Double Up

Lake Lovelace #1

by Vanessa North

Knowing he’s loved can make any man fly.

Fifteen years ago, Ben Warren was a wakeboarding king of big air, ballsy tricks, and boned grabs. Until a career-ending injury left him broken in ways he still has no hope of fixing. Now he takes his thrills where he can get them, and tries not to let life hurt too much.

Then Davis Fox arrives in Ben’s sporting goods store with a plan to get in touch with his estranged brother by competing in the annual wakeboarding double-up contest. The catch? He’s never ridden before. It’s crazy, but Ben’s a sucker for the guy’s sob story—and for his dimples, too—so he agrees to coach Davis.

Davis is everything Ben isn’ successful, confident, and in love with life. And he wants Ben to love life—and him—too. But before Ben can embrace a future with Davis, he needs to remember how to hope.

Genres: M M Romance, Contemporary, Romance, Sports, LGBT, Novella, M M Sports Romance

150 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 25, 2014

About the author

Author of over a dozen novels, novellas, and short stories, Vanessa North delights in giving happy-ever-afters to characters who don’t think they deserve them. Relentless curiosity led her to take up knitting and run a few marathons “just to see if she could.” She started writing for the same reason. Her very patient husband pretends not to notice when her hobbies take over the house. Living and writing in Northwest Georgia, she finds her attempts to keep a quiet home are frequently thwarted by twin boy-children and a very, very large dog.

Reviews

[Julio Genao · Rating 4 out of 5]

a perfect m/m summer read.


wakeboarder chris yarrow being awesome

i inhaled it like it was made of chocolate and chris pine.

loved the setting. loved the main characters, even if they drove me a little nuts once or twice.

and sweet baby jesus—did i love eddie.

finally! supporting characters i find as fascinating as the ones doing the fucking.


#TeamEddie

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Review removed.

[Exina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Double Up is such an awesome story! It has everything needed: a hot and broken ex-wakeboarding champion, a hot and lonely architect with freckles, dimples, a dead father who accepted him, a homophobic mother and stepfather, and a little brother he is not allowed to see. (Okay, Dave might look a bit cliché from the outside, but his personality is great. Well, actually too great to be true, but who cares? He is amazing!)

Oh, and a flamboyant best friend! I loved Eddie!



Ben and Dave’s story is captivating, perfectly balanced with angst, romance, sex, sport, humor, family drama, and appearances of secondary characters (though I wouldn’t mind a bit more of Eddie).

I adore Dave and I understand Ben. The story is told from Ben’s viewpoint – I loved it! His narration is so genuine and touching.

When I see Dave hurting, it’s bigger and scarier than any wake I’ve ever hit.

The chemistry between them is sizzling, the sex scenes are steamy and surprising, peppered with just the right amount and right quality of dirty talk.

There is something incredibly sexy about being ordered around by a guy who blushes when he does it.

Highly recommended!

[*J* Too Many Books Too Little Time · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars!!

This was a pretty good little read. I was initially attracted to this book for the



I like a good sports romance. This was a quick read, so not a lot of story and character development but what we got was pretty good. And well...it was pretty damn HOT!

Dave and Ben are kind of opposites attract, both have different views on what they are looking for.

"I know you don’t do casual sex.

And you don’t do relationships."

Ben is former pro surfer who was injured. His injury led to some rough times in his life. He's tried to bury his past and move on from it but it still lingers there in the background.

Dave is looking to learn how to surf in order to get closer to his half-brother.

I really liked Ben and Dave together. Some of the dialogue...eh,



I would definitely say it was insta-love between Dave and Ben but it didn't really bother me too much, maybe because the book was so short. I liked the development of Ben and Dave's relationship.

There was some angst and drama regarding Ben's past and his inability to open up to Dave, but nothing was too drawn out and OTT.

Overall, this was a pretty easy, hot, enjoyable read!

Shout out to Eddie who was....



....and most definitely needs his own book!

