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Something More #2
More Than Anything
Arriving home after work one evening, Jørgen sees a young man who looks adrift and out of place—and who promptly has a seizure on the sidewalk. Jørgen takes care of him until the seizure passes and then, not knowing who to contact, takes care of him for the night. After giving the kid, Geir, a ride home the next morning, he expects that to be the end of it. He doesn't expect Geir to be a student at the vocational school where Jørgen works as an electrician. He definitely does not expect to be drawn to Geir time and again, to want things that will never be possible for two people with more obstacles between them than can ever be overcome.
380 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 24, 2014
29 people are currently reading
462 people want to read
About the author
T.T. Kove
81 books167 followersWrites queer romance, usually of the new adult, slice-of-life variety.
Find me:
www.acpress.co.uk
www.patreon.com/ttkove
Find me:
www.acpress.co.uk
www.patreon.com/ttkove
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
August 29, 2015
This is a slow sweet story about Jørgen, a young man so damaged by abuse as a child that he has no hope for a future without isolation, and Geir, a teenager (just turning 17 at the start of the book) with epilepsy. Both men have challenges and feel realistic - both want a relationship but see themselves as flawed. Of the two, Jørgen's path is by far the harder one.
I loved the Norwegian setting, the very slow burn, the realistic stops and starts of the relationship. I really appreciated that the author had Jørgen eventually seek out a therapist and do a lot of work to get beyond his issues, not just heal them with true love. I really felt for the characters, and cheered their progress. The secondary characters were also well done, interesting, and three-dimensional.
My biggest issue with the book was actually the set-up of the relationship. Geir's epilepsy is not well-controlled. He has full tonic-clonic seizures up to every couple of weeks. And yet his father works an off-shore job, out of touch three weeks at a time, with Geir allowed to be living alone at home at 16, with only his dog and intermittent checking from his uncle. This might be just plausible, except that Geir also has post-ictal (after a seizure) weakness/sleepiness that leaves him unable to function for hours, sometimes half a day. (And no "Call in an emergency" name for his uncle that comes up front and center on his mobile phone.)
That plays into the meeting of the two guys. Geir has a seizure outside Jørgen's house, and Jørgen takes him in and cares for him. But... it's one thing to live alone with poorly-controlled epilepsy - there's always a risk of a fall, spilling something on the stove or letting it burn, dropping a sharp/glass object etc. If Geir woke fast after a seizure and had minimal post-ictal confusion, he could at least turn off the stove/call for help/stop the bleeding in such a situation. But in this case, he could bleed to death/burn/freeze as a consequence of not waking for hours after the seizure. If he were my kid, I would never leave him to live alone with this risk. And given that his father is later portrayed as protective, not negligent, and his uncle is close by and loving, and would potentially have taken him in, this felt artificial as a set-up for the guys to come together and bond.
Other than that niggle of implausibility, this book was refreshing in its characters and setting, sweet and interesting, and well worth the read.
I loved the Norwegian setting, the very slow burn, the realistic stops and starts of the relationship. I really appreciated that the author had Jørgen eventually seek out a therapist and do a lot of work to get beyond his issues, not just heal them with true love. I really felt for the characters, and cheered their progress. The secondary characters were also well done, interesting, and three-dimensional.
My biggest issue with the book was actually the set-up of the relationship. Geir's epilepsy is not well-controlled. He has full tonic-clonic seizures up to every couple of weeks. And yet his father works an off-shore job, out of touch three weeks at a time, with Geir allowed to be living alone at home at 16, with only his dog and intermittent checking from his uncle. This might be just plausible, except that Geir also has post-ictal (after a seizure) weakness/sleepiness that leaves him unable to function for hours, sometimes half a day. (And no "Call in an emergency" name for his uncle that comes up front and center on his mobile phone.)
That plays into the meeting of the two guys. Geir has a seizure outside Jørgen's house, and Jørgen takes him in and cares for him. But... it's one thing to live alone with poorly-controlled epilepsy - there's always a risk of a fall, spilling something on the stove or letting it burn, dropping a sharp/glass object etc. If Geir woke fast after a seizure and had minimal post-ictal confusion, he could at least turn off the stove/call for help/stop the bleeding in such a situation. But in this case, he could bleed to death/burn/freeze as a consequence of not waking for hours after the seizure. If he were my kid, I would never leave him to live alone with this risk. And given that his father is later portrayed as protective, not negligent, and his uncle is close by and loving, and would potentially have taken him in, this felt artificial as a set-up for the guys to come together and bond.
Other than that niggle of implausibility, this book was refreshing in its characters and setting, sweet and interesting, and well worth the read.
May 11, 2015
I mostly read fiction to forget about real life for a while. But every now and then I come across books that are more real than the fiction they are labelled as. This was one such book.
Talk about heart breaking. Not just one but two guys that will leave you crushed.
Geir really got to me. His loneliness struck a cord and the bullying he suffered through brought back a few unpleasant memories. The scene with Charo was especially heart wrenching.
Jørgen broke my heart, he suffered so much for so long. I was completely in awe of him just for surviving.
While this story deals with the worse of humankind, it is not a dark and gloomy read. Watching Jørgen finally find a reason to start healing was one of the most beautiful stories I've read. Not having the abuse take place on page only added to this story.
Geir was the perfect match for Jørgen. Together they tell a true story of the power of love.
I can't say I ever warmed up to Geirs dad. Talk about self centred. I certainly wanted to give him a piece of my mind, especially when he reneged on their deal for the holidays.
I did lose track a few times with the point of view switches but quickly got back on track. There were also a couple of minor inconsistencies that nagged at me, plus I had no idea how to pronounce the names lol, but overall this was a beautiful well told story.
October 15, 2017
** Review in book 2 **
September 2, 2015
I started a very serious review for this book last night...then my laptop died and won’t reboot. So yeah today’s review is going to be lazy and not very insightful. I liked this book for a couple of reasons:
No love conquers all theme. Yes the two do fall in love, they do decide to work on their issues because they would like to be in a better place for their partner. Love is a catalyst to change.
They work on their issues, especially Jorgen who had the most troubles. He seriously needed therapy and would probably not have gotten help had it not been for Geir moving and asking his therapist uncle to be present. Jorgen had been perfectly accepting of his inability to have human contact & he shouldn’t have been.
Gier’s issue seemed like a non-issue at the time that turn out to be something bigger than he expected. Gier has no sex drive and is all of a sudden questioning why not. He alters his medication in anticipation that he might eventually want to have sex with Jorgen. The book glosses over the fact that when he changes the medicine not only does his sex drive improve but the one or two monthly seizures he’s been living with decrease also.
3. The teenager does not get his way. I know it seems like a petty thing but I was glad Gier’s dad stuck to his guns and made him move, made him spend the holidays with his new family even though it was going back on his word to allow Gier to go back and visit Jorgen during ALL holidays. Gier’s dad wasn’t 100% ok with his young son having a relationship with a guy so much older and he did what I can imagine any parent would do. He told Gier to suck it up cause he was the child and the child does what the parent says until that child is 18.
I had a few things that kept it from being a 5 star for me. I think that the move was supposed to be the cause of Gier gaining some confidence and how we rationalize him seeming more mature when it was time for him to move in with Jorgen. Unfortunately what we were shown of his life there didn’t have me believe it. It also dragged for me.
Jorgen too seemed less mature by the end of the book. Maybe it was me but having been on his own for so long and having gone through such horrific things I would expect him to feel more adult. I think he was portrayed differently by the end of the book then he was in the beginning. I can’t put my finger on why but it was how I felt.
Overall I enjoyed it. And yes I felt the $6.99 was a fair price in the end.
No love conquers all theme. Yes the two do fall in love, they do decide to work on their issues because they would like to be in a better place for their partner. Love is a catalyst to change.
They work on their issues, especially Jorgen who had the most troubles. He seriously needed therapy and would probably not have gotten help had it not been for Geir moving and asking his therapist uncle to be present. Jorgen had been perfectly accepting of his inability to have human contact & he shouldn’t have been.
Gier’s issue seemed like a non-issue at the time that turn out to be something bigger than he expected. Gier has no sex drive and is all of a sudden questioning why not. He alters his medication in anticipation that he might eventually want to have sex with Jorgen. The book glosses over the fact that when he changes the medicine not only does his sex drive improve but the one or two monthly seizures he’s been living with decrease also.
3. The teenager does not get his way. I know it seems like a petty thing but I was glad Gier’s dad stuck to his guns and made him move, made him spend the holidays with his new family even though it was going back on his word to allow Gier to go back and visit Jorgen during ALL holidays. Gier’s dad wasn’t 100% ok with his young son having a relationship with a guy so much older and he did what I can imagine any parent would do. He told Gier to suck it up cause he was the child and the child does what the parent says until that child is 18.
I had a few things that kept it from being a 5 star for me. I think that the move was supposed to be the cause of Gier gaining some confidence and how we rationalize him seeming more mature when it was time for him to move in with Jorgen. Unfortunately what we were shown of his life there didn’t have me believe it. It also dragged for me.
Jorgen too seemed less mature by the end of the book. Maybe it was me but having been on his own for so long and having gone through such horrific things I would expect him to feel more adult. I think he was portrayed differently by the end of the book then he was in the beginning. I can’t put my finger on why but it was how I felt.
Overall I enjoyed it. And yes I felt the $6.99 was a fair price in the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2017
4.5 stars.
This was a first for me by this author. I truly enjoyed this book. I was taken aback by some things, but I have to remember that there are rules outside North American. LOL.
I didn't know how I would feel about a 16 yr old being in a relationship with a 22 yr old, but T.T. surely wrote it beautifully.
Geir was so amazing, all he wanted was a mate. I found myself tearing up whenever he would taking about being lonely, hell they didn't tease him for being gay no these insensitive ass children teased him for having Epilepsy something he has no freaking control over. I was so pissed off at every push, hit, taunting. I know a book has affected me when I want to step inside Geir's school and beat Jonas ass like no tomorrow. I was mad as hell his father left his 3 weeks out the month for work. I understand him having to have a job, but not noticing anything about your only child until he got hit in the face was crazy. I don't have children yet, and I am the first to not judge a parent but really like he was super lonely, and the first person to show him an ounce of kindness outside of family was the tragic boy himself Jorgen. I know he isn't a boy, but when he was no one protected him at all. Reading that letter he wrote to Geir literally broke me in to pieces.
Both of these guys stepped outside themselves and decided to trust each other. I like Daniel & Thomas. I wish we had more fathers, uncles, and role models like this in the world.
I had a couple of issues but they were my personal beliefs so I couldn't factor those into my rating. Why not 5 stars? Well I really wanted to know more about Kay, since he was brought up more times. I also would have liked an epilogue. What is happening since Geir moved it? At the end of the day I truly loved this book, I devoured it and surely I want more. Can't wait for book 2.
This was a first for me by this author. I truly enjoyed this book. I was taken aback by some things, but I have to remember that there are rules outside North American. LOL.
I didn't know how I would feel about a 16 yr old being in a relationship with a 22 yr old, but T.T. surely wrote it beautifully.
Geir was so amazing, all he wanted was a mate. I found myself tearing up whenever he would taking about being lonely, hell they didn't tease him for being gay no these insensitive ass children teased him for having Epilepsy something he has no freaking control over. I was so pissed off at every push, hit, taunting. I know a book has affected me when I want to step inside Geir's school and beat Jonas ass like no tomorrow. I was mad as hell his father left his 3 weeks out the month for work. I understand him having to have a job, but not noticing anything about your only child until he got hit in the face was crazy. I don't have children yet, and I am the first to not judge a parent but really like he was super lonely, and the first person to show him an ounce of kindness outside of family was the tragic boy himself Jorgen. I know he isn't a boy, but when he was no one protected him at all. Reading that letter he wrote to Geir literally broke me in to pieces.
Both of these guys stepped outside themselves and decided to trust each other. I like Daniel & Thomas. I wish we had more fathers, uncles, and role models like this in the world.
I had a couple of issues but they were my personal beliefs so I couldn't factor those into my rating. Why not 5 stars? Well I really wanted to know more about Kay, since he was brought up more times. I also would have liked an epilogue. What is happening since Geir moved it? At the end of the day I truly loved this book, I devoured it and surely I want more. Can't wait for book 2.
February 17, 2015
I'm in love by Jorgen and Geir!!! What a great story, it's great to see how Jorgen let Geir into his life and how he worked to get over his issues so they could have a chance of being together. Loved it!
February 10, 2018
“Love me in your arms. You were my shelter from the storm...you were right there all along. I never knew a love like this before, Oh I just want to say that I love you more than anything.” ~ Lamar Campbell
Everyone has burdens to bear, but Jørgen's, of 'More Than Anything' by TT Kove, are heavier than most. Jørgen was abused as a child, both emotionally and sexually, at the hands of his uncle and his mother. It's left him emotionally scarred and socially inept. He has PTSD and often flashes back to traumatic past events with devastating consequences. Equally crippling, sometimes these bad memory triggers send him into panic or anxiety attacks; he feels like he can't breathe. Jørgen tries to manage these events himself, but more times than not, they manage him instead. He has learned some coping skills which help sometimes, but, as bad as these events are, he's not ready to face his fears and get beyond them. Jørgen knows he needs help, but his past experience with mental health workers has been so negative, that he's not been anxious to try again. The motivation appears when Geir, a young epileptic boy, has a seizure right in front of his house. Against his better judgment, Jørgen brings the boy inside and cares for him.
Most people are put off by Geir's illness; seizures can be frightening, especially if you've not experienced them before. Jørgen knows what to do because his abusive uncle had epilepsy, so it's nothing new to him. Each decision Jørgen makes about caring for Geir, i.e., bringing him in, sharing his bed with him, might be the trigger that throws Jørgen into chaos; but he also knows he can't leave the boy out in the cold. Jørgen and Geir slowly form a friendship, which is especially nice since neither have friends and are lonely. Before Geir came along, Jørgen thought he preferred to be alone He never realized how lonely he was. Geir is much younger, almost seventeen, and Jørgen is twenty-two which becomes an issue when they begin to have feelings for one another. Just when Jørgen is getting used to the idea of having someone around and coping better, Geir's father decides to move. Neither of them are happy about it, but since Geir is under eighteen, there's nothing they can do but comply. It gives both men an opportunity to examine their feelings and better formulate what they want out of life. Even though in different ways, they need to become more mature. A near tragedy acts as a motivator for Jørgen to begin to get the help he needs. Jørgen wants to live up to the potential that Geir sees when he looks at him. Jørgen just hopes it's enough to make Geir want to stay when he comes back from the city after he is eighteen and has experienced more of the world.
Geir is no stranger to abuse and loneliness either. He's constantly bullied at school, first because of his illness and, once his bully finds out he is gay, he begins to bash him because of that. After meeting Jørgen, Geir is instantly impressed by his charity toward a stranger. Geir needs friends desperately and apparently, so does Jørgen. He's concerned about their age difference, so Geir suggests that they just be friends; but the attraction is too strong and soon they are kissing and becoming more affectionate. Jørgen and Geir are both inhibited as far as anything sexual goes; Jørgen, because of his abuse; Geir, due to his epileptic medication. During their forced separation, Geir keeps in touch with Jørgen through letters, texting, and calls. Besides the fact that he misses Jørgen, he knows it is important because they both need to reassurance that their feelings are real and the desire to be together is as alive as ever. Geir takes Jørgen's advice to experiment a little before blindly going into a commitment which may not last, but all it does is make Geir more sure than ever that Jørgen is the one.
This was an intense, yet endearing story between two young men who urgently need to find someone to love them for who they are. Jørgen and Geir need someone to see them as they see each other, beyond their so-called limitations, to the bright souls underneath. Their love enables them to heal enough to begin to love each other. Only then can they be together offering each other all that they are. I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys a strong character-driven story, fraught with roadblocks which love and understanding help overcome. Thank you, TT Cove, for an intense and emotional story.
NOTE: This book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Everyone has burdens to bear, but Jørgen's, of 'More Than Anything' by TT Kove, are heavier than most. Jørgen was abused as a child, both emotionally and sexually, at the hands of his uncle and his mother. It's left him emotionally scarred and socially inept. He has PTSD and often flashes back to traumatic past events with devastating consequences. Equally crippling, sometimes these bad memory triggers send him into panic or anxiety attacks; he feels like he can't breathe. Jørgen tries to manage these events himself, but more times than not, they manage him instead. He has learned some coping skills which help sometimes, but, as bad as these events are, he's not ready to face his fears and get beyond them. Jørgen knows he needs help, but his past experience with mental health workers has been so negative, that he's not been anxious to try again. The motivation appears when Geir, a young epileptic boy, has a seizure right in front of his house. Against his better judgment, Jørgen brings the boy inside and cares for him.
Most people are put off by Geir's illness; seizures can be frightening, especially if you've not experienced them before. Jørgen knows what to do because his abusive uncle had epilepsy, so it's nothing new to him. Each decision Jørgen makes about caring for Geir, i.e., bringing him in, sharing his bed with him, might be the trigger that throws Jørgen into chaos; but he also knows he can't leave the boy out in the cold. Jørgen and Geir slowly form a friendship, which is especially nice since neither have friends and are lonely. Before Geir came along, Jørgen thought he preferred to be alone He never realized how lonely he was. Geir is much younger, almost seventeen, and Jørgen is twenty-two which becomes an issue when they begin to have feelings for one another. Just when Jørgen is getting used to the idea of having someone around and coping better, Geir's father decides to move. Neither of them are happy about it, but since Geir is under eighteen, there's nothing they can do but comply. It gives both men an opportunity to examine their feelings and better formulate what they want out of life. Even though in different ways, they need to become more mature. A near tragedy acts as a motivator for Jørgen to begin to get the help he needs. Jørgen wants to live up to the potential that Geir sees when he looks at him. Jørgen just hopes it's enough to make Geir want to stay when he comes back from the city after he is eighteen and has experienced more of the world.
Geir is no stranger to abuse and loneliness either. He's constantly bullied at school, first because of his illness and, once his bully finds out he is gay, he begins to bash him because of that. After meeting Jørgen, Geir is instantly impressed by his charity toward a stranger. Geir needs friends desperately and apparently, so does Jørgen. He's concerned about their age difference, so Geir suggests that they just be friends; but the attraction is too strong and soon they are kissing and becoming more affectionate. Jørgen and Geir are both inhibited as far as anything sexual goes; Jørgen, because of his abuse; Geir, due to his epileptic medication. During their forced separation, Geir keeps in touch with Jørgen through letters, texting, and calls. Besides the fact that he misses Jørgen, he knows it is important because they both need to reassurance that their feelings are real and the desire to be together is as alive as ever. Geir takes Jørgen's advice to experiment a little before blindly going into a commitment which may not last, but all it does is make Geir more sure than ever that Jørgen is the one.
This was an intense, yet endearing story between two young men who urgently need to find someone to love them for who they are. Jørgen and Geir need someone to see them as they see each other, beyond their so-called limitations, to the bright souls underneath. Their love enables them to heal enough to begin to love each other. Only then can they be together offering each other all that they are. I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys a strong character-driven story, fraught with roadblocks which love and understanding help overcome. Thank you, TT Cove, for an intense and emotional story.
NOTE: This book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
March 15, 2018
All I wanted was a friend. I’d give anything to have just one friend.
I loved this book. It sucked me in from that very first page and I had a hard time putting it down. Before I knew it I had finished it all in one sweep. And I couldn’t be happier. I love these two guys to bits. My heart aches and breaks for them, but seeing them together also brings a lot of joy and hope.
One lonely boy suffering from epilepsy and being bullied for it in school, his best and only friend in the world is his elderly dog Charo. The 22 year old Jørgen, severely traumatized and haunted by his past, surviving one day to the next, never really part of the world or the living.
Geir was 16 when they first met that cold and snowy January day outside Jørgen's apartment. Only he doesn’t remember much of that first encounter as he was unconscious for most of it. Arriving home from work Jørgen finds an unknown guy outside his gate in the midst of an epileptic seizure. Noticing he there was no one else to help, Jørgen brings him home to sleep off the after effects. Little does he know that the boy he brought home would change his life in more ways than one.
The tentative and at times reluctant friendship that develops between Geir and Jørgen is wonderful to follow. Both are scarred and lonely but also determined to make things work. They are drawn to each other, neither quite sure what to make of the other, but knowing that something great is happening. Theirs is a very slow-burn romance, it’s tentative and sweet and watching them care for each other was a truly beautiful thing.
Sometimes our wants and expectations in life are simple, sometimes the only thing you want is a friend to make you feel less alone.
A copy of this book was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
December 1, 2014
4.5 star review by Lily
One evening 22 year old Jorgen finds a young male outside his home who appears to be out of sorts and soon realizes the young male is actually having a seizure. After the seizure, the young male needed some care so Jorgen had to go through the young man’s backpack to find out who he was but was unable to reach any family member. As the young man is not well, it was Jorgen who cared for him for the night. The young man was 16 year old Geir. This is how they meet and slowly become friends. Geir needed Jorgen’s friendship because he was a lonely youth who was also bullied at school. Jorgen needed Geir’s friendship because he suffers from PTSD and this beautiful story unfolds slowly and delicately with these two wonderful wounded heroes. As you can read from the names, the setting of this story is in Norway so that was very refreshing for me because I got to have a small view of Norwegian culture.
Their friendship starts innocently loaded with compassion for each other and then turns into love as Geir gets older. I really loved reading how they got to know each other. There was a subtle bond between them that was endearing and heartwarming at the beginning.
