Queers

by A.J. Rose

Within her walls are stories. Love. Laughter. Tears. Lives lived to the fullest, and sometimes cut short before they really get started. She’s seen it all, from homelessness to super-stardom, boys dressed as girls, girls dressed as lamps, and boy, does she have secrets she could tell. Her one truth is that everyone who darkens her doors is accepted with open arms and a song.

Her name is Queers, and for one of L.A.’s few dueling piano bars, she has a lot of heart. On her stage, the beautiful voice of Duff McKinley rings so true he captures the shattered heart of his boss, Brad Mosely, who checked out of life three years ago. But even lifelong dreams have untold consequences.

Duff came to L.A. to chase his musical aspirations, but his best friend Garrett Slater accompanied him to chase a wish of his own: finding The One, his white knight. He believes Landon Kennedy fits the bill. Suave, handsome, and powerful in the music industry, Landon can show Garrett a life he's only seen in movies. But even as Landon helps Duff realize his dreams, he brings Garrett into a nightmare he may never leave, one from which Garrett's roommate, Jackson Moriarty, is determined to rescue him. If Garrett repays Jackson by seeing his own charms, so much the better.

Yes, within her walls, Queers has long history. Unrequited love, sinister intentions, fame, fortune, and a group of friends and lovers who would do anything for each other no matter the cost.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance, Abuse, Music, LGBT, Friends To Lovers

423 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 29, 2014

Reviews

[Baba · Rating 1 out of 5]

1 drama-drama-drama star. Review posted February 6, 2014



I'm going to dedicate this gif to Garrett…


Duff came to Queers having expectations. There's no denying it, Queers couldn't live up to my very high expectations. I'm completely bummed.


In a nutshell (between 40 % and 100 %):
Drama * Sobfest * SugarVille * Drama * Sobfest * SugarVille * Drama * Sobfest * SugarVille * Drama * Sobfest * SugarVille * Drama * Sobfest * SugarVille * Drama * Sobfest * SugarVille * Drama * Sobfest * SugarVille * Drama * Sobfest * SugarVille * Drama * Sobfest * SugarVille * Drama * Sobfest * SugarVille * Drama * Sobfest * SugarVille * Drama * Sobfest * SugarVille * Drama * Sobfest * SugarVille * Drama * Sobfest * SugarVille * Drama * Sobfest * SugarVille * Drama * Sobfest * SugarVille *



I am so freaking mad and frustrated I don’t know what to say. I'm still frustrated but I gotta get it off my chest before I choke on it. Bear with me when my thoughts are all over the place. Also, I apologize for using the term drama excessively.

First off I'd like to point out that I absolutely devoured Safeword and it saddens me very much to tell you that I didn't recognize the author's voice in Queers. In fact, I enjoyed the beginning but the more I read the less I liked where the storyline was heading and I felt a strong antipathy towards the characters. I don't need to beat around the bush. The second half was a bloody nightmare. If I had bought the paperback I would have burned the book.

Of course Garrett being a delusional and stupid Drama Queen and LIVING IN CONSTANT DENIAL wasn’t enough. Nope, we needed more of that crap in the form of Brad dealing with the dude who committed the hit-and-run on his former partner Scott three years ago. What a nice coincidence that the case could be solved in Queers. OMG, I could witness Brad's Oscar-worthy disastrous meltdown. It was an unforgettable experience. And let's not ignore the drama between Brad and Duff and to top everything off, Jennica and Moonshine had to add another layer of drama to the plot. All the mayhem, problems and DRAMA smothered the entire book. Terrible. Queers is a bloody soap opera. No, scratch that. It was worse than a soap opera.

Abuse and domestic violence can happen to anyone but please, WHY didn’t Garrett (who lacked self-respect to the nth, BTW) show Landon the door after that pathetic first fuck? He knew that something wasn't right. Poor Garrett is a needy attention whore and since Landon was filthy rich, he could ignore all the disadvantages that radiated from him in waves. Let's face it, not only love makes blind, so does money. Garrett didn't want to take a closer look. All it took was for Mr. Motherf@cker to spend enough dough and Garrett gladly fell at his feet. He was a kept man and as a counteraction Landon used him as his punching ball. I'm sorry…I'm so sorry, blah, blah, blah. Nice. Not. Garrett made his bed, so he can lie in it. There comes a time when I, as the reader, transcend the point where my empathy dissolves into nothingness and I end up angry and ill tempered. I gotta tell you reading Queers caused my sympathy to plummet disastrously. Honestly, I wanted to scream my head off, I was so un-f@cking-believably angry and frustrated. I actually liked Moonshine and Jackson in the beginning. However, when both of them decided to jump right into the middle of that gooey and cheesy drama, which was divided in several pathetic acts, I was so done. As in really, really done.







I'm neither a physician nor a nurse but I don't think that it was very advisable to carry the severely injured Garrett. What about probable back or neck injuries? WHY NOT SIMPLY CALL 911?? Guess what? Garrett was hardly coherent but he made Drake (Landon's assistant and fuck buddy) call Jackson to come get him. The dude didn't know what to do. Hello? Landon beat Garrett to a pulp, threw him down the stairs and he doesn't call the EMTs? How nice. In the aftermath of that drama, Garrett stopped breathing; they had to resuscitate him and Jackson threw a fit at the hospital…aaaand we have another drama. Calm down, Baba. *pets*

Moonshine slapped her hands over her mouth, and irrational anger flared in Jackson's gut. That wasn't her whole life lying there, hope for him fading with every passing second. She didn't love Garrett like he did. What right did she have?

Dafuck? That's not irrational anger, that's just acting stupidly. Maybe Landon should punch you, too, Jackson?

As if I hadn't had to deal with enough drama, mayhem, angry outbursts etc., the women felt the need to scream their heads off, too.

"I fucking knew it!" Jennica screeched, and charged into the office, face red and claws fully extended. (…)
"It's not what you think!" Moonshine yelled from inside. "Jennica! Hey!"

Yup, sucking face with the ex "is not what you think." *insert major eye roll*

*screech* *yell* *screech* *yell* *growl* *snarl* yadda, yadda, yadda.


Garrett's behavior had been explained like this (I quote):

"Because he grew up being told he was a faggot, disgusting, unlovable, mentally deficient, blah, blah, blah. So he got it in his head if he could find his one true love, he could prove them all wrong.(…)"

Regardless, it's unacceptable that Garrett did deactivate his brain cells.



"That's the attitude that lost you your job. The same one that made Jackson walk out the door. And what about Jackson? He's been in love with you forever, would do anything for you. Can't you see that?"

"That bastard smacked you around, belittled you for daring to wear women's clothes when there's nothing wrong with that, left you a sobbing mess, and you're having dinner with him?"
Garrett only glared.
"What does it take to get through to you?" Jackson yelled, startling them both.
(…)
"I practically fall at your feet to tell you I love you, Garrett, and you don't fucking get it. I was there for you when that fucktard punched you! Brought you home. Held you while you cried over him when he doesn't fucking deserve you. Let you fuck me in the hopes you'd finally see how much I care about you, what I would give to be with you, and when he has his assistant invite you to dinner, you fucking jump like a mental patient on a Xanax?"



Wasn't it incredibly convenient that Moonshine was soooooo well off that she could take care of every financial problem? What a nice, sweet, little bow. I want one, too. Not.



I'm not dense at all. I knew that I had to expect something completely different from Safeword and I really do appreciate different. But this cheesy and RIDICULOUS stage play is not my cup of tea. I'm pretty sure that Queers will go down in my book history as one of my biggest reading disappointments in 2014. Considering the very high average rating you might as well ignore my opinion. Happy dramatic reading!


Warning
Queers contains abuse/domestic violence, "cheating", LOTS of cheese, crying, screaming, snarling, growling, and EXCESSIVE drama.

Rant over.


P.S. The absolutely fantastic trailer deserves five stars! Here is the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLvIP...


http://baba.booklikes.com

[Nazanin]

DNF @ 23%

This book has a really good rating and I was familiar with this author’s writing so I went into it blind but unfortunately, it wasn’t for me; I didn’t like the writing. I like books with focusing on one couple but this one wasn’t like that and another thing, the chapters were tooooo long… Hope you enjoy it more than me!

[BevS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazeballs and gazillions of stars from me, but 5 will have to do.




**Just a little note before I start my review. PLEASE do not buy this book on the assumption that it is anything like the Power Exchange series or even The Yearning, it isn't, which only goes to show in my humble opinion what a gifted and talented writer AJ is. Buy it because you know AJ's work is Eloquent, Elegant, Emotional...right from the heart. I could add several more 'E's here such as Enthralling, Entertaining, and just downright Enjoyable!!**

I knew from following AJ on her blog AND on Facebook that she's extremely proud of this novel, and has put an enormous amount of love, time and effort into it together with late nights and non-existent weekends to make it the best it can be. I also knew without a doubt that I would fall in love with it and the characters she had created. Needless to say, I wasn't disappointed and did a **Happy Dance** around the bedroom at around 10.30pm last night!!

As far as I'm concerned, most successful books are judged by the extent to which the reader feels he/she is able to interact with the characters (well rounded and 'real'), their lives and the every day situations they have to face and deal with. If my assumption is even a little correct, then this absolute gem of a story will have everyone singing its praises. I was completely hooked from the get-go, and yesterday even went so far as to take the phone off the hook, throw the men in my life out of the house and tell Real Life to p**s off so I could get this marvellous book finished.

It tells the story of two best friends Duff and Garrett, and what happens to them when Duff finally starts to realise his dream of becoming a musical superstar after entering a piano-duelling bar named Queers. We get to meet the guys the pair are friends with, particular emphasis on Jackson here (The Three Musky Queers, hehe), and we get to meet the women who 'have their backs' (and were completely awesome, I you Moonshine and Jennica) and the two extremely important love interests for the pair, Brad and Landon. I won't go into any more detail on here [although I must put an advisory in for domestic violence], all I can do is put my hand on my heart and say PLEASE read this book...if you want an emotional rollercoaster complete with laughter, tears, a few dollops of hot sex AND unbridled anger to spend a few hours with, then THIS is your book!! A big shout out to Fen too for the great editing and the colourful cover.

Welcome to the new age Duff. It's radioactive.

[Feliz · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are books I can't get into. This book, I couldn't get out of, painful as it was to read at times. Boy, what a ride! My cuticles can sympathize with Brad's 'cause they're all but gone as well by now.

Basically, this is about three friends, the "Three Musky Queers" as they call themselves--Duff (my only point of critique with this book--what a Sh**y name), Garrett and Jackson, who all dream of finding love, the one true love, and go about it/ stumble across it/get beaten over the head with it in different ways. And then there are the secondary characters--Moonshine (although I hesitate to call her a secondary character and she'd surely have my hide for that too, the way she almost steals away the show from the guys), Brad, Jennica, Landon, Eli, Adam, and Scott, each a person in their own right, each with hopes, dreams and sometimes, an agenda of their own.

The book started out with two almost separate storylines, following two of the intended couples, by and by bringing them together to a heart-racing finale. Even though I hated reading on at times, I just had to find out what happened next (see above, my poor cuticles...) and I can only sit back and stare in awe at what the author did to the story, to the characters and to me, the reader.

Reading this book felt like listening to a symphonic piece of music, perhaps "The Moldau" by Smetana--leading melody and counterpoint parallel, gradually running together, broken up by an entertaining, lighter interlude, then once again linking together and weaving into one another, building up tension, building and building toward a glorious,exploding-rainbow, thundering climax and then calming down, petering out to a quiet, heartwarming coda.

It wasn't as if this book didn't have its flaws, starting with a number of clichés and not ending with a rabbit-out-of-the-magic-hat solution to most everybody's problems. But you know what? I did't care a bit, that's how wrapped up and sucked into the story I became. Not lastly thanks to the fast-paced, smooth writing that had me reading just one more sentence, just one more paragraph when I really should've been doing other things.

Masterfully done, and topped off with not one, but three-and-a-half HEA's, with everyone getting what they deserve for once and decorated with one of the very best female characters I've come across in a while.
Warmly recommended.

[Jennifer☠Pher☠ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have written and re-written this a few times and at the end of all that, I think maybe I just didn’t like it because it is not the type of book for me. So, forgive me for the rant but I do have some things to say.

