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Boys of the Zodiac #12
Pisces: From Behind That Locked Door
It’s not easy being a gay man in Utah, but it’s even more difficult when you’re young and overweight. Jay has never fit in with the general “club culture” and he knows he’d never be attractive enough to catch a one-night stand, much less a boyfriend. Losing himself in books and school alleviates his loneliness, and he doesn’t waste time dreaming about what he can’t have. Until he meets the new director of the GLBT Center on campus and promptly falls in love—against all common sense and logic.
Hoping to catch a few glimpses of Stephen outside of the Center, Jay decides to start working out at the university gym. The plan turns out to be too successful as Stephen volunteers to be his workout buddy, then invites Jay out to lunch, and finally, kisses him. Jay wants Stephen more than anything, but he can’t bring himself to trust Stephen’s intentions. Not when he knows he’s disgusting and Stephen is so perfect...
Hoping to catch a few glimpses of Stephen outside of the Center, Jay decides to start working out at the university gym. The plan turns out to be too successful as Stephen volunteers to be his workout buddy, then invites Jay out to lunch, and finally, kisses him. Jay wants Stephen more than anything, but he can’t bring himself to trust Stephen’s intentions. Not when he knows he’s disgusting and Stephen is so perfect...
178 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 25, 2011
123 people want to read
About the author
Pepper Espinoza
83 books87 followersPepper Espinoza has published several books with Liquid Silver Books, including The Zebra Wore Fishnets and The Zebra Wore Red Stockings, Amber Quill Press, Whiskey Creek Press, and Samhain Publishing. She currently lives in Utah with her husband and two cats. She hopes to complete her Masters degree in Literature in May, 2008.
Ms. Espinoza also collaborates with Vivien Dean, and they publish as Jamie Craig. Together they have Amber Quill Press bestseller The Master Chronicles, and The Silver Series with Juno Books
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
Ms. Espinoza also collaborates with Vivien Dean, and they publish as Jamie Craig. Together they have Amber Quill Press bestseller The Master Chronicles, and The Silver Series with Juno Books
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 19, 2013
If you like the insecure guy gets with the hot guy, and you like the evil bitchy female then you should enjoy this one.
I enjoyed hearing Jay’s voice and could totally feel his pain every time Jeni made an appearance. Jeni is the bitch you really want to see ruined, but this story, like life, kinda lets her off the hook to easily for me.
This was a sweet read but nothing outstanding.
I enjoyed hearing Jay’s voice and could totally feel his pain every time Jeni made an appearance. Jeni is the bitch you really want to see ruined, but this story, like life, kinda lets her off the hook to easily for me.
This was a sweet read but nothing outstanding.
April 4, 2011
I debated giving this five stars - I really did love this book. I don't think it quite took over my life though, which is what I'm usually looking for from a 5 star book.
But this was great - I soooo related. I felt like this book was about me. Even down to the location; I like reading books set in Salt Lake because I'm always like "I know that place!"
Great romance, great characters, very refreshing.
But this was great - I soooo related. I felt like this book was about me. Even down to the location; I like reading books set in Salt Lake because I'm always like "I know that place!"
Great romance, great characters, very refreshing.
February 11, 2013
I liked this a lot. I was in the mood for something light and cute with a little angst, so I’m glad I picked it. Also a bonus, the main character, Jay, isn’t your typical white adonis you see in every other M/M novel. He’s overweight, insecure, and shy. I related to him a lot, which is probably why I loved this book.
Normally, I’d complain about coming into the middle of the story, but I felt that the backstory was set up well for our characters and it wasn’t necessary for me as the reader to see the story start from their very first interaction. I was also surprised at how much the short timeline didn’t really bother me at all. The whole book took place in a month, but I felt like there was still relationship and character development.
Of course this wouldn’t be your standard M/M if there weren’t detestable female characters. I don’t even care to remember their names, but they were awful. How are you going to date someone who treats your best friend like crap and has been doing so for 15 years? While I understand that Utah isn’t the bastion of gay culture, they do live in or around a major city, so I feel like it can’t be that difficult to find someone else. I wouldn’t be that desperate. Even if I was, I’d still talk to my best friend about it. With regards to Jay’s “nemesis”, I wish a woman would come into my house disrespecting me and doesn’t pay nan a bill; she’d have to be told. And quickly. In the end, I wouldn’t have forgiven her so she could date my roommate/best friend, but I’d tolerate her existence until she proved to be a decent human being, because even in the end, she didn’t deserve it.
All in all, I really loved Jay and Stephen as a couple. I liked how Stephen wasn’t bothered by Jay’s body and even accepted and loved it/him for what/who he was. He was supportive and didn’t try to change his physical appearance, just how Jay viewed himself. As someone who doesn’t have the perfect body either, it gave me hope that I could meet someone who will love my body just the way it is.
This is the last (12th) book in the Boys of the Zodiac series and I will definitely check out the others. Especially since I love the authors writing them.
5 stars.
Normally, I’d complain about coming into the middle of the story, but I felt that the backstory was set up well for our characters and it wasn’t necessary for me as the reader to see the story start from their very first interaction. I was also surprised at how much the short timeline didn’t really bother me at all. The whole book took place in a month, but I felt like there was still relationship and character development.
Of course this wouldn’t be your standard M/M if there weren’t detestable female characters. I don’t even care to remember their names, but they were awful. How are you going to date someone who treats your best friend like crap and has been doing so for 15 years? While I understand that Utah isn’t the bastion of gay culture, they do live in or around a major city, so I feel like it can’t be that difficult to find someone else. I wouldn’t be that desperate. Even if I was, I’d still talk to my best friend about it. With regards to Jay’s “nemesis”, I wish a woman would come into my house disrespecting me and doesn’t pay nan a bill; she’d have to be told. And quickly. In the end, I wouldn’t have forgiven her so she could date my roommate/best friend, but I’d tolerate her existence until she proved to be a decent human being, because even in the end, she didn’t deserve it.
All in all, I really loved Jay and Stephen as a couple. I liked how Stephen wasn’t bothered by Jay’s body and even accepted and loved it/him for what/who he was. He was supportive and didn’t try to change his physical appearance, just how Jay viewed himself. As someone who doesn’t have the perfect body either, it gave me hope that I could meet someone who will love my body just the way it is.
This is the last (12th) book in the Boys of the Zodiac series and I will definitely check out the others. Especially since I love the authors writing them.
5 stars.
March 14, 2011
I have never read any of the Boys of the Zodiac novels before, but I have enjoyed other Pepper Espinoza’s books, so I was looking forward to Pisces: From Behind That Locked Door and it did not disappoint. From beginning to end, the 161 page novel was a fascinating look into Jay’s life as a gay man who doesn’t fit the stereotypical hot, hung, and confidant character we normally see in m/m romances. I found him to be utterly delightful and realistic. Not everyone can be Brian from Queer as Folk, right?
Pepper Espinoza takes the reader on Jay’s journey of self-discovery as he gets in shape, finds love with hunky Stephen and finally, learns to love himself. While Jay is front and center in this story, the secondary characters are also compelling. Amy, Jay’s roommate is his best friend and confidant who starts dating Jay’s arch-nemesis, Jeni, who bullied Jay all throughout school. This secondary plot fit in perfectly with giving the reader the understanding of why Jay is unsecure and seemingly hates himself. As the book progresses, we see Jay develop into his true self – and this was my favorite part – he did not change because he wanted to date Stephen, he changed because he grew as an individual. Not that the scenes with Jay and Stephen weren’t hot and sexy – they were – but I liked that this wasn’t a Pygmalion story.
Overall, I found Pisces: From Behind That Locked Door to be an interesting book that kept the reader fully engaged in the plot, characters and the love story. I highly recommend it.
Dark Divas Reviews
Pepper Espinoza takes the reader on Jay’s journey of self-discovery as he gets in shape, finds love with hunky Stephen and finally, learns to love himself. While Jay is front and center in this story, the secondary characters are also compelling. Amy, Jay’s roommate is his best friend and confidant who starts dating Jay’s arch-nemesis, Jeni, who bullied Jay all throughout school. This secondary plot fit in perfectly with giving the reader the understanding of why Jay is unsecure and seemingly hates himself. As the book progresses, we see Jay develop into his true self – and this was my favorite part – he did not change because he wanted to date Stephen, he changed because he grew as an individual. Not that the scenes with Jay and Stephen weren’t hot and sexy – they were – but I liked that this wasn’t a Pygmalion story.
Overall, I found Pisces: From Behind That Locked Door to be an interesting book that kept the reader fully engaged in the plot, characters and the love story. I highly recommend it.
Dark Divas Reviews
August 25, 2012
3.5 stars.
I'm overjoyed that an m/m author has finally--finally!--created a gay man who is fat AND the star of the book. It's funny that "fat" is not in the "desirable" lists of struggle-worthy conflicts: blind, deaf, disabled, anything else is better. The word "fat" is gasp-worthy. And, understandably, Jay, the MC, has major self-esteem issues. But Espinoza never takes his character too deep into suicidal lows. The book remains what I would call a "light-read." Jay may be riddled with doubt and insecurities about his worth as a desirable love interest, but he has enough self-esteem to stand up in front of a class and be a likable professor and to function in the day-to-day world. His journey to healthy self-esteem only just begins as the story ends, but the story of how he's gently pushed into helping himself is beautiful.
Stephen, the love interest, is almost perfect. Dangerously, inhumanly perfect. (He has a skimmed over stress moment when he first starts his job as the director of the LGBT centre on the University campus.) There was always a distance between me as a reader and his person. Perhaps he would have been more approachable if he had more foibles. Also, Amy, Jay's best friend, was a "dumb blonde" so-to-speak. She did have redeeming qualities, but overall, she was annoying, if believable.
I wish it was longer, explored more deeply, and had a bit more struggling, but I'm glad it exists. Far too short and calm to really become memorable, Pisces is still a worthwhile read centering around an omnipresent but almost completely avoided subject.
I'm overjoyed that an m/m author has finally--finally!--created a gay man who is fat AND the star of the book. It's funny that "fat" is not in the "desirable" lists of struggle-worthy conflicts: blind, deaf, disabled, anything else is better. The word "fat" is gasp-worthy. And, understandably, Jay, the MC, has major self-esteem issues. But Espinoza never takes his character too deep into suicidal lows. The book remains what I would call a "light-read." Jay may be riddled with doubt and insecurities about his worth as a desirable love interest, but he has enough self-esteem to stand up in front of a class and be a likable professor and to function in the day-to-day world. His journey to healthy self-esteem only just begins as the story ends, but the story of how he's gently pushed into helping himself is beautiful.
Stephen, the love interest, is almost perfect. Dangerously, inhumanly perfect. (He has a skimmed over stress moment when he first starts his job as the director of the LGBT centre on the University campus.) There was always a distance between me as a reader and his person. Perhaps he would have been more approachable if he had more foibles. Also, Amy, Jay's best friend, was a "dumb blonde" so-to-speak. She did have redeeming qualities, but overall, she was annoying, if believable.
I wish it was longer, explored more deeply, and had a bit more struggling, but I'm glad it exists. Far too short and calm to really become memorable, Pisces is still a worthwhile read centering around an omnipresent but almost completely avoided subject.
April 16, 2011
This was a truly stunning book. So simple, yet so powerful. Jay is in so much pain, thinks so little of himself and is so willing to take scraps that it broke my heart. And Steven is just so… perfect for him. He’s kind and sweet and patient and just plain wonderful.
Jay’s path to healing was so satisfying. I have no complaints except maybe about Ami and Jeni, Jay’s best friend and her BITCH (yes, capital letters) of a girlfriend.
This book was perfect for proving that we fall in love with the person. Not gender. Not physical appearance. And it's a lesson that we all should learn.
Jay’s path to healing was so satisfying. I have no complaints except maybe about Ami and Jeni, Jay’s best friend and her BITCH (yes, capital letters) of a girlfriend.
This book was perfect for proving that we fall in love with the person. Not gender. Not physical appearance. And it's a lesson that we all should learn.
February 28, 2011
Now this story was different from all other stories, I read in a while. It was really interesting to step into Jay mind and thoughts. He was awesome character and really real. I Loved how he was and I'm sure doubts and self-esteems are huge problem of young people and even people in general. I really liked how this story was written and step up. I liked the plot and how it turned out. THIS one is DEFINITELY ONE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED STORY!
August 25, 2016
This book was amazing. I cried and connected so well with the hero Jay. To not fit within the mould and to be so concerned with body image that one can't even imagine another finding them attractive hit chords within me I didn't even know we there. Congratulations to Espinoza for tackling this and managing to write a wonderful story with a strong male character who didn't "slim" down in order to capture his man, but rather had to learn to appreciate himself and his own body.
April 25, 2012
This was surprisingly good and exactly what I was looking for when I started reading. Perfect plot progression, interesting characters, and kept my attention until the very last page. Really enjoyed it :)
April 27, 2012
3.5 stars. I thought this was an enjoyable read. The characters were fleshed out well and I thought they author did a good job of getting the reader to connect with them. I can't put my finger on exactly what about this book I was feeling a little ehhh about at the end but... overall, a solid read.
February 1, 2016
Really enjoyed this but I never quite grasped what Jay looked like. I get that he didn't see himself clearly but I was hoping that we would get Stephen's take on what Jay looked like but it never really happened.
August 23, 2012
This was a quick read. Jay and Stephen were extremely sweet. No angst.
March 12, 2011
I really liked that the MC was not some perfect underwear model
October 17, 2021
The story starts at a slow pace. But it didn't bother me because it was necessary for character development and relationship building between Jay and Steve. They have good chemistry; It is sweet how Steve tries to understand Jay's insecurities.
The book has two other characters that I didn't like, Jay's best friend Amy, in my opinion, the worst friend ever. And Jen, who was Jay's bully since they were kids. Jen is a horrible person, and that's ok every story needs its villain.
My problem is the way that Jen's actions are justified at the end of the book. What made me angry is that jay forgives Jen even though he decided earlier that he didn't have to; since Jen never showed any remorse for what she did. And a victim of bullying has no obligation to his abuser.
It is the reason I don't give this book a better rating.
The book has two other characters that I didn't like, Jay's best friend Amy, in my opinion, the worst friend ever. And Jen, who was Jay's bully since they were kids. Jen is a horrible person, and that's ok every story needs its villain.
My problem is the way that Jen's actions are justified at the end of the book. What made me angry is that jay forgives Jen even though he decided earlier that he didn't have to; since Jen never showed any remorse for what she did. And a victim of bullying has no obligation to his abuser.
It is the reason I don't give this book a better rating.
March 24, 2017
This was such a sweet read, the book was very well written, the characters were wonderful (Jeni is strangle worthy though *grits teeth* ) I loved Jay from the get go (He's my favorite).
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is in the mood for a light but sweet read with a wonderful love story.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is in the mood for a light but sweet read with a wonderful love story.
November 22, 2011
I really liked reading about a character who's not the epitome of fitness with bulging this and that and at the very least sporting a six-pack. Not only that but he actually had to battle with low self esteem and slowly learn that just because he isn't perfect that doesn't mean he's not lovable. For that reason Jay really stood out as a character for me and the ending was all the more precious because of that.
But I have to say that the rest of the characters were a bit iffy for me. Seeing as we only learn about them through Jay's perspective I couldn't quite connect with why they did what they did. That's probably why Stephen seem a bit too perfect at times and I admit I wish there was a bit of his thoughts thrown in just to make him more real.
But I have to say that the rest of the characters were a bit iffy for me. Seeing as we only learn about them through Jay's perspective I couldn't quite connect with why they did what they did. That's probably why Stephen seem a bit too perfect at times and I admit I wish there was a bit of his thoughts thrown in just to make him more real.
June 12, 2013
SPOILERS**
3.5
This was not bad by any means, but the amount of angst within was easily resolved. Years of torment and distress, resolved with one sentence and a magical change within. Again, with one sentence. I found it too quick, and I also was shocked at the Jay's best friends role in this. I thought it was a pretty cruddy bf to be cozying up to his bully. I thought it was pretty gross actually. And then she laughs at Jeni's really unfunny jokes too. In front of Jay. And Stephen. Gah!
Also - I thought these characters moved super quick. And the emotions within were written as though it was over months when it was like - 3 days or something. And I'm usually all about the cute insta-love when done right, or at least when you felt the story went with it...but this was weird because I didn't see Jay's good side. He came across bitter and a bummer. It didn't feel real for a bullied sheltered quiet guy to fall so hard to that by day 3 he's rocking the L word (in his head at least). It was hard to see Stephens attraction initially b/c of Jay's prose and rhetoric. And then Stephen, who says he's all about calling a spade a spade and knew Jay was a "good one" right away, thinks that Jay's bully Jeni is a "Funny girl" at first. Not really so hot with the immediate review of people - eh. So, for me, these small inconsistencies really took me out of the book. Made Stephen seem like he's not such a great judge of characters, made Jay seem like an overeager little beaver just scrounging for any affection, and Amy like a needy little girl who grabs Jeni b/c she's fun and doesn't care that she treats her bf like boot bottoms.
Wow, this sounds super negative. Maybe I've over sold my issues with this book. All of this aside, it was still a decently enjoyable read, just not a 5 star like the reviews led me to believe.
Also- I found it really really odd what role Regan even plays in this book, unless it was to build into a secondary book. So, that was a random throw in by the author b/c I don't think I'll read the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2012
This was a very sweet, emotional story. Jay is an average guy. An average, overweight guy who carries some very serious low self-esteem issues. Many of his issues are a direct result of being teased and bullied for his weight.
In grad school, through his volunteer work, Jay meets Stephen and falls in love. First with Stephen’s looks and later with who he is underneath the hotness. Stephen is the stereotypical hot guy except he is not an arrogant prick. In fact, he is the opposite. Stephen and Jay form a friendship and Stephen is the motivation Jay uses to start going to the gym three times a week. Even though Jay dreams of being in a romantic relationship with Stephen, he knows it will never happen.
Jay is both shocked and delighted when Stephen makes his interest in Jay known. Together they start a sweet and lovely romantic relationship. I loved Stephen! His spirit and depth of character was so beautiful and he was so amazing at helping Jay find his confidence in order to make some positive changes in his life.
Jay’s growth and strength were wonderful to experience. While his steps to better health were great, the message wasn’t that he was broken due to his weight and would be fixed by becoming thin. Rather, it was that he was truly a good person and he deserved happiness, kindness, respect and love. Stephen helped him to see that but it was up to Jay to own it, accept it and make the mental changes necessary for a better life. A life that, happily, included a great relationship with Stephen.
I loved the descriptions in this story. I loved Jay’s journey. Achingly sweet and beautiful first time sexual experiences with Stephen. Choosing to trust. Choosing to respect himself. Very satisfying read.
In grad school, through his volunteer work, Jay meets Stephen and falls in love. First with Stephen’s looks and later with who he is underneath the hotness. Stephen is the stereotypical hot guy except he is not an arrogant prick. In fact, he is the opposite. Stephen and Jay form a friendship and Stephen is the motivation Jay uses to start going to the gym three times a week. Even though Jay dreams of being in a romantic relationship with Stephen, he knows it will never happen.
Jay is both shocked and delighted when Stephen makes his interest in Jay known. Together they start a sweet and lovely romantic relationship. I loved Stephen! His spirit and depth of character was so beautiful and he was so amazing at helping Jay find his confidence in order to make some positive changes in his life.
Jay’s growth and strength were wonderful to experience. While his steps to better health were great, the message wasn’t that he was broken due to his weight and would be fixed by becoming thin. Rather, it was that he was truly a good person and he deserved happiness, kindness, respect and love. Stephen helped him to see that but it was up to Jay to own it, accept it and make the mental changes necessary for a better life. A life that, happily, included a great relationship with Stephen.
I loved the descriptions in this story. I loved Jay’s journey. Achingly sweet and beautiful first time sexual experiences with Stephen. Choosing to trust. Choosing to respect himself. Very satisfying read.
May 5, 2014
This book was amazing. I think it may have displaced my previous favourite within the series. I cried and connected so well with the hero Jay. To not fit within the mould and to be so concerned with body image that one can't even imagine another finding them attractive hit chords within me I didn't even know we there. Congratulations to Espinoza for tackling this and managing to write a wonderful story with a strong male character who didn't "slim" down in order to capture his man, but rather had to learn to appreciate himself and his own body.
December 19, 2011
I am a sucker for slighty sappy love novels where the main character in NOT perfect. I love a main character whose may be a bit ugly or overweight, or maybe one that has health problems or suffers from depression or is emotionally stunted. When a great man can pull these misfits from their stupor it just makes my day.
February 21, 2012
It's nice to read a story that isn't about two perfectly chiseled men. I could really understand where Jay was coming from. It was nice that Stephen saw more then just the outside.
People get bullied everyday for being different. Gay, Lesbian, Overweight, Special Needs. No one deserves to be bullied.
People get bullied everyday for being different. Gay, Lesbian, Overweight, Special Needs. No one deserves to be bullied.
January 28, 2012
3.5
This was such a sweet story. It is rare that you see stories in m/m that show an overweight bookish guy getting such a wonderful awareness about happiness with himself. The friendship and love that develops is so nice and moves forward so easily. Enjoyed the MCs.
This was such a sweet story. It is rare that you see stories in m/m that show an overweight bookish guy getting such a wonderful awareness about happiness with himself. The friendship and love that develops is so nice and moves forward so easily. Enjoyed the MCs.
June 12, 2013
Being gay, struggling with weight and low self-esteem about my physical appearance, and having my share of "Jeni's" most of my life. I cannot begin to tell you what this book meant to me. Every Jay should have a Stephen.
April 2, 2017
I actually thought Amy was a bad friend, knowing what Jeni has done to Jay in the past. Then I seesawed, but I liked Stephen and Jay together and definitely thought they were good together.
June 26, 2012
3.5 stars. Read for m/m team bingo challenge. My review is here.
November 28, 2011
3.5 stars
April 2, 2012
3.5 would be a better rating.
June 25, 2012
Fantastic book with "real" non perfect characters
April 24, 2017
Lovely book. I really felt i was Jay but for slightly different reasons. It was so good too read a book about someone who didnt have a "perfect body".
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews