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Talker #1
Talker
Tate « Talker »Walker a passé la plus grande partie de sa vie à cacher ses cicatrices sous une façade punk et, jusqu'à ce qu'il s'assoie à côté de Brian dans le bus, cela fonctionnait tout à fait. Pourtant Brian a passé sa vie entière en étant l'homme invisible et il a appris à lire sous la surface des choses. Ce qu'il voit en Talker est un être humain fragile et attachant. Brian est en apparence hétéro, pourtant Talker est prêt à tout par amour pour lui, et, quand son comportement le conduit à des conséquences douloureuses, Brian est forcé de sortir du placard de manière plutôt dramatique. Il fera tout pour s'assurer que Talker voit en lui le Prince Charmant qu'il a toujours désiré.
87 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2010
40 people are currently reading
1973 people want to read
About the author
Amy Lane
203 books3,488 followersAmy Lane dodges an EDJ, mothers four children, and writes the occasional book. She, her brood, and her beloved mate, Mack, live in a crumbling mortgage in Citrus Heights, California, which is riddled with spiders, cats, and more than its share of fancy and weirdness. Feel free to visit her at www.greenshill.com orwww.writerslane.blogspot.com, where she will ride the buzz of receiving your e-mail until her head swells and she can no longer leave the house.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 290 reviews
April 13, 2022
spoilers in the content warning:
short, sweet, and satisfying. i read this in a little over an hour (not counting me falling asleep halfway through nn) and mostly really enjoyed it. of course Amy Lane is going to Amy Lane and torture her characters before they get a happily ever after - and since there are two sequels, i know the angst is far from over - but this novella ended on a really sweet, hopeful note. 4 stars.
short, sweet, and satisfying. i read this in a little over an hour (not counting me falling asleep halfway through nn) and mostly really enjoyed it. of course Amy Lane is going to Amy Lane and torture her characters before they get a happily ever after - and since there are two sequels, i know the angst is far from over - but this novella ended on a really sweet, hopeful note. 4 stars.
February 17, 2020
Not impressed. the story jumped around and was confusing.
September 1, 2010
4.5 stars
Brian Cooper first met Tate Walker on a bus, when the latter came to sit right next to him. Tate was an extraordinary sight, half his face was taken up with a glorious tribal tattoo, his right ear, nose, eyebrow, and lip pierced, and his dark hair cut into a Mohawk. However, after they became friends and moved in together, Brian learned that there was more to Tate than just a kid with strange look and non-stop talk. Brian couldn't help to want to protect Tate from all harm, to save him before Tate lost his soul. But how could he convince Tate that he had feelings for him, when Tate thought that he was straight and he was so used to being invinsible? It might took a grand gesture to do so, but so-help-him-God, Brian would do anything to make Tate see him for who he really was. Someone who was in love with Tate.
*sniff* Sorry, I just had to wipe my tears a bit. This was a beautiful hurt/comfort story, that just squeezed my heart, and well, made me cry. It's not a gay-for-you story, despite the blurb saying that Brian so outwardly straight. True that Brian starts with girlfriend but he realizes that girls do not work him up -- and he comes out from his closet (with the help of his ex-girlfriend).
The story was told in 3rd person but from Brian's point of view. So you would see how he feels for Tate and how he deals with his own understanding that he is gay and he wants Tate like he wants no one else before. How he hurts for Tate and how he yearns to keep Tate safe. How he tries so hard to tell Tate that he is gay and he is love with Tate. The words that Brian tells Tate are so beautiful, it just choke me up.
The ending is also beautiful -- I love the fact that the two of them are young (they're still in college); so I believe that they have a long happy journey ahead of him. That Brian will help Tate heals and Tate makes Brian slowly stop being so invinsible *hugs both boys*
Brian Cooper first met Tate Walker on a bus, when the latter came to sit right next to him. Tate was an extraordinary sight, half his face was taken up with a glorious tribal tattoo, his right ear, nose, eyebrow, and lip pierced, and his dark hair cut into a Mohawk. However, after they became friends and moved in together, Brian learned that there was more to Tate than just a kid with strange look and non-stop talk. Brian couldn't help to want to protect Tate from all harm, to save him before Tate lost his soul. But how could he convince Tate that he had feelings for him, when Tate thought that he was straight and he was so used to being invinsible? It might took a grand gesture to do so, but so-help-him-God, Brian would do anything to make Tate see him for who he really was. Someone who was in love with Tate.
*sniff* Sorry, I just had to wipe my tears a bit. This was a beautiful hurt/comfort story, that just squeezed my heart, and well, made me cry. It's not a gay-for-you story, despite the blurb saying that Brian so outwardly straight. True that Brian starts with girlfriend but he realizes that girls do not work him up -- and he comes out from his closet (with the help of his ex-girlfriend).
The story was told in 3rd person but from Brian's point of view. So you would see how he feels for Tate and how he deals with his own understanding that he is gay and he wants Tate like he wants no one else before. How he hurts for Tate and how he yearns to keep Tate safe. How he tries so hard to tell Tate that he is gay and he is love with Tate. The words that Brian tells Tate are so beautiful, it just choke me up.
The ending is also beautiful -- I love the fact that the two of them are young (they're still in college); so I believe that they have a long happy journey ahead of him. That Brian will help Tate heals and Tate makes Brian slowly stop being so invinsible *hugs both boys*
April 12, 2013
M/M romance. Our "hero" "tries" to tell his best friend that he wants him, but he never actually, uh, uses his words. So he figures hey, the problem here is that the bestie is just refusing to notice him, and the bestie was recently raped and is really "fragile," okay, so the thing to do – he has a plan, you guys – the thing to do is to manipulate events so he and the bestie are in a sexual situation but the bestie doesn't know who he is until after there are orgasms.
This being a romance, this is fed to us as romantic instead of, you know, creepy and awful.
…
DO. NOT. WANT.
This being a romance, this is fed to us as romantic instead of, you know, creepy and awful.
…
DO. NOT. WANT.
March 3, 2014
She's just so damned good at this. Too much beauty. Too much love. Too much wit, and heart, and kindness.
Been crying for 3 days, already.
Been crying for 3 days, already.
February 2, 2011
^^ALL TALK AND NO LISTENING!^^
I really enjoyed this short, but lovely story. It offers up great conflict and a character that is sure to break your heart. I was just blown away by the many messages offered in this story. It can be interpreted many ways by each individual reader, for it brought back memories of being close to someone who never saw through, she is my friend and that’s all there is. I wish; I had the guts Brian had to make Tate (Talker) finally see him.
Tate aka Talker is covered in tattoos from his face down to his arms, all people see is the punk persona, and that Talker is gay and never hides it. Even through all his “I don’t give a fuck” attitude, there is a boy who is hurting and no one can see that. He is far from shy and will talk your ears off, hence the nickname. Talker is alone even with his very friendly attitude that is until he meets Brian.
Brian is our third person narrator, and it’s through his POV that we come to understand Talker. He never expected to fall in love with the chatterbox who sat beside him on the bus. It takes awhile for him to figure it out, and help is offered up by the most unlikely person.
This story is a rollercoaster of emotions, and it really pulled at my heartstrings. It’s sometimes hard to see true love when it’s staring you right in the face, and Talker makes some really bad decisions. He is so oblivious to Brian’s feelings.
The title is so clear; Tate is talker, not a listener or someone who pays attention. If only he had stopped to do both those things, and paid attention to Brian, things would have been easier. Therefore, Brian had to go and say “look at me, see me, listen to me”. It was quite intense, I never expected it to be and I was truly impressed.
There is still room to grow for both characters and would be excited to see them again.
I really enjoyed this short, but lovely story. It offers up great conflict and a character that is sure to break your heart. I was just blown away by the many messages offered in this story. It can be interpreted many ways by each individual reader, for it brought back memories of being close to someone who never saw through, she is my friend and that’s all there is. I wish; I had the guts Brian had to make Tate (Talker) finally see him.
Tate aka Talker is covered in tattoos from his face down to his arms, all people see is the punk persona, and that Talker is gay and never hides it. Even through all his “I don’t give a fuck” attitude, there is a boy who is hurting and no one can see that. He is far from shy and will talk your ears off, hence the nickname. Talker is alone even with his very friendly attitude that is until he meets Brian.
Brian is our third person narrator, and it’s through his POV that we come to understand Talker. He never expected to fall in love with the chatterbox who sat beside him on the bus. It takes awhile for him to figure it out, and help is offered up by the most unlikely person.
This story is a rollercoaster of emotions, and it really pulled at my heartstrings. It’s sometimes hard to see true love when it’s staring you right in the face, and Talker makes some really bad decisions. He is so oblivious to Brian’s feelings.
The title is so clear; Tate is talker, not a listener or someone who pays attention. If only he had stopped to do both those things, and paid attention to Brian, things would have been easier. Therefore, Brian had to go and say “look at me, see me, listen to me”. It was quite intense, I never expected it to be and I was truly impressed.
There is still room to grow for both characters and would be excited to see them again.
December 3, 2024
This was........meh. The writing is still Amy Lane but the story was strange. I guess.
Brian literally(yes, literally) needs a hands-on approach from his recent ex girlfriend to figure out that he's into guys.
She actually had to go...
'This is your dick when you look at porn involving girls: 😑🍆(cricket sounds)
' Now THIS is your dick when you look at porn with just guys: 😊🍆🎉✨(distinct hallelujah sounds in the background)
I swear😂😂😂😂
Beyond that, Brian fumbles his coming out to Tate so badly that Tate doesn't even get what he's saying.... MULTIPLE times. Never once said he's gay or attracted to Tate. Just says he loves him, which.....fair, but also wildly inadequate if you've said it to said friend before.
I get why Tate is unmoved because why would the 37th time you say you love me be any different from the other 36 times unless you specifically state that it is? There's a reason why we say IN LOVE, gosh. There's not much for misinterpretation with that.
Then they do this wildly implausible love declaration thing where honestly, it felt your best friend would be able to decipher your voice from across a toilet stall? But maybe that's just me.
And also, who makes their grand gesture IN A TOILET STALL WHILST THE GUY YOU'RE DECLARING YOUR FEELINGS TO THINKS HE'S DOING THE REAL LIFE VERSION OF PHONE SEX WITH A RANDOM STRANGER?
Go sit in a corner, Brian, and think about your life choices.
My other issue (and maybe it's because we really only get Brian's POV in this) is the way Tate's reciprocation of Brian's feelings is treated as a fait accompli. Like....excuse me, we see Brian falling in love but when and how did this even happen for Tate?
At no point before Brian confessing his love is there even a hint that Tate's into him like that????
***well, there IS that moment after Tate gets sexually assaulted and Brian's taking care of him where he says once upon a time he used to wish Brian was gay because he's never loved anyone as much as he's loved Brian but now he's glad Brian isn't gay because he makes him feel safe.
So maybe that was supposed to be it? Maybe I'm as dumb as Tate then because I honestly thought that was the kind of love declaration you make to your friend in an 'OMG if we were into each other we'd have dated rather than bothering with other people, sucks that we're not' way, and not an 'I've been in love with you forever and the only hold up has been your ramrod straightness, damn it' way.
So this is a book. That I read. Annnnnnnd didn't really like. The upside is that it was only 2 and a half hours.
Brian literally(yes, literally) needs a hands-on approach from his recent ex girlfriend to figure out that he's into guys.
She actually had to go...
'This is your dick when you look at porn involving girls: 😑🍆(cricket sounds)
' Now THIS is your dick when you look at porn with just guys: 😊🍆🎉✨(distinct hallelujah sounds in the background)
I swear😂😂😂😂
Beyond that, Brian fumbles his coming out to Tate so badly that Tate doesn't even get what he's saying.... MULTIPLE times. Never once said he's gay or attracted to Tate. Just says he loves him, which.....fair, but also wildly inadequate if you've said it to said friend before.
I get why Tate is unmoved because why would the 37th time you say you love me be any different from the other 36 times unless you specifically state that it is? There's a reason why we say IN LOVE, gosh. There's not much for misinterpretation with that.
Then they do this wildly implausible love declaration thing where honestly, it felt your best friend would be able to decipher your voice from across a toilet stall? But maybe that's just me.
And also, who makes their grand gesture IN A TOILET STALL WHILST THE GUY YOU'RE DECLARING YOUR FEELINGS TO THINKS HE'S DOING THE REAL LIFE VERSION OF PHONE SEX WITH A RANDOM STRANGER?
Go sit in a corner, Brian, and think about your life choices.
My other issue (and maybe it's because we really only get Brian's POV in this) is the way Tate's reciprocation of Brian's feelings is treated as a fait accompli. Like....excuse me, we see Brian falling in love but when and how did this even happen for Tate?
At no point before Brian confessing his love is there even a hint that Tate's into him like that????
***well, there IS that moment after Tate gets sexually assaulted and Brian's taking care of him where he says once upon a time he used to wish Brian was gay because he's never loved anyone as much as he's loved Brian but now he's glad Brian isn't gay because he makes him feel safe.
So maybe that was supposed to be it? Maybe I'm as dumb as Tate then because I honestly thought that was the kind of love declaration you make to your friend in an 'OMG if we were into each other we'd have dated rather than bothering with other people, sucks that we're not' way, and not an 'I've been in love with you forever and the only hold up has been your ramrod straightness, damn it' way.
So this is a book. That I read. Annnnnnnd didn't really like. The upside is that it was only 2 and a half hours.
October 1, 2024
3.5 Stars
I reacted fairly strongly to this story, in a number of contradictory ways. I’m new to the whole Amy Lane experience (like, this week new) and I’m not quite sure I like her style of writing. I can’t put my finger on what bothers me about it, but until I work it out I’m intrigued enough to continue my Lane-focused reading quest.
This particular story was gripping and heart wrenching. It made me ache for the characters, but it also angered me several times I guess that’s what makes for quality storytelling – an author’s ability to pull conflicting emotions from the reader. Well, consider me emotional.
Tate “Talker” Walker is not what he appears to be. On the outside he wears glitzy clothes, rocks a Mohawk and has multiple piercings. His visible skin is covered in intricate tattoos and he talks a mile a minute, hence the nickname “Talker”. He’s openly gay, but struggles to find a connection with anyone that will provide him with the love and care he so deeply craves. In actuality, Tate is quite a mess – emotionally and physically. Broken would be a fitting word to describe him. He has been through some seriously bad times growing up in foster care and he has learned to use his outlandish appearance to hide in plain sight. The only person who truly sees Tate for who he really is, is Brian.
Brian is quiet, reserved and assumedly straight. He is an orphan, raised and home-schooled by his Aunt Lyndie. Brian’s a sweet guy and he doesn’t seem to have any trouble with the ladies (*wink*), but he feels a bit socially disconnected, like he doesn’t quite fit anywhere, or with anyone - until he meets Talker.
Some serious emotional angst ensues, paired with some traumatic experiences and emotional revelations. This story packed a lot of feels into its condensed size, and finishes on quite an open-ended note, forcing me to dive immediately into book #2!
I reacted fairly strongly to this story, in a number of contradictory ways. I’m new to the whole Amy Lane experience (like, this week new) and I’m not quite sure I like her style of writing. I can’t put my finger on what bothers me about it, but until I work it out I’m intrigued enough to continue my Lane-focused reading quest.
This particular story was gripping and heart wrenching. It made me ache for the characters, but it also angered me several times I guess that’s what makes for quality storytelling – an author’s ability to pull conflicting emotions from the reader. Well, consider me emotional.
Tate “Talker” Walker is not what he appears to be. On the outside he wears glitzy clothes, rocks a Mohawk and has multiple piercings. His visible skin is covered in intricate tattoos and he talks a mile a minute, hence the nickname “Talker”. He’s openly gay, but struggles to find a connection with anyone that will provide him with the love and care he so deeply craves. In actuality, Tate is quite a mess – emotionally and physically. Broken would be a fitting word to describe him. He has been through some seriously bad times growing up in foster care and he has learned to use his outlandish appearance to hide in plain sight. The only person who truly sees Tate for who he really is, is Brian.
Brian is quiet, reserved and assumedly straight. He is an orphan, raised and home-schooled by his Aunt Lyndie. Brian’s a sweet guy and he doesn’t seem to have any trouble with the ladies (*wink*), but he feels a bit socially disconnected, like he doesn’t quite fit anywhere, or with anyone - until he meets Talker.
Some serious emotional angst ensues, paired with some traumatic experiences and emotional revelations. This story packed a lot of feels into its condensed size, and finishes on quite an open-ended note, forcing me to dive immediately into book #2!
February 4, 2011
Short story, intense feelings! I LOVED IT!
Brian a shy and lonely young guy, in the bus ride to school will meet Tate, aka Talker.
Lovely story! Strong and contradictory feelings not only made me give 5 stars, but I just bought the second and I'll start it right now!
5 stars... and if you have this book in your to read shelf don't wait any more... I did it... left there... and now I really regret it! I should read it a long time ago! Loved it loved it love it....
September 18, 2010
Coming late after many have read this one so there’s little I can add that hasn’t already been said. It’s typically well written like Lane is fast becoming known for and the subject matter is honest, affecting, and moving. The characters have so much texture and depth that they are really quite fascinating even though not much happens over the course of the story. It’s a character driven piece about accepting love and growing from pain. If there’s any fault it’s that I wish the story had been fleshed out into a full sized novel. Lane knows how to develop emotion and intensity and this is the perfect setting for such an engrossing novel. As a novella, I found Talker to be thoroughly entertaining, engaging, and I didn’t want it to end.
Talker is told from Brian’s third person perspective and develops two very different, but needy young men. Brian is an orphan that grew up homeschooled with an eccentric but loving aunt. He’s desperately lonely and needs someone to love and call his own. Brian is constantly described as simple, though that’s an oversimplification. Brian is content with uncomplicated needs and desires. He takes longer to process things, needs more time to think things through, and thus he’s often quiet and rarely talks. He’s not stupid, though he’s portrayed as not the brightest. He’s a caretaker and incredibly loving. What I loved most about Brian is that he’s an incredible partner; caring, nurturing, solid, dependable, and not someone you’d ever worry about cheating or lying. He may not be the flashiest but he’s the rock of the relationship.
Brian is well contrasted with the jittery, twitchy, desperately vulnerable Tate. Tate was burned in a fire as a small child and thus covers the burns and graphs with tattoos. He tries to hide his own needy and fragile nature. Since the story is told from Brian’s point of view, Tate is always fragile, vulnerable, and transparent. Brian sees through Tate, also called Talker since he talks all the time, and so the reader is given Brian’s insight; a perspective rarely seen by others. Tate is depicted as desperately lonely and needy as well so he and Brian just fit together. Brian is the caretaker while Tate is the dreamer.
The story is told with numerous flashbacks since the two met to how they fell in love. I didn’t mind this though again I would have preferred a fully fleshed out, more linear novel. There is so much left out that could give added intensity and depth. Brian’s own journey to accepting his sexuality is rather easy, though he has the most trouble with getting Tate to see Brian’s love is more than just friendship. There are a number of great scenes – such as Brian’s girlfriend Virginia and her help, memories of the Christmas tree, the blanket mention – that feel cheated in their simplicity. Mentioned and glossed over when I wanted to know more and see more of the characters and situation.
Wanting more is not a negative in this case so it didn’t work against the story for me. I think it stands easily as a well written, entertaining, and absorbing story that had enormous potential to be something more. It could have been great but I think it’s pretty good the way it is and this is a couple I really hope we see more of. It’d be rather sad if we never saw more of their journey.
Talker is told from Brian’s third person perspective and develops two very different, but needy young men. Brian is an orphan that grew up homeschooled with an eccentric but loving aunt. He’s desperately lonely and needs someone to love and call his own. Brian is constantly described as simple, though that’s an oversimplification. Brian is content with uncomplicated needs and desires. He takes longer to process things, needs more time to think things through, and thus he’s often quiet and rarely talks. He’s not stupid, though he’s portrayed as not the brightest. He’s a caretaker and incredibly loving. What I loved most about Brian is that he’s an incredible partner; caring, nurturing, solid, dependable, and not someone you’d ever worry about cheating or lying. He may not be the flashiest but he’s the rock of the relationship.
Brian is well contrasted with the jittery, twitchy, desperately vulnerable Tate. Tate was burned in a fire as a small child and thus covers the burns and graphs with tattoos. He tries to hide his own needy and fragile nature. Since the story is told from Brian’s point of view, Tate is always fragile, vulnerable, and transparent. Brian sees through Tate, also called Talker since he talks all the time, and so the reader is given Brian’s insight; a perspective rarely seen by others. Tate is depicted as desperately lonely and needy as well so he and Brian just fit together. Brian is the caretaker while Tate is the dreamer.
The story is told with numerous flashbacks since the two met to how they fell in love. I didn’t mind this though again I would have preferred a fully fleshed out, more linear novel. There is so much left out that could give added intensity and depth. Brian’s own journey to accepting his sexuality is rather easy, though he has the most trouble with getting Tate to see Brian’s love is more than just friendship. There are a number of great scenes – such as Brian’s girlfriend Virginia and her help, memories of the Christmas tree, the blanket mention – that feel cheated in their simplicity. Mentioned and glossed over when I wanted to know more and see more of the characters and situation.
Wanting more is not a negative in this case so it didn’t work against the story for me. I think it stands easily as a well written, entertaining, and absorbing story that had enormous potential to be something more. It could have been great but I think it’s pretty good the way it is and this is a couple I really hope we see more of. It’d be rather sad if we never saw more of their journey.
July 27, 2013
This review is for the 3 books in the Talker series as they are all make up the story. If I was to rate them individually I would give the first two 4 stars and the third one 3.
The story of Brian and Tate/Talker is an emotional roller coaster. Tate's horror show of a childhood has left him scarred, but optimistic and looking for love. When Brian meets Tate in college on a bus to their track meet, he instantly finds a friend and is able to look beyond the veneer Tate has created to keep people from looking too closely at who he really is.
Throughout the story we see Brian coming to terms with feelings for Tate that go beyond friendship, Tate making very bad choices while desperately looking for love, and the consequences that violently come back to haunt both men. The Amy Lane angst is in full force here and you will need the tissues.
The first book is mainly Brian's POV while the last two are Tate's. I found the third book to be a bit rushed as far as giving them the happy ending they so deserve and also found the narrative with the time jumps to be a bit choppy. After all the struggling it would have been nice to be able to spend some time with the two settling into a peaceful life.
The story of Brian and Tate/Talker is an emotional roller coaster. Tate's horror show of a childhood has left him scarred, but optimistic and looking for love. When Brian meets Tate in college on a bus to their track meet, he instantly finds a friend and is able to look beyond the veneer Tate has created to keep people from looking too closely at who he really is.
Throughout the story we see Brian coming to terms with feelings for Tate that go beyond friendship, Tate making very bad choices while desperately looking for love, and the consequences that violently come back to haunt both men. The Amy Lane angst is in full force here and you will need the tissues.
The first book is mainly Brian's POV while the last two are Tate's. I found the third book to be a bit rushed as far as giving them the happy ending they so deserve and also found the narrative with the time jumps to be a bit choppy. After all the struggling it would have been nice to be able to spend some time with the two settling into a peaceful life.
April 10, 2013
I have had this series on my iPad forever, and I seem to be really behind the curve in reading it, so I am going to rectify that and start now. :)
4.25*
Ok, first I am very happy I waited to start this book until all three stories were out, if I had read this and not known there was more of their story for me to get to right away..I would have been grumpy-Mandy.
Brian is a sweetheart and I hate that he keeps thinking he is slow and stupid, he isn't, he might not have 'gotten' a vital part of himself without Virginia's help, but I think that's because he was thinking far more about Talker than about himself. And while I'm at it, I love, love that the girlfriends or ex-girlfriend in this case was smart, sweet, helpful and caring, a positive female, not the vindictive, jealous homophobes we usually get.
This book barely scratches the surface of Talker's issues, and I am pretty sure Brian hasn't been left unscathed by his childhood or his guilt for what has happened to Talker.
It was sad and made me angry and unhappy but it was also hopeful and left me looking forward to their future.
Now off to read book 2.
4.25*
Ok, first I am very happy I waited to start this book until all three stories were out, if I had read this and not known there was more of their story for me to get to right away..I would have been grumpy-Mandy.
Brian is a sweetheart and I hate that he keeps thinking he is slow and stupid, he isn't, he might not have 'gotten' a vital part of himself without Virginia's help, but I think that's because he was thinking far more about Talker than about himself. And while I'm at it, I love, love that the girlfriends or ex-girlfriend in this case was smart, sweet, helpful and caring, a positive female, not the vindictive, jealous homophobes we usually get.
This book barely scratches the surface of Talker's issues, and I am pretty sure Brian hasn't been left unscathed by his childhood or his guilt for what has happened to Talker.
It was sad and made me angry and unhappy but it was also hopeful and left me looking forward to their future.
Now off to read book 2.
June 3, 2015
Oh goodness. This was sweet and it just about tore my heart out.
Brian and Tate... sigh.
Such pain, such love, such devotion, so much unknown, so in need of healing heads and hearts and the story is not over so I am gonna shut my yapper and go read the next one.
Brian and Tate... sigh.
Such pain, such love, such devotion, so much unknown, so in need of healing heads and hearts and the story is not over so I am gonna shut my yapper and go read the next one.
January 2, 2016
All I’m saying is get ready to have your heart ripped out.
Tate "Talker" Walker was horribly burned and disfigured as a child and has since covered his physical scars with tattoos and piercings. Though he doesn’t hide that he’s gay, his in-your-face body modifications are really just another way to hide.
Until he’s finally “seen” by Brian Cooper. Brian sees the real Tate and fall in love with him. But whereas Talker has a hard time being “seen” Brian has a hard time being "heard". He doesn’t know how to communicate in real world settings very well. So even though he tries to tell Talker he’s gay too and in love with him, and does tell Talker several times that he’s loves him, Talker just doesn’t hear him.
Talker is desperate for affection and love, and though his friendship with Brian is all he could ever want, since Talker believes Brian isn’t gay he continues to look for love outside their friendship. After one such night goes horribly, terribly wrong Brian must fight for a way to finally be “heard” by Talker. Trigger warning:
It was uber frustrating for me personally as miscommunication drives me nuts.
Although I mostly enjoyed the audio overall, there were a couple blips and my biggest issue is David Kaplan's use of one voice. He doesn't do character voices, which, when it was dialogue-heavy could be hard to follow especially as I was listening while working.
Other than those two small personal niggles, this was a sweet tale and made me look forward to the sequel.
Recommended.
Copy generously provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
December 20, 2015
Talker is about a young man, Tate "Talker" Walker, who as a child, survived a fire that left him horribly scarred. He covered his scars in tattoo's and is out and proud gay. All his flamboyance, though, is a way for him to hide himself. He wants people to see the color and loud, but he doesn't really let people see him. He doesn't see himself as beautiful or original at all. He just sees the scars. I just wanted to hug him and tell him everything would be ok.
Brian Cooper, see's Talker, though. Really see's him. And Brian falls for Talker in a big way. But, Brian was so used to being invisible, that he couldn't even see himself anymore, so making Talker really see how Brian felt was all kinds of hard for him.
Talker, though, kept looking for love and affection in the wrongest of wrong places and Brian couldn't save him soon enough to avoid a lot of pain. Brian wants to love Talker and wants to care for and protect him. It takes a whole team of people to help Brian get to the point that he can really tell Talker how he feels.
And it was so sweet, and little bit dirty. There is some light steam near the end of this book, but it fit the story. I don't think either of them are quite ready to fuck like bunnies, but hopefully they will get there.
I loved book 1 and now off to read book 2.
Brian Cooper, see's Talker, though. Really see's him. And Brian falls for Talker in a big way. But, Brian was so used to being invisible, that he couldn't even see himself anymore, so making Talker really see how Brian felt was all kinds of hard for him.
Talker, though, kept looking for love and affection in the wrongest of wrong places and Brian couldn't save him soon enough to avoid a lot of pain. Brian wants to love Talker and wants to care for and protect him. It takes a whole team of people to help Brian get to the point that he can really tell Talker how he feels.
And it was so sweet, and little bit dirty. There is some light steam near the end of this book, but it fit the story. I don't think either of them are quite ready to fuck like bunnies, but hopefully they will get there.
I loved book 1 and now off to read book 2.
September 2, 2010
Bought this the second it came out and read it and then read it again because with Amy Lane you read the first time for the story and the second for the language. The way she puts words together, phrases things, is just gorgeous. This is a beautiful story that made me cry in places and laugh in others. My hope is for a sequel.
February 2, 2013
~~~
I was fortunate enough to get to buddy read this with fellow book blogger Giulia from www.devastatingreads.blogspot.com and also several other GR friends joined in and shared the experience with us. I think we chose the perfect book to buddy read. The characters were visual, the writing sharp and the story was charming.
THE CHARACTERS
Brian Cooper - Introverted, withdrawn and closeted, even to himself.
Tate (Talker) Walker - I had a difficult time understanding Tate. He's complex and completely exposed all at the same time. Fascinating.
THE STORY
Take two fairly dysfunctional boys, with rather unique character qualities and mix in a little coming out, an unhealthy amount of emotional angst and a dash (okay, a healthy dash)of sexuality and you have a recipe for...More Please.
THE WRITING
I'm beginning to develop an ear for Ms. Lane's writing style. She seems to jump around a bit and while that hasn't bothered me in her other books that I've read, it was a little off putting in this one. Giulia mentioned that this wasn't a problem for her at all, so maybe it was just me.
I do appreciate the character development in this story and the gentle voice with which it was told. Very nice.
Told from Brian's POV, I'm looking forward to finding out if we hear more of Tate's voice in the next book.
~ ~ ~
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
http://www.attentionisarbitrary.blogspot.com
I was fortunate enough to get to buddy read this with fellow book blogger Giulia from www.devastatingreads.blogspot.com and also several other GR friends joined in and shared the experience with us. I think we chose the perfect book to buddy read. The characters were visual, the writing sharp and the story was charming.
THE CHARACTERS
Brian Cooper - Introverted, withdrawn and closeted, even to himself.
In fact, the only thing in his life that was complicated was Tate Walker, and he liked that all this simplicity gave him the strength to be exactly what Talker needed.
Tate (Talker) Walker - I had a difficult time understanding Tate. He's complex and completely exposed all at the same time. Fascinating.
So much of Tate was like a crumpled ball of brittle cellophane, transparent and broken.
THE STORY
Take two fairly dysfunctional boys, with rather unique character qualities and mix in a little coming out, an unhealthy amount of emotional angst and a dash (okay, a healthy dash)of sexuality and you have a recipe for...More Please.
THE WRITING
I'm beginning to develop an ear for Ms. Lane's writing style. She seems to jump around a bit and while that hasn't bothered me in her other books that I've read, it was a little off putting in this one. Giulia mentioned that this wasn't a problem for her at all, so maybe it was just me.
I do appreciate the character development in this story and the gentle voice with which it was told. Very nice.
Told from Brian's POV, I'm looking forward to finding out if we hear more of Tate's voice in the next book.
~ ~ ~
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
http://www.attentionisarbitrary.blogspot.com
September 24, 2014
4 Stars - a sweet and moving shortie about two young college boys and the first love
A joint review will be written when I read all parts of the compilation edition, The Talker Collection, consisting of three books (novels). My review.
I Like - Brian's cute love for Tate (Talker)
A joint review will be written when I read all parts of the compilation edition, The Talker Collection, consisting of three books (novels). My review.
I Like - Brian's cute love for Tate (Talker)
May 11, 2016
Me encantan las historias y personajes que crea esta mujer. Llenos de amor, tristeza y compasión!!! T___T
March 24, 2022
We meet people that the reader can really enjoy spending some time with. Tate and Brian and his aunt and even Virginia are all really likeable and Amy Lane has made them interesting characters. From the first time I saw the cover I wanted to know the story behind Tate's ink work. On some level, Talker is just another romance, but the situation is unique enough for us to see that there are commonalities that allow us all to empathize. At only 96 pages, it's more of a novella than a novel, but it is 96 pages with so much heart. Tate and Brian are both fragile individuals and they both have a weakness that becomes the other's strengths making their story an awesome read. My actual raring was 4.5 stars. Probably would have gotten 5 if the story had been longer.
March 8, 2017
What a fantastic little novella, it was a really refreshing read, a compact little book, with great main character because they both had issues dealing with society. Who knew that one bus ride could lead to the places that Tate (Talker) and Brian would end up in. Talker was considered the new collage freak, having half his face and head tattoo'ed with unusual patterns, where Brian had been home schooled by his Aunty all through high school. The first day they met Talker was late getting on the bus and Brian was sitting alone again, the normal routine for his track meets, until Talker sat next to him.
Brian was so thrilled to have someone sit next to him that Talker looked surprised at his lack of reaction to his tattoos, which thrilled him. Brian who wasn't great with words noticed this reaction and thought there was more to this so called walk gay freak tattoo. They soon became good friends and finally flatmates.
This book is short, so is this review. It's a journey of two college guys growing up and finding their way in life. It's not always nice but it's realistic and also beautiful and heartfelt. I hope if you read it you like it as much as I did.
I listened to the Audiobook, which had excellent Narration and was expressed really well. I give David Kaplan 4.5 stars for the excellent job he didd reading this story. He kept it basic but his rather sensual voice added to the smoothness of the experience.
Brian was so thrilled to have someone sit next to him that Talker looked surprised at his lack of reaction to his tattoos, which thrilled him. Brian who wasn't great with words noticed this reaction and thought there was more to this so called walk gay freak tattoo. They soon became good friends and finally flatmates.
This book is short, so is this review. It's a journey of two college guys growing up and finding their way in life. It's not always nice but it's realistic and also beautiful and heartfelt. I hope if you read it you like it as much as I did.
I listened to the Audiobook, which had excellent Narration and was expressed really well. I give David Kaplan 4.5 stars for the excellent job he didd reading this story. He kept it basic but his rather sensual voice added to the smoothness of the experience.
May 18, 2011
This is an emotional novella about pain and healing. The main characters are kept apart by some of the same differences that make them such good friends. Tate talks, Brian listens, and when they both vitally need it to work the other way they don't know how. The writing is flawless and the characters will engage you from the start. This had a young feel to it, even though both boys are in college. The sex might be just fractionally too explicit to officially recommend it to the under-18 set, but it otherwise has all the features of a top quality young-adult story, and I intend to pass it to my oldest teenager. I would have loved to see it as a full novel, but it succeeds beautifully is it is written.
May 16, 2013
So, i really LOVE amy lane's promise and johnnies series and i've often seen this book and wondered whether i should give it a try. However, i must admit that i thought the cover weird and thought the book wasn't a good fit for me. After finally reading it, though, i can say that the book is really, really good. The book isn't very long, and it shows just how good an author amy is that readers care so much about the two characters after such a short while. It is a wonderful story and I am looking forward to reading book 2 :)
August 30, 2015
Pleasing This is one of those times when I love something and I will stand up and shout my 5-stars out upon the land and not care if my book buddies disagree. Talker is the kind of character I want to hold and root for. Watching him open up and seeing Brian discover his own self was captivating. Amy Lane is at her best dealing with very heavy subjects but not wallowing in angst. Next.
December 18, 2010
Liked the story, but the flashbacks kept pulling out.
October 9, 2012
Sweet story!! I read it all in one sitting and I have to start the next one NOW...so no time for an in depth plot review. Read the blurb.
Oh, and I did tear up a tiny bit at the end!
Oh, and I did tear up a tiny bit at the end!
September 1, 2010
TO AMY LANE FANS :Who think the summer of 2010 Amy lost her ANGST !!!
Not........it’s Baacck !!!!
Talker by Amy Lane has got to be one of the strongest pieces she has done this summer and I have certainly loved all of them...When Brian Cooper and Tate Walker met on a Track Tour Bus the stars all aligned in the sky that day.
Brian Cooper, a thrower for their school track team spoke to no one. He was at school, on a scholarship, home schooled by his Aunt, and always had very little to say. He thought he was stupid, being home schooled and had no friends or any contact with other students until that day. Tate Walker, mohawk hair, studs in his ears, flamboyantly gay, a runner for the team, with a tattoo running from his hairline, down his face and neck sat down next to him and in doing this, changed both their lives.
Their friendship grew in the dorms, so when Brian lost his scholarship after ruining his shoulder, .Tate found a dive for them both to share, with 2 bedrooms. Their arrangement worked, Tate talked and Brian listened..To this point Brian dated only girls thru high school and now in college he was with Virginia. Sex to him was satisfying his partner. He slowly realized it was not satisfying to him He began to see Tate in a different light.
Virginia realizes that Brian is in love with Tate. She sees it when they have just made love and Brian leaves their bed to comfort Tate.. She takes Brian on an inside look at himself about who he is. After a heart to heart talk and a few dramatic examples, Virginia gets Brian to accept the truth about himself. This was what a best friend would do, not a lover. She realizes unhappily for herself that Brian is gay and she has lost him. These few chapters of Brian "finding" himself with Virginia are fun and a bit frustrating to the reader...Being in my shoes I would have declared my undying love to Tate...But this is Brian who doesn’t speak. He watches Talker getting hurt with one bad experience after another. When Brian finally gets up the courage to say " I am Gay and I love you", Talker is raped and in his pain tells Brian he had hoped from the moment he saw him that Brian was gay...But now at this minute he is so happy he is not because Brian is the only one he has ever felt safe with.
We learned from the beginning that the tattoos that cover Tate are the hiding of scars, that were inflicted by a fire when his mother fell asleep smoking and drunk. These scars are not of his skin alone but run deep to his soul. Talker has no self worth..Brian cannot speak. How will these two find each other???
As always, our Amy Lane saves the day with unconditional love. Along with a little meddling by Brian’s Aunt . She helps Brian when he explains his needs to prove to Tate he is Gay (after he comes out to her.) One of the bouncers at the club where Talker works , helps with the finale. You will need tissues...the story brings two lost souls together and the love that they find is as I said at the beginning....written in the stars..
I realize, in writing reviews, we reviewers forget to credit Book Covers .I hear how our Authors agonize over the special something that would attract the eye for a reader to pick up .I would be re-miss not to mention the cover for this book. When I saw it, and especially after reading the story, it made this a great choice..Amy mentioned an artist air brushed the tattoos on for her...
.I hear there are more Stories coming out October, November and December. This reviewer will be looking for them along with your fans!!!!
Review written by Gloria Lakritz
Paranormal Romance Guild- Senior Reviewer
Not........it’s Baacck !!!!
Talker by Amy Lane has got to be one of the strongest pieces she has done this summer and I have certainly loved all of them...When Brian Cooper and Tate Walker met on a Track Tour Bus the stars all aligned in the sky that day.
Brian Cooper, a thrower for their school track team spoke to no one. He was at school, on a scholarship, home schooled by his Aunt, and always had very little to say. He thought he was stupid, being home schooled and had no friends or any contact with other students until that day. Tate Walker, mohawk hair, studs in his ears, flamboyantly gay, a runner for the team, with a tattoo running from his hairline, down his face and neck sat down next to him and in doing this, changed both their lives.
Their friendship grew in the dorms, so when Brian lost his scholarship after ruining his shoulder, .Tate found a dive for them both to share, with 2 bedrooms. Their arrangement worked, Tate talked and Brian listened..To this point Brian dated only girls thru high school and now in college he was with Virginia. Sex to him was satisfying his partner. He slowly realized it was not satisfying to him He began to see Tate in a different light.
Virginia realizes that Brian is in love with Tate. She sees it when they have just made love and Brian leaves their bed to comfort Tate.. She takes Brian on an inside look at himself about who he is. After a heart to heart talk and a few dramatic examples, Virginia gets Brian to accept the truth about himself. This was what a best friend would do, not a lover. She realizes unhappily for herself that Brian is gay and she has lost him. These few chapters of Brian "finding" himself with Virginia are fun and a bit frustrating to the reader...Being in my shoes I would have declared my undying love to Tate...But this is Brian who doesn’t speak. He watches Talker getting hurt with one bad experience after another. When Brian finally gets up the courage to say " I am Gay and I love you", Talker is raped and in his pain tells Brian he had hoped from the moment he saw him that Brian was gay...But now at this minute he is so happy he is not because Brian is the only one he has ever felt safe with.
We learned from the beginning that the tattoos that cover Tate are the hiding of scars, that were inflicted by a fire when his mother fell asleep smoking and drunk. These scars are not of his skin alone but run deep to his soul. Talker has no self worth..Brian cannot speak. How will these two find each other???
As always, our Amy Lane saves the day with unconditional love. Along with a little meddling by Brian’s Aunt . She helps Brian when he explains his needs to prove to Tate he is Gay (after he comes out to her.) One of the bouncers at the club where Talker works , helps with the finale. You will need tissues...the story brings two lost souls together and the love that they find is as I said at the beginning....written in the stars..
I realize, in writing reviews, we reviewers forget to credit Book Covers .I hear how our Authors agonize over the special something that would attract the eye for a reader to pick up .I would be re-miss not to mention the cover for this book. When I saw it, and especially after reading the story, it made this a great choice..Amy mentioned an artist air brushed the tattoos on for her...
.I hear there are more Stories coming out October, November and December. This reviewer will be looking for them along with your fans!!!!
Review written by Gloria Lakritz
Paranormal Romance Guild- Senior Reviewer
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2011
I don't know, Amy Lane writes miracles. Truth in the Dark was so emotional, the characters were flawed and the writing was fabulous and it perfectly suited the fairy-tale mood of the book. Keeping Promise Rock was angsty and the characters were awesome and the writing was great and it carried on a long story of friendship and love. This book is short and it stripped me as raw and naked as its characters.
Brian is a wonderful person, a great and considerate friend and his inability of conveying his feelings goes hand in hand with the intensity of them. He is the narrator of the book and we see all the story through his eyes, and we get to know Tate/Talker in his words. Tate, who is scarred on the outside and on the inside, wears his heart on his sleeve and Brian can read him perfectly, because he listens to him intently, he looks at him and sees what's under Tate's tattoos and mohawk. He can distill Tate's twitching, endless talking, into its essence: Tate wants to be loved, cared for, kept safe, protected.
The need for love of both characters is the center of the story and the miracle of two lonely boys who find what they need in each other is told with the simple, desperate and hopeful words of Brian. He may not be a poet, words seem to desert him more times than not, but what he has to offer is so precious and pure that it really doesn't matter what it's wrapped up with.
I am not able to talk more about Talker, I just can say that he's simply unforgettable.
Please, read it.
Brian is a wonderful person, a great and considerate friend and his inability of conveying his feelings goes hand in hand with the intensity of them. He is the narrator of the book and we see all the story through his eyes, and we get to know Tate/Talker in his words. Tate, who is scarred on the outside and on the inside, wears his heart on his sleeve and Brian can read him perfectly, because he listens to him intently, he looks at him and sees what's under Tate's tattoos and mohawk. He can distill Tate's twitching, endless talking, into its essence: Tate wants to be loved, cared for, kept safe, protected.
The need for love of both characters is the center of the story and the miracle of two lonely boys who find what they need in each other is told with the simple, desperate and hopeful words of Brian. He may not be a poet, words seem to desert him more times than not, but what he has to offer is so precious and pure that it really doesn't matter what it's wrapped up with.
I am not able to talk more about Talker, I just can say that he's simply unforgettable.
Please, read it.
February 22, 2012
Oh Amy Lane! I can see why so many people enjoy her writing. She had me at "The Locker Room" (my first Amy Lane read) and consequently I knew I needed to read more by her. The Talker series was recommended to me, (I think by Tom originally, but I don't remember) and I had the pfd in my "unread" file for a while now. (I also have the next two & Keeping Promise Rock) Finding time to read when you write is often difficult but there are days when I need a break from ME. Ya know? My characters yaking away sometimes need distance. So, I opened Talker!
Amy Lane's style is SOOOOO different. I think I gain more by reading her than other writers because I have to slow down and pay attention. Her stories are involved and twisted around with a back and forth feel that is unlike any other. I felt irritated by the "two steps forward, one step back" method of time jumping but not in a bad way. I don't write chronologically myself half the time and she is a great one to sit under and learn how to do it right. Time jumpage can get confusing, I think she handles it with style-- her own style. I was only irritated because she had me on edge. I wanted to know what was going to happen next and *snap* she writes phrases like THEN and NOW to keep me guessing!
Brian and Tate are wonderful. I was drawn in, held there, and tortured with the things Tate went through. I also LOVE Brian's "romantic gesture". Very cool. It is a somewhat short read so I am grateful it continues in two more books! (in my unread file, waiting time.) Talker is definitely a favorite and one I would recommend around!
Thank you Ms. Lane for your brilliance and love of romantic tales and first loves!
Amy Lane's style is SOOOOO different. I think I gain more by reading her than other writers because I have to slow down and pay attention. Her stories are involved and twisted around with a back and forth feel that is unlike any other. I felt irritated by the "two steps forward, one step back" method of time jumping but not in a bad way. I don't write chronologically myself half the time and she is a great one to sit under and learn how to do it right. Time jumpage can get confusing, I think she handles it with style-- her own style. I was only irritated because she had me on edge. I wanted to know what was going to happen next and *snap* she writes phrases like THEN and NOW to keep me guessing!
Brian and Tate are wonderful. I was drawn in, held there, and tortured with the things Tate went through. I also LOVE Brian's "romantic gesture". Very cool. It is a somewhat short read so I am grateful it continues in two more books! (in my unread file, waiting time.) Talker is definitely a favorite and one I would recommend around!
Thank you Ms. Lane for your brilliance and love of romantic tales and first loves!
February 17, 2011
Thanks so much to an email I received from a blogging buddy recommendig this book. It is a novella, which I read in one sitting - but still throws such an emotional punch.
Talker goes back and forth from past and present - giving us the story of Tate, the very talkative,flamboyant, tattooed, gay college student and Brian, the more reserved, thought he was straight but turns out he is gay roommate. When they become friends, Brian is dating women - but as he gets to know Tate and eventually moves in with him - he starts to realize, he is gay - and in love with Tate. Problem is - Tate has a lot of abuse in his life. Burned badly as a child, and abuse with a recent boyfriend, Brian is Tate's "safe friend." He can be exposed, show Brian all of his external and internal scars, thinking Brian is just there as a friend. So Brian, deeply in love with Tate, is afraid to come out and say - oh hey - I've been in love with you for the past few years.
Eventually Brian hashes out a plan - which made me scratch my head a bit - but maybe it was the only way for him to "come out."
Like I said, this is a short book, but there were a few passages that I stopped and reread several times because they just made me fill up with joy. This really takes you on a emotional journey. I definitely recommend!
Talker goes back and forth from past and present - giving us the story of Tate, the very talkative,flamboyant, tattooed, gay college student and Brian, the more reserved, thought he was straight but turns out he is gay roommate. When they become friends, Brian is dating women - but as he gets to know Tate and eventually moves in with him - he starts to realize, he is gay - and in love with Tate. Problem is - Tate has a lot of abuse in his life. Burned badly as a child, and abuse with a recent boyfriend, Brian is Tate's "safe friend." He can be exposed, show Brian all of his external and internal scars, thinking Brian is just there as a friend. So Brian, deeply in love with Tate, is afraid to come out and say - oh hey - I've been in love with you for the past few years.
Eventually Brian hashes out a plan - which made me scratch my head a bit - but maybe it was the only way for him to "come out."
Like I said, this is a short book, but there were a few passages that I stopped and reread several times because they just made me fill up with joy. This really takes you on a emotional journey. I definitely recommend!
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