I was really left with mixed feelings on this one. The setup was something that really pulled me in - teenage runaway is about to give up on the streets when a kindred spirit finds him and is willing to take him under his wing. There is definitely a lot of potential in there. But the character of Erik really irked me - the way he treated Jonathan was bothersome and the inconsistencies in his behavior left me wondering if he really was up-and-down like that or if his character just wasn't well-defined.

In the end, it's a cute story - hence the 3 star rating - but I really would have liked more character development and bit more down-to-earth and less scattered approach. ( )

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For now this is a 3 Star read for me; that may change once my feelings settle. I'm really at a loss as to how to review this. Did I "really like it"? Nuh-uh. The stark descriptions of life on the streets precludes me from that. Did I "not like it"? No. Its message is important. So for now I'm "middle-of-the-roading. ( )

So sad. A good start to a full length novel. ( )

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Sweet, raw, tender and hopeful.

I had the privilege of beta-reading this several weeks ago and have been anxiously waiting to get to talk about it. I felt that Brandon Shire hit the perfect balance between tough reality and tender romance. He kept the tone light and easy while addressing some pretty raw truths about gay youth, life on the streets and even mental illness and how it is, or isn't, handled in America.

While it's true that most of the M/M Romance Group readers won't be turned off by a "street message", I think what has unfolded here has the potential to reach a wider audience. Nicely done.

THE CHARACTERS

Jonathan - Adorable, inquisitive and shy. His innocence isn't going to serve him well in his new life on the streets.

Erik - Street smart and life-hardened he steps in just in time to "save" Jonathan. You'll have to read to decide if his motivations are selfish or honorable. He's cynical and jaded, but seems to need to care for a "pure" Jonathan.

THE WRITING

As I said, Brandon hits a perfect tone for the prompt and for his readership as well. This is a sweet, young love story with gritty, I-want-to-look-away elements. There isn't anything here that will scare or jolt you, but you will be left feeling...feelings.

I don't think I have anything critical to mention. The story just works. I like that Jonathan was a bit hesitant to trust Erik. I suppose some may think he does trust Erik too easily though. The mention of mental illness and it's relationship to homelessness is an additional consideration here. In fact, there is a lot going on in this short story. Which just leads to me wanting to know much more of Jonathan and Erik's story.

Thank you to Brandon Shire for letting me get an early glimpse of this story and thank you to the M/M Romance Group and Love Has No Boundaries for running a wonderful contest

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