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Always #1
Always
Jason has had a crush on Damon Nixon ever since he figured out he liked boys. After one fateful day at summer camp Jason's dream finally comes true as he and Damon begin meeting in secret. But the waters of this new relationship are tested when school comes around and the weight of this secret becomes heavier than either boys expects.
Enter Dean Hardy. When the new openly gay bad boy takes an interest in Jason the stakes rise and it seems like there is no way to keep Damon's secret and be happy at the same time. Will Jason and Damon overcome the pressure of being together? Or will Jason decide he doesn't want to be someone's secret any longer?
Enter Dean Hardy. When the new openly gay bad boy takes an interest in Jason the stakes rise and it seems like there is no way to keep Damon's secret and be happy at the same time. Will Jason and Damon overcome the pressure of being together? Or will Jason decide he doesn't want to be someone's secret any longer?
60 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 20, 2013
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150 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 10, 2014
This was free. Thank God for that! I thought I was going to like it, I really did. But Damon pissed me off so much. Look, I get that it's hard for some kids to come out, I understand that. But I don't like what he did to Jason. I'm not a fan of open relationships... although I'm pretty sure this was more like cheating.
Still, the writing wasn't bad and I did like Jason, sorta. So I'm giving it 2.5 stars. Maybe I'll read the sequel.
Still, the writing wasn't bad and I did like Jason, sorta. So I'm giving it 2.5 stars. Maybe I'll read the sequel.
February 8, 2014
Cute story, but everything wrapped up a little too easily.
November 25, 2017
A short story of Jason and Damon. Jason is gay and out, and suffers the bullying of high school jocks, while Damon suffers in the closet, carefully trying to avoid any hint that he is gay (and hopefully, desparately, in love with Jason). When new student Dean, a transfer from California, asks Jason out it ignites Damon's jealousy and brings about the conclusion of this story.
I found myself vacillating between wanting to dismiss this short story as an angsty YA coming out story, and really buying into the heart-wrenching process Damon goes through before he comes out, first to his father and then to his high school teammates. Dean seemed very ... cheesy ... and at least in this book (his story is told in "Never" the second book of the series) and seemed to have been brought in only to bring about Damon's coming-out. 3.5 stars for Always.
I found myself vacillating between wanting to dismiss this short story as an angsty YA coming out story, and really buying into the heart-wrenching process Damon goes through before he comes out, first to his father and then to his high school teammates. Dean seemed very ... cheesy ... and at least in this book (his story is told in "Never" the second book of the series) and seemed to have been brought in only to bring about Damon's coming-out. 3.5 stars for Always.
April 10, 2014
High school coming of age and out of the closet M/M romance with a geeky out and proud guy with a secret first relationship with a in the closet football player.
Jason never thought he would ever have a chance to be with his childhood crush, Damon Nixon so when they end up working at the same summer camp and making out in dark corners, he is slow to understand what it means when they finally go back to school. The first day is not good to either of them because of bullying and the arrival of another out and proud guy, Dean Hardy. Dean knows that he wants to be with Jason and starts a sweet seduction in front of poor Damon's eyes. Damon has to let it go or come out of the closet to claim his first love.
Cute story that felt too short and the coming out was a little too easy but I'd like to think that people are becoming more tolerant and hopefully it will become a non-issue one day soon.
43 pages short story and kindle freebie
2 and half stars
Jason never thought he would ever have a chance to be with his childhood crush, Damon Nixon so when they end up working at the same summer camp and making out in dark corners, he is slow to understand what it means when they finally go back to school. The first day is not good to either of them because of bullying and the arrival of another out and proud guy, Dean Hardy. Dean knows that he wants to be with Jason and starts a sweet seduction in front of poor Damon's eyes. Damon has to let it go or come out of the closet to claim his first love.
Cute story that felt too short and the coming out was a little too easy but I'd like to think that people are becoming more tolerant and hopefully it will become a non-issue one day soon.
43 pages short story and kindle freebie
2 and half stars
December 12, 2015
This was really short, and though I'm usually left wanting when I'm enjoying a novella that ends too soon, this felt complete and unhurried.
I liked all of the characters and the love-triangle aspect was really great and not at all annoying (as I usually find love-triangles to be). There was sweetness and sexiness and a villain, too.
I will say, though, that it seemed a little far-fetched and these high school-aged guys acted a bit more mature, introspective and perceptive than I think teens are. Especially Dean. Dean was too awesome. He was so great, I'd love to read a story about him as an adult. I'm definitely eager to read more from this author.
I liked all of the characters and the love-triangle aspect was really great and not at all annoying (as I usually find love-triangles to be). There was sweetness and sexiness and a villain, too.
I will say, though, that it seemed a little far-fetched and these high school-aged guys acted a bit more mature, introspective and perceptive than I think teens are. Especially Dean. Dean was too awesome. He was so great, I'd love to read a story about him as an adult. I'm definitely eager to read more from this author.
February 9, 2014
First book I have read like this but it was well written the characters are lovable especially Dean, I really like that kid...I was really proud of how Damon dad react and not judge or disown his son. This was a really cute short story.
September 5, 2014
I enjoyed this story. It was short, but complete and you could feel for both the MCs. I look forward to Dean's story.
June 29, 2017
1. The formatting of the book was terrible.
2. The narrative was not well written. Sentence structure, vocabulary and grammar were lacking. This short story needed an editor. It's clear there wasn't one. The author had you jumping into memories without any warning which made it seem disjointed, confusing and scatter brained, until you're like, "Ohhh, this is a flashback..." The formatting (or lack thereof) I mentioned above added to this.
3. Damon is an asshole. There was a very casual attitude toward teenage drunkenness and the whole thing felt so empty. In all, it was just very poor storytelling.
I was not moved at all.
2. The narrative was not well written. Sentence structure, vocabulary and grammar were lacking. This short story needed an editor. It's clear there wasn't one. The author had you jumping into memories without any warning which made it seem disjointed, confusing and scatter brained, until you're like, "Ohhh, this is a flashback..." The formatting (or lack thereof) I mentioned above added to this.
3. Damon is an asshole. There was a very casual attitude toward teenage drunkenness and the whole thing felt so empty. In all, it was just very poor storytelling.
I was not moved at all.
June 18, 2014
This is a short little story that packs a huge punch. I really loved the story of Jason and Damon.
Jason is out at school and has had a huge crush on football player Damon Nixon for years. He never would have thought that his dreams would come true and that Damon would ever be interested in him, but it happened over summer break.
When school starts back up, Damon has to be careful not to be outed. When Jason gets beat up in the locker room, Damon can't do anything to stop it. Jason understands but when Damon drops the bomb on him that he needs to keep dating (and sleeping with) the girls at school, Jason can't handle it.
Suddenly, a mysterious and hot openly gay dude appears at their school. Dean is everything that Jason wants in a boyfriend. He holds his hand, takes him on dates, is hot, sweet, and doesn't ever make Jason feel like he's a dirty little secret.
This drives Damon crazy.
You have to wonder what it would take for Damon to man the fuck up and own his feelings for Jason.
It's a great story and although I wasn't too fond of Damon during parts of the story, I fully understood him. He's a teenage football player who is terrified of coming out. He loves Jason but coming out is a big deal and has to be done when the person feels comfortable doing it, not when anyone else feels it's the right time. No matter how much Damon likes Jason, he just can't, even if it means he has to sit back and watch someone else do all the things he wished he could be doing.
Jason is easy to love in this story, and Dean is just nearly perfect, but Damon is flawed. You need to make sure to give him a chance. See things from his POV.
Can't wait for book two.
Jason is out at school and has had a huge crush on football player Damon Nixon for years. He never would have thought that his dreams would come true and that Damon would ever be interested in him, but it happened over summer break.
When school starts back up, Damon has to be careful not to be outed. When Jason gets beat up in the locker room, Damon can't do anything to stop it. Jason understands but when Damon drops the bomb on him that he needs to keep dating (and sleeping with) the girls at school, Jason can't handle it.
Suddenly, a mysterious and hot openly gay dude appears at their school. Dean is everything that Jason wants in a boyfriend. He holds his hand, takes him on dates, is hot, sweet, and doesn't ever make Jason feel like he's a dirty little secret.
This drives Damon crazy.
You have to wonder what it would take for Damon to man the fuck up and own his feelings for Jason.
It's a great story and although I wasn't too fond of Damon during parts of the story, I fully understood him. He's a teenage football player who is terrified of coming out. He loves Jason but coming out is a big deal and has to be done when the person feels comfortable doing it, not when anyone else feels it's the right time. No matter how much Damon likes Jason, he just can't, even if it means he has to sit back and watch someone else do all the things he wished he could be doing.
Jason is easy to love in this story, and Dean is just nearly perfect, but Damon is flawed. You need to make sure to give him a chance. See things from his POV.
Can't wait for book two.
May 25, 2014
Original Blog Post: http://www.multitaskingmommas.com/201...
Jason had always had a crush on Damon, the jock everyone wanted for their own. What nobody knew, Jason has Damon in his life, as the dirty little secret. Maybe in fairy tales of romance books this sounds nice and edgy, but in real life, Jason found he could not live with a lie. As he attempts to move on, thanks to hunky Dean, Jason finds he may just have a chance to try to forget his Damon. What no one expected was Damon's reaction to the whole situation he himself started.
This was a short, sweet, light-read that took only minutes to finish but it sure did pack a whole lot
of punch. An hour after I read this, and I am still thinking about this. What went on, how these two boys allowed their situation to go on the way it did, and how society places pressure on young people to conform to a norm they obviously were not considered for by those who thought first it up, author Khloe Knight addressed these beautifully. The harsh realities of society are never forgiving to non-conformists, or so everyone thinks. When they get the support from the least expected people, they knew they had a chance. This may be short, but it was definitely worth the read.
Note: Review copy provided by author.
Jason had always had a crush on Damon, the jock everyone wanted for their own. What nobody knew, Jason has Damon in his life, as the dirty little secret. Maybe in fairy tales of romance books this sounds nice and edgy, but in real life, Jason found he could not live with a lie. As he attempts to move on, thanks to hunky Dean, Jason finds he may just have a chance to try to forget his Damon. What no one expected was Damon's reaction to the whole situation he himself started.
This was a short, sweet, light-read that took only minutes to finish but it sure did pack a whole lot
of punch. An hour after I read this, and I am still thinking about this. What went on, how these two boys allowed their situation to go on the way it did, and how society places pressure on young people to conform to a norm they obviously were not considered for by those who thought first it up, author Khloe Knight addressed these beautifully. The harsh realities of society are never forgiving to non-conformists, or so everyone thinks. When they get the support from the least expected people, they knew they had a chance. This may be short, but it was definitely worth the read.
Note: Review copy provided by author.
April 6, 2016
Actual rating 2.5 stars.
I guess it could be said that it is a pretty decent read but unfortunately it's nothing special. And if you're not into these storylines where there's more than one person in a relationship or love triangles, I don't think you will enjoy it.
I think if there hadn't been this thing with Jason and Damon being in love, but Damon not having the guts to come out just yet and Jason being with Dean for a couple of weeks and for Damon trying to be hetero with more than one girl, I could have actually really liked this story. Unfortunately those things I just mentioned had a bit too large of a role to play in the entire story so I can't really pretend that it didn't happen either.
So yeah... nothing too special, but nothing awfully bad either.
You can find this review and more on The Book Challengers
I guess it could be said that it is a pretty decent read but unfortunately it's nothing special. And if you're not into these storylines where there's more than one person in a relationship or love triangles, I don't think you will enjoy it.
I think if there hadn't been this thing with Jason and Damon being in love, but Damon not having the guts to come out just yet and Jason being with Dean for a couple of weeks and for Damon trying to be hetero with more than one girl, I could have actually really liked this story. Unfortunately those things I just mentioned had a bit too large of a role to play in the entire story so I can't really pretend that it didn't happen either.
So yeah... nothing too special, but nothing awfully bad either.
You can find this review and more on The Book Challengers
December 17, 2015
How is is possible for me to absolutely love these three guys! Jason, you are so amazing! Real, honest with yourself and so darn loving. You had a heart of gold and you were just trying to do the right thing for you. But you never stopped caring. You're amazing!
Dean! Dean, Dean, Dean.... How I lOVED you! You were the perfect gentleman! A truly amazing guy that anyone would be lucky to have. You were thoughtful and caring; I really appreciated that.
And last but not least, Damon! Gosh, you were so confused yet I totally got you! I understood you more than anyone else and I got it! It wasn't easy, (it never is when you face your fears) but you did it! You lived in your truth and you embraced love! I couldn't be more happy!
What a great book! Read it people!
Dean! Dean, Dean, Dean.... How I lOVED you! You were the perfect gentleman! A truly amazing guy that anyone would be lucky to have. You were thoughtful and caring; I really appreciated that.
And last but not least, Damon! Gosh, you were so confused yet I totally got you! I understood you more than anyone else and I got it! It wasn't easy, (it never is when you face your fears) but you did it! You lived in your truth and you embraced love! I couldn't be more happy!
What a great book! Read it people!
February 5, 2014
I thought Always was a cute short story. Jason's and Damon's responses to their issues seemed appropriate for their age. I just wish the story had been a bit more developed. Things happened and were resolved very quickly--too quickly, in my opinion. I liked Dean the most, honestly, so I was rooting for him and felt bad that he basically got kicked to the curb. And what about Clare? She seemed to be a major player early on and then disappeared, in a sense.
There were definitely grammar and punctuation issues that a good proofing could easily fix. Overall, I enjoyed the story and would be interested in reading more from this author.
There were definitely grammar and punctuation issues that a good proofing could easily fix. Overall, I enjoyed the story and would be interested in reading more from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2014
This was a well put together story. I enjoyed it a great deal. After reading some of the other reviews, I can see I wasn't the only one that didn't like Damon. I was the Dean girl through and through. About halfway through I pictured a different ending, I will admit, but the one that happened was just as perfect as any other one would have been. Jason, that character got to me on a level that I cannot even begin to describe. The strength he showed in putting up with the very real bullying that affects kids just like him every day was beautiful. This author has garnered herself a new fan and one for life. This was a really great story.
October 12, 2014
Really good!!
I loved the characters in this book. Damon,Jason, Dean and even Clair were great. While Damon and Jason had max chemistry together, Jason and Dean did too. Which should he be with but you know where his heart is at and you just prey that he doesn't get hurt anymore then he has been already. We have all been in Jason's shoes at one point in our lives. Being hidden and wanting to be with that someone and willing to let them lead and accepting what ever he is willing to give. Feeling your heart break over and over when he just isn't willing to give you what you need. I felt really connected to this story and to Jason and I am glad he got it all.
I loved the characters in this book. Damon,Jason, Dean and even Clair were great. While Damon and Jason had max chemistry together, Jason and Dean did too. Which should he be with but you know where his heart is at and you just prey that he doesn't get hurt anymore then he has been already. We have all been in Jason's shoes at one point in our lives. Being hidden and wanting to be with that someone and willing to let them lead and accepting what ever he is willing to give. Feeling your heart break over and over when he just isn't willing to give you what you need. I felt really connected to this story and to Jason and I am glad he got it all.
January 5, 2016
Loved it!!!
Jason is so sweet. Loved his character!!!! Dean was an awesome person, especially how his friendship and flirting made Damon realize the deep love he had for Jason. Jason & Damon=True Love!!! Have reread several times, and love it just as much as the first time!!!!
Jason is so sweet. Loved his character!!!! Dean was an awesome person, especially how his friendship and flirting made Damon realize the deep love he had for Jason. Jason & Damon=True Love!!! Have reread several times, and love it just as much as the first time!!!!
December 29, 2013
Loved the characters and storyline! I can't wait for the second book!!!!!
January 2, 2014
I loved this book.the mcs were loveable and the story was great one of the best m/m books ive read.and ive read a lot x
February 6, 2014
Real, raw and adorable. Really loved this.
February 9, 2014
A Sweet story, I wish it was longer and a little more in depth - but an enjoyable little novella.
February 10, 2014
Really short quick read about learning to come to terms with ones sexual preference and the bullying that comes with it. Sweet story about Damon and Jason.
March 5, 2014
kept my interest and satisfied my need for great erotica literature
May 18, 2014
4.25 stars :) Review coming!
January 9, 2016
A cute story of two boys who'd crushed on each other finally getting their HEA. Themes of jealousy and bullying, friendship and love.
July 21, 2018
Good story. I hope Dean gets his own story.
July 3, 2023
Moving!!
A very beautiful story of love and what it takes to hold on to it along with the pain of trying to figure out when to let go. This one got me teary-eyed and I will be reading it again.
A very beautiful story of love and what it takes to hold on to it along with the pain of trying to figure out when to let go. This one got me teary-eyed and I will be reading it again.
December 15, 2018
It's an okay read. Typical closeted jock and lone gay boy overcoming prejudice in their community.
January 6, 2016
Freebie today, short and sweet...
Well it ended sweet anyway... Jason has had a crush on Damon, he's a football player and popular guy at school and since the last day of summer camp (which, I'm not sure how old these kids are that still go to camp, but they're sophomores in high-school so that one threw me for a loop) anyway, since camp they've been secretly dating... or not really dating but hookin up in a sense...
Jason gets bullied a lot because he's out and comfortable with himself, making him the target of close minded bullies, one really nasty one in particular. Tired of being Damon's dirty little secret they get in an arguement and Jason meets Dane...
Dane seemed rough at first, but he wasn't, he was patient and understanding and he really seemed to like Jason... I really hope the next book finds him someone awesome because even though he had feelings for Jason, he backed off and was okay to be friends once he learned about Jason and Damon..
And Damon, I can't say I liked him until about halfway through, he was selfish and jealous and possessive and just a jerk... and I can understand not wanting to be out in high-school, kids are A holes, it's a scary place to be, but he didn't have to treat Jason the way he did and thats the part I didn't like.... still sleeping with girls and not even letting people see him talk to Jason and Jason just accepted it and took whatever Damon was willing to give because he loved him....
I'm glad though, that Damon eventually made himself worth all the trouble and he did it in the sweetest way and I was glad to see that. For not only him but monstly for Jason.
It was a really cute, short read and I really wanna see Dane get his HEA
Well it ended sweet anyway... Jason has had a crush on Damon, he's a football player and popular guy at school and since the last day of summer camp (which, I'm not sure how old these kids are that still go to camp, but they're sophomores in high-school so that one threw me for a loop) anyway, since camp they've been secretly dating... or not really dating but hookin up in a sense...
Jason gets bullied a lot because he's out and comfortable with himself, making him the target of close minded bullies, one really nasty one in particular. Tired of being Damon's dirty little secret they get in an arguement and Jason meets Dane...
Dane seemed rough at first, but he wasn't, he was patient and understanding and he really seemed to like Jason... I really hope the next book finds him someone awesome because even though he had feelings for Jason, he backed off and was okay to be friends once he learned about Jason and Damon..
And Damon, I can't say I liked him until about halfway through, he was selfish and jealous and possessive and just a jerk... and I can understand not wanting to be out in high-school, kids are A holes, it's a scary place to be, but he didn't have to treat Jason the way he did and thats the part I didn't like.... still sleeping with girls and not even letting people see him talk to Jason and Jason just accepted it and took whatever Damon was willing to give because he loved him....
I'm glad though, that Damon eventually made himself worth all the trouble and he did it in the sweetest way and I was glad to see that. For not only him but monstly for Jason.
It was a really cute, short read and I really wanna see Dane get his HEA
September 7, 2016
So mostly I'm just happy this was a *free* quick download from amazon.
I didn't like that the characters felt older than teenagers. I think the author did this so she could easily write in a bullying plotline. The parents never entered the picture, which kept the book moving along but detracted from its believability. I super didn't like all the names dean called jason.
It managed to hit more than a few mm buttons: size difference, jealously/possessiveness, jocks, smaller partner being the top-- so, yay.
I find myself most often comparing the short stories I read to those written by Natty Soltesz. He has a few published in different anthologies and several for free on his website ( http://nattysoltesz.com/ ). He manages with an economy of words to infuse character, passion, and emotion into his works. I don't think I've read better.
So yes, this one falls pretty short of that mark. Which brings me back to the best part: it was free ;)
I didn't like that the characters felt older than teenagers. I think the author did this so she could easily write in a bullying plotline. The parents never entered the picture, which kept the book moving along but detracted from its believability. I super didn't like all the names dean called jason.
It managed to hit more than a few mm buttons: size difference, jealously/possessiveness, jocks, smaller partner being the top-- so, yay.
I find myself most often comparing the short stories I read to those written by Natty Soltesz. He has a few published in different anthologies and several for free on his website ( http://nattysoltesz.com/ ). He manages with an economy of words to infuse character, passion, and emotion into his works. I don't think I've read better.
So yes, this one falls pretty short of that mark. Which brings me back to the best part: it was free ;)
February 3, 2016
High school coming out short novella read. Jason was sweet and too giving. Damon, the love of his life is still in the closet and seems to want two lives. Then Dean appears and Jason realises he more than someone's dirty secret.
Not sure if it was a case of wanting what you can't have or a serious wakeup call, but Damon eventually pulls his head out of his arse and mans the fuck up and does the right thing. I liked Dean and felt a little sorry that he was not the one, but he took it on the chin and accepted Jason was not the one.
It felt a little too well wrapped up towards the end, but for the page count, it finishes on a HFN.
Not sure if it was a case of wanting what you can't have or a serious wakeup call, but Damon eventually pulls his head out of his arse and mans the fuck up and does the right thing. I liked Dean and felt a little sorry that he was not the one, but he took it on the chin and accepted Jason was not the one.
It felt a little too well wrapped up towards the end, but for the page count, it finishes on a HFN.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews