Funzee's Cozy Couch

Saturday, June 10, 2017

ARC Review : Summer Heat by Jay Northcote

Title: Summer Heat
Author: Jay Northcote
Publisher: Jaybird Press (self published)
Length: 47,000 words approx
Genre: Contemporary m/m erotic romance, summer vacation story, friends to lovers
Cover Artist: Garrett Leigh
Release Date: Friday 9th of June 2017
Series info: This book is a standalone
My Rating : 4 of 5 Stars

A summer fling is an ideal cure for a broken heart. But when it's with your best friend, things get complicated.

When Adam is dumped by his boyfriend, a week away at a beach resort seems like a great opportunity to get over his ex. Sun, sea, and no-strings sex will be just the boost he needs to move on with his life.

Adam's best friend, Finn, agrees to accompany him at short notice. Finn's had a crush on Adam for years, but is determined to put his feelings aside and be the perfect wingman in Adam's time of crisis.

A spontaneous threesome with another guy forces Adam and Finn to confront their attraction to each other. Having a holiday fling together wasn't part of the plan, and as their trip heats up, they soon realise that one night of fun won't be enough for either of them.

The passion might be scorching, but their hearts and friendship are on the line. If their romance is going to survive the flight home, they have to be honest about what they want.

He was my lifeline. He always had been.

❤Adam❤

Adam had planned a romantic summer vacation with his boyfriend, Drew when Drew told him that he'd been seeing someone else and want to ended their five years of relationship because his cock had find newly fresh hole to f*ck!

Angry and broken hearted, Adam then leave Drew's apartment and went to someone he knew for sure will never turn his back on him. Finn, his one true bestfriend for years.

Finn took him in and never blamed Adam for what had happen or 'I told you so' him even Finn never like Drew.

Adam then asked Finn to fill in Drew place and ask him to be his companion and spent the Summer Vacation at gay resort on Mediterranean coast in Spain.

What better way to get over Drew than sun, sea, sand, and sex with hot guys, right?

❤Finn❤

Falling for his own bestfriend for years was not easy. Seeing his love one dating others guys and engaged to someone was hurt. Didn't want to ruined their friendship, Finn decided to keep his feeling to himself.

Until one day, Adam came to his apartment and told him that his relationship with Drew has ended because he'd been cheated on him for months for another fresh twink from his office.

Did he happy hear the news? Yes!

Is this his chance to (finally) have Adam for himself?

Oh Hell YES!!!

So, when Adam offer him to spent the summer vacation with him in Spain, Finn gladly accepted it. At first Finn's has one mission, 'to find hot guys to fuck' for Adam and help him forget his ex....

But then, one night threesome with a cute pinky guy, Niall from the resort changed everything...

When Adam - surprisingly - asked him to be his friends with benefits for the rest of summer vacation, Finn couldn't say no to it. Because he wants more...

Things then turn extremely HOT between the two, and when the feels getting stronger then what they both expected and it could be affected their friendship, will they dare to risk it?

When the vacation is over, will their summer fling continue?

The hidden attraction, the dilemmas, the high sexual tensions between the MC's are the points why I love reading a friends-to-lovers story.

Summer Heat is another quick-fun-reading about two bestfriends who finally found each other on hot summer heat with less angst and extremely hot. Jay Northcote will make your summer hotter that ever!

So, don't miss it!!

Last but not least...

Will Niall have his own strory?

Because this cute pinky guy succeed stealing the spotlight, JSYK 😜

ARC is kindly provided by the Author in exchange of a fair, unbiased and honest review.

Goodreads Link

Amazon | Amazon UK | Universal Amazon

Jay lives just outside Bristol in the West of England. He comes from a family of writers, but always used to believe that the gene for fiction writing had passed him by. He spent years only ever writing emails, articles, or website content.

One day, Jay decided to try and write a short story—just to see if he could—and found it rather addictive. He hasn’t stopped writing since.

Jay writes contemporary romance about men who fall in love with other men. Jay has five books published by Dreamspinner Press, and he also self-publishes under the imprint Jaybird Press. Many of his books are now available as audiobooks.

Jay is transgender and was formerly known as she/her.

Jay's Books

Friday, June 9, 2017

Review : Man Candy by Melanie Harlow

Title : Man Candy
Author : Melanie Harlow
Genre : Contemporary Romance, MF
Published : June 20th 2016
My Rating : 4 of 5 Stars

He’s back.

Not just back in town, but living in the flat right beneath mine. And he looks good enough to eat, which is just one more reason to stay away from him.

But I can’t resist.

The sex is incredible (pretty sure we’ve shaken the house right off its foundation), but he can’t fool me—not this time. A degree in marketing and five years in advertising have taught me that “true love” is a fairy tale used to sell lipstick, diamonds, and perfume. It doesn’t exist.

He thinks I’m wrong, and he wants to prove it.

I think he’s crazy, so I dare him to try.

It might be the biggest mistake of my life.

All I'd wanted was a little man candy, and he was offering me an entire meal...

***

First, I must confess that I rarely reading MF romance since I found my 'enlightment' in MM/Gay Romance five years ago.

Yes, rarely. But that doesn't means I didn't read any MF book at all. Well, I'm just a bit picky selecting the MF book I'll read, but.... It's all mostly depends on the mood (since I'm a moody reader), the cover (since I'm a coverSlut), the blurb (whether it's interesting enough or not to drawn my attention) and ifs there's something that can 'motivated' me to take the challenge and dare myself to read one.

So, in this case, I can say that the last reason was probably the closest logic reason on 'why I pick this book'...

Because yes, there's something that successfully drawn my attention to this book that could make me dare to challenge myself to read it. And the reason is...

YES!!!
Because it's Dima Gornovskyi thing!

He's been my bias for such a long time! And when I know that it's him as a model on the book cover. I have no more reason not to read the book, right?

So, well...here I am...

Breaking my own rule, challenge myself to read MF book with the author name that totally new to me!

I must admit that the blurb is quite interesting. But I need to tell you that I'm a bit confused while reading the first few chapters because I keep picturing Jaime as a MAN!!!

Please forgive my 'stupidity' for not change the switch in my brain from MM-mode into MF-mode. All mistake is mine, not the author false.

I admit that it's kinda 'ruined' my mood to finally realized that it's MF book I've been reading, and not MM. BUT...!!!!

Yes, there's is a big 'BUT' here, ladies...

Because after the adjustments and lots of realizations moments, I finally found that this book quite entertaining, and surprise! surprise! - I LIKE IT!!!

Chapter ONE totally won my curiosity! It's so EPIC!! and I can't stop laughing!

The interaction between Quinn and Jaime who already known each other from kids and the 'red bikini tragedy' that happened 10 years ago that start all the mess really something that interesting to follow.

All the term of endearments things Quinn said to Jaime to annoyed her was soooo funny. I can't stop smiling, laughing to tears because I keep picturing Jaime facial face every time Quinn teased her with all those love bug-sweat pea-honeybun-snookums-poopsie-dumpling-gumdrop-peaches-kitten-muffin things!!!
Gosh! I can't believe I quote all those words in my review!!! Lol!

I even highlighted it, JSKY!!!

Well, I think I'm in my craziest mood when I read this book because I don't even like reading a book that use a lot, Yes A LOT - term of endearment words in almost one chapter!!!! It's waaaaay too cheesy for my taste. But again, I don't mind this time!

I even have a suspicious thing that it might be not me who read this book at that time. It MUST be my alter ego that 'possessed' me!!! LMAO!

I think Jaime character a bit 'unique'. It usually a man who has the things like that in their minds. Maybe in previous life, Jaime is a guy perhaps?

Oh come on, gurl! Go switched back your brain into MF-mode! Lol! Sorry....

Seeing a lot example about there's no 'happily-ever-after-and-love-till-death-do-us-part in his life, makes Jaime scared to get hurt, so she refuse to get closer to anyone and falling in love.

So each time her relationship with a guy she'd been dating going to deep, she start to find a way to make a distance or breakup. Being an independent woman in her career life makes it so hard to put herself into someone else 'authority' or submitted to them.

Add the 'humiliation' she had when she confessed her first love to a guy she'd been in love just to being rejected. Ten years had passed, but the feels still the same...

Things then getting a bit complicated when the guy from her past come back again in her life after years of avoiding him.

After all these years, Quinn Rusek still has that effect to her...

Not wanting him, but craving him quite confusing. What Jaime wants for now is just a warm hot body to satisfied her without any feeling.

So when Quinn bringing back their little chicken games, Jaime accepted the dare because she want to prove that Quinn is wrong.

So, how's this game will end?

Will there's a chance for Quinn to prove that there is a HEA and love for everyone, include her.... or otherwise, Jaime will prove it wrong?

Again, I must admit that the story is fun enough to follow, and I found myself enjoying the reading so much.

No. It's not just because the Dima's things, NO, but the story is really something tho'.

I might or might not read another book from the author, because back again - MF romance is not quite my thing - unless, well IF the author write gay romance someday then I'll consider to read it, but I think this book is recommended enough. Yeah, speaking of the person who not into a MF story. I think it's really something huh?

Will Alex & Nolan have their own story? Or it has already? Just curious....

Friday, April 28, 2017

Release Blitz & Review : One Call Away by Felice Stevens

Title : One Call Away

Author : Felice Stevens

Genre : Contemporary Gay Romance, MM Romance

Published : 28 April 2017

My Rating : 5 of 5 Stars

When a brutal attack from a jealous competitor leaves Noah Strauss, darling of the modeling world, physically scarred and emotionally damaged, he quits the runway to become a psychologist. Using his contacts from his time in the spotlight, he creates One Call Away, a radio show dedicated to gay men looking for love, advice or someone to talk to. But with secrets of his own and a mother who refuses to understand the career path he's chosen, the one person Noah can't seem to help is himself.

On a drunken dare from the senior partner's grandson, Oren Leavitt calls Noah’s radio show, pretending to be gay. Only Oren isn't certain if he's pretending. He's left his strict Orthodox Jewish upbringing behind, but the guilt remains. Guilt that his actions have prevented his sister from finding a husband and guilt that he's failed his parents. Talking to "Dr. Noah" helps, and as he finds himself calling the man again and again, he knows he must be honest. But Oren is unsure if he's lying to Noah or himself.

For Noah, trust is paramount; he's been deceived in his personal and professional life and while he desperately wants to help Oren, he also finds himself falling for the sweet and tortured man. Oren is trapped: he risks losing his job and more importantly the love and security of his family but knows he can't hide if he wants to be with Noah. When unresolved heartaches from the past rise up to control the present, Noah and Oren discover that love often comes from the most unexpected places, and sometimes a call for help not only saves a life, it can be a new and beautiful beginning.

It was all chaos in my head until I met you, and now nothing makes sense without you. Because not being with you doesn’t work for me anymore...

***

Oren

From an early age, Oren sensed he might be different from the other boys he went to school with but didn’t understand why.

With his Jews Orthodox family and the pressures from his workplace made Oren feels caught in the middle...

And he need to 'breathe'...

Meeting Noah had changed his world. Oren decided right then he could never go back into the darkness. He needed Noah, though, to show him how to walk his path.

But Noah has his own baggage and the ghost that haunted him from the past. Oren know that Noah needed someone to fill him up again with beauty and a sense of worth after what had happened in his life. And Oren wanted to be that man...

And who knew that one call he thought at first as a joke could changed his life...forever...

Something about you, your voice…You had me hooked from the first call...

Noah

After brutally attacked that traumatized him, Noah decided to leave his modeling live behind and guarded his privacy well, behind thick walls.

Noah had made sure to keep everyone at arm’s distance.

For years he'd believe that he'll spent the rest of his life alone and lonely. But then by one call from a stranger on his radio show, he start to 'feel' again...

Like a magnet, Oren pulled him in from the start. Noah couldn’t walk away from him even if he wanted. And Noah didn’t want to...

Will these two broken men finally found their happiness?

This beautiful journey of healing and finding love began with just one little phone call...

***

This probably the longest read I ever did in 2017!

No, it's not because the story was that bad.

No, it's not because its boring or else.

It's purely because I DON'T WANT THE STORY TO END!

I keep going back to the previous page (or CHAPTER!!!) and read it again because I don't want the feel to end. But at the same time, I want to know what happens next!

I have HUGE expectations when the author revealed her idea for her newest project she's about to do back then. And my curiosity grew deeper since that day. And when it finally out, it excited me even more...

The chemistry between Noah & Oren strongly felt right from the first call and continuously wrapped the whole story to the end.

One Call Away definitely one of the sweetest read I have this year! It's beautifully written, heartwarming with low angst (even still there's a time I want to slapped someone face so many times! Lol!), full of love and made me wanna hug and cuddled with someone.

Oren & Noah story will forever linger in my heart!

There will be surprise 'crossover' characters from Felice's others books that excited and curious me for more, because I haven't read that series...yet. And now I need to read their story & 'meet' them in person!

Last, but not least...

I NEED Jeremy's story like NOW!!!

RECOMMENDED!

One Call Away

I have always been a romantic at heart. I believe that while life is tough, there is always a happy ending around the corner, my characters have to work for it, however. Like life in NYC, nothing comes easy and that includes love.

I live in New York City with my husband and two children and hopefully soon a cat of my own. My day begins with a lot of caffeine and ends with a glass or two of red wine. I practice law but daydream of a time when I can sit by a beach somewhere and write beautiful stories of men falling in love. Although there is bound to be a few bumps along the way, a Happily Ever After is always guaranteed.

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Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Review : Enigma Ego by Kristina Yovita (Reviewed in Indonesian)

Title : Enigma Ego
Author : Kristina Yovita
Genre : Contemporary Romance, Mystery Romance, MF
Published : February 20th 2017
Language : Indonesian
My Rating : 4 of 5 Stars

Special Note : I'm reviewing this book in Indonesian (my native language) and the paperback is kindly provided by the Author in exchange of a fair, unbiased and honest review.

Tiga wanita muda ini memiliki kehidupan masing-masing, termasuk cinta dan romansa yang berbeda. Ketika dua di antara mereka harus pergi demi yang seorang lagi—demi takdir—siapakah yang bisa melepaskan diri?

Katarina Lim, 21 tahun, wanita muda yang lembut namun bisu dan tuli. Atau,

Silvia Tanuwijaya, 26 tahun, karyawati paruh waktu perpustakaan, kuper dan selalu merasa ada penyusup masuk ke kamarnya. Atau,

Helena Djody, 23 tahun, easy-going lady, hyper-sex.

Masing-masing memiliki alasan dan ego untuk mempertahankan hidupnya. Siapa yang akan mengalah dan siapa yang akan menjadi pemenang?

Gue nyaris lupa gimana serunya membaca cerita ini. Dulu gue dibuat terkesan. Sekarang? Gue dibuat ternganga!

Waktu authornya nawarin gw buat ngereview edisi revisi dari ni buku, reaksi pertama gw adalah....

"Eh? Mau 'diporak-porandakan' bagaimana lagi itu buku????!!!"

Apalagi pas author nya bilang kalau ada penambahan jumlah halaman yang SANGAT SIGNIFIKAN!

Cieeeh, bahasa gw ala pengamat pilkada bener yeeee.... Mklm, ripiu ditulis & revisi sehari menjelang pilkada DKI. Trus? Hubungannya????

Lanjut!!

Sampe dimana tadi?

Oh, ya.... "...penambahan jumlah halaman yang SANGAT SIGNIFIKAN" dari 88 halaman Word menjadi.... - JENGJREEENG!!!! - 300 halaman Word!

Dalem hati langsung mikir, "Ditambahin apalagi iniiiiih?!" (Mendadak panikisasi akut, mual2 & ngidam rujak. Yeeeee...)

Maka....dengan hati super galau, gw akhirnya menerima dengan pasrah untuk nge-review ni buku, karena belom jg divonis 'Iya', authornya udh bilang kalo bukunya segera dikirim.... #AehMatek !

Ketika itu buku akhirnya tiba dalam genggaman, gw shock berat pas ngeliat tebelnya...

Rasanya mau pingsan dan butuh nafas buatan dari mas2 berdada bidang...

Selanjutnya, dengan berbekalkan sticky note warna-warni dan bolpen, gw pun mulai mengawali napak tilas gw kembali ke kapal Titanic....

CUT!!! Salah scene woy!!!

Oh, salah ya....wkwkwkwkkk...

Lanjut!!!

Ketika bab pertama menyeruak (cieh, bahasanya bo!), segala memori dan kenangan gw ketika pertama kali membaca buku ini beberapa tahun yang lalu pun kembali menari di kepala...

Meskipun gw udah tahu jalan ceritanya, tapi ajaibnya, gw masih bisa menikmati setiap scene dalam tiap lembarnya. Excited banget lah pokoknya!

Gw gak nyangka aja, kalau setelah sekian lama berlalu, ternyata gw masih hafal setiap adegan yang terjadi di dalam cerita ini, sehingga ketika menemukan scene yang baru buah dari penambahan, gw pun langsung senyum-senyum sendiri dibuatnya...

Yang gw tahu pasti ketika gw membaca ulang kisah penuh intrik ini adalah rasa yang gw rasakan ketika dulu membaca buku ini dan sekarang ternyata GAK BERUBAH!

Cerita ini tetap bikin gw EXCITED dan 'menggila'!

Meski begitu, gw harus tetep jujur sama authornya kalau gw sempet boring mampus ketika menyentuh 70% baca. Gw sempet 'down' banget karen ritmenya tiba2 'ngeDrop'...

Gw bahkan sampe sempet tutup itu buku selama satu hari dan 'selingkuh' ke buku lain...

Tapi kemudian gw putusin untuk lanjut lagi dengan harapan smoga bakal ada 'sesuatu' yang bisa bikin cerita ini 'ngangkat' lagi...

Dan....ketika saat itu akhirnya tiba...

BHAM!!!!!

Gw pun dibuat ternganga sampai keluar dah itu sumpah serapah plus FAK-FIK-FUK ala si Helena! Wkwkwkkkkwk...

So? Kesimpulannya?

Enigma Ego adalah sebuah kisah yang menarik, dibalut dengan rangkaian misteri serta kepingan puzzle penuh teka-teki yang apik dengan gaya tulisan yang tak kalah menarik.
Melihat bagaimana kepingan-kepingan puzzle itu saling bertaut adalah kenikmatan tersendiri ketika membaca kisah ini.

Kalau lo pikir lo tau ini cerita mau dibawa lari kemana, tunggu sampai buku ini 'nampar' lo disaat yang tak terduga!

YOU NAILED IT, K!

PS.

Untuk lebih serunya, kalian bisa lihat gimana hebohnya review gw waktu baca buku ini sebelum direvisi. Link disini!

Sudah baca? Seru yaaaaa....

Monday, April 17, 2017

Review : Dirty Games by Barbara Elsborg

Title : Dirty Games
Author : Barbara Elsborg
Genre : Contemporary Gay Romance/MM Romance
Published : March 30th 2017
My Rating : 4.5 Stars

The last thing Linton needs when he arrives home after three months in the States, is to find his beautiful flat is a squat, complete with his younger brother Dirk, who’s lying in Linton’s bed with a couple who’ve paid him for sex. Dirk isn’t even supposed to have a key. But after Linton throws Dirk out, life slams in hard and if his brother is to have any hope of a future, Linton has to play dirty. Or at least pretend to. What he hasn’t factored in is having to play the game to the bitter end.

Film star Thorne Morrisey has everything. Good looks, charm, seductive magnetism and a voice that could charm a snake from its basket. He can also be a real shit and yet people still love him - though he’d rather not have the love of his suicidal ex, dumped by Thorne in a very public and humiliating way. His ex’s wealthy brother has his own reasons for wanting revenge on Thorne, and his weapon of choice is Linton.

Linton and Thorne are on a collision course and in for the game of their lives. But who’s playing who?

He was supposed to be in control, this was his game, yet it wasn’t. How could he have ever thought he could do any of this? He wasn’t an actor. He couldn’t pretend.

***

First of all, the cover deserve more credit for its ability to grabbed this coverslut eyes attention. The next thing is the blurb. And I'm SOLD!

Before I starting my review I need to 'confess' that the truth is...I have that 'love- hate feeling' with Barbara Eslborg's book.

There's a time I 'hate' her book, but at another time I adored her book with very unlogic reasons. And this kinda 'frustrated' me because I keep reading her book even with all the things I felt. Well, maybe I'm a bit masochist or the author totally have that 'magic spells' that keep me lured to read her book?

I don't have the answer for myself. So, better we moved to the review, okay?

Due to the mixed feeling I have during reading this book, I decided not to give any SPOILER about the story. Because YOU need to read it by yourself to feels what I felt. And trust me.... It's kinda 'complicated' *smirk*

The story is kinda 'busy' and there's a lot - I need to repeat it once again - A LOT ! - characters for one story to 'swallowed'. BUT even with the 'busy plot' and a lot things happened in about the same time (and HELL-YEAH - it confused me sometimes), I must admit that I DO REALLY ENJOY THE READING!!!

TA-DAAA!!!!!

I have this constant urge to SLAPPED and HUGS some of the MC even they'd ANNOYED me for being so 'stupid' or for being too coward and their constantly annoying 'attitude'.

With that very intriguing blurb, I jumped to the story with big alert that the story will include the 'DIRTY GAMES' and assume that in the end someone will lose and get badly hurt. I thought I'd prepared enough and ready for that moment when it finally come...

But then when this line come up, it still broke my heart into pieces...

He could feel blood trickling down his face. Or maybe it was tears.
Okay, I get it.
We're done.
Game over.
You won.

Thorne, Linton, Dirk, Max, Owen, Pascal, River, Josh, Nate.

Not a small number of characters names that you should remember eh? But beware...because those names could upside down your feeling during reading this book!

Three of them even made me want to stab them right on their chest for REAL!!!

Just marked my word and keep those small soft thing within arms reach so you can throw it each time you get way too emotional and keep your Kindle safe in your hand. Just a little advice from someone who had been through the situation and SURVIVED! LOL!

This book deserve my very rare 4.5 Stars for the way this book made me feels and I tip my imaginary hat to the author for her ability to make this book into one of my emotional reading in 2017!

There's a mention about another book from Barbara Elsborg, "Dirty Angel" in this book where Thorne took part as the main actor for Aden cast that made me super duper CURIOS!!!
Maybe I'll read the book right after this...

RECOMMENDED!

Saturday, April 15, 2017

ARC Review : Starting From Scratch (Housemates #5) by Jay Northcote

Title: Starting from Scratch
Author: Jay Northcote
Publisher: Jaybird Press (self published)
Length: 57,000 words approx
Genre: Contemporary m/m romance/erotica, transgender, new adult
Cover Artist: Garrett Leigh
Release Date: Wednesday 12th April 2017
Series info: Housemates #5
My Rating : 4.5 of 5 Stars

Starting over isn’t easy, but Ben is ready to live his life as the man he was always meant to be.

Ben is transgender and back at university after hormone treatment and chest surgery. His new housemates have no idea about his history and Ben would prefer to keep it that way. He’s starting from scratch and his life is finally on track, except in the romance department. The idea of dating guys as a guy is exhilarating but terrifying, because if Ben wants a boyfriend he’ll have to disclose his secret.

Sid is drawn to Ben from the moment they meet. He normally gets what he wants—in the short term at least. Ben’s guarded at first, and Sid’s not used to guys rejecting his advances. He eventually charms his way through Ben’s defences and helps Ben on his journey of sexual awakening.

It doesn’t matter to Sid that Ben is trans. He’s attracted to the whole person, and isn’t worried about what is—or isn’t—in Ben’s pants. They’re good together, and both of them are falling hard and fast, but Ben’s insecurities keep getting in the way. If Sid can convince Ben he's committed, will Ben finally be able to put his heart on the line?

Although this book is part of the Housemates series, it has new main characters, a satisfying happy ending, and can be read as a standalone.

You made me feel like a man....

***

Ben had stolen my curiosity since he first appear in Shawn & Jude story. And when later I know that Ben is actually a Transman, my curiosity grew even more!

I must admit, in years I've read gay romance, I mostly read only cis gay man story. But I start to diverse my reading with more various characters. My last three reading that I choose randomly turn out to have the MC's with strong feminine characters, two of them are drag queen.
In the past, I must admit that I usually avoiding reading books with strong feminine characters, but these past two years I decided to add more 'colors' to my preference. And surprisingly, I LOVE IT!

So, Starting from Scratch not only important to Jay, but also for me. Because it's actually my first time reading a book with transgender character in it. And since I know Jay and following his story, It excited me even more...

When I read a book, I usually put myself into one MC's shoes to drawn myself deeper to the book, put my emotional attached to the MC and feels what this character felt. I laugh when they're happy, cry when they're sad, feels their frustration, their insecurity or their fears. That's why some reading ended way to emotional for me...

When I read Ben's story, I try to put myself in Ben's shoes. I got this strong personal 'connection' with Ben as soon as I started the book. Trying to understand what he'd been through, all the struggles, and feels his insecurity. I admiring his courage to brave himself open up to Sid and fight his own fears and be happy. And that's why this book become a bit emotional reading to me, because I become emotionally attached to the story.

Jay succeed put the emotions into the book and made us 'feel' it. Everything put perfectly right on it portion in this story and that what makes this book so special.

Another things I like from this story is Sid. I adored him for what he did to Ben and for 'accepting' and 'listening'. I just wish I have someone like Sid in my life who love and accepted me for who I am.

Last, but not least...

What excited me reading The Housemates series is when Jay put a hints on which character he'll write for the next book in the middle of the story.

And YASSS! Johnny and his feminine gothic look had (successfully) caught my eyes and made me curious for more!

Now I really cannot wait to 'meet' HIM!!!

ARC is kindly provided by the Author in exchange of a fair and honest review.

Starting From Scratch

Amazon | Amazon UK

The Housemates Series is a collection of standalone stories set around a student house in Britain. This new adult series focuses on themes of self-discovery and sexual awakening.

Amazon Links :

Helping Hand (Housemates #1)

Like a Lover (Housemates #2)

Practice Makes Perfect (Housemates #3)

Watching and Wanting (Housemate #4)

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Review : Taboo For You by Anyta Sunday

Title : Taboo For You
Author : Anyta Sunday
Genre : Contemporary gay romance
Published : June 27th 2013
My Rating : 4.5 of 5 Stars

Sam’s freaking out. He’s 30 in three weeks. And what has he done in his twenties? It’s pretty simple math: nothing exciting at all. But hey, he has three weeks right? Maybe that’s just enough time to tick his way through a 20s Must Do List . . .

Luke’s freaking screwed. He’s come out to his family, and his friends. Except there’s a certain someone who doesn’t know yet: his neighbor of 7 years. Who also happens to be his best friend. Who Luke needs to tell the truth, but he just . . . can’t . . . seem to . . .

Jeremy’s freaking over-the-moon. It’s the countdown to his 15th birthday, and his goal is simple. No matter what, he’s going to spend heaps of time with saucy Suzy. But first he needs to get his over-protective, no-girlfriend-'cause-you’ll-get-her-pregnant parents off his back. And what better way than pretending he’s gay?

Sam, Luke, and Jeremy. Three guys who have a lot of history together, and a lot of future too—

—well, if they can sort out their issues, that is.

Everywhere I look makes me love him more. I wish I could reach into my memories and kiss him or hold him or make love to him... ~ Luke.

Luke had been in love with his neighbor, Sam for almost a decade. But he never have the courage to speak the truth and choose to hide his feelings for years since he actually still in the closet for some reason.

Afraid that his feels would damage the bro-ship between him and Sam, Luke put all his feeling by taking good care both Sam and his teenage son, Jeremy.

Until one day, he found Sam's '20s Must-Do List' and read things that Sam want to do before he turned 30. And there's one thing on Sam's To-Do list that caught his attention and build hope in his chest...

When Luke come back from 6 months away to took care his sick mother at Auckland and found that Sam already starting his list, Luke - silently - 'help' Sam fulfilled his list, if by that its means he must stirring Sam into doing the taboo thing.... with him, he'll take all the risk even Luke knew that in the end it's him who will get hurts...

Don’t let go of me... ~ Sam.

On the other side, there's something about Luke that makes Sam feels connect to but cannot explain 'the way'. Sam mistook all things he felt as 'bro-ship' but at the same time he admire Luke for his caring for him and Jeremy, for make him smile and comfortable. When Luke leave for 6 months, Sam felt something was missing and he never thought that he will missed Luke this much.

But when Luke finally comeback, Sam start to see that sunshine is all coming back to his life.

When Luke help him fulfilled the list he made and offering himself to help Sam exploring his taboo wish, Sam start to 'see' Luke from different 'perspectives'...

And he want more...

Will straight Sam finally realized what he actually feels for Luke as love?

Taboo For You is definitely a beautiful-friends-to-lovers-GFY-story with no angst. Each characters in this book was at their good and perfect portions. The secondary characters also add the good vibrant to the story. Even Jeremy and his POV really add the colors to the story. His teeneage curiosity in sex life and 'The Golden Condom Rule' with the banana made me can't stop giggled all the time!

The slow paced really killing me, but at the same time, it show the growing and changing feelings between Luke and Sam in very beautiful way until the realization kicked in. These two guys were so adorable and lovely, and the high sexual tensions between them gave the tingling sensation on my skin and made the butterflies in my belly went crazy!

Anyta Sunday never failed me, and YES, I'm addicted to her writing....

Definitely a RECOMMENDED READ!!