As I was reading the story, I got to know Jorgen more. His complex past traumatic events left him struggling with anxiety, panic attacks and flash backs. He was so damaged but so kind in a selfless way. I couldn’t help but adore him.
Geir on the other hand was an underweight teen who was bullied at school and at times was having significant epileptic seizures that were leaving him vulnerable in the public. His father was working off shore and his mother passed away when he was 7 years old. Chronologically he may be 16 years old but emotionally, he was a way ahead of his age group so it was understandable how these two became friends and then when Geir reach the legal age were kind of dating but with no sexual intimacy. All of these pages were loaded with emotions, friendship, compassion, emotional trauma and some unforgettable events that left me moved and totally engaged with the characters.
The story is more than about these two lovable guys but involve their family members who are equally interesting for different reasons. Each one has their own place in the story which kept the story dynamic. My only issue was at times, the dialogue dragged a bit but that certainly did not put me off from reading so I finished the story in one go. The writer approached to complex childhood traumas and family dynamics sensitively with empathy. As a reader I understood what happened to Jorgen without reading the details…to me that was a superb articulation along with style from the writer. This will be a reread for me one day soon.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
One evening 22 year old Jorgen finds a young male outside his home who appears to be out of sorts and soon realizes the young male is actually having a seizure. After the seizure, the young male needed some care so Jorgen had to go through the young man’s backpack to find out who he was but was unable to reach any family member. As the young man is not well, it was Jorgen who cared for him for the night. The young man was 16 year old Geir. This is how they meet and slowly become friends. Geir needed Jorgen’s friendship because he was a lonely youth who was also bullied at school. Jorgen needed Geir’s friendship because he suffers from PTSD and this beautiful story unfolds slowly and delicately with these two wonderful wounded heroes. As you can read from the names, the setting of this story is in Norway so that was very refreshing for me because I got to have a small view of Norwegian culture.
Their friendship starts innocently loaded with compassion for each other and then turns into love as Geir gets older. I really loved reading how they got to know each other. There was a subtle bond between them that was endearing and heartwarming at the beginning.
As I was reading the story, I got to know Jorgen more. His complex past traumatic events left him struggling with anxiety, panic attacks and flash backs. He was so damaged but so kind in a selfless way. I couldn’t help but adore him.
Geir on the other hand was an underweight teen who was bullied at school and at times was having significant epileptic seizures that were leaving him vulnerable in the public. His father was working off shore and his mother passed away when he was 7 years old. Chronologically he may be 16 years old but emotionally, he was a way ahead of his age group so it was understandable how these two became friends and then when Geir reach the legal age were kind of dating but with no sexual intimacy. All of these pages were loaded with emotions, friendship, compassion, emotional trauma and some unforgettable events that left me moved and totally engaged with the characters.
The story is more than about these two lovable guys but involve their family members who are equally interesting for different reasons. Each one has their own place in the story which kept the story dynamic. My only issue was at times, the dialogue dragged a bit but that certainly did not put me off from reading so I finished the story in one go. The writer approached to complex childhood traumas and family dynamics sensitively with empathy. As a reader I understood what happened to Jorgen without reading the details…to me that was a superb articulation along with style from the writer. This will be a reread for me one day soon.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
July 13, 2017
Man, I needed a lot of tissues for this one. The abuse Jorgen suffered was some of the worst I've read about and thankfully we didn't get all the dirty details. Take poor Geir with his epilepsy that's had him bullied his whole life paired with the abused Jorgen and you're just asking for some painful reading. It was so slow-burning that I don't know if "burning" would really be the correct word here. We're talking barely any kissing for the first 90% of the book. Did I still love it? Strangely, yes I did. This one if for those times you're looking for a deeper, more meaningful book.
dnf
September 27, 2015Tried to read it several times, couldn't get into it because of the writing style.
April 11, 2017
At the beginning I was a little apprehensive about the age of one of the MCs and whether anything would happen between them.
Two MCs, one with epilepsy, the other suffering PTSD. They find each other when Jorgen finds Geir as he is just about to have a fit. He takes him inside and looks after him.
Geir is 16 and is being bullied at school and is looking for a friend in Jorgen, but as always happens it grows into something more.
I am glad they took it slowly. Very slowly. There is no sex in this book, thank goodness, but a slow build up of trust between the 2.
Certainly have the Kleenex out if you decide to read this book.
Two MCs, one with epilepsy, the other suffering PTSD. They find each other when Jorgen finds Geir as he is just about to have a fit. He takes him inside and looks after him.
Geir is 16 and is being bullied at school and is looking for a friend in Jorgen, but as always happens it grows into something more.
I am glad they took it slowly. Very slowly. There is no sex in this book, thank goodness, but a slow build up of trust between the 2.
Certainly have the Kleenex out if you decide to read this book.
July 8, 2017
Good story but it ends on a cliffhanger which is annoying as fuck.
September 9, 2014
Jorgen sees a young man outside his home who looks a little off. When Jorgen approaches him, the young man falls to the sidewalk in a seizure. Jorgen takes the sleeping man into his house after the seizure is over and looks after him. The next morning he learns that the young man, Geir, is just 16, and living alone off an on when his single parent father works at an off shore job. Though Jorgen is attracted to Geir, he feels it’s inappropriate, both because of Geir’s age and Jorgen’s inability to have a relationship.
After that night, Jorgen and Geir don’t expect to see each other again, but they do. And this leads to Geir seeking out Jorgen’s friendship. Geir turns 17, which is the age of consent in Norway, and he and Jorgen (22) start a platonic friendship. Soon Geir learns he’s not the only one with problems. Geir has a couple seizures per month, and Jorgen constantly battles anxiety attacks.
This story unfolds so deliciously slowly, I just loved it! I wanted to have issues that Geir was so young, but I just couldn’t. He was mature beyond his years, and only looking for a friend. Jorgen came across as young for his age, and they truly have a long friendship before moving on to more.
Jorgen, who initially didn’t think he would be capable of even a friendship, finds himself wanting to do more and be more than he has been for the last several years. He understands Geir’s loneliness because he feels it too, and he starts to realize his life is better with friends in it. He and Geir also have bodies that betray them with seizures and panic attacks. They have so much in common and you just root for them to get to a place where they can have a relationship!
On top of the wonderfulness that is Jorgen and Geir, the story is set in Norway, which was really interesting. There were a lot of small differences from American life, but not so many that it was confusing. I do really want to go to a theater that serves popcorn and bacon chips! That sounds awesome! Jorgen and Geir also have make some fun friends who liven up the book.
I highly recommend this book! It was a joy to read and I’ll be looking for more by this author. I’m putting it on my Best of 2014 list!
After that night, Jorgen and Geir don’t expect to see each other again, but they do. And this leads to Geir seeking out Jorgen’s friendship. Geir turns 17, which is the age of consent in Norway, and he and Jorgen (22) start a platonic friendship. Soon Geir learns he’s not the only one with problems. Geir has a couple seizures per month, and Jorgen constantly battles anxiety attacks.
This story unfolds so deliciously slowly, I just loved it! I wanted to have issues that Geir was so young, but I just couldn’t. He was mature beyond his years, and only looking for a friend. Jorgen came across as young for his age, and they truly have a long friendship before moving on to more.
Jorgen, who initially didn’t think he would be capable of even a friendship, finds himself wanting to do more and be more than he has been for the last several years. He understands Geir’s loneliness because he feels it too, and he starts to realize his life is better with friends in it. He and Geir also have bodies that betray them with seizures and panic attacks. They have so much in common and you just root for them to get to a place where they can have a relationship!
On top of the wonderfulness that is Jorgen and Geir, the story is set in Norway, which was really interesting. There were a lot of small differences from American life, but not so many that it was confusing. I do really want to go to a theater that serves popcorn and bacon chips! That sounds awesome! Jorgen and Geir also have make some fun friends who liven up the book.
I highly recommend this book! It was a joy to read and I’ll be looking for more by this author. I’m putting it on my Best of 2014 list!
November 12, 2014
Title: More Than Anything (Book #1)
Author: T.T. Kove
Cover Artist: T.T. Kove
Publisher: Less Than Three Press
Reviewer: Jay
Genre: Contemporary
Type: Romance
Pairing: Gay
Length: Long Novel
Heat Rating: ♨♨
Book Rating: ★★★★½
This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
The story primarily focuses on these two young men working their way through an awkward attempt at building a relationship. Neither has had much experience with friendship let alone a relationship or love. The story is written beautifully entangling us with the emotional aspects of each of the characters. We learn of their past, their hang-ups, and the scars left by others. You weep and smile as Geir and Joergen figure things out and overcome what life has dealt them.
This is by no means a light and easy romance. It deals with bullying, child abuse, mental illness and you will most likely shed several tears. The beauty of the story is seeing how these young men are each other’s strength. You follow these guys along a realistic and believable road to recovering. It is truly an amazing story of what finding that right person can do to your mind and soul making you want to overcome your past and find happiness with that one person.
Complete Review at WoDF - More Than Anything (Book #1)
Author: T.T. Kove
Cover Artist: T.T. Kove
Publisher: Less Than Three Press
Reviewer: Jay
Genre: Contemporary
Type: Romance
Pairing: Gay
Length: Long Novel
Heat Rating: ♨♨
Book Rating: ★★★★½
This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
The story primarily focuses on these two young men working their way through an awkward attempt at building a relationship. Neither has had much experience with friendship let alone a relationship or love. The story is written beautifully entangling us with the emotional aspects of each of the characters. We learn of their past, their hang-ups, and the scars left by others. You weep and smile as Geir and Joergen figure things out and overcome what life has dealt them.
This is by no means a light and easy romance. It deals with bullying, child abuse, mental illness and you will most likely shed several tears. The beauty of the story is seeing how these young men are each other’s strength. You follow these guys along a realistic and believable road to recovering. It is truly an amazing story of what finding that right person can do to your mind and soul making you want to overcome your past and find happiness with that one person.
Complete Review at WoDF - More Than Anything (Book #1)
August 31, 2015
I read this book last year and loved it. So when I found out the sequel was coming out I picked the book up again to re-read to find out why I loved it so much.
This is a beautifully written story of two broken individuals that find each other against all
odds. A beautiful, slow burning love story that will have you turning page after page. You will fall in love with the two MCs, Jorgen and Geir. An absolutely awesome cast of secondary characters which we will see in the sequel.
And after reading the sequel, More Than Word, I am in love with TT Kove's writing style and this series! As much as I loved the first in the series I ABSOLUTELY LOVED the second book!
In the first book , things build slowly with a final hot sex scene. In the second book, we jump right into to the hot sex scenes and two more wonderful characters.
I will be re-reading this series again for sure. And there's a novella out soon with more from book two. So guys, don't miss out on this series. Definitely one of my favorites.
FIVE GIGANTIC STARS
This is a beautifully written story of two broken individuals that find each other against all
odds. A beautiful, slow burning love story that will have you turning page after page. You will fall in love with the two MCs, Jorgen and Geir. An absolutely awesome cast of secondary characters which we will see in the sequel.
And after reading the sequel, More Than Word, I am in love with TT Kove's writing style and this series! As much as I loved the first in the series I ABSOLUTELY LOVED the second book!
In the first book , things build slowly with a final hot sex scene. In the second book, we jump right into to the hot sex scenes and two more wonderful characters.
I will be re-reading this series again for sure. And there's a novella out soon with more from book two. So guys, don't miss out on this series. Definitely one of my favorites.
FIVE GIGANTIC STARS
October 15, 2014
I enjoyed this story but I didn't feel an emotional connection with it. It's a slow burner romance with dark themes and broken characters but it just didn't give me the feelings that it should have. i love that the story takes place in Norway. The age difference of six years didn't bother me because of the way the author has written. I'd love to read more about these two men but apparently the next book in the series features a different couple. 3.5
November 8, 2014
This is a book that reminds me why I love reading romance. A very tender love story between two troubled men who were each such caring souls. The writing itself was a little awkward because of the translation, but it didn't impact my enjoyment of the story.
May 4, 2017
This does not read like a longer book (eg 600pp per Kindle/Amazon). It was more like 200pp. Weird.
4.5 stars
Anyway - loved it. So much emotion but in a totally logical way. One MC (Geir) is very young (being only 16 yo at the beginning of the book) and dealing with bullying on top of his epilepsy. MC Jorgen is 22 yo but his 22 years on earth have not treated him kindly; his emotional development was put on hold. The reality is that both MCs are older than their years in some areas of life, and younger in others. A very interesting mix of realities which kept me engaged throughout.
4.5 stars
Anyway - loved it. So much emotion but in a totally logical way. One MC (Geir) is very young (being only 16 yo at the beginning of the book) and dealing with bullying on top of his epilepsy. MC Jorgen is 22 yo but his 22 years on earth have not treated him kindly; his emotional development was put on hold. The reality is that both MCs are older than their years in some areas of life, and younger in others. A very interesting mix of realities which kept me engaged throughout.
November 12, 2014
Reviewed for 
- 4 1/2 hearts
More than anything, these two guys deserved a break. Life had dealt each of them more than their fair share of abuse and grief and my heart hurt for them. More than anything, I raged at all those who dared to lay a finger on either of these beautiful men or neglected to do anything by turning a blind eye or being absent. For those who took courageous steps or showed kindness in smaller ways, I applauded them and they became my heroes. More than anything, Jorgen and Geir deserved each other. Each was perfect for the other and had an innate sense for how to help and nurture given their unique circumstances. More than anything, this book paints a realistic picture of two tortured souls who finally find hope, healing and love at the end of a very long tunnel. Not every issue gets wrapped up neatly with a bow and progress is very slow going which makes it all the sweeter and more rewarding when it does finally happen. More than anything, I loved it!
I’ve always been the type to cheer on the underdog, and I found myself doing exactly that with this book. In fact, I couldn’t have been a more enthusiastic cheerleader and I’ve never felt quite so drained in the process. Yes, there was enough of a thread of hope running throughout the book to keep me going, but the journey was painful. The subject matter is heavy and depressing, but handled with care. Jorgen is such a broken young man having suffered multiple types of abuse, attempted suicide, and living with PTSD and near crippling panic/anxiety attacks. Geir is a gentle soul living with epilepsy and so very lonely. He not only suffers the seizures and after effects, but also from the bullying of ignorant classmates. It takes the majority of the book for most of the details to be revealed surrounding their stories. The pace is completely appropriate despite being agonizing. They needed time to work on themselves before they could truly be together.
I don’t recall feeling my lips smile much during this story (Nik was probably the only exception), but I was drawn to it nonetheless. On the other hand, I definitely recall the tears. I felt misty-eyed multiple times and cried a torrential downpour at least twice – one of those because it dredged up memories of a similar situation I’ve experienced myself and that made my heart hurt twice as much. I wanted to crawl right into the middle of the book, take Geir in my arms, and snuggle until all the tears were dried up and the pain was gone.
Despite the heavy overtone of the storyline, there’s beauty to be found in the blossoming hope, healing and love. I would definitely recommend this for anyone, but be aware that it’s not a light romance and certain topics may be triggers for some people. I loved it and also loved learning some nuances about the Norwegian culture along the way!
- 4 1/2 heartsMore than anything, these two guys deserved a break. Life had dealt each of them more than their fair share of abuse and grief and my heart hurt for them. More than anything, I raged at all those who dared to lay a finger on either of these beautiful men or neglected to do anything by turning a blind eye or being absent. For those who took courageous steps or showed kindness in smaller ways, I applauded them and they became my heroes. More than anything, Jorgen and Geir deserved each other. Each was perfect for the other and had an innate sense for how to help and nurture given their unique circumstances. More than anything, this book paints a realistic picture of two tortured souls who finally find hope, healing and love at the end of a very long tunnel. Not every issue gets wrapped up neatly with a bow and progress is very slow going which makes it all the sweeter and more rewarding when it does finally happen. More than anything, I loved it!
I’ve always been the type to cheer on the underdog, and I found myself doing exactly that with this book. In fact, I couldn’t have been a more enthusiastic cheerleader and I’ve never felt quite so drained in the process. Yes, there was enough of a thread of hope running throughout the book to keep me going, but the journey was painful. The subject matter is heavy and depressing, but handled with care. Jorgen is such a broken young man having suffered multiple types of abuse, attempted suicide, and living with PTSD and near crippling panic/anxiety attacks. Geir is a gentle soul living with epilepsy and so very lonely. He not only suffers the seizures and after effects, but also from the bullying of ignorant classmates. It takes the majority of the book for most of the details to be revealed surrounding their stories. The pace is completely appropriate despite being agonizing. They needed time to work on themselves before they could truly be together.
I don’t recall feeling my lips smile much during this story (Nik was probably the only exception), but I was drawn to it nonetheless. On the other hand, I definitely recall the tears. I felt misty-eyed multiple times and cried a torrential downpour at least twice – one of those because it dredged up memories of a similar situation I’ve experienced myself and that made my heart hurt twice as much. I wanted to crawl right into the middle of the book, take Geir in my arms, and snuggle until all the tears were dried up and the pain was gone.
Despite the heavy overtone of the storyline, there’s beauty to be found in the blossoming hope, healing and love. I would definitely recommend this for anyone, but be aware that it’s not a light romance and certain topics may be triggers for some people. I loved it and also loved learning some nuances about the Norwegian culture along the way!
August 5, 2016
This was a very sweet book. Jørgen has had a lot of abuse and challenges in his past. He is quiet, keeps to himself, and doesn't much like people or crowds. He finds Geir outside his apartment one day, and he helps him by bringing him into his home. The two form a sort of friendship that has an underlying spark to it, and for some reason, Jørgen is more comfortable with Geir than he has been with most anyone else. My heart went out to Jørgen, but it was nice to see him flourish a little under Geir's influence and love. The book ended a bit too quick for me (I didn't want it to end there), but there is another book with more story, so I will be sure to read that. I enjoyed it.
February 1, 2015
Just finished this book a couple of days ago, and I must say it was a really pleasant surprise!
The Storyline is well written, both main characters have their own personal struggles, both about their past and present life, but also challenges in building a future together.
It is well balanced, not too dramatic, subtil and very found to read.
I do wish for a sequel though as I found it did end all a bit too abruptly... It begs the question if such relationship can last bearing in mind their pasts and age difference.
Can only recommend it, kiddos T.T. Kove!
The Storyline is well written, both main characters have their own personal struggles, both about their past and present life, but also challenges in building a future together.
It is well balanced, not too dramatic, subtil and very found to read.
I do wish for a sequel though as I found it did end all a bit too abruptly... It begs the question if such relationship can last bearing in mind their pasts and age difference.
Can only recommend it, kiddos T.T. Kove!
wrote-it
May 4, 2019This was previously the first part of More Than Anything, when it was published through the publisher. I split the books however, so the size of the novels would be consistent with the other books (50K+) in the series.
Everything that happened in the original MTA is still the same, but a couple thousand words have been added to flesh out some scenes that were skipped in the first edition.
Everything that happened in the original MTA is still the same, but a couple thousand words have been added to flesh out some scenes that were skipped in the first edition.
September 15, 2015
2.5 stars
I wanted to like this far more than I did. As sweet as these 2 are together, this book needs some serious editing. Some of the errors seemed like typos, while others were just word use issues. Many of the latter mistakes read like this book is a problematic translation into English. Regardless, a strong editor would have cleaned this up. Disappointing.
I wanted to like this far more than I did. As sweet as these 2 are together, this book needs some serious editing. Some of the errors seemed like typos, while others were just word use issues. Many of the latter mistakes read like this book is a problematic translation into English. Regardless, a strong editor would have cleaned this up. Disappointing.
August 4, 2016
Very Good.
This is a really good story and deals with the issues of epilepsy and anxiety very well. If you are looking for a HEA then you'd better have book 2 lined up and ready to go, because you won't get that here. At times, I did find the story feeling a little flat and emotionless but I would attribute that maybe to the language differences.
This is a really good story and deals with the issues of epilepsy and anxiety very well. If you are looking for a HEA then you'd better have book 2 lined up and ready to go, because you won't get that here. At times, I did find the story feeling a little flat and emotionless but I would attribute that maybe to the language differences.
October 2, 2014
I have to sleep over this tragic romance, because really it was emotionally draining story.
Overall, I truly liked both MC's, mysterious loner Jørgen and a younger Geir. I'm glad their paths crossed in this story, because they truly needed each other!!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED STARTING SERIES!
Overall, I truly liked both MC's, mysterious loner Jørgen and a younger Geir. I'm glad their paths crossed in this story, because they truly needed each other!!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED STARTING SERIES!
January 22, 2024
True rating - Leaning toward 4.5 stars. I need to let this book's rating sit for a while. Really, really great book :-)!!
I'll be adding thoughts and insights this week. I promise :-)!! In the meantime, HIGHLY recommended!!!
I'll be adding thoughts and insights this week. I promise :-)!! In the meantime, HIGHLY recommended!!!
Read
June 29, 2016Awesome book! Still teary-eyed. Warnings for possible triggers, as one MC has pretty severe PTSD from childhood trauma. There's no sex in this book, and I didn't even notice! So sweet. I loved the characters--how careful they were with each other. Can't wait for the next book.
November 12, 2014
I so very much love this book !! I just could not stop reading once I started. And the scene where the dog dies just made me cry !!
February 12, 2015
I read this book last night and I could not put it down,the writing of this book hauls you in and I cried at some parts,wonderful book I don't often give 5 stars but this book deserves it
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