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Screwups
In 1996, Jake Stewart is starting his third year at the University of New Hampshire. Even as a successful business major, he is absolutely miserable. Not only is Jake pursuing a field he hates when he’d rather study art, he is utterly terrified of what will happen if his father finds out he’s gay. When he finally gets up the courage to move into the creative arts dorm on campus, his new roommate, Danny, is openly gay—and there’s no denying the attraction between them.
Danny Sullivan has been out since high school, and he appears comfortable with his sexuality. But something happened in Danny’s past—something that gives him nightmares he refuses to talk about. Unknown to Jake, the way he mistreated his friend, Tom Langois, when Tom came out to him in high school, is mild compared to the way someone very much like Jake treated Danny.
It may be too late to fix the mess Jake made with Tom, but if Jake wants to be with Danny, he’s going to have to fix the mess made by another closeted jock he’s never even met.
Danny Sullivan has been out since high school, and he appears comfortable with his sexuality. But something happened in Danny’s past—something that gives him nightmares he refuses to talk about. Unknown to Jake, the way he mistreated his friend, Tom Langois, when Tom came out to him in high school, is mild compared to the way someone very much like Jake treated Danny.
It may be too late to fix the mess Jake made with Tom, but if Jake wants to be with Danny, he’s going to have to fix the mess made by another closeted jock he’s never even met.
188 pages, Paperback
First published March 6, 2014
10 people are currently reading
583 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Fessenden
45 books389 followersJamie Fessenden set out to be a writer in junior high school. He published a couple short pieces in his high school's literary magazine and had another story place in the top 100 in a national contest, but it wasn't until he met his partner, Erich, almost twenty years later, that he began writing again in earnest. With Erich alternately inspiring and goading him, Jamie wrote several screenplays and directed a few of them as micro-budget independent films. He then began writing novels and published his first novella in 2010.
After nine years together, Jamie and Erich married and purchased a house together in the wilds of Raymond, New Hampshire, where there are no street lights, turkeys and deer wander through their yard, and coyotes serenade them on a nightly basis. Jamie recently left his "day job" as a tech support analyst to be a full-time writer.
After nine years together, Jamie and Erich married and purchased a house together in the wilds of Raymond, New Hampshire, where there are no street lights, turkeys and deer wander through their yard, and coyotes serenade them on a nightly basis. Jamie recently left his "day job" as a tech support analyst to be a full-time writer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
May 9, 2017
**4.5 stars**
A M/M college student romance with by Jamie Fessenden?? I mean, Me-----> drooling. Yes, yes please!
I'm a big, BIG Jamie Fessenden fan. He is quickly becoming an auto-buy author for me. I love his heavy stuff Billy's Bones, I love his light stuff We're Both Straight, Right?, and I loved this one, which was light with dollops of angst.
This book appeals to the geek in me. The MCs are LORP fans (Live Action Role Playing) and Dungeons and Dragons obsessed. I loved the quirkiness of the characters, their artsy dorm, and the dorm dynamics. I even liked the 1996 time setting, which was refreshingly cellphone-free. It was kind of... quaint.
The best part was the sexual tension between Jake and Danny. Some of those dorm room scenes... I died. They had a slow build kind of relationship that felt organic and HOT. They were just adorable together and it made me feel all squishy and floaty inside.
The tension, the angst, in this book felt very authentic. The experiences of being rejected, being shamed, and being afraid of being hurt again is one that everyone can relate to.
I think what it comes down to is that this author's writing style just works for me. He is funny and it jives with my tastes in every way.
And, you know...
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
A M/M college student romance with by Jamie Fessenden?? I mean, Me-----> drooling. Yes, yes please!
I'm a big, BIG Jamie Fessenden fan. He is quickly becoming an auto-buy author for me. I love his heavy stuff Billy's Bones, I love his light stuff We're Both Straight, Right?, and I loved this one, which was light with dollops of angst.
This book appeals to the geek in me. The MCs are LORP fans (Live Action Role Playing) and Dungeons and Dragons obsessed. I loved the quirkiness of the characters, their artsy dorm, and the dorm dynamics. I even liked the 1996 time setting, which was refreshingly cellphone-free. It was kind of... quaint.
The best part was the sexual tension between Jake and Danny. Some of those dorm room scenes... I died. They had a slow build kind of relationship that felt organic and HOT. They were just adorable together and it made me feel all squishy and floaty inside.
The tension, the angst, in this book felt very authentic. The experiences of being rejected, being shamed, and being afraid of being hurt again is one that everyone can relate to.
I think what it comes down to is that this author's writing style just works for me. He is funny and it jives with my tastes in every way.
And, you know...
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
September 23, 2014
3.75 STARS
Jake is hiding. Nobody knows he’s gay, especially his homophobic father. He’s a business major, but only to please his father, his truly passion being art. He loves to draw. To connect to the art community in campus, he decides to move in Eaton House, the art dorms.
When he moves in Eaton House, Jake meets his new roommate Danny. Danny is openly gay. Jake is attracted to Danny immediately, but he fears to come out. Danny suspects from the beginning Jake is gay, but he doesn’t pressure to admit or anything, even when he realize Jake is attracted to him.
Danny had years ago a horrible experience, when he only wanted to be accepted and loved. He doesn’t want to be with someone who is the closet. He doesn’t trust easily, having some self-esteem issues.
They become good friends, spending all their time together. They trust and want each other, so Jake admits at some point to Danny that he’s gay. Soon they become more than friends and they start to experiment sexually with each other.
So what will happen when Jake finds out about Danny’s tragic experience? He will stay or he will freak out like years ago?
This wasn’t so emotional like I thought it will be, but I really liked it! It was different a little from what I usually read, but in the end it worked for me. I enjoyed from the beginning how the author portrays the dorm live. It was really nice to read about it and it also felt authentic.
Both Danny and Jake characters are well developed through the entire story and both felt real and relatable with all their issues and fears. Their relationship is slow build, which I really liked, because it progressed naturally. Danny and Jake are so good for each other. Love their relationship as friends and later as lovers. They are caring, loving, patient and understanding with each other. They are perfect for each other. Danny’s past is really horrible and I really felt for him.
Loved the fact that both are nerds, but I can’t say I enjoyed too much reading about “Dungeons & Dragons”. I didn’t understand why all the nudity in the dorms; at some point I felt it was too much.
The epilogue is sweet and the writing pretty great!
All in all, “Screwups” was a good story with solid characters, heartwarming and funny moments and interesting plot.
Jake is hiding. Nobody knows he’s gay, especially his homophobic father. He’s a business major, but only to please his father, his truly passion being art. He loves to draw. To connect to the art community in campus, he decides to move in Eaton House, the art dorms.
When he moves in Eaton House, Jake meets his new roommate Danny. Danny is openly gay. Jake is attracted to Danny immediately, but he fears to come out. Danny suspects from the beginning Jake is gay, but he doesn’t pressure to admit or anything, even when he realize Jake is attracted to him.
“You want me. How long are you going to pretend you don’t?”
Danny had years ago a horrible experience, when he only wanted to be accepted and loved. He doesn’t want to be with someone who is the closet. He doesn’t trust easily, having some self-esteem issues.
They become good friends, spending all their time together. They trust and want each other, so Jake admits at some point to Danny that he’s gay. Soon they become more than friends and they start to experiment sexually with each other.
So what will happen when Jake finds out about Danny’s tragic experience? He will stay or he will freak out like years ago?
“And for all Danny knew, he could love Jake. But could Jake love him? Even after he found out the truth?”
This wasn’t so emotional like I thought it will be, but I really liked it! It was different a little from what I usually read, but in the end it worked for me. I enjoyed from the beginning how the author portrays the dorm live. It was really nice to read about it and it also felt authentic.
Both Danny and Jake characters are well developed through the entire story and both felt real and relatable with all their issues and fears. Their relationship is slow build, which I really liked, because it progressed naturally. Danny and Jake are so good for each other. Love their relationship as friends and later as lovers. They are caring, loving, patient and understanding with each other. They are perfect for each other. Danny’s past is really horrible and I really felt for him.
Loved the fact that both are nerds, but I can’t say I enjoyed too much reading about “Dungeons & Dragons”. I didn’t understand why all the nudity in the dorms; at some point I felt it was too much.
The epilogue is sweet and the writing pretty great!
All in all, “Screwups” was a good story with solid characters, heartwarming and funny moments and interesting plot.
Read
March 17, 2014UPDATE: Since more than one reader has wondered exactly what I meant by the title "Screwups," I'll just toss this out there. To me, a "screwup" is someone who has messed up in a pretty big -- but not necessarily permanent -- way. I don't see Danny and Jake as having totally screwed up their lives forever. But they THINK they have. The title is about how they view themselves.
---
A word about "Screwups."
In a way, this is a spinoff from my novel, "Billy's Bones," but only in a small way. Remember Tom talking about his high school friend Jake, who freaked out and never spoke to him again, when Tom came out to him? Well, I couldn't get Jake out of my head. I kept wondering what became of him.
So this is it.
But there the connection to "Billy's Bones" ends. "Screwups" is a story about a closeted young gay man in college discovering himself, and falling in love with his roommate, who is out... but has his own issues to resolve. There are some dark moments, but for the most part it's fairly light, inspired by my own college years in a dorm with co-ed bathrooms, nude pizza parties, walks in the snow, and, yes, role-playing games.
Oh, yes... and lots of sex.
I had a wonderful time writing it, and I hope you enjoy it! :-)
---
A word about "Screwups."
In a way, this is a spinoff from my novel, "Billy's Bones," but only in a small way. Remember Tom talking about his high school friend Jake, who freaked out and never spoke to him again, when Tom came out to him? Well, I couldn't get Jake out of my head. I kept wondering what became of him.
So this is it.
But there the connection to "Billy's Bones" ends. "Screwups" is a story about a closeted young gay man in college discovering himself, and falling in love with his roommate, who is out... but has his own issues to resolve. There are some dark moments, but for the most part it's fairly light, inspired by my own college years in a dorm with co-ed bathrooms, nude pizza parties, walks in the snow, and, yes, role-playing games.
Oh, yes... and lots of sex.
I had a wonderful time writing it, and I hope you enjoy it! :-)
May 27, 2014
"Well, wasn't this a surprise," she said, petting her e-reader fondly and smiling at all the happy feelz.
Seriously???? College students? Role playing games? virgins? Twin older brothers????
And I fucking loved it!?!?!?!
Yes, yes I did.
Bravo, Jamie Fessenden, you have made me love a book which I would not normally have picked up, thereby proving I'm shit at knowing what's good for me. Luckily, Heather K knows better, because it was her lovely review which inspired me to read this. Thanks, Heather, for pushing me out of my comfort zone, and thank you, Mr. Fessenden for this absolute delight of a book.
Seriously???? College students? Role playing games? virgin
And I fucking loved it!?!?!?!
Yes, yes I did.
Bravo, Jamie Fessenden, you have made me love a book which I would not normally have picked up, thereby proving I'm shit at knowing what's good for me. Luckily, Heather K knows better, because it was her lovely review which inspired me to read this. Thanks, Heather, for pushing me out of my comfort zone, and thank you, Mr. Fessenden for this absolute delight of a book.
August 14, 2014
*** 2.5 Stars ***
I think Jamie Fessenden's Screwups was a case of "everybody loved it but me."
The book started out strong and Fessenden's writing in those first few pages had an undeniable emotional pull. I could feel this weight in Jake's character; it was this enormous fear warring with an intense yearning - a yearning to be allowed in Eaton House, to embrace his art, to find a place to belong, to be himself, to accept himself. Call me a sap, but there was no way that I was going to be able to remain detached from his character in the face of such need. But the beauty of Screwups was that Fessenden accomplished this emotional connection between his characters and his readers in a way that was almost heartbreaking in its subtly.
"It occurred to Jake at that moment that, with her [Eva] holding his hand and Danny's hand still resting on his shoulder, this was the most physical contact he'd had in years."
Though I've never been one for gooey public displays of affection with a significant other, I do consider myself a pretty tactile person - a casual toucher, if you will. I think nothing of putting my hand on someone's back when I pass behind them in tight spaces. I pat or poke people when talking and joking with them. And if I go too long without a big, solid, two-armed, rib-squeezing hug, my body starts to crave that contact. So Jake's casual acceptance of the lack of physical affection he has received in the past hurt me on a soul-deep level. And yet it doesn't feel like the author was being emotionally manipulative; it's just a simple statement of fact (and all the more powerful for it).
There's a handful of similar moments in the first few chapters, and as I read them, I started to get excited. Was this going to be my new favourite book of 2014?!
Sadly... Not quite.
As soon as Jake moved into Eaton House, I could feel the book start to slip away from me. I found the whole section from the moment Jake moved into the dorm until the first snowfall to be lacking in the emotion and connection that I felt reading those first few chapters. I mean, there were words on pages. They were objectively well-written and certainly edited and punctuated better than my own writing, but they evoked nothing for me. I was bored with the detailed descriptions of the D&D and LARPing experiences. And, while I could relate to some of the dorm antics from my own freshman year at university (I can recall one particularly drunken night of Gnome Hunting, and another involving a 6-foot tall Technicolored, papier mâché elephant...), I saw nary a bare butt cheek, let alone two naked brawls and tandem jack-off sessions between roommates. Maybe it is because I'm a woman. Or, maybe it's because I'm Canadian, but I just couldn't relate.
The book picked back up around 70-75% and I was able to re-invest somewhat in Jake and Danny's relationship, but the action and dialogue still felt like it was missing... something. Between Danny's past sexual experiences, and the homophobia and abuse Jake endured at the hands of his father and brothers, the author tackled some pretty dramatic (though not entirely original) issues in the last third of the novel. And while I believe Fessenden capable of writing about these issues in a nuanced way, the execution left something to be desired. I guess I was looking for that subtly and emotional impact that he'd had achieved in those first few chapters, but I just didn't find it. Everything felt just a little... not clunky. Distant, maybe?
One thing that I've got to give Fessenden credit for, though, is the fact that this book had an incredibly strong sense of place and time. Between the D&D, the LARPing, the lack of cell phones, and the telephone booth painted to resemble a Tardis (the Tardis?), I never forgot that it was 1996. Nor did I forget that our characters were in New Hampshire or that Eaton House existed - and continues to exist today - as part of the university's vibrant arts community. His descriptions of the dorm was rich and colourful and it was easy to tell that the author's own time there greatly impacted him.
