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The Road To Byron
Matthew Kellett and Craig Jeffries are lifelong friends and neighbors. They thought they knew everything about each other, but some secrets seem too big share. Craig hides the truth about his father—but Matthew’s secret is his own.
To celebrate their high school graduation, Craig, Matthew, and Craig’s girlfriend take a road trip up the east coast of Australia to Byron Bay. Then one night on the beach, everything changes: Matthew meets Damien, a college student who senses what Matthew is hiding. Though the connection between them is undeniable, Matthew scrambles to keep it secret. It will take a shocking revelation from Craig and a lot of courage to get Matthew back on the road to Byron—and the boy waiting there.
To celebrate their high school graduation, Craig, Matthew, and Craig’s girlfriend take a road trip up the east coast of Australia to Byron Bay. Then one night on the beach, everything changes: Matthew meets Damien, a college student who senses what Matthew is hiding. Though the connection between them is undeniable, Matthew scrambles to keep it secret. It will take a shocking revelation from Craig and a lot of courage to get Matthew back on the road to Byron—and the boy waiting there.
129 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2012
1 person is currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Isabelle Rowan
19 books171 followersA black cat for a witch may be a cliché, but add a whole bunch of tribal tattoos and an intolerance to garlic (seriously), and you have Isabelle Rowan.
Having moved to Australia from England as a small child, Isabelle now lives in a seaside suburb of Melbourne where she teaches film making and English. She is a movie addict who spends far too much money on traveling… but then again, life is to be lived.
Visit Isabelle's blog at http://www.isabellerowan.com/blog.html
Having moved to Australia from England as a small child, Isabelle now lives in a seaside suburb of Melbourne where she teaches film making and English. She is a movie addict who spends far too much money on traveling… but then again, life is to be lived.
Visit Isabelle's blog at http://www.isabellerowan.com/blog.html
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 5, 2017
3.35 stars
It started as a 4-stars read but in the end, I had to lower the rating because a couple of issues.
In the beginning, I loved the feel of contemporary new adult feel from the book. I was in the mood -- having finished a GLBT YA fiction not long before I started this.
I was quite bored with what most of the 'adult' MM romances offered by publishers these days. So, the idea that the story would focused on Matt doing the 'rite of passage' with his best friend, Craig and Craig's girlfriend, Kelly, and how it would become the 'journey' of him embracing his sexuality was something I happily embraced.
Always loved a road-trip story too. I loved the conflict that Matt experiencing. Especially when he met this sexy Damien, on the road, and he wanted to act on his feeling.
But then, this was when the story rather fell apart for me:
+ First, the smutty scenes. I don't mind sex on my reading, truly. But I guess I'm expecting more of a new adult contemporary, and story about friendship of Matt and Craig and how they deal with Matt being gay. For me, the story would have that LGBT new adult fiction voice to it, a coming-of-age story and friendship story, and those sex scenes just disrupt it.
+ Plus Damien, seemed to suddenly wanted to push Matt to tell Craig about him being gay. Uhm, yeah, NOT a huge fan of that kind of ultimatum plot especially when Damien only knew Matt for few days. (On side note: I loved Kelly though, a positive female character, wow you do exist!).
+ The storyline about Craig () was a cliché. I have to agree with my friend, Arthur; I know that domestic abuse happens in real life and we need to raise that issue. But sometimes, in a fiction story, it becomes a too easy way out to explain about characters messing up his/her life. Again, this is where I wish that the story explores more about coming-of-age and friendship, without adding the drama of abuse, and just to see how Matt and Craig work their way into adulthood when finding out one's sexuality.
+ In the end, all the conflicts were solved out way too quick. It left me unsatisfied (Another side note: the scene where Matt finally told his father that he was gay, was excellent!)
As for Isabelle Rowan's writing? It was wonderful, as always...
It started as a 4-stars read but in the end, I had to lower the rating because a couple of issues.
In the beginning, I loved the feel of contemporary new adult feel from the book. I was in the mood -- having finished a GLBT YA fiction not long before I started this.