I don’t even know where to begin. First, this book was really long and it took me forever to read. Long books do not scare me and sometimes if anything, I crave a good long story. I am a speedy reader but this book was not a speedy read. I felt like I was getting nowhere even when I was reading for very long periods of time. What I realize is that the entire time I was reading this book I was just waiting for really bad things to happen and that is not a good way to read a book. I was exhausted the entire time I was reading and I was reading a really, really long time. A lot of this book was way out of my comfort zone and made me feel sick to my stomach. Because of that the majority of the time I was reading was focused on the next really bad thing that was going to happen and believe me, there was a lot of bad things that could have happened and some of them did. So, when I finished I thought, ok, that wasn’t too bad, I didn’t hate it but then I started writing my review. (This is me starting over from what I have written so far) Re-reading what I wrote almost sounds like I hated it but I know I didn’t so I am starting over. You know what it is though? Finishing this book didn’t do anything to me. I didn’t cheer, I didn’t cry, I didn’t even smile. Honestly I just felt nothing except the wonder of what am I reading next and oh no, I have to write a review. I swear I didn’t hate it though. It wasn’t bad it was just…DRAMA!

The story itself mainly revolves around two new relationships. One good and one evil. Yeah, there is no other way to describe it. My metaphor for the story was dueling pianos. The story starts at a dueling piano bar and all through the book it felt like these relationships were the same but different and well, dueling. These two relationships were the exact opposite of each other in every way. One about second chances and finding true love and new love and one about wanting love and being utterly crushed by that want. Although the two couples were experiencing the same types of things that new relationships experience the differences were HUGE and I felt like it was a duel, this one just happened to be like the battle of good and evil. Unfortunately I don’t know if I feel like anyone won. There was just too much drama.

This was a long journey and there was a shit ton of stuff going on in this book and a lot of characters to keep up with. All of these characters revolving around each other and each of them with their own story to tell and believe me, they all had a story and a lot of stuff going on. Drama, drama, drama. Now…here is the thing. I could have probably lived with the length, the uncomfortable, make me sick story and all the drama if I understood it. I didn’t. I didn’t feel it. There wasn’t one relationship out of the 1, 2, 3, 4 relationships going on. Oh wait, a 5th got thrown in toward the end but I just heard about it, it didn’t really exist I guess. So, really four different relationships going on, each with a lot of freaking drama and not one time did I FEEL for these people. No, that isn’t true. There were some sweet moments but those moments never lasted long enough and they always came from drama. But really, to me, none of the connections made sense. Brad was with Duff because he looked exactly like Scott? Was it ever even mentioned why Duff was with Brad? These two ended up growing on me but still…Garrett was with Landon because he bought him things? Landon, I have no idea why the DEVIL chose Garrett. Although I kept thinking he didn’t really want Garrett but I guess he kind of did? Moonshine was with Jennica who wasn’t a lesbian but was still kind of “with” her ex and well, Jennica was with Moonshine why? And then Jackson…Jackson was in love with Garrett but Garrett thinks Jackson is a whore and no, he doesn’t just think it, he TELLS HIM ALL THE TIME. Halloween I felt relief but then no, of course it couldn’t be. Then, one month after the really big bad they are perfect? So, yeah, it didn’t make sense.

Overall I think I read this book with a feeling of dread the entire time and that really did ruin the experience for me. At the end of the day, I don’t like uncomfortable. I don’t like crazy drama and really, I think I just love romance and rainbows and unicorns sprinkled in glitter with a perfect HEA.

A BIG shout out to my fellow readers. The best part of this book in my opinion was the Buddy Read I did while reading. I had a great time!

[Jenni Lea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really more like 3.5.

While I enjoyed reading this and liked all of the characters (well, except the villain) I felt that I've seen all of this before. Whether from on screen or in another book it felt a little too familiar. The multiple storylines were the standard tropes (rocker being forced back into the closet, cinderfella, second chances, abusive boyfriend etc.) that I have read in numerous other books or seen on TV.

That's not to say this book isn't good because it is. The characters were well formed in my mind and I was able to connect with all of them. I just felt the story needed a bit more originality.

[Diverse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Queers is an emotional roller coaster of epic proportions. AJ Rose weaves you through the lives of many characters with perfection. I laughed, I cried, I swore, plotted murder and cried some more. My heart was singing right along with Duff in this book. Every feeling that you experience throughout Queers is delivered with an entrancing poetry. It is so very rare you get attached to multiple characters in a story, but with this one, it's damn near impossible not to. If I could give it ten stars I would! OUTSTANDING!

[Mare SLiTsReaD Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

And these are the Gay Days of Our Lives



HA! This book. I’m wavering between 3.5 – 4 stars.

Ok so I’ll be honest. I got bored in the beginning of this BR. There was a thread going and I saw everyone’s comments and I was like HUH. DAMMIT. Another book that everyone is absorbing and I’m having a hard time turning the page without yawning, shit I even read another book in between. THEN while Lil ole me is still at 19% everyone else in the BR was at 85% AND not that they spoiled it cause they didn’t but they did talk. And it was OMG!… I feel sick!… I cant believe that happened!… OMG wait till you get to 75/85%. Well I wanted to KNOW SO BAD SO I went back to Queers and after the 25% mark, fuck me sideways, I didn’t want to stop reading.

And to my buddies in this BR~ I have a hard on for Moonshine now. Yes I do. She really got on my nerves in the beginning and I wanted to slap her silly. but meh, so did my BFF when we first met and look at us now! 24 years later and we are tighter than a condom that is too small. Is a condom ever too small tho??? Ok tighter than a fat man in spandex.

I am not going to go into details about what happened in this book because seriously. There is A LOT that happened in the pages of this book.

Queers- Where everyone knows your game.

^^^^^^^^^^^ lies ^^^^^^^^^^

Nobody knew anybody’s game. Secrets and lies, and cries and ties.

The cast I mean characters were CRAZYYYYYY, sweet, dumb, pathetic, awesome, annoying, clueless, dumb, broken, scarred, dumb, shit did I mention DUMB??????

I sound like I didn’t like it. BUT. I did. So much going on within 600 pages. So DAMN MUCH.

Landon: Die Die Die. I hate you, hate you, hate you with a passion that burns. My only wish, that this book was written a smidge differently. I wish someone beat his f’n ass. BEAT IT!

Garrett: You dumb DUMB DUMB boy. DUMB. That is all. I say this with love.

Jackson: You have my HEART.

Duff- I liked you well enough. And then everyone knew your name I mean game.

Brad- Meh. I usually love a broken man, how sad that you just weren’t broken enough for me. I know callous… but true.

Jennica- Awesome- and you kick ass too!

Moonshine~ Ok I admit, I didn’t care for your nosybody busybody antics. But my dear, you worked it out. Yes you did. You got there. And if Jackson has my heart, you also have a minuscule piece of it.

So if you want to read a whirlwind drama, this book is for you. The angst flows off the pages, ummmm, pretty much each page, in a very dense sense. Edge of your seat, WTF moments, lots of WTF moments.

This book does contain abuse, so if that bothers you, tread carefully while reading this.

Mare~Slitsread

[Nash Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know that feeling you get when you first get on a roller coaster and you're like "This is going to be awesome!"? That's how Queers starts out. AJ Rose did an exceptional job building the anticipation in the first act of this book. By the time you're nearing the 'peak' of this ride you'll be wondering "wtf was I thinking?!?" much like you would right before the coaster plunges over the peak and your stomach rushes into your throat. But have no fear! All's well that ends well, so they say.

If you're looking for a book that has a rowdy, lovable cast of characters then this won't disappoint!

[Sunne · Rating 1 out of 5]

First I need to say, I loved "Safeword". Just saying....

Now...Queers...???

I don't know, I don't know what to say. I wondered while reading, if this was really the same author. It was so different - and not just because it is a different story, but because it felt like this one came from Venus while Safeword and Power Exchange came from Mars.

The writing style reminded me a lot of these overromanticized m/m novels I don't like, where the guys are "captivated" or "intoxicated" all the time by these "delicate" and "mesmerizing"....bla, bla, bla...I think you get it. I admit, I've read worse and more schmaltzy stuff and maybe I've gotten allergic to these kind of words but when I add the whole drama .... and there is a lot of drama.

Brad's loss of his lover through a homophobic cardriver - okay, only in flashback but it affects his behaviour a lot in the beginning.
Brad's meltdown when they finally get the driver.
Brad's irrational behaviour and withdrawl when Duff gets his contract.
Duff - wait, I think he is drama-free
Garrett is the greatest drama queen ever. I don't even get why he didn't forget about Landon after the first fuck. Explaining his behaviour with the wish to please and feel loved is so not working for me because he is already loved by his friends, he is so accepted, sorry, no. And then without even talking it over with his friends he makes himself dependent on Landon? Knowing the guy hit him. Considering how often he tried to twist himself into something Landon wants and how uncomfortable he felt even in the beginning, sorry, I can't buy this. And when he agreed to meet him for dinner after the beating...sorry, that was the moment he lost my respect.
Landon? Shoot him now, please.
Jackson didn't get his feet of the ground either. Hello, Mister, the love of your life gets beaten around and you do what?
Moonshine was for huge parts really good but what was that added crap with her former girlfriend? That was so unnecessary and added only more drama. And while we are talking about her, she has a wealthy and supportive grandmother somewhere but Brad had to save her from the streets?
And why the hell did Drake even work for Landon? He knew all about him.

So, nearly everybody of the main characters had some drama to cope with.

It wasn't my cup of tea. Sorry

[Sandi ♥'s way too many M/M books · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK gotta say 1st the best Buddy read EVER! Thank you to my favorite peoples for getting me through this. I am horrible at reviews so more my feelings than anything. Now onto the book this is so very hard I had NO idea what the book was going to end up dealing with through most of it and it wrecked my heart Domestic abuse or ANY abuse is not OK

Let’s start with the players involved I’ll start with Moonshine as I loved her through the whole damn book Even when she was a stupid ass and kissed Marissa She was blunt in your face saucy and I like that! And her and Jennica we’re too sticking adorable. And the fact that being with Moonshine brought some attitude out of Jennica which was awesome to see. She took care of her friends when it came down to it they both did. That is my kind of friend. I liked Brad and Duff but I’ve seen this in so many books before Boy loses lover can’t move past it until poof the sweet new boy comes along finally to break him so it was just ok. But I did like that there was almost mirroring ( the good and the bad ) of relationships between Brad and Duff a good kinda love and Garrett and Landon a VERY bad need for love Don’t get me started on Landon hate is such a small word for what I felt for him. Garrett, I really liked him in the beginning until who I thought he was as a person totally changed and I couldn’t believe that he would take what was handed to him and just lie to everyone and not walk away from Landon, your life is never worth that kind of abuse nor are your dreams god he pissed me off And I couldn’t get back the happy feelings I had in the beginning for him. Jackson, I saved him for last because well I loved him, I felt for him, I hurt for him, I cried with him. he is the one who wrecked me in this book The ending was BAM freaking awesome I loved it again I love me some Moonshine I’m giving this book 4 stars

[Dennysgirl · Rating 2 out of 5]

IF YOU HAVE SUFFERED FROM DOMNECSTIC VIOLENCE OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO DOES, DON'T READ THIS BOOK.

So, that needed to be said.
I feel like the spoilsport here but I can't understand the connection with the MCs like other reviewers praised.

Garrett - sorry, dense, denser , Garrett. Or blind, blinder, Garrett. I pity him.
Duff - he is pale, just another nice and talented sesitive guy.
Brad - what? Gooey puddle of self pity mixed with overly sweet reawakening
Landon - nuff said...seriously, this guy was in the whole book!
Jackson - uff, one star of this review is only for Jackson. I love you, man, you are my hero.
Moonshine - the other star is for you.

And what was it with this writing? I don't remember this nearly overly cheesy style in Safeword. Granted - it wasn't through the whole book but there are parts I wondered if someone else had taken over.

Let me be the one who said it - I was tempted to stop reading several times. No - it wasn't a book for me.

Go, read other people's reviews.

[Jaycee Edward · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a lot but I seldom write reviews. Only when a book has moved me to the point I want to scream to the world, “You ABSOLUTELY HAVE to read this book!” You know the kind. You want to devour every word, yet curse the slider at the bottom of the Kindle when it says you’re past 50% because you know the story will be ending. You are jealous of others when they get to read it for the first time. Queers is one of those books. Another reviewer called it, “Epic” and that’s exactly what it is. Only, it’s more like FOUR epic stories - not just one. Like others, five stars is not enough.

You can read the synopsis, so I won’t rehash that here. This is a BIG book, so to say it was a rollercoaster ride of emotions doesn’t even come close. I felt like I was on a tiny ship being tossed at sea in the middle of the Perfect Storm.

In one early chapter alone, I had heart pangs (my hallmark of a perfect book), I laughed, I cried, I sighed, I was frustrated, I was mad. But then it never stopped. Even though I finished it yesterday, I’m still feeling emotional about Queers today.

AJ Rose is a one-click, must-read author for me. I have read all his books and highly recommend all of them. While all are in the M/M genre, each is entirely different. From the sweetest ghost story ever written (The Yearning), to exciting and emotional cop/BDSM stories (Power Exchange and Safeword) to Queers, AJ never disappoints or gets locked into a common theme. His sex scenes are the only ones I don’t skim over. They are erotic and sensual, but almost never perfect. In other words, realistic. One in this book brought me to tears because of the sheer beauty and emotion and that has never, ever happened to me before.

His simple, yet beautifully written prose sucks you into the story and you not just “see”, but hear and feel exactly what the characters are experiencing.

“…the sprinkler’s shika-shika-shika the only sound as it jetted water across the lawn and Brad’s torso.”

“Garret’s guts gave a slow roll, like a giant beast heaving to its side as it digested its latest kill.”

Simple, yet emotionally heart-felt single sentences brought tears to my eyes. So many I can’t list them all, but these two stuck out:

“See, when you walk into a room, something in me quiets down, some piece of me that is just waiting for you to come home, and I’m not whole until you do.”

“Westley was silent for a long time. Then he said softly, “You were imagining going home with me?” (This one slayed me.)

Don’t get me wrong. I smiled and laughed more than I cried. The witty banter, especially between the “Three Musky Queers” and their friends was delightful.
“It’s all fun and games until someone loses a testicle.”
“I’ve known you for like five minutes. How are you humiliating me already?”

I love Duff for being insecure at times but never failing to say exactly what’s on his mind - and in such a straightforward, profound way. Garrett, yeah, I wanted to smack him, then felt guilty for ever having had that thought. Brad made my heart hurt. So many times. Landon. I have no words for Landon. And Moonshine…I want her for my best friend. But Jackson – Jackson stole my heart. Forever.

I will never look at cheesecake the same again. Or yellow roses. That scene, which is very small, just cracked me up and made my heart all warm and glowy inside. And, yup, Double Stuffed Oreos are disgusting.

Those of us that follow AJ Rose on Facebook or Twitter, also got a good laugh at the very end. Ok...stick a fork in me. I’m done. Buy the book and savor every single moment as you read, knowing I am jealous of you.

[SheReadsALot]

Hmm...I got to think about this.



It has elements I lurve: cheating, stalking, cray-cray.

[Kate Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

My feels hurt... (in the best possible way!!!)

[Dani Elle Maas · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars ! ( choose to up on here. instead of down rating)

Wow this story is something different. Like many, I was extremely looking forward to reading this new book of author A.j Rose. The premise and the blurb really spiked my interest early on, so when I got the opportunity to read and review this book I took it with both hands.

And I have been on a rollercoaster ever since I started reading it.

There is no denying to the fact that this story is a lot to take in and to comprehend and I am still balancing the fine line between a mind that is very fulfilled and one that is too crowded.

All the main characters have a way to get to you. It is in either a positive way or in a negative way and what I struggle with is how much some of them affected me.

Landon affected me to the point that it made me want to stop reading. Is that the sign of brilliant writing by the author or is it too much?

Brad I wanted to slap him in the head a few times while questioning Duff’s loyalty on that part. Yet his character is very intensely written, very real.

Duff I liked a lot. His enthusiasm, his loyalty and his talent that you can feel while reading this book made me smile and still does if I think of him :)

But thankfully we had Moonshine for slapping Brad’s head on occasion. What a woman! **High fives** Fantastic! Her character and her relationship with Jennica is fabulously written in the way her or even both characters are displayed including the opening up more and becoming more outgoing on Jennica’s part.

Garrett you just want to be safe and to be himself. You want him to see reason at one point but that being said when he does? Well done Aj Rose! It was a damn good job you did on that part, building up towards the ending.

(ok I admit you also want a picture of him in drag :D)

And Jackson I think is the character that hit me most. I think I fell in love with Jackson during this story. His solidness, his loyalty and his honesty marks for me the base of this story.

With so many characters in a book you know that there will be many different angles to experience and for me, as I said before, I did that through the characters.

I can add a lot more about the story but to be honest I don’t want to do that because it makes me feel that I would spoil interest and curiosity for this story and it’s so worth reading.

Like I said before, there are so many different personalities in this story that for anyone out there, you can relate to one of more of them.

Finding your own way with them and within them, seeing yourself or others through the very perceptive eyes of Mr. Rose.

Review posted at :
http://sidlove.com/2014/02/05/current...

Copied provided by the author for an honest review , Thanks A.J Rose.

[Les Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

There really aren't enough adjectives to due this story justice. Phenomenal, magnificent, breathtaking, gripping, intriguing ... and about a million more and STILL they wouldn't come close to describing the experience of reading this book. I love AJ Rose's work, he has a way of pulling you right into his world with the first word and you don't want to leave until you get to the last ... you don't want to eat or sleep or even breathe for that matter. This book is full of well-developed, complex characters, the multiple story lines will keep you turning page after page, and the emotions you feel: joy, fear, anger, sadness, love, and hope will keep you on a roller coaster of emotions you won't want to ever end.

One of my favorite things about this book is all the attention to detail AJ sprinkles throughout, little things that help paint such a vivid picture that you're immersed in the pages. From Moonshine's "Bellatrix LeStrange hair" to the whimsical window stickies in the Duff and Garrett's apartment, and the way he describes Duff's voice as he sings and the "girls dressed as lamps" (this will make sense when you read, I promise!) the little things add up to a story that will hold you hostage for hours and hours.

There are funny moments. There are hot, sexy and passionate moments. There are moments when you'll pull your hair out and scream and in the next breath, sob like a toddler who was told he had to share his favorite toy. I could give you countless examples of each, but I don't want to spoil one word of this book, because each one should be savored like fine wine ... or chocolate if you prefer.

Give Queers a try (and be sure to check out his other work if you haven't done so already) and be prepared for an incredible experience!

[Ulysses Dietz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A.J. Rose has given us a monumental mini-series, a soap opera worthy of PBS serialization. I loved this book.

But most importantly, she has given us an ensemble cast of people who leap off the page, and who grab our hearts and make us love them. Amy Lane is one of the few other m/m authors who creates ensembles (and then spreads their stories over several books), and it is always a hugely gratifying experience to bring these people in to your life. Rose presents us with Duff and Garrett, childhood friends from the Midwest, who have come to Hollywood find fame and fortune (and, they hope, love). Add to this duo Moonshine and Brad, co-owners of "Queers," the book's eponymous piano bar, where the plot begins to unfold when Duff walks in to interview for a job as a piano-player and singer. The last crucial player in this drama - aside from a stellar group of secondary figures - is Jackson, the gentle nurse and devoted friend who for all his supporting role is the emotional core of the book (for me at least).

There is a lot of backstory in this book, and those stories are doled out to us at key moments, to throw characters into relief, to let us understand their motivations in the bright light of personal history. This includes the villain of the piece, who is in fact a secondary player, but whose actions trigger the heart-stopping culmination of the plot.

My one caveat, which cost this book one star, is the transparency of the plot, which could have foreshadowed various plot points with a bit more subtlety...we all know what we want in these books, but sometimes we need to be kept in the dark a little more skillfully. The journey is just as important as the ending. We're not afraid of a little uncertainty.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars...would have been a solid 5 stars but the ending disappointed me a bit.

What a emotional yet entertaining ride this was. Queers follows best friends Duff and Garrett as they seek fame, fortune, and love in the city of Angels.

While I liked Duff and his sweet romance with Brad, it was Garrett who captivated me. Garrett just really touched me. I understood his need for acceptance and love. At times it was difficult to read about his tumultuous & unhealthy relationship with Landon but I always rooted for Garrett. Garrett's story was never boring that's for sure, drama was indeed his middle name.

I wasn't a big fan of Moonshine, I found her so annoying. So I didn't care for the ending she rides in like a super hero and single-handedly takes care of Landon thereby solving all their problems. I personally would have preferred for Garrett to save himself from Landon. I also wanted a messier ending, not so neatly tied up.

I know I'll be reading this one again, engrossing from beginning to end.

[Shell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What to even say about this book. I've loved everything I've ever read by AJ Rose, so I've been excitedly waiting for Queers for a while and was not disappointed in the least. AJ drew me in from the very first chapter and it only gets better. The characters are real and damaged and funny and lovable and they have a story to tell. And it's a damn good one. I fell in love not only with the main characters but the entire cast (except the bad guy, whom I positively hated!! I still want to strangle that guy!) This book is an emotional roller coaster. The highs leave you feeling on top of the world and lows leave you drowning in a sea of your own tears. I absolutely loved it!

[Alvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

FANTASTIC.

Welcome to the new age. It's radioactive...

Buddy Read with: Mishyjo, Catherine, Marco, Jennifer, Natasha, Sandra,and Runell

This book deserved my 5 star rating.
Reading it was an experience. Thank you Mishyjo for inviting me to the BR. (and sorry for finishing it too slow.)

This is another well-written book from A.J. Rose. Contemporary, easy to read, understand and follow. Very different from Power Exchange and Safeword. But you will still see the author's touch in this one, like the great character building, plot twists, drama, etc. I felt that this was a great work and I applaud Rose for that.

This is I think the first book that I had to read many POVs in one book. And it didn't bothered me. I appreciated that we all had a chance to see how everyone from the book feels and thinks.

Loved all the characters. I wanna note again the character building here is incredible. Everyone has their unique touch and you will be able to tell each and everyone of them from one another.

Duff wanted to be a big star. It's his dream. He's a great musician and entertainer. He auditioned to Queers for a gig where he met Brad.

He is joyous, carefree, enthusiastic and a very supportive friend.

Brad is one of the owners of Queers, a piano dueling bar in LA and popular hangout for those who wanted entertainment and music. His last boyfriend died 3 years ago by hit and run. He still mourns and just live to get by.

Drown in sorrow, until he met Duff who is auditioning for his bar. He is robotic and stoic, reliable, and fearful for living again.

Garrett is Duff's bestfriend. A photographer and moved to LA with Duff. Fallen for Landon even for his controlling ways and too blind to see Jackson's affection.

For me his character is very delicate and I loved how the author translate it to the book. He is a drama queen but I still feel for him with all the things he'd gone through.

Jackson is Duff & Garrett's buddy. A nurse and dubbed as a manwhore in the beginning of the story. But then he turns out to be a romantic who is hopelessly in love with Garrett. And too bad Garrett never took notice of him.

He's one of my favorite characters and I salute to his love and devotion to Garrett. I'm going to build him a monument.

Landon is a music executive from SIMages which will handle Duff's budding music career. He swept Garrett off his feet, showered him with wealth and attention.

But turns out he's controlling and abusive and dangerous to Garrett. But he was still instrumental to Duff's success.

Moonshine is the co-owner of Queers and Brad's bestfriend. Likes to help other people and meddle with them. She's been with Brad through his grief and helped him get back to his feet.

She's blunt and audacious and gave a lot of great dialogues in this book. She is one of my favorites.


The story begins with Duff auditioning with for a gig in Queers where he meets Brad. They were attracted to each other but Duff is reluctant to date his boss.
Garrett met Landon at Queers the night when they celebrated for Duff snagging the job for a gig. He was swept off his feet by Landon.
Jackson has been friends with Garrett for quite some time and he pines for him. Unfortunately Garrett don't take him seriously. And when he found out that things between Garrett and Landon were not good, he got concerned for Garrett.

I really liked this story, yes its full of drama but I still enjoyed it. It's like watching a TV series about a group of friends like Dawson's Creek or something. I guess comparing it to a TV series made me read it better. I liked how all of their stories are tied to each other and I loved all the interaction that went with it. Even if it was a little predictable at times, I still want to read to know what would really happen next. I liked how the story began, the introduction of the characters and their stories, but I think by the end, the story became somewhat messy. And I expected more from the ending. I guess it should end like a finale of a series where we get to see what happened to each and every one of them. I wished we had all of their POVs on the ending.
My favorite parts are Duff & Brad's vacay before Duff's demo, the Halloween party were Garrett & Jackson were together and their nude shoot.

I think Rose put a lot of effort to this and this a great read for me. Therefore my 5 star rating.

A MUST READ for M/M Rom fans. And be prepared for the ride!

[Marte - Thunderella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh boy, where to start reviewing this book? I've been chewing on this review for a while now, just because there is so much to cover!

There's a lot happening in this story. Well, stories actually since we get to know several people and read what happens to them. Which is a lot! Some sweet, some sad, some great, some grief, some nervousness, some entertaining, some bad, some really bad (and really frustrating!)

I've read several reviews to see what other people felt about this book, and I want to quote some of them to try to say what I want to say.

Jordan said...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
"You know that feeling you get when you first get on a roller coaster and you're like "This is going to be awesome!"? That's how Queers starts out. AJ Rose did an exceptional job building the anticipation in the first act of this book. By the time you're nearing the 'peak' of this ride you'll be wondering "wtf was I thinking?!?" much like you would right before the coaster plunges over the peak and your stomach rushes into your throat.(...)"

Meredith said...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
"Queers is an emotional roller coaster of epic proportions. AJ Rose weaves you through the lives of many characters with perfection. I laughed, I cried, I swore, plotted murder and cried some more.(...)"

Mare SLiTsReaD Reviews~Lover of all things MM~Sarcasm Junkie n Kissing SLut~ said...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
"I am not going to go into details about what happened in this book because seriously. There is A LOT that happened in the pages of this book.(...)
I sound like I didn’t like it. BUT. I did. So much going on within 600 pages. So DAMN MUCH.(...)
So if you want to read a whirlwind drama, this book is for you. The angst flows off the pages, ummmm, pretty much each page, in a very dense sense. Edge of your seat, WTF moments, lots of WTF moments."

Yeah, that pretty much sums it up.

I loved to love it and I loved to hate it.

AJ Rose, you did a great work with this book. And I love you for coming up with the term The Three Musky Queers. :D


PS
I really liked the cover as well. An A sharp (#A), huh? Nice! In english anyway. Much better than the Norwegian (European?) name for it, Aiss (#A sharp). But the middle of the three blacks is called Ass (bA flat). Huh...so... uh... yeah. Totally random music knowledge for ya.

[Izzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A solid 5* from me!... I wanted to focus my thoughts on the language and tone of this ‘epic’ novel by A.J.Rose. One of the best quotes for me was concerning the bereaved ‘Brad’…

He’d finally, finally let someone in, and while still terrified, he realized something even more important. He wasn’t dead yet.

I thought this was very powerful way of summing up the feeling of bereavement after losing a ‘soul mate’. I read some of the later scenes such as those written in an alley outside a Hollywood police Station, and found further, powerful and profound, descriptions of loss and bereavement. The gradual ‘thawing out’ of Brad is a very strong theme in ‘Queers’ and done with real sensitivity and understanding. This ensemble cast all have their strengths and weaknesses, which is why the tone of the novel tends to subtly alter, depending on who is the focus of that section. Landon for me was a bit of a ‘Boo, Hiss’ villain and maybe I would have preferred to have been fooled by him for longer but the transparency of the villain, highlights Garrett’s blindness and delusions. Language and use of it also leads me to the sex scenes… After reading the first time ‘Duff’ and Brad have penetrative sex, I noted in my kindle ‘Now that is a sex scene!’ The following quote is just a small part of this scene…

That strong need to be Duff’s everything overcame him again, and he knelt up, gripping the backs of Duff’s knees and fucking him in earnest, watching his dick plunge inside that incredible body. ‘Stroke yourself,he growled,’…

What made this scene even better for me is that the inevitable ‘clean up’ is delayed by Duff’s
‘Don’t go.’
and the scene ends quietly, with the two men strengthening their emotional connection....see my full review at www.prismbookalliance.com

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve seen other readers call Queers an emotional roller coaster, and it is – in the very best way; I’m still in a bit of a post-book fog.

There were times I was reading with only one eye open while peering between my fingers with my teeth gritted & my stomach in knots and other times I was reading with a huge grin on my face. AJ Rose created characters I fell in love with right from the start (except those I wasn’t supposed to fall in love with – those I hated exactly as I should, and one of them I’m still dreaming up tortures for) then he took them to hell and back several times. He pushed these characters to their physical and emotional limits, and then at times he kept pushing them beyond those limits. Always, though, they were handled in such a way that I could feel his own love for them, and, for all the pain and difficulties, he also gave them joy, laughter and most importantly each other, because Queers is not just about romances between separate couples; it’s about friends - how true friendships make you far stronger than you ever could be alone, how real friends will shove you out of your comfort zone for your own good sometimes, and how knowing there are people who will bail you out, no questions asked, when you reach your lowest point can keep you from giving up. Each character and each couple have their own story arcs and journeys to take, but all of them blend together seamlessly to create one amazing story.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Queers was a very different reading experience from previous offerings by A.J. Rose (Safeword & Power Exchange) but for me equally as enticing. I loved the way the storyline flowed not so slow that I was bored but at the same time not so fast that I felt like details were being skipped.

I loved the cast of characters in this story. It started with Duff and Brad and seemed like they were the main characters and in a way I suppose they were but this was such an ensemble cast of characters to love and hate with more than one storyline being told. The author wove his story so skilfully that at no time did I loose track or have trouble following events. The only thing I seemed to have a problem with was putting the book down when I needed to do other things...like sleep and that is how I found myself reading at 3:30 in the morning because I just had to find out what was going to happen between Garrett and Jackson, who in the end were the pair that I felt the strongest about, especially Jackson. I simply loved him and my heart ached for him. I also adored Moonshine. She was strong and loyal to a fault to those she cared about.

I am to say the least thrilled with an author who can get me so invested in a story that I will put everything else aside to read it. So am I tired yes. Am I sorry I missed out on 3 or 4 hours of sleep no, not even a little bit.

Queers...where everyone knows you game...and your always glad you came!

[sk B · Rating 3 out of 5]

not bad, but it was highly predictable. I found like it felt like a mini arc of the tv show 'queer as folk'. Lots of avoidable drama if MC's just communicated better.

It started strong but ended weaker. :(

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It didn't take much for me to be interested in reading 'Queers'. As soon as I knew it was a new release by A.J. Rose, without even reading the description, I had to have it in my hot little hands. I will honestly admit, after I read the blurb, I was a little concerned about two things. One, the length of the book is quite the tome, and if the author can't keep my attention, then I tend to mentally wander. And second, the fact that there would be four different points of view had me concerned because not many authors can pull that off before the book simply becomes cumbersome. Rest assured, my fears were completely unfounded. Yes, the book is very long. It is also a stunningly well written work and my mind didn't wander, not even once. And, yes, there are four points of view, but the author wove each of their story lines together in a seamless fashion that left me, frankly, in a daze at the conclusion of the final page. Trust me. This is a book not to be missed and it will remain as a favorite of mine for eternity.

Duff moved to LA four years ago from the Midwest, determined to make his dreams come true. He has just gotten a job at Queers, a dueling piano bar that has been instrumental in helping people find their way to recording contracts. Brad is part owner of Queers and three years ago he lost his life partner and since then Brad has only been existing, not living. Garrett is Duff's best friend and he moved with Duff to LA hoping to find his knight in shining armor. Jackson has been in love with Garrett for over a year but Jackson's reputation as a man-whore is keeping Garrett from believing anything that Jackson says.

Duff, with a little help from Moonshine, and Brad begin the delicate dance of getting to know one another. Brad was so hesitant and he reminded me of a turtle peeking his head out of his shell and then tucking it back inside the instant he experienced any discomfort. Brad had really suffered a horrific loss three years ago, so it was understandable that he'd be hesitant, wary, and awkward in his first few dates. Duff is such a kind, gentle man, but not a pushover, and watching their romance proceed was one of the highlights for me of this book.

Garrett has spent his entire life looking for romantic and lasting love; fairy tale love. Unfortunately, what he finds is Landon, a music exec, who is handsome and wealthy and sweeps Garrett off his feet. Garrett is so dazzled that he ignores the little warning signs until it's almost too late. Landon is a dominant and very controlling man, who brings severe emotional, physical, and mental abuse on Garrett. The worst is that Duff and Jackson can see what's going on, but Garrett won't listen. Poor Jackson who just wants to love Garrett for exactly who he is and Jackson is trying so hard to just find the words, all the while having to watch the horror Garrett is going through and not being able to help.

Outside of these four incredible men, the author wrote some wonderful supporting characters, of which Moonshine was one. I loved her. She's a meddler and a matchmaker. She owns the other half of Queers and is Brad's best friend. Moonshine has kept Brad and Queers alive while browbeating Brad into living again. She's an incredible character and her love interest, Jennica, is sweet, adorable, and has a heart of gold. Moonshine is the fairy godmother, in Goth wear, that these guys never saw coming.

There is so much I want to pack in to this review, but I already feel like I jumbled everything up simply by trying to express how much I loved this book. There is so much more to it than just the love stories. In fact, for me, the friendships between these men were a huge draw to my loving this book. The author did a phenomenal job with integrating the importance of the friendships side by side with the love stories. Genius, A.J., just genius. I will warn you that there are some scenes of domestic violence that are pretty heavy, including a rape scene that made me cringe. However, the author did the scenes and the emotions justice and subsequently didn't show me any victims. Only survivors.

This was an all around fantastic and wonderful story. I can very highly recommend it. Thank you, A.J., for bringing Queers and the people inside it to life.

[Jules Lovestoread · Rating 5 out of 5]

Queers is ensemble at its finest. AJ Rose does an incredible job at investing the reader in all of the players from the very first chapter. Though it begins with Duff auditioning for a spot at Queers, and one could easily initially mistake that the story was about him, it’s so, so, so much more than Duff’s story. Oh, Duff will grab your heart…and so will Brad…and Jackson…and Moonshine…and Garrett… Every character is essential. Even the one that you will daydream about watching die a violent, spectacular death. Everyone is essential to the telling of this riveting story. These characters are REAL. They are loveable, beautiful, intelligent – even heroic at times – and fabulous, yes. But, they are also fallible, vulnerable, unsure, and hot messes at times. You will have very strong feelings about this group to be sure.

Queers is a full-throttle roller coaster. It has heart. It has guts. It has sex, friendship, violence, laughter, music, heartbreak and loss, as well as overwhelmingly life-affirming moments. It will have you reeling, crying, screaming at your e-reader (and possibly wanting to throw it against the wall), laughing, swooning, and in the end, cheering. Be prepared for everything, people. And, AJ will keep you guessing. Just when you think you know what a character is thinking, or what they’re going to do…she’s pulled a 180, and you’re off again. This is a full-on experience.

Queers is, in a word, amazing. The writing is superb. Absolutely AJ Rose’s best work, in my opinion. In a book this size, you might expect it to drag in places, for there to be some superfluous bits…some filler. No. This storyline is so tight; it’s truly almost flawless. The flow and the pace are fantastic, and it comes together SO brilliantly at the end. I’m not going to go into anything really in the way of ‘story recap’, because this book also has one of the most well-written, enticing blurbs of any I’ve ever read.

Queers is so worth every moment of your time. Read it. Enjoy it. It’s definitely one you’re going to be talking about for a long time.

[FantasyLiving · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not really sure what to write here.... Wow... just wow.

This story was epic, completely well rounded, with well developed, believable characters, and well put together plot. I felt connection with all the main characters (and wanted to stab one in the eye with a spork, and swish brains around).

I was totally engaged and invested in this story. I finished it feeling the story was complete, but could be updated at a later stage if the author so desired. No stone left unturned, or leaving me wanting (in a good way). I'm a big fan of series books, but the length of this, and the totality of the plot makes this a perfect stand alone.

The drama was good, but not over the top. The language didn't leave me feeling like I needed a thesaurus or dictionary to refer to.

After reading Power Exchange and Safeword, I didn't hesitate to buy this book. Even though it had a completely different feel, I was not disappointed.

I look forward to more from this author.

Recommended for those who enjoy m/m romance but prefer more character building and plot, with their sex scenes.

[Demi Idle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book.
It has belivable realistic characters, plenty of emotional depth and development, solid plot and plenty of observations I agreed with. It is also not one love story, but several interconnected ones.
I liked every couple, except the one I wasn't supposed to, the setting was fun, the culmination was really well written - tense and emotional, and I felt good after reading the book, despite the domestic violence theme.
My only problem (and it really is my problem, not a problem with a book), I don't like when plotlines are constantly switching. To the author's credit, it was mostly smooth throughout the book, because we only hop between people, but the timeline remains uninterrupted. It worked for the plot and doesn't detruct from the story, but it stopped me from fully investing emotionally into any of the couples. It felt to me like there were no main characters, just a (great!) cast of secondary ones.

Recommended to readers who like an emotional ride that ends in a sutisfying punishment for bad guys and all-around HEA.