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Men of Holsum College #1
College Boys
When soccer star Chris Fischer moves next door to an openly gay classmate, he doesn't realize the wall between their rooms will be so thin he'll hear his neighbor's every move. But soon he and Peter become friends, and Chris is intrigued—imagining what happens on the other side of the wall.
Active on the Queer Student Council, Peter Cohen wishes he wasn't so damn hot for his straight neighbor. He can't tell if Chris is flirting or in denial or what, but Chris's innocent overtures lure Peter into flirtation that throws his world into chaos. Peter doesn't want to date a closet case, but he desperately, passionately wants Chris.
Soon Chris must choose whether to run away from his new feelings or embrace a relationship with the guy he loves. And Peter must decide if he can give his heart to a guy who hasn't yet figured it all out.
Active on the Queer Student Council, Peter Cohen wishes he wasn't so damn hot for his straight neighbor. He can't tell if Chris is flirting or in denial or what, but Chris's innocent overtures lure Peter into flirtation that throws his world into chaos. Peter doesn't want to date a closet case, but he desperately, passionately wants Chris.
Soon Chris must choose whether to run away from his new feelings or embrace a relationship with the guy he loves. And Peter must decide if he can give his heart to a guy who hasn't yet figured it all out.
115 pages, ebook
First published April 9, 2012
9 people are currently reading
855 people want to read
About the author
Daisy Harris
43 books346 followersRetired party girl and science fiction enthusiast, Daisy Harris spends most of her time writing sexy romance and plotting the fall of Western civilization. Her books can be found on Amazon, Nook, and wherever else fine erotic romance is sold.
Ms. Harris lives in Seattle, where she tortures her husband by making it rain. She enjoys watching bridges cause traffic, watching football games cause traffic, and blithely wearing wool socks with sandals.
She has never taken a single picture in which her bra strap is not showing.
Want to find out about new releases, general news, and my latest inappropriate boy band crush? Sign up for my newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/b96xX
Ms. Harris lives in Seattle, where she tortures her husband by making it rain. She enjoys watching bridges cause traffic, watching football games cause traffic, and blithely wearing wool socks with sandals.
She has never taken a single picture in which her bra strap is not showing.
Want to find out about new releases, general news, and my latest inappropriate boy band crush? Sign up for my newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/b96xX
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews
September 15, 2014
3.5--Fapping--Stars!!
Well..that was
I might have gotten a few cavitiies while reading.
Definitely some insta-love going on...
I had a good laugh at some of the stuff Peter and Chris said to each other...
But overall this was a very sweet, coming out of the closet story about two college roomates who start out fapping with each other between the walls of their room and end up falling in love. Quite steamy considering they didn't really have sex until the end of the book. Very light, easy, quick, drama free read!
Well..that was
I might have gotten a few cavitiies while reading.
Definitely some insta-love going on...
I had a good laugh at some of the stuff Peter and Chris said to each other...
But overall this was a very sweet, coming out of the closet story about two college roomates who start out fapping with each other between the walls of their room and end up falling in love. Quite steamy considering they didn't really have sex until the end of the book. Very light, easy, quick, drama free read!
August 15, 2017
★★★★! College Boys, Book 1 (stand-alone) is the story of a handsome, but naïve straight College athlete meets self-assured openly gay student & the friendship they strike up while living wall-to-wall in a dorm. A quick, sexy and very endearing read!
“If this was their only time together, Peter wanted to make sure Chris would never forget.”
Hero 1: Peter Cohen/21 years/New York/student-Queer Student Council/dark brown hair/brown eyes/gay (top)
Hero 2: Chris Fischer/21 years/Tennessee/student-starting forward on Holsum University’s soccer team/blond hair/blue eyes/straight
College Boys is the story of Chris Fischer who has recently transferred to Holsum University on a soccer scholarship. At the start of the semester everyone had gone a College camping trip and Chris had shared a tent with Peter Cohen, who is openly gay and part of the Queer Student Council.
“Every guy got morning wood. It didn’t mean anything that Chris had woken with a boner that morning while camping. And the fact that he’d been rubbing said boner against Peter’s hip? Well… Chris hadn’t been awake enough to know what he’d been doing.”
Ever since Peter has harbored a secret crush on the athletic Chris, while Chris, though not very experienced with girls has had mixed and confused feelings towards Peter. When Chris decides to move from his shared housing into a private room dorm he finds himself paper-thin wall-to-wall neighbor with Peter They strike up a friendship of sorts talking through the wall and, playing music while studying. Both find themselves spending more and more time in their respective rooms until one night... when things get a little hot on separate sides of the wall. Follow them as they navigate the aftermath of that night.
Four words to describe Peter: self-assured, charming, endearing and sexy.
Four words to describe Chris: naïve, progressive, genuine and sweet.
Story touches on some of stigma and prejudices around homosexuality and the difficulties and reservations an (all-American) male star athlete may have towards ”coming out of the closet”.
College Boys is less than 200 pages long and alternates between Chris’ and Peter’s POV. Ms. Harris did an excellent job with both character development and storytelling. I might have wished their story longer, spanning a longer period of time. There are more stand-alone sequels in the series; the next is about two of their friends who we meet in this story.
Overall a quick, sexy, yet sweet, feel-good read!
“He grabbed Chris’s hand and pulled him closer. “I’ll show you.” Peter kissed his cheek, then his neck, but when Peter kissed his way back to Chris’s ear, he whispered, “Just tell me if something’s not okay.” Peter reached for Chris’s fly…”
***
Peter’s rating: 4.5 stars
Chris’ rating: 3.5 stars
Sex scenes rating: 4.5 stars
Storyline concept rating: 4 stars
Storytelling skills rating: 4 stars
Story ending rating: 3.5 stars
************************************************
Overall rating: 4 stars
Would I re-read this book: Maybe.
Would I read future books by this author: Yes.
January 29, 2016
3.75 HEARTS--A story just about every MM reader read...except me.
You know what they say...
Love that episode.
Anyhoo, what can I say that hasn't been said already? Probably not much.
Set in Vermont, Chris, Tennessean straight college soccer player moves into a single dorm room that has been shoddily split into two singles rooms with a paper thin wall to separate him and his neighbor. His neighbor is Peter, a gay student who Chris had a morning wood, totally not gay encounter with earlier in the year.
Uh-huh.
So while Chris gets to mourn his mother's passing in peace away from his teammates, he also gets to know Peter and they become friends. And masturbatory helping aids? Well, the wall separates them, so...it's totally not gay. Right?
I came for the 'out for you' but was pleasantly surprised with the additions to the plot. I liked Chris mourning. (wished it didn't get pushed to the wayside once the sexy times started. But who wants dead mom thoughts when boners are present?) I really liked Chris working through accepting that his sexuality wasn't as concrete as he'd thought - though the homophobic teammates were assholes and sometimes Chris made dick moves, his heart was in the right place. I'm glad it wasn't another gay boy dating a closeted boy story.
And the sex read natural. I liked the progression. Well most of it. And my smut loving heart rejoiced when I got the double whammy. You know what time it is: Virgin meets Butt Virgin Time
*purrs* And tears (during sex).
There were things I felt were too soon like the level of HEA. Not saying twenty-somethings aren't that mature but...virgins making such weighty promises after such short amount of time? *raises eyebrow* Methinks the hormones might be talking here. Also while I did applaud Chris' acceptance...it might've been a little hasty.
Overall, enjoyable story. It's hot, there's a solid plot and I'll be back for more of this series.
A copy provided via Netgalley for an honest review.
You know what they say...
Love that episode.
Anyhoo, what can I say that hasn't been said already? Probably not much.
Set in Vermont, Chris, Tennessean straight college soccer player moves into a single dorm room that has been shoddily split into two singles rooms with a paper thin wall to separate him and his neighbor. His neighbor is Peter, a gay student who Chris had a morning wood, totally not gay encounter with earlier in the year.
Uh-huh.
So while Chris gets to mourn his mother's passing in peace away from his teammates, he also gets to know Peter and they become friends. And masturbatory helping aids? Well, the wall separates them, so...it's totally not gay. Right?
I came for the 'out for you' but was pleasantly surprised with the additions to the plot. I liked Chris mourning. (wished it didn't get pushed to the wayside once the sexy times started. But who wants dead mom thoughts when boners are present?) I really liked Chris working through accepting that his sexuality wasn't as concrete as he'd thought - though the homophobic teammates were assholes and sometimes Chris made dick moves, his heart was in the right place. I'm glad it wasn't another gay boy dating a closeted boy story.
And the sex read natural. I liked the progression. Well most of it. And my smut loving heart rejoiced when I got the double whammy. You know what time it is: Virgin meets Butt Virgin Time
*purrs* And tears (during sex).
There were things I felt were too soon like the level of HEA. Not saying twenty-somethings aren't that mature but...virgins making such weighty promises after such short amount of time? *raises eyebrow* Methinks the hormones might be talking here. Also while I did applaud Chris' acceptance...it might've been a little hasty.
Overall, enjoyable story. It's hot, there's a solid plot and I'll be back for more of this series.
A copy provided via Netgalley for an honest review.
May 10, 2013
This book was an adorable, sexy read! Smut craving, sa-tis-fied!!
"College Boys" is about a guy, Chris, who moves back to the dorms to have more personal space. The walls of his single room are paper thin, and he realizes he is essentially sharing his room with his next door neighbor Peter, the gay guy whom he met on his college orientation trip. Chris finds himself growing more and more curious about his new neighbor and unable to fight a growing attraction to him. But Chris is straight, right?
My favorite part about this book is the way it portrays first time sexual experiences. The author captures all of the excitement, the clumsiness, and the desperate need of first time sex. All of those moments are there in their sweaty, awkward glory. The best part? Daisy Harris manages to make these moments simultaneously ring completely true and be UNBELIEVABLY hot. I mean smoking. I loved my kindle was just burning up! And I love the twist of .
I love a good low angst book and this was just a great read. My only problems with it were the speed that they jumped from lust to love and
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
"College Boys" is about a guy, Chris, who moves back to the dorms to have more personal space. The walls of his single room are paper thin, and he realizes he is essentially sharing his room with his next door neighbor Peter, the gay guy whom he met on his college orientation trip. Chris finds himself growing more and more curious about his new neighbor and unable to fight a growing attraction to him. But Chris is straight, right?
My favorite part about this book is the way it portrays first time sexual experiences. The author captures all of the excitement, the clumsiness, and the desperate need of first time sex. All of those moments are there in their sweaty, awkward glory. The best part? Daisy Harris manages to make these moments simultaneously ring completely true and be UNBELIEVABLY hot. I mean smoking. I loved my kindle was just burning up! And I love the twist of .
I love a good low angst book and this was just a great read. My only problems with it were the speed that they jumped from lust to love and
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
July 1, 2014
I went into this novella wishing and hoping for some smutty goodness.
Is that what I got?
Ooooooooh yeah!
I got smuttiness in heaps and by the tons. And it was definitely hot!
Have I also mentioned that there was a gay virgin...?
But I was also pleasantly surprised and got so much more. This was actually a pretty sweet story between out-and-proud Peter and his closeted dorm mate, Chris. Even though their relationship developed a smidge fast for me, I still found it believable and thoroughly enjoyable.
If you're looking for a fun, smexy, and angst-free little story, then certainly give this one a try.
Is that what I got?
Ooooooooh yeah!
I got smuttiness in heaps and by the tons. And it was definitely hot!
Have I also mentioned that there was a gay virgin...?
But I was also pleasantly surprised and got so much more. This was actually a pretty sweet story between out-and-proud Peter and his closeted dorm mate, Chris. Even though their relationship developed a smidge fast for me, I still found it believable and thoroughly enjoyable.
If you're looking for a fun, smexy, and angst-free little story, then certainly give this one a try.
September 24, 2014
Posted May 25, 2013
4 Stars to a sweet novella about two guys unexpected love in College
I want to start by saying that I really enjoyed this cozy story. It is not very long and I read it in a single sitting and turning, all the way, eagerly to the next page. When I got to the last page, I was almost a little sad that the author has not built out the story a bit more and made a complete novel. So much more could be developed about these two main characters. They are just adorable and makes me so warm in my heart.
This story does have some weaknesses, I'm sorry to say. But the great thing is; this is a very lovely story about two young men, love, lust and attraction and to dare to"take the plunge" - whatever some weaknesses in the book.
In the spring, during Chris first year at Holsum University, he manages to get his own single room. A split earlier larger room with a thin partition wall. Chris is vaguely familiar with the guy who lives in the next room, the openly gay Peter. Many months earlier they met on a short camping trip the University arranged for newcomers. Chris, a small town, soccer-player, isn't interested in guys - "that way" - but a little curious about the kind of metropolitan fragrant Peter. A nice guy but with a different way of life than himself. The wall is thin and "everything" is heard ...
In the short storys obvious form is the actual course of events often fast forward. Yet taken in this case, is the boys' step towards the more physical contact rather slow. Which creates an exciting heat and gives me as reader time to see their maturity and get faith in what I read. The two boys actions and words, on each side of the wall, is really very well narrated by the author. I'm as eager as them, but like so much that everything don't happens immediately and all at once. They grope, is shy and inexperienced. There is talk about porn, how guys "do" and a bit clumsily caressing, panting and tumbling into bed the first few times. All very nice and credibly described - Thank you Ms. Harris.
Finally, this is a warm and nicely told story about the first great love. It's steamy and very hot, I'm sucked into the story and feel with the main characters, Chris and Peter, all the way true the story, and I don't want it to end. A weakness is perhaps the, in my opinion, too sugar sweet ending. Nice but maybe a bit too much? Sometimes, I think, it gets a little too easily and clumsily told, but I try to ignore this shortcoming and concentrate on what is happening instead. It's touching and a few very important topics about homophobia, fear, shame and inner maturity is nice illustrated in this story.
Young adult love, without excessive anxiety and missteps, is a interesting reading when it's fine told. A big plus for the very tenderly written love (and sex) scenes. My heart is pounding as theirs.
I hesitated a long time between reviewed three or four (out of five) stars from me. But since I am now, a few days after I read the book, still feel so strongly about these two guys and their love story, I'm extra generous and give this novella a four. Read and enjoy, I did.
I Like - sweet about young adult male love.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A copy has been provided for an honest review by the publisher and NetGalley.
4 Stars to a sweet novella about two guys unexpected love in College
I want to start by saying that I really enjoyed this cozy story. It is not very long and I read it in a single sitting and turning, all the way, eagerly to the next page. When I got to the last page, I was almost a little sad that the author has not built out the story a bit more and made a complete novel. So much more could be developed about these two main characters. They are just adorable and makes me so warm in my heart.
This story does have some weaknesses, I'm sorry to say. But the great thing is; this is a very lovely story about two young men, love, lust and attraction and to dare to"take the plunge" - whatever some weaknesses in the book.
‘It didn't make Chris gay to think Peter was hot, he considered as he rinsed of his toothbrush. After all, girls sized each other up all the time. Ask any girl and she could tell you if her friend was good looking or not.’
In the spring, during Chris first year at Holsum University, he manages to get his own single room. A split earlier larger room with a thin partition wall. Chris is vaguely familiar with the guy who lives in the next room, the openly gay Peter. Many months earlier they met on a short camping trip the University arranged for newcomers. Chris, a small town, soccer-player, isn't interested in guys - "that way" - but a little curious about the kind of metropolitan fragrant Peter. A nice guy but with a different way of life than himself. The wall is thin and "everything" is heard ...
“Good night, Chris”, Peter reached over to his stereo and clicked through the playlist to something mellow.
From the other room, he heard the creak from the bed and another deep, masculine yawn that was going to keep him up all night. “G'night, Peter.”
In the short storys obvious form is the actual course of events often fast forward. Yet taken in this case, is the boys' step towards the more physical contact rather slow. Which creates an exciting heat and gives me as reader time to see their maturity and get faith in what I read. The two boys actions and words, on each side of the wall, is really very well narrated by the author. I'm as eager as them, but like so much that everything don't happens immediately and all at once. They grope, is shy and inexperienced. There is talk about porn, how guys "do" and a bit clumsily caressing, panting and tumbling into bed the first few times. All very nice and credibly described - Thank you Ms. Harris.
Finally, this is a warm and nicely told story about the first great love. It's steamy and very hot, I'm sucked into the story and feel with the main characters, Chris and Peter, all the way true the story, and I don't want it to end. A weakness is perhaps the, in my opinion, too sugar sweet ending. Nice but maybe a bit too much? Sometimes, I think, it gets a little too easily and clumsily told, but I try to ignore this shortcoming and concentrate on what is happening instead. It's touching and a few very important topics about homophobia, fear, shame and inner maturity is nice illustrated in this story.
Young adult love, without excessive anxiety and missteps, is a interesting reading when it's fine told. A big plus for the very tenderly written love (and sex) scenes. My heart is pounding as theirs.
I hesitated a long time between reviewed three or four (out of five) stars from me. But since I am now, a few days after I read the book, still feel so strongly about these two guys and their love story, I'm extra generous and give this novella a four. Read and enjoy, I did.
I Like - sweet about young adult male love.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A copy has been provided for an honest review by the publisher and NetGalley.
October 28, 2017
This was a cute, fun, hot book.
I enjoyed the story the Mc's were very likable. my only complaint was that it was short.
If you're looking for a fun, smexy, and no angst story, you can read this.
I enjoyed the story the Mc's were very likable. my only complaint was that it was short.
If you're looking for a fun, smexy, and no angst story, you can read this.
April 11, 2013
Seriously what are you still doing here, reading this review?
Oh I know, you're looking at the cover.
I have a suggestion.
Don't.
Pretend it doesn't exist.
Throw it to the wolves.
Because as sure as hell do not, I repeat, DO NOT MISS THIS M/M FANTASTICNESS.
See?I'm making new words already, so that is always a good sign.
The covers will burn your eyes.Make you wish you were blind.
But this series will certainly not.
May 10, 2013
This story was hot and also sweet. I really enjoyed my visit to Holsum College.
The story, in brief:
Chris, a soccer jock, moves into a new dorm room and discovers that his next door neighbor, whose every word and move he can hear through the paper-thin walls, is none other than Peter, the openly gay guy he shared a tent - - with during his transfer student orientation trip. They quickly form a friendship and, after some soul-searching from Chris, build an unlikely (but pretty dang adorable and sweet) relationship in a kind of accidental yet hot and sexual tension-filled way.
The characters:
I liked them both a lot. I was totally rooting for them and could identify with their struggles and concerns.
Chris isn't very experienced with...anything, really, whether we're talking girls, sex, or the world in general. He's very wide-eyed, yet it's also quite charming to see the world through that discovering-new-things-at-every-turn gaze. His internal conflict revolves around his questioning of the foreign feelings he has for Peter, whether he's gay, and how the people in his life will react to his being gay. My main quibble with the story stems from how Chris's struggles and conflict were kind of not resolved by the end of the story.
Peter, on the other hand, is slightly world-weary in his jaded and snarky New Yorker POV. He can't seem to get over his crush on Chris even though he realizes he should know better and doesn't want to tie himself to a closet case. Peter's combination of sensitivity and snarkiness combined to make him pretty lovable, and whenever he showed his vulnerability, I pretty much melted.
The secondary characters were decent. They seemed a bit like caricatures of certain "types," but not to an annoying or distracting extent.
The romance:
*sigh* The romance was really sweet and built in an unexpected way. Unexpected could be interpreted as improbable, but hey - this is a romance novel, after all. You know it's gonna happen, and the sweet and accidental way in which it did - along with the questioning each of the MCs felt along the way as they mused over the whole accidental nature of it - was quite fulfilling in the end. Again, I thought the ending didn't really tie up all of the loose ends, but it showed the two guys definitely taking a step in the HEA direction.
The sexytimes:
An interesting mixture of sweet and intense. Surprisingly, I think I liked the scenes through the walls the best. They were flirty, coy, exploring, and unique. Their first time together was really great, too - hot and sweet and passionate. However, I must say that I'm not sure if the scene where they had full penetration for the first time was true to the characters. The portrayal of the sexytimes was realistic and actually quite hot; I just didn't think it was well-timed for what Chris and Peter would actually do. Then again, who am I to say what two college aged guys would get into when lost to their lusty cravings for each other? :)
Overall:
Overall, I really liked this book. The story was easy to read and fun to follow. The characters were just really great guys, and I was rooting for their sweet, unconventional, and quirky romance. Again, my only real quibble was that the ending didn't really resolve all of the questions Chris had regarding how his coming out would be accepted by the people in his circle (friends, family, etc.). Otherwise, though, it was a great story and one of my "one sitting reads."
Note: Thank you to the author and the publisher for providing a copy for review through NetGalley.
The story, in brief:
Chris, a soccer jock, moves into a new dorm room and discovers that his next door neighbor, whose every word and move he can hear through the paper-thin walls, is none other than Peter, the openly gay guy he shared a tent - - with during his transfer student orientation trip. They quickly form a friendship and, after some soul-searching from Chris, build an unlikely (but pretty dang adorable and sweet) relationship in a kind of accidental yet hot and sexual tension-filled way.
The characters:
I liked them both a lot. I was totally rooting for them and could identify with their struggles and concerns.
Chris isn't very experienced with...anything, really, whether we're talking girls, sex, or the world in general. He's very wide-eyed, yet it's also quite charming to see the world through that discovering-new-things-at-every-turn gaze. His internal conflict revolves around his questioning of the foreign feelings he has for Peter, whether he's gay, and how the people in his life will react to his being gay. My main quibble with the story stems from how Chris's struggles and conflict were kind of not resolved by the end of the story.
Peter, on the other hand, is slightly world-weary in his jaded and snarky New Yorker POV. He can't seem to get over his crush on Chris even though he realizes he should know better and doesn't want to tie himself to a closet case. Peter's combination of sensitivity and snarkiness combined to make him pretty lovable, and whenever he showed his vulnerability, I pretty much melted.
The secondary characters were decent. They seemed a bit like caricatures of certain "types," but not to an annoying or distracting extent.
The romance:
*sigh* The romance was really sweet and built in an unexpected way. Unexpected could be interpreted as improbable, but hey - this is a romance novel, after all. You know it's gonna happen, and the sweet and accidental way in which it did - along with the questioning each of the MCs felt along the way as they mused over the whole accidental nature of it - was quite fulfilling in the end. Again, I thought the ending didn't really tie up all of the loose ends, but it showed the two guys definitely taking a step in the HEA direction.
The sexytimes:
An interesting mixture of sweet and intense. Surprisingly, I think I liked the scenes through the walls the best. They were flirty, coy, exploring, and unique. Their first time together was really great, too - hot and sweet and passionate. However, I must say that I'm not sure if the scene where they had full penetration for the first time was true to the characters. The portrayal of the sexytimes was realistic and actually quite hot; I just didn't think it was well-timed for what Chris and Peter would actually do. Then again, who am I to say what two college aged guys would get into when lost to their lusty cravings for each other? :)
Overall:
Overall, I really liked this book. The story was easy to read and fun to follow. The characters were just really great guys, and I was rooting for their sweet, unconventional, and quirky romance. Again, my only real quibble was that the ending didn't really resolve all of the questions Chris had regarding how his coming out would be accepted by the people in his circle (friends, family, etc.). Otherwise, though, it was a great story and one of my "one sitting reads."
Note: Thank you to the author and the publisher for providing a copy for review through NetGalley.
September 29, 2013
3.5 stars
My biggest complaint is that I wanted this one to be longer and beefed up with more background information about Peter and Chris; their pasts are only lightly sketched in. We find out Chris's mom just passed away, but nothing about his dad or the rest of his family. We know next to nothing about Peter, except he's Jewish and has always known he was gay and has a sister who's almost 18.
In a way, I didn't mind this as much as I should have because these are college guys (barely 21) and thus not as introspective as a man who's 30 or 40 (you'd hope).
The novel focuses on Chris's budding feelings toward Peter, Chris realizing he may be gay, and Chris struggling with his new identity (he's an athlete and worried about coming out to his team mates).
If you want a complicated and angsty plot, this is not the book for you. But if you want something light, easy, compulsively readable (I did 90 minutes of cardio today thanks to this little gem; I could not stop reading, so I kept pedaling!), College Boys fits the bill.
The ending was super sweet too, even if Chris has barely toed out of the closet at that point.
My biggest complaint is that I wanted this one to be longer and beefed up with more background information about Peter and Chris; their pasts are only lightly sketched in. We find out Chris's mom just passed away, but nothing about his dad or the rest of his family. We know next to nothing about Peter, except he's Jewish and has always known he was gay and has a sister who's almost 18.
In a way, I didn't mind this as much as I should have because these are college guys (barely 21) and thus not as introspective as a man who's 30 or 40 (you'd hope).
The novel focuses on Chris's budding feelings toward Peter, Chris realizing he may be gay, and Chris struggling with his new identity (he's an athlete and worried about coming out to his team mates).
If you want a complicated and angsty plot, this is not the book for you. But if you want something light, easy, compulsively readable (I did 90 minutes of cardio today thanks to this little gem; I could not stop reading, so I kept pedaling!), College Boys fits the bill.
The ending was super sweet too, even if Chris has barely toed out of the closet at that point.
May 9, 2013
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A fun and sexy read. I liked the characters both primary, and secondary. Even the characters who seemed a bit stereotypical had depth, and interest. I liked the progression of Peter and Chris's relationship. I especially liked their first sexual encounter together. It really capture the awkward reality of sex, and didn't feel like scripted porn. For me, sometimes, it's moments like these that make the characters more human, and a love story more authentic. The ending scene was a bit overkill for me, and all that talk didn't seem to fit the feel of the rest of the story. A bit too fast for the relationship progression that had already been set. A nice, sweet story, perfect for an overcast day.
A fun and sexy read. I liked the characters both primary, and secondary. Even the characters who seemed a bit stereotypical had depth, and interest. I liked the progression of Peter and Chris's relationship. I especially liked their first sexual encounter together. It really capture the awkward reality of sex, and didn't feel like scripted porn. For me, sometimes, it's moments like these that make the characters more human, and a love story more authentic. The ending scene was a bit overkill for me, and all that talk didn't seem to fit the feel of the rest of the story. A bit too fast for the relationship progression that had already been set. A nice, sweet story, perfect for an overcast day.
June 11, 2013
A wonderful novella about falling in love! Chris and Peter both attend Holsum College, a small liberal school in New York. Chris is a star soccer player whose mom recently died. He decided he needed some space, so he moved out of the dorm he shared with 2 of his teammates and into a single room in a dorm across campus.
His next door neighbor Peter is openly gay. Chris is not. Chris has dated girls in the past, though he doesn’t have much experience with the opposite sex.
He soon discovers that the “single” rooms in this dorm used to be double rooms until thin walls were constructed to divide them. The kind of walls where you can hear everything going on in the room next to you.
Chris and Peter become friends. They even lie in bed at night in their own rooms and talk to each other through the thin wall. Things become more intimate as they realize their attraction to one another. But Chris isn’t entirely sure of his feelings. How will his teammates react? How will his parents react? And Peter isn’t sure he wants a relationship with someone so far in the closet.
This is a short and sweet coming of age story as Chris and Peter explore their feelings. They are adorable, awkward, and clumsy… just like first love. And the sex is unbelievable hot, even when there’s no actual sex involved! It’s very easy to read and I loved it! I will definitely read more from Daisy Harris.
ARC provided by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
His next door neighbor Peter is openly gay. Chris is not. Chris has dated girls in the past, though he doesn’t have much experience with the opposite sex.
He soon discovers that the “single” rooms in this dorm used to be double rooms until thin walls were constructed to divide them. The kind of walls where you can hear everything going on in the room next to you.
Chris and Peter become friends. They even lie in bed at night in their own rooms and talk to each other through the thin wall. Things become more intimate as they realize their attraction to one another. But Chris isn’t entirely sure of his feelings. How will his teammates react? How will his parents react? And Peter isn’t sure he wants a relationship with someone so far in the closet.
This is a short and sweet coming of age story as Chris and Peter explore their feelings. They are adorable, awkward, and clumsy… just like first love. And the sex is unbelievable hot, even when there’s no actual sex involved! It’s very easy to read and I loved it! I will definitely read more from Daisy Harris.
ARC provided by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 16, 2012
Very good m/m romance about a college student who changes dorms partway through the semester, after his mom dies, so he can have some time alone, away from the soccer teammates he'd been rooming with. Strangely, he finds he's ok with talking through the wall with the gay guy who lives next door...
April 11, 2012
Chris is a sweet, straight, southern boy, attending a small liberal college. His move to a new dorm room puts him right next door to Peter, a friendly gay man who is out and proud. The wall between their small rooms is paper thin, and the two become fast friends, talking though plaster as if it's not even there.
Peter has a huge crush on Chris, and he never dreams the attraction may be returned. But that's exactly what begins to happen. Chris slowly accepts his attraction and curiosity about Peter and reaches out to see if they can have a future together.
First of all, I have to say that I read this novella in one sitting, because I didn't want to put it down. I really enjoyed the writing style and the story itself. This isn't just a romance, but also a journey of self-discovery for Chris. He's a good guy with aw'shucks charm. But Peter stole the show for me. Daisy Harris does such a great job taking us through his emotions as he struggles with his growing feelings for Chris and his looming fear of rejection. And then there's the sex... which I thought was very well done. From their tentative early forays together to the abandon they reach later in the story, it was hot --and sweet-- and it definitely put me in the moment.
My only quibbles were small ones. The first is the relative ease in which Chris accepts this major change in his life. From what I could tell, this is a guy who has never questioned his sexuality, and he's going from denial to begging for a shag at lightning speed. Don't get me wrong, I am glad he can figure all this out without hurting Peter in the process, but I would have expected a little more reticence or freaking out than he did.
But these things aside, I really did like it. And if Daisy Harris decides to write another story about side characters Nathaniel and Greg, I would totally read it. 4 stars.
*ARC provided by author for review
Peter has a huge crush on Chris, and he never dreams the attraction may be returned. But that's exactly what begins to happen. Chris slowly accepts his attraction and curiosity about Peter and reaches out to see if they can have a future together.
First of all, I have to say that I read this novella in one sitting, because I didn't want to put it down. I really enjoyed the writing style and the story itself. This isn't just a romance, but also a journey of self-discovery for Chris. He's a good guy with aw'shucks charm. But Peter stole the show for me. Daisy Harris does such a great job taking us through his emotions as he struggles with his growing feelings for Chris and his looming fear of rejection. And then there's the sex... which I thought was very well done. From their tentative early forays together to the abandon they reach later in the story, it was hot --and sweet-- and it definitely put me in the moment.
My only quibbles were small ones. The first is the relative ease in which Chris accepts this major change in his life. From what I could tell, this is a guy who has never questioned his sexuality, and he's going from denial to begging for a shag at lightning speed. Don't get me wrong, I am glad he can figure all this out without hurting Peter in the process, but I would have expected a little more reticence or freaking out than he did.
But these things aside, I really did like it. And if Daisy Harris decides to write another story about side characters Nathaniel and Greg, I would totally read it. 4 stars.
*ARC provided by author for review
April 16, 2012
Cute and an easy read. Exactly what I was looking for. Fairly low on the angst as well. Hope we get to see Nathaniel's story soon!
August 31, 2014
It was sweet and I actually liked the MC's.
But, It was a bit boring at times and very predictable.
But, It was a bit boring at times and very predictable.
June 5, 2013
A cute, fun, sexy read that I devoured in a few hours. I really liked the realistic awkwardness of Chris' first sexual explorations with another man, clumsiness and sweatiness and all, and the budding relationship between Peter and Chris.
The characterizations were well done within the context of the plot. Peter is out, Chris is not sure what he is, but can't deny his growing attraction to his next room neighbor. While their romance is perhaps somewhat improbable, this is a romance novel after all, so I just went with the flow. Both boys are adorable in their own ways, and their actions and reactions made sense within the way they were written.
By the way, Wonton is a type of Chinese food, wanton is the correct word. Easy to miss, sure. Yanked me right out of what could have been a very hot scene, though. That's something an editor should have caught.
Speaking of the sexy times, I enjoyed those the most. Not for the actual sex, but because of their realistically awkward portrayal. The author let the boys explore their sexual relationship, from a through-the-wall jerk off sessions to Chris losing his proverbial cherry to Peter.
The author did a great job in making the reader root for both characters, letting them muse about their fears (am I gay or not, do I want to get involved with a closet case or not) and their growing desire for each other, as well as their honest talks through the wall separating their rooms.
And I quite enjoyed the writing style and will check out more by this author.
Overall, this was a fun story to read, with adorable characters and very little angst. If you like M/M romance witha bit of fluff, this might be a book for you.
On a side note, I've noticed that the covers for a lot of M/M romances tend to be pretty meh. This one is no different. It's almost as if there's a rule that an M/M erotic romance requires to have at least one half-naked man on the cover that advertises at first glimpse 'Lookie here. Boysecks'. It seems unnecessary, and I wouldn't want anyone to skip over this book because the cover is unappealingly generic.
I received a free ARC from the publisher via Netgalley. A positive review was not promised in return.
The characterizations were well done within the context of the plot. Peter is out, Chris is not sure what he is, but can't deny his growing attraction to his next room neighbor. While their romance is perhaps somewhat improbable, this is a romance novel after all, so I just went with the flow. Both boys are adorable in their own ways, and their actions and reactions made sense within the way they were written.
By the way, Wonton is a type of Chinese food, wanton is the correct word. Easy to miss, sure. Yanked me right out of what could have been a very hot scene, though. That's something an editor should have caught.
Speaking of the sexy times, I enjoyed those the most. Not for the actual sex, but because of their realistically awkward portrayal. The author let the boys explore their sexual relationship, from a through-the-wall jerk off sessions to Chris losing his proverbial cherry to Peter.
The author did a great job in making the reader root for both characters, letting them muse about their fears (am I gay or not, do I want to get involved with a closet case or not) and their growing desire for each other, as well as their honest talks through the wall separating their rooms.
And I quite enjoyed the writing style and will check out more by this author.
Overall, this was a fun story to read, with adorable characters and very little angst. If you like M/M romance with
On a side note, I've noticed that the covers for a lot of M/M romances tend to be pretty meh. This one is no different. It's almost as if there's a rule that an M/M erotic romance requires to have at least one half-naked man on the cover that advertises at first glimpse 'Lookie here. Boysecks'. It seems unnecessary, and I wouldn't want anyone to skip over this book because the cover is unappealingly generic.
I received a free ARC from the publisher via Netgalley. A positive review was not promised in return.
October 12, 2012
4 ½ stars. Well done. Hot sex scenes. Nice relationship development.
Chris believes he is straight. Peter is his gay next door roommate. Chris learns that he is very turned on with Peter. Most of the story consists of sex scenes. The guys pleasure themselves and later each other. There is rear door activity. Man, this was hot. They had some great passion. I really enjoyed it. There’s not a lot of story outside of the sex, but the story was fine. The main plot was developing the relationship. It’s maybe a third or fourth the size of a regular novel.
The author has several series. This is the first book in the Men of Holsum College series. Most of her writing is male-male, but a few are male-female. Her series and books are nicely organized and described on her website thedaisyharris com.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Kindle count story length: 1460 (179 KB). Swearing language: strong. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: 7. Setting: current day Holsum University in Vermont. Copyright: 2012. Genre: male-male contemporary romance.
Chris believes he is straight. Peter is his gay next door roommate. Chris learns that he is very turned on with Peter. Most of the story consists of sex scenes. The guys pleasure themselves and later each other. There is rear door activity. Man, this was hot. They had some great passion. I really enjoyed it. There’s not a lot of story outside of the sex, but the story was fine. The main plot was developing the relationship. It’s maybe a third or fourth the size of a regular novel.
The author has several series. This is the first book in the Men of Holsum College series. Most of her writing is male-male, but a few are male-female. Her series and books are nicely organized and described on her website thedaisyharris com.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Kindle count story length: 1460 (179 KB). Swearing language: strong. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: 7. Setting: current day Holsum University in Vermont. Copyright: 2012. Genre: male-male contemporary romance.
March 7, 2013
Thank you for the author recommendation Tina K.! I have read a few of the Men of Holsum College series, and this one is a great reminder of how good they are! I'm excited Daisy Harris has a new novel From the Ashes (featuring FIREFIGHTERS!) coming out this summer and it is sure to be a goodie!
Thanks Tina!!!!
Thanks Tina!!!!
September 30, 2013
I should know better by now. I go in for fun and smut and always come back with my heart handed to me. This book was no exception.
So Chris is moving into a new hall at school, one where he will get more privacy as this room is a single but what he quickly learns is the "wall" between he and his roommate is so thin they can hear each other breathe. Oh yeah, they can hear that and a whole lot more.
Chris Fischer and his new wall mate, Peter Cohen have a bit of history and it involves tents of all proportions. When they both realize who their neighbor will be the have different reactions but both boys wonder if the other remembers that morning in the tent with the rubbing of spoons. While Peter is out with his sexuality, Chris is still testing the muddy waters of his heart and mind. What he does know is he likes Peter and that is where the fun times begin with this story.
Confession: I have a small fetish for the boys in the closet, or just in the fitting room peeking out from behind the curtain. I adore their journey from what they fight against, or what they think is wrong to the realization of what they want is just who they are and it's okay to embrace and accept that. It's not always an easy road, most of the time I end up in tears reading their journey but I really do enjoy these boys.
Chris and Peter slowly become friends through the safety of the wall between them but once they start to let down the personal walls we begin to see their relationship change into something more.
This story, it was fun, it was sweet, it hurt and at times...OH MY it was sexy. The scene with Peter being all "do this and do that" was H.O.T. and then wondering who would top whom...yeah, that comes into play when you have one in the closet and one not. I was shocked actually by who did what but it worked out perfectly and drew an "Aww" out of me with the level of trust that was given. Oh and the scene with the date? Call me sentimental and sappy but what Chris does reminds me of Mr. Darcy walking all that way in the wee hours of the morning to tell Elizabeth how he feels. Sigh. I loved, LOVED that part. So good.
College Boys was a great short read and introduction to the boys of Holsum College. If being neighbors gave me and the boys this much pleasure, I cannot wait to for more.
So Chris is moving into a new hall at school, one where he will get more privacy as this room is a single but what he quickly learns is the "wall" between he and his roommate is so thin they can hear each other breathe. Oh yeah, they can hear that and a whole lot more.
Chris Fischer and his new wall mate, Peter Cohen have a bit of history and it involves tents of all proportions. When they both realize who their neighbor will be the have different reactions but both boys wonder if the other remembers that morning in the tent with the rubbing of spoons. While Peter is out with his sexuality, Chris is still testing the muddy waters of his heart and mind. What he does know is he likes Peter and that is where the fun times begin with this story.
Chris stayed where he was standing by the wall, his hand resting, open palmed, at the level of his face. It would have been lower than Peter's face, sine he was taller than Chris, maybe more at the level of Peter's throat.
Confession: I have a small fetish for the boys in the closet, or just in the fitting room peeking out from behind the curtain. I adore their journey from what they fight against, or what they think is wrong to the realization of what they want is just who they are and it's okay to embrace and accept that. It's not always an easy road, most of the time I end up in tears reading their journey but I really do enjoy these boys.
Chris and Peter slowly become friends through the safety of the wall between them but once they start to let down the personal walls we begin to see their relationship change into something more.
This story, it was fun, it was sweet, it hurt and at times...OH MY it was sexy. The scene with Peter being all "do this and do that" was H.O.T. and then wondering who would top whom...yeah, that comes into play when you have one in the closet and one not. I was shocked actually by who did what but it worked out perfectly and drew an "Aww" out of me with the level of trust that was given. Oh and the scene with the date? Call me sentimental and sappy but what Chris does reminds me of Mr. Darcy walking all that way in the wee hours of the morning to tell Elizabeth how he feels. Sigh. I loved, LOVED that part. So good.
College Boys was a great short read and introduction to the boys of Holsum College. If being neighbors gave me and the boys this much pleasure, I cannot wait to for more.
February 24, 2017
Chris is a straight, soccer playing college student who lost his mother to cancer. He is having a difficult time of it, so he moves out of the “jock dorm” he had been living into a single room, where he can hopefully start to heal. The single room was actually part of a double until administration merely put a wall in the middle to make two. Coincidentally, his “roommate” on the other side of the wall is Peter, an openly gay student who Chris had once shared a tent (and a little cuddle) with on a retreat. When a mutual masturbation session starts to lead to more, will Chris be able to handle loving another man or will the whole thing be doomed?
I thought this was such a realistic take on realizing and accepting who you are, which might be completely different than who you thought you were. Chris was a jerk sometimes, but I never felt like he was like that on purpose to hurt Peter, but more that he was just so confused and unsure. His view of what he thought about himself changed.
There were parts of this that I absolutely loved. Chris has never had sex with a man before, and Peter has never had anal sex before. They are virgins in this aspect, and I found that endearing. The first time Chris and Peter are actually going to have sex, well, they are going to try to have sex, it is painful. I appreciate that in a contemporary story because for most people, the first time IS painful, to some degree.
While there isn’t a lot of heavy angst to the story, it isn’t a walk through the park either. Chris and his soccer team friends get along well, but there are homophobes on the team. The scene in the diner, when Peter doesn’t want to walk back past them to leave, just made me want to hug him. Chris does his best but really at that point I don’t think he understands how hard it can but, although later he doesYou feel for Chris as he makes his choices. . Peter’s friend Nathaniel is adorable, just a shiny gem with a heart and hopefully he will get a story as well.
This is a feel good book, with a plot that runs softly. There are no huge highs and lows, but a definite moving forward. I thoroughly enjoyed the story
I thought this was such a realistic take on realizing and accepting who you are, which might be completely different than who you thought you were. Chris was a jerk sometimes, but I never felt like he was like that on purpose to hurt Peter, but more that he was just so confused and unsure. His view of what he thought about himself changed.
There were parts of this that I absolutely loved. Chris has never had sex with a man before, and Peter has never had anal sex before. They are virgins in this aspect, and I found that endearing. The first time Chris and Peter are actually going to have sex, well, they are going to try to have sex, it is painful. I appreciate that in a contemporary story because for most people, the first time IS painful, to some degree.
While there isn’t a lot of heavy angst to the story, it isn’t a walk through the park either. Chris and his soccer team friends get along well, but there are homophobes on the team. The scene in the diner, when Peter doesn’t want to walk back past them to leave, just made me want to hug him. Chris does his best but really at that point I don’t think he understands how hard it can but, although later he doesYou feel for Chris as he makes his choices. . Peter’s friend Nathaniel is adorable, just a shiny gem with a heart and hopefully he will get a story as well.
This is a feel good book, with a plot that runs softly. There are no huge highs and lows, but a definite moving forward. I thoroughly enjoyed the story
December 19, 2013
Lovin’ the afterglow..
Would have been even better with some more face-time and ball-time..
(soccer-ball-time-u-gutter-dwellers).
But if a writer does a passable job with a plot involving a ball..rubbing some skin..spreading some juice and love..with a filthy mouth..we're slapping up 5 hard *bones* (stars) for it.
“Yeah.” Nathaniel looked from Chris to Peter, his expression wry. “Lovin’ the afterglow. But I’m going to wait somewhere that’s not a bathroom.Cute.short.sweet...afterglow going on for my first cherry-busting read by Ms. Daisy. Appreciate that.
Would have been even better with some more face-time and ball-time..
(soccer-ball-time-u-gutter-dwellers).
But if a writer does a passable job with a plot involving a ball..rubbing some skin..spreading some juice and love..with a filthy mouth..we're slapping up 5 hard *bones* (stars) for it.
June 22, 2013
This a hot and sweet book!!! I love Peter's tenderness and Chris's courage!!! I love this book!!!
April 10, 2012
4.5 Stars
After his mother’s death, Chris struggles to deal with the lack of privacy that dorm living brings. Deciding to move into a single room, he is conscious that the man that will be living next door is the only man ever to arouse him; his old campmate Peter. Knowing that they had kind of resolved the situation that occurred at camp, Chris doesn’t foresee any awkwardness between the two of them. Of course, that is until he realises just how thin the walls are between the two of them. Able to hear every move, he becomes more and more aware of his attractive neighbour. When one night Chris hears Peter masturbating, he realises that there is no denying the way his body reacts to the other man. But will he accept his feelings this time around?
Peter has lusted after Chris every day since waking up to find the other man spooning against him in a cold tent. His favourite fantasy is about his very straight tent-mate; he can’t quite believe his luck when he moves in next door. Listening to Chris moving around, talking to him before he goes to sleep and seeing him half naked running from the shower, proves too much for his libido to take and he spends most of his days aroused. He knows that he shouldn’t be obsessing about a man who has never given him the slightest inclination that he feels anything toward him. Then one night Chris comes home from a party drunk and, suddenly, everything changes.
But can Chris ever fully embrace his feelings to become more than a closeted case? Or can Peter become content to be the very secret lover?
Daisy Harris is a lady who I will always review for. Her writing style is easy to read and flows very well, so I always find it to engage with her stories. This is the first in her new MM series and I really enjoyed it! I’m going to find it hard to review this short story without giving too much away but I’m going to try anyway! This story is a lovely journey of sexual discovery and young love; I truly did enjoy the sweetness of it all. I enjoyed both characters immensely and, although I did think the ending was a little too well wrapped up too quickly, I found myself smiling right the way through the whole thing.
Both characters had met previously and Chris already doubted, even on a conscious level, that he was 100% heterosexual. This helped this story along, as the length would have made a complete change in sexuality improbable. When he moved into the flat, he knew that it had the potential to be a messy situation, but the thought of not being left alone to grieve is worse. Once he starts to realise he is sexually aware of Peter, he has a period of time where everything he thinks about him “doesn’t make me gay”. This both amused and saddened me because I know that there are young men all over attributing them kind of thoughts to their feelings. He knows he is attracted to Peter, but he dismisses it. It isn’t until he hears him masturbating that he realises that it’s useless to deny it because he ends up masturbating alongside him to, what he assumes, is Peter having sex. In fact it’s Peter watching Porn that he hears (this amused me greatly and then worried me...just what the hell have they made these walls from?). From this moment on, Chris realises that he can’t fight it anymore. It made me laugh that the first time he instigates anything he is drunk as a skunk, but it’s also highly probable that could happen.
Peter is a nice character. He has no doubts about his attraction, but that’s probably because he is openly gay so attraction to male hotties is a given. Once him and Chris start to something (I call it something as it is completely bonkers at the start; it’s not sex and it’s not a relationship) he has to decide whether or not to allow himself to become the secret that Chris keeps in the closet. That he has enough respect for himself to do that was refreshing; there are too many MM stories out there where people are happy to accept other people’s crumbs for 95% of the story. I loved the way he treated Chris, ever conscious that these were all first time experiences for him and that he could be struggling with all that was happening.
The sex scenes in this were very, very hot. They all happen after 30 % (my cut-off point for spoilers) but I will ask you to look out for a scene where the ridiculously thin walls lead for a very interesting version of through-the-wall sex. I loved every second of it; there was only pleasure for these two, there was no pretence or over-melodramatic angst. The only complaint I had was how quickly Chris went from heterosexual to his end of book status. It was like he sped through several stages of a relationship to make sure the end of the story had a nice bow on it. Be that as it may, I still enjoyed every part of this book immensely and had either a racing heart or a stupid grin throughout.
A sweet and sexy short read about first love, college life and sexual discovery. I’m not sure I would have been comfortable having walls so thin, but they sure made this story hot!
After his mother’s death, Chris struggles to deal with the lack of privacy that dorm living brings. Deciding to move into a single room, he is conscious that the man that will be living next door is the only man ever to arouse him; his old campmate Peter. Knowing that they had kind of resolved the situation that occurred at camp, Chris doesn’t foresee any awkwardness between the two of them. Of course, that is until he realises just how thin the walls are between the two of them. Able to hear every move, he becomes more and more aware of his attractive neighbour. When one night Chris hears Peter masturbating, he realises that there is no denying the way his body reacts to the other man. But will he accept his feelings this time around?
Peter has lusted after Chris every day since waking up to find the other man spooning against him in a cold tent. His favourite fantasy is about his very straight tent-mate; he can’t quite believe his luck when he moves in next door. Listening to Chris moving around, talking to him before he goes to sleep and seeing him half naked running from the shower, proves too much for his libido to take and he spends most of his days aroused. He knows that he shouldn’t be obsessing about a man who has never given him the slightest inclination that he feels anything toward him. Then one night Chris comes home from a party drunk and, suddenly, everything changes.
But can Chris ever fully embrace his feelings to become more than a closeted case? Or can Peter become content to be the very secret lover?
Daisy Harris is a lady who I will always review for. Her writing style is easy to read and flows very well, so I always find it to engage with her stories. This is the first in her new MM series and I really enjoyed it! I’m going to find it hard to review this short story without giving too much away but I’m going to try anyway! This story is a lovely journey of sexual discovery and young love; I truly did enjoy the sweetness of it all. I enjoyed both characters immensely and, although I did think the ending was a little too well wrapped up too quickly, I found myself smiling right the way through the whole thing.
Both characters had met previously and Chris already doubted, even on a conscious level, that he was 100% heterosexual. This helped this story along, as the length would have made a complete change in sexuality improbable. When he moved into the flat, he knew that it had the potential to be a messy situation, but the thought of not being left alone to grieve is worse. Once he starts to realise he is sexually aware of Peter, he has a period of time where everything he thinks about him “doesn’t make me gay”. This both amused and saddened me because I know that there are young men all over attributing them kind of thoughts to their feelings. He knows he is attracted to Peter, but he dismisses it. It isn’t until he hears him masturbating that he realises that it’s useless to deny it because he ends up masturbating alongside him to, what he assumes, is Peter having sex. In fact it’s Peter watching Porn that he hears (this amused me greatly and then worried me...just what the hell have they made these walls from?). From this moment on, Chris realises that he can’t fight it anymore. It made me laugh that the first time he instigates anything he is drunk as a skunk, but it’s also highly probable that could happen.
Peter is a nice character. He has no doubts about his attraction, but that’s probably because he is openly gay so attraction to male hotties is a given. Once him and Chris start to something (I call it something as it is completely bonkers at the start; it’s not sex and it’s not a relationship) he has to decide whether or not to allow himself to become the secret that Chris keeps in the closet. That he has enough respect for himself to do that was refreshing; there are too many MM stories out there where people are happy to accept other people’s crumbs for 95% of the story. I loved the way he treated Chris, ever conscious that these were all first time experiences for him and that he could be struggling with all that was happening.
The sex scenes in this were very, very hot. They all happen after 30 % (my cut-off point for spoilers) but I will ask you to look out for a scene where the ridiculously thin walls lead for a very interesting version of through-the-wall sex. I loved every second of it; there was only pleasure for these two, there was no pretence or over-melodramatic angst. The only complaint I had was how quickly Chris went from heterosexual to his end of book status. It was like he sped through several stages of a relationship to make sure the end of the story had a nice bow on it. Be that as it may, I still enjoyed every part of this book immensely and had either a racing heart or a stupid grin throughout.
A sweet and sexy short read about first love, college life and sexual discovery. I’m not sure I would have been comfortable having walls so thin, but they sure made this story hot!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2012
College student Chris moves into a single room in the dorm Cooper Hall, after his mother dies. Just tired of being around his roommates who are loud and don’t really understand what he is going through, he feels the need to for some alone time. What he doesn’t count on is the fact that the wall that separates his room from the guy next door is very thin. So thin, you can hear every word spoken, and every creak of the bed. The man that lives next door to him is named Peter and an openly gay man. By chance they met at a pre-college camping trip not too long ago. They actually shared a tent that night, although Chris is adamantly straight, and even though he woke up with Peter spooning him that morning, Chris has gone on to date women and thought nothing of it.
Peter becomes a friend to him though, someone who lets Chris grieve his mother, offering small condolences through the wall at night. Chris soon starts to have confusing thoughts toward Peter. When he hears Peter’s quiet moans in the middle of the night, he gets turned on. He starts to realize maybe deep down, he has feelings for him and they start to explore this.
College Boys is a sexy book. I have to say, the slow build up of sexual tension as Chris and Peter start to explore their sexuality through a wall, is fun to read. They start this friendship where they talk through the wall every night, more so than they ever really see each other outside of their dorm rooms. Peter has had a mad crush on Chris ever since that camping trip, but has been trying to convince himself that Chris is straight and nothing will ever come of this attraction.
Hot times come along when Chris hears Peter pleasuring himself through the wall one night. Even hotter times come when later, Chris asks Peter through the wall, if they can do it at the same time “through the wall” (each in their own room) again.
Peter and Chris’s relationship turns into one with out a ton of angst. Once Chris takes the plunge (literally) although he is nervous about telling people he is gay, there really isn’t that much drama surrounding it. I think things are a wrapped up a little too tidy at the end. I would have liked many more pages exploring Chris coming out and maybe a rockier road at first. So the end didn’t really do it for me. But for a quick, fun and sexy read, I liked this one.
Rating: B-
Peter becomes a friend to him though, someone who lets Chris grieve his mother, offering small condolences through the wall at night. Chris soon starts to have confusing thoughts toward Peter. When he hears Peter’s quiet moans in the middle of the night, he gets turned on. He starts to realize maybe deep down, he has feelings for him and they start to explore this.
College Boys is a sexy book. I have to say, the slow build up of sexual tension as Chris and Peter start to explore their sexuality through a wall, is fun to read. They start this friendship where they talk through the wall every night, more so than they ever really see each other outside of their dorm rooms. Peter has had a mad crush on Chris ever since that camping trip, but has been trying to convince himself that Chris is straight and nothing will ever come of this attraction.
Hot times come along when Chris hears Peter pleasuring himself through the wall one night. Even hotter times come when later, Chris asks Peter through the wall, if they can do it at the same time “through the wall” (each in their own room) again.
Peter and Chris’s relationship turns into one with out a ton of angst. Once Chris takes the plunge (literally) although he is nervous about telling people he is gay, there really isn’t that much drama surrounding it. I think things are a wrapped up a little too tidy at the end. I would have liked many more pages exploring Chris coming out and maybe a rockier road at first. So the end didn’t really do it for me. But for a quick, fun and sexy read, I liked this one.
Rating: B-
August 13, 2013
College Boys is a sweet love story between out and proud Peter and jock Chris. Peter and Chris first met when they shared a tent on a camping trip at the beginning of their junior year, when Chris transferred into the school. Chris has been unable to forget waking up spooned up against Peter’s back with an obvious arousal and Peter has had a crush on straight guy Chris ever since.
Following the death of Chris’s mother, he moves out of his dorm that he shared with others on the soccer team, into a single room that shares the wall with Peter’s room. Since the two rooms used to be a double that has since been divided the separating wall is very thin and Peter hears Chris crying one night. The two begin to talk each night through the wall and become fast friends. Chris soon begins to struggle with his attraction to Peter and question his sexuality. After one night of drinking Chris shows up at Peter’s door Chris’ attraction becomes very clear and although Peter sends him away, they share an intimate moment through the shared wall, which soon leads to another.
I liked the way the author handled Chris’s internal struggle with his feelings for Peter and their growing relationship without over the top angst. The two fumble their way through the beginning of their relationship with minimal outside interference. Peter is understanding of Chris’s situation, and Chris is respectful of Peter’s out and proud status. I also enjoyed how the sex scenes were emotional as well as sexy (it was nice to see that Chris and Peter didn’t go from virgin to porn star the first time they had sex).
This was a well written, romantic coming out story. While the ending tied up a little too tidy, this was a quick read and it did not detract from the sweet story.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Following the death of Chris’s mother, he moves out of his dorm that he shared with others on the soccer team, into a single room that shares the wall with Peter’s room. Since the two rooms used to be a double that has since been divided the separating wall is very thin and Peter hears Chris crying one night. The two begin to talk each night through the wall and become fast friends. Chris soon begins to struggle with his attraction to Peter and question his sexuality. After one night of drinking Chris shows up at Peter’s door Chris’ attraction becomes very clear and although Peter sends him away, they share an intimate moment through the shared wall, which soon leads to another.
I liked the way the author handled Chris’s internal struggle with his feelings for Peter and their growing relationship without over the top angst. The two fumble their way through the beginning of their relationship with minimal outside interference. Peter is understanding of Chris’s situation, and Chris is respectful of Peter’s out and proud status. I also enjoyed how the sex scenes were emotional as well as sexy (it was nice to see that Chris and Peter didn’t go from virgin to porn star the first time they had sex).
This was a well written, romantic coming out story. While the ending tied up a little too tidy, this was a quick read and it did not detract from the sweet story.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 15, 2013
This is the story of Chris, the sporty soccer player and Peter, his gay neighbour who lives in the dorm room next door. Chris has not acknowledged his true sexuality but has all the signs of not being straight. Peter has a huge crush on Chris but doesn't want to push him if he is not ready and also has no desire to date anyone still in the closet.
From the blurb, I was expecting a pretty straight forward plot, following a fairly standard formula for college gay-for-you/coming out. However, the author actually provided a story with a strong emotional element and definite level of realism.
Chris is a soccer player so I expected trouble from his friends. Yes, there is some heckling but the reaction from the team is not sensationalised.
Peter is active on the Queer Student Council so I expected a strong political message. Yes, there is a message about diversity and tolerance but it is subtle.
Chris is listening to Peter through the thin walls of their room and imagining 'gay sex' ("Chris wasn't even sure what "all the way" meant between two guys, and the thought made him feel uncomfortable, nervous, and intrigued all at once.") but the sex in the book, hot as it is, is really about the emotional not just the physical.
I think it was the gentle pace of the romance and the lack of over-the-top big drama that actually lead me to enjoy this book, the realism enhancing the story. It also helped that both Chris and Peter were really likable characters.
Interesting secondary characters, such as Peter's best friend Nathaniel, have definitely piqued my interest in reading the next book in the series.
Thank you to the author and the publisher for providing a copy for review through NetGalley
From the blurb, I was expecting a pretty straight forward plot, following a fairly standard formula for college gay-for-you/coming out. However, the author actually provided a story with a strong emotional element and definite level of realism.
Chris is a soccer player so I expected trouble from his friends. Yes, there is some heckling but the reaction from the team is not sensationalised.
Peter is active on the Queer Student Council so I expected a strong political message. Yes, there is a message about diversity and tolerance but it is subtle.
Chris is listening to Peter through the thin walls of their room and imagining 'gay sex' ("Chris wasn't even sure what "all the way" meant between two guys, and the thought made him feel uncomfortable, nervous, and intrigued all at once.") but the sex in the book, hot as it is, is really about the emotional not just the physical.
I think it was the gentle pace of the romance and the lack of over-the-top big drama that actually lead me to enjoy this book, the realism enhancing the story. It also helped that both Chris and Peter were really likable characters.
Interesting secondary characters, such as Peter's best friend Nathaniel, have definitely piqued my interest in reading the next book in the series.
Thank you to the author and the publisher for providing a copy for review through NetGalley
May 14, 2012
This review was originally written for The Romance Reviews and can also be found there.
What to say except that this was close to perfection. Daisy Harris knows her way around a romance, and creating sexual tension for her seems as easy as breathing.
Chris is a college student who has just lost his mother and in his need to have some time alone, to grieve in peace, he leaves his roommates and moves to the other side of campus into a single room. What he didn't know when he first accepted the room was that it was separated from the one next door by a wall as thick as cardboard.
Peter's had a thing for Chris from the beginning of the year when they shared a tent on a camping trip and Chris got a bit too close during the night. But Chris is straight, always has been and had made it pretty clear to Peter. So when they start jerking off together, spurred on by the easily heard sounds from one another through the thin wall, things turn to awkward filled with possibilities.
This book was exactly what I was looking for. From the easy writing style to the perfect dose of romance. Chris seemed somewhat naïve but genuinely a good person and it's pretty much impossible not to like him. Peter was just the right guy to get Chris into the ‘gay waters'. He was patient and controlled enough not to make stupid mistakes.
I really loved this couple and am on a look out for more Daisy Harris books, she can charm me with her vision of a perfect couple anytime.
What to say except that this was close to perfection. Daisy Harris knows her way around a romance, and creating sexual tension for her seems as easy as breathing.
Chris is a college student who has just lost his mother and in his need to have some time alone, to grieve in peace, he leaves his roommates and moves to the other side of campus into a single room. What he didn't know when he first accepted the room was that it was separated from the one next door by a wall as thick as cardboard.
Peter's had a thing for Chris from the beginning of the year when they shared a tent on a camping trip and Chris got a bit too close during the night. But Chris is straight, always has been and had made it pretty clear to Peter. So when they start jerking off together, spurred on by the easily heard sounds from one another through the thin wall, things turn to awkward filled with possibilities.
This book was exactly what I was looking for. From the easy writing style to the perfect dose of romance. Chris seemed somewhat naïve but genuinely a good person and it's pretty much impossible not to like him. Peter was just the right guy to get Chris into the ‘gay waters'. He was patient and controlled enough not to make stupid mistakes.
I really loved this couple and am on a look out for more Daisy Harris books, she can charm me with her vision of a perfect couple anytime.
May 5, 2014
If you’re jumping on the m/m bandwagon now, I’m sure you will enjoy this book more than I did. Yes, the story is sweet and the sex is WOW-I-NEED-A-BREAK-TO-TAKE-CARE-OF-BUSINESS, but the plot is extremely predictable. If you're already familiar with the m/m world, I can assure you that nothing in College Boys will be a surprise.
Chris, the straight guy, begins to explore his curious side with Peter, the openly gay guy. There is no depth in their journey, but this is a short story, so I’m not exactly complaining about it. Ahem. I can’t say that I felt a real connection with the characters. Chris and Peter are nice enough, but the sex was the only thing that kept me interested.
Nathaniel, Peter’s best friend, was supposed to be funny, but in my opinion he's annoying as hell. I wanted to punch him every time he called Peter a girl: “Ten inches, girl! I’m not even joking. I could have sucked that shit all night”; “Be in denial all you want, girl”; “Girl, why you dissing that cute straight boy?”… I don’t think he was trying to be disrespectful or anything, but he rubs me the wrong way. The next book (Diva and the Frat Boy) is about him. I probably won’t read the rest of the series.
*ARC provided by Siren Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
Chris, the straight guy, begins to explore his curious side with Peter, the openly gay guy. There is no depth in their journey, but this is a short story, so I’m not exactly complaining about it. Ahem. I can’t say that I felt a real connection with the characters. Chris and Peter are nice enough, but the sex was the only thing that kept me interested.
Nathaniel, Peter’s best friend, was supposed to be funny, but in my opinion he's annoying as hell. I wanted to punch him every time he called Peter a girl: “Ten inches, girl! I’m not even joking. I could have sucked that shit all night”; “Be in denial all you want, girl”; “Girl, why you dissing that cute straight boy?”… I don’t think he was trying to be disrespectful or anything, but he rubs me the wrong way. The next book (Diva and the Frat Boy) is about him. I probably won’t read the rest of the series.
*ARC provided by Siren Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
August 18, 2013
3.5 stars
Hot, sexy mess coming of age story.
Two guys. One knows exactly who he is and the other is just discovering things. A couple of late night solo sessions, no wall insulation, and a front row seat to your neighbor's orgasms means that Chris and Peter are becoming very well acquainted and yet, not.
Having been the guy stuffed in lockers, Peter has no great interest or love for jocks, but a certain part of him stands up and takes notice whenever Chris is around. Letting go of high school grudges, he accepts Chris's offer of friendship. But...yearning for the straight guy isn't going to help with the frustration.
The story starts on a low simmer and by the end is sizzling hot. While there is some drama surrounding Peter and Chris, there are no great impediments for them to overcome. Add in supporting friends on both sides and this really is an optimistic portrayal of self-discovery.
Overall, a sweet, smutty read with low angst.
~A copy was provided by Netgalley in exchange for No Glitter Blown review~
Hot, sexy mess coming of age story.
Two guys. One knows exactly who he is and the other is just discovering things. A couple of late night solo sessions, no wall insulation, and a front row seat to your neighbor's orgasms means that Chris and Peter are becoming very well acquainted and yet, not.
Having been the guy stuffed in lockers, Peter has no great interest or love for jocks, but a certain part of him stands up and takes notice whenever Chris is around. Letting go of high school grudges, he accepts Chris's offer of friendship. But...yearning for the straight guy isn't going to help with the frustration.
The story starts on a low simmer and by the end is sizzling hot. While there is some drama surrounding Peter and Chris, there are no great impediments for them to overcome. Add in supporting friends on both sides and this really is an optimistic portrayal of self-discovery.
Overall, a sweet, smutty read with low angst.
~A copy was provided by Netgalley in exchange for No Glitter Blown review~
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