ARC kindly provided by Riptide Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

[Mirjana **DTR - Down to Read** · Rating 4 out of 5]

***4.25 Stars***

"We can be family. If you want, we'll take it one day at a time, but I'd really like those days to start and end together."

I LOVED this one!

Ben and Dave were fantastic together. I felt the chemistry, the passion and the love.

Novellas are so hard to judge because most of the time they're over before they really start...but, not here. Vanessa North was able to tell a great story with an emotional plot and characters who had depth.

I'm not a hater of "insta" anything on principle and if done right, I think it can work....and here it worked for me. Dave and Ben had an insta-attraction that quickly evolved into genuine feelings, and I completely understood it...and 100% bought it.

"Slow down."

"What?"

"Stop trying to get off and let me make love to you."

"Aren't they the same thing?"

He sits up and touches my face, stroking along the side with one hand. "No, Ben, they aren't. And it's fucking tragic that no one has ever shown you that before."

Oh, Dave! You toppy top...I just loved you. Even though we only get Ben's POV, I really felt like I knew Dave. His desire to have a sense of family, he's need to feel an emotional connection with the person he's sleeping with...even his panic and fear regarding Ben's injury.

And Ben...such a vulnerable soul. It was so easy to understand his fears, his trepidation and his longing. His whole life has been tied to water and wakeboarding and he just doesn't know who he is without it. Without the sport, what does he have to offer? What kind of a life can he have?

"But you need to see your whole self, Ben. You need to see the guy Eddie sees. And I really, really hope someday you'll see the guy I see. Because I love that guy, so much. And you would really love him too."

This would have been an easy 5 star read, but I feel like some things were glossed over and left too many loose strings. With Dave's relationship, or lack thereof, with his half-brother Ridley being the whole reason Ben and Dave meet, I wanted more than a couple of sentences dealing with where they stand now. Did Ridley stand up to his parents? Did he stand up for Dave? What's Dave's relationship with his mother? Do they talk? Has he seen his stepdad since their confrontation? Ben made a huge life-altering decision before the epilogue and then we get a one year time jump...what happened during that time? What happened after his decision? What were the effects? What did he go through? How have things improved? Worsened? As tends to happen with novellas, the ending was too rushed.

But even with all that, I'll think of this book with happy thoughts. I'll think of bearskin rugs, dogs with eyebrows and two passionate MC's who found the perfect counterpart in each other.

He lifts my head to kiss me. It's not one of those crazy-hot-can't-get-enough kisses I'm used to from him. This one is totally different - like he's kissing straight through he physical parts of me, the flesh and bone, and touching that soft feeling inside, stoking it, making it bigger and stronger. This lake-rat redneck has a huge gooey center.

I'm looking forward to reading the next book....awww yeah....bring me Kinky Eddie!

[Vivian]

REVIEW removed.

[✦❋Arianna✦❋ · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★★3.5 STARS★★★★



“Double Up” is a sweet and easy to read m/m sports romance and I really enjoyed it. The story starts with Davis “Dave” who wants to take some wakeboarding lessons. He wants to learn to get close to his 13 years old little brother.

Ben is a former pro surfer who was injured 15 years ago. His injuries killed his career and left him broken. Now he teaches lessons and summer camp and hardly rides at all, only when he has to demonstrate something during a lesson.

Both men are attracted to each other, but apparently they want different things – Dave doesn’t do casual sex and Ben doesn’t do relationship. But as the story progress, their relationship starts to change and Ben wants and needs someone who is there for him and loves him. But in order to be happy together, Ben has to be honest with Dave about everything.

I enjoyed this one despite the insta-love and almost insa-lust and despite the cheesy lines. Maybe because it was a short read. I liked both men. They both are likeable and I understood their frustration. The story is told entirely from Ben’s POV, which I enjoyed. The sex scenes are steamy and passionate and I liked the story was low in angst with no overwhelming drama.

I adored Eddie’s character and I hope in the future he will get his own book!

Overall, a good read!

[Gigi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vanessa North does it again! Her M/M romances suck me right in and don't let me put them down until I'm finished, no matter what is going on in my life at the time. This gem got me to set my alarm 2 hours early to wake up so I could finish it before starting my work day because I knew I wouldn't be able to function without knowing what happened to our heroes.

MC Ben Warren is 15 years out from a back injury that ended his professional career as a wakeboarder. (Check out this great YouTube clip introduction to wakeboarding if you are unfamiliar with the sport.) He currently spends his days coaching the sport and selling equipment in a sports shop. MC Davis Fox hires one time legend Ben, who was the reigning champion for 3 years in a row before his injury, to coach him so he can get closer to his brother who is a rising star in the sport. The 2 men fall into an easy flirtation that quickly turns into romance but it not without some seriously bumpy waters.

I loved Ben and Dave together. Dave quickly and easily turned a sour Ben into a giant purring kitten. Dave is the MC we all dream about. Rich, handsome, kind, thoughtful, respectful and generous. How could grumpy, disillusioned Ben NOT fall in love with him?

While I absolutely loved this book, I really think it could have benefited from being a bit longer and more fleshed out. Once I was finished, I still felt like pieces of the puzzle was missing. We only got one scene with Dave's brother Ridley, who was Dave's driving force for seeking Ben out in the first place. The confrontation between Dave's mother and stepfather was one sentence. It would have been great to see more of this family dynamic. What exactly was the negative relationship between Eddie and Rodney? What about the Fox family? Where were they now and where did their money come from? Was all of Dave's money from his father's estate or from his architectural business? What about the Warren family? It would have been nice to see someone from Ben's family make an appearance when they heard he was going to have a life altering surgery. I could keep going, but I'm sure you get the point. This in not to deter anyone from reading the book, it's to let you know how much I liked it and have thought about it since I finished. Not many books do that for me. *sigh*

5 stars from me! Highly recommended for M/M romance fans who want a nice love story with some relationship angst and great sex thrown in.

[Ami]

I will be one of the minorities -- among the glittery 4-5 stars that seem to be the the major opinion. I didn't have issue with the writing, but I did have issues with plot and characters. I think it was similar case with another of Ms. North's story (The Lonely Drop) which also garnered rave reviews ... but for me, one of the characters' action just annoyed the hell out of me.

So, this opinion is similar to those 3-3.5 reviews. If I can summarized my reaction, it would be: "interesting... roll eyes... yawn, moving on please... oh layer of emotions and conflict which are good... wait, what a dick move... nope should not forgive that quickly... meh" /// Since I'm too lazy this Sunday morning to be coherent, I'm going to borrow some of the reviews instead.

I agree with Gaa-chan that the first half of the novella seemed to be PWP. Well, I didn't think that the sex was that many, but it felt like the focus was on sex content and I was bored. Although for Davis it wasn't sex, it was making love (cue me rolling my eyes). It was early in the book and when someone brought up that differences after just what, one date and few flirting times, I was not amused. I know that some people experience love at first sight in real life, but I'm never a huge fan of that when it comes to fiction. So yes, sex focus, that would be cue for me to yawn.

The second part was rather good though. I thought the issue of Ben being a former addict and his reasons for NOT wanting to have a surgery was truly good. It gave layers to his characters!!

But then of course, came that forced separation in which I agreed with Lenore that it seemed juvenile. Of course, I thought that since Davis was the one who thought they were MAKING LOVE and wanted to be serious with Ben, the fact that he left Ben because Ben didn't trust Davis enough that he could take care of Ben, and not even there to be with Ben during the surgery, was TOTALLY making me see red. Sorry, Davis, I thought it was such a DICK move. I wouldn't be as forgiving as Ben. I would make Davis totally grovel first. And grovel HARD.

The ending felt rushed, and it was the "meh" moment for me.

And of course, those baby's as endearment! MY GOD HOW I DESPISED THEM! I deleted those of course. Or I will be homicidal. But still, as "baby police" I need to mention it. Matter of personal taste, you see.

So all in all, I wasn't as impressed *shrugs*.

[Vanessa North]

8/25/14: Double Up is out today! *throws confetti*

It feels like I've been waiting forever for this book release, and at the same time I'm thinking "What? It's here already?" I'm so thrilled to let this one out into the world--I hope you all enjoy!
xoxo,
V




A contemporary sports romance, due out August 25 from Riptide Publishing.

http://riptidepublishing.com/titles/d...

[.Lili. · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know I quite enjoyed this. This was my first Vanessa North book so I wasn't sure what to expect but was pleasantly surprised.



What I loved:

*The main and secondary characters
*The story was very sweet
*Nice steam
*Definitely a feel good story
*Nice story flow

What I didn't love so much:

*The insta-love. Sometimes it works for me and sometimes it doesn't. I wouldn't necessarily say it didn't work- but I did find myself not completely believing their feelings and actions. It was a bit much sometimes, but it wasn't so bad that I wanted to DNF the book or anything. Probably just me though- you know what they say: no two persons read the same book. So don't let this stop you from giving it a chance.

Overall this was a 3.5 star read for me rounded up to 4 stars because I did enjoy it and would recommend it.

[♣ Irish Smurfétté ♣]

Rating and review removed.

[Kimmylongtime · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute ☺️ but I won’t continue this series lol not for me

[Otila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Double Up is is a sweet, fast paced novella that is told in first person, present tense from Ben’s POV. The present tense narrative was my biggest problem with this story. When done well, present tense can really bring you into the action and eventually you forget about it and just immerse yourself in the story. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the case here. The writing felt clipped and it was constantly taking me out of the story, which sucked because it is a good story.

Ben is a retired wake-boarding champion whose career was cut short fifteen years ago when he injured his back during a competition. Now he runs a wakeboard shop and sometimes gives lessons. Ben is 40 years old, has pretty low self esteem, has some issues in his life he has to deal with and doesn’t do relationships.

When Davis walks into the shop, Ben is immediately attracted to the younger man but feels that Davis is out of his league. Davis is a successful architect who’s looking for wake boarding lessons in order to connect with his younger brother. Ben agrees to the lessons which lead to flirting, dating and really hot sex. This is one place that the present tense worked. It really immersed you in the *ahem* action.

I really liked Ben. I liked his vulnerability and his willingness to open up to Davis and trust him. Davis, on the other hand, came off as a jerk. The reason for the fight screamed of emotional manipulation to me. Ben won’t do what Davis wants so he walks away. It wasn’t a simple thing for Ben, there were certain risks and circumstances that affected Ben’s decision but Davis wasn’t even willing to discuss them.

The ending might have been a little too quickly and perfectly wrapped up, especially since Davis seemed to come around out of nowhere. Still, the story was sweet and the sex hot, so I did enjoy it. If you can get past the present tense narrative, it’s a good way to spend a couple hours.

**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Jennifer☠Pher☠ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joy. I have no other thought right now but freaking joy. This book was so good. I mean, seriously good. A book that can make me fall in love with all the characters is rare, add to that a book that had me falling in love with the story, believing the story and chasing the end? Yeah, perfect for me. Vanessa North, I am giving you a standing ovation for this one on release day. If I could ever identify what I want and need in a book I can now point to this one :)

Read.

Buddy Read with my Besties!

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 stars.



When I saw the blurb of Vanessa North’s new novel I was instantly intrigued. Setting up a M/M romance into the world of wakeboarding? Half naked guys with tanned skin and sun-bleached hair riding wakes and doing double-ups? Hell yeah! Count me in!

Former wakeboard champion Ben Warren is just the kind of novel hero I love, handsome, broken, but also determined to not giving up, to making the best of his life. And he’s forty! Yay! I love M/M romances featuring mature guys. Ben is wonderfully sarcastic and doesn’t take any shit, from no one. After a career-ending injury 15 years ago he now runs a pro shop and gives lessons. He hardly rides at all, only when he has to demonstrate something during a lesson. Ben seems to be happy sitting behind the counter at the world’s smallest pro shop, selling boards to guys with ‘more money than brains’.

When handsome, wealthy looking 30 years old architect Davis Fox aka Dave enters Legend Wakeboards and asks for private lessons Ben immediately flashes his best ‘the-cash-register-made-me-do-it’ smile. Ben’s prejudices go up in smoke though, when Dave begins to explain the reasons behind his sudden interest in wakeboarding. He hasn’t seen his little brother Ridley since the boy was a toddler, his homophobic asshole stepfather didn’t want a ‘dumb fucking faggot’ around his kid. Now 13 years old Ridley is a rising wakeboard pro and Dave figures if he’d join the upcoming double-up contest, maybe he and and his little brother can spend some time together and get to know each other.

Watching the attraction between Dave and Ben grow, and unfold into more was just beautiful. They are so cute together, although Ben makes it clear that he doesn’t do relationships. Ever! I loved Dave for not giving up on him right away even though he doesn’t do casual hook-ups. So how can they make what they both feel for each other work?

“What makes you feel alive now?”
“Riding wake early in the morning, before the fog’s cleared off the water. Flirting with a much younger man. Sex. Candy.”…
My tongue steals out to tangle with his briefly. It’s madness. It’s heaven. He tastes sweeter than candy, like laughter and sunny days on the lake…

The sex between them is scorching hot, passionate and steamy as hell. Both of them know what they want and they take it. Holy wakeboarding Batman! How they do it! Every time they 'hit the sheets', my poor ebook-reader nearly died from overheating!


Anyway, after a few weeks of sunshine and happiness, Ben’s secrets and Dave’s stubbornness take their toll on both of them. I won’t go into more details but Dave’s inability to accept Ben the way he is, drove me crazy, he made me so angry I would have loved to drown him in the wake of the damn boat!

I hear my voice crack. “Why can’t we be lovers and have fun and just . . .”
“Because I want more than that. I want to share my life with someone. And I want to share my life with someone who values his own life enough to take care of it.”
“And you don’t think that’s me?”
“I did.”
“You said you wouldn’t throw me away.” I grind out the words.
“What do think you’re doing now?”

Luckily both guys get their shit together, at some point, and try to work things out, but second chances don’t happen without going through some tough times, those are fragile things, they need trust and honesty, and love…

Experiencing the wakeboard scenery through Ben’s eyes was fun. Just imagine those sexy half naked guys riding the wakes, doing Whirlybirds and double-ups. Wow, Vanessa, your wakeboard world rocks! My water skiing in earlier days was fun, and yes I loved it but Wakeboarding sounds far more entertaining.

Double Up is definitely one of those stories where you can easily fall in love with the supporting characters. There is wonderfully flamboyant Eddie; Ben’s childhood best friend, sometimes-fuck-buddy and boss. Tina, (I love the name, LOL) and her crazy dachshund-beagle-labrador mutt Elvis, and there's Ridley, Dave’s cute little brother.

As always, I loved Vanessa’s writing style, it’s unique, lyrical and full of emotions. The sex is smoking hot and the humour and angst are well-balanced. The story is an entertaining mix of heartache, love, hurt and passion, and Ben and Dave’s journey to love is terrific and beautiful. How they managed to overcome their challenges to form a deep and everlasting love and build such a strong relationship touched me deeply. Btw, I loved the sappy ending, I’m a sucker for HEAs! Vanessa, once again you've outdone yourself. Highly recommended!

PS: If I could have a wish free… can Eddie, our ‘ancient queen’ get his own story? Pretty please, Vanessa?

[Susan]

Rating and review removed.

[Elsbeth]

*Review and rating removed

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Flying Stars

"Knowing he’s loved can make any man fly."

"I kiss him gently, and it’s friendly, but arousing in the way only a first kiss can be. My intentions to keep it chaste go straight to hell because he whimpers and his lips part and my tongue steals out to tangle with his briefly. It’s madness. It’s heaven."

“I don’t know this feeling, this fucking scary thing in my chest when I hang up the phone, but I think it might be hope.”

For me it really was an amazing ride. I loved Dave and Davis *sigh*
this was precious and so, so good. Beautiful and emotional. Loved the bit of angst...*sigh* and blushing...

