What do you think?
Rate this book
CalPac Crew #2
Tipping the Balance
A CalPac Crew Novel Between his job as a Realtor and his home renovation business, Drew St. Charles is in over his head. What he really needs is a licensed contractor to oversee his projects, and Drew knows just the man for the job: Brad Sundstrom. The Sundstrom family has been in construction for years, so Brad knows his way around a toolbox, and he desperately wants out from under his sneering father’s thumb. The close contact and the excitement of a career-making renovation fan the sparks between Brad and Drew into an inferno. Before long, the phrase “working hard together” takes on a new meaning. It looks as if Drew’s dreams are coming true, although Brad is far from out and proud. But then Drew is savagely attacked in a hate crime, and Brad panics. Suddenly everything is in jeopardy. When arson strikes Drew’s dream project, Brad faces a crucial test: he’ll need to overcome his fears, save their work, and take his place at Drew’s side or retreat to the stifling familiarity of the closet. ~**~
320 pages, Paperback
First published September 11, 2011
5 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
February 7, 2012
I don't think I put spoilers in this opinion, since what I write is already in the blurb, but I like to be careful ;p
When I read Rocking the Boat, the first book of the CalPac Crew series, in March 2001, I wrote how Brad and Drew's story was too juicy to not being written. So I was truly happy when Christopher Koehler announced that there WOULD be a story about them. After I got this one and read it, I thought the blurb was too "simple" for what the story was all about. Sure, Drew ends up hiring Brad on the duration of the book and they have a not-easy relationship since Brad is in the closet, but I think there is a lot more to it.
Between Brad and Drew, Brad is the one that grabs my heart. I think this book is basically his journey to be a grown-up and accepting who he is. He is a recent graduate, he still lives with his bastard of a father. He misses his days being a crew at CalPac. He is stuck in a dead-end job that his father gives him. On top of that, he has been having thoughts about a guy; Drew. Brad always thinks that he is straight, so it confuses him.
I love how his story is being handled. Most of the times, when I read a gay-for-you or straight-to-gay stories (not usually my favorite theme), the straight man is quickly accepting that he is gay because of love. Honestly, I always wonder if it's THAT easy. When you have lived your whole life believe in something, shouldn't be a little difficult to change your perception, even it's because of love??
That is what Brad has been facing. He sure is into Drew (he settles for "Drewsexual", rather than "homosexual" or "bisexual"), but he still has difficulty to grasp the "gay" element in the relationship. He wonders who is the "man" or the "woman"; he doesn't want to be anyone's "bitch". I find this very interesting... because I want to know how he ends up ...
"But the thought of telling Rico and the rest of his old cronies that his boyfriend wanted him to take it up the ass and that he kind of wanted to but also kind of didn't, and could he please help Brad sort out of feelings seemed like a non-starter"
In this sense, I'm a bit annoyed with Drew near the end. I know that he's out and proud and he sure did baby steps in the beginning. However, he then gives Brad a push that is a bit too fast for Brad's schedule. I wonder if that's fair. Plus Brad is such an adorable and sweet big lug, he wants Drew to be happy and he IS trying. Plus, Brad is trying to call him in the end and Drew dismisses him just so *pout*
I'm not sure about the whole bashing thing. It's too much of a common plot to push someone out of the closet; having your loved one's life hanging on a threat. I wish it could be settled a different way.
There is quite many descriptions about renovation and house-flipping industry; the kiss doesn't come until chapter 13 (and it's a 300+ pages long), there is a lot of contemplations on Brad's side, so those who find this kind of narration is boring, you've been warned. All in all, for me, it's a compelling read, and so please bring Stuart and Jonathan's story a bit faster :p
PS: Love the dedication page, by the way ...
When I read Rocking the Boat, the first book of the CalPac Crew series, in March 2001, I wrote how Brad and Drew's story was too juicy to not being written. So I was truly happy when Christopher Koehler announced that there WOULD be a story about them. After I got this one and read it, I thought the blurb was too "simple" for what the story was all about. Sure, Drew ends up hiring Brad on the duration of the book and they have a not-easy relationship since Brad is in the closet, but I think there is a lot more to it.
Between Brad and Drew, Brad is the one that grabs my heart. I think this book is basically his journey to be a grown-up and accepting who he is. He is a recent graduate, he still lives with his bastard of a father. He misses his days being a crew at CalPac. He is stuck in a dead-end job that his father gives him. On top of that, he has been having thoughts about a guy; Drew. Brad always thinks that he is straight, so it confuses him.
I love how his story is being handled. Most of the times, when I read a gay-for-you or straight-to-gay stories (not usually my favorite theme), the straight man is quickly accepting that he is gay because of love. Honestly, I always wonder if it's THAT easy. When you have lived your whole life believe in something, shouldn't be a little difficult to change your perception, even it's because of love??
That is what Brad has been facing. He sure is into Drew (he settles for "Drewsexual", rather than "homosexual" or "bisexual"), but he still has difficulty to grasp the "gay" element in the relationship. He wonders who is the "man" or the "woman"; he doesn't want to be anyone's "bitch". I find this very interesting... because I want to know how he ends up ...
"But the thought of telling Rico and the rest of his old cronies that his boyfriend wanted him to take it up the ass and that he kind of wanted to but also kind of didn't, and could he please help Brad sort out of feelings seemed like a non-starter"
In this sense, I'm a bit annoyed with Drew near the end. I know that he's out and proud and he sure did baby steps in the beginning. However, he then gives Brad a push that is a bit too fast for Brad's schedule. I wonder if that's fair. Plus Brad is such an adorable and sweet big lug, he wants Drew to be happy and he IS trying. Plus, Brad is trying to call him in the end and Drew dismisses him just so *pout*
I'm not sure about the whole bashing thing. It's too much of a common plot to push someone out of the closet; having your loved one's life hanging on a threat. I wish it could be settled a different way.
There is quite many descriptions about renovation and house-flipping industry; the kiss doesn't come until chapter 13 (and it's a 300+ pages long), there is a lot of contemplations on Brad's side, so those who find this kind of narration is boring, you've been warned. All in all, for me, it's a compelling read, and so please bring Stuart and Jonathan's story a bit faster :p
PS: Love the dedication page, by the way ...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2011
Up until about the halfway point I was enjoying this novel about the romance between Drew, a man who's always known he was gay and Brad, a man who has never really questioned his sexuality before meeting Drew. It's a slow build up between the two interspersed with details about their real estate job, construction project and rowing. It's a little different in that respect, from some other romance books.
I didn't read the first book in the series, but it's made pretty clear that Drew met Brad when he was a rower, and has developed a deep crush for him. Brad is now out of school, living at home with his dad and working in a dead end job for him. Brad has a testy relationship with his dad, is not too happy with his life but does very little to change it. He's a little sloppy, drinks beer and broods a lot. Drew on the other hand, is trying to balance his jobs of home renovating and realtor and feels he may be in over his head. It's tough to imagine them as a real life couple, but it's a romance so I went with it.
The problem with the book is that there's just one issue riding the romance between the two guys. Brad doesn't want to be gay and doesn't think he's gay or bi. I can empathize--up to a point. But when you're more than halfway into a novel and the two guys have had sex multiple ways and Brad is calling Drew his boyfriend, isn't it time for Brad to open up to the possibility that he may be gay. Apparently not. Instead Brad keeps saying stupid things like which one of us is the man and which is the woman and thinks because he's never bottomed (even though he wants to really bad) he may not be gay. Brad has issues. It gets so frustrating reading about them that I started actually rooting for Brad & Drew to break up--This is not a good sign for a romance book.
But it's when the big Misunderstanding occurs is when I really got irritated with this book. Drew & Brad have an argument. Drew goes out by himself and something happens. Keep in mind, they're still boyfriends and haven't broken up.
Then the big misunderstanding gets so stretched out so that Drew & Brad are separated for half a year.
I stopped believing in Brad & Drew as a couple after this. If you're not there for someone when they need it most, then you're only paying lip service to the idea of love. In addition, A major subplot involving the villain of the story is summarized with a couple of sentences. The story basically wraps up a lot quicker than it was developed and I was left feeling dissatisfied about the whole thing.