In the end, it was a sweet coming out story set against a backdrop of college shenanigans, and I can easily see why other readers will love this book (especially if they are already fans of Fessenden's work). The boys were incredibly cute together once they sorted out their issues, and the book's epilogue was sugary sweet and left me with a nice fuzzy buzz. It just slightly missed the mark for me and that makes all the difference.
I think Jamie Fessenden's Screwups was a case of "everybody loved it but me."
The book started out strong and Fessenden's writing in those first few pages had an undeniable emotional pull. I could feel this weight in Jake's character; it was this enormous fear warring with an intense yearning - a yearning to be allowed in Eaton House, to embrace his art, to find a place to belong, to be himself, to accept himself. Call me a sap, but there was no way that I was going to be able to remain detached from his character in the face of such need. But the beauty of Screwups was that Fessenden accomplished this emotional connection between his characters and his readers in a way that was almost heartbreaking in its subtly.
"It occurred to Jake at that moment that, with her [Eva] holding his hand and Danny's hand still resting on his shoulder, this was the most physical contact he'd had in years."
Though I've never been one for gooey public displays of affection with a significant other, I do consider myself a pretty tactile person - a casual toucher, if you will. I think nothing of putting my hand on someone's back when I pass behind them in tight spaces. I pat or poke people when talking and joking with them. And if I go too long without a big, solid, two-armed, rib-squeezing hug, my body starts to crave that contact. So Jake's casual acceptance of the lack of physical affection he has received in the past hurt me on a soul-deep level. And yet it doesn't feel like the author was being emotionally manipulative; it's just a simple statement of fact (and all the more powerful for it).
There's a handful of similar moments in the first few chapters, and as I read them, I started to get excited. Was this going to be my new favourite book of 2014?!
Sadly... Not quite.
As soon as Jake moved into Eaton House, I could feel the book start to slip away from me. I found the whole section from the moment Jake moved into the dorm until the first snowfall to be lacking in the emotion and connection that I felt reading those first few chapters. I mean, there were words on pages. They were objectively well-written and certainly edited and punctuated better than my own writing, but they evoked nothing for me. I was bored with the detailed descriptions of the D&D and LARPing experiences. And, while I could relate to some of the dorm antics from my own freshman year at university (I can recall one particularly drunken night of Gnome Hunting, and another involving a 6-foot tall Technicolored, papier mâché elephant...), I saw nary a bare butt cheek, let alone two naked brawls and tandem jack-off sessions between roommates. Maybe it is because I'm a woman. Or, maybe it's because I'm Canadian, but I just couldn't relate.
The book picked back up around 70-75% and I was able to re-invest somewhat in Jake and Danny's relationship, but the action and dialogue still felt like it was missing... something. Between Danny's past sexual experiences, and the homophobia and abuse Jake endured at the hands of his father and brothers, the author tackled some pretty dramatic (though not entirely original) issues in the last third of the novel. And while I believe Fessenden capable of writing about these issues in a nuanced way, the execution left something to be desired. I guess I was looking for that subtly and emotional impact that he'd had achieved in those first few chapters, but I just didn't find it. Everything felt just a little... not clunky. Distant, maybe?
One thing that I've got to give Fessenden credit for, though, is the fact that this book had an incredibly strong sense of place and time. Between the D&D, the LARPing, the lack of cell phones, and the telephone booth painted to resemble a Tardis (the Tardis?), I never forgot that it was 1996. Nor did I forget that our characters were in New Hampshire or that Eaton House existed - and continues to exist today - as part of the university's vibrant arts community. His descriptions of the dorm was rich and colourful and it was easy to tell that the author's own time there greatly impacted him.
In the end, it was a sweet coming out story set against a backdrop of college shenanigans, and I can easily see why other readers will love this book (especially if they are already fans of Fessenden's work). The boys were incredibly cute together once they sorted out their issues, and the book's epilogue was sugary sweet and left me with a nice fuzzy buzz. It just slightly missed the mark for me and that makes all the difference.
March 6, 2014
College. What a great time; it's all about gaining independence, making new friends and finding out what you stand for in life. Plus, you know, hook ups. Ahhh, the good old days. But I digress.
Jake and Danny, the MCs in Screwups, are, I guess, a couple of messed up guys. Jake is closeted and fears the rejection of his family, and Danny is traumatized by an experience with an old crush that rejected his advances.
Here’s the thing, though. Screwups is the wrong name for this book, because this is not a novel about a couple of screw ups. Jake and Danny are both damaged, sure, and they've both got secrets that have shaped who and what they think they know about themselves...until they meet each other.
I liked that I got to watch these guys find strength and happiness together. They were geeky--into dungeons and dragons and role-playing, plus they’re in the art dorm (gasp!)--and they were so good for each other. They fit like peanut butter and chocolate, mac and cheese, all that. They behaved like I think college guys probably act, and their path of self-discovery and acceptance was rough and hard-won.
I’m not gonna to lie: it took me some time to get into Screwups. Jamie Fessenden’s writing here is very different from Billy's Bones, which is a more somber (and adult) story. I also thought Jake’s family was a little over the top (no awards for Dad of the Year here!).
Still, I’m one happy, happy girl to be back in a world created by Fessenden. Complete, I might add, with a hot, ginger MC (yes!) who also happens to be a virgin (sing it with me...touched for the very first time...YES).
3.5 stars, rounded up
Jake and Danny, the MCs in Screwups, are, I guess, a couple of messed up guys. Jake is closeted and fears the rejection of his family, and Danny is traumatized by an experience with an old crush that rejected his advances.
Here’s the thing, though. Screwups is the wrong name for this book, because this is not a novel about a couple of screw ups. Jake and Danny are both damaged, sure, and they've both got secrets that have shaped who and what they think they know about themselves...until they meet each other.
I liked that I got to watch these guys find strength and happiness together. They were geeky--into dungeons and dragons and role-playing, plus they’re in the art dorm (gasp!)--and they were so good for each other. They fit like peanut butter and chocolate, mac and cheese, all that. They behaved like I think college guys probably act, and their path of self-discovery and acceptance was rough and hard-won.
I’m not gonna to lie: it took me some time to get into Screwups. Jamie Fessenden’s writing here is very different from Billy's Bones, which is a more somber (and adult) story. I also thought Jake’s family was a little over the top (no awards for Dad of the Year here!).
Still, I’m one happy, happy girl to be back in a world created by Fessenden. Complete, I might add, with a hot, ginger MC (yes!) who also happens to be a virgin (sing it with me...touched for the very first time...YES).
3.5 stars, rounded up
March 7, 2014
A new contemporary m/m romance from Jamie Fessenden. Hooray! I've loved all of Jamie's books. He puts a lot of care into this. This was was very fun with lots of UST and college age humor. Highly recommended!
March 23, 2014
I'm going to start this review by talking about the last ten percent of this story and the main thought it caused me to have. It's not at all a new revelation or belief I don't already strongly hold or a right that I know all humans have: no one should ever have to resign themselves to anything less than their true desires and hopes and loves, no one should be made to feel they qualify for lesser things in life, no one should ever feel responsible for the pain and suffering others force upon them because those other people can't get over their own irrational hang-ups, difficulties and denials. Ever.
This is the obvious and worthy message, the real feeling that washes over and all throughout the final pages of this book.
This is why this is getting three stars from me without hesitation. Three out three, one hundred percent, undoubtedly, deservedly, ya damn right.
