re all things I think TJ handled beautifully. So I began “An Unexpected Thing” as a sequel to “Protection” that contained a guest appearance by two of TJ’s characters from Roseland, which seemed only appropriate given its ties to River. I eventually re-edited the story to not include TJ’s characters (since, if all the authors did that, it would be taxing on TJ to edit and approve each story), but the essence that those characters brought to the story is still there, as well as some other Easter eggs for fans of TJ’s book. “An Unexpected Thing” is about finding love in places you never thought you would, with people you never thought you would. That’s something I got from Into This River I Drown and from TJ and Eric’s personal story, and I think it’s something universal: keep your eyes and heart open, because The One might be someone you’d never notice otherwise.
Thanks for reading and for supporting Grand Adventures! You can find me on Twitter (@JohnAmory) or on GoodReads. Feel free to drop a line! Happy reading!
About John Amory:
John Amory is and always will be a hopeless romantic, which he blames on watching too many episodes of Beverly Hills, 90210 growing up. He began writing stories and poems as a child, continuing through high school. He put writing on the backburner for a number of years, during which time he finished both Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees in English, and is thrilled to be creating again now that he knows what “free time” means.
In another life, John is a newly minted college professor, as well as an actor/director/choreographer/playwright whose work has been performed in New York City and elsewhere. He is also obsessed with television and keeps two blogs on the subject: one for general reviews and comments (faketvcritic.blogspot.com), and one devoted solely to So You Think You Can Dance (cuttingsytycd.blogspot.com).
Feel free to drop a message here or on Twitter to say hi!
1. Tell us about your contribution to the anthology.
My short story is called When Friendship Becomes More.
Here’s the official blurb, because it explains the story better than I could:
Despite their differences, Jamie and Roy are not only college roommates, but best friends. What Jamie doesn’t know is that Roy has had a crush on him for years. When Jamie realizes Roy’s feelings during a camping trip with friends, the attraction will either prove mutual, or it will tear their friendship apart.
I’m really proud of this short story. It has moments that will make you laugh and cry. I hope everyone out there loves it as much as I do.
2. What is your favorite TJ and Eric memory?
Well, I haven’t been lucky enough to meet TJ or Eric in person. But I remember reading the news of TJ’s proposal in October of last year. I was instantly touched by the obvious love between the two men. It may not have been a showy proposal like that Home Depot one that went viral a few months ago, but it was one of the most love-filled proposals I’ve ever seen. And isn’t that what’s really important?
3. Why did you choose to participate in the anthology?
When I heard about the anthology it was a no-brainer. I knew I had to help TJ and Eric in any way I could. And since writing is one of my favorite things to do anyway, it was a win-win.
4. Do you have anything to say to TJ and Eric?
I just wanted to say that you two are both some of the strongest people I’ve ever known. I wish you only the best as you go forward. Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go!!!!!
About Sophie Bonaste:
Sophie Bonaste is a novelist who never set out to be a novelist. As a child, she wanted to be a Broadway actress and spent her childhood in numerous productions. But when adulthood set in and reality took over, Sophie chose to up the theater for a steady paycheck and instead turned to writing as a creative outlet. She stumbled into the M/M genre through fanfiction and never looked back. Sophie is quite happy with her change in artistic expression and doesn’t plan to stop writing for a long time.
A self-proclaimed nerd, Sophie is an avid fan of all things Star Wars and Harry Potter. (Sophie is a member of the Slytherin house, for those who were wondering.) Sophie also spends many hours watching and re-watching nerdy television shows. When she is not obsessing over the latest and greatest in nerdy entertainment, Sophie can be found screaming at her television during American football games. (Go Pack Go!) Sophie currently lives in Pennsylvania, about twenty minutes from her childhood town of The Middle of Nowhere.
If you don’t want to talk, but you want to read more about my works, please use these links.
Harmony Ink – Sophie Bonaste
Dreamspinner Press – Sophie Bonaste
GIVEAWAY!
20″ x 26″ (image size: 16″ x 24″) signed & matted print of the Grand Adventures cover Grand Adventures Paperback $30 Dreamspinner Press Giftcard
Starts: 12:01 AM EDT on 29 Mar 2014 End: 11:59pm EDT on 8 April 2014
Blurb: Fearing the backlash of living as a gay man in Foster, Texas, Matt Wallace runs away to California, only to find it isn’t the Promised Land he’d hoped for. Christmas sees Matt returning to Foster, where he bumps into his old flame, high school jock Tyler Parker.
