Sarina Bowen - It's Never Over

Six years have passed since the awful day when Axel and Caxton were caught making out in the woods at church camp. They were only teenagers then, but Axel had been devastated when Cax had cut off all contact with him. After that, his best friend seemed to vanish.
So Axel is astonished to find his first love’s face in the crowd of a college basketball game he’s watching on TV—at a college which has just offered him a job. It’s a thousand miles away, in a tiny rural town. But suddenly, he can’t wait to get there.
Cax can’t believe his eyes when Axel appears in the same Massachusetts town where he now lives. And he’s still just as drawn to Axel as ever. But he can’t let himself go there again. Because loving Axel will mean losing everything else he holds dear.
Both men have so much to lose. But as far as their love is concerned, It’s Never Over.

Comment: This is the sequel to another book written by author Sarina Bowen, who here uses a pseudonym. I've read and liked the other book back in June but it clearly shows it was something she had written before other m/m stories I've come enjoy more by her, but despite assuming I'd feel the same about this one as I did in regards to the first, I still wanted to get it out of the pile.

Axel is about to start his first job when he realizes he will meet again his teenager crush Cax, whom he hasn't seen in years, not since Cax told him they couldn't be friends anymore and then he left. Now, by some miracle, here they are in the same college in Massachusetts and reconnecting is not something they can avoid. All comes back to them, the discovery of having stronger feelings than just friendship, but the same apprehension because while Axel is out and has people who support him, Cax has a father who cannot imagine Cax is still in love with Axel.... is there any hope for them this time?

Knowing who the author is made for a much more captivating story than if it had been a different one, I bet. I say this because, truthfully, the author has written better things, but I still appreciated the rhythm and little things, even though more should have been done with this story.

Cax and Axel met at church camp while teenagers and were best friends, and then kissed, which made everything stop, for they were found. I think this element was an easy way to link with the other story, in which the protagonists had been in a cult. It's also a nice touch that they are now in the same city as the main characters of the first book, and Axel even starts renting at their garage apartment. Still, all things considered, this narrative wasn't as difficult nor did the guys go through the same traumatic experiences.

Cax and Axel had a mild interest in religion, as many kids/teenagers I know, they were in the club mostly for the activities and the field trips, or the camp as it happens in this novel. I don't think their leaving church and religion was as mind breaking as the experiences Josh and Caleb (from book #1) faced, but I will have to say that, despite the separation and the certain teenager emotions and hormones in the mix, it is very difficult to imagine they could coincidentally meet later on (only six years, making them 22 and 23 if I remember correctly) in the same spot and things would happen so easily between them again.

In fact, their age kept being something I forgot... on one hand, they were both acting like it, but on the other - Axel starting a job at a college, Cax part time teaching there and taking care of his younger brothers - they were both dealing with situations that seemed more fit to people with more maturity or that somehow made me think more time should have passed. It's not that they are juvenile, or not as juvenile as other characters in other books, but sometimes I had that impression.

As they get closer and start falling in love again, the outside issues remain, namely Cax's father and the general homophobic environment Cax is afraid of revisiting. I could understand his doubts and hesitance, but despite this they still didn't stay away, which is fine, but this is where the emotional traumas of his past should have been dealt with better. I can only assume the point was to add drama, to add a believable conflict to reinforce why their relationship couldn't be obvious from the start, but even allowing for inexperience writing and limited page count, this should have been approached better, as should have the (more, in my opinion) serious issues of the other book.

However, Axel and Cax found a way to be a couple and after some complicated events, they finally got their HEA. I found it funny that this HEA isn't immediately perfect, for Cax's brothers also had to adjust to Cax in a way he had never shared with them, which means I think there were good enough elements to make this a challenging plot, but the goal was definitely one for simplicity and sweetness.

Grade: 7/10

Sarina Bowen - In Front of God and Everyone

Most people called it a cult. But for twenty years, Josh and Caleb called it home.
In Paradise, there is no television. No fast food. Just long hours of farm work and prayer on a dusty Wyoming ranch, and nights in a crowded bunkhouse. The boys of the Compound are kept far from the sinners’ world.
But Joshua doesn’t need temptation to sin. His whole life, he’s wanted his best friend, Caleb. By day they work side by side. Only when Josh closes his eyes at night can they be together the way he craves.
It can never be. And his survival depends on keeping his terrible desires secret.
Caleb has always protected Josh against the worst of the bullying at the Compound. But he has secrets of his own, and a plan to get away — until it all backfires.
Josh finds himself homeless in a world that doesn’t want him. Can Caleb find him in time? And will they find a place of safety, where he can admit to Josh how he really feels?

Comment: I had this book in the pile for a while. I had seen it that Sarina Bowen - such a well praised and prolific author - had also written under a pseudonym in the beginning of her career. I suppose this was so mainly because she is mostly known for her m/f books, but the ones I've liked the best (out of the 8 by her I've read so far) are actually m/m, of which this title is too. Therefore, I'm registering this book in my personal notes as being by Sarina Bowen.