As for the flipside of the reasons for which this is getting three stars, here they are:
The writing in terms of communicating the emotion and motivations of Danny and Jake is rather obvious. There isn't much for the reader to work for, in which to invest, to grasp and say yes, this is what they're feeling, what they want and the road they've taken and will take.
Some of the descriptions are so direct, they lack depth, both emotionally and in building layers of importance when it comes to this relationship between Danny and Jake.
It's like there was a list of things that needed to be included and each box was getting checked: supportive family members and asshole family members, friends for whom being homo or hetero makes no diff, jerk college guys, uppity adults who can't see things beyond their own perspective and interpretation, and typical college experiences.
Now, there is nothing at all wrong about following a formula. I mean, they exist for a reason: they work, when done very well. Otherwise, the act of checking the boxes is no longer invisible and flattens the impact of the story, it becomes two-dimensional.
I don't at all like saying it feels like that's what's happened here. My explanation of that is the opening paragraph of this review, of which I mean every word.
There are a lot of fun details here, many things popular at the time this story takes place. Having graduated college in '94, I can vouch for the veracity of just about all of them. Even if I wasn't involved in them directly - especially D&D, that that was my brother's realm ;) - I had friends who were. :D
One last reference to my opening as I reach the end here: it is more than enough for me to want to read more by Mr Fessenden, and I shall do exactly that.
This is the obvious and worthy message, the real feeling that washes over and all throughout the final pages of this book.
This is why this is getting three stars from me without hesitation. Three out three, one hundred percent, undoubtedly, deservedly, ya damn right.
As for the flipside of the reasons for which this is getting three stars, here they are:
The writing in terms of communicating the emotion and motivations of Danny and Jake is rather obvious. There isn't much for the reader to work for, in which to invest, to grasp and say yes, this is what they're feeling, what they want and the road they've taken and will take.
Some of the descriptions are so direct, they lack depth, both emotionally and in building layers of importance when it comes to this relationship between Danny and Jake.
It's like there was a list of things that needed to be included and each box was getting checked: supportive family members and asshole family members, friends for whom being homo or hetero makes no diff, jerk college guys, uppity adults who can't see things beyond their own perspective and interpretation, and typical college experiences.
Now, there is nothing at all wrong about following a formula. I mean, they exist for a reason: they work, when done very well. Otherwise, the act of checking the boxes is no longer invisible and flattens the impact of the story, it becomes two-dimensional.
I don't at all like saying it feels like that's what's happened here. My explanation of that is the opening paragraph of this review, of which I mean every word.
There are a lot of fun details here, many things popular at the time this story takes place. Having graduated college in '94, I can vouch for the veracity of just about all of them. Even if I wasn't involved in them directly - especially D&D, that that was my brother's realm ;) - I had friends who were. :D
One last reference to my opening as I reach the end here: it is more than enough for me to want to read more by Mr Fessenden, and I shall do exactly that.
Read
January 23, 2015DNF at 51%
Okay, it doesn't have any sense. I have so many issues with this book, that I decided to give up.
After a promising beginning everything went wrong for me.
I just want to say, that I'm happy it wasn't my first book by Jamie Fessenden, because in that case it would have been probably the last one.
I know at least that he can write and that YA/Coming-out-of-age books normally are my favourite by this author.
Though this one simply didn't work for me.
Sorry.
But I love the cover. Really nice.
March 17, 2014
3.5
Screwups is a good book. There are funny moments in here, quirkily nerdy characters, and it portrays dorm life in a way that feels realistic. Jamie Fessenden was an Eatonite himself it seems, and it shines through in every detail.
The thing I loved most about this story is that it features gamers. Real roleplaying gamers. I think I can count the books I've read even mentioning RPGs on one hand. (Well, apart from those which primarily target the gaming crowd, obviously.) And I so, so loved this part, because I've been a fairly heavy gamer myself a few years back. And seeing Jake start playing was awesome because it reminded me of my own first steps, coincidentally also with D&D. Although, the "complicated rules" bit made me chortle - D&D is probably the system with the least complicated rules I know. But to a beginner... fair enough.
(By the way, if you're interested in things like RPGs, have a look at this: The Gamers. It's fairly accurate and it's made me laugh many times - but maybe you need your own gaming experiences to really get the jokes? Not sure about that...)
Back to the book: Danny's mom was really damn great too. I love to read about Wiccans - it's a fascinating religious system to me. I'm almost sad I'm utterly unable to believe in it (or anything religious really).
Despite all that, I didn't feel a lot of chemistry with this story. Jamie Fessenden's writing and I, we just didn't click. It's not that it isn't well written - I'm fairly sure it is! But to me, the writing felt almost... too careful. As if the author tried so hard to be accurate and articulate about everything (in which he succeeded) that a little bit of life and passion got lost on the way. And, to be honest, some of the sex descriptions just didn't do it for me. (I guess I'm not a big fan of too many "erections", "penetrations", and "anuses" flying around - now, I know that's how all of that is called, and every now and then those words are fine, but generally I like the vocabulary to be a little less... uh... clinical. If that makes sense.) Towards the end, that bit definitely got better for me though!
I do realise that this is absolutely subjective and most other people might not have any issues with this. For me, however, it changed what could be a great book to a story I really liked, but didn't feel particularly drawn to.
I'd still recommend this, though, especially if you're a Jamie Fessenden fan!
Screwups is a good book. There are funny moments in here, quirkily nerdy characters, and it portrays dorm life in a way that feels realistic. Jamie Fessenden was an Eatonite himself it seems, and it shines through in every detail.
The thing I loved most about this story is that it features gamers. Real roleplaying gamers. I think I can count the books I've read even mentioning RPGs on one hand. (Well, apart from those which primarily target the gaming crowd, obviously.) And I so, so loved this part, because I've been a fairly heavy gamer myself a few years back. And seeing Jake start playing was awesome because it reminded me of my own first steps, coincidentally also with D&D. Although, the "complicated rules" bit made me chortle - D&D is probably the system with the least complicated rules I know. But to a beginner... fair enough.
(By the way, if you're interested in things like RPGs, have a look at this: The Gamers. It's fairly accurate and it's made me laugh many times - but maybe you need your own gaming experiences to really get the jokes? Not sure about that...)
Back to the book: Danny's mom was really damn great too. I love to read about Wiccans - it's a fascinating religious system to me. I'm almost sad I'm utterly unable to believe in it (or anything religious really).
Despite all that, I didn't feel a lot of chemistry with this story. Jamie Fessenden's writing and I, we just didn't click. It's not that it isn't well written - I'm fairly sure it is! But to me, the writing felt almost... too careful. As if the author tried so hard to be accurate and articulate about everything (in which he succeeded) that a little bit of life and passion got lost on the way. And, to be honest, some of the sex descriptions just didn't do it for me. (I guess I'm not a big fan of too many "erections", "penetrations", and "anuses" flying around - now, I know that's how all of that is called, and every now and then those words are fine, but generally I like the vocabulary to be a little less... uh... clinical. If that makes sense.) Towards the end, that bit definitely got better for me though!
I do realise that this is absolutely subjective and most other people might not have any issues with this. For me, however, it changed what could be a great book to a story I really liked, but didn't feel particularly drawn to.
I'd still recommend this, though, especially if you're a Jamie Fessenden fan!
April 1, 2014
I've read quite a bit of Jamie's work, but I can't remember him ever being this sexy. The eroticism woven all the way through this little gem was just delicious. Jake and Danny were perfect together. Jake's family (except for his mom) were dicks, but I can relate to that since I have some dicks in my family too. As with all of Jamie's books, the writing was clear, unfussy, (is that a word?) and eloquent in its ability to portray a person, an act, a situation, a thought, with perfect clarity and with no mucking about. There are no wasted words in Jamie's writing and I love writers who know how to do that. If I feel like working to decipher the English language I'll tackle the New York Time's Crossword Puzzle. When I read for pleasure I want the images to just be there waiting for me when my eye flows across them, and that's what they did here. I have to admit I skimmed some of the D&D stuff since I'm not much on role playing games but the rest of the story held my attention every single second. Can't recommend this one enough. If I finish a book and immediately start thinking about turning right around and reading it again, then I know it's a winner. And that's what I did with SCREWUPS. Good job, Jamie. You made a great little book here. Five stars.
January 4, 2016
Jake and Danny… what can I say about this screwed up pair? Well first thing first, the title is very apt. Danny and Jake both have issues from high school that still haunt them in college. Of course, Jake has the added pressure of a douchecanoe for a father and junior douchecanoes for older brothers. Jake isn’t out, and Danny doesn’t think he is worthy of love. Add in some good old fashion college antics and you have an entertaining read, with teeth.
The characters in the dorm are very real. I felt like I was back in college, myself. I was not in an “artistic” dorm, but I was in the “honors” dorm. Many of the characters were taken right from my own past. I had a Paul. I had a Danny and Jake. I wasn’t nearly as cool as Eva, but we can’t have everything. Even though I am not a gay male, I can certainly relate to some of the issues Jake is holding on to from high school. Everyone will find something to which to relate in Screwups, from the weekly D&D game to the Police Box to the characters surrounding the main couple.
For the full review please see Prism Book Alliance
The characters in the dorm are very real. I felt like I was back in college, myself. I was not in an “artistic” dorm, but I was in the “honors” dorm. Many of the characters were taken right from my own past. I had a Paul. I had a Danny and Jake. I wasn’t nearly as cool as Eva, but we can’t have everything. Even though I am not a gay male, I can certainly relate to some of the issues Jake is holding on to from high school. Everyone will find something to which to relate in Screwups, from the weekly D&D game to the Police Box to the characters surrounding the main couple.
For the full review please see Prism Book Alliance
July 25, 2016
4.5 stars
This was great. I loved watching Jake's growth and there are few things better than young love.
This was great. I loved watching Jake's growth and there are few things better than young love.
March 22, 2014
I will go back... I will go back.
Maybe
Eventually
It's not you, it's me
I'm detached and raging
And it's just me
Not you
Maybe
Eventually
It's not you, it's me
I'm detached and raging
And it's just me
Not you
March 23, 2014
The only reason I even gave it 2 stars was the last 15%, but it killed me just to get there. No connection to either mc just blah to me.
March 22, 2014
3.5★'s - Buddy Read with my crew. This was very well written it just wasn't my kind of book. I didn't hate it but I didn't love it either. I think most people who read it will really like it, it just took a long time for me to get into it and when I felt really into it the past came in and knocked me over. Beautiful HEA though so I gave it an extra 1/2★ because well, it was beautiful.
April 18, 2014
Despite the fact that I usually prefer my characters a bit older, I really enjoyed this. Jake and Danny are so engaging and their life stories drew me in. I especially loved the writing, though, which was sweet without being saccharin and a little angsty without ever wallowing. I found the voices and situations authentic as well.
January 16, 2017
This was a pretty nice surprice. It had everything I love:
-College boys
-Virgins
-College roomates
-Hot sex
-Naked people walking around.
-And my weakness, a ginger MC
If you 're looking for a NA story, with sweetness, a little angst, and a good dose of steam that's the one.
-College boys
-Virgins
-College roomates
-Hot sex
-Naked people walking around.
-And my weakness, a ginger MC
If you 're looking for a NA story, with sweetness, a little angst, and a good dose of steam that's the one.
March 28, 2014
What an astounding difference in tone between Screwups and the last book I read and reviewed by Jamie Fessenden, Billy’s Bones. Mr. Fessenden’s range is amazing. Many authors write different types of stories. Many of them do it well. But I would have been hard pressed to believe that Screwups was written by the same author as Billy’s Bones. I mean this in the best possible way. Both books were great, but wow, so different.
Jamie Fessenden isn’t one of the “big name” MM authors that you see at the top of all the best seller or readers’ choice lists. But he is a talent not to be underestimated. Mr. Fessenden’s range, and his ability to excel in whatever sub-genre of MM fiction his muse forces upon him predicts a long and successful career as an author. I made a reference to Kathy Bates in “Misery” in a recent review, so I am hesitant to say that I am his number one fan, but I just may be.
From the exquisite cover to the character development to the plot and subplot lines, Screwups just worked for me. The title refers (I believe) to the residents of the dormitory at The University of New Hampshire where the artsy, creative types reside. Jake is being forced to hide his sexuality and major in business in order for his father pay for his education. His real passion is art, though. He loves to draw and is good at it. He wants to live in the creative arts dorm to be with people he feels more of a kinship with. His fellow business major students are as stifling as his classes are.
Did I mention that the book is set in 1996? It is so strange to read how different things were for young gay men then and realize how far we, as a nation, have come in such a short time. It seems like it is taking forever to gain the equality guaranteed by the Constitution, but it is happening. *End rant*.
When Jake moves and meets Danny, his new roommate, the attraction can’t be denied. Danny is the first openly gay man Jake has spent any real time with. As their friendship grows ever so slowly into romance, it becomes clear that they both have a lot to over come to be emotionally ready for a relationship. There were then and still are some major asshats trying desperately to keep a good gay man down. Not in the good way. Unfortunately for Jake, three of these men live in his very own home.
When Jake’s father found out that his high school friend was gay, Jake was too terrified that his father would find out that he was gay to not go along with his father’s harsh treatment and cruelty. Jake has not yet forgiven himself for how he treated his friend. Danny has nightmares about how he was treated in high school. He has been out and proud since high school. Someone he trusted did unspeakable things to him. My heart broke when Mr. Fessenden wrote the words coming out of Danny’s mouth when he finally told Jake what had happened to him. It was a powerful and healing time for both Danny and Jake.
Jake’s older twin brothers (both hilariously named Robert) have beaten Jake down his whole life. With the blessing of their father of course. Jake spends his holidays that year at Danny’s house with Danny’s mom. Jake sees for the first time what real, unconditional love is. The goofy, funny but real-feeling cast of characters that surrounded Danny and his mom were a scream. Picturing Jake’s face during the Yule celebration was one of my favorite things about Screwups. My mind always creates a more vivid picture than any illustrator or movie maker would be able to.
I feel like this review has meandered all over the place, so I need to bring it all together. Screwups as a title doesn’t do this book justice. The characters lovingly committed to the page by Jamie aren’t screwups in my eyes. They are just kids trying to get it right against all odds. The real screwups are the bullies, family and otherwise. This is a great book. It is in turns funny, heartbreaking and heartwarming. There were parts that made me angry enough to want to reach into my Kindle and do some damage. Another highly recommended success from Jamie Fessenden.