Now that they’re older, it doesn’t take Matt too long to figure out that love at first sight is a very real thing. The only problem is neither Matt nor Tyler seems to know what to do after that. They’re both running from the past—and each other—requiring some reverse engineering to actually spur the relationship past the false start.
Review: A sweet story about two lonely guys that are searching for happiness.
I started this story in the morning before work and then was frustrated I had to wait the whole working day before I could get my mitts on it again and read, read, read. I haven’t read any of the other books (save one short story) in the Tales from Foster High series, so I’m reviewing this as a stand-alone—, and it is enjoyable without having prior knowledge of the ‘Foster’ world.
Things that worked for me:
The Forward & Postscript – I liked the discussion of hope and love and thought it added a nice touch to the story. It gave the whole story a more . . . polished, professional feel to it.
The ‘About the Author’ page at the end was creative and clever, and I had a very good chuckle while reading it.
The writing itself is good and the author really gets into the characters heads, so we get their thoughts, responses and emotions. This was particularly well done in the first chapters with Matt.
The flashbacks of the boy behind the red door really drew me in to the story and set up the romantic tension.
I really enjoyed how stylistic the author was with the narrative. Some chapters are told from the perspective of other characters in the book, and it fit, because it emphasized the need Matt and Tyler had for space. At that point, they were both so upset, they just couldn’t go on. Very clever writing device.
Thing that didn’t work for me:
The biggest issue for me was that the pacing of the story felt off.
It has a great initial lead in, but as soon as Matt and Tyler meet at Christmas, the splendid pacing hits a snag as the two guys fall for each other immediately without much conflict. The insta-love at this point just didn’t flow well for me. I can understand that both the men are lonely, and maybe that would make them quick to jump into something, but as a reader, I love to have the emotional/and or physical connection drawn out a bit more.
As well as the two getting together too quickly, they suddenly fall apart after a week, and the reasons didn’t feel very mature (especially for characters that are in their thirties). The guys seemed super sensitive, and I never really got what Tyler did that was so wrong that he had to put up with so much crap from Matt and his awful fag-hag toward the end of the book. So he freaked out? Good, I say. It shows some human emotion—this needed to be worked through and not run away from.
I guess from the moment the main characters kiss, the books speeds toward an end with so much happening too quickly. But, to be fair, the blurb does tell the reader what to expect.
It feels like maybe I’m placing a lot of emphasis on what didn’t work for me in this story, but I guess I feel passionate about it because the writing was awesome, and I was/am greedy and just wanted more.
I enjoyed the read and am certainly interested in the other stories set in Foster. Definitely an author to try again!!!
Blurb: Kyle Stilleno is no longer the invisible boy, and he doesn’t quite know how he feels about it. On one hand, he now has a great boyfriend, Brad Greymark, and a handful of new friends, and even a new job. On the other hand, no one screamed obscenities at him in public when he was invisible.
No one expected him to become a poster boy for gay rights, either—at least not until Kyle stepped out of the closet and into the limelight. But there are only a few months of high school left, and Kyle doubts he can make a difference.
With Christmas break drawing closer, Kyle and Brad are changing their lives to include each other. While the trials are far from over, they have their relationship to lean on. Others are not so lucky. One of their classmates needs their help—but Kyle and Brad’s relationship may be too new to survive the strain.
Review: I loved this novel and the previous ones as well. End of the Innocence is the continuation to Brad and Kyle’s love story at Foster High. Now, if you have not read the previous ones, you have to read them because they are so thrilling and exciting. These kids have been through hell and survived, but all of that was just the beginning.
Now, this novel, however, basically revolves around The Party. Every year, Kelly throws the party of the century and the last one promises to be the best one yet. There are several new characters introduced in this novel. For example, Sammy and Jennifer. They are so freaking awesome and I absolutely loved them! Now, at The Party, Kelly confesses to Kyle that he’s gay and he’s in love with Brad. But, unbeknown to them, someone records their conversation and all hell breaks loose.
This novel is very sad since it deals with cyber bullying. An issue that is affecting our youths these days and sometimes forcing them to choose between life and death. Sadly, many are making the wrong decisions. John Goode did an excellent job portraying this disease with his novel and I simply can’t wait to see what will happen next.
All in all, you have to read this novel. Its twist and turns will leave you wanting more.
Blurb: Lords of Arcadia: Act One Kane Vess may be gay, but he is also extraordinarily ordinary a crushing weight in Athens, Iowa, where a person s worth is measured by his uniqueness. But when he meets the school s newest student, Kane s ordinariness seems to evaporate. He is desperate to get to know the mysterious stranger and that leads him into danger. Hawk is an exile from his homeland, an otherworldly traveler with impossible abilities and a changeling bodyguard. He s generally disappointed in Earth, which seems common except for Kane. But while Hawk and Kane explore their mutual interest, the forces that made Hawk an exile are busy tracking him down. Kane s newfound feelings pull him into Hawk s shadowy fantasy world, where he learns he needs to grow up fast. Kane s life may now be extraordinary, but if he isn’t t careful it could cost him everyone he holds dear including Hawk.
Review: I absolutely loved this novel, but the one thing that turned me off was the damn cliff-hanger at the end. UGH!
After getting that off my chest, I can tell you that this story stars Kane Vess. He lives in Athens, Iowa, where being unique is ten times more important than wearing a damn label on your forehead. I loved Kane so much. He was unique and funny. Hawk, on the other hand, was the bomb. He was so mysterious that he immediately caught Kane’s attention. But as I said before, being unique was ten times more important in Athens. And Hawk was very unique.
Kane slowly begins to see that only he can see the mysterious and handsome boy. After being stabbed by Hawk without receiving any damage, Kane slowly finds himself between two worlds or…nine. For you see, Hawk, is the next king of Arcadia and ruler of all nine worlds. He, along with his Changeling protector, Spike, was sent to Athens to hide from the Dark assassins who want to see him dead so that they can take over his kingdom. Pretty cool, huh?
From the moment he made his appearance, I hated Spike. He betrays Hawk and tries to kill Kane because Hawk fell in love with him. He pissed me off so much! With that off my chest, this novel was awesome! It reminded me so much of I am Number Four and Thor. The way Hawk acted was exactly the way Thor acted in the film. Boastful and proud, but sweet and caring. I honestly want to read more. You have to read this novel. It is new, refreshing, funny and fun.
Blurb: Peter was not prepared when his love Shayne died in a car crash. His days have become therapy and drinking himself to sleep. His only solace is listening to Shayne’s voice mail to hear his voice one last time.
He’s equally unprepared when one night Shayne answers the phone.
He is starting to think that fate is against him.
He has no idea how right and wrong he is.
CONTENT ADVISORY: This title is a love story that does not contain a HEA.
Review: Peter is still in the throes of grief nearly a year after his beloved Shayne died. His regrets are hard to deal with and his only solace is listening to Shayne’s voice on his voicemail, then something happens and Peter discovers that fate may just be taking pity on him.
John Goode has produced a story that is touching, its heart-breaking and it is tragic. Peter is in therapy trying to deal with the loss of the love of his life, he knows who is to blame and he lays that blame at Fate’s fickle feet. Peter just can’t move forward, he has regrets, things he never said and now never can, and he just can’t understand why Fate would take Shayne away from him.
This is a story that will make tears slide down your cheeks, have you whimpering in denial and praying that you will always have the time to say what you need to. Peter and Shayne had already been through enough, Shayne struck down with HIV, but finally pulling through to live a healthy happy life with Peter. But, then he is struck down in a car accident and Peter is left alone. Peter has many regrets and can’t let Shayne go. When Shayne answers the phone one night Peter thinks that he might be able to change Fate.
This is a true love story of pure love that is cut short, and of the grief and the regret that the person left behind endures. The story of how they got together was sweet and the tale of how they got their nick names was romantic they were a couple fated to be together. I really want to say more, but feel that this is a story that must be read, to fully appreciate the turmoil that Peter is going through and his reactions to what is happening around him. All I will say is that I cried. I cried for the what if’s. I cried for his chance to put aside his regrets for life getting in the way and I cried at knowing he had lost the love of his life.
I am going to recommend this to everyone, as it is a story that we all need to read to remind us to appreciate what we have every single day. Now I am off to make sure that my family and friends know how much I love them.
Blurb: Tales of Foster High – Sequel to The End of the Beginning Kyle Stilleno used to be the invisible student. Brad Graymark used to be the baseball star. Then they fell in love and Brad outed them both with a spectacular public display of affection, and now everything is different. After spending a few days lying low, Kyle and Brad are going back to school. It’s time to face the music and see how Foster High deals with their growing romance. But the school’s reaction-and the staff’s hostility-are not what they expected. Everyone they know seems to be allied against them. Isn’t there anyone they can count on to defend their happiness?
