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Bolt-Hole
Terrell Washington’s childhood was a trifecta of being black, gay, and poor in America has no upside. Terrell climbed his way out of the hood only to hit a glass ceiling and stop, frozen, a chain restaurant bartender with a journalism degree. His one bright spot is Colby Meyers, a coworker who has no fear, no inhibitions, and sees no boundaries. Terrell and Colby spend their summers at the river and their breaks on the back dock of Papiano’s. As terrified as Terrell is of coming out, he’s helpless to stay away from Colby's magnetic smile and contagious laughter. But Colby is out of college now, and he has grand plans for the future—plans Terrell is sure will leave his scrawny black ass in the Sacramento dust until a breathless moment stolen from the chaos of the restaurant tells Terrell he might be wrong. When the moment is shattered by a mystery and an act of violence, Terrell and Colby are left with two who killed their scumbag manager, and how to fit their own lives—the black and the white of them—into a single shining tomorrow.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2013
13 people are currently reading
600 people want to read
About the author
Amy Lane
203 books3,487 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 152 reviews
March 25, 2014
set aside at 20 percent.
this just isn't the right book for me right now, despite being an ok read.
i'm angry.
***
the man adventurous enough to slurp your ass like a plate of clams casino isn't going to subsequently blow you like your dick is a biohazard.
that kind of guy isn't going to pull off your cock and turn his head before you come.
i had sex ed in grade school—i went to a granola charter school—and i've lived on both sides of the Safety Code. i've been both super-vigilant, and super-risky.
i can offer from vast and enthusiastic personal experience the suggestion that if everyone just stopped being so damned publicly PC about sex, we would never have the problem of sex in private—including imaginary book sex—trying to be both PC and hot at the same time.
which is so difficult to accomplish in practice as to be more or less effectively impossible.
because there's nothing hot whatsoever about a fucking rubber, and nobody buys a cozy, smutromanze murder mystery to read about a life that features things you find next to the feminine hygiene products at the drugstore.
***
this book is not at all any more a source of this particular irritation than any other.
it's not the book's fault.
i'm pissed-off at the world.
two stars for what i've read so far. Amy Lane writes with her usual verve. she's got a gift for language that i am both continually amazed by and irritably jealous of.
three stars, if you take out the parts that reminded me how MM can alienate me as an actual, living, man-fucking homo.
because thats what it is. alienation.
a pert little reminder of how different i am from these imaginary people i'm supposed to be identifying with.
not just in this MM book—in almost all MM books.
i've hit some sort of saturation point. this book—better than most MM—still pushed that button in me at precisely the wrong time.
***
for all the ways this genre can be a kind of safe harbor for lonely boys and girls looking for other people like themselves, there are just as many ways it can be the opposite.
it can make me feel like the only person in a crowded room who can see the monster in the corner.
it can make me feel alone.
it's the way it is—and Amy Lane isn't at fault.
if i had to point to any single author who most embodies the other side—the good side of MM, the welcoming and inclusive and generous side—i'd point to Amy Lane.
not this time. and not just because of a couple annoyances in one of her books.
most MM readers and writers may not have sucked their first cock at 10 years old.
they may not have acquired the astonishing intelligence that taking two cocks up your ass at once generally does not require starting off with a single finger.
they can't know, right? they're not me.
and that's fine.
MM books aren't really written for me.
***
but—forget about that.
if you're confused, don't worry—explaining it fully would turn this into something even more painfully inscrutable than it already is.
you only need pay attention to a single part of this whole big angrysad rant from a suuuuper-down queer in the Bronx:
it's as i said.
it's exactly as i've said.
this book is not for me right now.
this just isn't the right book for me right now, despite being an ok read.
i'm angry.
***
the man adventurous enough to slurp your ass like a plate of clams casino isn't going to subsequently blow you like your dick is a biohazard.
that kind of guy isn't going to pull off your cock and turn his head before you come.
i had sex ed in grade school—i went to a granola charter school—and i've lived on both sides of the Safety Code. i've been both super-vigilant, and super-risky.
i can offer from vast and enthusiastic personal experience the suggestion that if everyone just stopped being so damned publicly PC about sex, we would never have the problem of sex in private—including imaginary book sex—trying to be both PC and hot at the same time.
which is so difficult to accomplish in practice as to be more or less effectively impossible.
because there's nothing hot whatsoever about a fucking rubber, and nobody buys a cozy, smutromanze murder mystery to read about a life that features things you find next to the feminine hygiene products at the drugstore.
***
this book is not at all any more a source of this particular irritation than any other.
it's not the book's fault.
i'm pissed-off at the world.
two stars for what i've read so far. Amy Lane writes with her usual verve. she's got a gift for language that i am both continually amazed by and irritably jealous of.
three stars, if you take out the parts that reminded me how MM can alienate me as an actual, living, man-fucking homo.
because thats what it is. alienation.
a pert little reminder of how different i am from these imaginary people i'm supposed to be identifying with.
not just in this MM book—in almost all MM books.
i've hit some sort of saturation point. this book—better than most MM—still pushed that button in me at precisely the wrong time.
***
for all the ways this genre can be a kind of safe harbor for lonely boys and girls looking for other people like themselves, there are just as many ways it can be the opposite.
it can make me feel like the only person in a crowded room who can see the monster in the corner.
it can make me feel alone.
it's the way it is—and Amy Lane isn't at fault.
if i had to point to any single author who most embodies the other side—the good side of MM, the welcoming and inclusive and generous side—i'd point to Amy Lane.
not this time. and not just because of a couple annoyances in one of her books.
most MM readers and writers may not have sucked their first cock at 10 years old.
they may not have acquired the astonishing intelligence that taking two cocks up your ass at once generally does not require starting off with a single finger.
they can't know, right? they're not me.
and that's fine.
MM books aren't really written for me.
***
but—forget about that.
if you're confused, don't worry—explaining it fully would turn this into something even more painfully inscrutable than it already is.
you only need pay attention to a single part of this whole big angrysad rant from a suuuuper-down queer in the Bronx:
it's as i said.
it's exactly as i've said.
this book is not for me right now.
May 14, 2013
**3.5 stars**
When I see Amy Lane's name on a book I have certain expectations. I expect to get a beautifully written, angsty, heart-breaking yet hopeful read that tears me down then builds me back up again. I know my expectations are through-the-roof high but I know what Amy Lane is capable of, and I want that rush each time I read one of her books (masterpieces). Did "Bolt-Hole" meet my demands? Not quite.
"Bolt-Hole" is an examination of what it means to be gay, black, and from a poverty-stricken neighborhood. Terrell has has a tough couple of years. He left his rough neighborhood by going to college in the hopes of making something of himself. However, after majoring in journalism at school, he is unable to find a decent job and is now stuck bar-tending at a crappy chain restaurant. To top it off, he been ignoring his pressing feelings towards men for years, for his whole life, and it finally becoming unbearable. Especially when he has to work besides Colby, hot friend and fellow chain-restaurant workmate, everyday. Terrell struggles with keeping his feelings about Colby hidden, but when Colby makes the first move, Terrell has to decide whether or not to face his fears and take a chance.
My problems with this book really stem from the amount of book time devoted to race-relations. I know that this is a HUGE issue to Terrell but it got a little old rehashing the same things over and over again. I also thought that Terrell didn't give as much back as Colby: Colby really put himself out there and was just a wonderful character. I often felt like Terrell wasn't quite worth all of Colby's efforts. I guess I didn't feel as much chemistry between the two guys as I would have expected from Amy Lane. I just felt like this book wasn't exactly what I expected and not quite as fabulous as some of her other works. I also didn't really care for the murder-mystery part.
However, these things being said, the book was still wonderfully done and told an interesting story. I love to read about minorities in the gay community so bravo for that Amy Lane!
******On an off topic note, I was just talking to my cousin about gay and lesbian students in the ghetto. My cousin is a teacher at the worst school in New York City- THE WORST. It is literally ranked the lowest out of all of the schools in the five boroughs. It is a special school for students who have been left back for at least 2 years and have a 95% drop out rate. It is catered to help those who are involved in gangs and have abusive homes, to try to get some of them to graduate and move on to college. My point in introducing all of this is to set the stage that this is a ROUGH school. However, I was SHOCKED when my cousin told me that no one makes fun of the gay students. There is no F-word calling or anything of the sort. He said they have a lot of out students and even the most rough gang members are friends with them. I thought about this a lot while I was reading this book and I was thinking how times are changing, even in these impoverished parts of the country. Yay for progress!! ***
When I see Amy Lane's name on a book I have certain expectations. I expect to get a beautifully written, angsty, heart-breaking yet hopeful read that tears me down then builds me back up again. I know my expectations are through-the-roof high but I know what Amy Lane is capable of, and I want that rush each time I read one of her books (masterpieces). Did "Bolt-Hole" meet my demands? Not quite.
"Bolt-Hole" is an examination of what it means to be gay, black, and from a poverty-stricken neighborhood. Terrell has has a tough couple of years. He left his rough neighborhood by going to college in the hopes of making something of himself. However, after majoring in journalism at school, he is unable to find a decent job and is now stuck bar-tending at a crappy chain restaurant. To top it off, he been ignoring his pressing feelings towards men for years, for his whole life, and it finally becoming unbearable. Especially when he has to work besides Colby, hot friend and fellow chain-restaurant workmate, everyday. Terrell struggles with keeping his feelings about Colby hidden, but when Colby makes the first move, Terrell has to decide whether or not to face his fears and take a chance.
My problems with this book really stem from the amount of book time devoted to race-relations. I know that this is a HUGE issue to Terrell but it got a little old rehashing the same things over and over again. I also thought that Terrell didn't give as much back as Colby: Colby really put himself out there and was just a wonderful character. I often felt like Terrell wasn't quite worth all of Colby's efforts. I guess I didn't feel as much chemistry between the two guys as I would have expected from Amy Lane. I just felt like this book wasn't exactly what I expected and not quite as fabulous as some of her other works. I also didn't really care for the murder-mystery part.
However, these things being said, the book was still wonderfully done and told an interesting story. I love to read about minorities in the gay community so bravo for that Amy Lane!
******On an off topic note, I was just talking to my cousin about gay and lesbian students in the ghetto. My cousin is a teacher at the worst school in New York City- THE WORST. It is literally ranked the lowest out of all of the schools in the five boroughs. It is a special school for students who have been left back for at least 2 years and have a 95% drop out rate. It is catered to help those who are involved in gangs and have abusive homes, to try to get some of them to graduate and move on to college. My point in introducing all of this is to set the stage that this is a ROUGH school. However, I was SHOCKED when my cousin told me that no one makes fun of the gay students. There is no F-word calling or anything of the sort. He said they have a lot of out students and even the most rough gang members are friends with them. I thought about this a lot while I was reading this book and I was thinking how times are changing, even in these impoverished parts of the country. Yay for progress!! ***
April 10, 2013
A bolt hole a funny thing. It’s used as a hidey place, somewhere you can run to and feel safe when the hounds are after you and you need to get away from the rest of the world. Terrell Washington—his whole life is a bolt hole. He’s the shining example of what is heard way too often. He’s black and poor: his mother left him to be raised by a grandmother too busy with raising her own kids and grandkids dumped off on her, working, and her church to have much love or attention for him.
He’s too smart for his own good, going to college and getting a journalism degree that does him no good. And to top it all off? He’s gay in a culture where that can get you killed. So he crushes it down with all his other failed dreams and hides in plain sight. He becomes a bartender, has one-offs, and grows more and more bitter.
Until he meets Colby Meyers. The two men have absolutely nothing in common—Terrell is black, poor, embittered and gay while Colby is white, shiny and funny and straight—but somehow the two form an unlikely friendship that brings sunshine into Terrell’s life. Then he finds company in the little bolt hole of his life.
It all changes when Colby takes matters into his own hands and kisses Terrell. Right as their jerk of a boss is murdered, and he’s the center of attention. Suddenly, his deepest, darkest secrets are right there on the edge of being discovered. Is Colby worth taking a step out of the dark places he’s been hiding in? And if he does, will he be safe before the murderer strikes again?
This is a different Amy Lane book, and dammit, I like it. Terrell is cranky, funny, shy, bitchy and an all-around bear of a guy. Right up my alley! He’s on the edge of giving up on everything, including himself, and all it might take is one small push to take him over the edge. That’s where Colby comes in; the pushy little white boy that makes him—and me—smile. I love that it wasn’t instalove, and that these two men become friends first. Their very sweet friendship is wonderful to watch. Sometimes, all it takes is one person willing to reach out and connect to make all the difference for a drowning man.
And Colby. Like an onion, we get to see all the layers of what could be a cliché peeled back. Where he starts as the friend, he becomes so much more. We think he’s a surfer boy dude, but we see he’s so very much more. And he’s the perfect match and foil for Terrell’s rabbiting. He forces him out from the closet—another of his many bolt holes—and has grand plans for the two of them.
The murder mystery is an essential part of the story, and is fun to watch play out. The women in this book play a vital role, and we get to see solid, real females for a change. Once of the very nice things about this book is the realness of the characters; these aren’t the men and women you expect from Amy, and it’s great to see her take a different tact. A very successful one.
Overall, another great effort. I can’t get enough of these solidly drawn, complicated and accessible characters. Fantastic job.
He’s too smart for his own good, going to college and getting a journalism degree that does him no good. And to top it all off? He’s gay in a culture where that can get you killed. So he crushes it down with all his other failed dreams and hides in plain sight. He becomes a bartender, has one-offs, and grows more and more bitter.
Until he meets Colby Meyers. The two men have absolutely nothing in common—Terrell is black, poor, embittered and gay while Colby is white, shiny and funny and straight—but somehow the two form an unlikely friendship that brings sunshine into Terrell’s life. Then he finds company in the little bolt hole of his life.
It all changes when Colby takes matters into his own hands and kisses Terrell. Right as their jerk of a boss is murdered, and he’s the center of attention. Suddenly, his deepest, darkest secrets are right there on the edge of being discovered. Is Colby worth taking a step out of the dark places he’s been hiding in? And if he does, will he be safe before the murderer strikes again?
This is a different Amy Lane book, and dammit, I like it. Terrell is cranky, funny, shy, bitchy and an all-around bear of a guy. Right up my alley! He’s on the edge of giving up on everything, including himself, and all it might take is one small push to take him over the edge. That’s where Colby comes in; the pushy little white boy that makes him—and me—smile. I love that it wasn’t instalove, and that these two men become friends first. Their very sweet friendship is wonderful to watch. Sometimes, all it takes is one person willing to reach out and connect to make all the difference for a drowning man.
And Colby. Like an onion, we get to see all the layers of what could be a cliché peeled back. Where he starts as the friend, he becomes so much more. We think he’s a surfer boy dude, but we see he’s so very much more. And he’s the perfect match and foil for Terrell’s rabbiting. He forces him out from the closet—another of his many bolt holes—and has grand plans for the two of them.
The murder mystery is an essential part of the story, and is fun to watch play out. The women in this book play a vital role, and we get to see solid, real females for a change. Once of the very nice things about this book is the realness of the characters; these aren’t the men and women you expect from Amy, and it’s great to see her take a different tact. A very successful one.
Overall, another great effort. I can’t get enough of these solidly drawn, complicated and accessible characters. Fantastic job.
August 18, 2015
BR with Mishyjo!
Mish and I were talking a few days ago about how there's a serious lack of minority/people of colour in MM romance. So we thought we'd give 'Bolt-Hole', in which the MC is an African-American man, a try. While I have to give Amy Lane kudos for incorporating diversity and discussions on race in to her writing, the story itself wasn't so great, which it pains me to say because I'm a big fan of Amy Lane.
Terrell and Colby's relationship starts early on in the book. We're told that the two are already close friends and have been crushing on each other for a while now. Given this abrupt jump in to the relationship, I had a hard time connecting with the two. I also didn't understand exactly why they liked each other, besides working in the same dead-end place and being friends. It's possible that I might have just glazed over the important bits in the beginning, because I was pretty bored for the first third or so of the book.
The mystery aspect wasn't the most engaging, but it was entertaining enough as a sub-plot. The resolution to it was a tad predictable, but I can understand why that was probably the best way to wrap everything up. Though Amy Lane's sup-plots are usually a lot more interesting than it was in this book.
Overall 'Bolt-Hole' was only a two star read. The last three chapters were quite good, but it was too late by then. For most of the book I was bored, by the relationship and the circles that Terrell kept going in. I liked the discussions of race and racism, and how homosexuality fits in to it. But there were only so many times that I could read the same passages over and over again.
What makes Amy Lane's books so addictive is the absolute need that her MCs have for each other. I didn't see that need between Terrell and Colby, so this is definitely one of my least-liked books by this author. The social/political commentary was great, but the story itself just fell short for me.
Mish and I were talking a few days ago about how there's a serious lack of minority/people of colour in MM romance. So we thought we'd give 'Bolt-Hole', in which the MC is an African-American man, a try. While I have to give Amy Lane kudos for incorporating diversity and discussions on race in to her writing, the story itself wasn't so great, which it pains me to say because I'm a big fan of Amy Lane.
Terrell and Colby's relationship starts early on in the book. We're told that the two are already close friends and have been crushing on each other for a while now. Given this abrupt jump in to the relationship, I had a hard time connecting with the two. I also didn't understand exactly why they liked each other, besides working in the same dead-end place and being friends. It's possible that I might have just glazed over the important bits in the beginning, because I was pretty bored for the first third or so of the book.
The mystery aspect wasn't the most engaging, but it was entertaining enough as a sub-plot. The resolution to it was a tad predictable, but I can understand why that was probably the best way to wrap everything up. Though Amy Lane's sup-plots are usually a lot more interesting than it was in this book.
Overall 'Bolt-Hole' was only a two star read. The last three chapters were quite good, but it was too late by then. For most of the book I was bored, by the relationship and the circles that Terrell kept going in. I liked the discussions of race and racism, and how homosexuality fits in to it. But there were only so many times that I could read the same passages over and over again.
What makes Amy Lane's books so addictive is the absolute need that her MCs have for each other. I didn't see that need between Terrell and Colby, so this is definitely one of my least-liked books by this author. The social/political commentary was great, but the story itself just fell short for me.
April 6, 2013
This story gets an extra star for being written from the POV of a minority character. And while I don't have the authority to say for sure, I think Amy Lane has nailed Terrell's character, his thought processes and experiences, and even his speech. He rings true for me. He and Colby are wonderful, believable, honorable and interesting characters. Terrell's journey through self-doubt and distrust and the minefield of his past is so well done. There are some great secondary characters, and not everything comes up perfect in the end.
I've also shelved this as a mystery, but really there is very little of the clues-and-red-herrings-and-solve-it mystery to this. At most, it provides a backdrop and some drama to the story. This is first and foremost a relationship book, a sweet, difficult romance where the biggest obstacle is Terrell being unable to let go of his need to hide, and his fear that he himself, with his baggage and his flaws, cannot in the end be worth Colby's time and certainty.
Terrell's vacillating between his past and future, between educated speech patterns and the slang of his childhood, reminded me of two friends from my childhood. They grew up in the "Projects" but attended our 90% white, Jewish school (Jewish holidays were a blast - about twenty of us in the whole building.) They were two of the smartest kids I ever met, and they did the same balancing act, sliding back and forth between two worlds but not fully at home in either. I lost track, but I fervently hope they both met their own Colby, who would stick with them and wrestle their own preconceptions for them and help fix their eyes on a wider world. We owe it to them, to the kids like Terrell, to everyone out there (including ourselves), to keep working for that world where the fireworks are equally meant for the white, mainstream kids and for the poor kids and the minority kids and the LGBTQ kids. I like thinking Colby and Terrell are out there doing their part. Thanks again, Amy Lane, for two more guys who became fictional friends of my heart.
I've also shelved this as a mystery, but really there is very little of the clues-and-red-herrings-and-solve-it mystery to this. At most, it provides a backdrop and some drama to the story. This is first and foremost a relationship book, a sweet, difficult romance where the biggest obstacle is Terrell being unable to let go of his need to hide, and his fear that he himself, with his baggage and his flaws, cannot in the end be worth Colby's time and certainty.
Terrell's vacillating between his past and future, between educated speech patterns and the slang of his childhood, reminded me of two friends from my childhood. They grew up in the "Projects" but attended our 90% white, Jewish school (Jewish holidays were a blast - about twenty of us in the whole building.) They were two of the smartest kids I ever met, and they did the same balancing act, sliding back and forth between two worlds but not fully at home in either. I lost track, but I fervently hope they both met their own Colby, who would stick with them and wrestle their own preconceptions for them and help fix their eyes on a wider world. We owe it to them, to the kids like Terrell, to everyone out there (including ourselves), to keep working for that world where the fireworks are equally meant for the white, mainstream kids and for the poor kids and the minority kids and the LGBTQ kids. I like thinking Colby and Terrell are out there doing their part. Thanks again, Amy Lane, for two more guys who became fictional friends of my heart.
March 26, 2013
I am not a big fan of the interracial romance written from the Caucasian perspective. They tend to be more fantasy than fact. But, in the case of Bolt-hole...I think Amy Lane is brilliant. How a straight, white woman captured the thoughts and feelings of a black, gay man was fabulous.
A loved Terrell. He is like so many men that I know. Justifiably angry with little hope. But, rather than question Terrell's feelings, Colby is a steady stream of hope and love.
I also don't like interracial romances that dwell on race. But, again, Amy Lane dealt with real situations in ways that I did not find condescending or offensive. Regardless of their differences, the love that Colby and Terrell have is real and deep. Their friendship binds them and their respect for one another is tangible. Add in a heaping dose of hot sex and Bolt-hole is a must read for anyone who loves HEAs with a touch of suspense.
I hope that, even if it's not a whole book, Ms. Lane lets us revisit these two in the future. I'd love to get the full picture of their Happy Ever After.
A loved Terrell. He is like so many men that I know. Justifiably angry with little hope. But, rather than question Terrell's feelings, Colby is a steady stream of hope and love.
I also don't like interracial romances that dwell on race. But, again, Amy Lane dealt with real situations in ways that I did not find condescending or offensive. Regardless of their differences, the love that Colby and Terrell have is real and deep. Their friendship binds them and their respect for one another is tangible. Add in a heaping dose of hot sex and Bolt-hole is a must read for anyone who loves HEAs with a touch of suspense.
I hope that, even if it's not a whole book, Ms. Lane lets us revisit these two in the future. I'd love to get the full picture of their Happy Ever After.
May 18, 2013
What to say about this book, that hasn't been said yet?
Not much, it's pretty much all been said, but I am glad I read this story, very very glad.
Terrell did everything 'right' got his education, worked his ass off, knew he wanted better things for himself, yet still finds himself working as a bartender in a deadend job. He is good to his family, even if they aren't all that good to him, and he ends up without them when he finally decides it's ok, it's ok to be himself, that he is good, and worthy and valuable and loveable.
Colby, is such a good person, patient and I can very much understand why T calls him Captain America, I only wished I had a little more of a peek into his head. Why he loved Terrell so much, I mean I know he did, holy cow when he was telling T everything he did , all the shifts, the grant, it was more than clear, and he is worth the effort, I just wish I had seen more of the why, since he really did have to work to get his guy.
Terrell broke my heart and then put it back together, poor baby, all his hard work, all his hopes and dreams, for what? But when he got Colby and all of Colby's positive, hopeful and big outlook on life, he finally got to LIVE!
I liked that some things were just not going to change, GiGi, loved him, but she is as she is, but now, so is T.
There was a mixed batch of people and characters in this story, and most of them were neither all good or bad. But a few stand out, Moira, how I love positive women in stories, and the cats? Loved em!
I would love to catch up with Terrell and Colby in the future, I want to know how they are going to change the world.
Not much, it's pretty much all been said, but I am glad I read this story, very very glad.
Terrell did everything 'right' got his education, worked his ass off, knew he wanted better things for himself, yet still finds himself working as a bartender in a deadend job. He is good to his family, even if they aren't all that good to him, and he ends up without them when he finally decides it's ok, it's ok to be himself, that he is good, and worthy and valuable and loveable.
Colby, is such a good person, patient and I can very much understand why T calls him Captain America, I only wished I had a little more of a peek into his head. Why he loved Terrell so much, I mean I know he did, holy cow when he was telling T everything he did , all the shifts, the grant, it was more than clear, and he is worth the effort, I just wish I had seen more of the why, since he really did have to work to get his guy.
Terrell broke my heart and then put it back together, poor baby, all his hard work, all his hopes and dreams, for what? But when he got Colby and all of Colby's positive, hopeful and big outlook on life, he finally got to LIVE!
I liked that some things were just not going to change, GiGi, loved him, but she is as she is, but now, so is T.
There was a mixed batch of people and characters in this story, and most of them were neither all good or bad. But a few stand out, Moira, how I love positive women in stories, and the cats? Loved em!
I would love to catch up with Terrell and Colby in the future, I want to know how they are going to change the world.
March 29, 2017
3 stars, and that's being generous, definitely not the author's best work. Although she tried to build a back-story, saying that Colby and Terrell had known each other for a year before Colby took the plunge and kissed T, neither MC connected for me and I was just meh about the storyline.
Colby was the least racist person you could wish to meet, but....it wasn't white college boy Colby that was the problem, but black and from the 'hood' Terrell [talk about stereotyping] who was the 'pseudo' racist in this story...he came up with every excuse he could to distance himself from Colby...refusing to come out of the closet, no touching in public and definitely no letting everyone at work know that they were an item. I'm used to reading about white people being the homophobic arses that everyone assumes they are...but I certainly wasn't aware of the depth of feeling from the 'black' community towards gays.....don't catch much of a break do they?? I think that was Amy's point.
Won't go into the story here, you'll catch the drift by reading the blurb from DSP, but will not be a keeper for me I'm afraid.
August 6, 2014
I've put off reading this for quite sometime because, as much as I love Amy Lane's writing, I have to be in the right mood for this author. I'm really glad I didn't put it off any longer.
This book tackled some difficult subjects, racism and homophobia, not from the POV of the racist or homophobe but from the expectations of the MC. Expectations that have been drilled into him whilst growing up.
Now I will never know what it like to grow up anything other than a white, straight, English woman - no matter how many books I read, people I ask, films I watch. I can learn about them but I won't have had that exposure, the one that writes itself on your soul so you can never forget. I just won't, because experiencing those things through words of another person is NEVER the same as experiencing them yourself. The same as my life experiences, the good the bad and the ugly, can never be experienced by anyone else. Even my siblings had different experiences to me and the four of us grew up with less than five years between us. Yet I thought this story did a great job of showing me Terrel's life and more importantly his expectations.
I loved T and Colby with his super enthusiasm for believing all could be right with the world, despite evidence to the contrary. He didn't just accept that because things were that was that they had to stay that way. I really, really liked that about him. Not everything was tinted rose in this story, it didn't have to be though, Colby believed enough for everyone.
This book tackled some difficult subjects, racism and homophobia, not from the POV of the racist or homophobe but from the expectations of the MC. Expectations that have been drilled into him whilst growing up.
Now I will never know what it like to grow up anything other than a white, straight, English woman - no matter how many books I read, people I ask, films I watch. I can learn about them but I won't have had that exposure, the one that writes itself on your soul so you can never forget. I just won't, because experiencing those things through words of another person is NEVER the same as experiencing them yourself. The same as my life experiences, the good the bad and the ugly, can never be experienced by anyone else. Even my siblings had different experiences to me and the four of us grew up with less than five years between us. Yet I thought this story did a great job of showing me Terrel's life and more importantly his expectations.
I loved T and Colby with his super enthusiasm for believing all could be right with the world, despite evidence to the contrary. He didn't just accept that because things were that was that they had to stay that way. I really, really liked that about him. Not everything was tinted rose in this story, it didn't have to be though, Colby believed enough for everyone.
September 26, 2014
This was not an absolutely dreadful book. I'll start by saying that. Interracial gay love is not a very well explored genre and after reading this book, I see why. 'Bolt-Hole' has a great premise but the execution of the story is what deserves one star, in my opinion.
I'm an openly Black, gay male and after reading this story, I felt more than a little offended. It does not appear that the author has actually met or interacted with any black people at all. Especially educated black people. The characters in this story are exactly that: characters that the author has clearly only seen on TV or in movies.
Come on! Terelle has a degree.....IN JOURNALISM!!!
Why is he speaking entirely in Ebonics?! I can understand if he speaks in Ebonics around the boys because it wouldn't make any sense to have him speaking with proper grammar around them when he's supposed to be trying to fit in and hide his deep dark shame. But he talks with a 'Blac-cent' the entire time!!
I also find it hard to believe that Terrelle so willingly gave in to Colby, especially when he was presented as such a deep closet case with clear race issues. One minute his screaming mad at the cracker officer and the next he's complete putty under another white guy.
The entire book came off as one of those dreaded Master-Slave fantasies that I try so hard to avoid. The damaged, poor, struggling black boy is saved by the big, strong, handsome white boy.
I'm an openly Black, gay male and after reading this story, I felt more than a little offended. It does not appear that the author has actually met or interacted with any black people at all. Especially educated black people. The characters in this story are exactly that: characters that the author has clearly only seen on TV or in movies.
Come on! Terelle has a degree.....IN JOURNALISM!!!
Why is he speaking entirely in Ebonics?! I can understand if he speaks in Ebonics around the boys because it wouldn't make any sense to have him speaking with proper grammar around them when he's supposed to be trying to fit in and hide his deep dark shame. But he talks with a 'Blac-cent' the entire time!!
I also find it hard to believe that Terrelle so willingly gave in to Colby, especially when he was presented as such a deep closet case with clear race issues. One minute his screaming mad at the cracker officer and the next he's complete putty under another white guy.
The entire book came off as one of those dreaded Master-Slave fantasies that I try so hard to avoid. The damaged, poor, struggling black boy is saved by the big, strong, handsome white boy.
March 14, 2013
Terrell and Colby make a wonderful set of friends. Colby won't let anyone speak against him and Terrell gives Colby purpose in life.
This book was a departure from most of the things I've read by Amy Lane. There wasn't a ton of angst, but there was a strong bond between the characters, one that carried them through many trials and tribulations.
This book was a departure from most of the things I've read by Amy Lane. There wasn't a ton of angst, but there was a strong bond between the characters, one that carried them through many trials and tribulations.
June 30, 2013
~ ~ ~
So there’s this first kiss in this story that get’s interrupted and it just crushed me. There was something about the description of that kiss that had me right there, right in the moment. I think I became Terrell. Literally the interruption made me gasp.
THE CHARACTERS
Terrell Washington - He grew up poor, black and gay. He’s still trying to come to terms with some of those things. He admits he’s angry, but he’s not a drag. He just needs to find some hope.
Colby Meyers - Colby is everyone’s dream guy. Golden and shining and honorable and beautiful. I thought I wasn’t going to see what Colby saw in Terrell (you know how that is sometimes? How you get one characters attraction, but not the others?), especially with this being from Terrell’s POV. But that wasn’t the case at all. I saw Colby falling in love with Terrell all the way through this book. Maybe because I was falling in love with him too.
THE STORY
Bolt-Hole is about two men who have become close friends over the past year. Luckily for Terrell, Colby is a planner and has been planning to get even closer to Terrell. A murder occurs at their workplace and I was expecting that to be the “hook” for this story. It’s not really, or it wasn’t for me. For me it was about prejudice and differences and similarities and finding a way to love and be loved.
Told from Terrell’s perspective you might expect this to be a bit of a downer, but it isn’t at all. He’s got baggage, but he’s finally got someone who lifts some of the weight.
THE WRITING
I’ve come to really enjoy Amy Lane’s writing. It isn’t spectacular or earth shattering, but it’s solid every time and it has the ability to draw me in, make me care about the characters and deliver a dependable, enjoyable romance.
This isn’t to say that there aren’t some tummy clenching moments and tingle-inducing scenes. There are. It’s just that the writing is so easy, the poignant moments so fluid, that you don’t get too bogged down in the dramatics.
~ ~ ~
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
http://www.attentionisarbitrary.blogspot.com
Terrell?” Colby muttered, rubbing the sweat falling off his forehead onto Terrell’s back.
“Yeah?”
“I hope you know… you know it’s not like this with just anyone, right?”
[…]
“It’s special to me,” he said honestly. “That’s all the fuck I know.”
So there’s this first kiss in this story that get’s interrupted and it just crushed me. There was something about the description of that kiss that had me right there, right in the moment. I think I became Terrell. Literally the interruption made me gasp.
THE CHARACTERS
The past half an hour, laughing, eating, talking – it was like it had never existed, and in its place was Terrell’s driving need not to be gay
Terrell Washington - He grew up poor, black and gay. He’s still trying to come to terms with some of those things. He admits he’s angry, but he’s not a drag. He just needs to find some hope.
Or was that just maybe Colby’s magical superpower – he made guys who weren’t supposed to be gay want him.
Worst. Superpower. Ever.
Colby Meyers - Colby is everyone’s dream guy. Golden and shining and honorable and beautiful. I thought I wasn’t going to see what Colby saw in Terrell (you know how that is sometimes? How you get one characters attraction, but not the others?), especially with this being from Terrell’s POV. But that wasn’t the case at all. I saw Colby falling in love with Terrell all the way through this book. Maybe because I was falling in love with him too.
THE STORY
Bolt-Hole is about two men who have become close friends over the past year. Luckily for Terrell, Colby is a planner and has been planning to get even closer to Terrell. A murder occurs at their workplace and I was expecting that to be the “hook” for this story. It’s not really, or it wasn’t for me. For me it was about prejudice and differences and similarities and finding a way to love and be loved.
Told from Terrell’s perspective you might expect this to be a bit of a downer, but it isn’t at all. He’s got baggage, but he’s finally got someone who lifts some of the weight.
THE WRITING
I’ve come to really enjoy Amy Lane’s writing. It isn’t spectacular or earth shattering, but it’s solid every time and it has the ability to draw me in, make me care about the characters and deliver a dependable, enjoyable romance.
This isn’t to say that there aren’t some tummy clenching moments and tingle-inducing scenes. There are. It’s just that the writing is so easy, the poignant moments so fluid, that you don’t get too bogged down in the dramatics.
~ ~ ~
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
http://www.attentionisarbitrary.blogspot.com
September 23, 2015
"We're bigger than black and white and gay.... Hell yeah!"
March 21, 2013
Amy Lane’s newest is changing things up again! A murder mystery to solve along with her traditional lovers angst! How cool. Bolt Hole was a challenging read for me. I felt so in sinc with the life of Terrell Washington, I hurt for him from the beginning. Ms. Lanes blurb about him started my feelings reeling as she writes
‘Terrell Washington’s childhood was a trifecta of suck: being black, gay and poor in America’ Terrell works as a bartender at Pipiano’s Restaurant with no thoughts of using his degree to do better. He lives in a place, not a home that offers him a bed and nothing more.
Working also at Papiano’s is Colby Meyers. These two young men become friends that summer spending days off here and there taking their breaks together at their job while Colby talks about his plans to travel, to see the world. Terrell has put himself in a bubble of responsibilities after leaving the hood, responsibilities to his family who he never sees, but still supports financially whenever he is asked. The ‘no see don’t tell’ rule works for them, because he is gay. Colby is white, has a great family that accepts him, has just finished school, and has plans for himself; big plans, and in those plans he hopes is Terrell Washington, that is if he can overcome his fears and join him.
Now this is where the story becomes even more interesting. In a moment while on a break in a bolt hole behind the restaurant, Colby boldly steals a kiss. It is gentle, and searching and asking….But at that moment a great deal of noise erupts inside the restaurant and we learn that their sleazy manager has been murdered. So now the story is two fold a love story and murder mystery. What could be better?
Again, Amy Lane writes with so much love, a story of a young man who needs to get out of his own head. He overcame the hood, now he has to face his past and hopefully along the way get what he deserves, to be whole, to be healed and to be loved. The final scenes with his grandmother were some truly heart wrenching emotional ones.
As I said, Terrell’s weakness touched me somehow. I loved who he was and wanted so much more for him. I smiled and rooted for Colby, the young man who had the world at his finger tips and he wanted it all, but the dream would be better with Terrell. I needed him to help Terrell see deep into himself and let go.
Amy Lane: Girl I generally always need tissues reading your stories and this book was no exception. But I also must mention I also loved the Sherlock Holmes in you; having the story also focus on a murder that you solved so succinctly.
Great story as always….Loved it
Review by Gloria Lakritz
Sr Reviewer and Review Chair for the Paranormal Romance Guild
‘Terrell Washington’s childhood was a trifecta of suck: being black, gay and poor in America’ Terrell works as a bartender at Pipiano’s Restaurant with no thoughts of using his degree to do better. He lives in a place, not a home that offers him a bed and nothing more.
Working also at Papiano’s is Colby Meyers. These two young men become friends that summer spending days off here and there taking their breaks together at their job while Colby talks about his plans to travel, to see the world. Terrell has put himself in a bubble of responsibilities after leaving the hood, responsibilities to his family who he never sees, but still supports financially whenever he is asked. The ‘no see don’t tell’ rule works for them, because he is gay. Colby is white, has a great family that accepts him, has just finished school, and has plans for himself; big plans, and in those plans he hopes is Terrell Washington, that is if he can overcome his fears and join him.
Now this is where the story becomes even more interesting. In a moment while on a break in a bolt hole behind the restaurant, Colby boldly steals a kiss. It is gentle, and searching and asking….But at that moment a great deal of noise erupts inside the restaurant and we learn that their sleazy manager has been murdered. So now the story is two fold a love story and murder mystery. What could be better?
Again, Amy Lane writes with so much love, a story of a young man who needs to get out of his own head. He overcame the hood, now he has to face his past and hopefully along the way get what he deserves, to be whole, to be healed and to be loved. The final scenes with his grandmother were some truly heart wrenching emotional ones.
As I said, Terrell’s weakness touched me somehow. I loved who he was and wanted so much more for him. I smiled and rooted for Colby, the young man who had the world at his finger tips and he wanted it all, but the dream would be better with Terrell. I needed him to help Terrell see deep into himself and let go.
Amy Lane: Girl I generally always need tissues reading your stories and this book was no exception. But I also must mention I also loved the Sherlock Holmes in you; having the story also focus on a murder that you solved so succinctly.
Great story as always….Loved it
Review by Gloria Lakritz
Sr Reviewer and Review Chair for the Paranormal Romance Guild
May 13, 2013
You know, I wasn't always so sure about this book, it just seemed so darn serious at first, bitter sometimes, just like protagonist Terrell is - or maybe just realistic. Probably realistic and what could be more bitter than that?
But when I finished reading and I thought about the story, the characters, the pacing, the development, even the little mystery part, the romance, the struggles, the description of a world and life so incredibly foreign to me - I realised it didn't leave me wanting in the slightest. At the end of it, I was fully satisfied, even more, felt like I'd gotten an honest glimpse into a world I hadn't known before. I have no idea how accurate the portrayal of the poor, mostly black neighbourhood is, but it made sense to me - and Terrell's behaviour made sense to me too, on every level.
Terrell is black and Colby is white - but it's not even really the skin colour that separates them so much, it's the difference in background, in hopes and dreams, in outlook that couldn't be greater - and sure those have a lot to do with skin colour as well, but not completely. Colby has learned all his life that race, sexual orientation, social status don't matter and Terrell has learned in all his years that nothing matters more. And yet they fit together so well, they were so right. That's mostly due to an amazing, incredible Colby who doesn't give up, who's patient and forgiving and brave and knows what he wants and fights for it with everything he is. But it's also thanks to Terrell who's smart enough to acknowledge something great when he sees it and who is brave enough to get over his past and his ideas and what the world's taught him so far to learn something new - even if it takes him a while to get there.
I could tell a lot more, like that Terrell is 30 and has a degree in journalism, but has given up on finding a suitable job and works as a bartender. Or that Colby is 25 and a sociologist who continues to still work as a waiter even after graduating, and lives with his awesome sister Moira and her two cats. That Colby is Captain America saving the world and Terrell is... just part of the crew to be saved. But I'd rather you read about all that, because it's so much better when Amy Lane tells about this than whatever I could ever come up with.
So, yeah. Go, read this book. It's amazing.
But when I finished reading and I thought about the story, the characters, the pacing, the development, even the little mystery part, the romance, the struggles, the description of a world and life so incredibly foreign to me - I realised it didn't leave me wanting in the slightest. At the end of it, I was fully satisfied, even more, felt like I'd gotten an honest glimpse into a world I hadn't known before. I have no idea how accurate the portrayal of the poor, mostly black neighbourhood is, but it made sense to me - and Terrell's behaviour made sense to me too, on every level.
Terrell is black and Colby is white - but it's not even really the skin colour that separates them so much, it's the difference in background, in hopes and dreams, in outlook that couldn't be greater - and sure those have a lot to do with skin colour as well, but not completely. Colby has learned all his life that race, sexual orientation, social status don't matter and Terrell has learned in all his years that nothing matters more. And yet they fit together so well, they were so right. That's mostly due to an amazing, incredible Colby who doesn't give up, who's patient and forgiving and brave and knows what he wants and fights for it with everything he is. But it's also thanks to Terrell who's smart enough to acknowledge something great when he sees it and who is brave enough to get over his past and his ideas and what the world's taught him so far to learn something new - even if it takes him a while to get there.
I could tell a lot more, like that Terrell is 30 and has a degree in journalism, but has given up on finding a suitable job and works as a bartender. Or that Colby is 25 and a sociologist who continues to still work as a waiter even after graduating, and lives with his awesome sister Moira and her two cats. That Colby is Captain America saving the world and Terrell is... just part of the crew to be saved. But I'd rather you read about all that, because it's so much better when Amy Lane tells about this than whatever I could ever come up with.
So, yeah. Go, read this book. It's amazing.
February 19, 2016
This is a MM romance with a hint of murder mystery book. Don't read it for the murder mystery though it's not the strongest elemtn of the story.
This book is actually more about the relationship between Colby and Terrel. They have known each other for a year and work together in a restaurant. Terrel is a 30yo black guy who works as a bartender even though he has a major in journalism. Colby is 25 yo white guy with a Sociology major that works as a waiter. Both should be working in something else using their college education right? Terrel has looked in the past for that opportunity but was discriminated because of his race. Colby on the other hand has his career on hold because he wants to pursue this relationship with Terrel.
A lot of the book is spent dealing with Terrel's issues with being a black gay man. For one he can't accept that he is gay because were he comes from there are no gay men. For the greater part of 30 years he had repressed this part of himself and had even accepted that he would spend his life alone rather than accept who he really is. It takes a lot of time and patience from Colby to get him to realize that his roots are in his past and where he comes from is not where he is anymore. There is more to Terrel's life than the neighborhood he came from and it is time he expands his horizons.
Colby is your regular knight in shining armor or "Captain America" in this case. There is nothing not to love about Colby. He shows off unlimited patience in dealing with Terrel.
This was an OK book for me but Colby was too perfect for my taste. I did like reading about Terrel's inner struggles.
This book is actually more about the relationship between Colby and Terrel. They have known each other for a year and work together in a restaurant. Terrel is a 30yo black guy who works as a bartender even though he has a major in journalism. Colby is 25 yo white guy with a Sociology major that works as a waiter. Both should be working in something else using their college education right? Terrel has looked in the past for that opportunity but was discriminated because of his race. Colby on the other hand has his career on hold because he wants to pursue this relationship with Terrel.
A lot of the book is spent dealing with Terrel's issues with being a black gay man. For one he can't accept that he is gay because were he comes from there are no gay men. For the greater part of 30 years he had repressed this part of himself and had even accepted that he would spend his life alone rather than accept who he really is. It takes a lot of time and patience from Colby to get him to realize that his roots are in his past and where he comes from is not where he is anymore. There is more to Terrel's life than the neighborhood he came from and it is time he expands his horizons.
Colby is your regular knight in shining armor or "Captain America" in this case. There is nothing not to love about Colby. He shows off unlimited patience in dealing with Terrel.
This was an OK book for me but Colby was too perfect for my taste. I did like reading about Terrel's inner struggles.
April 18, 2013
This book was not what I had expected it to be. It was definitely one of those books that allowed me to get more than romance. Colby and Terrell were a great couple and I was surprised that race was such a big issue in the book. It was also nice though, not many authors would cover this subject and Amy Lane did an amazing job in my opinion.
One of the major hurdles this couple had to face in the book was race. Terrell was black, and where he grew up it was more or less a sin to be white or gay. Or heaven forbid you a man fall in love with a white man. But that's what happened and he did his best to say he didn't love Colby and he wasn't gay. Colby knew though and so did we the reader. It was not said until later, but it was felt.
Colby was perfect in this situation. He didn't accept that Terrell was black he was attracted to that and it was sort of endearing. I wasn't really surprised by it and I found it helped me like him as a character and to later love him. He reminded me of Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird. Even when things were looking bad he stood by Terrell's side. It was nice to see.
The book really began after Colby and Terrell's boss was murdered. But that was a smaller part of the book for me. It was the race issue as well as the gay issue that had me gripped and wanting more. I was not sorry to see the bastard die though, the small bit he was in I wanted to murder him.
Highly recommend this amazing book!
One of the major hurdles this couple had to face in the book was race. Terrell was black, and where he grew up it was more or less a sin to be white or gay. Or heaven forbid you a man fall in love with a white man. But that's what happened and he did his best to say he didn't love Colby and he wasn't gay. Colby knew though and so did we the reader. It was not said until later, but it was felt.
Colby was perfect in this situation. He didn't accept that Terrell was black he was attracted to that and it was sort of endearing. I wasn't really surprised by it and I found it helped me like him as a character and to later love him. He reminded me of Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird. Even when things were looking bad he stood by Terrell's side. It was nice to see.
The book really began after Colby and Terrell's boss was murdered. But that was a smaller part of the book for me. It was the race issue as well as the gay issue that had me gripped and wanting more. I was not sorry to see the bastard die though, the small bit he was in I wanted to murder him.
Highly recommend this amazing book!
April 3, 2013
Speechless......I think I need to write something here.
A 30y old disaffected black man and a 25y shiny hopeful golden boy. Can it work? Well, Amy Lane makes it work and how she did it? Wow.
I read somewhere in her blog that she was very afraid of portraying Terrell wrongly - she is a white woman, he is a black man. Well, I think she did a great job...not that I know anything about being a young black man out of the hood in America (I'm a middle aged white woman in Switzerland) but if anything else, she created Terrell with a respect and sensitvity that alone is amazing.
Add Colby, the little hero. Some people wrote that he is too good to be true. Well, he is good, he is a guy who bloomed to a man in a surrounding that gave him all he needed to become a positive person, accepting liberal parents, a kick-ass sister (yeah for the overweight and crumpled Moira - I love her). But for the attentive reader it was obvious that Colby had his insecure and hurt moments, too. And that he sometimes struggled to do the right thing.
Add other well developed side characters and we have a great story.
Don't count on the murder, it's not a crime story.
It is a great coming out story and a great love story and highly recommended.
A 30y old disaffected black man and a 25y shiny hopeful golden boy. Can it work? Well, Amy Lane makes it work and how she did it? Wow.
I read somewhere in her blog that she was very afraid of portraying Terrell wrongly - she is a white woman, he is a black man. Well, I think she did a great job...not that I know anything about being a young black man out of the hood in America (I'm a middle aged white woman in Switzerland) but if anything else, she created Terrell with a respect and sensitvity that alone is amazing.
Add Colby, the little hero. Some people wrote that he is too good to be true. Well, he is good, he is a guy who bloomed to a man in a surrounding that gave him all he needed to become a positive person, accepting liberal parents, a kick-ass sister (yeah for the overweight and crumpled Moira - I love her). But for the attentive reader it was obvious that Colby had his insecure and hurt moments, too. And that he sometimes struggled to do the right thing.
Add other well developed side characters and we have a great story.
Don't count on the murder, it's not a crime story.
It is a great coming out story and a great love story and highly recommended.
August 24, 2013
Having read this, I felt that it is an important book that gay men should read. Especially young gay men, to learn more about life after graduations and prospect in general.
Terrell voice was... achingly real to read. He was so caught up in the social stigma and so beaten down by life that he was willing to deny himself and throwaway the only happiness he found in the form of his coworker Colby.
There were many social commentaries peppered through out the books and it felt realistic, fair, stark and, again, painfully real.
The book start kinda slow for me. Despite the fact that Terrell and Colby hit the sack pretty quick, the pacing still felt slow. It picked up in the later half.
Colby parents, despite having little page time, would manage to crack people up, especially Colby's mom :).
Overall, it wasn't as fun as the other lighter books that I read of Ms. Lane but it wasn't any less brilliant. Now I hope that Ms. Lane books could hit mainstream. Quite a few of her heavier books needed to be read by the mass.
Terrell voice was... achingly real to read. He was so caught up in the social stigma and so beaten down by life that he was willing to deny himself and throwaway the only happiness he found in the form of his coworker Colby.
There were many social commentaries peppered through out the books and it felt realistic, fair, stark and, again, painfully real.
The book start kinda slow for me. Despite the fact that Terrell and Colby hit the sack pretty quick, the pacing still felt slow. It picked up in the later half.
Colby parents, despite having little page time, would manage to crack people up, especially Colby's mom :).
Overall, it wasn't as fun as the other lighter books that I read of Ms. Lane but it wasn't any less brilliant. Now I hope that Ms. Lane books could hit mainstream. Quite a few of her heavier books needed to be read by the mass.
March 28, 2013
I thought the story was pretty good. It was a bit disjointed for me in some parts and I think the author laid the slang on a bit thick in my opinion, but it was a solid story. The characters were colorful and the world Amy built was vivid.
It's always interesting to me when a Caucasian writer has Black American characters in their books. Some do it right, others do it way wrong. I feel Amy Lane did a good job for the character that she created. He was caught between the ghetto/hood mentality and the mainstream and it showed in his thought process and verbiage he used, and finally in his view of his own homosexuality. It was done very well. And it definitely showed some of the struggles that Black Americans, especially men, run into in the workforce today.
If you are up for an good read that explores interracial dating; the good, the bad, and the ugly, this is a good book to read.
It's always interesting to me when a Caucasian writer has Black American characters in their books. Some do it right, others do it way wrong. I feel Amy Lane did a good job for the character that she created. He was caught between the ghetto/hood mentality and the mainstream and it showed in his thought process and verbiage he used, and finally in his view of his own homosexuality. It was done very well. And it definitely showed some of the struggles that Black Americans, especially men, run into in the workforce today.
If you are up for an good read that explores interracial dating; the good, the bad, and the ugly, this is a good book to read.
April 7, 2013
Fecking A Amaze-balls!!
Interracial romance done RIGHT.
Terrell; first I felt bad for him, then I felt like I went to school with him, then I really liked him, then I loved him, and then I wanted him to just be happy.
Colby; I loved him from the get go. There was never a moment when I didn't absolutely adore Colby and have faith in his ability to make his and Terrell's relationship WORK.
There is a little bit of mystery thrown into this story but 99.99999% of this story is simply about Terrell and Colby and the way they love.
Amy Lane does it once again. Her writing is seriously in a sweet spot lately. Lucky me!
Interracial romance done RIGHT.
Terrell; first I felt bad for him, then I felt like I went to school with him, then I really liked him, then I loved him, and then I wanted him to just be happy.
Colby; I loved him from the get go. There was never a moment when I didn't absolutely adore Colby and have faith in his ability to make his and Terrell's relationship WORK.
There is a little bit of mystery thrown into this story but 99.99999% of this story is simply about Terrell and Colby and the way they love.
Amy Lane does it once again. Her writing is seriously in a sweet spot lately. Lucky me!
March 29, 2013
Wonderful. These characters felt like living, breathing people, and (looking through my interracial shelf) I don't think I've read anything else in this genre that so frankly addresses race. The murder mystery subplot is something of a departure for Amy Lane, and she pulls it off. This story is not as angsty as you'd think (if you're sensitive to such things), but it made me feel deeply for Terrell and Colby. Recommended.
March 26, 2013
4 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Yet another book from Amy Lane that like it or not grips you in its claws and drags you in its depths. By the time I finished it and took a look around I felt as if I hadn’t had a breath for the duration. It was that good.
This book follows Terrell, a guy literally trapped in life the way I saw him. He was born black, in a piss poor neighborhood and gay. He managed to get education, something he thought when he was young was all that he needed to escape the “hood”, his armor and guns to fight the battle. He didn’t make it, instead he was trapped yet again by the “white man’s plan” to keep the black/poor in order.
With a journalism degree in his pocket Terrell is top barman at Papi’s, and while he’s definitely not happy and has no prospects in his life, he still has one shining point, one little thing that makes him breathe a bit more. His coworker Colby, tall, blond, blue eyes and a heart like no other human being. His best and only friend, the guy that will take the world for him and protect him when shit hits the fan. Racist client, pain on his back, just a soul to listen? Colby is there for him.
During their one year friendship though Terrell had been quite absorbed in his life drama and making sure his “gayness” wasn’t slipping for him to understand how much Colby cares for him. It takes one kiss to shatter Terrell’s “safe place” and a gunshot to end his first real kiss, and mark the beginning of this incredible book.
I must admit I didn’t quite liked Terrell at the beginning, such an angry man, so bitter, and I was afraid that bitterness would leave a bad taste in my mouth by the time I finished. I was mistaken and ended loving that character and feeling hurt on his behalf way to many times. It’s an emotional read this one with a healthy dose of humor and love and incredibly sexy love-scenes.
Colby is unreal; he is Prince Charming come to save the world. Literally. And Terrell’s nickname for him, Captain America, is not an exaggeration. He’s a character I’ve never met in real life hence I distrust him, yet his chemistry with Terrell was undeniable. They fit well as friends, they fit well when they slowly started their “thing”, he was perfect for drawing Terrell out of his hole and into the world, and by the time their relationship got solid they were both magnificent. I loved this pair and their hot scenes were just that, hot and sexy and melting and sweet and so damn realistic. Ms. Lane has a way with her words that’s for sure.
The plot, the action, the crime and the rest were beautifully executed. There was not a single drop in pace and tension, or a dull space to mark this story. It starts fearlessly and goes on just like that with the angst of the romance plot hitting your nerves and preparing you for the agony and twist that comes with a “Bam” near the end.
An excellent book Bolt-Hole will make a point that no matter how shitty things are there is always something to hope and worth fighting for. Strongly recommended.
Thommie
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Yet another book from Amy Lane that like it or not grips you in its claws and drags you in its depths. By the time I finished it and took a look around I felt as if I hadn’t had a breath for the duration. It was that good.
This book follows Terrell, a guy literally trapped in life the way I saw him. He was born black, in a piss poor neighborhood and gay. He managed to get education, something he thought when he was young was all that he needed to escape the “hood”, his armor and guns to fight the battle. He didn’t make it, instead he was trapped yet again by the “white man’s plan” to keep the black/poor in order.
With a journalism degree in his pocket Terrell is top barman at Papi’s, and while he’s definitely not happy and has no prospects in his life, he still has one shining point, one little thing that makes him breathe a bit more. His coworker Colby, tall, blond, blue eyes and a heart like no other human being. His best and only friend, the guy that will take the world for him and protect him when shit hits the fan. Racist client, pain on his back, just a soul to listen? Colby is there for him.
During their one year friendship though Terrell had been quite absorbed in his life drama and making sure his “gayness” wasn’t slipping for him to understand how much Colby cares for him. It takes one kiss to shatter Terrell’s “safe place” and a gunshot to end his first real kiss, and mark the beginning of this incredible book.
I must admit I didn’t quite liked Terrell at the beginning, such an angry man, so bitter, and I was afraid that bitterness would leave a bad taste in my mouth by the time I finished. I was mistaken and ended loving that character and feeling hurt on his behalf way to many times. It’s an emotional read this one with a healthy dose of humor and love and incredibly sexy love-scenes.
Colby is unreal; he is Prince Charming come to save the world. Literally. And Terrell’s nickname for him, Captain America, is not an exaggeration. He’s a character I’ve never met in real life hence I distrust him, yet his chemistry with Terrell was undeniable. They fit well as friends, they fit well when they slowly started their “thing”, he was perfect for drawing Terrell out of his hole and into the world, and by the time their relationship got solid they were both magnificent. I loved this pair and their hot scenes were just that, hot and sexy and melting and sweet and so damn realistic. Ms. Lane has a way with her words that’s for sure.
The plot, the action, the crime and the rest were beautifully executed. There was not a single drop in pace and tension, or a dull space to mark this story. It starts fearlessly and goes on just like that with the angst of the romance plot hitting your nerves and preparing you for the agony and twist that comes with a “Bam” near the end.
An excellent book Bolt-Hole will make a point that no matter how shitty things are there is always something to hope and worth fighting for. Strongly recommended.
Thommie
April 1, 2013
Amy Lane brings us an amazingly emotional and insightful romance with the bonus of a murder mystery to solve. It's Amy Lane at her best, moving us through emotional turmoil, healing, and growth as MC Terrell emerges from his own personal bolt-hole.
Terrell, a 30 year old, college-educated black man from a poor family in a poor neighborhood, is the lead bartender at Papiano's Restaurant. Colby, a 25 year old, college-educated white man from a family of middle class liberals who raised him with unconditional love and acceptance, is a waiter at Papiano's and Terrell's friend. Neither has been able to get a job in their chosen career field. Since Colby started working there a year ago, they've sat together on the loading dock every night at the end of shift, talking and enjoying an evening break before heading home.
One night, they've moved into a corner, a bolt-hole, so Terrell can lean against the wall to rest his sore back. Colby finally makes his move on Terrell, and that first kiss is all they are aware of until a shot and the sound of running feet grab their attention. By the time they get out of their hiding place, there's nothing to be seen. But they soon discover the source of the shot – their general manager has been murdered in his office.
Although they attempt to solve the crime themselves throughout the story, the murder is not their principal focus. It's secondary to the major plot line which is the development of not only their relationship, but also of Terrell's ability to accept himself as a gay man worthy of the love and happiness he finds with Colby. Ultimately, Terrell's realization of his self-worth and commitment to Colby comes to a head at the same time that they clearly realize who the murderer is. The resulting confrontation nearly jeopardizes their future together.
What I loved most about this story is Amy Lane's ability to take us into the psyche of her characters, allowing us to see who they are, the life events that shaped them, and their potential for a solid future. In this instance, she handled the race differences between the MCs beautifully. Her depiction of Terrell as an angry man struggling to overcome not only outside prejudice, but his family's influence and his internal perceptions of what it is like to be, not only black, but gay as well, grabbed my heart. And Colby, with his love of people, his joy of living, his total devotion to Terrell, and his determination to make Terrell see that Colby loves the man that Terrell is inside, not the facade that he puts forward, just made my emotions overload.
This book should be read by all lovers of m/m romance as an example of how an author can develop three dimensional characters whose memories will linger long after the last page has been turned. I highly recommend this one!
Note: This book was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
Terrell, a 30 year old, college-educated black man from a poor family in a poor neighborhood, is the lead bartender at Papiano's Restaurant. Colby, a 25 year old, college-educated white man from a family of middle class liberals who raised him with unconditional love and acceptance, is a waiter at Papiano's and Terrell's friend. Neither has been able to get a job in their chosen career field. Since Colby started working there a year ago, they've sat together on the loading dock every night at the end of shift, talking and enjoying an evening break before heading home.
One night, they've moved into a corner, a bolt-hole, so Terrell can lean against the wall to rest his sore back. Colby finally makes his move on Terrell, and that first kiss is all they are aware of until a shot and the sound of running feet grab their attention. By the time they get out of their hiding place, there's nothing to be seen. But they soon discover the source of the shot – their general manager has been murdered in his office.
Although they attempt to solve the crime themselves throughout the story, the murder is not their principal focus. It's secondary to the major plot line which is the development of not only their relationship, but also of Terrell's ability to accept himself as a gay man worthy of the love and happiness he finds with Colby. Ultimately, Terrell's realization of his self-worth and commitment to Colby comes to a head at the same time that they clearly realize who the murderer is. The resulting confrontation nearly jeopardizes their future together.
What I loved most about this story is Amy Lane's ability to take us into the psyche of her characters, allowing us to see who they are, the life events that shaped them, and their potential for a solid future. In this instance, she handled the race differences between the MCs beautifully. Her depiction of Terrell as an angry man struggling to overcome not only outside prejudice, but his family's influence and his internal perceptions of what it is like to be, not only black, but gay as well, grabbed my heart. And Colby, with his love of people, his joy of living, his total devotion to Terrell, and his determination to make Terrell see that Colby loves the man that Terrell is inside, not the facade that he puts forward, just made my emotions overload.
This book should be read by all lovers of m/m romance as an example of how an author can develop three dimensional characters whose memories will linger long after the last page has been turned. I highly recommend this one!
Note: This book was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
April 5, 2013
BOLT-HOLE is a refreshing new story from Amy Lane. Loyal readers will have much to rave about! There is your angst that she is known for, a killer love story between two adorable characters and also an intriguing murder mystery that really transformed this book from great to amazing!
The first thing I loved about this book is Terrell Washington and Colby Meyers. Terrell is gay and black and for some, those two things don’t go together. Naturally, as with all of Amy Lane’s books, there is a touch of angst that makes readers immediately feel for the characters. Terrell and Colby work at Papiano’s restaurant but there is way more to their relationship than that. They have a friendship that is strong and memorable, that makes for the perfect foundation for a relationship. I thought the romance bloomed at a good pace and there were some really great moments between Terrell and Colby that made my heart melt.
The second thing I loved about this book is the mystery. Lane really did a good job in this regard. She kept me guessing while simultaneously building a believable romance. I was impressed by the way she was able to strike a balance between the mystery and romance. What a way to add layers to a story!
What Lane accomplishes in this book is impressive. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and hope that readers who haven’t tried Amy Lane to do so with this book. The book is fast-paced, engaging and full of romance that any reader would enjoy.
*ARC provided by publisher
May 16, 2016
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I temi principali di questa nuova opera della talentuosa Amy Lane sono l'accettazione e il razzismo: ultimamente questa autrice è stata criticata per certe sue espressioni e, anche se non ho letto i romanzi "incriminati", trovo che qui abbia trattato tutto con il tatto e la delicatezza che di solito la contradistingue.
È un romanzo diverso dal solito perchè oltre ad essere un pochino meno "angsty" è anche venato di giallo.
Colby e Terrell sono due ragazzi che, all'apparenza, non potrebbero essere più lontani: benestante, bianco e solare il primo, povero, di colore e arrabbiato il secondo. Ma al cuore non si comanda e, grazie all'enorme sensibilità e testardaggine di Colby, anche Terrell riuscirà a venire a patti con i suoi desideri e con il suo passato. Ho apprezzato molto questo libro, soprattutto per i suoi protagonisti così veri e intensi. Il lato giallo è sicuramente secondario ma aggiunge un po' di suspense e toglie un po' di angoscia ad una storia che si legge volentieri e che scorre veloce come nel migliore stile di questa autrice.
I temi principali di questa nuova opera della talentuosa Amy Lane sono l'accettazione e il razzismo: ultimamente questa autrice è stata criticata per certe sue espressioni e, anche se non ho letto i romanzi "incriminati", trovo che qui abbia trattato tutto con il tatto e la delicatezza che di solito la contradistingue.
È un romanzo diverso dal solito perchè oltre ad essere un pochino meno "angsty" è anche venato di giallo.
Colby e Terrell sono due ragazzi che, all'apparenza, non potrebbero essere più lontani: benestante, bianco e solare il primo, povero, di colore e arrabbiato il secondo. Ma al cuore non si comanda e, grazie all'enorme sensibilità e testardaggine di Colby, anche Terrell riuscirà a venire a patti con i suoi desideri e con il suo passato. Ho apprezzato molto questo libro, soprattutto per i suoi protagonisti così veri e intensi. Il lato giallo è sicuramente secondario ma aggiunge un po' di suspense e toglie un po' di angoscia ad una storia che si legge volentieri e che scorre veloce come nel migliore stile di questa autrice.
April 13, 2013
Snarky and bitter "hoodrat" meets blond, perky Captain America type. Somehow it worked and was really entertaining along the way.
Only drawback is that the whole double-murder thing didn't end up having much of an exact *why* to it, only who in the end.
But as always, another really good read from Amy Lane. Most consistent author I've come across to deliver the goods. I should just have a stamp made up that says "Highly recommended". ;- )
Only drawback is that the whole double-murder thing didn't end up having much of an exact *why* to it, only who in the end.
But as always, another really good read from Amy Lane. Most consistent author I've come across to deliver the goods. I should just have a stamp made up that says "Highly recommended". ;- )
October 16, 2017
DNF 19%
I've very little to say about this book because I haven't read most of it. I'll start by saying something important - It's not the book, it's me. I just couldn't connect to the MC (and our sole POV) Terrell. His mind constantly tells him he is poor from the worst side of the side, with the worst background, not to mention he is black and also - gay. Though he won't allow himself to actually BE gay because that's more than not "allowed" where he comes from. I feel for him, truly. That's horrible to be "dismissed" or looked down upon because of things you have no control over and really shouldn't be put against you because they shouldn't even be an issue nowadays. But sadly - they are. That's not just the book, it's reality (even if things ARE changing).
Terrell Washington is DRIVEN to change his life, he just finished his BA in Journalism and he wants to get out of his background and build a life for himself he can be proud of and is as different as he can from the life he had growing up. Though he currently works in a bar, it's not where he wants to be, he has big dreams. He also has a crush he wouldn't even admit to - to his good friend Colby Meyers who also works at the bar. Colby is out and proud and he has no problem putting a move on Terrell once he is sure he is gay (I liked his reasoning ;)). Colby seems like a great guy really and he SEES Terrell for who he is - the beautiful guy he sees everyday. I WISH we got Colby's POV, I think it would have made this book a great read for me.
Thing is, since we got only Terrell I got tired listening to his brain and the way he looks down on himself, the way he explains everything being about how poor, black and gay he is. There is little inside of Terrell's brain EXCEPT these things. I wanted to hear MORE about who he is not what he's trying to escape. It was just so redundant really and it could have been SO MUCH MORE. I stopped when I realized that no, we won't get Colby's POV and no, Terrell mindset doesn't change because that's who he is and though I understand that and feel bad for him, I also don't think I can keep on reading when THIS is the main focus of his thoughts. So sorry. I'm 19% in, which isn't much but it's already as far as I'm willing to take this one. Please don't be discouraged by my words only. This book has many great reviews - make a better decision by checking out thoughts from others as well. I'm usually a HUGE fan of Amy's books I've read SO MANY of them but this one was a miss for me :(
More Reviews HERE
I've very little to say about this book because I haven't read most of it. I'll start by saying something important - It's not the book, it's me. I just couldn't connect to the MC (and our sole POV) Terrell. His mind constantly tells him he is poor from the worst side of the side, with the worst background, not to mention he is black and also - gay. Though he won't allow himself to actually BE gay because that's more than not "allowed" where he comes from. I feel for him, truly. That's horrible to be "dismissed" or looked down upon because of things you have no control over and really shouldn't be put against you because they shouldn't even be an issue nowadays. But sadly - they are. That's not just the book, it's reality (even if things ARE changing).
Terrell Washington is DRIVEN to change his life, he just finished his BA in Journalism and he wants to get out of his background and build a life for himself he can be proud of and is as different as he can from the life he had growing up. Though he currently works in a bar, it's not where he wants to be, he has big dreams. He also has a crush he wouldn't even admit to - to his good friend Colby Meyers who also works at the bar. Colby is out and proud and he has no problem putting a move on Terrell once he is sure he is gay (I liked his reasoning ;)). Colby seems like a great guy really and he SEES Terrell for who he is - the beautiful guy he sees everyday. I WISH we got Colby's POV, I think it would have made this book a great read for me.
Thing is, since we got only Terrell I got tired listening to his brain and the way he looks down on himself, the way he explains everything being about how poor, black and gay he is. There is little inside of Terrell's brain EXCEPT these things. I wanted to hear MORE about who he is not what he's trying to escape. It was just so redundant really and it could have been SO MUCH MORE. I stopped when I realized that no, we won't get Colby's POV and no, Terrell mindset doesn't change because that's who he is and though I understand that and feel bad for him, I also don't think I can keep on reading when THIS is the main focus of his thoughts. So sorry. I'm 19% in, which isn't much but it's already as far as I'm willing to take this one. Please don't be discouraged by my words only. This book has many great reviews - make a better decision by checking out thoughts from others as well. I'm usually a HUGE fan of Amy's books I've read SO MANY of them but this one was a miss for me :(
More Reviews HERE
April 5, 2013
Okey, dokey! For everyone who says that all of Amy Lane's novels are angst-ridden stories of some of the more sordid areas of gay life, there is now Bolt-hole.
Like her digression into steampunk in Under the Rushes, Bolt-hole is Mrs. Lane at her absolute most romantic and, believe it or not, starry-eyed.
Whether it comes from personal experience, or just a desire to give us a color-blind vision of America, this story of the meeting, and mating, of an African-American bartender and a white (golden boy) waiter is so bloody idealistic I almost couldn't believe it was our Amy Lane.
Having said all this, I hasten to add that short, "bandy-legged," bartending Terrell has been so beaten-down, quite literally by both life and his beloved Gi-Gi, that he refuses to face his gayness (outside of those back-alley and bathroom blow jobs.) So, there is a tad bit of angst - at the beginning.
Enter the (literal) golden boy, Colby Meyers. Affectionately known by Terrell as "Cheese Boy," Colby has known he was gay since before his daddy's sperm met his mama's ovum. Another thing Colby knows is that he wants Terrell, and he wants him bad>/i>.
Set, as usual, in Sacramento, CA, and placed (VERY realistically) within a TGIF-kind of restaurant milieu, the story is off and running when the skeevy manager of this grease-pit is murdered....and it HAS to be one of the staff! SPOILER: We know it can't be either Terrell or Colby because they were doing a run-up to making-out in Terrell's "bolt-hole" behind the restaurant: the space between the back wall of the building and a stack of shipping palettes where T. goes to lean against the wall and rest his aching, rickety-because-of-childhood-malnutrition back. Oh, and T. just got a new set of bright and shiny metal braces because his nasty teeth go in "sixty-three separate directions," and he wants to start looking nice for Cheese Boy whom he is starting to really dig.
Absolutely realistic in its depiction of life working as wait-staff, do' ho (hostess), and bartender in a busy mid-scale restaurant (It's obvious, both from the book's dedication and her grease-soaked descriptions, that Lane has worked her fair share as a hash-slinger.), this absolutely charming, if perhaps a bit quixotic, vision of what love in a non-racist US could actually be like is, as with all Amy Lane, a must-read.
If not right away, definitely put it at the top of your TBR list.
It will make you smile......really.
Like her digression into steampunk in Under the Rushes, Bolt-hole is Mrs. Lane at her absolute most romantic and, believe it or not, starry-eyed.
Whether it comes from personal experience, or just a desire to give us a color-blind vision of America, this story of the meeting, and mating, of an African-American bartender and a white (golden boy) waiter is so bloody idealistic I almost couldn't believe it was our Amy Lane.
Having said all this, I hasten to add that short, "bandy-legged," bartending Terrell has been so beaten-down, quite literally by both life and his beloved Gi-Gi, that he refuses to face his gayness (outside of those back-alley and bathroom blow jobs.) So, there is a tad bit of angst - at the beginning.
Enter the (literal) golden boy, Colby Meyers. Affectionately known by Terrell as "Cheese Boy," Colby has known he was gay since before his daddy's sperm met his mama's ovum. Another thing Colby knows is that he wants Terrell, and he wants him bad>/i>.
Set, as usual, in Sacramento, CA, and placed (VERY realistically) within a TGIF-kind of restaurant milieu, the story is off and running when the skeevy manager of this grease-pit is murdered....and it HAS to be one of the staff! SPOILER: We know it can't be either Terrell or Colby because they were doing a run-up to making-out in Terrell's "bolt-hole" behind the restaurant: the space between the back wall of the building and a stack of shipping palettes where T. goes to lean against the wall and rest his aching, rickety-because-of-childhood-malnutrition back. Oh, and T. just got a new set of bright and shiny metal braces because his nasty teeth go in "sixty-three separate directions," and he wants to start looking nice for Cheese Boy whom he is starting to really dig.
Absolutely realistic in its depiction of life working as wait-staff, do' ho (hostess), and bartender in a busy mid-scale restaurant (It's obvious, both from the book's dedication and her grease-soaked descriptions, that Lane has worked her fair share as a hash-slinger.), this absolutely charming, if perhaps a bit quixotic, vision of what love in a non-racist US could actually be like is, as with all Amy Lane, a must-read.
If not right away, definitely put it at the top of your TBR list.
It will make you smile......really.
March 30, 2013
This is excellent. Terrell has many reasons to be an angry young man but the highlight of his life, Colby aka Captain Amercia worms his way into Terrell's heart, and much of his anger and insecurities start to
disappear.
Lane develops Terrell so well that I was nibbling my nails the all time worrying that he would take off, stop listening to Colby's declarations of forever and reject the best thing to ever happen to him.
The crime element works well with the romance, and the inclusion of many significant secondary characters (a trademark of Lane's novels), add to the engagement of the novel.
Really enjoyed meeting these two boys. The ending was lovely, but could be added to I am sure.
disappear.
Lane develops Terrell so well that I was nibbling my nails the all time worrying that he would take off, stop listening to Colby's declarations of forever and reject the best thing to ever happen to him.
The crime element works well with the romance, and the inclusion of many significant secondary characters (a trademark of Lane's novels), add to the engagement of the novel.
Really enjoyed meeting these two boys. The ending was lovely, but could be added to I am sure.
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