“Good job,” I say, and he blushes. It could be my new mission in life to keep his cheeks pink.”

Scorching chemistry... Dirty talking...Loved.
Fantastic side character too *thumbs up Eddie*

Recommended light, slightly angsty, feel-good, sporty M/M romance.

Loved.
To re-read.

[BevS · Rating 1 out of 5]

Original rating and review removed. Bullying and lying not acceptable.

[* A Reader Obsessed * · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an awesome hot little gem. My only complaint - it wasn't long enough!

Loved the flirty banter
Loved the dirty talk
Loved Davis was an unexpected top, despite those blushes
Loved their initial communication skills, until they didn't communicate.

However it all worked out in the end. That's what counts.

[Kristan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh man. This book.

A bossy top, dirty talk, and Eddie.

*twirls*

Ben Warren is a 40 year old, former professional wakeboarder. After suffering a career altering injury, he now teaches the sport to the next generation. When Davis, all blushes, dimples and cuteness, walks into Ben's store to ask about lessons, it's instant attraction for both of them.

Ben helps to teach Davis how to wakeboard so he can connect with his estranged brother, and Davis will show Ben a future he didn't know he wanted, but one he knows he doesn't want to live without.

Seriously, this book had so much going for it. It was like manna from Heaven. It was like flying through the air above water.

The perfect read was so close, I could almost taste it.



And then something happens to throw a wrench into it.

Now I'm all



And WTF?

And you're damn lucky you're a toppy, dirty talking bastard, Davis, or I'd slap you upside the head.

You needed to do more grovelling.

You needed to get down on your knees.

You needed to give that man a fridge full of energy drinks. For life.

But you know what? That dirty talk and hot sex more than makes up for it. At least for me.

And Eddie, the best friend and feisty character that shines so bright; it's no wonder he gets to be front and center in the next installment.

The perfect mix of sports action, wounded characters, and steamy romance.

Highly recommended.

[aksana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben Warren was the reigning wake-boarding champion.



But that was 15 ago, before he had a career-ending injury. And now he is selling boards in a pro shop and teaching wakeboard lessons.

When Davis Fox comes to his shop to ask him for private lessons,
Ben has only two things in mind:





because Davis wants to enter the Double Up contest, even though he has absolutely no experience in extreme sport, only to spend some time with his kid brother Ridley (who is on the best way to become a wake-boarding pro).
Davis hasn't seen Ridley since his mother and stepfather kicked him out after finding out Davis is gay. That was 12 years ago. But Ben is willing to help.

Their attraction to each other is undeniable. But Dave can't do casual sex and Ben doesn't know if he can do relationships. Ben is willing to try it with Dave but he also keeps secrets which are threatening their relationship.

This was a really enjoyable and short read. I loved the flirting between Dave and Ben. Not a bunch of drama in the end and sexy MCs.



ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Maya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Double up is such a feel good story and just so … romantic.
Also hot. Very hot.

Dave is an awesome character – full of life and dimpled smiles. He shows up at Ben’s door looking for wakeboarding lessons. In return, it is Dave who teaches Ben the most valuable lessons of all:

“I want you to feel everything, Ben.”

But it was Ben who won my heart. He is the narrator of the story and I got to see his transformation from someone who lives day by day to a man who can dream and hope again. 15 years ago Ben has suffered a serious injury that not only ends his career of a wakeboarding pro but also puts his life on hold. Until Dave.

The attraction between the two of them is instant, the relationship develops fast, Dave learns to wakeboard while Ben learns … to live.

And then it’s time for Ben to make a difficult decision that will change his life significantly. It fills him with fear and panic, just like before hitting a double-up, but he knows taking that risk can be just as rewarding.

I felt Ben’s struggle and I rooted for him all the way. What more can I say – Vanessa North can tell a good story.

The ending is predictable but I wouldn’t have wanted it to end any other way.

As a bonus – I read Double up lying on a beach so I was double happy for a while.

[Isabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know when you read a book that you know for sure that you will read it again? That was my feeling at the end of Double Up! The reasons are many:

Fabulous writing (Vanessa North, wow!!!)

Fantastic MC's - Ben & Davis are unforgettable!!!



Original and interesting plot - Wakeboarding is a very exciting and dangerous sport, and I found myself very curious about it...



There are emotions and healing, but I didn't felt nervous or anxious, on the contrary, I felt hope for Ben and Davis.

If you add to all these reasons, very hot, steamy and exciting sex scenes, you will know for sure that this book is a must read!

"Knowing he’s loved can make any man fly."

Now, what really would make me happy, is a book about Eddie!!! Please Vanessa, please!!!

[Krissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! I also adored Eddie and can't wait to read his story!

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note (added 11/03/2018):

In light of recent events, I can no longer recommend this book to my friends (or any reader, for that matter).

However, my Goodreads review space provides me an opportunity to rate and review books, expressing how they made me think, feel, question, or react at a particular moment in time. Sometimes, I use my review space to share stories about my life or comment on the world around me, drawing comparisons between myself and the characters and plot lines that I read about. As such, they are a time capsule of sorts and the historian in me won't let me erase them from the historical record.

So I am going to leave my ratings/reviews intact, but reiterate that I can no longer recommend this book to my friends.

Originally rating and/or review:

A perfect summer read!

[вιвℓισρнιℓια {кιηgѕℓєу & ѕøяєη ƒσяєνєя} · Rating 5 out of 5]

**ARC, kindly provided by NetGallery, in exchange for an honest review. Many Thanks.**

...

OMG, this was precious; so, so good. From the descriptions to emotions, I just loved it so much. I'd love for more from these characters, this verse.

[BWT · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stories like this annoy me.

Major Spoilers! Ben is an ex-pro wake boarding athlete who broke his back 15 years ago, had initial surgery (with a follow-up surgery scheduled for 18 months later), got hooked on painkillers and alcohol, and then cleaned himself up and has been clean and sober 8 years. However, because of his addictions (and a fear of never being able to wake board - or possible walk again) he never had the follow-up surgery for his back.

Dave's an architect who comes to Ben for wake boarding lessons in order to get a bit closer to the little half-brother he never gets to see because his step-father is a prejudiced fuckhead.

Ben and Dave fall for each other. Hard. Which is scary for Ben, because he's never had a real relationship. And he's 40. With no real relationship, ever. So, even though he's scared shitless, Ben is completely honest with Dave about being an addict. With that confession told, they grow even closer over the course of a couple of months. Ben falls completely, head over heels in love with Dave. Dave promises to keep Ben's heart safe.

Then Ben has a fall, while showing off a bit on his wake board, and Dave finds out about the second surgery that never was, and feels all betrayed and breaks up with Ben. In my opinion, I felt he behaved like a complete dick about the whole thing.

Eventually Ben decides that he has to get the surgery (regardless of the possible consequences - never wake boarding, etc.) so he can live his life fully, even if it means living his life without Dave. But then Dave comes back and asks forgiveness and they live happily ever after. Blah, blah, blah.

I hate it when characters break up because someone doesn't spill all their darkest fears and secrets a short time into the relationship. I mean, seriously? Because Ben didn't tell Dave every single little thing ever Dave rips out his heart and stomps on it for good measure? Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't realize complete fucking transparency was a requirement in a less than three month old relationship. Whatever!

Anyway, that drives me up a wall.

[Jonetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's something touching about this story and how true each character seems to be to his nature.

While on the surface, Ben and Davis may seem to be incompatible, they end up being just what the other needs at this stage of their lives. I could just feel Ben's physical pain from his boarding injuries they were so vividly described. And, the decisions he faced were realistic, making the story edgier. Davis' commitment to his younger half brother was admirable and brave, which was a perfect compliment to Ben's life view.

I really liked the story, the romance (the steam rocks!), the conflicts presented and how they were integrated into the characterizations and relationships. It's meaty without being weighed down and I learned just enough about wake boarding to get it. I like the author's style and plan to read more of her stories.

(I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review)