I was quite bored with what most of the 'adult' MM romances offered by publishers these days. So, the idea that the story would focused on Matt doing the 'rite of passage' with his best friend, Craig and Craig's girlfriend, Kelly, and how it would become the 'journey' of him embracing his sexuality was something I happily embraced.
Always loved a road-trip story too. I loved the conflict that Matt experiencing. Especially when he met this sexy Damien, on the road, and he wanted to act on his feeling.
But then, this was when the story rather fell apart for me:
+ First, the smutty scenes. I don't mind sex on my reading, truly. But I guess I'm expecting more of a new adult contemporary, and story about friendship of Matt and Craig and how they deal with Matt being gay. For me, the story would have that LGBT new adult fiction voice to it, a coming-of-age story and friendship story, and those sex scenes just disrupt it.
+ Plus Damien, seemed to suddenly wanted to push Matt to tell Craig about him being gay. Uhm, yeah, NOT a huge fan of that kind of ultimatum plot especially when Damien only knew Matt for few days. (On side note: I loved Kelly though, a positive female character, wow you do exist!).
+ The storyline about Craig () was a cliché. I have to agree with my friend, Arthur; I know that domestic abuse happens in real life and we need to raise that issue. But sometimes, in a fiction story, it becomes a too easy way out to explain about characters messing up his/her life. Again, this is where I wish that the story explores more about coming-of-age and friendship, without adding the drama of abuse, and just to see how Matt and Craig work their way into adulthood when finding out one's sexuality.
+ In the end, all the conflicts were solved out way too quick. It left me unsatisfied (Another side note: the scene where Matt finally told his father that he was gay, was excellent!)
As for Isabelle Rowan's writing? It was wonderful, as always...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2012
2.5 stars
Matt and Craig had been friends since they were kids. After graduating high school, the two and Craig's girlfriend Kelly went for a summer road trip. Matt was gay and had crush on his straight best friend. On the trip, they met Damian, who was gay. Matt and Damian hooked up. Would Craig be okay with that?
The writing is good, though.
Matt and Craig had been friends since they were kids. After graduating high school, the two and Craig's girlfriend Kelly went for a summer road trip. Matt was gay and had crush on his straight best friend. On the trip, they met Damian, who was gay. Matt and Damian hooked up. Would Craig be okay with that?
The writing is good, though.
Read
September 14, 2012Yay for an Aussie book!
February 12, 2013
I was in the mood for some Isabelle Rowan excellent writing so went cruising to see if I’d missed any books. I found two I hadn’t read so far and this was the first I dove into. I like the story and characters, it’s sweet and thankfully not the classic best friends turned lovers. Instead it focuses on the road to maturity for a young adult. The story feels short and rushed in some places but I also appreciated the shorter length. The story would have been much more intense and darker if it was longer and delved more deeply into the brief issues covered. Instead I like the quick romance and surface treatment of abuse. It’s not a slam dunk of a story but I was entertained and glad I read it.
The story revolves around newly graduated 18 y/o Matt and his best friend Craig. The two decide to go on a road trip before college and Craig brings along his girlfriend Kelly. Matt is gay and has been in love with Craig for a while but knows nothing will happen. Luckily he meets sexy Damien on the road and sparks fly. There’s just one small detail in that Matt has never told Craig he’s gay.
First I have to say Rowan’s writing is clean, crisp, and engaging from start to finish. There is a subtle Aussie flair to the writing but nothing overdone and it’s obviously organic. I quite like this feel and keeps me interested even when the story doesn’t. Matt’s characterization is the most developed by far, followed by a deep examination of his friendship to Craig. Matt is far from perfect and in many ways is very immature and young. Though his mom died when he was young (I think?) Matt has never had a boyfriend or even a real sexual encounter. He clings to his friendship with Craig like a lifeline, a need and desire for stability that is reciprocated deeply in Craig. I appreciate the author’s choice very much to keep these two as brothers and friends and instead find romantic love in other people.
