Sparks by Posy Roberts

SparkLGTitle: Sparks

Series: North Star: Book One

Author: Posy Roberts

Genre: Contemporary/Coming of Age/First love-second chance

Length: Novel (304 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (September 2nd, 2013)

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating:
♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb: In their small-town high school, Hugo and Kevin became closeted lovers who kept their secret even from parents. Hugo didn’t want to disappoint his terminally ill father, and Kevin’s controlling father would never tolerate a bisexual son. When college took them in different directions, they promised to reunite, but that didn’t happen for seventeen years.

By the time they meet again, Hugo has become an out-and-proud actor and director who occasionally performs in drag—a secret that has cost him in past relationships. Kevin, still closeted, has followed his father’s path, and now, in the shadow of divorce, is striving to be a better father to his own children.

When Hugo and Kevin meet by chance at a party, the spark of attraction reignites, as does their genuine friendship. Rekindling a romance may mean Hugo must compromise the openness he values, but Kevin will need a patient partner as he adapts to living outside the closet. With such different lifestyles, the odds seem stacked against them, and Hugo fears that if his secret comes to light, it may drive Kevin away completely.

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4156

Reviewer:   GiGi

Review: 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!

Risking It by Posy Roberts

RiskingItLGTitle: Risking It

Series: Daily Dose: Make a Play

Author:  Posy Roberts

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Short Story

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (June 1st, 2013)

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Heat Level: Moderate

Blurb: August Farrell doesn’t have a clue how to go about finding a boyfriend. He’s eighteen, a high school senior, has barely been kissed, and the thought of flirting with a boy terrifies him. What if he gets punched? Or worse? It would be easier if he at least knew the rules of the game. Then during the state basketball tournament, August meets Luca Knutson, who flirts with him shamelessly, but is this connection worth it? Will August play it safe by sitting on the sidelines or take a chance on Luca and the freedom to love he offers?

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3943

Reviewer: Cat

Review:  August is a senior in high school who recently discovered his sexuality.  He isn’t sure how to find a boyfriend, since he isn’t out. He also lacks self-confidence.

I found this a great story of a teenager becoming a man, finding his confidence and love.  I normally am not into sports, so I don’t read a whole lot of sports related stories. I found this one very interesting. The sport details were easy to follow and didn’t feel like one big lesson in basketball and the overall plot of a young man coming out and finding himself was inspirational.

Recommendation: If you like young adults finding their sexuality, confidence, self-esteem and love, along with basketball championships this one is for you.