Allison Cassatta

We've got best friends, a bit of hurt. comfort, a firefighter, and a secret crush that's lasted for more than 20 years. Sounded interesting but the story had several faults. There's a main character who isn't all that likable or sympathetic...a disjointed plot with over-the-top drama just for the sake of drama. Add the choppy writing and I began to become more than frustrated. I've had less than stellar experiences with this author's books before but wanted to give it another chance, so I really wanted to like this book. The opening was strong, and I thought "okay, much better", but then it went downhill from there. It took about 65% of the book for Matt and Luke to get together. Then there was a one-night stand for Matt that somehow resulted in having the potential to be something serious. Really Matt? Matt's flip flopping between being angry at his ex, Brandon, that I'm still not quite on board with, to his long lived unrequited love for Luke that didn't stop him from being with someone else ... I just couldn't get behind any of Matt's motivations or any of the rest of the book.… (mehr)

Dr. Erik Daniels lost almost everything when he hit rock bottom as a result of his addiction. And while he wishes that hadn't been the case, he has found a way to channel that into working with others who are suffering from issues with substance use. When he comes across Angel one night at the ER, he is determined to get him help no matter what it takes. Around the same time, Erik's ex Marshall shows up in his life, wanting to see if they can give things another go. While Erik is convinced at first that Marshall is exactly what he needs, more time spent with Angel makes him wonder if going backward is really the best direction to go. And when Angel makes his own feelings about Erik known, everything turns upside down in a way that just might feel more right than Erik imagined.

Things move quickly in this story, but it doesn't feel rushed. There is a complexity of the characters situations that I felt could have been explored in more depth, but that may just be because I have my own perspective as someone who has dated someone with a substance use disorder who refused to get help. There are many layers there that appear to go unexplored. But it is an easy and interesting read, and worth picking up if you need something that isn't too heavy.… (mehr)

This sequel picks up Chris and Josh's story right at the point where the first book ended, and I loved that. The interesting thing for me was to see how Chris thought the worst was over now that he's come out to his family, but in the course of this story he discovers there are many more steps to take. Just like most eighteen-year-olds he doesn't think very far ahead, so the consequences of his actions keep surprising him. He deals with them as best he can, but there is a lot of back and forth, and he likes to tick his head in the sand before dealing with things. He isn’t yet very sure about his decisions, and still has to learn about standing up for himself when true controversy hits. In a word, he has to learn about "pride" – a very apt title for this book in more than one sense.

Chris goes through quite a few heartbreaking moments in this book. He is afraid of holding Josh's hand at the prom because he might get beaten up. Sadly, he does – but he is shocked that most of the hatred comes from two guys he's known since they were seven. He thought they were his friends, instead they turn out to be the ringleaders of the movement against him. Throughout everything Josh is there for him, even when Chris tries to push him away. It takes Chris a while to figure out how to reconcile his public actions with his internal convictions and desires.

Josh is as great as ever and he is very supportive, but he too has issues. Mainly when Chris rejects him in public - and he lets Chris know how much this affects him. His reactions help alert Chris to what he is doing, and his unwavering support makes Chris realize he may want to become a stronger, better man for his own sake, but he wants and needs Josh's support. In essence, Josh brings out the best in Chris while they're learning to become a true couple.

If you like stories that show you someone else's perspective on life, warts and all, if you enjoy reading about how a young man might deal with coming out to "the world", and if you're looking for a book that will touch your heart and move you deeply, then you definitely need to read this novel. I think it's a worthy sequel for the first book.





NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
… (mehr)

Sometimes risking everything is worth it. But knowing when that's the case, which "something" is the one to go for, is not as easy as it may seem. Chris works hard and has an easy life, but he discovers a few truths during his last year in high school, and they shake things up. Now, on the afternoon and evening before his prom, he is trying to come to grips with all of it, and the method he uses is fascinating. He speaks his story into a digital recorder, his "diary", to make sure he remembers it before taking the next step. His final rite before truly becoming a man, it is supposed to bring him closure and help him look forward.

Chris knows he is gay, but he's never admitted it out loud. He has a boyfriend, and hasn’t really been hiding the fact he does, so he understands the truth. Yet, saying it out loud has so far eluded him. Speaking it into the recording device makes it easier for him, and it gave me hope that he'll find the courage to say it to his family and friends next.

Josh is a great guy, and while we only get to see him through Chris's eyes, he emerges as a pretty amazing friend and lover. He's only a year older than Chris, but I got the feeling he's been out longer than that, and it wasn't at all an easy process for him. He lives in the dorms and never talks about his family, so there will be things to deal with in the sequel, I am sure. But the way he supports Chris made this a very sweet story indeed.

It's a pretty unique way of telling a story, and I have to say it really grew on me. Chris's emotions are so raw, even though everything he talks about is in the past. But as he reflects on them, he brings them back not only for himself but for me to see and understand what was going on in his head. And the ending of the story, as he walks downstairs to meet his date for the evening, is just perfect!

If you like sweet stories that make you smile as much as they make you think, if you enjoy reading about fresh realizations of deep truths and how a young man might deal with coming out to himself, and if you're looking for a book that will touch your heart and move you deeply, then you definitely need to read this novella. I adored it and cannot wait for the next installment.



NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
… (mehr)