The other cast is slightly more problematic. They’re all adorable and fun to read about, no doubt, but they have little of the same depth as Matt and to some extent, Craig. Damien is more of an idea of a person than a fully fleshed out individual and the two female roles, while positive and engaging, exist to support and nurture Matt and Damien’s relationship. Likewise there are some very serious and deep issues brought up over the course of the story but they are handled very lightly. Craig is from an abusive home and the systematic beatings from his father have an obvious and very serious impact on both Craig and Matt. Similarly the death of Matt’s mother must have changed both boys. However the story doesn’t really go into detail here and keeps it very superficial. Instead the focus is on Matt’s internal conflict and his fears.
I noted the problems, but also realize the somewhat lighter, easy tone of the story would have altered dramatically if these issues were truly developed. So I could and did enjoy the story despite these drawbacks and even appreciated the lighter touch. Combined with the excellent writing and this is an easy to read, fun story. Matt as a character would likely grate on my nerves if this went on any longer, mired in indecision, fear, and immaturity but this is also forgivable considering his age and inexperience. I’m not convinced their relationship is true love but I did like the ending. Fans of the author will probably like this one and those new to the author will get a good feel for the writing and tone. I’d recommend it.
The story revolves around newly graduated 18 y/o Matt and his best friend Craig. The two decide to go on a road trip before college and Craig brings along his girlfriend Kelly. Matt is gay and has been in love with Craig for a while but knows nothing will happen. Luckily he meets sexy Damien on the road and sparks fly. There’s just one small detail in that Matt has never told Craig he’s gay.
First I have to say Rowan’s writing is clean, crisp, and engaging from start to finish. There is a subtle Aussie flair to the writing but nothing overdone and it’s obviously organic. I quite like this feel and keeps me interested even when the story doesn’t. Matt’s characterization is the most developed by far, followed by a deep examination of his friendship to Craig. Matt is far from perfect and in many ways is very immature and young. Though his mom died when he was young (I think?) Matt has never had a boyfriend or even a real sexual encounter. He clings to his friendship with Craig like a lifeline, a need and desire for stability that is reciprocated deeply in Craig. I appreciate the author’s choice very much to keep these two as brothers and friends and instead find romantic love in other people.
The other cast is slightly more problematic. They’re all adorable and fun to read about, no doubt, but they have little of the same depth as Matt and to some extent, Craig. Damien is more of an idea of a person than a fully fleshed out individual and the two female roles, while positive and engaging, exist to support and nurture Matt and Damien’s relationship. Likewise there are some very serious and deep issues brought up over the course of the story but they are handled very lightly. Craig is from an abusive home and the systematic beatings from his father have an obvious and very serious impact on both Craig and Matt. Similarly the death of Matt’s mother must have changed both boys. However the story doesn’t really go into detail here and keeps it very superficial. Instead the focus is on Matt’s internal conflict and his fears.
I noted the problems, but also realize the somewhat lighter, easy tone of the story would have altered dramatically if these issues were truly developed. So I could and did enjoy the story despite these drawbacks and even appreciated the lighter touch. Combined with the excellent writing and this is an easy to read, fun story. Matt as a character would likely grate on my nerves if this went on any longer, mired in indecision, fear, and immaturity but this is also forgivable considering his age and inexperience. I’m not convinced their relationship is true love but I did like the ending. Fans of the author will probably like this one and those new to the author will get a good feel for the writing and tone. I’d recommend it.
April 23, 2017
This could have been a four or five star read had it been fleshed out more. Some parts of the story were covered more than necessary eg the dynamics of Craig and Kelly's relationship, and others were glossed over so thinly that I ended up confused and wondering if a paragraph had been accidentally erased eg the reveal of the depth of Craig's abuse, Damian's whole characterisation, Damian and Matt's relationship. I would have liked to see more of a natural development of Matt's relationship with his dad instead of what seemed to be a sudden turnaround by his father and the end, after Craig's explosion of temper, felt rushed and all over the place.