Review: Raise Your Glass is the third part from the Tales of Foster High Series by John Goode. The first two were an emotional rollercoaster ride as the characters came to accept themselves and each other. I honestly thought that was the end of it, but John Goode proved me wrong with the latest installment of his series.
Raise Your Glass deals with the emotional aftermath of Brad’s decision after he came out as gay teen to everyone. And let me tell you that the welcoming was not a warm one. Without giving too much of the plot, these two kids basically walked to the pits of hell and fought everyone off just to defend their love and right to be happy. I think that everyone can relate to that at some point in life.
John Goode is an extraordinary voice in the GLBT community. The rawness of the book makes it a must read for parents and gay teens everywhere. There are just a few books that have moved me to tears and this book is one of them. If you want to read this novel, I recommend reading the first two books so you get a better understanding of the story. Rumor has it that there will be a fourth installment of this extraordinary saga and I just simply can’t wait for it!
Blurb: Not too long ago, Brad Greymark outed himself to his high school and the rest of the town of Foster, Texas, with a fairly obvious public display of affection. Now what? Brad had thought being Foster’s favorite son wasn’t that important, but when it comes time to choose between high school fame and Kyle, the boy he might just be falling for? It’s not an easy decision, knowing his heart may break either way.
Review: This book is part of a series and must be read in order. Brad wakes the next morning after outing himself in school and begins to wonder what he has done.
This story is from Brad’s POV so we can get the full effect of his inner turmoil as he begins to fully realize what he has done and the effect it will have on him. The interesting thing about this book is that Brad is far from perfect and that he fully admits his faults but just because he admits them doesn’t mean that it isn’t tempting to continue down that line. We see his inner struggle as he decides what to do now. Should he take a stand and stay outed? Or should he say that he only said it to support Kyle? These are just some of the questions that he struggles with as he begins to come to terms with his actions because as he questions himself he begins to wonder if he really is gay.
John Goode is a fantastic writer as we really do believe that we are in a 17/18yr olds head as he comes to terms with his home life, his school life and his social life. Kyle is again a very sweet young man who has every right to be angry and upset but also has a lot of forgiveness in him. Brad is a confused young man but he gets support from unexpected sources that give him confidence to do what is right for him. We also see a lot more of Brad’s background and it gives us a better understanding as to why he acts the way he does.
I have to recommend this one for those who like angst, only a little loving, soul-searching of sexuality and a promise of more great stories to come.
Blurb: Kyle has worked hard at being the invisible student, toiling through high school in the middle of Nowhere, Texas. Brad is the baseball star at Foster High. Both boys are damaged in ways that the rest of the world can’t see. When they bond over a night of history tutoring, Kyle thinks that maybe his life has taken a turn for the not-so-lonely.
He finds out quickly that the promise of fairy-tale love is a lie when you’re gay and falling for one of the most popular boys in school, and if being different is a sin in high school, then being gay is the biggest sin of all. Now Kyle and Brad need to come to an understanding amidst the scrutiny of their peers or their fledgling relationship will crash and burn before it ever gets off the ground.
1st Edition published as a short story under the same title by Dreamspinner Press.
Review: Kyle has made himself as invisible as he can at school. he does everything he can not to draw attention to himself, until the fateful day Brad steps into his path. Brad needs help with his history midterm and he’s been told that Kyle can help him. by the end of the tutoring Brad wants something more.
This is an incredibly in-depth touching coming of age, coming out story. The story is from Kyle’s POV and there is an incredible amount of description and emotion from this seventeen year old boy, that you actually get a fantastic in-sight into what it must be like for an intelligent, socially awkward, lonely, physically abused boy who has an alcoholic for a mother and who is gay. In less than a week Kyle’s world changes as he gets to know Brad and they share a secret and an understanding of how that secret affects them inside. The hopes and dreams that seem to be shattered one by one as his faith in Brad is tested and Brad keeps failing.
This story is well written and I loved Kyle because he doesn’t try to be something he’s not. Yes, he hides behind his cloak of anonymity, he doesn’t talk to people, he doesn’t look at them, he ignores them and he drifts through school like that every day, but he doesn’t pretend to be something he’s not. Whilst Brad lives up to being the golden boy and it causes conflict between the two… Go Kyle!!!
I will recommend this to everyone as it is a great coming of age story with conflict that reminds you of your school days and your own struggles, and because sometimes the little guy wins.
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