I didn't read the first book in the series, but it's made pretty clear that Drew met Brad when he was a rower, and has developed a deep crush for him. Brad is now out of school, living at home with his dad and working in a dead end job for him. Brad has a testy relationship with his dad, is not too happy with his life but does very little to change it. He's a little sloppy, drinks beer and broods a lot. Drew on the other hand, is trying to balance his jobs of home renovating and realtor and feels he may be in over his head. It's tough to imagine them as a real life couple, but it's a romance so I went with it.
The problem with the book is that there's just one issue riding the romance between the two guys. Brad doesn't want to be gay and doesn't think he's gay or bi. I can empathize--up to a point. But when you're more than halfway into a novel and the two guys have had sex multiple ways and Brad is calling Drew his boyfriend, isn't it time for Brad to open up to the possibility that he may be gay. Apparently not. Instead Brad keeps saying stupid things like which one of us is the man and which is the woman and thinks because he's never bottomed (even though he wants to really bad) he may not be gay. Brad has issues. It gets so frustrating reading about them that I started actually rooting for Brad & Drew to break up--This is not a good sign for a romance book.
But it's when the big Misunderstanding occurs is when I really got irritated with this book. Drew & Brad have an argument. Drew goes out by himself and something happens. Keep in mind, they're still boyfriends and haven't broken up.
Then the big misunderstanding gets so stretched out so that Drew & Brad are separated for half a year.
I stopped believing in Brad & Drew as a couple after this. If you're not there for someone when they need it most, then you're only paying lip service to the idea of love. In addition, A major subplot involving the villain of the story is summarized with a couple of sentences. The story basically wraps up a lot quicker than it was developed and I was left feeling dissatisfied about the whole thing.
October 31, 2011
Nutshell: Out and proud gay guy falls for younger man so deep in the closet he can't even see the door and they go into business together. Cuz yeah, that's what you should do when you have an impossible crush on someone. ;-)
I loved this story so much I read it twice. Even more than Rocking the Boat, and I rather enjoyed that one as well. Of all the "out for you" / gay for you / late bloomer / whatever you wanna call it plots I've read, this was hands down the best written that I've come across. And I entered into it cautiously, because I always do, but it was clear that the author took his time with it. With the exception of a minor detail or two it really rang true for me and I thought that was particularly impressive because the author's own coming out storyis on his blog, and he clearly knew that he was gay from a young age so it isn't as if this late discovery was something he had first-person knowledge of.
The roller-coaster ride of emotion and the sexual tension between the two characters was fantastic. Frustrating, at times, but I think it was supposed to be. And the buildup was so good, that when the hotties finally got down to having sex the connection and heat between them was great. And I really enjoy the way this author writes his sex scenes. They're sensual and hot, and a little bit inventive, and work really well as an extension of emotion between the two characters. It's not just two people getting it on because the page count demands that something hot and heavy finally has to happen. And again, working the nervous formerly straight guy around to being ready for sex with a guy was tricky, but done well, and I found it to be very believable. It was a darker story than Rocking the Boat, and it touched on harder more painful issues. There was more inner and outer conflict for both characters. It made for a better, stronger, more well-rounded story all in all. Really delicious. You. Go download now. S'okay, I'll wait here. ;)
I loved this story so much I read it twice. Even more than Rocking the Boat, and I rather enjoyed that one as well. Of all the "out for you" / gay for you / late bloomer / whatever you wanna call it plots I've read, this was hands down the best written that I've come across. And I entered into it cautiously, because I always do, but it was clear that the author took his time with it. With the exception of a minor detail or two it really rang true for me and I thought that was particularly impressive because the author's own coming out storyis on his blog, and he clearly knew that he was gay from a young age so it isn't as if this late discovery was something he had first-person knowledge of.
The roller-coaster ride of emotion and the sexual tension between the two characters was fantastic. Frustrating, at times, but I think it was supposed to be. And the buildup was so good, that when the hotties finally got down to having sex the connection and heat between them was great. And I really enjoy the way this author writes his sex scenes. They're sensual and hot, and a little bit inventive, and work really well as an extension of emotion between the two characters. It's not just two people getting it on because the page count demands that something hot and heavy finally has to happen. And again, working the nervous formerly straight guy around to being ready for sex with a guy was tricky, but done well, and I found it to be very believable. It was a darker story than Rocking the Boat, and it touched on harder more painful issues. There was more inner and outer conflict for both characters. It made for a better, stronger, more well-rounded story all in all. Really delicious. You. Go download now. S'okay, I'll wait here. ;)
November 26, 2015
4.5 stars.
This was a great book with great characters. Good character development. I see some reviewers talk about how slow Brad was on everything, but as a late bloomer myself I understand that it's not always so easy to figure yourself out. Especially if you're raised in a homophobic environment and you're new to everything (neither of which I had to deal with). Yes, Brad could have been more assertive in the disturbing conflict toward the end, but with how he was raised I found his insecurity and self-hatred believable. I like the way the book ended, but would have liked to see the culprit go down and Brad's reaction to it all.
The only reason I didn't give the book full five stars is the number of grammatical errors in the book. It could have used another round of line editing. I won't let a few errors bother me, but this was more than a few. I struggled through a lot of the construction prose, and even some of the sailing prose, but I'm not knocking off stars for that, because these aren't parts of my personal interests. The book was well written and I enjoyed the story.
Now I need to read the first book in the series!
This was a great book with great characters. Good character development. I see some reviewers talk about how slow Brad was on everything, but as a late bloomer myself I understand that it's not always so easy to figure yourself out. Especially if you're raised in a homophobic environment and you're new to everything (neither of which I had to deal with). Yes, Brad could have been more assertive in the disturbing conflict toward the end, but with how he was raised I found his insecurity and self-hatred believable. I like the way the book ended, but would have liked to see the culprit go down and Brad's reaction to it all.
The only reason I didn't give the book full five stars is the number of grammatical errors in the book. It could have used another round of line editing. I won't let a few errors bother me, but this was more than a few. I struggled through a lot of the construction prose, and even some of the sailing prose, but I'm not knocking off stars for that, because these aren't parts of my personal interests. The book was well written and I enjoyed the story.
Now I need to read the first book in the series!
February 7, 2012
I already admitted Drew stole my heart in Rocking The Boat, that did not change, but Brad won me over big time, the big lug! I loved these two together. As frustrating as it was at times, I totally bought this take on the GFY/coaxing out of the closet angle. Nikyta and Ami said it all. Looking forward to Stuart and Jonathan...?
October 20, 2020
The story of Drew and Brad relationship stemmed from the first book in the series where they were side characters to Nick and Morgan. This book keeps the storyline going by reintroducing them over a personal and business relationship a few months after the first book ended. They started a joint business plan working on the mayor’s house. Which that part bored me to be honest. The main dilemma was that Brad was figuring out how to be out of the closet without freaking out and Drew was waiting patiently by his side. The problem for me was that Drew stated he was okay with that until he wasn’t. Which I didn’t think was fair. The love between them was sweet and lovely. The epilogue was too short for me but it ended the story nicely.
I received this ARC from the publisher and Netgalley for my honest review. Thank you for my copy.
I received this ARC from the publisher and Netgalley for my honest review. Thank you for my copy.
October 27, 2011
Whereas Rocking the Boat was stunted and rough, Tipping the Balance was most of the time an easier and smoother read even with the more than average editing misses.
Brad and Drew, who we meet in Rocking the Boat, are two very different people. While Drew is an out and proud, sophisticated and sometimes prissy, gay man, Brad is a straight, laid back slob. They don't have much in common except their love for renovation and construction. They make an extraordinary team when it comes to Drew creating layouts for how buildings will be and Brad knowing how those layouts will be built. The relationship they have is, in a sense, abnormal and frustrating. Their issues solely revolving around the fact Brad is not gay. Technically, he's so far in the closet he didn't even realize he's attracted to men until Drew strolled in.