In this novel, Josh and Caleb are two young men who have lived in a compound for their whole lives. The religious cult, since it is what it is, forbids a lot and also punishes those who might not fit their ideals. Josh is not the best at any of the tasks the young men have to perform and that means he knows one day he will be expelled. When that day arrives, Caleb warns him and helps him, and later on joins him so they can move on and do something with their lives. Seeking help of a woman who once left as well, they embark on a new journey, but will Josh be able to ignore he has always felt something he shouldn't for Caleb...? What will happen if Caleb turns out to feel the same?

Certain books seem more special somehow, even in the midst of others which might be great too, especially if written by the same author. I have felt this in regards to some books I've read by Sarina Bowen, which is why that, although this one isn't going to be at the top of my favorites, this title it's still a good and angst-free m/m romance I've enjoyed. Only, perhaps it shows this is something from the start of the author's career, as it isn't as layered as others, published later, are.

I was quite interested in the cult setting but this wasn't the main focus of the novel, that is a fact, since the two protagonists leave very early on after the start of the book. Still, I expected that this very obvious detail to play a major part in the guys' choices and feelings but it wasn't so. This is mainly why I say the story lacks some layers, because anything related to how being part of a cult and now leaving would affect the psychology of the guys was not developed. Yes, we often have some hints that Josh in particular feels conflicting emotions and has thoughts about the past, but the goal is clearly not to delve into heavy themes.

I would say this story is more a coming of age type, with a sweet romance to give it some flavor. Now, after having read other books by the author, this one does feel a little inferior in style and it seems it could have gone way further, in many aspects (the characters' emotions, the actual leaving process, the way they dealt with new things, the romance, the forbidden vs freedom notions...) but what the author chose to present is still quite captivating... when it comes to m/m, I think this author has a very distinctive and effective "voice".

Josh is the more vulnerable of the two, he seems to feel inferior, mainly because of how he was treated at the compound and in how this affected him, but Caleb being stronger mentally doesn't stop him from having less than good moments. Despite this, their relationship was mostly a sweet one, even if a bit predictable and without the vibrancy I've felt in other m/m stories the author has written. I was quite happy for them, that's true, and I should say this book was still more appealing than others I've read this year, but not as balanced as others by the author.

After the guys leave the compound, they go to live with Maggie, another "defector", and the older sister of the girl who had a crush on Caleb at the compound. Maggie had promised to help anyone else who left and that is why the guys looked for her. I was supposing the change of scenario and lifestyle would be harder for them to deal with, but the process was surprisingly quicker than what I imagined, and then living with Maggie and her husband added other issues. Maggie has a baby and this starts off certain events, culminating in the big conflict later on, which I've felt was predictable but rushed. Another element that experience might have helped to smooth.

In the end, Caleb and Josh find their HEA and we can believe they will make it, but I think this is more due to the author's skill - despite the flaws - than anything else, because like I said they aren't as layered as such a plot and premise would have demanded. Still, reading about them ease up my mind, so...

I see there's a sequel, featuring a different couple. I might try it at some point too...

Grade: 7/10

Sarina Bowen - Coming In From the Cold

Alpine ski champion Dane “Danger” Hollister does not do relationships, though he has an excellent reason. No woman would ever say “I do” to a guy whose faulty DNA will eventually cost him everything: his spot on the US Ski team, his endorsements, and the ability to fly downhill at 90mph.
While Willow Reade moved to rural Vermont to get back to the land, that wasn’t meant to include a night stranded in her vehicle during a blizzard. Luckily, the hot ski racer she practically ran off the road has granola bars and a sleeping bag, and is happy to share. Maybe it’s the close quarters, maybe it’s the snow, but soon the two are sharing a lot more than conversation.
Yet neither can guess how their spontaneous passion will uncork Dane’s ugly secret and Willow’s tentative peace with her own choices. Only their mutual trust and bravery can end the pain and give Willow and Dane a shot at hard won happiness.

Comment: I've started this book because it would suit a challenge prompt I'm doing in one of my GR groups, namely the fact it has a snowy setting. I had also read books by the author, some I loved, so I was eager to have a good time, but this one I must add to those I wasn't as happy with by her.

This story begins with a snow storm and Willow Reade is caught in it as she was trying to go back home after buying food for her animals. On the same road, and pretty close to a collision with her, is Danger Hollister, a skying star with the US team, back to Vermont for training and to visit his ill brother. When their cars get immobilized and no help is going to arrive that quickly, they use Danger's jeep, which is better to keep the cold out and spend the night together, sharing a lot more than what any of them would assume. In the morning they go their separate ways but in the following days they keep seeing each other and things progress in a sweet way. However, Danger believes he has no real future and Willow thinks she might have a new life somewhere else, so when something surprising happens, will they be able to be a team of two?

The premise of this story reminded me of those old little harlequin books I used to buy and while this book was published by harlequin, I'd not expect the author to develop a story so obviously similar to a traditional harlequin plot. I say this because having read other books by the author, I've come to expect a certain style and "voice" and I don't think I've found it here. Perhaps there's a reason for this story's existence, but I have not investigated enough if that is so.

The book isn't big, and there are some serious issues being dealt with here which, in my opinion, would have been more suitable for a longer book, where perhaps a bigger page count would have helped to develop some things better. I'd say all the necessary information to make this story work is here, but of course most things happen or are developed at a more concise pace and while this doesn't have to be a negative aspect, I felt it didn't help me appreciating the novel.

Willow is in Vermont because of a previous relationship that didn't work out. However, leaving won't be that easy but she has other dreams so when she meets Danger and seems to share something special with him, it's not as if she has many expectations but perhaps they could be friends, even after Danger leaves. I feel Willow is a very stable character, who comes from the foster system, and I got the feeling this was used to show her vulnerable side, so she could also have more in common with Danger.

Danger's issues are different, his mother died of Huntington's disease, his brother is getting there and Danger feels his own life has a time limit, so he lives as dangerously as he can while his body allows him. Of course that in romanceland things aren't this basic and as the story develops, we learn a lot about these two, and I will have to say that apart from the obvious to carry on their motivations, there wasn't a lot about them or about their interactions that convinced me this was an epic love story. It was only OK to read about them...

The relationship is actually not that believable nor as romantic as I expected. I can understand their personal issues (which I feel weren't developed well enough) getting in way of their reactions to the other person beyond the initial hook up. Neither thought the connection would last much longer, but since it did, now they have to deal with each other and that does affect them in a different way, but while in the end everything is sweet and amazing, the road until then wasn't. I think that the author wanted to contrast personalities and mind states in a situation vs another, but the result to me was one of exaggeration.

I would say that to me, the way this was written doesn't feel like the author style, or at least the one I came to be used to read. Perhaps this did play a bigger part in my experience reading this book, but the result wasn't one I will remember fondly. I think, as I often do, that the elements were good, interesting and special enough to make the story feel special, but the execution could have been better.

Grade: 5/10

Sarina Bowen, Elle Kennedy - Good Boy

Hosting her brother’s wedding for an MVP guest list is the challenge of Jess Canning’s life. Already the family screw-up, she can’t afford to fail. And nobody - absolutely nobody! - can learn of the colossal mistake she made with the best man during a weak moment last spring. It was wrong, and there will not be a repeat. Absolutely not. Even if he is the sexiest thing on two legs.
Blake Riley sees the wedding as fate’s gift to him. Jess is the maid of honor, and he’s the best man? Let the games begin. So what if he’s facing a little (fine, a lot) of resistance? He just needs to convince the stubborn blonde that he’s really a good boy with a bad rap. Luckily, every professional hockey player knows that you’ve got to make an effort if you want to score.
But Jess has more pressing issues to deal with than sexy-times with a giant man-child. Such as: Will the ceremony start on time, even though someone got grandma drunk? Does glitter ever belong at a wedding? And is it wrong to murder the best man?

Comment: After having really enjoyed the Him books by these two authors, it was no wonder I was curious about the spin off featuring the sister and friend of the protagonists of those other books. Despite this curiosity, I still delayed reading this but I'm glad I finally decided to pick it up.

In this story we follow what happened to Jess Canning and Blake Riley after their surprising encounter while they attempted to help Jamie, an event from Us. Jess feels embarrassed she gave in to Blake, since she feels he is someone she can't like but now it seems they will have to spend more time together, not only because she is planning her brother's wedding but also because Blake is the best man. During this time she can't help but interact with him, and things get more complicated between them when she sees a side of him not often seen by everyone else...that underneath that bubbly and confident persona is someone with his own disappointments and problems. Could it be these two will have a lot more in common then, since Jess feels she isn't good enough and feels judged by others too? As they spend more time together, perhaps both can find in each other the best friend they needed...

This was a surprisingly sweet and cute novel. I mean, I already knew this team of writers wrote things I enjoyed, but there's always a certain expectation when starting something a little different. I was a little hesitant because Jess and Blake seemed very simple characters whose relationship would be set on how much chemistry they would have or how much fun times they would share until they admitted their feelings but I'm glad to say this had more complexity than I anticipated.

As the story begins, we learn Jess feels a lot of pressure to do a good job with planning her brother's wedding. She wants everything to be perfect but she feels guilt her parents had to help her once more and now she can say she doesn't really feel event planning is something she can see herself doing, but she has already quit so many things, she feels her parents will be so disappointed if she tells them this isn't the way either and I could immediately sympathize because we all feel like we aren't doing enough to meet the expectations of those we love... I think this aspect of Jess' personality was well presented and easily explains the mood for the rest of the book.

Then, the relationship with Blake is the drive that propels much of her decisions for her interactions with him both calm and challenge and we can see how, in so many little things, apparently unimportant, their mutual affection sets in and they start to develop feelings for each other, even if not readily admitted. I think the romance was so cute, fun and serious in balanced amounts, so I really felt they complemented each other and the things they shared made it seem as if they really understood each other.

Blake was also a positive surprise. He seems to be a silly man, always joking around, not concerned about much but we also have explanations for this as the novel develops and we learn why he is now such an easygoing guy. He has had some bad experiences in the past and decided to not let that affect his life nor his relationships with others. I liked how he sees the world even if at times he sounds a little too silly. Nevertheless, his more serious side was one I also appreciated and respected.

There are some scenes I could do without, some situations are meant to be played as something too superficial, as if it doesn't matter, or perhaps that was included to make the story feel less dramatic when, in reality, some things were that, but I felt the things I didn't like as much weren't reason enough to ruin the overall story for me. Plus, in the end, the main characters discuss and accept each others' faults, they decide to move on and life on the things they feel they are best at and it just feels the story is complete.

Grade: 8/10

Sarina Bowen - The Shameless Hour

For Bella, the sweet-talking, free-loving, hip-checking student manager of the Harkness men’s hockey team, sex is a second language. She’s used to being fluent where others stutter, and the things people say behind her back don’t (often) bother her. So she can’t understand why her smoking hot downstairs neighbor has so much trouble staying friends after their spontaneous night together. She knows better than to worry about it, but there’s something in those espresso eyes that makes her second guess herself.
Rafe is appalled with himself for losing his virginity in a drunken hookup. His strict Catholic upbringing always emphasized loving thy neighbor—but not with a bottle of wine and a box of condoms. The result is an Ivy League bout of awkwardness. But when Bella is leveled by a little bad luck and a downright sinister fraternity stunt, it’s Rafe who is there to pick up the pieces.
Bella doesn’t want Rafe's help, and she’s through with men. Too bad the undeniable spark that crackles between the two of them just can't be extinguished. 

Comment: This is the fourth book in the Ivy Years series by author Sarina Bowen. So far I was impressed by one, glad about another and so-so about another one and now this too. There's a fifth installment in this series about college students I'm still debating about reading or not...

In this story we finally see Bella have the spotlight. Bella is a young woman who is very confident in her social life, in her romances and hook-ups and she feels comfortable in her skin and in how to be with other people, especially those of the opposite sex. Of course she also has doubts about her future, where she should go after college but besides that her most recent problem was to discover someone she cared about a bit more than as only a hookup wasn't into her the same way.

She is happy for him, though, but it hurt a bit to be put aside so she just wants to keep up her routines.

However, after discovering a problem she was not thinking she would suffer, she makes a mistake and is severely punished by it.

To help her, there's her downstairs neighbor Rafe, a sweet guy who recently broke up with his girlfriend after discovering she cheated and in a commiseration night, he and Bella spent the night together. However, intimacy is not something Rafe sees as casual and he is conflicted about having liked being with Bella and his own thoughts on the subject. When these two finally speak and talk seriously, they discover they can be, after all, a good match...

After being blown away by the previous book, The Understatement of the Year, I knew this one would be a challenge to overcome the other so my expectations were lower and, to be honest, I'm glad because I didn't like this one as much, just as predicted.

This story features a sexually active female protagonist and a virgin male protagonist which, in romanceland, can be quite the switch of roles. I think it's nice to empower women just as much as men when it comes to sexuality because everyone should be free to make their own conscious choices, whether to enjoy sex or to wait. I think this message that women can be healthy, sexually active and happy just as much as guys is very positive so I didn't really mind the idea Bella had been with many guys before and has had good experiences.

At the same time, this same issue is used to make another message come across: just because a girl enjoys sex is no reason to be considered promiscuous or any negative adjectives one might think of. After all, guys aren't labeled so if they have many sexual partners.

A key plot theme is, therefore, how women are treated if they are obvious in their sexual relationships and how often that is considered bad, as if that girl/woman cannot be "a good girl". I think this part of the book was quite to the point, incisive and presented a situation that probably happens too often, even if in a different way, all over the world. I also think the reactions Bella had throughout the situation were realistic and if her personality had been other, if her self esteem was lower, then things might have been portrayed in a more extreme manner too.

Messages aside, we obviously have the romance between the protagonists. We are told about how different they are at many levels: sexual confidence, social and racial background, age, among other things. The things they have in common should not be enough to make them a good pair but that is precisely what the author tries to make us see, especially because Rafe is so much more down to earth and calm and defender of those he cares about. He is in the right place to help Bella, as if being a good guy is enough to balance against the type of guys who we see were causing Bella her problems.

Sure, thy had some chemistry, they were good friends but I didn't feel as convinced of their feelings and of their suitability as I did with the previous book.

I liked seeing some secondary characters play a role in this book, I see Bella's roommate will be the protagonist f the next story, I liked seeing the guys from the previous books make an appearance... but the main romance and Bella and Rafe's descriptions didn't feel as strongly developed as I think they could have. In the end I was just not as interested in what they had to tell.

I'll think about the last book...maybe not for right now but it's just one left and I think I'd like to have the series finished anyway.

Grade: 6/10

Sarina Bowen - The Understatement of the Year

Five years ago, Michael Graham betrayed the only person who ever really knew him. Since then, he’s made an art of hiding his sexuality from everyone. Including himself.
So it’s a shock when his past strolls right into the Harkness College locker room, sporting a bag of hockey gear and the same slow smile that had always rendered Graham defenseless. For Graham, there is only one possible reaction: total, debilitating panic. With one loose word, the team’s new left wing could destroy Graham’s life as he knows it.
John Rikker is stuck being the new guy. Again. And it’s worse than usual, because the media has latched onto the story of the only “out” player in Division One hockey. As the satellite trucks line the sidewalk outside the rink, his new teammates are not amused.
And one player in particular looks sick every time he enters the room.
Rikker didn’t exactly expect a warm welcome from Graham. But the guy won’t even meet his eyes. From the looks of it, his former… best friend / boyfriend / whatever isn’t doing so well. He drinks too much and can’t focus during practice.
Either the two loneliest guys on the team will self destruct from all the new pressures in their lives, or they can navigate the pain to find a way back to one another. To say that it won’t be easy is the Understatement of the Year.

Comment: This is the third installment in the Ivy Years series by author Sarina Bowen. This is an m/m title inserted in the (mainly) m/f series and I must say the the author could probably let go of writing m/f to dedicate herself exclusively to m/m stories and they would certainly be all fantastic as I felt this one ended up being.

In this story we meet hockey player John Rikker as he joins the Harkness college team after a problem with his previous team, since the conservative college didn't appreciate the fact he was exposed as being gay. Rikker is not ashamed but he feels annoyed and sad over the fact his talent didn't count but he hopes the new team can treat him way better. 

When joining the new college, he already knew he would find Michael Graham, who happens to be the guy he discovered his sexuality with but who has left him without turning back and now acts as if they never met...

Graham is still doubtful about his feelings, about who he is... being around Rikker not only brings back all the doubts and the wishes but also guilt and fear of everyone else knowing he likes guys too. Will he be able to still be friends with someone who could expose him?

I really had a great time reading this novel. The writing felt engaging and easy to go through and as it had happened with other novels by the author I had tried, this one was also fluid and filled with situations that grabbed my attention, not being solely based on sexual chemistry or discussions of civil rights as sometimes some m/m books tend to be divided into.

My favorite aspect of this book was how the guys, after years apart and a lot of doubts, lack of communication, personal change still felt so right with one another. I loved how the author put a slow pace on their reconnection, on their life in campus and among their friends/mutual acquaintances so they their interactions felt more realistic and likely to happen. I liked I was able to get to know each one as the chapters went by and I got to be able to not be just on the side of one of them. I liked how cleverly the author wrote things so that the reader could see both sides of the equation and by the end of the book I could say I got both their POVs in how things happened.

Nevertheless I liked Rikker more. Not precisely because he was out and aware of his own feelings in regards to being gay and not having the support of his parents. Graham was too afraid to acknowledge his feelings, much less Rikker's, but despite understanding his actions and fears, Rikker felt even more lonely and special and I was rooting for him in a different manner.

It was, however very special too how the two guys slowly developed the relationship they used to have, first as just team mates - even if with reluctance from Graham's side - then as fellow friends over a team's loss and them, as expected, as more than just friends.

I liked how their being gay was not a big deal but at the same time being so. It shouldn't have to be, because being gay is not a feature/characteristic one chooses but I liked this novel included some reflections on those who struggle to identify themselves, who have families/circle of friends who don't support them and although this was clearly not the focus of the story, after all this is not a documentary on accepting one's gay side, this is a sweet romance, I was still glad the story didn't run from those issues which affect so many people who suffer over not being free to be themselves.

This aside, the story has some angst, some sadness but also sexy moments and cute ones and I was really glad to follow the two guys as they reconnected and moved along. I don't tend to like lovers reunited plots nor second chance and this is precisely a mix of both but really, when done right there are no less tropes, just the incredible talent of how things can be done to convey such a wide set of emotions and situations and this happened here, I think.

I liked this story a lot. I would have loved a more extended end, maybe an epilogue, I also would have liked some scenes regarding doubts to be better balanced with good ones throughout the book but despite slight details, I liked seeing Rikker and Graham falling in love once more and their story was special for me indeed.

Grade: 9/10

Sarina Bowen - The Year We Hid Away

Scarlet Crowley’s life was torn apart the day father was arrested for unspeakable crimes. Now the shock has worn off, but not the horror.
It’s a safe bet that Scarlet is the only first year at Harkness College who had to sneak past TV news trucks parked on her front lawn just to leave town. But college will be Scarlet’s fresh start. Clutching a shiny new student ID — with a newly minted name on it — she leaves it all behind. Even if it means lying to the boy she’s falling for.
Bridger McCaulley is a varsity hockey star known for being a player both on and off the ice. But a sobering family crisis takes that all away. Protecting his sister means a precarious living arrangement and constant deception. The only bright spot in his week is the few stolen hours he spends with Scarlet.
The two form a tentative relationship based on the understanding that some things must always be held back. But when grim developments threaten them both, going it alone just won’t work anymore. And if they can’t learn to trust one another now, the families who let them down will take everything they’ve struggled to keep.

Comment: This is the second installment in the Ivy Years series by Sarina Bowen. I liked the first book enough to want to keep reading and that is why I've picked this one but, in general, the first one was a lot more appealing to me.

In this second story, we have a new protagonist couple. 

Scarlet is a freshman with a secret behind her that she doesn't want to see coming to light. She has a new name, a new identity and she hopes to just go to class and put aside who she used to be.

Bridger is a well known guy in college for his popularity and energy. However, this new years his friends have noted he doesn't go to parties anymore, he seems to always be busy and even his free time rarely allows him to just hang out.

Scarlet and Bridger become friends over shared class but as they spend more time together, they discover they have some things in common and their relationship becomes more intimate. However, since both have things they don't want the other to know, will they be in the same level when it comes to trust?

This story has interesting elements and the romance, as a whole is sweet. However, I think the themes explored were a bit too complex for such a short story (in terms of pages and objectivity) and perhaps the fact both protagonists were facing such difficult situations felt too much. If one had such heavy issues to deal with and the other didn't or had a "lighter" cross to bear, things might have felt more balanced. The way things ended up happening, it just felt they were too lucky in how their problems were solved and I cannot imagine their emotions ans state of mind were that quickly fixed by love...

The plot was quite heavy on serious issues. Bridger is dealing with her mother's problems and how that affects his young sister, especially because we know social work takes too long and has a lot bureaucracy and Bridger tries his best to not let anything happen to his young sister but, as one can imagine, he is not rich, he has a scholarship and all these elements together mean he has to play with his time just well in order for things to work out. 

Putting myself in his hoes, I thought how it would be like to have so many responsibilities, how could I not be stressed out and worried all the time. Bridger is an appealing character and I wished for the best but in the end his problems went a way that seemed a bit too easy. Maybe I just expected more hardship...

Scarlet had a more emotional problem regarding her father. I could really see how difficult it must have been for her or anyone who is guilty by association even before any proof is found or checked. I can understand her need to change, her willingness to become someone else, to have other chances and some of her inner monologue was intriguing to think about.

The fact her father was well known probably gave a different touch to this but I have to say it felt very tacky how she was treated and how the whole situation developed. It just seems like it was one of those b-movies which aren't done with the same professionalism of other productions. It was over the top and brought down quite a sensitive situation.

Since this is a romance, part of the plot is obviously dedicated to this. I don't think the romance was the best it could have because the other issues were clearly serious and difficult and how they had the head or the state of mind to act on attraction, I can't understand. If it were me going through any of that I'd have tried to be invisible and wouldn't look at anyone in the eye. Still, this is a romance series so the two of them connect. I think the way they met and their first interactions were believable but how they thought they were in love was not as convincing. 

This is complicated to explain but the amount of time focused on the issues they faced vs the romance development were not leveled up elements and the romance seemed secondary, thus less strong.

I still liked some details, I liked seeing the couple from the first book show up, I liked some passages... but as a whole, this wasn't as compelling as the other book. I have hopes for the next one in the series, though, and I expect it to be a great one.

Grade: 5/10

TBR Challenge: Sarina Bowen - The Year We Fell Down

She expected to start Harkness College as a varsity ice hockey player. But a serious accident means that Corey Callahan will start school in a wheelchair instead.
Across the hall, in the other handicapped-accessible dorm room, lives the too-delicious-to-be real Adam Hartley, another would-be hockey star with his leg broken in two places. He’s way out of Corey’s league.
Also, he’s taken.
Nevertheless, an unlikely alliance blooms between Corey and Hartley in the “gimp ghetto” of McHerrin Hall. Over tequila, perilously balanced dining hall trays, and video games, the two cope with disappointments that nobody else understands.
They’re just friends, of course, until one night when things fall apart. Or fall together. All Corey knows is that she’s falling. Hard.
But will Hartley set aside his trophy girl to love someone as broken as Corey? If he won’t, she will need to find the courage to make a life for herself at Harkness — one which does not revolve around the sport she can no longer play, or the brown-eyed boy who’s afraid to love her back.

Comment: Time does fly and it's time for another monthly TBR Challenge post. For May the theme chosen is Backlist Glom, meaning something by an author with more than one book in your TBR. I could have certainly have chosen countless authors, that's a given because like many of you there is a lot I haven't yet read and in some author's case I have series to go through.

I picked Sarina Bowen because I've counted 5 books by her in the pile and I thought contemporary would be a good choice since I like to alternate the genre of the books I read so I don't get stuck with one specific genre for long.

In this first book of the Ivy Years series, the author has gone on an interesting journey with a couple not often seen in romance: the girl is in a wheelchair and he has to wear crutches.

Corey is about to start college but she imagined she would be a hockey player and not a wheelchair user. An accident has made her injured and although she can eventually get the use of her legs again, she won't be able to play the game anymore. However, she had the goal to attend the same university as her older brother and she won't let her handicap stop her.

Adam Hartley is a hockey player but he has a broken leg and is recovering by having the use of the handicapped room in front of Corey's. The two connect over the difficulties of managing the campus when everyone else rushes and climbs stairs so easily. 

The two seem to get along perfectly but Hartley has a girlfriend and Corey wouldn't want to have others take pity on her. Still, they do spend a lot of time together and some things can be inevitable.

We are told things alternately between Corey and Hartley's POVs. I'm actually glad this is so because so often in the new adult genre the girl has the most attention and what a loss that can be for the reader if the narrator isn't likable.

This is not the first book I read by this author so I kind of expected the writing to be a certain way. Overall, I liked reading this but it does make me think sometimes how really mature these characters can be. They are in the age gap between 18-25 (that's new adult for me at least) and probably what makes this author a good one is that the characters act this age but in a thoughtful manner. They aren't just silly people doing nothing, they do act somewhat maturely for the life experiences they are supposed to have lived.

The plot isn't complicated. Basically we follow what happens between Corey and Hartley as they get to know each other and we see the characters surrounding them interact as well.

Seen like this, there wouldn't be a lot to be interested in, i suppose, butt he magic is on the details, on how we get to follow each character in their daily routines, in how we follow their thoughts as well and they aren't too perfect nor too unlikely to be real. 

I liked the often over exposition of contrary details, which I imagine are there to give depth to the characters' personalities: the almost perfection of their looks (both are obviously good looking, if not the most gorgeous ever) vs the self doubt in some aspects of their lives, namely if they are going to do what they aim for.

What probably makes me cringe a little is the intimacy side. It is positive that the author has chosen to add some sexual tension to their interactions but I can't help thinking it was so... obvious. 

I mean, of course the reader would expect that outcome, this is a romance after all, but Corey and Hartley themselves think about each other like that, even before acting on it. I'm not saying it's a bad detail, in fact it's quite normal to be attracted to someone else from the start and the emotion comes more slowly. I just think it's so repetitive to keep having scenes in which they (Corey more often) think about the other person for so long, with such determination and focus, with so much time being occupied with those thoughts. I can understand the point is to let the reader be aware of where things are but it sure can be a little annoying to have that so often. I already got the idea, no need to say/think/inner monologue that again!

This means that the cute part of the story (the setting and actions done by the characters) seems to always be placed in second stage behind the sexual aspects. Even in a romance that can be annoying because often the sex thoughts wouldn't really move the plot forward. The more innocent stuff, on the other hand, could show empathy and connection between two people. I'd say more little clues on sexual tension seen in the page would have been better than plain on thinking on it.

The physical limitations the characters face weren't as seriously developed as I imagined. The premise they had obstacles was a good one but the truth is that they do solve those issues later on, or get on that path. They don't have a permanent handicap, and that changes things too, it makes them easier too, of course.

I liked the relationships they had with their parents.

I liked the feel of college living with some details here and there, especially in interacting with some secondary characters.

Overall, I think this was an enjoyable read, the idea is a great one but the NA label and the public target certainly influenced the reason why some scenes were used and why some details felt like they were too easily solved or mentioned. I suppose it wouldn't be believable new adults would forge stronger or steadier relationships emotionally so quickly and at such a young age but in romance they always seem to be able to.

I do plan on reading the other books, to see where this is going.

Grade: 7/10

Sarina Bowen, Elle Kennedy - Us

Five months in, NHL forward Ryan Wesley is having a record-breaking rookie season. He’s living his dream of playing pro hockey and coming home every night to the man he loves—Jamie Canning, his longtime best friend turned boyfriend. There’s just one problem: the most important relationship of his life is one he needs to keep hidden, or else face a media storm that will eclipse his success on the ice.
Jamie loves Wes. He really, truly does. But hiding sucks. It’s not the life Jamie envisioned for himself, and the strain of keeping their secret is taking its toll. It doesn’t help that his new job isn’t going as smoothly as he’d hoped, but he knows he can power through it as long as he has Wes. At least apartment 10B is their retreat, where they can always be themselves.
Or can they?
When Wes’s nosiest teammate moves in upstairs, the threads of their carefully woven lie begin to unravel. With the outside world determined to take its best shot at them, can Wes and Jamie develop major-league relationship skills on the fly?

Comment: Having Him being one of the books I loved the most in the previous year, I obviously had to try this one as well and this month I added it to my reading list. I'm very glad that it didn't disappoint and gave us the same solid characters we care about from the first book.

In this sequel, we see Wes and Jamie living together in Toronto, the home base of both their jobs. Jamie is working as a coach and Wes is living his rookie year in the Hockey League. Both are enjoying their lives and their relationship but keeping heir feelings a secret is taking a toll on them and in how they face their routines and friends.

Sadly, Jamie gets sick and need to go to the hospital but will that be his wake up call for the problems they need to address before breaking up? Or will their love be stronger than any issue or difficulty?

I'm very happy I loved this book as much as the first. There's an incredible consistency we see in the two author's work that is not something all co-authors can achieve. The words just flow whether we have Wes or Jamie's POV. By the way, I really like how we have them both narrating, it makes everything so much better and special! I wish more author thought about this when writing romance.

The plot is not complicated but it does provide challenges. Living together is one thing, who wouldn't accept a roommate? But to tell others about their real relationship is more difficult... I like how the authors presented this difficulty so well, even when they had things to help them like Jamie's family accepting things. The way a secret weights on you, how you start to doubt and to think if it's worth it, if they can make it together... This is not the worst angst filled story I've read but it does provide interesting situations and states of mind from both of them that it makes it believable how they act sometimes and why it's a struggle. In terms of plot believability and characterization, the story is very well accomplished.

At some point, Jamie gets sick. From then on, there's a change on the attitudes, the way they think about what it means to be together, to try to keep the secret for longer. It was actually very interesting to see them both deal with the repercussions of Jamie's illness and recovery. This changes things but I'm very glad to see everything worked out very well! Well, this is a romance after all.

