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Boys of Summer #1
Ripped
Lifeguard/artist Gavin White has been holding the ripped shreds of his life together by the seams. Facing the anniversary of his sister's death, he fights the dark call of dependency and is at the edge of succumbing when his best friend since preschool returns to his life.
Handsome geek-turned-hunk, Erik Clarke, wasn't afraid to come out and had been bold enough to kiss Gavin the last time they were together. Damn that kiss. Gavin wants more. So much more, but he was never brave enough to tell Erik his dreams. With his future hanging by a tattered thread, Gavin must trade one temptation for another or risk ripping his life apart.
Contains: Graphic language, explicit m/m sex, very light BDSM
Handsome geek-turned-hunk, Erik Clarke, wasn't afraid to come out and had been bold enough to kiss Gavin the last time they were together. Damn that kiss. Gavin wants more. So much more, but he was never brave enough to tell Erik his dreams. With his future hanging by a tattered thread, Gavin must trade one temptation for another or risk ripping his life apart.
Contains: Graphic language, explicit m/m sex, very light BDSM
100 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2012
3 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
About the author
Mia Downing
32 books252 followersMia Downing started creating heroes at age four, but her heroes back then rode ponies to the rescue and only kissed her on the cheek. Today, Mia’s heroes still rescue those in need, but the price of their toys and the expertise of their seduction leads to a whole lot more.
When Mia isn’t busy creating new stories for her readers, she ensures justice runs smoothly in a New England courthouse. She lives on a small farm with her family, and enjoys horses and knitting.
Fun facts: Mia can juggle poorly, create balloon animals, and face paint. She was the hit entertainment of two family parties. No clown suits were involved.
When Mia isn’t busy creating new stories for her readers, she ensures justice runs smoothly in a New England courthouse. She lives on a small farm with her family, and enjoys horses and knitting.
Fun facts: Mia can juggle poorly, create balloon animals, and face paint. She was the hit entertainment of two family parties. No clown suits were involved.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 1, 2012
A solid 4 star read. A little over the top at times, a little simplistic at times (hey, it's a short story), but some lovely honest emotions and sweet characters.
And incidentally, great use of a title to reflect multiple aspects of a story. I see what you did there, Ms. Downing. ;-) (Reader, be on the lookout for these references as you read.)
Here's a couple of my observations:
First -- the cover! Boy, I love that kind of build -- and boy, I'm a sucker for wet men. Combine the two, and you've already grabbed my interest. And no, I don't care if some folks sneer at the "headless torso" style of book cover -- it works for me! And since it also reflects one of the MCs (a lifeguard), so much the better.
As for the first sex scene -- I often avoid BDSM because some aspects of it make me uncomfortable, but I love the way it was handled here. It's very mild, and I really really like the realism of the MC's conflicted emotions about it. None of this "Oh whip me daddy this is what I've always craved" crap. ;-) And I also like the other MC's attitude -- why he wants to Dom, the...ummm...interactive? communicative? collaborative?... way he goes about it, his own conflicted emotions about it, and so on. And how they handle it later on in the story. Good writing throughout.
I do have one gripe, about a scene with a rip current. Good play on the title, but I didn't buy it.
Over all, I enjoyed this quite a bit. It's a quick, touching read that lets you feel both the joy and the pain for just a little while, then sigh with satisfaction at the end.
I think this is the first thing I've read by Mia Downing, but it won't be the last.
disclaimer -- I did receive a free copy of this, but I was not under any obligation to review it.
And incidentally, great use of a title to reflect multiple aspects of a story. I see what you did there, Ms. Downing. ;-) (Reader, be on the lookout for these references as you read.)
Here's a couple of my observations:
First -- the cover! Boy, I love that kind of build -- and boy, I'm a sucker for wet men. Combine the two, and you've already grabbed my interest. And no, I don't care if some folks sneer at the "headless torso" style of book cover -- it works for me! And since it also reflects one of the MCs (a lifeguard), so much the better.
As for the first sex scene -- I often avoid BDSM because some aspects of it make me uncomfortable, but I love the way it was handled here. It's very mild, and I really really like the realism of the MC's conflicted emotions about it. None of this "Oh whip me daddy this is what I've always craved" crap. ;-) And I also like the other MC's attitude -- why he wants to Dom, the...ummm...interactive? communicative? collaborative?... way he goes about it, his own conflicted emotions about it, and so on. And how they handle it later on in the story. Good writing throughout.
I do have one gripe, about a scene with a rip current. Good play on the title, but I didn't buy it.
Over all, I enjoyed this quite a bit. It's a quick, touching read that lets you feel both the joy and the pain for just a little while, then sigh with satisfaction at the end.
I think this is the first thing I've read by Mia Downing, but it won't be the last.
disclaimer -- I did receive a free copy of this, but I was not under any obligation to review it.
December 8, 2012
4+ steamy stars
I loved this novella and that's saying something because I usually feel short changed by the length of them. The characters are beautifully portrayed with great chemistry and the sex is seriously steamy!! For all my m/m loving friends, you should read it, I think you'll really like it!!
I loved this novella and that's saying something because I usually feel short changed by the length of them. The characters are beautifully portrayed with great chemistry and the sex is seriously steamy!! For all my m/m loving friends, you should read it, I think you'll really like it!!
October 20, 2012
Slick's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4 Stars
Right up front, I’m going to tell you that the awesome cover of this book drew me in. I’m so glad I have a Kindle Fire now because I can look at it in color and boy, do I love looking at it! Then I read the synopsis and I knew it was something I had to read and I’m so glad I did. Mia Downing is a new to me author and I very much enjoyed Ripped.
Erik Clarke and Gavin White have been friends since pre-school (yep, pre-school). Erik has been in love with Gavin for years but it’s been one sided. While they’ve remained friends and Gavin has always been something of a protector for Erik that’s all they’ve been until a month ago. That’s when Erik kissed Gavin and Gavin sent him away.
For such a short story I’m pretty amazed at how much we learn about Erik and Gavin and their past lives. Mia does a great job making sure that we fully understand where these men have come from and where they are going and for that I’m truly grateful.
Erik is somewhat of a computer nerd. He’s known he was gay for most of his life; he came out in high school, has had some relationships, and has a very supportive family. While he’s been in love with Gavin for years, he knows it’s one-sided and so he’s decided to make some changes in his life.
Gavin is one seriously messed up guy. He’s a recovering addict (alcohol and drugs), he was abused by this father as a child, he’s used sex as a coping mechanism, and he still blames himself for his sister’s death.
Gavin confesses to Erik that he’s been leading a double life of sorts and while this shocks Erik, it also excites him. However, Gavin feels Erik is too good for him so it takes some heavy duty convincing on Erik’s part to prove otherwise. They embark on a physical relationship with some BDSM elements much to Erik’s surprise. While Erik is sure of what he wants, Gavin is still hesitant. A near death experience really makes Gavin sit back and realize what he needs to do.
I was drawn to both of these characters from the start. Erik because of his maturity and how level headed he is. I also love that he just tells it like it is, he doesn’t mince words or try to pretty things up. Gavin is one of those people I just want to bring home and take care of. He sees himself unworthy of love or people’s time and that just saddens me. He doesn’t see the protector that he’s always been, the friend, the knight in shining armor. It was touching to read how they each saw the other and how their lives have been connected for so long.
This is truly a story of best friends realizing they want more from each other and finding a way to make that happen. It’s also a story about how verbal abuse can sometimes do more damage than physical abuse. Mostly though it’s a story about hope and healing and the fact that through acceptance, love will find a way.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
4 Stars
Right up front, I’m going to tell you that the awesome cover of this book drew me in. I’m so glad I have a Kindle Fire now because I can look at it in color and boy, do I love looking at it! Then I read the synopsis and I knew it was something I had to read and I’m so glad I did. Mia Downing is a new to me author and I very much enjoyed Ripped.
Erik Clarke and Gavin White have been friends since pre-school (yep, pre-school). Erik has been in love with Gavin for years but it’s been one sided. While they’ve remained friends and Gavin has always been something of a protector for Erik that’s all they’ve been until a month ago. That’s when Erik kissed Gavin and Gavin sent him away.
For such a short story I’m pretty amazed at how much we learn about Erik and Gavin and their past lives. Mia does a great job making sure that we fully understand where these men have come from and where they are going and for that I’m truly grateful.
Erik is somewhat of a computer nerd. He’s known he was gay for most of his life; he came out in high school, has had some relationships, and has a very supportive family. While he’s been in love with Gavin for years, he knows it’s one-sided and so he’s decided to make some changes in his life.
Gavin is one seriously messed up guy. He’s a recovering addict (alcohol and drugs), he was abused by this father as a child, he’s used sex as a coping mechanism, and he still blames himself for his sister’s death.
Gavin confesses to Erik that he’s been leading a double life of sorts and while this shocks Erik, it also excites him. However, Gavin feels Erik is too good for him so it takes some heavy duty convincing on Erik’s part to prove otherwise. They embark on a physical relationship with some BDSM elements much to Erik’s surprise. While Erik is sure of what he wants, Gavin is still hesitant. A near death experience really makes Gavin sit back and realize what he needs to do.
I was drawn to both of these characters from the start. Erik because of his maturity and how level headed he is. I also love that he just tells it like it is, he doesn’t mince words or try to pretty things up. Gavin is one of those people I just want to bring home and take care of. He sees himself unworthy of love or people’s time and that just saddens me. He doesn’t see the protector that he’s always been, the friend, the knight in shining armor. It was touching to read how they each saw the other and how their lives have been connected for so long.
This is truly a story of best friends realizing they want more from each other and finding a way to make that happen. It’s also a story about how verbal abuse can sometimes do more damage than physical abuse. Mostly though it’s a story about hope and healing and the fact that through acceptance, love will find a way.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
August 19, 2012
Best friends since grade school, Gavin and Erik try to make sense of the feeling that have flourished between them over the years. Gavin battles the inner demons that stem from a complicated set of circumstances surrounding the death of his sister and his less than perfect childhood. Erik pulls out all the stops to make Gavin feel safe and loved and wanted.
RIPPED is surprisingly deep and emotional for a quick read. I loved the characters and how they figure out how to love one another; the process was entertaining, sexy and hot! Looking for a good quickie? You should pick this book up!
✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
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RIPPED is surprisingly deep and emotional for a quick read. I loved the characters and how they figure out how to love one another; the process was entertaining, sexy and hot! Looking for a good quickie? You should pick this book up!
✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
___________________________________________________
If you like this type of book, you might enjoy one of these groups. Check us out!
Menage Readers
Erotic Enchants
Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group
November 26, 2012
I've said it before, I'll say it again...NO ONE writes angst like Mia Downing. The emotional struggle between these 2 best friends turned lovers tugged at my heart strings. In the beginning, I felt so sorry for Erik. As the story went on, Gavin and his history turned me to mush. I can't even begin to say how much this story affected me, but I'm so glad I read it and look forward to reading even more from Ms. Downing.
July 17, 2016
This was just an OK read for me. The short length really hindered my ability to connect with and feel for the characters. I think if I would've been able to experience a small bit of Erik and Gavin's long-term friendship and perhaps it would have been a different book for me. It still was very enjoyable for a short read.
August 31, 2012
My Review:
Okay, it's official...Mia Downing now holds the spot as my favorite author who writes emotional angst. This book broke my heart with the depth of feeling between these two guys. They've always been best friends, but that's been tested since Erik unexpectedly kissed Gavin a month ago. As far as Erik knows, Gavin is straight, but Gavin has spent his entire life hiding just about everything from Erik. Erik has no idea what the true reason was behind Gavin's reaction to the kiss.
Gavin is a tough character...he has such deep emotional scars and he's well aware of it. As a result, he knows he's not good enough for Erik no matter how much he wants him. And he does want him, although he's never let on to Erik that he's gay. The closest he's ever come to that truth is through his art. Erik is his favorite model to paint.
There are a lot of layers to the emotion in this book. First, there's the pain of the anniversary of Gavin's sister's death. This is what brings Erik back into Gavin's realm. He knows that Gavin is going to have an issue with the date, but there's so much more to the story than Erik knows. Then there is the simple secret that Gavin is gay and his true sexual orientation...Erik has no idea. But there's also Gavin's addiction which can be traced to a history that again, he's managed to keep hidden from Erik his entire life.
Despite all that, Erik loves Gavin desperately, but he knows that unless Gavin can love himself, then there's no true hope for the two of them. I'm telling you, it's heart-breaking. There were moments in this book that I just wanted to sob for one or both of them. Their feelings are so true and pure, but there is so much standing in their way...mainly Gavin's mental state.
It truly is an amazing read...so beautiful in the emotion of it. I fell in love with these two guys and their romantic story. I especially loved the moments between Gavin and Erik's mom...so sweet. He deserves so much love. *sigh*
I received a complementary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Okay, it's official...Mia Downing now holds the spot as my favorite author who writes emotional angst. This book broke my heart with the depth of feeling between these two guys. They've always been best friends, but that's been tested since Erik unexpectedly kissed Gavin a month ago. As far as Erik knows, Gavin is straight, but Gavin has spent his entire life hiding just about everything from Erik. Erik has no idea what the true reason was behind Gavin's reaction to the kiss.
Gavin is a tough character...he has such deep emotional scars and he's well aware of it. As a result, he knows he's not good enough for Erik no matter how much he wants him. And he does want him, although he's never let on to Erik that he's gay. The closest he's ever come to that truth is through his art. Erik is his favorite model to paint.
There are a lot of layers to the emotion in this book. First, there's the pain of the anniversary of Gavin's sister's death. This is what brings Erik back into Gavin's realm. He knows that Gavin is going to have an issue with the date, but there's so much more to the story than Erik knows. Then there is the simple secret that Gavin is gay and his true sexual orientation...Erik has no idea. But there's also Gavin's addiction which can be traced to a history that again, he's managed to keep hidden from Erik his entire life.
Despite all that, Erik loves Gavin desperately, but he knows that unless Gavin can love himself, then there's no true hope for the two of them. I'm telling you, it's heart-breaking. There were moments in this book that I just wanted to sob for one or both of them. Their feelings are so true and pure, but there is so much standing in their way...mainly Gavin's mental state.
It truly is an amazing read...so beautiful in the emotion of it. I fell in love with these two guys and their romantic story. I especially loved the moments between Gavin and Erik's mom...so sweet. He deserves so much love. *sigh*
I received a complementary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
December 24, 2012
OMG! I LOVED this book. Mia Downing has painted a beautiful picture of two men who grew up together. One is a jock and the other a geek. Now they’re all grown up. The jock is now a lifeguard and elementary school teacher. The geek is still a geek. They love each other and not just as best friends, but will they ever be together. Will they ever tell each other how they feel?
I loved Gavin. He’s been through so much in his life. He’s carries guilt he shouldn’t carry and while he loves hit best friend Erik, he doesn’t feel he deserves that love.
Erik is just as loveworthy to me as Gavin. He’s loved Gavin from afar and since he can’t have Gavin like he wants, he’ll move to California. Let Gavin live here and maybe, Erik will be able to start living his life.
It was amazing to watch Gavin come to terms with what’s happened in his life and realize Erik wasn’t going to leave him. At least he hopes not. Gavin realizes he hasn’t been giving Erik what he needs and plans to try.
I really liked how Mia brought all of this around. None of it was easy for either one of them. They had to fight to bring their feelings to the front and admit them to each other. It wasn’t a walk in the park. I also liked that everything was in baby steps. There were no “OMG you’re right and I’m all better in one word moments”. They had epiphanies and acted on those but it wasn’t easy. Life rarely is.
Male-Male romances are something I’m just getting in to. As I find authors that write amazing M/M stories I’m starting to fall in love with the genre. Mia Downing definitely does that!
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2014
OK...I can see why my friend Patricia gave this book 5 stars...but I am only going to give it 4 and let me tell you why....hmmmmm....well, hell...OK...5 stars it is!!! LOL
This is a story that while you are reading it...your heart starts hurting and you have to lay down your reader and walk away for a bit...then, while you load the dishwasher or clean the toilet you hear it calling to you...so, you give up and go back in and read some more...then, when you get to the end, you yell...NO, don't stop there...I want to SEE the wonderful life that Erik and Gavin are finally going to get...but, alas...the story is ended for now...and you find yourself back in the kitchen, loading the dishwasher, mentally writing the next chapter of their lives, with all the safe, loving happiness that they both deserve...
This is a story that while you are reading it...your heart starts hurting and you have to lay down your reader and walk away for a bit...then, while you load the dishwasher or clean the toilet you hear it calling to you...so, you give up and go back in and read some more...then, when you get to the end, you yell...NO, don't stop there...I want to SEE the wonderful life that Erik and Gavin are finally going to get...but, alas...the story is ended for now...and you find yourself back in the kitchen, loading the dishwasher, mentally writing the next chapter of their lives, with all the safe, loving happiness that they both deserve...
August 13, 2013
This is a nice friends-to-lovers story. Gavin and Erik have been best friends since pre-school. Gavin has lived a personal hell most of his life with Erik being the only true constant during that time. Erik has been in love with Gavin his entire life but has always believed his friend to be straight. It takes awhile for the truth to come to light but when it does things happen quickly... perhaps too quickly. I enjoyed this but I never quite felt the connection between the two characters. Good story but a bit unrealistic in some places.
I love the cover. ;)
Full review can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
I love the cover. ;)
Full review can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
June 22, 2013
This was a fantastic m/m read and felt it was complete even with it being a quick short read. I was surprised by how deep and emotional this story was with the two characters, Gavin and Erik, who have been friends since childhood. What really got me about the story was just how real it felt to me on an emotional level. Gavin has some very deep emotional scars, and if only he would allow him, Erik could help him truly heal and move on from the past. The sex between them is sizzling hot, but that definitely came from how very emotional the scenes were. Nice job Mia and I really look forward to reading more from you! :)
October 31, 2013
I bought and read this book because I loved Just Ask by Mia Downing. Unfortunately this shorter story didn't meet my expectations, but I suspect that's mainly because it was, well, short. Gavin and Erik have lots of history and baggage, both shared and individually, but there just isn't enough story to fully develop that connection, the tension, and their developing relationship.
Reread 10/22/13 - raised rating from 1 to 3 stars
Reread 10/22/13 - raised rating from 1 to 3 stars
November 20, 2012
No punishment whatsoever for being short, although I definitely would have loved more! This story hit a very emotional chord for me and was very poignant despite its short length. I love a great friends-to-lovers theme and this one was great. Gavin’s broken character had me wanting to reach out with hugs and lots of love to help give Erik a boost in “fixing” his best friend and making up for the bad things that had happened to him. Just the right blend of sugar and spice for me! I’m looking forward to much more by this author!! :)
July 23, 2013
I was hoping to read a light fluffy short story when I picked this one up but that wasn't what I got at all ... this is a powerful little tale about how negative words & guilt can stifle someones soul ... there was perhaps a little bit too much going on for the word count but the story did deliver a punch ... it was a little bit too angsty for my mood but it was a solid read with minor kink ... I will probably re-read it another day & continue with the series then, but at the moment I'm off to find some PWP.
October 14, 2013
Absolutely brilliant! My only complaint...too short! I wanted more of them! I loved the characters, so strong yet so flawed but even with their flaws they opened themselves up to love. The interaction with Erik's family was wonderful, it added a full and rounded feeling to the book showing that it wasn't just about these two hot/hunky guys, that they were deeper than just that. Gavin was so damaged but not so badly that he didn't recognize love and cling to it and that growth was truly beautiful. Like I said before...only complaint...too short. This story was perfection!
September 20, 2015
Won this book as part of the MM group celebrations - I chose my prize well!!
Thank you Mia Downing for a lovely friends to lovers story. The path to true love is not easy and Gavin has to learn to forgive himself before he lets Erik in.
For a relatively short story this was a great read. It shared emotion, understanding and love.
Thank you Mia Downing for a lovely friends to lovers story. The path to true love is not easy and Gavin has to learn to forgive himself before he lets Erik in.
For a relatively short story this was a great read. It shared emotion, understanding and love.
March 12, 2013
This was sooooo good! Really, REALLY good!! It made my heart swell!!! It was short, but I didn't feel like I missed out on anything. Well done, Ms. Downing! I'm that much closer to becoming a full-fledged lover of m/m!
August 16, 2015
Man that was depressing. Seriously, just no. I realize it probably all works out for the best but boy it was 89 pages of grief and melancholy and life suckiness. Ruined the m/m action for me. Also the kink was odd in this one, just did not fit.
August 25, 2012
This is one of those books you just can't stop thinking about when you're not reading it. Both heroes were deliciously complex and you could totally see them falling in love. Loved it!
written-by
November 27, 2012Disclaimer: This novella is short because that's what the awesome publisher wanted for this series--short. Please don't punish me because it's short, unless you've got spankings.
May 6, 2018
Felt somewhat like it was missing the beginning of the book, all the shared history.
January 12, 2015
This little novella, 63 pages is a surprise 4 rainbow.
This is a story about Erick and Gavin. Both long time friends. Erick has been in love with Gavin for years but after one kiss that Gavin didn’t take to too well. Erick thought he had lost the friendship for forever. Erick is your normal geeky kid that turns into a geeky adult, still living at home at age 24 or so.
Gavin is about as screwed up as you can get. Bad childhood, not much better adulthood, and has found his only release is through painting and kinky sex.
This story is set over a few days period. Erick knows that this certain day is a hard one for Gavin and even though they aren’t talking he still wants to be there for him. Gavin see Erick and is happy that he remembers and invites him back to his house. Gavin then starts painting Erick again, Erick being Gavin muse for years. They talk and Erick starts to find out what is really going on, and what has been causing this downward spiral for years. Even though Gavin feels he is not worthy of someone as nice and normal as Erick he still wants him. Erick finds that maybe Gavin is too broken after all.
Ok, DISCLAIMER - even though there is talk of BDSM, the only thing that actually happens is a blindfold. So for ppl that aren’t into hardcore, no worries, but if you don’t even like to read about talk well then I’d skip this book.
I was pleasantly surprised by this novella, just by looking at the cover… and pause…. Had to look again… YUM and the title you would think straight erotica no story. But it was more the other way around, good story and the sex was not that steamy. For so few pages the author did a great job giving us a detailed story on why Gavin was so messed up almost too messed up. At some point you have to say WOW enough, one person can’t possibly have all that going on. She even brought in Erick’s perfect family, great scene on the beach w/the dad! The down side was it could have used editing, if I saw the mistakes, then you know they were obvious.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review by Crystals many reviews
October 31, 2013
Reviewed by Melissa D
Book provided by The Wild Rose Press
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Ripped by Mia Downing is not part of a series by Mia Downing but it is part of a collection of stories by the publisher called ‘Boys of Summer’. I chose this story because I have not read a bad story by the author, Mia Downing, yet.
Erick and Gavin have been friends since they were very young, but since high school, Erick has been in love with Gavin. Erick has assumed it was one sided and never acted upon his feelings. The author does a fabulous job of letting us know the backgrounds of the two main characters without it becoming a focus of the story.
I enjoyed that while Erick and Gavin have known each other a long time they are still learning more about each other. I loved Erick’s realization that Gavin has feelings for Erick he cannot truly love Erick until he can love himself. I also enjoyed there was not one size fits all solution to solve the problem.
The chemistry between Erick and Gavin is off the charts. The sex scenes are amazing. The only scene that I was puzzled by was the riptide scene. Maybe it is because live near the ocean, but a big deal is made on how to successfully escape a riptide. I found it hard to believe that if Erick goes to the beach as much as he does but he does not know how to escape one.
There is nothing in the that I would fix. I would like a sequel. I would like to see how Gavin is able to conquer his inner demons. Overall, I loved this story; this is another winner by Mia Downing.
Book provided by The Wild Rose Press
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Ripped by Mia Downing is not part of a series by Mia Downing but it is part of a collection of stories by the publisher called ‘Boys of Summer’. I chose this story because I have not read a bad story by the author, Mia Downing, yet.
Erick and Gavin have been friends since they were very young, but since high school, Erick has been in love with Gavin. Erick has assumed it was one sided and never acted upon his feelings. The author does a fabulous job of letting us know the backgrounds of the two main characters without it becoming a focus of the story.
I enjoyed that while Erick and Gavin have known each other a long time they are still learning more about each other. I loved Erick’s realization that Gavin has feelings for Erick he cannot truly love Erick until he can love himself. I also enjoyed there was not one size fits all solution to solve the problem.
The chemistry between Erick and Gavin is off the charts. The sex scenes are amazing. The only scene that I was puzzled by was the riptide scene. Maybe it is because live near the ocean, but a big deal is made on how to successfully escape a riptide. I found it hard to believe that if Erick goes to the beach as much as he does but he does not know how to escape one.
There is nothing in the that I would fix. I would like a sequel. I would like to see how Gavin is able to conquer his inner demons. Overall, I loved this story; this is another winner by Mia Downing.
December 8, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. I love friends turned lovers stories and this one did not disappoint! You will want to give Gavin a huge hug at the end of this book! I have yet to read a book by Mia that I didn’t like so trust me when I say “Read her.”
Erik knew he loved Gavin and had known it for years. He really needs his “gaydar” fix though because he had no idea that the man he has known since pre-school was gay. I loved how much he cared for Gavin. He knew that Gav had reached a low point and needed some prodding to let get of all the bad in his life.
Gavin has had a rough life and believes all the bad that people have told him. He made my heart hurt. I wanted to shake some sense into his mother and father! I liked that he knew without Erik he would be devastated. He knew subconsciously that he loved him even if he didn’t want to believe it. In the end he proved that he wasn’t weak at the beach when the man he loved needed him.
This is beautiful short story. I was surprised at the depth considering the length. You get to learn so much about the characters in such a short amount of time. These two men are super-hot together but I think it because you can feel how much they care for each other.
~Special thank you to the author for the loan of this book in exchange for a honest review.~
Erik knew he loved Gavin and had known it for years. He really needs his “gaydar” fix though because he had no idea that the man he has known since pre-school was gay. I loved how much he cared for Gavin. He knew that Gav had reached a low point and needed some prodding to let get of all the bad in his life.
Gavin has had a rough life and believes all the bad that people have told him. He made my heart hurt. I wanted to shake some sense into his mother and father! I liked that he knew without Erik he would be devastated. He knew subconsciously that he loved him even if he didn’t want to believe it. In the end he proved that he wasn’t weak at the beach when the man he loved needed him.
This is beautiful short story. I was surprised at the depth considering the length. You get to learn so much about the characters in such a short amount of time. These two men are super-hot together but I think it because you can feel how much they care for each other.
~Special thank you to the author for the loan of this book in exchange for a honest review.~
January 23, 2015
Wow this is an awesome vacation read! It is short and sweet with just enough drama and angst to keep you involved. The main characters, Erik and Gavin, captured my heart from the beginning. I love books were childhood friendships turn into adult relationships the history and bond is usually so strong and visceral. This book was no different. It was just beautiful to watch them help each other through their problems.
One of the most interesting things for me in this story was how the author was able to create a completely whole story in so few pages. While I would still like to read more about how Erik and Gavin tackle life now that they have each other, I do not feel like the story was rushed or that I am missing important aspects. Overall a wonderful m/m romance that I would highly recommend.
One of the most interesting things for me in this story was how the author was able to create a completely whole story in so few pages. While I would still like to read more about how Erik and Gavin tackle life now that they have each other, I do not feel like the story was rushed or that I am missing important aspects. Overall a wonderful m/m romance that I would highly recommend.
September 3, 2015
That was short and sweet. I read the book because it was short and sweet, so that didn't bother me at all. But I noticed the authors disclaimer. I love Mia's writing, always a HEA!
This was a story about friendship growing into something more. Two friends that grew up together are brought back together and found love thru working thru a personal tragedy, the effects of family neglect and abuse and the other needing to be saved from an actual riptide.
Very sweet and perfect for a quick read on an airplane in my case, or cuddled up by the fireplace.
This was a story about friendship growing into something more. Two friends that grew up together are brought back together and found love thru working thru a personal tragedy, the effects of family neglect and abuse and the other needing to be saved from an actual riptide.
Very sweet and perfect for a quick read on an airplane in my case, or cuddled up by the fireplace.
September 8, 2012
This was OK but I didn't love it. There was a disconnect for me with the characters' relationship. From the description and the way Erick was watching Gav at first it seemed like they didn't really know each other, then you find out Erick poses for him, then you find out their best friends since pre-school. Although Erick was there for him, I just wasn't feeling that lifelong friendship.
January 21, 2013
I loved this story so much! The characters were believable and likable. I was really interested in their lives and wanted to know them. My only complaint is that I wish it were longer. I would have loved to see more of Erik and Gavin's history.
And that BDSM scene was smokin' hot!
Mia Downing writes fantastic M/M.
And that BDSM scene was smokin' hot!
Mia Downing writes fantastic M/M.
September 16, 2014
Ripped is one of the best books I've ever read. Gavin is so hurt that he doesn't know how to be any other way. Erik loves him, but can't seem to get through to him. Gavin is such a tortured soul that you just want to be there for him and help.
This is the first book by Mia Downing that I have read, but it will not be the last.
This is the first book by Mia Downing that I have read, but it will not be the last.
February 17, 2015
Erik and Gavin have been friends since before preschool.
Erik has been in love with Gavin for nearly as long. One evening when they are much older, Erik kisses Gavin and he flips. Eriks thinks that Gavin doesnt care for him.
On the anniversary of Gavin's sister' death, the two talk and begin a tentative relationship.
Erik has been in love with Gavin for nearly as long. One evening when they are much older, Erik kisses Gavin and he flips. Eriks thinks that Gavin doesnt care for him.
On the anniversary of Gavin's sister' death, the two talk and begin a tentative relationship.
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