But it was a good read and, unlike a lot of m/m fiction, had strong, likable female characters. The unfolding romance was sweet and I really liked Craig and Matt's friendship. Also, the 'Aussie-isms' were subtle and what I hear in everyday life. No 'drongo' or 'cobber' or 'crickey' in sight!
But it was a good read and, unlike a lot of m/m fiction, had strong, likable female characters. The unfolding romance was sweet and I really liked Craig and Matt's friendship. Also, the 'Aussie-isms' were subtle and what I hear in everyday life. No 'drongo' or 'cobber' or 'crickey' in sight!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2012
3.5 stars. A sweet coming-out story with plenty of potential that was not developed sufficiently. The plot seemed too rushed and then the ending very abrupt. I would have liked to see the blooming romance between Matthew and Damien explored at more length because it was definitely the best part of the novella.
April 9, 2013
ohhhhh a short romance but very well written with some great character building. who knew I could enjoy a short story so much.
October 17, 2012
Isabelle Rowan is a favourite author of mine, but I have to be honest and said that The Road to Byron left me wanting more.
The writing is flawless, just like in all her other works. Isabelle Rowan manages to transmit the characters emotions and get the reader involved with their feelings.
In The Road to Byron we have Craig and Matthew, who have been best friends since they can remember. As a “rite of passage” they decided to take road trip to Byron beach. Together with Kelly, Craig´s girlfriend, they embark on the trip of their lives.
Matthew´s background is pretty simple, his mom died a couple of years ago and he´s been living with his dad and his dog ever since, right next door to Craig´s family.
Craig´s family is a very different story. Coming from an abusive home, Craig has always counted on Matthew´s family to be his safe haven. No one knows the real extent of the abuse, not even Matthew. Some things have been left unsaid between these two friends for too long. And without them even knowing they come to an agreement not to discuss them.
So, the trip to Byron will push the secrets out of the closet, in more ways than one.
I really like the dynamic between the three characters on the first part of the road trip. Kelly is absolutely in love with Craig, and is also very sensitive to Matthew´s feelings towards his best friend. Call it female sixth sense, but she is the first one to notice that is more than just a brotherly bond what Matthew feels for Craig.
After a beach party, Matthew meets Damien on the beach. This is a boy he saw from afar the night before but couldn’t gather the courage to go talk to. Light conversation, a swim and some under the water light touches…a kiss, and things changed for Matthew in a way he wasn´t expecting.
Over the next few days, Matthew and Damien share more and more time together, stolen moments and kisses.
Matthew´s discovery of his sexuality is all done in a very sweet, intimate way. Damien is so patient with him and always very concerned about his feelings, never pushing. But there is still one thing that is always in the back of Matthew´s mind, and that is how will Craig react when he finds out.
It happens so fast, one moment Matthew is enjoying the feeling of Damien wrapped around him and the next he is trying to stop Craig from beating Damien. It all comes to the abuse Craig suffered as a child, and the memories were triggered by the image of his best friend with the other boy.
It is the moment of truth for Matthew, the moment his best friend finally knows who he really is. And even if it looks like it will be hard for Craig to accept it, it is not.
Will Matthew be able to embrace who he is and who he really loves, put his heart out there and show Damien he is ready? I really liked Matthew´s relationship with his father, and the way he finally gets to talk to him.
The angst doesn’t last long but it´s enough to have you worried for a minute.
Why did I want more? Well, this is a HFN ending and I was not ready for that.
It feels like it was too short, and a lot of things were left unsaid.
I wanted more, I wanted all the details on the HEA.
All in all a great coming out story, with a lot of potential.
The writing is flawless, just like in all her other works. Isabelle Rowan manages to transmit the characters emotions and get the reader involved with their feelings.
In The Road to Byron we have Craig and Matthew, who have been best friends since they can remember. As a “rite of passage” they decided to take road trip to Byron beach. Together with Kelly, Craig´s girlfriend, they embark on the trip of their lives.
Matthew´s background is pretty simple, his mom died a couple of years ago and he´s been living with his dad and his dog ever since, right next door to Craig´s family.
Craig´s family is a very different story. Coming from an abusive home, Craig has always counted on Matthew´s family to be his safe haven. No one knows the real extent of the abuse, not even Matthew. Some things have been left unsaid between these two friends for too long. And without them even knowing they come to an agreement not to discuss them.
So, the trip to Byron will push the secrets out of the closet, in more ways than one.
I really like the dynamic between the three characters on the first part of the road trip. Kelly is absolutely in love with Craig, and is also very sensitive to Matthew´s feelings towards his best friend. Call it female sixth sense, but she is the first one to notice that is more than just a brotherly bond what Matthew feels for Craig.
After a beach party, Matthew meets Damien on the beach. This is a boy he saw from afar the night before but couldn’t gather the courage to go talk to. Light conversation, a swim and some under the water light touches…a kiss, and things changed for Matthew in a way he wasn´t expecting.
Over the next few days, Matthew and Damien share more and more time together, stolen moments and kisses.
Matthew´s discovery of his sexuality is all done in a very sweet, intimate way. Damien is so patient with him and always very concerned about his feelings, never pushing. But there is still one thing that is always in the back of Matthew´s mind, and that is how will Craig react when he finds out.
It happens so fast, one moment Matthew is enjoying the feeling of Damien wrapped around him and the next he is trying to stop Craig from beating Damien. It all comes to the abuse Craig suffered as a child, and the memories were triggered by the image of his best friend with the other boy.
It is the moment of truth for Matthew, the moment his best friend finally knows who he really is. And even if it looks like it will be hard for Craig to accept it, it is not.
Will Matthew be able to embrace who he is and who he really loves, put his heart out there and show Damien he is ready? I really liked Matthew´s relationship with his father, and the way he finally gets to talk to him.
The angst doesn’t last long but it´s enough to have you worried for a minute.
Why did I want more? Well, this is a HFN ending and I was not ready for that.
It feels like it was too short, and a lot of things were left unsaid.
I wanted more, I wanted all the details on the HEA.
All in all a great coming out story, with a lot of potential.
August 5, 2013
Okay…so yes, I admit to having a bit of a crush on author Isabelle Rowan. And, yes, I might have squealed just a bit when I found out I was going to review The Road to Byron, her latest release. Okay, sure I might have done a lengthy happy dance around my kindle the moment the novella showed up on the home page. However, I did resolve right then and there to give an honest review despite my love affair with this author’s work.
So….five stars. Is The Road to Byron really worth five stars? Oh dear reader, yes–every single one of them.
“I wanted to tell you, mate. I wanted you to know who I am, but I was scared. I feel like I’ve spent my whole life being scared of something…not just this. Always scared.”
What a crushing burden it must be–to harbor a secret–a deep secret that defines the very essence of who you are. Matthew Kellett is gay and no one knows, most definitely not his widowed father and absolutely not his best friend Craig. In fact, there are times in this novella when we realize that even Matthew himself is so deeply afraid of revealing his true self that he hides the truth even from himself–evades it–runs from it as fast as he can.
Fortunately, when Matthew locks eyes with Damien across a crowded beach party, the truth can no longer stay hidden. Matthew has finally met the boy who is going to turn his world on end and throw the closet door wide open–even if that means someone is going to get slammed with the truth. Craig Jefferies doesn’t see that door coming until it’s too late and the last thing he wants is to realize that his best friend has harbored a secret–much like he has.
Isabelle Rowan takes one battered and angry boy, Craig and his frightened, grieving and, yes, gay best friend and sends them on the road to realization and a life-changing journey. She writes these two young men with heart-breaking compassion and truth. She slowly reveals how Craig has spent his life evading his father’s drunken fists and has been escaping to his best friend Matthew’s house since he was nine years old.
With raw emotion she explains that Matthew has never recovered from his mother’s death and gives us a glimpse of the deep chasm that has opened between Matty and his father that has caused him to hide his sexuality and his real feelings.
Here is the beauty of Isabelle Rowan’s writing. She takes a simple story and weaves into it a deep vein of truth and soul searing conflict. She makes our hearts stutter when she reveals that sometimes life just can’t be tied up in neat packages and she plays our emotions like a well tuned violin when she reveals that love can truly conquer all if we only give it a chance.
The Road to Byron was more than just a coming of age story. It was a bold and, at times, heartbreaking declaration that we cannot run from our true selves, rather, we must face it head on and dig in deep when the winds begin to blow. And, in the end, this novella made the strong case that there really can be a happy ending even when the road to happiness is not always smooth.
So….five stars. Is The Road to Byron really worth five stars? Oh dear reader, yes–every single one of them.
“I wanted to tell you, mate. I wanted you to know who I am, but I was scared. I feel like I’ve spent my whole life being scared of something…not just this. Always scared.”
What a crushing burden it must be–to harbor a secret–a deep secret that defines the very essence of who you are. Matthew Kellett is gay and no one knows, most definitely not his widowed father and absolutely not his best friend Craig. In fact, there are times in this novella when we realize that even Matthew himself is so deeply afraid of revealing his true self that he hides the truth even from himself–evades it–runs from it as fast as he can.
Fortunately, when Matthew locks eyes with Damien across a crowded beach party, the truth can no longer stay hidden. Matthew has finally met the boy who is going to turn his world on end and throw the closet door wide open–even if that means someone is going to get slammed with the truth. Craig Jefferies doesn’t see that door coming until it’s too late and the last thing he wants is to realize that his best friend has harbored a secret–much like he has.
Isabelle Rowan takes one battered and angry boy, Craig and his frightened, grieving and, yes, gay best friend and sends them on the road to realization and a life-changing journey. She writes these two young men with heart-breaking compassion and truth. She slowly reveals how Craig has spent his life evading his father’s drunken fists and has been escaping to his best friend Matthew’s house since he was nine years old.
With raw emotion she explains that Matthew has never recovered from his mother’s death and gives us a glimpse of the deep chasm that has opened between Matty and his father that has caused him to hide his sexuality and his real feelings.
Here is the beauty of Isabelle Rowan’s writing. She takes a simple story and weaves into it a deep vein of truth and soul searing conflict. She makes our hearts stutter when she reveals that sometimes life just can’t be tied up in neat packages and she plays our emotions like a well tuned violin when she reveals that love can truly conquer all if we only give it a chance.
The Road to Byron was more than just a coming of age story. It was a bold and, at times, heartbreaking declaration that we cannot run from our true selves, rather, we must face it head on and dig in deep when the winds begin to blow. And, in the end, this novella made the strong case that there really can be a happy ending even when the road to happiness is not always smooth.
January 3, 2018
3.5 stars
Synopsis: Matthew and his best friend, along with his best friend's girlfriend take a trip after high school before they head off for the rest of their lives. Matthew is keeping a secret from his best friend; that he is gay, and that he has a crush on him. As they travel, they hit all the beaches and surf. One night, Matthew sees a guy and is immediately intrigued. He goes for a walk instead, though. The next morning, Matthew meets Damien and they swim. Matthew is attracted, and it seems that his feelings are reciprocated. Then his best friend finds Damien and Matthew together and things get strange.
What I liked: That Damian didn't apologize for who he was. I liked that Matthew loved his best friend, and only wanted him to be happy, even though he had the crush on him. I liked that Matthew was so protective of his best friend.
What I didn't like: That Matthew ran away rather than dealing with anything.
Synopsis: Matthew and his best friend, along with his best friend's girlfriend take a trip after high school before they head off for the rest of their lives. Matthew is keeping a secret from his best friend; that he is gay, and that he has a crush on him. As they travel, they hit all the beaches and surf. One night, Matthew sees a guy and is immediately intrigued. He goes for a walk instead, though. The next morning, Matthew meets Damien and they swim. Matthew is attracted, and it seems that his feelings are reciprocated. Then his best friend finds Damien and Matthew together and things get strange.
What I liked: That Damian didn't apologize for who he was. I liked that Matthew loved his best friend, and only wanted him to be happy, even though he had the crush on him. I liked that Matthew was so protective of his best friend.
What I didn't like: That Matthew ran away rather than dealing with anything.
October 4, 2012
I have a complaint: this is way too short!
Once again Isabelle Rowan has given us a story that you can simply lose yourself in. One where all the characters come to life, jump off the page and lodge themselves firmly into your minds and hearts. At least that's the way it is with me. That's why this is too short for me. I need to know more!
I want to know how Matthew and Damien build their relationship, what they will do with the rest of their lives... I also need to know that all the secondary characters are all growing and thriving!
But once again Isabelle Rowan has given us a book filled with beautiful, flawed characters who have taken up space in my life. This truly is a lovely, sweet (but not fluffy) read that I will definitely revisit.
Once again Isabelle Rowan has given us a story that you can simply lose yourself in. One where all the characters come to life, jump off the page and lodge themselves firmly into your minds and hearts. At least that's the way it is with me. That's why this is too short for me. I need to know more!
I want to know how Matthew and Damien build their relationship, what they will do with the rest of their lives... I also need to know that all the secondary characters are all growing and thriving!
But once again Isabelle Rowan has given us a book filled with beautiful, flawed characters who have taken up space in my life. This truly is a lovely, sweet (but not fluffy) read that I will definitely revisit.
December 5, 2012
3.5 stars
Rowan's writing is always great, but the plot was insufficiently developed, especially Craig's abuse, Matt's relationship with his dad, Damien... The dynamics between Matt, Craig and Kelly was great as well as the beginning of Matt's relationship with Damien and exploration of Matt's sexuality, which were very sweet. I think the story would have worked better as a novel, but Rowan's stories are still better than average m/m fare. Easy, sweet read, just not up to author's usual standards.
Rowan's writing is always great, but the plot was insufficiently developed, especially Craig's abuse, Matt's relationship with his dad, Damien... The dynamics between Matt, Craig and Kelly was great as well as the beginning of Matt's relationship with Damien and exploration of Matt's sexuality, which were very sweet. I think the story would have worked better as a novel, but Rowan's stories are still better than average m/m fare. Easy, sweet read, just not up to author's usual standards.
February 7, 2013
what an awesome story this was..I mean I really enjoyed everything about it...the characters were realistic and relatable you could connect with them easily~ the story had excellent pacing and it was totally engaging...kudos for Isabelle Brown..excellent job
this is one of those stories I wanted to go and on and on...
this is one of those stories I wanted to go and on and on...
February 25, 2015
This was a nice coming of age story. I liked the idea of the road trip and how tight Matthew and Craig were. Kelly was a wonderful girlfriend to Craig and friend to Matthew. I'm glad that we don't get too much sex because then it would've ruin some of the innocence of the story for me. Would definitely like to read another story about Matthew and Damien.
December 29, 2014
An enjoyable if simple read. I felt that the book was too short for the story the author wanted to tell; the relationship between Matthew and Damian was a little rushed, a little too insta-love, but it was sweet and Craig's past added depth.
October 11, 2012
Ultimately forgettable but a nice, easy read.
November 13, 2012
It might be because I am Australian, but I really related to this story. The characters seemed real and I remember those beach parties! I prefer her older characters but enjoyed this very much.
October 15, 2012
I loved this novella and I wouldn't mind reading more about its MCs...
November 28, 2012
3.5 stars
March 19, 2014
Coming out/first love tale.
February 24, 2013
This book was "fine". No real highs and no real lows for me. Now that I've read it, will I think much about it? Probably not.
March 2, 2013
3.5 - cute, but I wanted more from the romance.
April 30, 2013
I loved every page, was sad when it ended.
December 3, 2013
3.5*
Review to come.
Review to come.
March 8, 2015
I liked this book although i would have loved it if it was a bit longer.
Maybe a sequel sometime?
Maybe a sequel sometime?
October 12, 2012
Nice story, maybe less intense by last books and more simple into development of plot.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews