[(Circle : Cj, Iris and Clayton Are about to Go on the Ride of Their Lives)] [By (author) Leon Maldon] published on

by Leon Maldon

A Spicy Romance Thriller Bestseller.. When best friends CJ, Iris and Clayton go on a trip to Six Flags for a school choir competition, drama ensues. Although Clayton and CJ are friends, CJ sees him as more than that. As they arrive at Six Flags and venture around the park, the school bully, Hannah gets angry about not having things her way and ends up hitting CJ. The effects of that punch have a horrible effect on Clayton. But why? Clayton wasn’t hit! On the way back to the school after placing in the competition, Iris and Clayton begin having a private discussion. CJ knows that clearly Clayton is hiding something and only Iris knows what it is.

Paperback

First published March 27, 2015

Reviews

[10914 Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Throughout this book, I was actually confused about CJ's sexuality; I tend to forget a synopsis long before I actually read the book. While I would have made some structurally changes to the plot and revised the editing, Maldon has developed some complex characters who warm their way to your heart. CJ, Iris, and Clayton (the three musketeers, if you will) show what true friendship is all about. They navigate the treacherous world of high school and the pressure to fit in, all while figuring out who the hell they really are. This is a book, simply put, about discovering what you want. The catch, though, is at what cost? Do you want to fit in on the swallow surface, or do you want to get down the nitty gritty core of your existence and truly be happy? Unfortunately, as Maldon demonstrates, deciding between the two isn't easy. All CJ can do is figure out which "circle" he truly belongs to.

[Tina J · Rating 4 out of 5]

~*~ DEBUT NOVEL * LGBT ROMANCE * DEBUT AUTHOR ~*~
* * * * 4 - STAR REVIEW * * * *

Circle: CJ, Iris and Clayton Are About To Take You On The Ride Of Your Life (Spicy Gay Romance Series, # 1)
by Leon Maldon
Published March 27th 2015
Published by: Spicy Boy Publishing
approx 139 pages
Romance: Contemporary, Gay, M/M, YA, coming-of-age

** Provided by Publisher in Exchange for an HONEST Review. **

-- SYNOPSIS --
A Spicy Romance Thriller Bestseller..
When best friends CJ, Iris and Clayton go on a trip to Six Flags for a school choir competition, drama ensues. Although Clayton and CJ are friends, CJ sees him as more than that. As they arrive at Six Flags and venture around the park, the school bully, Hannah gets angry about not having things her way and ends up hitting CJ. The effects of that punch have a horrible effect on Clayton. But why? Clayton wasn’t hit! On the way back to the school after placing in the competition, Iris and Clayton begin having a private discussion. CJ knows that clearly Clayton is hiding something and only Iris knows what it is. A well-written and emotional story of trust, anger, guilt and sexual identification; this story will keep you turning the pages from beginning to end! Scroll up and press the "buy with 1-click" button or join Kindle Unlimited and access for FREE right now.

-- ADD to GOODREADS --
http://bit.ly/1H3W8E1

-- MY THOUGHTS --
Judging a Book by it's Cover:
Cover is interesting. It catches your eye. The subtitle is too long, though - would serve better as a tagline. The synopsis gives the impression that the story will be riddled full of angst-y teen drama.
Looking Deeper:
Iris is CJ's older sister, by two years. His best friend growing up was Clayton. High school arrived and CJ decided to "be" someone. His growth spurt landed him on the football team and caught him the school "it" girl and part-time actress, Hannah. CJ was replaced by Iris as Clayton's best friend at that point, but now that she's moved on to college and CJ's off the football team due to injury, she's been urging her brother to repair and rekindle their friendship. But Clayton's not the same boy CJ once knew, he's no longer talkative and he always hides beneath sweatshirts. CJ knows something's going on and no one will tell him. It's senior year, time to make it or break it! This is an endearing story about one high school boy's struggle with self-identity and self-realizations while trying to figure out how his sister, best friend, and girlfriend all fit into his dawning perspective and reawakening desires. It's written in the first-person POV, documenting CJ's experience.
The characters are age-appropriate in development, dialogue and interaction. The plot pulls you in and keeps you invested. Despite a few spelling errors, the flow of the story made for a quick and easy read. There was plenty of conflict mixed into the drama, which was all managed in a timely manner and in believable ways. Predictability was moderate, but that was not a detracting element. No, rather, it was a confirmation and sad fact. It was a bit odd that now and again, people were referred to as "the blond", "the other one", "the other blond", or "the brunet". The conclusion felt a little rushed, but it did wrap up rather firmly. I'd have liked to have known the long-term outcome of Iris and CJ's big plan. But otherwise, I was pleased with the ending. When it is all said and done, this story was not quite what I'd expected from the synopsis. It is a deeply emotional, turbulent story of discovery.
#loveislove

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Heat Level: 1.5
M/M: Mostly cuddles and hand-holding, a few little kisses.
------------------------
Score: 4.1
Stars: 4
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-- BUY it NOW --
$0.99 at Amazon only: http://amzn.to/1EA0WR7
-or- $12.95 on paperback at:
Amazon - http://amzn.to/1H3WHh8
and BN - http://bit.ly/1PIfSRI

-- ABOUT the AUTHOR --
I started writing when I was five years old and it (writing) just became more of my life than I would or could ever imagined. It really is about the only to communicate where I am emotionally, physically and spiritually. If there is such thing. Have always lived, somewhat in a fantasy world. Both dipping my toes in the big morass of so-called reality and what I believe to me be a much more powerful side of life than everyday experience and that's the life I live. This doesn't always help, because paying the bills becomes more important as the end of the month approaches. Do you know what I mean? But it is everyday experience that has solidified my soul and gives me words to write. If you enjoy the word, I am so appreciative. If the words that I sling around doesn't stir something inside of you, then my work is still to be done. That is my greatest desire to help you move to another level of thought. A level that is outside of your present place. Taking you to another place and time. Taking you far, far away from here.

-- STALK the AUTHOR --
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Leon-M...

Tina J / Happily Ever Chapter
Reviewing for:
Tangled Hearts
-and-
Smut Book Junkie

[Jo-Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a complementary copy of Circle - CJ, Iris and Clayton Are About To Take You On The Ride Of Your Life in exchange for my honest review.

This book revolved around the three main characters who are CJ, his sister, Iris, and his best friend, Clayton. CJ felt it was important for him to be accepted and in a popular crowd when he started high school so he set out to find a popular girl friend thinking that would put him in the right position. He became Hannah's boyfriend and he thought this was perfect because she was a starlet and very popular. Unfortunately, he then stopped associating with his other friends but Clay became friends with Iris so CJ still saw him often.

While CJ was trying to get into a good place in high school, his friend, Clay, starts having problems at home. He doesn't share this with CJ but CJ knows he's keeping a secret from him but sharing with his sister. I had forgotten how traumatic teen years were. Poor Clay had it particularly rough when his parents both started beating him when he told them he was gay. I felt so sorry for these young people and the issues they had to deal with such as peer pressure, sexuality and social status. This story sure brought back memories of when I was in high school. It was so important back then to be in a 'popular' group. I'm so glad I have matured and it's not important to me if everyone I meet likes me now.

This was a sweet romance showing how difficult it is being a teenager. I liked seeing this from their perspective even though I ached for them. The characters were likable but, again, heartbreaking for what they were going through.

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Given To Me For An Honest Review



Circle: CJ, Iris and Clayton Are About To Take You On The Ride Of Your Life ( Spicy Gay Romance Series Book 1) by Leon Maldon is such a must read it's not funny. Once you open the book, it will grab you and hold you down tight and those pages with turn and turn some more until you get to the the end of the book. You'll then say, "Wow!" This book is a real page turner with a few twists and turns thrown in to keep you on the edge of your seat. Make sure you have your seatbelt on because you're about to go on the adventure of your life. I should just say that it's about bisexual romance and transgender romance but to me romance is romance no matter what you want to call it. This is an excellent book about what many teens face today from bullying and prejudice. The pain that they go through, not just physical but mental and emotional. Sexual identify is so hard to accept if it is not accepted by your family or your circle of friends. This is a fun read but it does have some drama in it. You will read about finding your true self and along the way you may just lose some friendships. Young love and the discovery of other secrets ahead. I loved reading this book very much. My son is gay and it was hard for him until he finally came out. Now he is just flying with his wings spread so wide. I am very proud of him. I gave this book 5 stars but wish I could give so many more because ait deserves more. I highly recommend this book to everyone. I am anxiously waiting for Book 2 in this series and more great books from Leon Maldon.

[Paranormal Tendencies · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I agreed to review this book I decided to take a chance and read something a bit out of my comfort zone. I typically stick with paranormal romance or dystopian. When I began this book I began to like the characters as they developed. There was one though that just grated on my nerves; at first. I enjoyed CJ and Iris. Their choir friends were even likeable and enough was revealed about them to get a sense that they were good and likeable. But Clayton just didn’t do it for me. And the fact that he is gay has nothing to do with it. My first impressions of him were that he was just whiny and annoying. But then slowly the author started to reveal why he acted the way he did. I started to warm up to him and by the end, I was totally smitten. All of the characters in this book are so well developed and deep. Cj was completely clueless about his friends feeling for him. But as Iris dropped hints and he began to realize he had feelings to return I began to like them even more. The romance is sweet and just the right amount of drama to feel real.
I really loved this story. It was sweet and had a great ending. I give it 4 stars and I hope there’s more to CJ and Clayton’s story.

[Gladys Gonzales Atwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I was provided this review by the publisher/author for an honest review.

Best Frieds CJ, Iris and Clayton go to the amusement park Six Flags for a high school choir competition. Of course like all things in high school life is soooooooo complicated and drama is a sport!! The school bully, Hannah, hits CJ and things go WONKY!!!

This debut novel for Leon Maldon was very interesting and carried a lot of weight in today's "social" issues among teens, such as homosexuality, abuse and bullying. I do recommend it for old teens or mature tweens as the language is crude and what I call potty mouth, but the message is clear and the characters are dimensional.

The book is about self discovery, the love between the three friends and the careful way they navigate through the social structure of high school life. I give it a 3.5 rounded up to a 4!

I would like to see more from this author and his characters. Let's see how much more he can give them!!!

*This review was in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official

[✨Cassie ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cayden James, his ex-best friend Clayton, and Cayden's sister Iris, now bff's with Clayton, will hit Six Flags for a performance. During this day, CJ and Clayton will finally talk. A lot will be revealed in this one day.

Clayton is hiding a few secrets, that only Iris knows of, but by the end of the day, so will CJ.

Honestly, I'm on the fence about this book. For an adult to read I think they will probably feel the same as me. The book is teenager-ish. And I know it should be, since it's surrounded by teenager's, their life. AND THAT'S NOT A BAD THING! Clayton is such a weird character. He's squeamish, shy, easily scared, but you still feel for this boy and enjoy his character. The kid has major problems. CJ is just trying to navigate their friendship, and Iris, I loved her. At the end of this book, will get answers. Their is an underlying love, but with who?? You'll just have to read and see.

[Angela Sharp · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was asked by Spice Boy Publishing to read Circle by Leon Maldon. It is a short story just sixteen chapters. At first I was on the fence about reading the book. Not because of the story line, because it was a short book. I feel like I have been cheated out of a good book when I read short ones lol. The book was a very good read. I loved how it showed the book character C.J. going through the emotional of trying to do the right thing and understand him self along the way. The last few chapters was not what I was expecting! It is a telling story on how parents can handle things so different when there child is different and not what they expected out of your child. It is a sad reality when they can not be open and expect there child as the way they are.

[Remy G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but sweet story.

In this novella, a high schooler named Cayden James, nicknamed CJ, goes to a choir competition with his sister Iris and best friend Clayton, with a celebratory visit to the St. Louis Six Flags park, and some wrestling with identities on part of the two chief male protagonists, the story starting out light but becoming heavier towards the end, alongside some good twists. Ultimately, this reviewer would recommend this story to open-minded readers.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very imaginative writer

This book is very sweet. Young love and discovery the main plot, with secrets to be revealed. The characters are well thought out, although one is much too gullible. The other two are well written. I will look for more from this Author I think he has much potential.

[Elizabeth Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful

Clayton and Iris have a secret they've kept from CJ for a while. CJ knows that they're keeping secrets, but can't figure out why they're keeping things from him.
The bond between these three is amazing. A great story, with a poignant revelation.