One of the most appealing things about this book is Brad's struggle with being gay. Some might call this gay for you and some, like me, will not. You have to read the book to see why I don't think it's GFY but as it stands the struggle is still the same. Brad is completely broken up about being gay especially since he grew up with homophobic construction workers. He stresses it to the point it threatens his relationship with Drew. He over thinks all the aspects of it and once he makes a step in the right direction, something happens that makes him think again and he takes four steps back. It's a long and painful struggle for both of them and takes something serious for Brad to finally break free of his struggle. The struggle lasts the whole book, it's an all-consuming thing.
However, Drew and Brad make a seriously cute couple. Brad is a gentle giant, a 'big lug' and Drew is forceful but softens where ever Brad is concerned. Their love for each other is huge and even with Brad thinking he's messed things up with Drew, it never stops Brad from trying to make all of Drew's dreams come true. It's extremely sweet. Another thing I loved, is the description about things. The process of the construction, layouts, designs. I was eating it all up.
While I enjoyed Brad's struggle and self-loathing, towards the end, I was frustrated with him. He was simple-minded about Drew and took things way out of proportion when it came to a fight. Actually, both Drew and Brad were complete idiots when it came to their relationship but Brad more so than Drew .
At the end, I felt like it was a bit too rushed. I was hoping to get more of Drew and Brad after they resolved their issues and see how they are holding up but it just ended.
Aside from that, I really loved the book. It was just as capitivating and interesting as the prequel was. I enjoyed seeing Drew and Brad get their own HEA. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing who's book comes next. Recommended.
Brad and Drew, who we meet in Rocking the Boat, are two very different people. While Drew is an out and proud, sophisticated and sometimes prissy, gay man, Brad is a straight, laid back slob. They don't have much in common except their love for renovation and construction. They make an extraordinary team when it comes to Drew creating layouts for how buildings will be and Brad knowing how those layouts will be built. The relationship they have is, in a sense, abnormal and frustrating. Their issues solely revolving around the fact Brad is not gay. Technically, he's so far in the closet he didn't even realize he's attracted to men until Drew strolled in.
One of the most appealing things about this book is Brad's struggle with being gay. Some might call this gay for you and some, like me, will not. You have to read the book to see why I don't think it's GFY but as it stands the struggle is still the same. Brad is completely broken up about being gay especially since he grew up with homophobic construction workers. He stresses it to the point it threatens his relationship with Drew. He over thinks all the aspects of it and once he makes a step in the right direction, something happens that makes him think again and he takes four steps back. It's a long and painful struggle for both of them and takes something serious for Brad to finally break free of his struggle. The struggle lasts the whole book, it's an all-consuming thing.
However, Drew and Brad make a seriously cute couple. Brad is a gentle giant, a 'big lug' and Drew is forceful but softens where ever Brad is concerned. Their love for each other is huge and even with Brad thinking he's messed things up with Drew, it never stops Brad from trying to make all of Drew's dreams come true. It's extremely sweet. Another thing I loved, is the description about things. The process of the construction, layouts, designs. I was eating it all up.
While I enjoyed Brad's struggle and self-loathing, towards the end, I was frustrated with him. He was simple-minded about Drew and took things way out of proportion when it came to a fight. Actually, both Drew and Brad were complete idiots when it came to their relationship but Brad more so than Drew .
At the end, I felt like it was a bit too rushed. I was hoping to get more of Drew and Brad after they resolved their issues and see how they are holding up but it just ended.
Aside from that, I really loved the book. It was just as capitivating and interesting as the prequel was. I enjoyed seeing Drew and Brad get their own HEA. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing who's book comes next. Recommended.
October 27, 2020
Tipping the Balance is the second book in the CalPac Crew series, featuring newly-graduated rower Brad Sundstrom and Drew St. Charles, Coach Nick Bradford's BFF. As the first book ends, Drew is very interested in Brad, while Brad is beginning to realize he may not be as straight as he thought.
That dynamic continues as Brad struggles against even saying the word "gay" much less coming to terms with his attraction to Drew. Brad has a lot of emotional baggage and has a difficult time dealing with being less than "manly":
"Ohmygod, ohmygod, ohmygod .... Was he gay? Bi? He didn't know. Both terms conjured images that he didn't recognize; that he prayed didn't apply to him. The lisping faggot, the limp-wristed theater crowd, the c@cksucker. Even at relatively liberal California Pacific, there'd been the divisions between the jocks, the real men, on the other hand, and the .... not-manly-enough guys on the other. [...] But, somehow, to like guys sexually was to be less than a man. He couldn't shake that idea from his mind."
Brad continues in this mindset throughout the book, gaining little in the way of personal growth or understanding of his sexuality, IMHO.
There is a lot going on here - Brad working for his horrid homophobic father in the family construction business, Drew, Brad and Emily putting together a bid to restore a historic property in town, issues with the college oversight committee and Nick and Morgan's coach/teacher relationship, and Brad becoming Nick's assistant coach. Brad gets up at the crack of dawn to work with the CalPac crew, works part-time at his father's subdivision sales office, works part-time restoring the historic house, takes classes for his contractor's license, attends oversight committee meetings, AND is in a relationship with Drew.
But wait, there's more .... criminal activity, rampant miscommunication, as well as an extended medical situation, and by the time we get to 91% Drew and Brad still have all their issues without any substantive discussion or resolution. At almost 400 pages, the pace is very slow, yet there is little in the way of personal growth, relationship building and communication. With too much telling versus showing, Brad and Drew's relationship feels very lightly developed, despite the huge amount of POV narratives from both characters.
This book just did not work for me for several reasons - the lack of character development and growth as well as the lethargic pace and convoluted plot. 2.5 stars and I cannot recommend this book, although "your mileage may vary."
I received an ARC from the Publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
That dynamic continues as Brad struggles against even saying the word "gay" much less coming to terms with his attraction to Drew. Brad has a lot of emotional baggage and has a difficult time dealing with being less than "manly":
"Ohmygod, ohmygod, ohmygod .... Was he gay? Bi? He didn't know. Both terms conjured images that he didn't recognize; that he prayed didn't apply to him. The lisping faggot, the limp-wristed theater crowd, the c@cksucker. Even at relatively liberal California Pacific, there'd been the divisions between the jocks, the real men, on the other hand, and the .... not-manly-enough guys on the other. [...] But, somehow, to like guys sexually was to be less than a man. He couldn't shake that idea from his mind."
Brad continues in this mindset throughout the book, gaining little in the way of personal growth or understanding of his sexuality, IMHO.
There is a lot going on here - Brad working for his horrid homophobic father in the family construction business, Drew, Brad and Emily putting together a bid to restore a historic property in town, issues with the college oversight committee and Nick and Morgan's coach/teacher relationship, and Brad becoming Nick's assistant coach. Brad gets up at the crack of dawn to work with the CalPac crew, works part-time at his father's subdivision sales office, works part-time restoring the historic house, takes classes for his contractor's license, attends oversight committee meetings, AND is in a relationship with Drew.
But wait, there's more .... criminal activity, rampant miscommunication, as well as an extended medical situation, and by the time we get to 91% Drew and Brad still have all their issues without any substantive discussion or resolution. At almost 400 pages, the pace is very slow, yet there is little in the way of personal growth, relationship building and communication. With too much telling versus showing, Brad and Drew's relationship feels very lightly developed, despite the huge amount of POV narratives from both characters.
This book just did not work for me for several reasons - the lack of character development and growth as well as the lethargic pace and convoluted plot. 2.5 stars and I cannot recommend this book, although "your mileage may vary."
I received an ARC from the Publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
October 15, 2011
First of all - I loved this story. It's a very well-written and thought out book and I'd sure buy all the next stories from this author.
Such an engaging story and the characters so real - I have a hard time letting go of them, seriously :) Also I can't believe it, but the slow building and the lack of sex for a good first half of the book didn't concern me in the slightest! Usually I quickly get bored when theporn romance didn't begin soon, but here I absolutely loved the slow pacing, the details about renovations, the story of Brad's family - all of it. And as the other readers pointed out, Brad's struggle with accepting himself was done amazingly well! I often have a hard time reading gay-for-you stories, because it all seems too easy, but not here. I also find Drew's eventual frustration sympathetic too. He's been real patient for some time, but it's understandable that sooner or later he'd want a full on relationship. Although Brad was moving really fast and I can't blame him for his remaining (and quickly vanishing) uncertainties one bit.
That said I didn't actually like how it all went after the assault. I guess I just expected something different, I thought that would be a turning point for Brad, he'd be shocked, he'd spend nights and days beside Drew's bed and that would be a final shove out of the closet for him. Or something like that. I have to confess I don't like the 'big misunderstanding' trope. I just don't. And I don't like middle-book break ups either, coz I feel cheated somehow when the characters having problems, can't overcome them, break up, spend some time apart, at that time grew personally and then coming together again and it seems like all their previous issues are magically swept under the carpet. I like when they're fighting their problems together, maybe fighting with each other during that process, but being together nevertheless. And no offence, but I thought here the misunderstanding was kinda artificially drawn out. I mean sure Nick said that's not a good idea for Brad to visit Drew, but damn - they're boyfriends! They so obviously love each other! How could Brad at least not to try to see Drew, to talk to him, to try to explain the situation?! Even if Drew wouldn't take him back at least he'd know Brad cared. And for Drew to not return Brad's phone calls was strange thing to do. When he knew that misunderstanding was because of Nick's careless words he could at least give Brad a chance to explain himself. And that was going on for 4+ months, if I counted correctly.
And speaking of the cheating I also hate rebound sex. I'm sorry. I don't get why that blowjob with Owen was needed. I liked the character itself and I absolutely love hot firemen (and I'd gladly buy a book about him), but I was so pissed, because of that scene. I know it was done very believable and that probably that's what guys'd do in real life, but I kinda don't want to see it in my romance books :/
Gosh it looks like a negative review, but it's so not!! I can't get this book out of my head and I feel like I know these people personally, lol. So the last two paragraphs're just my personal take of their relationship and in no way a berating of the book itself :)
Such an engaging story and the characters so real - I have a hard time letting go of them, seriously :) Also I can't believe it, but the slow building and the lack of sex for a good first half of the book didn't concern me in the slightest! Usually I quickly get bored when the
That said I didn't actually like how it all went after the assault. I guess I just expected something different, I thought that would be a turning point for Brad, he'd be shocked, he'd spend nights and days beside Drew's bed and that would be a final shove out of the closet for him. Or something like that. I have to confess I don't like the 'big misunderstanding' trope. I just don't. And I don't like middle-book break ups either, coz I feel cheated somehow when the characters having problems, can't overcome them, break up, spend some time apart, at that time grew personally and then coming together again and it seems like all their previous issues are magically swept under the carpet. I like when they're fighting their problems together, maybe fighting with each other during that process, but being together nevertheless. And no offence, but I thought here the misunderstanding was kinda artificially drawn out. I mean sure Nick said that's not a good idea for Brad to visit Drew, but damn - they're boyfriends! They so obviously love each other! How could Brad at least not to try to see Drew, to talk to him, to try to explain the situation?! Even if Drew wouldn't take him back at least he'd know Brad cared. And for Drew to not return Brad's phone calls was strange thing to do. When he knew that misunderstanding was because of Nick's careless words he could at least give Brad a chance to explain himself. And that was going on for 4+ months, if I counted correctly.
And speaking of the cheating I also hate rebound sex. I'm sorry. I don't get why that blowjob with Owen was needed. I liked the character itself and I absolutely love hot firemen (and I'd gladly buy a book about him), but I was so pissed, because of that scene. I know it was done very believable and that probably that's what guys'd do in real life, but I kinda don't want to see it in my romance books :/
Gosh it looks like a negative review, but it's so not!! I can't get this book out of my head and I feel like I know these people personally, lol. So the last two paragraphs're just my personal take of their relationship and in no way a berating of the book itself :)
May 29, 2016
The thing I liked most about this book was the depiction of a big man who had lost his self-confidence thanks to the overwhelming nature of his relationship with his father.
People tend to assume that big people are naturally mentally tough, when in reality they've often had to suppress their strength for fear of hurting little people. I've seen this happen with children who are bullied by smaller, weaker ones because they know they can't retaliate.
Long term this makes it difficult for them to believe they are worth anything and they can be prone to walking away when the going gets tough rather than fighting back because they know if they did someone would get physically hurt, and it wouldn't be them.
Recognising this allowed me to accept how easily Brad assumed Drew hated him and hesitated to return phone calls.
Whether characters should or shouldn't behave the way they do isn't relevant to me. In real life, people's motives for doing things can be extremely illogical. When you're hurting physically you can be very self-centred and just see things through a very narrow field of reference.
Friends can knowingly or unwittingly influence you, especially if their perceptions of your relationship aren't entirely positive.
Only the two people concerned really know what they get from and contribute to a partnership. It's not for others to judge, yet too often we do.
The story kept me interested and rooting for the couple. That's the main thing.
People tend to assume that big people are naturally mentally tough, when in reality they've often had to suppress their strength for fear of hurting little people. I've seen this happen with children who are bullied by smaller, weaker ones because they know they can't retaliate.
Long term this makes it difficult for them to believe they are worth anything and they can be prone to walking away when the going gets tough rather than fighting back because they know if they did someone would get physically hurt, and it wouldn't be them.
Recognising this allowed me to accept how easily Brad assumed Drew hated him and hesitated to return phone calls.
Whether characters should or shouldn't behave the way they do isn't relevant to me. In real life, people's motives for doing things can be extremely illogical. When you're hurting physically you can be very self-centred and just see things through a very narrow field of reference.
Friends can knowingly or unwittingly influence you, especially if their perceptions of your relationship aren't entirely positive.
Only the two people concerned really know what they get from and contribute to a partnership. It's not for others to judge, yet too often we do.
The story kept me interested and rooting for the couple. That's the main thing.
October 26, 2020
Drew St. Charles is a realtor and home renovator in the Sacramento area. He has been flipping houses for years, but ir only now really focusing of home renovations. He doesn't have a contractor license, however, and his main contractor is retired--only coming on to the job sites near their final inspection to ensure everything is up to code. Drew's also routinely enlisted his college bestie, Nick Bedford, to run his construction crews in the summer when Nick doesn't have classes or coaching responsibilities, but Nick has made it clear this is the last summer he can do it. Nick and his boyfriend/fiance Morgan are planning to move for graduate studies, once Morgan graduates next spring, and Drew is frustrated for a couple of reasons. First, Drew wants a partner in love and business. He's a little melancholy that he and Nick never worked out, and that Nick is deliriously in love with Morgan. And, he also needs to get a good, solid contractor who will help him in his business plans. Beyond that, Drew has a hankering for a former member of Nick's crew team, Brad Sunderstrom, who just graduated from CalPac College, and Nick won't give over Brad's number.
Brad is a hot mess of a big lug. He'd met Drew St. Charles at a few of the crew meets last season and knew there was something special about him--despite him being gay. Drew was smart, classy and successful in real estate, which is what Brad would hope to be. He had thought he was getting a job building homes in his father's real estate development company, but instead he's been saddled with selling an inferiorly-developed suburban tract that is sure to be bankrupt as NO ONE wants a home there. He spends his days in solitary confinement at the housing sales center with nary a visitor or a call. Brad's been told his whole life that he's stupid and a waste of space by his father, and he pretty much believes this. If he could "make something" of himself, he'd get the trust his mother had bequeathed him and be able to move out of his abusive dad's home, which is why Brad initially reaches out to Drew for advice in selling the homes of his development.
Drew is elated to hear from Brad, even if he has to give Brad the terrible news that his development homes are substandard and overpriced--two huge reasons they aren't selling. Their lunch meeting does yield fruit in that Drew learns Brad's been building homes for his dad's company since high school, and has the necessary skills to make a crew foreman. And, with a bit more training could qualify for a contractor's license. Drew's attraction hasn't faded a bit, but Brad's definitely straight. That's not a reason for them to stay apart, though, especially when Drew offers Brad the crew foreman job and gets him to sign on to the huge renovation bid he's planning on Bayard House, a derelict state landmark home that should be the Sacramento mayor's residence but needs significant restoration to be livable. Brad is jazzed and even cuts his hours on his dad's development project to accommodate this opportunity, something that really rubs his old man the wrong way. And, it's not long before Brad has another opportunity: assistant coach for CalPac men's crew, now that their team has tripled in size since Brad and the crew won the west coast championships the previous spring.
The more time that Drew and Brad spend, the more than Brad begins to admire Drew, and this admiration is accompanied by sexual attraction for a man for the first time in Brad's experience. It's stunning, and scary for Brad, who has lived with his father's casual homophobia his whole life. And, yet, Drew is a man who believes him intelligent and capable and it's the first time Brad has felt cared for since his beloved mother died. This leads to some small explorations, mainly kissing and cuddling, that prove the arousal for both men--and Drew is at first happy with this. The closer they become, the more Brad is willing to explore his attraction for Drew sexually, but he is loath to even consider himself bisexual, and especially not gay, no matter how far these explorations extend in terms of sex. Brad's repeated denials of his same-sex attraction are wearing on his own esteem, and Drew's last nerve. Drew fought hard to break free of the closet, and Brad's unwillingness to consider coming out, or be seen in public with Drew, is eventually too much to overcome.
Naturally, there are outside challenges to the situation. The renovations were going pretty well until Drew is gay bashed one night. The aftermath results in a long separation, and the surety that both Drew and Brad had love in their futures before this tragedy. The situation is also complicated by bad communication and hurt feelings on both sides, but Brad is not a man to let down his love twice, and he finally picks up the pieces of his shattered self-esteem and does what is required to win back Drew's love and affection. This, by the way, happens only after Brad acknowledges his gay attraction--aided by a burly fire chief on an arson investigation.
There are issues with this story, regarding realities of life in construction projects that seemed a bit beyond reasonable, and long periods of not a lot happening when ti seemed A LOT should be happening. But it was super fun watching Brad figure his life out. He seemed to be such a horrible guy in the first book in this series, but he recognized his problems then and tried to fix them, and works doubly hard in this story to make amends for past mistakes. Drew has a hard road to recovery, and he's really about to give up on his dreams by the time Brad reappears in his life--with better news than he could have ever dreamed for. The long separation certainly did make these hearts fonder, and Brad's hard work during that time bridged the gap that had opened in their lives. He and Drew make a happily ever after, and their realty and renovation business isn't only the business partnership they build together; their private life is a masterwork of craftsmanship that they aren't keeping on the down-low any longer.
Brad is a hot mess of a big lug. He'd met Drew St. Charles at a few of the crew meets last season and knew there was something special about him--despite him being gay. Drew was smart, classy and successful in real estate, which is what Brad would hope to be. He had thought he was getting a job building homes in his father's real estate development company, but instead he's been saddled with selling an inferiorly-developed suburban tract that is sure to be bankrupt as NO ONE wants a home there. He spends his days in solitary confinement at the housing sales center with nary a visitor or a call. Brad's been told his whole life that he's stupid and a waste of space by his father, and he pretty much believes this. If he could "make something" of himself, he'd get the trust his mother had bequeathed him and be able to move out of his abusive dad's home, which is why Brad initially reaches out to Drew for advice in selling the homes of his development.
Drew is elated to hear from Brad, even if he has to give Brad the terrible news that his development homes are substandard and overpriced--two huge reasons they aren't selling. Their lunch meeting does yield fruit in that Drew learns Brad's been building homes for his dad's company since high school, and has the necessary skills to make a crew foreman. And, with a bit more training could qualify for a contractor's license. Drew's attraction hasn't faded a bit, but Brad's definitely straight. That's not a reason for them to stay apart, though, especially when Drew offers Brad the crew foreman job and gets him to sign on to the huge renovation bid he's planning on Bayard House, a derelict state landmark home that should be the Sacramento mayor's residence but needs significant restoration to be livable. Brad is jazzed and even cuts his hours on his dad's development project to accommodate this opportunity, something that really rubs his old man the wrong way. And, it's not long before Brad has another opportunity: assistant coach for CalPac men's crew, now that their team has tripled in size since Brad and the crew won the west coast championships the previous spring.
The more time that Drew and Brad spend, the more than Brad begins to admire Drew, and this admiration is accompanied by sexual attraction for a man for the first time in Brad's experience. It's stunning, and scary for Brad, who has lived with his father's casual homophobia his whole life. And, yet, Drew is a man who believes him intelligent and capable and it's the first time Brad has felt cared for since his beloved mother died. This leads to some small explorations, mainly kissing and cuddling, that prove the arousal for both men--and Drew is at first happy with this. The closer they become, the more Brad is willing to explore his attraction for Drew sexually, but he is loath to even consider himself bisexual, and especially not gay, no matter how far these explorations extend in terms of sex. Brad's repeated denials of his same-sex attraction are wearing on his own esteem, and Drew's last nerve. Drew fought hard to break free of the closet, and Brad's unwillingness to consider coming out, or be seen in public with Drew, is eventually too much to overcome.
Naturally, there are outside challenges to the situation. The renovations were going pretty well until Drew is gay bashed one night. The aftermath results in a long separation, and the surety that both Drew and Brad had love in their futures before this tragedy. The situation is also complicated by bad communication and hurt feelings on both sides, but Brad is not a man to let down his love twice, and he finally picks up the pieces of his shattered self-esteem and does what is required to win back Drew's love and affection. This, by the way, happens only after Brad acknowledges his gay attraction--aided by a burly fire chief on an arson investigation.
There are issues with this story, regarding realities of life in construction projects that seemed a bit beyond reasonable, and long periods of not a lot happening when ti seemed A LOT should be happening. But it was super fun watching Brad figure his life out. He seemed to be such a horrible guy in the first book in this series, but he recognized his problems then and tried to fix them, and works doubly hard in this story to make amends for past mistakes. Drew has a hard road to recovery, and he's really about to give up on his dreams by the time Brad reappears in his life--with better news than he could have ever dreamed for. The long separation certainly did make these hearts fonder, and Brad's hard work during that time bridged the gap that had opened in their lives. He and Drew make a happily ever after, and their realty and renovation business isn't only the business partnership they build together; their private life is a masterwork of craftsmanship that they aren't keeping on the down-low any longer.
September 14, 2011
I absolutely LOVED this book - perfect sequel to the first book, which I also really, really enjoyed. I loved Drew and Brad and their relationship. I kinda thought that the ending was a bit rushed, but still enjoyed every moment of these two guys together. I thought that this GFY with Brad dealing with what he was going through and what he felt for Drew was realistic and well written. And I really enjoyed getting to see Morgan and Nick again.
February 26, 2012
3.5 stars
A good M/M romance between a straight boy brought up by a homophobic controlling father and a man who is out loud and proud. It's a story filled with angst provided by uncertainty - the uncertainty perhaps a little exaggerated at times - and poor communications, unknowingly aided by well-meaning but interfering friends. There are no real surprises in either plot or character, but it nicely filled the niche when I felt in the mood for such a story.
A good M/M romance between a straight boy brought up by a homophobic controlling father and a man who is out loud and proud. It's a story filled with angst provided by uncertainty - the uncertainty perhaps a little exaggerated at times - and poor communications, unknowingly aided by well-meaning but interfering friends. There are no real surprises in either plot or character, but it nicely filled the niche when I felt in the mood for such a story.
July 13, 2017
I enjoyed the first part of this book but Brad's indecision became just way too annoying. And the whole "crisis" in the book was just too much. Not going to see him and check on him then 6 months pass and I just lost all faith in these two and didn't think either one of them deserved an HEA.
September 13, 2011
A must read!! I couldn't put it down.
November 3, 2020
This book was provided to me for free by IndoGo Marketing in exchange for an honest review.
This story is the second in the series CalPac Crew. I think it could be read as a standalone but it definitely helps reading book 1 ‘Rocking the Boat’ first. First there are many references to book one, second the main characters of ‘Rocking the Boat’, Morgan and Nick, play an important role in that book too, although they are side characters now, and third Brad and Drew, the two main characters of this book, are already introduced and start crushing on each other in the first book.
But now let’s concentrate on ‘Tipping the Balance’. It’s a cute book, although I liked part one slightly more and it gets kind of long in some parts.
Drew St. Charles an openly gay guy and Nick’s best friend has a crush on one of Nick’s ex-students/athletes Brad Sunderstorm.
Brand Sunderstorm, who had recently graduated university and has never questioned his heterosexuality so far, suddenly can’t stop thinking about Drew St. Charles.
Both men like to question their friends Nick and Morgan about the other but never get the guts to call each other until one day Brad does. And although admitting his feelings for Drew doesn’t take Brad real long, thinking of it… and thinking of being gay really freaks him out. Even more since he has grown up with a kind of psychological abusing, homophobic father. But eventually Brad comes to terms and commits to a relationship with Drew, but one step at a time… Or like Drew calls it: ‘babysteps’. Brad slowly gets used on kissing a man and having sex with him, but two things he can’t bring himself to is being the ‘top’ and being openly gay and seen in public with his boyfriend, which eventually leads to a fight between the two men. Up till this part the book was real great and smooth, but then there was this cut and it started getting a kind of boring. I mean it was obvious that something still had to happen and it was also predictable that there’d come a break up or a huge fight, so I was prepared to it. And there were some real good ideas there, but it somehow didn’t fit anymore.
So Drew and Brad have a huge fight about being public, which leads to Drew going dancing with Nick and Morgan and Brad going home. But at the club Drew gets beaten up and is really injured badly and his mobile is damaged. So far so good, but then no one calls Brad to tell him about the accident until three days later, although Nick and Morgan haven’t left Drew’s side. Once in hospital they didn’t think about calling Brad. When Nick finally calls Brad he tells him visiting Drew wouldn’t be a good idea and forgets to mention that Drew’s mobile had been damaged during the accident. So Brad is sure Drew wants to break up and has therefore even his changed telephone number since he can’t reach him. So he really stays away… so easily, he isn’t even fighting for the man he loves.
Drew isn’t better, when he wakes up from his coma and Nick tells him of the damage he has done by telling Brad not to come and visit him, he is of course angry with Nick but doesn’t call Brad either.
Reading through those scenes really got me lose my patience. There are two men who had one fight (no one talked about breaking up then) but love each other are eventually breaking up by not talking while one is in a coma. I mean seriously, if my boyfriend whom I love had an accident I’d go and try visiting him for whatever it takes… But that’s little old me and obviously not those two characters. So the question is: will they find their hea together?
link: reviewed be kuschelbooks.com
This story is the second in the series CalPac Crew. I think it could be read as a standalone but it definitely helps reading book 1 ‘Rocking the Boat’ first. First there are many references to book one, second the main characters of ‘Rocking the Boat’, Morgan and Nick, play an important role in that book too, although they are side characters now, and third Brad and Drew, the two main characters of this book, are already introduced and start crushing on each other in the first book.
But now let’s concentrate on ‘Tipping the Balance’. It’s a cute book, although I liked part one slightly more and it gets kind of long in some parts.
Drew St. Charles an openly gay guy and Nick’s best friend has a crush on one of Nick’s ex-students/athletes Brad Sunderstorm.
Brand Sunderstorm, who had recently graduated university and has never questioned his heterosexuality so far, suddenly can’t stop thinking about Drew St. Charles.
Both men like to question their friends Nick and Morgan about the other but never get the guts to call each other until one day Brad does. And although admitting his feelings for Drew doesn’t take Brad real long, thinking of it… and thinking of being gay really freaks him out. Even more since he has grown up with a kind of psychological abusing, homophobic father. But eventually Brad comes to terms and commits to a relationship with Drew, but one step at a time… Or like Drew calls it: ‘babysteps’. Brad slowly gets used on kissing a man and having sex with him, but two things he can’t bring himself to is being the ‘top’ and being openly gay and seen in public with his boyfriend, which eventually leads to a fight between the two men. Up till this part the book was real great and smooth, but then there was this cut and it started getting a kind of boring. I mean it was obvious that something still had to happen and it was also predictable that there’d come a break up or a huge fight, so I was prepared to it. And there were some real good ideas there, but it somehow didn’t fit anymore.
So Drew and Brad have a huge fight about being public, which leads to Drew going dancing with Nick and Morgan and Brad going home. But at the club Drew gets beaten up and is really injured badly and his mobile is damaged. So far so good, but then no one calls Brad to tell him about the accident until three days later, although Nick and Morgan haven’t left Drew’s side. Once in hospital they didn’t think about calling Brad. When Nick finally calls Brad he tells him visiting Drew wouldn’t be a good idea and forgets to mention that Drew’s mobile had been damaged during the accident. So Brad is sure Drew wants to break up and has therefore even his changed telephone number since he can’t reach him. So he really stays away… so easily, he isn’t even fighting for the man he loves.
Drew isn’t better, when he wakes up from his coma and Nick tells him of the damage he has done by telling Brad not to come and visit him, he is of course angry with Nick but doesn’t call Brad either.
Reading through those scenes really got me lose my patience. There are two men who had one fight (no one talked about breaking up then) but love each other are eventually breaking up by not talking while one is in a coma. I mean seriously, if my boyfriend whom I love had an accident I’d go and try visiting him for whatever it takes… But that’s little old me and obviously not those two characters. So the question is: will they find their hea together?
link: reviewed be kuschelbooks.com
October 19, 2020
I received this free book in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked this book, probably even more than the first one in the series.Brad finally gets his moment to shine and he does not disappoint. I would have liked to see him become closer with Nick and Morgan as well but I guess you can't have everything.
While I think the book is very well written and I liked the storyline, I was a little disappointed with Drew. I totally understand him not wanting to hide his relationship but I think he pressured Brad a little too much. Brad didn't have any real support besides Drew and no one he could have spoken to who had an unbiased view. Morgan and Nick are Drew's friends first, which they make very clear. I think I would have just liked Drew to give him a little more time or at least push him a little more gently, so a lot of the miscommunication could have been avoided in the end.
I also wouldn't have minded one more chapter before the epilogue, just to have the honest conversation between Drew and Brad about the relationship. They obviously work well together but I just always like to see everything come together in the end and then just have a bit of a look into their happy future in the epilogue.
Overall a great read with a good amount of steam and enough seriousness to give it a bit of an edge.
Tw: homophobia and also violent homophobia
I really liked this book, probably even more than the first one in the series.Brad finally gets his moment to shine and he does not disappoint. I would have liked to see him become closer with Nick and Morgan as well but I guess you can't have everything.
While I think the book is very well written and I liked the storyline, I was a little disappointed with Drew. I totally understand him not wanting to hide his relationship but I think he pressured Brad a little too much. Brad didn't have any real support besides Drew and no one he could have spoken to who had an unbiased view. Morgan and Nick are Drew's friends first, which they make very clear. I think I would have just liked Drew to give him a little more time or at least push him a little more gently, so a lot of the miscommunication could have been avoided in the end.
I also wouldn't have minded one more chapter before the epilogue, just to have the honest conversation between Drew and Brad about the relationship. They obviously work well together but I just always like to see everything come together in the end and then just have a bit of a look into their happy future in the epilogue.
Overall a great read with a good amount of steam and enough seriousness to give it a bit of an edge.
Tw: homophobia and also violent homophobia
October 25, 2020
I really enjoyed Nick and Morgan's story in the first book, but book two is a different story. Drew and Brad have many issues to overcome. Okay, so more Brad, but Drew knew this going in. Add to that, a drawn out background about real estate and house renovations, then through in several improbable events and it becomes a tricky story to tell.
Unfortunately, C. Koehler doesn't seem to have a solid grasp on the tale he wants to tell. There are inconsistencies and contradictions in characters' POV and the narrative, that caused me to go back a few pages, multiple times. I felt the author had real difficulty sharing the characters' feelings and expressing them- to each other (the MCs) and to the readers. Koehler needed a more delicate handling of the climaxing events to make them believable.
By the end, I'm not sure I liked any of the characters anymore. Even Nick and Morgan's behavior was disappointing and didn't represent them in the same way we grew to love them in the first book. This book was hard to finish.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, C. Koehler doesn't seem to have a solid grasp on the tale he wants to tell. There are inconsistencies and contradictions in characters' POV and the narrative, that caused me to go back a few pages, multiple times. I felt the author had real difficulty sharing the characters' feelings and expressing them- to each other (the MCs) and to the readers. Koehler needed a more delicate handling of the climaxing events to make them believable.
By the end, I'm not sure I liked any of the characters anymore. Even Nick and Morgan's behavior was disappointing and didn't represent them in the same way we grew to love them in the first book. This book was hard to finish.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 26, 2020
It took a long time to get through this book. Although I loved Drew when he was part of Nick's story, he couldn't have picked a worse partner for himself than Brad. I understand his indecision about his sexuality, because it's never presented itself until he met Drew, but the way he acted; the push and pull of his actions, grew tiring by the middle of the book. And then Drew is attacked and left in a really bad state, and instead of redeeming himself and being there for the man he's fallen for deeper and deeper each time they are together, he disappears. This isn't a story I enjoyed.
October 24, 2020
The story between Brad and Drew continues in this next installment.
Brad is still on unfamiliar ground with coming to terms with his sexuality and his family.
Drew is headstrong and confident and knows exactly what he wants.
The characters were real, relatable and well fleshed out.
The author's writing style worked for me and I loved the world building.
I recommend you read book 1 in this series for maximum enjoyment.
A definite recommend
Brad is still on unfamiliar ground with coming to terms with his sexuality and his family.
Drew is headstrong and confident and knows exactly what he wants.
The characters were real, relatable and well fleshed out.
The author's writing style worked for me and I loved the world building.
I recommend you read book 1 in this series for maximum enjoyment.
A definite recommend
October 14, 2020
A passionate complete love story that has friendship, relationship, and kinship along with wit and humor. And a happy ending I loved. I'd recommend this to any romance junkie I know. Can't wait to read more from this author.
Thanks to NetGalley for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 30, 2011
Drew is a driven man. He is a successful real estate salesman, flips houses on the side, and has created a comfortable life for himself. He is out and proud, and has fought to be respected as such. His best friend Nick, coach of the CalPac rowing team, has found the love of his life in rower Morgan. More and more, Drew is seeing the hole in his life that not having a partner causes, and it hurts. He wants a man for himself.
Brad was on the rowing team with Morgan, but graduated. He works for his father but is dissatisfied with the job. Lives at home but hates it there. Is known as a straight party guy who has a different woman every week. But when he met Drew at one of the regattas when he was rowing, something shifted inside.
Drew has an immediate attraction to Brad, but knows he is straight. He just hopes there is maybe something more there. But he is willing to just be friends to have the big lug in his life. And Brad finds himself thinking about the man everyone knows is gay. Finds himself fascinated by him, and drawn in a way he doesn't understand. Maybe they could be friends.
When Brad's father pushes him to find someway to market the disaster of a housing development, Brad sees the perfect opportunity to make friends with Drew and find out what this strange attraction is all about. He doesn't know that Drew has been on Nick and Morgan to get Brad's contact information for weeks.
When the two finally get together for lunch and become fast friends, will be enough for either man, or prove to be too much? And will the business partnership they found grow into something more personal?
This is, hands down, one of the best character studies I have read of a straight guy who slowly acknowledges an attraction to a gay man. It was fascinating, touching, heartbreaking, empowering and so very very tough and tender all at the same time. I was drawn in immediately, thrown into this slow seduction of a book, and was never let go. The evolution and slow unveiling of what proves to be a revelation of not only Brad's awakening as a gay man, but Drew's journey towards discovering of his own heart was powerful.
First - Brad. This man touched my heart. His pain and awkwardness and fear and bravery and big heart got me, just slayed me. He was so scared, and made so so many mistakes but always, always kept his compass north facing Drew. Mr. Koehler just slammed the ball out of the park with this characterization. Told all his life that he amounts to nothing, that every action he makes isn't good enough, he learned to hide his heart and his mind and put his spirit to sleep. When being a part of Nick's squad woke his heart up, meeting Drew awakened his soul. And we got to see him blossom.
And Drew. He first saw Brad as a hunk of a man, someone to seduce and have his way with. As he put it to Nick - "You have your rower, why can't I have one?" His plan to turn the straight boy, or at least get laid out of the deal, evolved into something so much more than he ever anticipated. Because what he thought he saw in Brad initially - an intelligent, fun and sexy man - woke up his heart from its slumber also. He was forced to look inside and acknowledge that he wanted more in his life than work and the occasional bed mate also. He wanted, no, he deserved, love.
What really worked so well in this flat out winner of a tale was the wonderful growth of both men. They each were faced with challenges that sometimes broke them. Brad, with his hateful and belittling and dangerous father, was crushed emotionally and spiritually. His fear rode him until he shattered. And Drew - his unwillingness to draw back from "full out gay man" to allow Brad to some out at his own pace almost cost him everything. And the brutal assault on him almost killed him physically and spiritually.
And yet. And yet both men, survivors, scarred and hurt and broken and aching and bleeding, stood and took what was offered. They rose above, and learned to lean on each other as well as stand on their own feet as whole, strong and proud men.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the lesson we all can learn. So simply, strength and love come from sharing the pain.
Beautiful. Just...beautiful. These two men, just got me.
Tom
Brad was on the rowing team with Morgan, but graduated. He works for his father but is dissatisfied with the job. Lives at home but hates it there. Is known as a straight party guy who has a different woman every week. But when he met Drew at one of the regattas when he was rowing, something shifted inside.
Drew has an immediate attraction to Brad, but knows he is straight. He just hopes there is maybe something more there. But he is willing to just be friends to have the big lug in his life. And Brad finds himself thinking about the man everyone knows is gay. Finds himself fascinated by him, and drawn in a way he doesn't understand. Maybe they could be friends.
When Brad's father pushes him to find someway to market the disaster of a housing development, Brad sees the perfect opportunity to make friends with Drew and find out what this strange attraction is all about. He doesn't know that Drew has been on Nick and Morgan to get Brad's contact information for weeks.
When the two finally get together for lunch and become fast friends, will be enough for either man, or prove to be too much? And will the business partnership they found grow into something more personal?
This is, hands down, one of the best character studies I have read of a straight guy who slowly acknowledges an attraction to a gay man. It was fascinating, touching, heartbreaking, empowering and so very very tough and tender all at the same time. I was drawn in immediately, thrown into this slow seduction of a book, and was never let go. The evolution and slow unveiling of what proves to be a revelation of not only Brad's awakening as a gay man, but Drew's journey towards discovering of his own heart was powerful.
First - Brad. This man touched my heart. His pain and awkwardness and fear and bravery and big heart got me, just slayed me. He was so scared, and made so so many mistakes but always, always kept his compass north facing Drew. Mr. Koehler just slammed the ball out of the park with this characterization. Told all his life that he amounts to nothing, that every action he makes isn't good enough, he learned to hide his heart and his mind and put his spirit to sleep. When being a part of Nick's squad woke his heart up, meeting Drew awakened his soul. And we got to see him blossom.
And Drew. He first saw Brad as a hunk of a man, someone to seduce and have his way with. As he put it to Nick - "You have your rower, why can't I have one?" His plan to turn the straight boy, or at least get laid out of the deal, evolved into something so much more than he ever anticipated. Because what he thought he saw in Brad initially - an intelligent, fun and sexy man - woke up his heart from its slumber also. He was forced to look inside and acknowledge that he wanted more in his life than work and the occasional bed mate also. He wanted, no, he deserved, love.
What really worked so well in this flat out winner of a tale was the wonderful growth of both men. They each were faced with challenges that sometimes broke them. Brad, with his hateful and belittling and dangerous father, was crushed emotionally and spiritually. His fear rode him until he shattered. And Drew - his unwillingness to draw back from "full out gay man" to allow Brad to some out at his own pace almost cost him everything. And the brutal assault on him almost killed him physically and spiritually.
And yet. And yet both men, survivors, scarred and hurt and broken and aching and bleeding, stood and took what was offered. They rose above, and learned to lean on each other as well as stand on their own feet as whole, strong and proud men.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the lesson we all can learn. So simply, strength and love come from sharing the pain.
Beautiful. Just...beautiful. These two men, just got me.
Tom
October 26, 2011
This book was reviewed for Musings of a bookworm
The Blurb
Between his job as a Realtor and his home renovation business, Drew St. Charles is in over his head. What he really needs is a licensed contractor to oversee his projects, and Drew knows just the man for the job: Brad Sundstrom. The Sundstrom family has been in construction for years, so Brad knows his way around a toolbox, and he desperately wants out from under his sneering father's thumb.
The close contact and the excitement of a career-making renovation fan the sparks between Brad and Drew into an inferno. Before long, the phrase "working hard together" takes on a new meaning. It looks as if Drew's dreams are coming true, although Brad is far from out and proud. But then Drew is savagely attacked in a hate crime, and Brad panics.
Suddenly everything is in jeopardy. When arson strikes Drew's dream project, Brad faces a crucial test: he'll need to overcome his fears, save their work, and take his place at Drew's side or retreat to the stifling familiarity of the closet.
My Thoughts
This is a very intense tale that deal with homophobia in the work place and in life is a realistic way. Brad was an annoying brat most of the time and very much the 'jock' still. I felt it was a shame it took till well over half of the book for Brad to get his big boy trousers on and man up but it was worth the wait. And yes I will admit I did have tears in my eyes for the whole middle section. But the journey was worth it, as a story of self discovery for both men it was a first class effort, I would have liked a bit more tie up as the epilogue felt a little rushed I would have liked to know more about the father and the brother and how the end came about but then I am a greedy girl.
The Blurb
Between his job as a Realtor and his home renovation business, Drew St. Charles is in over his head. What he really needs is a licensed contractor to oversee his projects, and Drew knows just the man for the job: Brad Sundstrom. The Sundstrom family has been in construction for years, so Brad knows his way around a toolbox, and he desperately wants out from under his sneering father's thumb.
The close contact and the excitement of a career-making renovation fan the sparks between Brad and Drew into an inferno. Before long, the phrase "working hard together" takes on a new meaning. It looks as if Drew's dreams are coming true, although Brad is far from out and proud. But then Drew is savagely attacked in a hate crime, and Brad panics.
Suddenly everything is in jeopardy. When arson strikes Drew's dream project, Brad faces a crucial test: he'll need to overcome his fears, save their work, and take his place at Drew's side or retreat to the stifling familiarity of the closet.
My Thoughts
This is a very intense tale that deal with homophobia in the work place and in life is a realistic way. Brad was an annoying brat most of the time and very much the 'jock' still. I felt it was a shame it took till well over half of the book for Brad to get his big boy trousers on and man up but it was worth the wait. And yes I will admit I did have tears in my eyes for the whole middle section. But the journey was worth it, as a story of self discovery for both men it was a first class effort, I would have liked a bit more tie up as the epilogue felt a little rushed I would have liked to know more about the father and the brother and how the end came about but then I am a greedy girl.
June 2, 2012
Brad and Drew's story is an enjoyable follow up to Morgan and Nick... Or at least 3/4 of it is! I was rolling along and thoroughly enjoying the story. Drew is very openly gay. Brad has played het all his life but Drew does something to him. Using the excuse of their housing/construction jobs they come together and Brad begins the journey towards self-discovery. Overall I think this was one of the most realistic Gay For You stories I've read. It wasn't easy and Brad behaved like an ass on many occasions. Stereotypes and ingrained gender roles throwing up road blocks all over the place. I was looking forward to Brad getting over all these hurdles and accepting himself and his feelings for Drew and then spending some happy time together with them and getting to see them as a couple without all that stuff in the way. However, what I got was totally unexpected! I didn't get to see Brad as a solid gay man and I didn't get to see their relationship out in the open. I didn't feel any satisfaction at how the issues with Brad's father were resolved. (Basically using a one sentence catch all)
Enjoyable but not quite all I thought it could have been. I was reeled in hook and line but I think the author forgot about the sinker!
Enjoyable but not quite all I thought it could have been. I was reeled in hook and line but I think the author forgot about the sinker!
October 14, 2012
This book gets only 3. 8 stars instead of 4.5 because I wanted to see the bad guy fall harder. A sequel to "Rocking the Boat", I read this one first and was intrigued by the realistic humanity of the characters. They were ordinary and had ordinary problems. The issue of Drew's emerging acceptance of his sexual orientation was interesting and revealing in the depth of its psychological detail. Also, this man doesn't look like an underwear model and has to work hard for his fitness; this made me want to reach out to him in friendship and sympathy. When one of the characters becomes a victim of a hate crime, I was somewhat shocked by the brutality and realism of all the medical issues and the real-life fallout for both him and his friends. This was not just a "get-punched-get-a-broken-nose" situation, and I really, REALLY wanted to see the antagonist go down for it in painful and excruciating detail.
Because of the careful and well-plotted writing of the relationship development, carefully managed time-skips, and the description of the waters which the boys have to navigate, I thought the "catch and punish the bad guy" part was really skimpy - perhaps to keep the book from being too long? I still loved the book, I'll reread it in the future, and I do recommend it, but I wish the author dedicated more time to bringing the bastard down.
Because of the careful and well-plotted writing of the relationship development, carefully managed time-skips, and the description of the waters which the boys have to navigate, I thought the "catch and punish the bad guy" part was really skimpy - perhaps to keep the book from being too long? I still loved the book, I'll reread it in the future, and I do recommend it, but I wish the author dedicated more time to bringing the bastard down.
June 18, 2016
I liked the book quite a lot. I was pleased that Brad didn't immediately jump into everything sexual with Drew once he admitted that he liked Drew. I think it was more believable that Brad would hesitate since he had no inclination towards men until he was 22 and met Drew. By the same token I felt that that story that same reason made the story drag a bit and I could have done with a few less passages with Brad worrying about being gay and what all that meant. The epilogue wrapped everything up very neatly but without any details and I would have liked to known why Randall's right hand man for 32 years suddenly has an attack of conscience and rats out his boss. I will be getting the next book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2011
I absolutely LOVED this book - perfect sequel to the first book, which I also really, really enjoyed. I loved Drew and Brad and their relationship. I kinda thought that the ending was a bit rushed, but still enjoyed every moment of these two guys together. I thought that this GFY with Brad dealing with what he was going through and what he felt for Drew was realistic and well written. And I really enjoyed getting to see Morgan and Nick again.
September 24, 2011
I liked how realistic Brad's questioning and hesitance seemed, given his homophobic contruction background. He didn't just accept it, but neither did I think he over-angsted about it. That said, I thought Drew's lack of return phone calls was beyond ridiculous and kept them apart unnecessarily. It caused me to really lose sympathy for Drew and decide Brad deserved better. Also, I thought it was setting up to have Brad figure out what his dad was up to and it seemed like a real cop-out to have it summed up in a few sentences in an epilogue.
September 27, 2011
I really liked the relationship between Drew and Brad. The feelings Brad went through to come to terms with his attraction to Drew was some of the most believable I've read. And I must say Drew had the patience of a saint to deal with some of the things Brad said. I read this one first before I realized it was actually a sequel and went back to read the first one; I liked this book a lot more then the first. This is a really good story that focuses more on the romance and less on sex (though there is some pretty hot sex). Can't wait to read more from this author.
September 20, 2014
While this was a great addition to the CalPac Crew series, it did not quite live up to Rocking the Boat. As with the first book I did a lot of skimming, but in addition to the sex scenes I also skimmed over the inner monologue. I did like the characters, but their thoughts quickly became tiresome and I just wanted to move along with the story. Still, I'm enjoying this series a lot and I can't wait to read the other two books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews