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Belonging #1
No Such Thing
ASIN B00GKBHIS0 moved to new edition found here
Twenty-two-year-old Alessandro Silva knows that returning to tiny Perch Creek to help his foster mother was the right thing to do. With no degree and a delinquent's reputation, he's lucky to have landed a job waiting tables. But not everyone is happy he's back, and the only thing keeping his move home from being a total bust is his boss's hot brother.
Jaime Winters spent most of his life watching the world go by, first from a series of hospitals and then from behind big stacks of textbooks. Studying is easier than facing the fact that years of heart failure means he's still a virgin at twenty-three. Until the new waiter in his sister's diner awakens desires he'd long ago given up on.
The last thing Alessandro wants is to fall for someone as fragile as Jaime. And Jaime may have a new heart, but he's scared of what giving it to another person would mean. Their no-strings-attached, instructional approach to sex keeps emotion safely at bay, until a secret from Alessandro's past forces them to confront their feelings in the present...
Twenty-two-year-old Alessandro Silva knows that returning to tiny Perch Creek to help his foster mother was the right thing to do. With no degree and a delinquent's reputation, he's lucky to have landed a job waiting tables. But not everyone is happy he's back, and the only thing keeping his move home from being a total bust is his boss's hot brother.
Jaime Winters spent most of his life watching the world go by, first from a series of hospitals and then from behind big stacks of textbooks. Studying is easier than facing the fact that years of heart failure means he's still a virgin at twenty-three. Until the new waiter in his sister's diner awakens desires he'd long ago given up on.
The last thing Alessandro wants is to fall for someone as fragile as Jaime. And Jaime may have a new heart, but he's scared of what giving it to another person would mean. Their no-strings-attached, instructional approach to sex keeps emotion safely at bay, until a secret from Alessandro's past forces them to confront their feelings in the present...
232 pages, ebook
First published February 17, 2014
54 people are currently reading
787 people want to read
About the author
A.M. Arthur
87 books1,233 followersNo stranger to the writing world, A.M. Arthur has been creating stories in her head since she was a child and scribbling them down nearly as long. She credits an early fascination with male friendships (bromance wasn't a thing yet) with her later discovery of and subsequent affair with m/m romance stories. When not writing, she can be found in her kitchen, pretending she's an amateur chef and trying to not poison herself or others with her cuisine experiments. You can contact her at AM_Arthur(at)yahoo(dot)com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
January 31, 2014
So the cover? Sucks. One of the guys is supposed to be Brazilian and dark. Um, which one would that be?
The story? Is cute, almost N/A with some definitely steamy bits (including a foursome lite, mostly involving voyeurism)
The plot? Is only slightly on the angsty side. There's an incident from Alessandro's past that comes back to haunt him that added some drama, but it was rather underwhelming.
There were also a couple side plots involving Alessandro's foster brother and homophobic "pranks" that turned violent.
The MCs? Both Alessandro and Jaime were 22. Jaime was a virgin/gay first-time; he'd needed a heart transplant, so he had missed out on some of the excitement of youth. He's living at home with his sister and going to school. Alessandro comes back to help the foster mom who raised him following the death of his foster dad; he's more experienced and jaded than Jaime. There's a familiar theme of "I'll teach him what I know; it's just sex" that's been done better in other books. It's clear the two guys care about one another, but I'm not sure what they had in common besides sex.
I liked how caring Alessandro was with his foster siblings and his foster mom. Jaime's sister was great, and I thought his relationship with her was nicely developed and realistic.
The ending is a HFN; there's a book 2, so this book didn't feel complete.
***Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.***
The story? Is cute, almost N/A with some definitely steamy bits (including a foursome lite, mostly involving voyeurism)
The plot? Is only slightly on the angsty side. There's an incident from Alessandro's past that comes back to haunt him that added some drama, but it was rather underwhelming.
There were also a couple side plots involving Alessandro's foster brother and homophobic "pranks" that turned violent.
The MCs? Both Alessandro and Jaime were 22. Jaime was a virgin/gay first-time; he'd needed a heart transplant, so he had missed out on some of the excitement of youth. He's living at home with his sister and going to school. Alessandro comes back to help the foster mom who raised him following the death of his foster dad; he's more experienced and jaded than Jaime. There's a familiar theme of "I'll teach him what I know; it's just sex" that's been done better in other books. It's clear the two guys care about one another, but I'm not sure what they had in common besides sex.
I liked how caring Alessandro was with his foster siblings and his foster mom. Jaime's sister was great, and I thought his relationship with her was nicely developed and realistic.
The ending is a HFN; there's a book 2, so this book didn't feel complete.
***Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.***
December 8, 2014
*60% price drop to $1.99 at Amazon US, 12/8/14*
**3.5 stars**
I always like books with MCs that have some sort of disability or illness. It is like rooting for the underdog for me- I'm always like, "GO YOU!" really loud and annoyingly. I felt like I was doing that for this book. Sweet, virginal, used-to-be-ill Jamie was a character that I could really get behind. I loved seeing that boy start to live, you know?
Former foster child, Alessandro, was a little too earnest for my taste. I think he could have been a little bit grittier. However, his romance with Jamie was adorable. My favorite part of the book was the scene in the club and the one right after. I mean, just smoking hot. I can see a series coming out of this story because a few new characters were introduced that I would love to get to know more.
My least favorite part of the story was the mystery. I don't tend to love mysteries in my romance (I know, strange) and this one felt a little dramatic for my taste. However, I thought that the story was really satisfying overall and a great intro to a new-to-me author.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
**3.5 stars**
I always like books with MCs that have some sort of disability or illness. It is like rooting for the underdog for me- I'm always like, "GO YOU!" really loud and annoyingly. I felt like I was doing that for this book. Sweet, virginal, used-to-be-ill Jamie was a character that I could really get behind. I loved seeing that boy start to live, you know?
Former foster child, Alessandro, was a little too earnest for my taste. I think he could have been a little bit grittier. However, his romance with Jamie was adorable. My favorite part of the book was the scene in the club and the one right after. I mean, just smoking hot. I can see a series coming out of this story because a few new characters were introduced that I would love to get to know more.
My least favorite part of the story was the mystery. I don't tend to love mysteries in my romance (I know, strange) and this one felt a little dramatic for my taste. However, I thought that the story was really satisfying overall and a great intro to a new-to-me author.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
March 7, 2016
I am thinking that I am probably the wrong target reader for this. The thing is, I have been reading MM for > 5 years and in that time I’ve read so many contemporary MMs. Because of that, I feel like what this story offers is nothing new.
I can’t get myself excited with the idea of a young man teaching ‘another young gay virgin’ about the joy of gay sex. I can’t get myself interested with the fact that this young man thinks that the relationship will be just temporary, that it’s all about “I am teaching him the experience and then I will let him go to discover the world himself”. It’s a nice plot, but it’s quite humdrum for me.
Throughout the book I just felt indifferent with everything: plot, characters, sex scenes – oh, there is one involving voyeurism and light foursome, part of Alé teaching Jaime of the gay club scene, if you like that sort of thing. In addition, I do wonder whether Alé and Jaime make the connection because they are the only gay kids in town. I wish I believed in them a little bit more.
There is another side plot with the high school bully, who seems to have at it for Alé for an event that happened a few years back. It is probably aimed to inject drama to this story. Unfortunately, it is also not appealing to me. Maybe I would like it better if this was a 100% contemporary OR a complete mystery. Or maybe not.
Having said that, I did like the parts where Alé and Jaime connected with other people: Alé with his foster mother and foster siblings or Jaime with his sister. In fact, there is one scene where Alé calls Eunice “Mom” and I immediately get all choked up. I’m a sucker like that. The idea of foster family is not something I read a lot in this genre – and I enjoy a dynamic where the foster family is a GOOD family, you know, not the evil
If you’ve enjoyed A.M. Arthur’s writing before, I think you could enjoy this. Even if you haven’t, maybe give it a try anyway. It is still a nice story and the two young men are likable. It just doesn’t rock my boat, that’s all, and I probably will forget about this in a week’s time.
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
I can’t get myself excited with the idea of a young man teaching ‘another young gay virgin’ about the joy of gay sex. I can’t get myself interested with the fact that this young man thinks that the relationship will be just temporary, that it’s all about “I am teaching him the experience and then I will let him go to discover the world himself”. It’s a nice plot, but it’s quite humdrum for me.
Throughout the book I just felt indifferent with everything: plot, characters, sex scenes – oh, there is one involving voyeurism and light foursome, part of Alé teaching Jaime of the gay club scene, if you like that sort of thing. In addition, I do wonder whether Alé and Jaime make the connection because they are the only gay kids in town. I wish I believed in them a little bit more.
There is another side plot with the high school bully, who seems to have at it for Alé for an event that happened a few years back. It is probably aimed to inject drama to this story. Unfortunately, it is also not appealing to me. Maybe I would like it better if this was a 100% contemporary OR a complete mystery. Or maybe not.
Having said that, I did like the parts where Alé and Jaime connected with other people: Alé with his foster mother and foster siblings or Jaime with his sister. In fact, there is one scene where Alé calls Eunice “Mom” and I immediately get all choked up. I’m a sucker like that. The idea of foster family is not something I read a lot in this genre – and I enjoy a dynamic where the foster family is a GOOD family, you know, not the evil
If you’ve enjoyed A.M. Arthur’s writing before, I think you could enjoy this. Even if you haven’t, maybe give it a try anyway. It is still a nice story and the two young men are likable. It just doesn’t rock my boat, that’s all, and I probably will forget about this in a week’s time.
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
Want to read
June 24, 2014in the mood for some small-town dafuqery.
also:
WHITEWASH
not just for your fences!®
also:
WHITEWASH
not just for your fences!®
October 3, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
No Such Thing was a surprise for me. It looked like a general rite of passage kind of novel, you know the kind where the characters have to figure out where they belong and how they relate to each other, a coming of age novel about adults. But this book was so much more.
Everything I look for in a novel was here: complex and unique characters, main characters I can love, a plot other than just the rite of passage thing, a little action, a little drama, a little danger and excitement, and some hot sex. The secondary plot around the secret Alessandro has been keeping was actually pretty exciting and gave the story that extra something that made it really work for me. The pacing was excellent, keeping me enthralled and unable to put the book down.
I really appreciated how foster care was portrayed in this book. Some of the children in the novel had been moved around too much or mistreated in previous placements, but others were moved around because of behavior (which is the most common cause of children being removed from a home). While extreme behavior is understandable considering what most of these children have been through, it's hard for a family to deal with that 24/7. Alessandro explains to one child that the boy's continually worsening illegal behavior will ensure that the child is moved because sometimes the state makes the decisions when they think a foster parent can't handle the situation.
It's true that many foster parents are not good parents and have horrible reasons for taking in these children, and it's also true that many give up difficult children at the slightest provocation. But most are good people. There are foster parents who can and do take in and keep these children and the foster mother in No Such Thing is one of those. She is one of the good ones, and as I said, there are bad ones mentioned, too. As a therapeutic foster parent who does take in the most behaviorally challenged children, I was overwhelmed with appreciation for this honest and realistic depiction. It is so frustrating to see substitute caregivers like foster parents and relatives constantly vilified in the media, particularly in television dramas and books. The compassionate take on foster families made the story more vivid and real to me.
How the foster children were presented was also very knowledgeable.
"Shannon didn't have 'that look' on her face. That look of disappointment and suspicion he often saw from people who immediately distrusted folks who'd grown up in the foster-care system, as though the system bred criminals."Some foster children in the book would be described as hoodlums, and others were normal kids. Acting out and inappropriate behavior are common to children who have been abused and mistreated so this behavior is perfectly reasonable considering what these children have been through, including being ripped from the only homes they've ever known and forced to live with complete strangers. As a youth, Alessandro got into trouble from possessing a deadly weapon (a knife) and going to juvenile hall, to self-mutilation from his bouts of with anger and depression but he still turned out okay. Unfortunately that doesn't happen as frequently as we would like, but it does happen.
The one problem I had with the book is that the characters treated homosexuality like it's an adult topic. It's not. Being gay isn't about sex, it's about love. Children of straight parents know their parents love each other, kids of gay parents know their parents love each other, so why can't children of straight parents know that men can love other men and women love other women? It would surely help with bigotry and hatred if these kinds of issues were dealt with early on; if people are exposed to these ideas from an early age. t sure would make it easier for a kid to come out knowing that their parents were fine with homosexuality. Yes, I know that supporting rights for gay people doesn't always translate into tolerance in a parent's views for their child being gay (believe me, I know this first hand), but it's a start.
One passage that particularly bothered me came after a ten-year-old boy says, "They said Jaime Winters is queer." A seven-year-old girl asks what that meant and the boy replies that it meant Jaime likes boys instead of girls. When the girl says, "So?", the mother--who does know that Jaime is gay and is fine with it--steps in and says, "This is not an appropriate dinnertime conversation...Please do not repeat idle gossip." They never revisit the topic until after something awful has happened and it is forced into the forefront. They never explain that the word "queer" is usually derogatory when said by a heterosexual, nor that hatred isn't okay, nor what gay means.
How is this not appropriate at that time? When else would they discuss it with the whole family? Any other time would be a family meeting or something like that which generally lends an air of negativity. One of the reasons families that have dinner together are more likely to have children who do well in life is because people talk with each other during dinner. I have to wonder what the reaction would be if the boy said, "They said Jaime Winters is dating a n****r." What parent wouldn't jump on that? Would a good parent just say that wasn't any okay word and move on or would he or she also say that it is okay for people to date people of different colors, etc., and that everyone is equal or something? I'd have an internal conniption fit but externally attempt to educate calmly. I can understand not wanting to out Jaime, but this woman is supposed to be an amazing parent and that response is just unacceptable. At the very least, it should have been discussed as soon as dinner was over.
What was particularly shocking was that this wasn't dinner table conversation but no one protects the children from hearing explicit and rather graphic details of the injury of someone they know and are worried about. I was horrified at what they were allowed to hear. Society in general has this backwards: kids can know about incredible violence but not sex, but in this instance the violence was personal, which is terrifying, and the other issue wasn't sex but love.
Despite these pieces that bothered me, over all the story was wonderfully gay positive and affirming. Alessandro does a great job of initiating Jaime into "the gay world." He makes sure they use condoms even though "Jaime was squeaky clean as a surgeon's table, but if they were doing this, they were doing it right from the start. And that meant getting used to condoms every single time." He takes such good care of Jaime, making sure the man feels safe and comfortable no matter what they're doing. When Jaime says stop, he stops immediately, no pushing, no judgments.
Alessandro is concerned that Jaime not become attached to the first person he has sex with. "Jamie needed to get out and experience other partners before he even thought about settling into a relationship." He takes him to a club to expose him to some gay culture. How the club was depicted fit my own experience at such venues and read very real to me. Seeing it from the point of view of someone new to the gay club scene, would, I think, help a reader unfamiliar with the experience.
There were all kinds of little details like this that were important and added depth to the story without bogging it down. Often these were simple things like not just opening a door but opening the screen door, too, or taking a duffel bag along to spend the night, or a character noticing a couple of corny things on a front stoop to show the place as being quaint and homey.
These details were particularly helpful when trying to describe the men's room at the gay nightclub. This isn't something most of M/M romance readers are familiar with. The description made the scene come alive:
"The bathroom had a long trench urinal, instead of individuals, and about half the length was occupied. Six stalls lined the opposite wall, four doors locked shut. Two of them had more than one pair of feet visible beneath the door."This was a very simple description that told me that the bathroom was often very busy and that the extra urinal space was needed because people were frequently having sex in the stalls. Showing rather than telling can often be short and succinct and I think the author managed this well.
The sex scene after the club was one of the hottest scenes I've ever read. I wasn't always quite sure that the reactions were realistic for the characters but they were certainly typical of gay men. I liked that it was written this way, with men who don't know each other very well being very sexual with each other and just slipping into a menage a quatre/voyeur/exhibitionist scene. (You just have to read it, it's actually sweet.) It was particularly gratifying that this way of thinking, rather different from that of most women and therefore most heterosexual couples, was included and written as natural, not weird or unusual.
About that scene: (only spoils stuff that happens in the scene)
From the teenage Alessandro's perspective, the issue with Justin felt a lot bigger than it turned out to be. Alessandro feels guilty for what happened but I personally don't see what a messed up teenager was supposed to do differently. I actually said out loud, "That's it?" Granted, I'm not averse to saying things out loud when I'm reading, but still. Later, when more of the story came out, yes it was a huge deal, but that was after Alessandro had felt guilty for years without really knowing anything.
I was a little annoyed that there were some TSTL moments at the climax of the story. However, I understand it was needed for the plot, and I can live with it.
The end left me wanting more and I am extremely excited that there is a sequel coming out later this year. I am eager to read more of Jaime and Alessandro's story.
4.5 stars rounded up
February 8, 2014
This is a story of the choices you make in life and following the right path.
Alessandro has had a difficult life with his early years spent in trouble and his reputation still haunts him when he moved back to his small town to take care of his recently widowed foster mother and her current foster kids. There is not a sign of Alessandro’s past in the man he is now. He is honourable and trust worthy and places his family first.
Jaime has also had a hard life, losing his mother to the same heart disease that resulted in his own health problems. He missed the last years of high school as he waited a heart transplant. In the following years he has been afraid to catch up on the things he missed out on – dating and sex are frightening to a young inexperienced gay man.
Fate intervenes and brings Alessandro to the bakery owned by Jaime’s sister and a beautiful relationship follows. What initially starts as a journey of sexual awakening for Jaime and a ‘no promises’ relationship for Alessandro obviously turns into something more although both men are slow to acknowledge it.
This is a story with lots of drama – violence and mystery as Alessandro’s past which comes back to haunt him and Jaime. It is also a story of intolerance as small minded people ensure their opinions on being gay are noted in a major way. Family plays a key role and I adored Jaime’s relationship with his sister Shannon. I do hope she finds a boyfriend soon! I loved Eunice, Alessandro’s foster mother – such a strong and accepting woman.
I loved Jaime and Alessandro and the tender way they treated each other. There are some sizzling sex scenes and lots of sexual energy and tension, particularly when they hit the gay bar and meet some of Alessandro’s friends! Great mix of hot and passionate and slow and loving throughout this book.
I am very much looking forward to book 2 when it is released.
4.5 stars
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in return for my honest review.
I publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
Alessandro has had a difficult life with his early years spent in trouble and his reputation still haunts him when he moved back to his small town to take care of his recently widowed foster mother and her current foster kids. There is not a sign of Alessandro’s past in the man he is now. He is honourable and trust worthy and places his family first.
Jaime has also had a hard life, losing his mother to the same heart disease that resulted in his own health problems. He missed the last years of high school as he waited a heart transplant. In the following years he has been afraid to catch up on the things he missed out on – dating and sex are frightening to a young inexperienced gay man.
Fate intervenes and brings Alessandro to the bakery owned by Jaime’s sister and a beautiful relationship follows. What initially starts as a journey of sexual awakening for Jaime and a ‘no promises’ relationship for Alessandro obviously turns into something more although both men are slow to acknowledge it.
This is a story with lots of drama – violence and mystery as Alessandro’s past which comes back to haunt him and Jaime. It is also a story of intolerance as small minded people ensure their opinions on being gay are noted in a major way. Family plays a key role and I adored Jaime’s relationship with his sister Shannon. I do hope she finds a boyfriend soon! I loved Eunice, Alessandro’s foster mother – such a strong and accepting woman.
I loved Jaime and Alessandro and the tender way they treated each other. There are some sizzling sex scenes and lots of sexual energy and tension, particularly when they hit the gay bar and meet some of Alessandro’s friends! Great mix of hot and passionate and slow and loving throughout this book.
I am very much looking forward to book 2 when it is released.
4.5 stars
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in return for my honest review.
I publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
April 5, 2016
3.75 stars
April 19, 2016
No Such Thing...as what?
I'm always a little frustrated when I read a book and I don't get the connection between the story and the title. So while I really enjoyed this story, I'm left wondering 'no such thing as what?' I feel like I missed something in the story. I'm pretty sure I didn't but still the thought is there bouncing around in my brain.
Alessandro & Jamie meet when Alessandro goes into Jamie's sisters coffee shop after seeing a 'help needed' sign in the window. They begin a tentative relationship that's based on mutual attraction and Jamie's desire to make up for the parts of his life that he feels he missed out on because of his illness. Alessandro agrees to be Jamie's mentor and help in experience all the first time things that most gay young men his age have already discovered. Ale comes with a past one that's determined not to leave him alone.
Things click and before they realize it these two men begin to fall for each other and what was friendship and attraction starts to become something deeper. Something Alessandro swore he wouldn't allow himself because he wanted Jamie to be able to move on and experience all the things he'd missed out on until now. What he didn't count on was that the experiences Jamie wanted were all with him.
'No Such Thing' was a story about a young man coming of age, it was about facing your past and doing the right thing in spite of the dangers that it presented and it was about finding love even when you weren't really looking for it.
I love A.M. Arthur's stories and the wonderful characters she brings to them so much so that once I get this posted I'm off to get the next book in this series it's about a character that was introduced in this story and I liked him a lot, so I'm really looking forward to finding out more about Ezra. And on the upside Ezra's book is called 'Maybe This Time' and based on the blurb, I think I get the connection between the story and the title already so I'm feeling very optimistic about things.
3.5 stars rounded down for GR.
I'm always a little frustrated when I read a book and I don't get the connection between the story and the title. So while I really enjoyed this story, I'm left wondering 'no such thing as what?' I feel like I missed something in the story. I'm pretty sure I didn't but still the thought is there bouncing around in my brain.
Alessandro & Jamie meet when Alessandro goes into Jamie's sisters coffee shop after seeing a 'help needed' sign in the window. They begin a tentative relationship that's based on mutual attraction and Jamie's desire to make up for the parts of his life that he feels he missed out on because of his illness. Alessandro agrees to be Jamie's mentor and help in experience all the first time things that most gay young men his age have already discovered. Ale comes with a past one that's determined not to leave him alone.
Things click and before they realize it these two men begin to fall for each other and what was friendship and attraction starts to become something deeper. Something Alessandro swore he wouldn't allow himself because he wanted Jamie to be able to move on and experience all the things he'd missed out on until now. What he didn't count on was that the experiences Jamie wanted were all with him.
'No Such Thing' was a story about a young man coming of age, it was about facing your past and doing the right thing in spite of the dangers that it presented and it was about finding love even when you weren't really looking for it.
I love A.M. Arthur's stories and the wonderful characters she brings to them so much so that once I get this posted I'm off to get the next book in this series it's about a character that was introduced in this story and I liked him a lot, so I'm really looking forward to finding out more about Ezra. And on the upside Ezra's book is called 'Maybe This Time' and based on the blurb, I think I get the connection between the story and the title already so I'm feeling very optimistic about things.
3.5 stars rounded down for GR.
March 10, 2015
A bit lighter than the angst I'm used to from A.M. Arthur, which was fine. I really liked both main characters, and especially enjoyed Jaime's catching up on the things he missed out on. I also loved that this was a foster family that worked.
I didn't love the side plot with Ale's HS nemesis (rich family ruling the small town) but overall this was another enjoyable story from A.M. Arthur and I'm looking forward to more of this series.
I didn't love the side plot with Ale's HS nemesis (rich family ruling the small town) but overall this was another enjoyable story from A.M. Arthur and I'm looking forward to more of this series.
December 14, 2014
DNF at 21%
I can't go down "no communication - big misunderstanding - self sacrificing - wooby" trope lane today.
I just can't.
Not for me.
Recommended for m/m beginners and the unjaded.
I can't go down "no communication - big misunderstanding - self sacrificing - wooby" trope lane today.
I just can't.
Not for me.
Recommended for m/m beginners and the unjaded.
July 20, 2015
3.5 Stars
February 9, 2014
I love all things AM Arthur. I like that she takes issues seriously and presents some of the grim realities of being gay. And not gay either. Take Alessandro for example. His foster family situation is depicted authentically. He had some anger. He acted out. He was not a perfect child. But he learnt to control and he grew up, and now he's back to repay his foster mother. It's a great story.
Meeting Jamie is not in the plan. Jamie himself is a hot mess. I liked how we were given both points of view. I liked that they admitted their attraction and explored that. There was miscommunication, of course. Par for the course. But the little kinks they discovered were a nice touch. Although this has components that are sweet, the smex is actually quite hot and graphic!
Behind all this, is the nasty cruel stuff. Being bullied, being talked about, being targeted can be all-too-familiar for gay people, especially in a small town. Maybe Ale and Jamie don't react in the best ways, or in the most sensible ways, but that is part of being young, impetuous and inexperienced.
It ends with a satisfying conclusion, but also with the promise of more. Everything a reader could ask for.
This copy was provided by the publisher via Netgalley and was received and read with thanks. Published on Feb 17 2014.
Meeting Jamie is not in the plan. Jamie himself is a hot mess. I liked how we were given both points of view. I liked that they admitted their attraction and explored that. There was miscommunication, of course. Par for the course. But the little kinks they discovered were a nice touch. Although this has components that are sweet, the smex is actually quite hot and graphic!
Behind all this, is the nasty cruel stuff. Being bullied, being talked about, being targeted can be all-too-familiar for gay people, especially in a small town. Maybe Ale and Jamie don't react in the best ways, or in the most sensible ways, but that is part of being young, impetuous and inexperienced.
It ends with a satisfying conclusion, but also with the promise of more. Everything a reader could ask for.
This copy was provided by the publisher via Netgalley and was received and read with thanks. Published on Feb 17 2014.
February 7, 2014
2.5 stars
This was ok. A little predictable and forgettable, but ok. The first part of the book was actually pretty interesting and I thought it was going for 3.5-4 stars. I really liked Jaime's shy demeanor towards Alessandro and how he experienced his first, well everything really. Virgin in every sense of the word. His medical issue wasn't overplayed, which I thought was nice, and his hungups over his scar were realistic enough.
Then the added drama with the former high school bully began and I started zoning out fast. I even started skimming pages when I realized I wasn't really missing anything. I think if the second part of the book focused more on the developing relationship between Alessandro and Jaime, I would have liked it a lot more. There's a sequel, so maybe the second book will pick up on the relationship development, but I don't see myself going for it.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 4, 2016
This was good, but not great. The plot reminded me a bit of another book by this same author, what with the high school mystery, old secrets, someone threatened to keep that secret.
But I did like all the characters, and am interested enough to read the next book, especially since it's Ezra, who I really liked in the brief time we met him.
But I did like all the characters, and am interested enough to read the next book, especially since it's Ezra, who I really liked in the brief time we met him.
February 15, 2014
Crisp, organic writing and flow, solid plot and execution. Didn't skip over details but also wasn't bogged down by them. Excellent character growth for both Jaime and Alessandro. The villain was flat and one-dimensional, but that was as expected. The story behind his villainy was convincing.
Full review on Booklikes and my blog at a later time.
Full review on Booklikes and my blog at a later time.
March 5, 2014
So, i generally really like AM Arthur's writing, and this was no different. A pleasant story with some hot sexy scenes, and that patented AM Arthur over the top external plot. Basically, a slam-dunk for Arthur's fans.
September 29, 2015
It’s no secret that I love A.M. Arthur’s books. The reason will be obvious to anyone who reads them. She gives her readers believably real characters who are in tough realistic situations that make them even more lovable.
It’s been three years since Alessandro was in Perch Creek. He left and didn’t really look back. He also never really looked to the future and what to do with his life. He is brazilian, a former foster child, and his parents were illegal immigrants. He doesn’t see much in himself. What he does have is the amazing lady who raised him. Eunice just lost her husband, Ale’s foster father. She has two young foster children currently living with her and she needs a little help. Eunice doesn’t even have to ask. Ale gives up everything he had in Wilmington to return to Perch to help out the only home he ever had.
Twenty-three is far too old to be as inexperienced as Jaime is. He knows that his battle with heart disease is the reason behind his lack of life experiences. He’s grateful to be alive. He is even more grateful that he got a new heart and an extension on life. While Jaime is more than ready to go out and experience life he’s too embarrassed by his age to really go out and give it a try. Luckily his sister has hired a new waiter for her cafe, lucky for him that waiter is sexy and more than willing to play sexually adventuresome life coach.
It’s all black and white, have no strings instructional fun. The more fun Jaime and Alessandro have the more they realize that there is more to them than fun. They are both looking for the strings to attach and not sure how to get to that point. The past that Ale left behind in Perch is trying to run him off again. Jaime is forced to experience first hand why some people choose to stay in the closet. While so much of this budding relationship is smooth and easy there are some harsh realities that neither Ale or Jaime want.
It’s been three years since Alessandro was in Perch Creek. He left and didn’t really look back. He also never really looked to the future and what to do with his life. He is brazilian, a former foster child, and his parents were illegal immigrants. He doesn’t see much in himself. What he does have is the amazing lady who raised him. Eunice just lost her husband, Ale’s foster father. She has two young foster children currently living with her and she needs a little help. Eunice doesn’t even have to ask. Ale gives up everything he had in Wilmington to return to Perch to help out the only home he ever had.
Twenty-three is far too old to be as inexperienced as Jaime is. He knows that his battle with heart disease is the reason behind his lack of life experiences. He’s grateful to be alive. He is even more grateful that he got a new heart and an extension on life. While Jaime is more than ready to go out and experience life he’s too embarrassed by his age to really go out and give it a try. Luckily his sister has hired a new waiter for her cafe, lucky for him that waiter is sexy and more than willing to play sexually adventuresome life coach.
It’s all black and white, have no strings instructional fun. The more fun Jaime and Alessandro have the more they realize that there is more to them than fun. They are both looking for the strings to attach and not sure how to get to that point. The past that Ale left behind in Perch is trying to run him off again. Jaime is forced to experience first hand why some people choose to stay in the closet. While so much of this budding relationship is smooth and easy there are some harsh realities that neither Ale or Jaime want.
March 22, 2014
DNF at 30%.
I have enough of virgins.
And this "experienced gay guy shows the cute virgin the gay ropes" is not a favourite trope of mine. I personally think that for most couples even ground would be best.
And also this constant relationship/committment phobia. Have read this far too often.
Really, make up your mind if you want to be alone or in a relationship. It's not so hard. And then be upfront about it and don't wait until the virgin inevitably falls for you.
And just for realism's sake: Most people want to be in a serious relationship, just check out the online-dating sites. And if there are special rules for gays, fine. But I would rather read a book that lives from the characters and the building of feelings and a relationship than have this stupid trope thrown at me again.
I am disappointed as I liked this author's work before.
I have enough of virgins.
And this "experienced gay guy shows the cute virgin the gay ropes" is not a favourite trope of mine. I personally think that for most couples even ground would be best.
And also this constant relationship/committment phobia. Have read this far too often.
Really, make up your mind if you want to be alone or in a relationship. It's not so hard. And then be upfront about it and don't wait until the virgin inevitably falls for you.
And just for realism's sake: Most people want to be in a serious relationship, just check out the online-dating sites. And if there are special rules for gays, fine. But I would rather read a book that lives from the characters and the building of feelings and a relationship than have this stupid trope thrown at me again.
I am disappointed as I liked this author's work before.
December 12, 2014
Nice love story between and former foster kid and an inexperienced guy who has had a heart transplant, with some dangerous situations in their small town thrown in.
I enjoyed reading about these two, but there wasn't really anything that set it apart from other similar stories. There were some editing errors that occasionally annoyed me (incorrect word choice, incorrect tense, first saying Alessandro had been gone 3 years, then saying it had been 6 years), and did whoever chose the cover even skim the book? Neither look like they could be Alessandro.
I did like both the MC's though, and there were some very hot scenes involving another couple of guys. I'd like to read more exploration of that portion of Jaime's sexual discovery in the next book.
I enjoyed reading about these two, but there wasn't really anything that set it apart from other similar stories. There were some editing errors that occasionally annoyed me (incorrect word choice, incorrect tense, first saying Alessandro had been gone 3 years, then saying it had been 6 years), and did whoever chose the cover even skim the book? Neither look like they could be Alessandro.
I did like both the MC's though, and there were some very hot scenes involving another couple of guys. I'd like to read more exploration of that portion of Jaime's sexual discovery in the next book.
February 23, 2014
This gets 5 stars from me on heat alone. Holy heck did AM bring the heat on this one! One of the hottest de-virgining scenes ever. It's way hotter than most of her previous stuff. There's also some great angst and coming of age of two really sweet guys. And Ezra's book will be book 2 of the series! Can't wait! No Such Thing maybe needs a trigger warning though so I'll put one behind a spoiler tag.
May 27, 2015
This story would have been much improved by a few less sex scenes and more plot development and actual character interaction outside the bedroom. I'm sorry, but I really did not buy into their relationship as much as I would have like to - the author failed somewhat in proving to me that they have a viable relationship outside of bed. I want to see how they deal with each other on a day to day basis not how many times and ways they can get it on. Zzzzzzzzz
October 23, 2014
I really enjoyed this story. It covered so many different issues: living with a major disability, being a foster child with a troubled past, being gay in a small, closed-minded community...all big issues. But the story was so much more than these things! It was full of hope, romance, family and friends. Can't wait to read book 2 in this series.
June 16, 2017
I really enjoyed this, but it seemed unfinished. It really needed an epilogue to tie up loose ends.
February 25, 2017
Review to be posted soon
February 19, 2024
Love wasn't supposed to be on the table when Alè and Jamie got together. Getting together wasn't supposed to happen at all, Jamie was Alè's boss's younger brother after all. Jamie was seriously ill with a heart condition though most of high school and is only alive today after a heart transplant two years ago. Jamie walks into his sister's bakery just before closing and meets Alè on his first day on the job. Alè had returned home to help his foster mother after the death of her husband. His only real goal had been to help her, now he's mentoring Jamie in the ways of pleasuring another man. Both of these men are trying to not lose their hearts, but helping others seems to have become Alè's SOP and circumstances get complicated. Will they survive the hate of some in the town and the secrets from the past that drive the hate in others?
July 31, 2022
Lots of drama in the new adult romance about Ale, a guy who returns to his hometown to support his former foster mother, and Jaime, who was ill for most of his life and now wants to experience all life has to offer, especially sex. Unfortunately you can't always go home again. There are people who don't want Ale back in town. Also, as with so many romances, this is just supposed to be sex and none of those messy feelings. We all know how that works out :). Again, lots of drama but done well.
September 2, 2019
The Past Trumped by Love!
The romance story between returning resident Alessandro & bookish Jaime is full of soap opera-ish ups and downs. Likable MCs, interesting enough premise and just the right amount of sexy time. An aside: I don’t get the title?🤔
The romance story between returning resident Alessandro & bookish Jaime is full of soap opera-ish ups and downs. Likable MCs, interesting enough premise and just the right amount of sexy time. An aside: I don’t get the title?🤔
Read
March 30, 2017Review to Follow
February 23, 2014
‘No Such Thing’ was a very pleasant surprise. Having never read the author before I had no idea what to expect other than what the interesting sounding blurb told me. I was hoping for an gripping love story and that was exactly what I found, as well as a whole lot more.
Alessandro Silva (Alè) has grown up in the foster-care system and spent most of his youth being an angry young man. The last family he was placed with saved him from ruining his life, and now that is foster-father has died he has returned to the small town where he spent his teenage years to help his foster-mother and the two children she’s caring for. Luck seems to be on his side when he immediately finds a job in a local bakery and that is before he sets eyes on the owner’s younger brother.
Jaime Winters hasn’t really experienced his teenage years. Years of heart failure have kept him in bed and in hospital. Although it has been two years since he had a life-saving heart transplant, Jaime is still keeping a low profile. Pretending that he’s too busy with his studies to date is easier than having to admit that aged 23 not only is he still a virgin, he hasn’t properly kissed anyone yet either.
The attraction between Jaime and Alè is instant and Alè is more than open to introducing the inexperienced but very sexy Jaime to the delights of intimacy and sex. It is to be a no ties, no emotions involved affair between two men who like each other but both have good reasons for not looking for anything more permanent.
When Jaime and Alè start to get closer despite their attempts to keep things casual, small town bigotry and bad decisions Alè made in the past intrude, putting both their budding relationship and their lives at risk.
This book had it all. There is, of course the charming romance between the experienced Alessandro with his bad reputation and golden heart, and the outwardly fragile but very determined Jaime. But there is so much more. From the start there’s the mystery of what exactly happened in Alè’s past, as well as the building tension as that past seems to catch up with him.
Alè is a good man with a dodgy past. The care he takes of his foster mother after she’s widowed and the two young foster children living with her was heart-warming. In the hands of a lesser author the way this character wants to blame himself for everything that happens to others would have been irritating. In this book it completely worked, as did the way it was dealt with.
“Do you think you can change what a jerk you were as a kid by saving Tony from doing the same things?” Jaime to Alè
And the same was true for Jaime and his hang-ups about his medical past and the scar he wears as a result of it. It could have been frustrating but was beautiful instead.
“Do you know why this scar is beautiful? Because it’s proof you’re alive, that the doctors could fix you. Without the scar you wouldn’t be here.”
I loved Jaime and Alè’s relationship. The sexy scenes between them from the very first kiss to the exhibitionistic scene later on were beautifully written and very hot. I loved that Alessandro, despite his growing feelings for Jaime, still wants to make sure the novice gets his chance at experimenting, even if it means letting him go. And the fact that Jaime, despite his attraction to Alessandro, has doubts about diving headlong into a steady relationship with his very first partner only made the book more realistic.
“What do you want, Jaime?” Alessandro whispered, his breath hot on his lips. “Tell me.”
This book dealt with a lot of heavy topics – foster care, health issues, gay-bashing and violence – without ever getting too heavy or taking anything away from the love story.
“I lived in fear of dying for same many years Alè. I don’t want to be afraid all the time anymore. I got a second chance at life, so I want to live.”
And some of the scenes in this book were so hot I had to put the book down to catch my breath before reading on. For those who are sensitive about such things I should probably add that those scenes are rather explicit, although for me that only added to the beauty of them.
I discovered a sequel to this book will be released in July and I will be keeping an eager eye out for that one. I’ve fallen in love with Jaime and Alè and can’t wait to spend more time with them.
“I promise to take care of your heart, if you promise to take care of mine.”
Alessandro Silva (Alè) has grown up in the foster-care system and spent most of his youth being an angry young man. The last family he was placed with saved him from ruining his life, and now that is foster-father has died he has returned to the small town where he spent his teenage years to help his foster-mother and the two children she’s caring for. Luck seems to be on his side when he immediately finds a job in a local bakery and that is before he sets eyes on the owner’s younger brother.
Jaime Winters hasn’t really experienced his teenage years. Years of heart failure have kept him in bed and in hospital. Although it has been two years since he had a life-saving heart transplant, Jaime is still keeping a low profile. Pretending that he’s too busy with his studies to date is easier than having to admit that aged 23 not only is he still a virgin, he hasn’t properly kissed anyone yet either.
The attraction between Jaime and Alè is instant and Alè is more than open to introducing the inexperienced but very sexy Jaime to the delights of intimacy and sex. It is to be a no ties, no emotions involved affair between two men who like each other but both have good reasons for not looking for anything more permanent.
When Jaime and Alè start to get closer despite their attempts to keep things casual, small town bigotry and bad decisions Alè made in the past intrude, putting both their budding relationship and their lives at risk.
This book had it all. There is, of course the charming romance between the experienced Alessandro with his bad reputation and golden heart, and the outwardly fragile but very determined Jaime. But there is so much more. From the start there’s the mystery of what exactly happened in Alè’s past, as well as the building tension as that past seems to catch up with him.
Alè is a good man with a dodgy past. The care he takes of his foster mother after she’s widowed and the two young foster children living with her was heart-warming. In the hands of a lesser author the way this character wants to blame himself for everything that happens to others would have been irritating. In this book it completely worked, as did the way it was dealt with.
“Do you think you can change what a jerk you were as a kid by saving Tony from doing the same things?” Jaime to Alè
And the same was true for Jaime and his hang-ups about his medical past and the scar he wears as a result of it. It could have been frustrating but was beautiful instead.
“Do you know why this scar is beautiful? Because it’s proof you’re alive, that the doctors could fix you. Without the scar you wouldn’t be here.”
I loved Jaime and Alè’s relationship. The sexy scenes between them from the very first kiss to the exhibitionistic scene later on were beautifully written and very hot. I loved that Alessandro, despite his growing feelings for Jaime, still wants to make sure the novice gets his chance at experimenting, even if it means letting him go. And the fact that Jaime, despite his attraction to Alessandro, has doubts about diving headlong into a steady relationship with his very first partner only made the book more realistic.
“What do you want, Jaime?” Alessandro whispered, his breath hot on his lips. “Tell me.”
This book dealt with a lot of heavy topics – foster care, health issues, gay-bashing and violence – without ever getting too heavy or taking anything away from the love story.
“I lived in fear of dying for same many years Alè. I don’t want to be afraid all the time anymore. I got a second chance at life, so I want to live.”
And some of the scenes in this book were so hot I had to put the book down to catch my breath before reading on. For those who are sensitive about such things I should probably add that those scenes are rather explicit, although for me that only added to the beauty of them.
I discovered a sequel to this book will be released in July and I will be keeping an eager eye out for that one. I’ve fallen in love with Jaime and Alè and can’t wait to spend more time with them.
“I promise to take care of your heart, if you promise to take care of mine.”
December 14, 2014
Update:
Did a reread of Jaime and Ale's story, and loved it just as much (if not more!) the second time around. Definitely my favorite couple in this series, I think. :D
~ * ~ * ~
Well, it's official; I have dipped my toes into the m/m genre, something I never thought I would do. I have to tell you, I really like it! Now, I'm not going to be giving up my “traditional” romances, eve, but now that I know good m/m can be found, I'll be revisiting this genre again.
I blame my change of heart on Brigid Kemmerer's YA paranormal, SECRET, which I recently read and loved. While talking to other readers, finding some recommendations, and digging through GR and Amazon, I came across A.M. Arthur. After reading a few reviews, I felt like this might be a good place to start. It was my lucky day when I found No Such Thing up on NG! I can honestly say that I am very glad I requested this title!
I liked Ale and Jaime, they were the perfect mix of sweet and sexy, both as individual characters, and, of course, as a couple. I loved the chemistry and growing connection between them as well.
No Such Thing was very sexy and there was plenty of heat between these two young men. The scene at the gay bar both fun and extremely hot, as was the scene at Ezra's house right after that. I'll admit, I was kind of hoping that particular scene would be gone a bit further, but I can see now that Jaime and Ale have plenty of time to experiment, if they both wish to; right now it's about the two of them.
There's a few issues in town, including a few fights with the local idiots who hate gays, which helped to add some tension to the book.
My only complaint? The ending felt a bit too quick, and left me hanging.
I enjoyed No Such Thing, and finished it very quickly. I will definitely be trying more books by this author, and in fact I can't wait to see what book 2 will be like!
If, like me, you are tempted to try some m/m romances, I would suggest picking up No Such Thing. I'm not an expert on the genre, but I can tell you this: I loved following this cute couple, through the good and the bad.
4 STARS!
~ * ~ * ~
For my full review, including favorite book quotes for NO SUCH THING, please visit my blog, TBQ's Book Palace.
I received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest opinion.
TheBookQueen
Did a reread of Jaime and Ale's story, and loved it just as much (if not more!) the second time around. Definitely my favorite couple in this series, I think. :D
~ * ~ * ~
Well, it's official; I have dipped my toes into the m/m genre, something I never thought I would do. I have to tell you, I really like it! Now, I'm not going to be giving up my “traditional” romances, eve, but now that I know good m/m can be found, I'll be revisiting this genre again.
I blame my change of heart on Brigid Kemmerer's YA paranormal, SECRET, which I recently read and loved. While talking to other readers, finding some recommendations, and digging through GR and Amazon, I came across A.M. Arthur. After reading a few reviews, I felt like this might be a good place to start. It was my lucky day when I found No Such Thing up on NG! I can honestly say that I am very glad I requested this title!
I liked Ale and Jaime, they were the perfect mix of sweet and sexy, both as individual characters, and, of course, as a couple. I loved the chemistry and growing connection between them as well.
No Such Thing was very sexy and there was plenty of heat between these two young men. The scene at the gay bar both fun and extremely hot, as was the scene at Ezra's house right after that. I'll admit, I was kind of hoping that particular scene would be gone a bit further, but I can see now that Jaime and Ale have plenty of time to experiment, if they both wish to; right now it's about the two of them.
There's a few issues in town, including a few fights with the local idiots who hate gays, which helped to add some tension to the book.
My only complaint? The ending felt a bit too quick, and left me hanging.
I enjoyed No Such Thing, and finished it very quickly. I will definitely be trying more books by this author, and in fact I can't wait to see what book 2 will be like!
If, like me, you are tempted to try some m/m romances, I would suggest picking up No Such Thing. I'm not an expert on the genre, but I can tell you this: I loved following this cute couple, through the good and the bad.
4 STARS!
~ * ~ * ~
For my full review, including favorite book quotes for NO SUCH THING, please visit my blog, TBQ's Book Palace.
I received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest opinion.
TheBookQueen
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