Jamie Fessenden isn’t one of the “big name” MM authors that you see at the top of all the best seller or readers’ choice lists. But he is a talent not to be underestimated. Mr. Fessenden’s range, and his ability to excel in whatever sub-genre of MM fiction his muse forces upon him predicts a long and successful career as an author. I made a reference to Kathy Bates in “Misery” in a recent review, so I am hesitant to say that I am his number one fan, but I just may be.
From the exquisite cover to the character development to the plot and subplot lines, Screwups just worked for me. The title refers (I believe) to the residents of the dormitory at The University of New Hampshire where the artsy, creative types reside. Jake is being forced to hide his sexuality and major in business in order for his father pay for his education. His real passion is art, though. He loves to draw and is good at it. He wants to live in the creative arts dorm to be with people he feels more of a kinship with. His fellow business major students are as stifling as his classes are.
Did I mention that the book is set in 1996? It is so strange to read how different things were for young gay men then and realize how far we, as a nation, have come in such a short time. It seems like it is taking forever to gain the equality guaranteed by the Constitution, but it is happening. *End rant*.
When Jake moves and meets Danny, his new roommate, the attraction can’t be denied. Danny is the first openly gay man Jake has spent any real time with. As their friendship grows ever so slowly into romance, it becomes clear that they both have a lot to over come to be emotionally ready for a relationship. There were then and still are some major asshats trying desperately to keep a good gay man down. Not in the good way. Unfortunately for Jake, three of these men live in his very own home.
When Jake’s father found out that his high school friend was gay, Jake was too terrified that his father would find out that he was gay to not go along with his father’s harsh treatment and cruelty. Jake has not yet forgiven himself for how he treated his friend. Danny has nightmares about how he was treated in high school. He has been out and proud since high school. Someone he trusted did unspeakable things to him. My heart broke when Mr. Fessenden wrote the words coming out of Danny’s mouth when he finally told Jake what had happened to him. It was a powerful and healing time for both Danny and Jake.
Jake’s older twin brothers (both hilariously named Robert) have beaten Jake down his whole life. With the blessing of their father of course. Jake spends his holidays that year at Danny’s house with Danny’s mom. Jake sees for the first time what real, unconditional love is. The goofy, funny but real-feeling cast of characters that surrounded Danny and his mom were a scream. Picturing Jake’s face during the Yule celebration was one of my favorite things about Screwups. My mind always creates a more vivid picture than any illustrator or movie maker would be able to.
I feel like this review has meandered all over the place, so I need to bring it all together. Screwups as a title doesn’t do this book justice. The characters lovingly committed to the page by Jamie aren’t screwups in my eyes. They are just kids trying to get it right against all odds. The real screwups are the bullies, family and otherwise. This is a great book. It is in turns funny, heartbreaking and heartwarming. There were parts that made me angry enough to want to reach into my Kindle and do some damage. Another highly recommended success from Jamie Fessenden.
August 9, 2016
“Life gives you a lot of chances to screw up, yet it also means you have just as many chances to get it right.” ~ unknown
Jake Stewart, from 'Screwups' by Jamie Fessenden, knows all about screwing up. He lost his best friend and potential boyfriend, Tom Langois, from 'Billy's Bones', when he was too much of a coward to admit he was gay; he's regretted it ever since. When he meets Danny Sullivan, Jake is presented with a huge opportunity to get it right this time, while helping Danny rediscover his own self-worth and proving to themselves that the person they are now is not the person they were in the past.
Jake is a normal, all-American boy, a business major with a talent for drawing which he has to keep hidden, until he takes a stand and moves into a dorm with all the artists, musicians, and free spirits. It's his first step to leading his own life, being what he wants to be rather than what his parents expect. Jake, by nature, is a happy person. Except for the fact that he's in the closet, he's outgoing and considerate, even a little shy, but the casual attitude of the students he lives with brings out an exhibitionist streak he didn't even know he had. Jake has a lot to learn about being a geek and is willing to try almost anything. He easily fits into almost every situation. After being raised in such a strict atmosphere, being able to express himself freely is a life-changing experience. I was so proud of Jake for coming through for so many people, especially Danny. He's so compassionate and emotional about him and is determined to not let anything come between them—not his jealousy and self-doubt or Danny's lack of love for himself. When Jake wants something, he finds a way to make it so.
Danny is a sweet, sensitive young man with a big heart. He wears his feelings on his sleeve which can be a disadvantage because he's easily hurt. He is attracted to Jake as soon as he moves in, but is wary of getting together with him. Jake's advances finally become too much to resist and Danny gives in and begins Jake's introduction to sex. He finds that Jake is an excellent student willing to try anything that Danny suggests; but as their friendship grows stronger and they get close physically, Danny is plagued with nightmares of a horrible incident from the past. In the back of his head, he keeps admonishing himself for becoming involved with another man in the closet. Danny knows he is courting disaster and heartbreak, but his feelings for Jake are so strong, that he's willing to take the risk and deal with the pain, which in his mind, is a matter of when, not if, Jake leaves him. Danny's anguish is almost palpable. Without Jake's persistence and willingness to hear Danny's confession, he would never have been able to achieve the forgiveness he deserves.
One of the things I admire most about Jamie Fessenden's writing is his ability to vary his style to complement his story. A story about college life calls for an informal, straightforward style which is exactly what Jamie delivers. I recommend this book to those of you who enjoy passion, angst, emotion, love, and redemption. Excellent job, Jamie. Thank you very much for sharing Danny and Jake's story with me.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Jake Stewart, from 'Screwups' by Jamie Fessenden, knows all about screwing up. He lost his best friend and potential boyfriend, Tom Langois, from 'Billy's Bones', when he was too much of a coward to admit he was gay; he's regretted it ever since. When he meets Danny Sullivan, Jake is presented with a huge opportunity to get it right this time, while helping Danny rediscover his own self-worth and proving to themselves that the person they are now is not the person they were in the past.
Jake is a normal, all-American boy, a business major with a talent for drawing which he has to keep hidden, until he takes a stand and moves into a dorm with all the artists, musicians, and free spirits. It's his first step to leading his own life, being what he wants to be rather than what his parents expect. Jake, by nature, is a happy person. Except for the fact that he's in the closet, he's outgoing and considerate, even a little shy, but the casual attitude of the students he lives with brings out an exhibitionist streak he didn't even know he had. Jake has a lot to learn about being a geek and is willing to try almost anything. He easily fits into almost every situation. After being raised in such a strict atmosphere, being able to express himself freely is a life-changing experience. I was so proud of Jake for coming through for so many people, especially Danny. He's so compassionate and emotional about him and is determined to not let anything come between them—not his jealousy and self-doubt or Danny's lack of love for himself. When Jake wants something, he finds a way to make it so.
Danny is a sweet, sensitive young man with a big heart. He wears his feelings on his sleeve which can be a disadvantage because he's easily hurt. He is attracted to Jake as soon as he moves in, but is wary of getting together with him. Jake's advances finally become too much to resist and Danny gives in and begins Jake's introduction to sex. He finds that Jake is an excellent student willing to try anything that Danny suggests; but as their friendship grows stronger and they get close physically, Danny is plagued with nightmares of a horrible incident from the past. In the back of his head, he keeps admonishing himself for becoming involved with another man in the closet. Danny knows he is courting disaster and heartbreak, but his feelings for Jake are so strong, that he's willing to take the risk and deal with the pain, which in his mind, is a matter of when, not if, Jake leaves him. Danny's anguish is almost palpable. Without Jake's persistence and willingness to hear Danny's confession, he would never have been able to achieve the forgiveness he deserves.
One of the things I admire most about Jamie Fessenden's writing is his ability to vary his style to complement his story. A story about college life calls for an informal, straightforward style which is exactly what Jamie delivers. I recommend this book to those of you who enjoy passion, angst, emotion, love, and redemption. Excellent job, Jamie. Thank you very much for sharing Danny and Jake's story with me.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
March 23, 2014
Okay, firstly I've never read Billy Bones and this I believe is sequel to it, although from what I have read there is only a fine connection to the first book by way of Jake and the character Tom and the basis for Jake's 'screw up'.
Please don't let it put you off buying it if you haven't read Billy Bones. I managed quite well and from the back story told (it isn't overworked either) I got a good enough gist of what was going on.
Basically I loved it. I loved Jake in particular. His enthusiasm to build a relationship with Danny was wonderful and his relationship in particular with Paul from the DnD Team was so subtly done. The mutual self loving scene in the bedroom was well hot. He had a idiot family (with the exception of his mum) who in particular a scene at the end made me want to punch my kindle. That scene was unexpected and yeah shocked me a little.
Danny I struggled with a little more, not because I didn't think he was wonderfully characterised (he was) but because of his pig headedness. Yep he had screwed-up (big time) but he fought physically for Jake, wore his heart on his sleeve and eventually came through.
Like I say I loved this, and I have now gone off and bought Billy Bones. It would be nice to see how these guys are now.. this was 1996... also would be good to see how the family stuff turned out.
Please don't let it put you off buying it if you haven't read Billy Bones. I managed quite well and from the back story told (it isn't overworked either) I got a good enough gist of what was going on.
Basically I loved it. I loved Jake in particular. His enthusiasm to build a relationship with Danny was wonderful and his relationship in particular with Paul from the DnD Team was so subtly done. The mutual self loving scene in the bedroom was well hot. He had a idiot family (with the exception of his mum) who in particular a scene at the end made me want to punch my kindle. That scene was unexpected and yeah shocked me a little.
Danny I struggled with a little more, not because I didn't think he was wonderfully characterised (he was) but because of his pig headedness. Yep he had screwed-up (big time) but he fought physically for Jake, wore his heart on his sleeve and eventually came through.
Like I say I loved this, and I have now gone off and bought Billy Bones. It would be nice to see how these guys are now.. this was 1996... also would be good to see how the family stuff turned out.
March 29, 2014
devoured this one!
March 21, 2014
Erin Awards Screwups by Jamie Fessenden 5 Sweet Peas and a Recommended Book Badge cover: Aaron Anderson http://www.mrsconditreadsbooks.com/?p...
have-but-not-read
August 7, 2015will be on sale 8/8-8/9 at Dreamspinners $0.99
July 20, 2016
How sweet was this?! Rhetorical question. The answer: VERY! And funny in many ways, as you can see from the quotes in my several status updates. I loved the slow relationship development between Danny and Jake. I loved the psychological component and self-esteem issues that Danny was suffering from that held him back from investing fully in a relationship. I loved Jake's playfulness. Just adorable. But don't get me wrong, I teared up on many an occasion as well. Both because of Danny's history as well as some of the issues Jake runs into
Complaints? Only a few. The nudity was kind of ridiculous. Don't get me wrong, I love nudity in my M/M romance... between by main characters. But no matter how much you like to sleep naked I think it's crazy rude to do it if you have an in-room roommate, and kinda weird. And I find it hard to believe a group of gaming college students would have a naked party just cuz, without even having any alcohol! And I lost count of the number of times Jake ended up running around the dorm starkers. Once I could forgive, especially given the first time revolved around a prank, but that last one was insane and totally unbelievable
But hallelujah to well developed secondary characters who aren't just there as filler (we got to know Paul a little better as he grew over the course of the book, and I would love if he realized he was bi and found a nice boy!), and to strong and likeable females in M/M romance!
Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
Complaints? Only a few. The nudity was kind of ridiculous. Don't get me wrong, I love nudity in my M/M romance... between by main characters. But no matter how much you like to sleep naked I think it's crazy rude to do it if you have an in-room roommate, and kinda weird. And I find it hard to believe a group of gaming college students would have a naked party just cuz, without even having any alcohol! And I lost count of the number of times Jake ended up running around the dorm starkers. Once I could forgive, especially given the first time revolved around a prank, but that last one was insane and totally unbelievable
But hallelujah to well developed secondary characters who aren't just there as filler (we got to know Paul a little better as he grew over the course of the book, and I would love if he realized he was bi and found a nice boy!), and to strong and likeable females in M/M romance!
Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
April 2, 2017
I read most of it while I was in the hospital waiting room, waiting for my grandfather to get out of surgery, and it did a great job of distracting me. Not a lot of angst, but plenty of fun and a great romance. I liked Danny's backstory and how it played into the plot, and it was nice to see him trying to fight with his past even when it kept rearing up its ugly head every time he thought he was free of it. And the whole wiccan thing, was pretty cool. Don't normally get to see that in books that are not paranormal in some way. Jake's family (with the exception of his mother) are complete douches, and I kind hope he just cuts them out of his life. No one needs to have that kind of hate dragging them down. And boy was it hot to see Jake go from closeted virgin to totally hot lover. This isn't going to be the last book I read from this author.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
March 19, 2014
For the record, I am a fan of Jamie Fessenden’s writing style. I was blown away by Billy’s Bones, and as a result, I was looking forward to reading this book. I was not disappointed. Although this book is much more light hearted than its predecessor, it does offer its share of angst and drama.
Fessenden has a great handle on combining solicitude and humor in his prose, which is not an easy task. He also has the wonderful ability to use dialogue to enhance a story without the dialogue sounding stilted or artificial. In addition to being a pro at character development, Fessenden is a master of description.
Please read my full review at http://www.smoochersvoice.com/2014/03...
Rounded up from 4 1/2 stars.
Fessenden has a great handle on combining solicitude and humor in his prose, which is not an easy task. He also has the wonderful ability to use dialogue to enhance a story without the dialogue sounding stilted or artificial. In addition to being a pro at character development, Fessenden is a master of description.
Please read my full review at http://www.smoochersvoice.com/2014/03...
Rounded up from 4 1/2 stars.
July 18, 2014
My Review:
I don't read as many college-setting books as I used to, but this book reminded me why I love them so much.
Jake is a junior in college majoring in a degree he has no interest in, doing what his father has always pushed on him. He knows that this may be his last chance to do something just for him, so he applies to live in the artistic dorm...and is surprisingly accepted. Danny was on his acceptance board and was vital to Jake's acceptance. As a result, Danny agreed to take Jake in as his roommate.
At the beginning of the story Jake is an uptight guy, but that definitely changes throughout the course of the book. That was a fun transformation to watch...and seeing him find his place in this group of friends was nice. Of course, at the same time, he's also coming to terms with exactly who he is sexually. He's never admitted it to anyone else besides himself, but Jake is gay. As he gets more comfortable with his out and proud gay roommate, they begin to experiment. But Danny has secrets and knows that they have to keep this purely about sex because once Jake learns the truth, he won't want to have anything resembling a relationship with Danny.
This book covers a whole year in these characters' lives. It was interesting to see the different family dichotomies...which are so completely opposite. My heart just hurt for Jake and the issues with his father and brothers. But I also felt a bit of anger at his mom that she didn't step up more to protect him. Then there's Danny's secrets...*gah* what he went through is every person's nightmare when they put themselves out there hoping to find that special someone. He made bad choices, but it was easy to understand his young 17 yo reasoning and see how ended up in that place.
I liked and enjoyed the story of Jake and Danny's romance, but even more I liked the whole backdrop of this dorm and this circle of friends. It was fun to watch Jake settle into the uncomfortableness of coed bathrooms and his sexuality and coming out. The book is set in 1996 and I wouldn't have guessed that there was so much to set that time frame apart, but the author did a great job of all those little details, from the D&D games to the music and TV shows at the time.
This is one of those books that left me with a smile on my face. Simply a fun, entertaining read.
I don't read as many college-setting books as I used to, but this book reminded me why I love them so much.
Jake is a junior in college majoring in a degree he has no interest in, doing what his father has always pushed on him. He knows that this may be his last chance to do something just for him, so he applies to live in the artistic dorm...and is surprisingly accepted. Danny was on his acceptance board and was vital to Jake's acceptance. As a result, Danny agreed to take Jake in as his roommate.
At the beginning of the story Jake is an uptight guy, but that definitely changes throughout the course of the book. That was a fun transformation to watch...and seeing him find his place in this group of friends was nice. Of course, at the same time, he's also coming to terms with exactly who he is sexually. He's never admitted it to anyone else besides himself, but Jake is gay. As he gets more comfortable with his out and proud gay roommate, they begin to experiment. But Danny has secrets and knows that they have to keep this purely about sex because once Jake learns the truth, he won't want to have anything resembling a relationship with Danny.
This book covers a whole year in these characters' lives. It was interesting to see the different family dichotomies...which are so completely opposite. My heart just hurt for Jake and the issues with his father and brothers. But I also felt a bit of anger at his mom that she didn't step up more to protect him. Then there's Danny's secrets...*gah* what he went through is every person's nightmare when they put themselves out there hoping to find that special someone. He made bad choices, but it was easy to understand his young 17 yo reasoning and see how ended up in that place.
I liked and enjoyed the story of Jake and Danny's romance, but even more I liked the whole backdrop of this dorm and this circle of friends. It was fun to watch Jake settle into the uncomfortableness of coed bathrooms and his sexuality and coming out. The book is set in 1996 and I wouldn't have guessed that there was so much to set that time frame apart, but the author did a great job of all those little details, from the D&D games to the music and TV shows at the time.
This is one of those books that left me with a smile on my face. Simply a fun, entertaining read.
March 26, 2014
Nothing is screwed up about Jamie Fessenden's new novel, not the characters, the plot, or his excellent writing.
In 1996 at the University of New Hampshire, business junior Jake Stewart takes a bold step, moving into Eaton House, the creative arts dorm. Jake's homophobic father has denied his youngest son's love of art, saying art is for sissies. But Jake rebels because he realizes that if he doesn't give reign to his artistic side now, he'll never be able to do so when he goes to work for his dad's company.
Eaton is a revelation to the closeted Jake, whose out-and-proud roommate Danny Sullivan is a key player in an ongoing Dungeons & Dragons role playing game. Not only that but music major Danny is Jake's dream man. But since Danny, like everyone else, thinks Jake is straight, this is a bit of a problem. Is Jake ready to come out to his new friends in Eaton House and more importantly to Danny?
As are most guys around the age of eighteen, neither Jake nor Danny is completely self-confident. Jake's so far in the closet, with good reason given his father's and brothers' homophobia, that he's miserable as he looks around at the free-wheeling hookups going on around him. He wants to belong to the GLBT club, but can't quite out himself, even to those like Danny who would support him.
Danny, too, is miserable, but his misery is somewhat self-imposed. Danny did something stupid in high school and has been taunted for it ever since. He wants to move on and leave the past in the past, but unfortunately, one of the Eaton residents also attended Danny's high school and isn't above persecuting Danny for his past mistake.
Read the rest of my review at The Romance Reviews: http://glbt.theromancereviews.com/vie...
In 1996 at the University of New Hampshire, business junior Jake Stewart takes a bold step, moving into Eaton House, the creative arts dorm. Jake's homophobic father has denied his youngest son's love of art, saying art is for sissies. But Jake rebels because he realizes that if he doesn't give reign to his artistic side now, he'll never be able to do so when he goes to work for his dad's company.
Eaton is a revelation to the closeted Jake, whose out-and-proud roommate Danny Sullivan is a key player in an ongoing Dungeons & Dragons role playing game. Not only that but music major Danny is Jake's dream man. But since Danny, like everyone else, thinks Jake is straight, this is a bit of a problem. Is Jake ready to come out to his new friends in Eaton House and more importantly to Danny?
As are most guys around the age of eighteen, neither Jake nor Danny is completely self-confident. Jake's so far in the closet, with good reason given his father's and brothers' homophobia, that he's miserable as he looks around at the free-wheeling hookups going on around him. He wants to belong to the GLBT club, but can't quite out himself, even to those like Danny who would support him.
Danny, too, is miserable, but his misery is somewhat self-imposed. Danny did something stupid in high school and has been taunted for it ever since. He wants to move on and leave the past in the past, but unfortunately, one of the Eaton residents also attended Danny's high school and isn't above persecuting Danny for his past mistake.
Read the rest of my review at The Romance Reviews: http://glbt.theromancereviews.com/vie...
April 12, 2014
Jake and Danny are college students who meet when Jake applies to a dorm. He is accepted and they become roommates.
Danny is very openly gay, but Danny knows he has to hide his sexual orientation from his father for fear of being disowned.
I loved Jake and Danny together. It was great that even though Jake was so different from the group of Danny's friends, they accepted him and even all managed to become good friends.
These characters are very big gamers.. D&D and LARK. I don't play these games, don't understand these games and really don't care to understand them. A lot of the book revolved around the gaming, and truthfully I skimmed those parts.
I did love the MC's and thought they had a good connection and chemistry. They are two somewhat broken people who find strength in each other and help put the other back together. Jakes dad and twin brothers, both named Robert (WTF? Who does that!) are such a$$h@les, but both boys moms were supportive and loving.
It could have used a better epilogue. If you aren't going to write another book, I like my stories to end in a nice neat package with a bow on top. Close out the story, don't leave me to guess the ending myself.
This is my 1st book by this author, but it won't be my last. I will be checking out more.
Danny is very openly gay, but Danny knows he has to hide his sexual orientation from his father for fear of being disowned.
I loved Jake and Danny together. It was great that even though Jake was so different from the group of Danny's friends, they accepted him and even all managed to become good friends.
These characters are very big gamers.. D&D and LARK. I don't play these games, don't understand these games and really don't care to understand them. A lot of the book revolved around the gaming, and truthfully I skimmed those parts.
I did love the MC's and thought they had a good connection and chemistry. They are two somewhat broken people who find strength in each other and help put the other back together. Jakes dad and twin brothers, both named Robert (WTF? Who does that!) are such a$$h@les, but both boys moms were supportive and loving.
It could have used a better epilogue. If you aren't going to write another book, I like my stories to end in a nice neat package with a bow on top. Close out the story, don't leave me to guess the ending myself.
This is my 1st book by this author, but it won't be my last. I will be checking out more.
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