The relationship between Jamie and Wes is the most interesting part of the story, of course. I liked it how they are so strong together but they keep individual fears, individual ideas that shape their behavior. Wes seems to be more carefree but we know how he has always suffered with his parents negligence and Jamie has the family support but he feels inadequate when compared with Wes, not professionally but in other little things. They still feel the same two wild guys from the first book who took chances in their love and now they are settled. But life goes on and I liked how they faced what was to come with naturalism and not childish behavior.

The secondary characters were amazing, even those who we don't care about. I'm happy to think the world could be as understanding and such a great friend as some characters in this book were. It's always nice to see how reality could improve from fiction when it comes to acceptance and simplicity in just letting other be happy no matter what they are or whom they love.

I'm very hopeful for a new installment, if it ever is written and published!

Grade: 9/10

Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy - Him

Jamie Canning has never been able to figure out how he lost his closest friend. Four years ago, his tattooed, wise-cracking, rule-breaking roommate cut him off without an explanation. So what if things got a little weird on the last night of hockey camp the summer they were eighteen? It was just a little drunken foolishness. Nobody died.
Ryan Wesley’s biggest regret is coaxing his very straight friend into a bet that pushed the boundaries of their relationship. Now, with their college teams set to face off at the national championship, he’ll finally get a chance to apologize. But all it takes is one look at his longtime crush, and the ache is stronger than ever.
Jamie has waited a long time for answers, but walks away with only more questions—can one night of sex ruin a friendship? If not, how about six more weeks of it? When Wesley turns up to coach alongside Jamie for one more hot summer at camp, Jamie has a few things to discover about his old friend...and a big one to learn about himself.

Comment: This book has caught my eye because many readers have liked it, including people whose taste I trust. I got the book and thought to let it wait but I've been rather moody and being so busy has removed some of my reading time, plus feeling tired at night made me get behind on my reading goals. This book seemed like a good one to get me some ahead time and I'm quite glad I read it because it's as well done as many people say.

This is the story of Ryan Wesley and Jamie Canning, two young hockey players who've met in their teenager years and became good friends but one lost bet changed everything until the last year of college, where their opposite teams are facing each other. Now the good times and the doubts and the unanswered questions will have to be addressed. Ryan knows why he stepped back, but how will Jamie react? Can their friendship be salvaged? What if Ryan wants more than friendship?

This is the first time I've read something by these two authors. I have books by both in my TBR list but as it happens so often, I still haven't got to them. But the comments about this story were so good I felt immediately the will to read it. I was quite impressed with the level of structure this story has and how "easy" is was to read and simply be marveled by it.

Usually I'm not very fond of NA because in all the books with characters in this age group I've read, most of them had characters acting like teenagers and not adults, youth aside. So, I was expectant to to see if this would be another of those annoying books but thankfully, this was quite the opposite and I was impressed. I think the best thing about the writing was how fluid and smooth it was and I couldn't stop reading because every word seemed to make sense. I feel much more curious to try other series by each author now, considering this book and the level of work they presented.

The plot is captivating enough, although I don't know a lot about hockey. I was very interested in the relationship aspects of the story but all the details about the hockey game, the trainings, the efforts they do to work hard and have success, the message that is supposed to be given to young players and possible new ones, the way things seem to work was all interesting, even more so because I didn't feel I was being given a lesson. Although, to be honest, I can't really say how truthful each information is but it sounded good and was inserted very well into the two protagonists' lives and thoughts.

Of course the best thing is the relationship itself. I liked how we gradually learn about their pasts, how they become friends and why and how is that the step from friends to something else happened. Ryan's feelings have been serious for a long time when it came to Jamie and I liked how well the authors shown that intensity in the scenes we got from their pasts. It made what they have now so much more, much important too. I enjoyed each step they took to become each others' life and strength.

I liked how Jamie didn't go all cliché on realizing he had deeper feelings than friendship for Ryan, eve if he had never thought about himself other than hetero. And his thought process was convincing making this a very believable GFY sort of story.

I loved Ryan too, he's a wonderful person hidden under so many less than stellar moments (he says so himself) and it was amazing to see him not only prove his feelings were deep and serious but how glad and better he turned out to be because he was reciprocated.

The romance is amazing. Yes, there is sex but always with a purpose, always making them feel more in love. I had a lot of fun seeing them develop their relationship and even making it an important part of each others' lives to the point where it gave them the power to make decisions that could improve their future happiness (in this case, Jamie more than Ryan).

Each moment seems like a jewel between them. I couldn't put the story down because I wanted to see them more, I wanted to see what more they could do to be happy.  Yes, there are some conflicting scenes towards the end but I'm glad the authors didn't overdid this and actually presented such a wonderful scenario for the romantic I love yous....

All in all, this is a wonderful story. Yes, one or two little things I'd change but sincerely, this was so romantic it feels unfair so many couples, hetero or gay, don't have a story like this to enrich their relationship or their lives. I do recommend this lovely story to every reader.

I'll try to get the sequel soon too!

Grade: 9/10