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Prescott College #2
Brandon Mills versus the V-Card
Smart, shy Prescott sophomore Brandon Mills is working hard to overcome his troubled past and be normal. Life at Prescott and in his fraternity, Phi Sigma Kappa, is good. With the help of his friends Mark and Deacon, Brandon is slowly coming out of his shell. When he accidentally drenches a freshman in orange soda, though, he faces something he’s not ready a boy crushing on him.
Alex Kekoa pledges Phi Sig because it has everything he wants - a house full of nerds who won’t tease him for being smart, a dog, and Brandon Mills. Brandon is just the type of guy Alex needs to help fulfill his college losing his virginity. Except Alex doesn’t know Brandon can’t stand to touch or be touched.
When Alex and Brandon are drafted onto the Phi Sig Academic Challenge team, they start spending time together. If there’s anyone who can help Brandon discover it feels good to touch and kiss, maybe it’s klutzy Alex, with his cute glasses and his dinosaur obsession.
But as the competition - and their relationship - heats up, Alex’s determination not to die a virgin clashes with Brandon’s vow of lifelong celibacy, forcing them to examine what’s truly important to each of them about love.
This is a second edition previously published elsewhere.
Alex Kekoa pledges Phi Sig because it has everything he wants - a house full of nerds who won’t tease him for being smart, a dog, and Brandon Mills. Brandon is just the type of guy Alex needs to help fulfill his college losing his virginity. Except Alex doesn’t know Brandon can’t stand to touch or be touched.
When Alex and Brandon are drafted onto the Phi Sig Academic Challenge team, they start spending time together. If there’s anyone who can help Brandon discover it feels good to touch and kiss, maybe it’s klutzy Alex, with his cute glasses and his dinosaur obsession.
But as the competition - and their relationship - heats up, Alex’s determination not to die a virgin clashes with Brandon’s vow of lifelong celibacy, forcing them to examine what’s truly important to each of them about love.
This is a second edition previously published elsewhere.
180 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2014
61 people are currently reading
1088 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Henry
103 books2,280 followersI like to tell stories. Mostly with hot guys and happily ever afters. They gotta work for it though. No free lunches on my watch.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 266 reviews
January 30, 2015
4.5 stars
Not a lot of steam on page (but lots of cuddling and kissing)
No endearments or proclamations of love (but tons of sweetness)
No HEA (but a very warm HFN)
And YET.
I loved this damn book.
Because.
Two geeky, shy boys figuring out love and sex together
Mark Cooper
Dinosaurs used for play and comfort (seriously, dinosaurs!)
Humor galore (despite the poignancy of Brandon's situation, this book is fucking funny)
Blake joining the gay/straight alliance and doing a drag show (to quote Alex, ohmygod)
Mark Cooper
Alex and Brandon were so adorable, I could barely read this story without wanting to hug them both on every page. Alex is a virgin, and Brandon has an aversion to touch.
Their tentative touching and awkwardness felt real and true. This book isn’t kinky; it’s barely steamy. And yet it’s sexy in a quiet, understated way.
The authors explore a serious issue without sinking into melodrama or letting it overwhelm the plot; there is a subtle focus on the collective blaming of the victim, but Brandon's family is neither praised nor vilified.
Brandon's eidetic memory is a sort of curse, but he makes it a blessing.
BRILLIANT! Bring on book 3.
[Brandon] wanted to give Alex anything—everything—Alex needed to be happy. Private jokes, romantic evenings, a thousand million plastic dinosaurs.
Not a lot of steam on page (but lots of cuddling and kissing)
No endearments or proclamations of love (but tons of sweetness)
No HEA (but a very warm HFN)
And YET.
I loved this damn book.
Because.
Two geeky, shy boys figuring out love and sex together
Mark Cooper
Dinosaurs used for play and comfort (seriously, dinosaurs!)
Humor galore (despite the poignancy of Brandon's situation, this book is fucking funny)
Blake joining the gay/straight alliance and doing a drag show (to quote Alex, ohmygod)
Mark Cooper
Shame was a foreign concept to Mark. Like Fahrenheit, gallons, or putting bacon on doughnuts.
“Turns out I’m fairly kinky,” Mark said matter-of-factly.
Fairly, Brandon had learned, was Australian understatement for absofuckinglutely.
Alex and Brandon were so adorable, I could barely read this story without wanting to hug them both on every page. Alex is a virgin, and Brandon has an aversion to touch.
Their tentative touching and awkwardness felt real and true. This book isn’t kinky; it’s barely steamy. And yet it’s sexy in a quiet, understated way.
"I’m not letting you give me a dinosaur and run away!"
Dinosaurs fucking meant something.
The authors explore a serious issue without sinking into melodrama or letting it overwhelm the plot; there is a subtle focus on the collective blaming of the victim, but Brandon's family is neither praised nor vilified.
Brandon's eidetic memory is a sort of curse, but he makes it a blessing.
"I want to remember this. Okay? I want to remember it perfectly"
"It is perfect."
"I want to remember how perfect it is perfectly."
BRILLIANT! Bring on book 3.
Read
January 1, 2018And yay, we have a blurb!
This book contains:
* Cute, shy boys.
* Significant angst.
* A shared love of dinosaurs.
* A snarky Australian in a supporting role.
* And plenty of Blake.
This book contains:
* Cute, shy boys.
* Significant angst.
* A shared love of dinosaurs.
* A snarky Australian in a supporting role.
* And plenty of Blake.
November 3, 2014
My husband asked me why I kept chuckling, and I started to tell him I was reading a book about a college student who was traumatized by sexual-abuse at age 12, and I was enjoying his adventures trying to reclaim his life. But I realized that might sound odd, such a serious topic alongside my snorts and giggles, so I said, "You'd have to be there."
I don't mean to imply that this story doesn't take childhood abuse seriously, because it does. Brandon's experiences with his teacher had a huge impact not only on his ability to handle touch and sexuality, but also on his self-image and his relationships with his family. Brandon has an eidetic memory, which means his flashbacks are even more vivid than most, and while he dearly wants to put it all behind him and be normal, the road there isn't easy.
His family was affected too, particularly his father. Their close relationship was severely damaged, and Brandon doesn't know how to bridge the gap or whether his father even wants him to. When a child is hurt, the pain spreads wide and deep, and parents don't always handle that well. The impact of a single, poorly-chosen word is starkly shown, completing the vicious cycle. And that's realistic. How many of us remember one comment, one cutting phrase, that for years afterwards affected how we saw ourselves? (One of mine was "You dance really weird," on my first, and only, date that included dancing.)
But although that part of the story is well done, it's not unique. The genre has a lot of damaged guys who get better with friends, time, counselling (thank you authors for including that) and a patient, sweet love interest. What makes this book stand out are the touches of humor, of absurdity. Secondary characters like Blake, the socially-oblivious football player with the heart of gold; mercurial Mark Cooper, with his Aussie-isms and competitive craziness; his steady boyfriend Deacon; a knowledge-bowl game played in the swimming pool; a mechanical bull. Those were the bits that stood out.
I have to say, I was not totally happy about Mark's level of craziness in this book. He was less sweet, more wild, and it was harder to see his good intentions. It helped when it occurred to me, part way through, that Mark was already worrying about what would happen when Deacon graduated. That some of his OTT antics were a combination of wanting to be sure he was always on Deacon's mind, plus distracting himself from admitting he was scared and worried about the future by being obnoxiously high. But I almost need that next book - Mark and Deacon, after the graduation - to regain the warmth of their relationship. In this book, seen from outside, you had to wonder why Deacon didn't throttle the Aussie brat.
So this was fun and sweet and warm in the story of Brandon, and kind, klutzy, freshman Alex, as they took aim at that V-card with a whole host of luggage in the way. Blake the football player steals the show in this story, and I look forward to hopefully seeing him again in another Prescott College story. If you haven't read Lisa Henry yet because of her tendency toward BDSM and kink, this book had neither. You might be able to read it as a stand-alone, although the characters from the first book (which is kinky) carry over here in support. She's become a favorite author of mine.
I don't mean to imply that this story doesn't take childhood abuse seriously, because it does. Brandon's experiences with his teacher had a huge impact not only on his ability to handle touch and sexuality, but also on his self-image and his relationships with his family. Brandon has an eidetic memory, which means his flashbacks are even more vivid than most, and while he dearly wants to put it all behind him and be normal, the road there isn't easy.
His family was affected too, particularly his father. Their close relationship was severely damaged, and Brandon doesn't know how to bridge the gap or whether his father even wants him to. When a child is hurt, the pain spreads wide and deep, and parents don't always handle that well. The impact of a single, poorly-chosen word is starkly shown, completing the vicious cycle. And that's realistic. How many of us remember one comment, one cutting phrase, that for years afterwards affected how we saw ourselves? (One of mine was "You dance really weird," on my first, and only, date that included dancing.)
But although that part of the story is well done, it's not unique. The genre has a lot of damaged guys who get better with friends, time, counselling (thank you authors for including that) and a patient, sweet love interest. What makes this book stand out are the touches of humor, of absurdity. Secondary characters like Blake, the socially-oblivious football player with the heart of gold; mercurial Mark Cooper, with his Aussie-isms and competitive craziness; his steady boyfriend Deacon; a knowledge-bowl game played in the swimming pool; a mechanical bull. Those were the bits that stood out.
I have to say, I was not totally happy about Mark's level of craziness in this book. He was less sweet, more wild, and it was harder to see his good intentions. It helped when it occurred to me, part way through, that Mark was already worrying about what would happen when Deacon graduated. That some of his OTT antics were a combination of wanting to be sure he was always on Deacon's mind, plus distracting himself from admitting he was scared and worried about the future by being obnoxiously high. But I almost need that next book - Mark and Deacon, after the graduation - to regain the warmth of their relationship. In this book, seen from outside, you had to wonder why Deacon didn't throttle the Aussie brat.
So this was fun and sweet and warm in the story of Brandon, and kind, klutzy, freshman Alex, as they took aim at that V-card with a whole host of luggage in the way. Blake the football player steals the show in this story, and I look forward to hopefully seeing him again in another Prescott College story. If you haven't read Lisa Henry yet because of her tendency toward BDSM and kink, this book had neither. You might be able to read it as a stand-alone, although the characters from the first book (which is kinky) carry over here in support. She's become a favorite author of mine.
July 10, 2022
Audiobook - 4 stars
Story - 4 stars
-Cute, nerdy, funny and;
-That is the most realistic awkward sex scene I have ever read.
Story - 4 stars
-Cute, nerdy, funny and;
-That is the most realistic awkward sex scene I have ever read.
July 8, 2017
3.5 Stars.
This book gave me mood swings. I loved, loved, loved Brandon and Alex. They were both just the kind of shy, dorky boys that make me go gaga. Had this book focused more exclusively on them, it would have been a 5 star read. Unfortunately... Mark Cooper, my Mark Cooper, who I love and adore, had to come busting into every scene and annoy the hell right out of me. I can't explain it. Mark's personality was consistent with the guy I fell in love with, but it seemed amplified here and was really distracting.
Still, this book is really sweet, has lots of laughs and sexy, and some beautifully written emotional scenes that had me crying like a bitch. I think a lot of people will love it to pieces. I loved Brandon and Alex to pieces and will definitely be reading the next book in the series.
This book gave me mood swings. I loved, loved, loved Brandon and Alex. They were both just the kind of shy, dorky boys that make me go gaga. Had this book focused more exclusively on them, it would have been a 5 star read. Unfortunately... Mark Cooper, my Mark Cooper, who I love and adore, had to come busting into every scene and annoy the hell right out of me. I can't explain it. Mark's personality was consistent with the guy I fell in love with, but it seemed amplified here and was really distracting.
Still, this book is really sweet, has lots of laughs and sexy, and some beautifully written emotional scenes that had me crying like a bitch. I think a lot of people will love it to pieces. I loved Brandon and Alex to pieces and will definitely be reading the next book in the series.
November 5, 2014
I've been thinking about this book ALL DAY!
Back-n-forth like a creeper.
And I keep coming back to 3 main points.
First, I asked myself what I liked about it. Easy. Mark. And Blake. Hells Bells, my status updates alone will attest to that. Not a single one doesn't involve them. Not one! Then the thought creeps in… But, it's Brandon's book, isn't it? Me thinks Mark stole Brandon's thunder which, when you think about it, is reflective of their relationship. Which brings me to Brandon and Alex.
These authors did a phenomenal job with Brandon's characterization. Brandon has real world issues that don't get fixed overnight that are made worse by his eidetic memory. I saw segment on 60 Minutes recently about a boy who described the downside to having this sort of memory which was exactly Brandon's. He could remember every slight, every unkind word, every negative experience he'd ever had in vivid detail like it just happened and he had nothing as harrowing as what Brandon's been through. What I found most touching about the piece was towards the end they brought in several adults who also had this memory and one of the women told him to think of it as a superpower. It really kind of is and he visibly brightened once she put it that way. I think Brandon needed the slight alteration in his perspective that he got from all of the main players in his life to start his own healing process. However, what I found difficult to believe was him going from having a panic attack at the notion of being touched in any way to having sex in a matter of weeks. I think the book would've been better… Christ on a fucking bike! I can't even believe I'm about to say this… served if they had stuck to frottage and maybe a blow job. Shit. I feel like I just lost some street cred.
The last thing I keep getting hung up on is the last couple of chapters. I can't decide if they felt rushed or tacked on, but something felt off.
Nevertheless, I can't bring myself to rate this anything less than 4 stars because it entertained the bejesus out of me as well as gave me a butt load of new sayings.
P.S. Henry, Rock, I'm talking to you. Come closer, please. I'd like to present my case.
Exhibit A:
"Caught a glimpse of lace."
Wut?
Exhibit B:
"Ooh. Should I bring the-" He leaned over to whisper something in Deacon's ear. Deacon's eyes widened. "Uh, yeah."
You're killin' me, smalls.
Exhibit C:
Be good, or I'll have to get out the-" He whispered something in Mark's ear. "-later." Marks eyebrows went up.
Now you're just being mean. Nobody likes a meanie.
Exhibit D:
Chelsea closed her eyes briefly. "Because I told him he should use the ladies' room whenever he had to go today. It's kind of a… thing we're exploring."
Oy fucking vey!
The only fair restitution for the psychological damage you've inflicted the way I see it is at least 2 shorts explaining in detail what Marcon are up to that's wearing Mark out so AND Blake in some MANTIES. Well, I'd like copious MANTIES sightings in both shorts, but I hate to seem… pushy. That's so gauche.
Back-n-forth like a creeper.
And I keep coming back to 3 main points.
First, I asked myself what I liked about it. Easy. Mark. And Blake. Hells Bells, my status updates alone will attest to that. Not a single one doesn't involve them. Not one! Then the thought creeps in… But, it's Brandon's book, isn't it? Me thinks Mark stole Brandon's thunder which, when you think about it, is reflective of their relationship. Which brings me to Brandon and Alex.
These authors did a phenomenal job with Brandon's characterization. Brandon has real world issues that don't get fixed overnight that are made worse by his eidetic memory. I saw segment on 60 Minutes recently about a boy who described the downside to having this sort of memory which was exactly Brandon's. He could remember every slight, every unkind word, every negative experience he'd ever had in vivid detail like it just happened and he had nothing as harrowing as what Brandon's been through. What I found most touching about the piece was towards the end they brought in several adults who also had this memory and one of the women told him to think of it as a superpower. It really kind of is and he visibly brightened once she put it that way. I think Brandon needed the slight alteration in his perspective that he got from all of the main players in his life to start his own healing process. However, what I found difficult to believe was him going from having a panic attack at the notion of being touched in any way to having sex in a matter of weeks. I think the book would've been better… Christ on a fucking bike! I can't even believe I'm about to say this… served if they had stuck to frottage and maybe a blow job. Shit. I feel like I just lost some street cred.
The last thing I keep getting hung up on is the last couple of chapters. I can't decide if they felt rushed or tacked on, but something felt off.
Nevertheless, I can't bring myself to rate this anything less than 4 stars because it entertained the bejesus out of me as well as gave me a butt load of new sayings.
P.S. Henry, Rock, I'm talking to you. Come closer, please. I'd like to present my case.
Exhibit A:
"Caught a glimpse of lace."
Wut?
Exhibit B:
"Ooh. Should I bring the-" He leaned over to whisper something in Deacon's ear. Deacon's eyes widened. "Uh, yeah."
You're killin' me, smalls.
Exhibit C:
Be good, or I'll have to get out the-" He whispered something in Mark's ear. "-later." Marks eyebrows went up.
Now you're just being mean. Nobody likes a meanie.
Exhibit D:
Chelsea closed her eyes briefly. "Because I told him he should use the ladies' room whenever he had to go today. It's kind of a… thing we're exploring."
Oy fucking vey!
The only fair restitution for the psychological damage you've inflicted the way I see it is at least 2 shorts explaining in detail what Marcon are up to that's wearing Mark out so AND Blake in some MANTIES. Well, I'd like copious MANTIES sightings in both shorts, but I hate to seem… pushy. That's so gauche.
November 14, 2015
This one worked so much better for me than book 1. Yes, I loved Mark to death and he's on-page a lot in this book, maybe too much, but this book does *not* take a left-hand turn into fisting and panties, which is a HUGE WIN for me.
This story was just as cute, with tons of feels, but worked a bit better for my fairly vanilla tastes.
I loved how Brandon's issues with past abuse were dealt with in what I felt was a realistic manner. No magical penis cure here, just getting to trust Alex, and himself, to work through his issues and feel comfortable with controlling his past fears, in bed and out.
4 solid stars for this one.
This story was just as cute, with tons of feels, but worked a bit better for my fairly vanilla tastes.
I loved how Brandon's issues with past abuse were dealt with in what I felt was a realistic manner. No magical penis cure here, just getting to trust Alex, and himself, to work through his issues and feel comfortable with controlling his past fears, in bed and out.
4 solid stars for this one.
July 5, 2016
5 stars.
First Read 10/2014
Second Read 07/2016
Best book ever!!!!
Tips my hat off to L.H & J.A, you ladies rock this book. I literally couldn't find anything that I didn't like about this book.
Brandon Mills was totally amazing this book. We start off the book with him having joined Phi Sig Frat, the frat that was next door to Mark's Frat. This is his sophomore year and he is determined to have a better one then his freshmen year. He is still friends with Mark whom I have a greater appreciation of him since the last book. He is total best friend material. Deacon is there as well being his amazing self. The then freshman class enters Phi Sig and in walks Alex Kekoa this gorgeous sweet smart nerd. From the first moment Alex saw Brandon he was smitten. It was so cute, this little dude( Freaking Blake) was so hooked.
I won't give away the plot because that's no fun. This was pure joy for me. Mark was freaking hilarious. He had some of my funniest moments in the book. I swear you put him & Charley Davidson together best comic duo we'll have! I guarantee it.
One Thing. I literally teared up at Blake's speech. He might be clueless, but his speech came from the heart and I just wanted to tackle his ass down to ground and never stop hugging him!
Thanks you guys again for this amazing book. I can't wait until the next one comes out!
First Read 10/2014
Second Read 07/2016
Best book ever!!!!
Tips my hat off to L.H & J.A, you ladies rock this book. I literally couldn't find anything that I didn't like about this book.
Brandon Mills was totally amazing this book. We start off the book with him having joined Phi Sig Frat, the frat that was next door to Mark's Frat. This is his sophomore year and he is determined to have a better one then his freshmen year. He is still friends with Mark whom I have a greater appreciation of him since the last book. He is total best friend material. Deacon is there as well being his amazing self. The then freshman class enters Phi Sig and in walks Alex Kekoa this gorgeous sweet smart nerd. From the first moment Alex saw Brandon he was smitten. It was so cute, this little dude( Freaking Blake) was so hooked.
I won't give away the plot because that's no fun. This was pure joy for me. Mark was freaking hilarious. He had some of my funniest moments in the book. I swear you put him & Charley Davidson together best comic duo we'll have! I guarantee it.
One Thing. I literally teared up at Blake's speech. He might be clueless, but his speech came from the heart and I just wanted to tackle his ass down to ground and never stop hugging him!
Thanks you guys again for this amazing book. I can't wait until the next one comes out!
October 29, 2014
"Brandon had no fucking idea how any of it had happened, but Alex's mouth was pressed against his.
He tasted like blue Slush Puppie."
*** 3.5 Stars ***
Brandon Mills was funny and awkward and cute (and funny because it was awkwardly cute). It was also dramatic (without being melodramatic) and heart-wrenching and at times incredibly thought-provoking. It wasn't a story about easy answers or quick fixes, but communication and healing and sweet, sweet progress (all wrapped in a semi-fluffy package). And it should come as no surprise that I loved all of the characters (even when they slipped dangerously close to caricature territory at times *cough* Blake *cough*).
Still, I wasn't as entranced by Brandon Mills as I was by Mark Cooper. What can I say? I love me an angry bunny with a penchant for kink and a snark that cuts. Thankfully, I hear rumours that Book 3 is a return to the kink, so I am already rubbing my hands together in glee and counting down the days.
He tasted like blue Slush Puppie."
*** 3.5 Stars ***
Brandon Mills was funny and awkward and cute (and funny because it was awkwardly cute). It was also dramatic (without being melodramatic) and heart-wrenching and at times incredibly thought-provoking. It wasn't a story about easy answers or quick fixes, but communication and healing and sweet, sweet progress (all wrapped in a semi-fluffy package). And it should come as no surprise that I loved all of the characters (even when they slipped dangerously close to caricature territory at times *cough* Blake *cough*).
Still, I wasn't as entranced by Brandon Mills as I was by Mark Cooper. What can I say? I love me an angry bunny with a penchant for kink and a snark that cuts. Thankfully, I hear rumours that Book 3 is a return to the kink, so I am already rubbing my hands together in glee and counting down the days.
November 7, 2014
♥♥♥ 4 STARS ♥♥♥
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
"You are the best thing in my life right now."
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Aww....I loved Brandon and Alex together. They were so stinking cute and sweet. * sigh*
If you have read the previous book in this series, then you are familiar with who Brandon Mills is. You also know what happens to him in the first book that causes Mark to kind of take him under his wing. In this book, Brandon still has some things he needs to move from. Some events that happened in his youth that makes him quite the skittish and awkward introvert. But that is also what made quite endearing to me. There was a particular situation in the book that made me feel for Brandon. I liked how it was handled in the book. It never became over the top in drama.
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
"Sorry. I don't--maybe I'm no saying this right. But you mean so much to me, and I want you to be okay. That's all. I want you to be okay."
"I am. You make it...a lot easier to be okay."
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Then we have Alex, who is wanting to pledge into Brandon's frat house. Which is also the frat house of Deacon, Mark's boyfriend. He is an adorable, dinosaur loving, hipster. From the moment he meets Brandon, Alex falls for him and can't help but follow Brandon around. Brandon is a virgin and has never even been in a relationship. He doesn't know how to deal with Alex's interest. So he gets the wanted and sometimes unwanted advice of Mark and Deacon. This makes for many hilarious awkward moments throughout the book. Like how they played with Dinosaur toys made me smile so big.
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
'Splayed on the bed like this, gasping softly at Brandon's touch, Alex didn't look like a klutzy hipster-nerd. He looked...Beautiful.'
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
This book had some seriously hilarious moments just like in the first book. I could not stop laughing at Mark's antics and at all the awkwardness. It was too funny. I was really happy to have Mark and Deacon in this book. I loved them and book one, so it was nice to see them in this one too. I will say though, even though I loved them so much, I did kind of want more Brandon and Alex alone time. The moments that we did get of Brandon and Alex, were awesome. I loved how innocent, sweet and shy they were with each other. I loved seeing them explore their feelings for each other. I also have to say that I LOVE Blake. I want a book for him!! Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this cute and sweet story.
January 12, 2017
**** 4 dino stars ****
I started reading Love Lessons by Heidi Cullinan a few days before Brandon Mills Versus the V-card came out. I've been waiting forever for it to be published, so I had to start it right away and put Love Lessons on hold. I was about halfway into Love Lessons and I couldn’t help but notice the two books are actually kind of similar, or have similar themes. Two guys meet in collage. Virginity is a subject in both books. One of the MC has issues. To make a really wide generalization, I would say that Love Lessons is Brandon Mills Versus the V-card minus the character Mark. Kind of.
Anyway.
I found Brandon and Alex's romance sweet and endearing. I quickly fell in love with Alex!
"Omigod."
~ his favorite expression ~
And he loves dinosaurs:
-----------------------------------------------
"I love dinosaurs." Alex sat back on the bed and walked the Protoceratops across Brandon's laptop.
He smiled broadly at Brandon. "I collect them. Don't you love them?"
-----------------------------------------------
Their fumbling around is adorable!
I say that, being long past that stage in my life, but hey, we've all been there, haven't we? It's not adorable then, but in hindsight? I think adorable is the right word when reading about Brandon and Alex.
Mark, the MC from #1 Mark Cooper versus America is also a prominent character in this book, but as a secondary character. And he is still Mark. :D LOL!
---------------------------------------------------------
Brandon blinked. Pretty sure he caught a glimpse of lace(...)
"Okay," Mark said. "Busted."
"Um," Brandon repeated.
"So, sometimes I wear women’s underwear.
--------------------------------------------------------
Actually, several secondary character take up a good deal of space in this story. Like Blake. He was such an amazing character!
----------------------
"You gotta do what you gotta do."
~ Blake ~
----------------------
----------------------
Blake flashed him a smile. "Thanks! I'll be right out." His gaze turned dark. "I think." He darted into the restroom.
(...)
"You’ll meet some characters in college," Alex’s father had told him.
----------------------
I both liked and didn't like that the secondary character got so much room so to speak. I liked it was because it kind of balanced out the heavy stuff like . And it was a joy reading about Mark being, well Mark. So funny, I couldn’t help but laugh. It definitely made me want to read #1 again!
However I didn’t like that it took a bit of focus away from the MAIN characters in the book.
But still, as a whole it was great. A solid 4 stars.
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Reading updates
(the first ones is under the review...)
21%
Brandon blinked. Pretty sure he caught a glimpse of lace. (...)
"Okay," Mark said. "Busted."
"Um," Brandon repeated.
"So, sometimes I wear women's underwear."
I really need to re-read Mark Cooper versus America again after this!
22%
"Turns out I'm fairly kinky," Mark said matter-of-factly.
Fairly, Brandon had learned, was Australian understatement for absofuckinglutely.
22%
"What the fuck are Underoos?" Mark stared at him. "If there's some form of underwear I don't know about, I demand you tell me this instant!"
LOL!
Quoting the hell out of this book. I got a lot of them queued up ;)
32%
I didn't have any gay friends back home." Blake opened his notebook.
"I'm actually bi," Scoops said.
Blake stared at him, mouth slightly open. "So you do threesomes?"
"No."Scoops glared. "That is not what bi means."
"Right." Blake nodded so seriously Alex almost laughed. "Because... it means...?"
"That I feel attracted to both men and women. But not necessarily at the same time."
Blake wrote frantically in his notebook.
*snickers* Ah, Blake... ;)
46%
Millions of people in the world knew how good it felt to kiss someone, to press their body against another person's, so why the hell did Brandon feel like he was the first person in history of humanity who'd made this epic discovery?
Awwwww.
55%
YOU GOTTA DO WHAT YOU GOTTA DO
Ahh, Blake ;)
55%
...it was good how things were, and Alex didn't want to mess things up. He just really, really wanted to get laid.
Like really.
LOL, Alex is a little eager ;)
57%
The match was being moderated by Professor Winglow from the Astronomy Department.
Winglow? You sure? I was sure it was Professor Trelawney...
62%
That's nice," Mark said. "Your little hula dancer will like this."
ROFL!
75%
I am drukn. hurt myanke. EMERGENT!!! Bring beer. FML.
Drunk text from Mark.
ROFL
82%
Can I call this whole scene adorable? ;)
84%
Tell it like it is! ;)
90%
"It's minty," Mark said. "Good for your breath." (...)
"And for future reference, newbies. Backseat. Every time."
LMFAO
95%
"Mom's a cougar now." Ella snorted.
"What's a cougar?" their mom asked. "Is it like a MILF?"
Brandon's jaw dropped.
"Omigod," Alex whispered.
100%
I started reading Love Lessons by Heidi Cullinan a few days before Brandon Mills Versus the V-card came out. I've been waiting forever for it to be published, so I had to start it right away and put Love Lessons on hold. I was about halfway into Love Lessons and I couldn’t help but notice the two books are actually kind of similar, or have similar themes. Two guys meet in collage. Virginity is a subject in both books. One of the MC has issues. To make a really wide generalization, I would say that Love Lessons is Brandon Mills Versus the V-card minus the character Mark. Kind of.
Anyway.
I found Brandon and Alex's romance sweet and endearing. I quickly fell in love with Alex!
"Omigod."
~ his favorite expression ~
And he loves dinosaurs:
-----------------------------------------------
"I love dinosaurs." Alex sat back on the bed and walked the Protoceratops across Brandon's laptop.
He smiled broadly at Brandon. "I collect them. Don't you love them?"
-----------------------------------------------
Their fumbling around is adorable!
I say that, being long past that stage in my life, but hey, we've all been there, haven't we? It's not adorable then, but in hindsight? I think adorable is the right word when reading about Brandon and Alex.
Mark, the MC from #1 Mark Cooper versus America is also a prominent character in this book, but as a secondary character. And he is still Mark. :D LOL!
---------------------------------------------------------
Brandon blinked. Pretty sure he caught a glimpse of lace(...)
"Okay," Mark said. "Busted."
"Um," Brandon repeated.
"So, sometimes I wear women’s underwear.
--------------------------------------------------------
Actually, several secondary character take up a good deal of space in this story. Like Blake. He was such an amazing character!
----------------------
"You gotta do what you gotta do."
~ Blake ~
----------------------
----------------------
Blake flashed him a smile. "Thanks! I'll be right out." His gaze turned dark. "I think." He darted into the restroom.
(...)
"You’ll meet some characters in college," Alex’s father had told him.
----------------------
I both liked and didn't like that the secondary character got so much room so to speak. I liked it was because it kind of balanced out the heavy stuff like . And it was a joy reading about Mark being, well Mark. So funny, I couldn’t help but laugh. It definitely made me want to read #1 again!
However I didn’t like that it took a bit of focus away from the MAIN characters in the book.
But still, as a whole it was great. A solid 4 stars.
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Reading updates
(the first ones is under the review...)
21%
Brandon blinked. Pretty sure he caught a glimpse of lace. (...)
"Okay," Mark said. "Busted."
"Um," Brandon repeated.
"So, sometimes I wear women's underwear."
I really need to re-read Mark Cooper versus America again after this!
22%
"Turns out I'm fairly kinky," Mark said matter-of-factly.
Fairly, Brandon had learned, was Australian understatement for absofuckinglutely.
22%
"What the fuck are Underoos?" Mark stared at him. "If there's some form of underwear I don't know about, I demand you tell me this instant!"
LOL!
Quoting the hell out of this book. I got a lot of them queued up ;)
32%
I didn't have any gay friends back home." Blake opened his notebook.
"I'm actually bi," Scoops said.
Blake stared at him, mouth slightly open. "So you do threesomes?"
"No."Scoops glared. "That is not what bi means."
"Right." Blake nodded so seriously Alex almost laughed. "Because... it means...?"
"That I feel attracted to both men and women. But not necessarily at the same time."
Blake wrote frantically in his notebook.
*snickers* Ah, Blake... ;)
46%
Millions of people in the world knew how good it felt to kiss someone, to press their body against another person's, so why the hell did Brandon feel like he was the first person in history of humanity who'd made this epic discovery?
Awwwww.
55%
YOU GOTTA DO WHAT YOU GOTTA DO
Ahh, Blake ;)
55%
...it was good how things were, and Alex didn't want to mess things up. He just really, really wanted to get laid.
Like really.
LOL, Alex is a little eager ;)
57%
The match was being moderated by Professor Winglow from the Astronomy Department.
Winglow? You sure? I was sure it was Professor Trelawney...
62%
That's nice," Mark said. "Your little hula dancer will like this."
ROFL!
75%
I am drukn. hurt myanke. EMERGENT!!! Bring beer. FML.
Drunk text from Mark.
ROFL
82%
Can I call this whole scene adorable? ;)
84%
Tell it like it is! ;)
90%
"It's minty," Mark said. "Good for your breath." (...)
"And for future reference, newbies. Backseat. Every time."
LMFAO
95%
"Mom's a cougar now." Ella snorted.
"What's a cougar?" their mom asked. "Is it like a MILF?"
Brandon's jaw dropped.
"Omigod," Alex whispered.
100%
October 29, 2014
I can't say that I loved this book as much as the previous one!
Brandon and Alex are cute, they are sweet and fit together... but what can I say? I really love steamy and hot relationships! In this book, I had more fun with Mark and Deacon, than with the MC's! I had more fun with Blake!!!!
I loved these two boys... but hot sex was missing (mostly because that was what I was expecting, after reading Mark Cooper)! They are really cute, innocent, both love dinosaurs, and they have to deal with Brandon's past and drama.
Basically, I was not prepared to such a sweet and innocent book, but to hot and kinky sex! The story is beautiful and whenever Mark or Blake appeared, it was really funny!
Brandon and Alex are cute, they are sweet and fit together... but what can I say? I really love steamy and hot relationships! In this book, I had more fun with Mark and Deacon, than with the MC's! I had more fun with Blake!!!!
I loved these two boys... but hot sex was missing (mostly because that was what I was expecting, after reading Mark Cooper)! They are really cute, innocent, both love dinosaurs, and they have to deal with Brandon's past and drama.
Basically, I was not prepared to such a sweet and innocent book, but to hot and kinky sex! The story is beautiful and whenever Mark or Blake appeared, it was really funny!
August 10, 2016
I'm going to transfer to Prescott College. For reasons.
This review might contain spoilers.
When I read Mark Cooper versus America a few months ago, it went straight on to my unforgettable favourites shelf. It was a fairly low-angst and feel-good book, and the kinky parts were hot. A big reason that made book 1 really enjoyable were the great secondary characters. One secondary character in particular grabbed hold of my attention and wouldn't let go.
That would be Brandon Mills, the hot shy nerd with a load of baggage.
A year after his horrible experience pledging for Alpha Delta Phi , Brandon is trying to have a normal college life, and is starting to find his place at the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity. He's content, if not completely happy. That is until he runs in to Alex Kekoa, an equally-nerdy freshman that decides he wants to make Brandon his own.
'Brandon Mills versus the V-Card' is very different from Mark's story. Book 1 was full of sex, fluff and hilarity. While hilarity is definitely present here, there is also a significant amount of angst. Alex's very obvious crush forces Brandon to confront some serious issues he would have liked to ignore for the rest of his life. How Brandon handles the situation, how he perceives himself and his relations to others, and what he goes through in order to beat his past, all make for a pretty angsty read at times.
There's also very little sex, which made sense, given Brandon's past. Though there was a lot of cuddling and sweet moments between the two, and it's clear that they're attracted to each other in more than just one way. For his part, Alex realizes that Brandon needs to take things slow, and he's willing tamp down his own eagerness. And when they do finally get to fun part, it's hilariously awkward.
Most of the cast from book 1 are back, and they're just as entertaining. Mark is as much a snarky bastard as ever, and he's out to give Deacon a run for his money. And remember Blake, the gentle giant who's perhaps not the brightest of the bunch? Well, he joins the campus Gay Straight Alliance. It. Was. Awesome.
So that's what you'll get in 'Brandon Mills versus the V-Card.' Some angst, some humour, and just a whole lot of enjoyable story. I've said it before: Lisa Henry and J.A. Rock are my favourite MM author duo. I can't wait to read book 3!
My favourite quote:
This review might contain spoilers.
When I read Mark Cooper versus America a few months ago, it went straight on to my unforgettable favourites shelf. It was a fairly low-angst and feel-good book, and the kinky parts were hot. A big reason that made book 1 really enjoyable were the great secondary characters. One secondary character in particular grabbed hold of my attention and wouldn't let go.
That would be Brandon Mills, the hot shy nerd with a load of baggage.
A year after his horrible experience pledging for Alpha Delta Phi , Brandon is trying to have a normal college life, and is starting to find his place at the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity. He's content, if not completely happy. That is until he runs in to Alex Kekoa, an equally-nerdy freshman that decides he wants to make Brandon his own.
'Brandon Mills versus the V-Card' is very different from Mark's story. Book 1 was full of sex, fluff and hilarity. While hilarity is definitely present here, there is also a significant amount of angst. Alex's very obvious crush forces Brandon to confront some serious issues he would have liked to ignore for the rest of his life. How Brandon handles the situation, how he perceives himself and his relations to others, and what he goes through in order to beat his past, all make for a pretty angsty read at times.
There's also very little sex, which made sense, given Brandon's past. Though there was a lot of cuddling and sweet moments between the two, and it's clear that they're attracted to each other in more than just one way. For his part, Alex realizes that Brandon needs to take things slow, and he's willing tamp down his own eagerness. And when they do finally get to fun part, it's hilariously awkward.
Most of the cast from book 1 are back, and they're just as entertaining. Mark is as much a snarky bastard as ever, and he's out to give Deacon a run for his money. And remember Blake, the gentle giant who's perhaps not the brightest of the bunch? Well, he joins the campus Gay Straight Alliance. It. Was. Awesome.
So that's what you'll get in 'Brandon Mills versus the V-Card.' Some angst, some humour, and just a whole lot of enjoyable story. I've said it before: Lisa Henry and J.A. Rock are my favourite MM author duo. I can't wait to read book 3!
My favourite quote:
This is Alex.
Alex. Alex. Alex.
And he wasn’t repeating it in his head to keep himself in the moment. He was repeating it because it was something new and wonderful, and he could hardly believe it was real.
October 29, 2014
a/k/a The Book Formerly Known as Brandon Mills versus Virginity
Funny and sweet and dealing with a serious issue without getting overly dramatic Brandon Mills versus the V-Card is a completely different story than the first book. If you enjoyed the snarky fun of Mark Cooper versus America and can do without all the kinky sex, you will enjoy this one too.
Even though Lisa Henry and J.A. Rock gave plenty of warnings that this book was going to be sweet and cute and full of awkward moments, I really didn't believe it was possible. I have to say though, Brandon and Alex are exactly as promised.
For Alex, a freshman pledging Brandon and Deacon's frat, it's crush at first sight. Brandon doesn't know what to do about Alex's crush and seeks advice from best friend Mark and, unintentionally, Mark's frat brother Blake. Brandon has serious issues to work through, and there is no easy fix. Deacon and Mark, each offer Brandon their own particular brand of assistance, but Blake takes the top prize in being incredibly oblivious and supportive.
Although I did not get any kinky sex, I did get an awkward, and likely quite realistic, series of firsts between two awkward and clueless, nerdy college boys, with a heaping side of snark, and a glimpse of lacy underwear, all while letting out more than a few unladylike snorts and maybe tearing up just a bit. Another well done book by two of my auto-buy authors that has left me anxiously waiting for more.
Funny and sweet and dealing with a serious issue without getting overly dramatic Brandon Mills versus the V-Card is a completely different story than the first book. If you enjoyed the snarky fun of Mark Cooper versus America and can do without all the kinky sex, you will enjoy this one too.
Even though Lisa Henry and J.A. Rock gave plenty of warnings that this book was going to be sweet and cute and full of awkward moments, I really didn't believe it was possible. I have to say though, Brandon and Alex are exactly as promised.
For Alex, a freshman pledging Brandon and Deacon's frat, it's crush at first sight. Brandon doesn't know what to do about Alex's crush and seeks advice from best friend Mark and, unintentionally, Mark's frat brother Blake. Brandon has serious issues to work through, and there is no easy fix. Deacon and Mark, each offer Brandon their own particular brand of assistance, but Blake takes the top prize in being incredibly oblivious and supportive.
Although I did not get any kinky sex, I did get an awkward, and likely quite realistic, series of firsts between two awkward and clueless, nerdy college boys, with a heaping side of snark, and a glimpse of lacy underwear, all while letting out more than a few unladylike snorts and maybe tearing up just a bit. Another well done book by two of my auto-buy authors that has left me anxiously waiting for more.
October 21, 2015
My heart goes out to Brandon Mills. It’s pretty clear from the very beginning what’s up with him. But I like how his character is drawn in light rather than dark. How he’s striving to find his way out of a hole. Ahhhh, this really got to me.
But never fear, this is not a dark, downtrodden story. Quite the opposite. Brandon’s shaky first meeting with Alex, who shares a lot in common with him (dinosaurs!), seems like the start to figuring things out for Brandon. Well, for both of them, really. I like how they slowly come together, figuring each other out. Alex hasn’t a clue about Brandon’s tricky past but he so sweetly leads him to a safe place of caring. After all, Brandon played a big part in Alex picking his frat house…
“And from that moment Alex’s mind had been made up. Reason One: they have a nice house. Reason Two: they have a dog. Reason Three: Brandon Mills is so fucking hot.”
There’s also Mark and Deacon from book one. Or, should I say, Mark. He does tend to take over a scene. I have to say that I think his portrayal here was kinda OTT, he seemed reduced to clown status much of the time. I don’t remember this so much from book one (or, at least it was more in balance with other aspects of his personality) and it seems a disservice to him, here. But… Mark’s quirkiness overshadows a deeper understanding and empathy that Brandon can count on, too. (god though, does the boy try Deacon’s patience, or what?)
A word about Blake. The guy almost steals the show… his side story with the GSA. Hysterical.
This writing pair do the new adult thing so well, building great characters you want to care about. This isn’t my go-to genre, new adult, but I know I’ll get something well done and super entertaining when I visit Prescott College.
August 8, 2016
Cosas así de monas te calientan el corazoncito, y si además las autoras continúan con el estilo que ya me encantó en Mark Cooper versus America, pues mejor que mejor.
Nada que ver con el anterior en cuanto a trama e interacciones entre los MC, me ha tenido sonriendo todo el rato, deseaba que Bandon por fin consiguiera superar sus traumas y ser feliz junto a Alex, prueba superada ;)
Nada que ver con el anterior en cuanto a trama e interacciones entre los MC, me ha tenido sonriendo todo el rato, deseaba que Bandon por fin consiguiera superar sus traumas y ser feliz junto a Alex, prueba superada ;)
October 31, 2014
I really enjoyed this one, although I don't think it quite lived up to book 1. Which I now HAVE to reread!
This is the story of Brandon, Mark's sweet friend that we met in book 1, who was abused by a teacher as a child. Brandon is still dealing with the aftereffect of this abuse, and so this book was not nearly as sexy as book 1, and had no kink, but I didn't really miss that part. It felt more natural to the story for the sexy times to have to wait for Brandon to deal a bit. When the book starts, Brandon can't even stand to be touched without flinching, but he still finds himself drawn to Alex, the cute freshman who's rushing his frat.
I thought Alex was just adorable, and it was great seeing Mark (love him, he's one of my very favorite book guys EVER) and Deacon again, and Blake, how many ways do I love thee, Blake! But are we ever going to find out whatJordan's Jackson's (this is why we need sleep people!) deal is? It's like he's a jerk, but he's a nice guy, but he's a jerk.
This is the story of Brandon, Mark's sweet friend that we met in book 1, who was abused by a teacher as a child. Brandon is still dealing with the aftereffect of this abuse, and so this book was not nearly as sexy as book 1, and had no kink, but I didn't really miss that part. It felt more natural to the story for the sexy times to have to wait for Brandon to deal a bit. When the book starts, Brandon can't even stand to be touched without flinching, but he still finds himself drawn to Alex, the cute freshman who's rushing his frat.
I thought Alex was just adorable, and it was great seeing Mark (love him, he's one of my very favorite book guys EVER) and Deacon again, and Blake, how many ways do I love thee, Blake! But are we ever going to find out what
January 24, 2015
Yes, I liked it but nowhere near as much as Mark Cooper, sorry. Does that mean that I have a preference for kink?? You betcha!! Yet again, there were some really funny, laugh out loud parts in the story...especially where Brandon chats to himself in Gollum speak early on in their flirtation and declares that Alex is 'wicked, tricksy and false'.
Really liked the characters, especially Blake and his going to the GSA meetings for Bran's sake, Alex was super cute and as we all know from the previous story, Bran has serious touching issues thanks to a certain teacher in his past and a complete bozo of a frat prat named Bengal. Mark was still an idiot and Deke was still the voice of reason, and I would've loved to have known what they kept whispering about BUT I hope they star in book 3 as Deke will be leaving Prescott shortly. 4 stars from me. Thanks Lisa and Jill.
Really liked the characters, especially Blake and his going to the GSA meetings for Bran's sake, Alex was super cute and as we all know from the previous story, Bran has serious touching issues thanks to a certain teacher in his past and a complete bozo of a frat prat named Bengal. Mark was still an idiot and Deke was still the voice of reason, and I would've loved to have known what they kept whispering about BUT I hope they star in book 3 as Deke will be leaving Prescott shortly. 4 stars from me. Thanks Lisa and Jill.
August 8, 2016
Aquí tenemos la historia del amigo de Mark Cooper en el primero libro, Brandon, tan tan cute... Me ha gustado mucho, dos personajes muy dulces, uno de ellos con graves problemas que arrastra de su pasado, una sexualidad que comienza a ser explorada y Mark Cooper de acompañamiento que le da ese toque gamberro, divertido, deshinbido, que me ha provocado más de una carcajada.
Una vez más, no es Shakespeare, pero a los que os haya gustado el primer libro os lo recomiendo, merece la pena para pasar un buen rato.
Una vez más, no es Shakespeare, pero a los que os haya gustado el primer libro os lo recomiendo, merece la pena para pasar un buen rato.
February 13, 2015
3.5
I really enjoyed my visit back to Prescott--seeing old friends Brandon, Mark, and Blake--with great visits to the GSA, the Academic Challenge, getting high in the pool shed, Mark's Killer Numbats, the dinosaurs, gay Sean, the Tea Club, Eye of the Tiger--I could continue. Honestly, my main problem with the book feels mostly unfair: it did not have nearly the impact on me of Mark Cooper versus America, unquestionably one of the best books of last year and one of my favorite coming of age stories ever.
As the blurb suggested, for a Henry/Rock story Brandon Mills versus the V-Card is bizarrely sweet, and that is not only due to the dearth of kinkery. Normally, I hate sweet and I certainly didn't hate this--I really enjoyed it. I thought the whole handling of Brandon's past was really insightful and respectful. I can't even say I had an issue with Alex, because who could be sweeter and more likable? I respected that the authors did not pile on melodramatic troubles for Alex, especially given Brandon's heavy baggage. Still, they made a similar choice with Mark, but there the effect was radical, giving the book a fresh originality that made it unusually authentic. Here the choice felt safer--Alex is simply not as challenging a figure as Mark is. A lot of that has to do with Mark's uninhibited relationship to sexuality, but much of it is Mark's uninhibited relationship to life itself. Alex is a great kid, but to risk a trite metaphor, he does not have enough sharp edges to really cut. So while I was very happy to see Brandon heal and hugely enjoyed the picture of college life provided, the book did not have the same resonance for me, which I'll define as the ability to change me, change my sense of the possibilities of books or people.
That's a pretty high standard and no question the book was full of gloriously giddy moments: I'd reread it just for Blake's notes at the GSA meeting and his response to being "outed." I love this collaboration and am totally willing to beg that they continue with the Prescott series. (Jackson??) Not every book can be Mark Cooper versus America--nor does every book have to be.
I really enjoyed my visit back to Prescott--seeing old friends Brandon, Mark, and Blake--with great visits to the GSA, the Academic Challenge, getting high in the pool shed, Mark's Killer Numbats, the dinosaurs, gay Sean, the Tea Club, Eye of the Tiger--I could continue. Honestly, my main problem with the book feels mostly unfair: it did not have nearly the impact on me of Mark Cooper versus America, unquestionably one of the best books of last year and one of my favorite coming of age stories ever.
As the blurb suggested, for a Henry/Rock story Brandon Mills versus the V-Card is bizarrely sweet, and that is not only due to the dearth of kinkery. Normally, I hate sweet and I certainly didn't hate this--I really enjoyed it. I thought the whole handling of Brandon's past was really insightful and respectful. I can't even say I had an issue with Alex, because who could be sweeter and more likable? I respected that the authors did not pile on melodramatic troubles for Alex, especially given Brandon's heavy baggage. Still, they made a similar choice with Mark, but there the effect was radical, giving the book a fresh originality that made it unusually authentic. Here the choice felt safer--Alex is simply not as challenging a figure as Mark is. A lot of that has to do with Mark's uninhibited relationship to sexuality, but much of it is Mark's uninhibited relationship to life itself. Alex is a great kid, but to risk a trite metaphor, he does not have enough sharp edges to really cut. So while I was very happy to see Brandon heal and hugely enjoyed the picture of college life provided, the book did not have the same resonance for me, which I'll define as the ability to change me, change my sense of the possibilities of books or people.
That's a pretty high standard and no question the book was full of gloriously giddy moments: I'd reread it just for Blake's notes at the GSA meeting and his response to being "outed." I love this collaboration and am totally willing to beg that they continue with the Prescott series. (Jackson??) Not every book can be Mark Cooper versus America--nor does every book have to be.
October 30, 2014
Brandon and Alex and Mark and Deacon and Blake... the gang's all there on Prism Book Alliance
Just as real life can make you snort with laughter one minute and then have you feeling pain with every breath the next, so too does this story.
Brandon is approaching a breaking point. For so many years he’s denied himself so many things in relation to human contact, companionship, closeness, everything. He needs to make a decision about whether he’s going to allow the cliff’s edge to get closer and closer, or if he’s going to get some help in turning away from it and towards a new path. He already has some people willing to walk it with him, namely Deacon and Mark. And Alex?
Alex is hoping for a fresh start in college, to put his nerditry behind him, become an adult. Alas, that nerditry is a part of him and proves to be rather crucial in the weeks and months ahead. Who knew a love of dinosaurs could become so important in the lives of two young men trying to figure out what the hell they’re doing.
Brandon and Alex both know they want happy, they want more, they want to cuddle like kittens and fuck (or not) like bunnies. They want to discover what works best for them in all manner of things. Not always an easy task. This is especially true for Brandon.
Before things get too serious: Blake!! Hahaha he’s as hapless, big-hearted and unintentionally amusing as ever. Some of the best lines belong to him. More on that later.
Deacon and Mark. Mark and Deacon. For their sakes, for Blake’s sake, for all of our sakes, please read Mark Cooper versus America before you read this book. If you fail to do so, you will lose a number of opportunities to snort, giggle and plain laugh out loud at the things that come out of these guys’ mouths, at the actions and antics they share with us.
”Look, I don’t make the rules,” Mark said. “I didn’t even know there was such a thing as Underoos until today.
Deacon shook his head. “How much did you smoke?”
“Just enough that my head is full of old poetry, melancholy music, and dreams that dare to touch the divine,” Mark smiled winningly.
Honestly. I snorted. Yes, Mark and Deacon still “argue” over different terms for the same object or activity. Mark still consternates Deacon (who loves it) and Deacon still pushes Mark in good ways (Mark not so secretly loves it) and they are both crazy about each other.
I really enjoy the ‘big picture’ kind of story this is, made up of very intimate, wonderfully weird, tense and special moments between friends, family, boyfriends and those trying to become boyfriends. The friendships in this story feel real, natural, a lot of understanding, teasing and sharing to be had. Really good stuff.
This is some of the best writing these two authors have done together.
Brandon is dealing with something incredibly serious from his childhood. Nothing graphic is described but the ramifications, the huge array of feelings that have resulted and haunted him all of these years, they’re all examined and brought to light in one way or another. Some of most beautiful moments come from scenes when Brandon and Mark are talking about what Brandon wants, what progress, if any, he’s making… wonderful friendship stuff.
Alex is very observant, intelligent, very open and caring. And horny. He wants Brandon from the moment he sees him. Little does he know what all he’s going to learn about and share with Brandon. Little do they both know. The way their connection is built throughout this story is sweet, sad, tender, awkward and simply beautiful. I’m not kidding when I say that, more than once, I was teary and a lump was taking up residence in my throat, when all of a sudden one of them would say or do something that made me laugh. I get it. I get them.
Henry and Rock, this story feels to have been treated with steady, caring and exploratory writing. Time is taken for thoughts to work themselves out, for gestures to be given, for turning points to realize they can actually make those turns and things may be alright. Trust. It’s a rather large ingredient in all of this. All of these characters, not just Brandon and Alex, are learning more and more about how to build and maintain it. Tis not easy.
Fair warning, I’m pretty sure these authors were gunning for my heart, wanting to wrench it unceremoniously from my still warm body, and then dance a jig upon it. Gleefully. Also? I love that they can do that to me… for me. I’m thankful. Grateful.
He’d never been ashamed, exactly. Just that stuff got into your subconscious, no matter how hard you tried to keep it out. Gave you a complex no rainbow flag or pride parade could fix.
This is Alex thinking, but it speaks trainloads of volume for all of them, for all of us.
Humor, heart and healing. That’s the nutshell of this story, Brandon’s story, and of these characters.
You could technically read this without first reading Mark Cooper versus America, but you will miss a good bit of the emotional and humorous impact woven all throughout this book. If you’ve read Mark Cooper, then holy shiznoly, you’re more than ready for this. The tone, subjects and approach in this story are different than in MC. They’re all appropriate for and treat very well this story of Brandon.
This has landed in my top ten reads for this year. The writing is so natural, full of heart and respect, and it made me happy while reading it, even the most emotionally difficult parts.
And I’m making an official announcement: Mark is one of my favorite characters. Ever.
Just as real life can make you snort with laughter one minute and then have you feeling pain with every breath the next, so too does this story.
Brandon is approaching a breaking point. For so many years he’s denied himself so many things in relation to human contact, companionship, closeness, everything. He needs to make a decision about whether he’s going to allow the cliff’s edge to get closer and closer, or if he’s going to get some help in turning away from it and towards a new path. He already has some people willing to walk it with him, namely Deacon and Mark. And Alex?
Alex is hoping for a fresh start in college, to put his nerditry behind him, become an adult. Alas, that nerditry is a part of him and proves to be rather crucial in the weeks and months ahead. Who knew a love of dinosaurs could become so important in the lives of two young men trying to figure out what the hell they’re doing.
Brandon and Alex both know they want happy, they want more, they want to cuddle like kittens and fuck (or not) like bunnies. They want to discover what works best for them in all manner of things. Not always an easy task. This is especially true for Brandon.
Before things get too serious: Blake!! Hahaha he’s as hapless, big-hearted and unintentionally amusing as ever. Some of the best lines belong to him. More on that later.
Deacon and Mark. Mark and Deacon. For their sakes, for Blake’s sake, for all of our sakes, please read Mark Cooper versus America before you read this book. If you fail to do so, you will lose a number of opportunities to snort, giggle and plain laugh out loud at the things that come out of these guys’ mouths, at the actions and antics they share with us.
”Look, I don’t make the rules,” Mark said. “I didn’t even know there was such a thing as Underoos until today.
Deacon shook his head. “How much did you smoke?”
“Just enough that my head is full of old poetry, melancholy music, and dreams that dare to touch the divine,” Mark smiled winningly.
Honestly. I snorted. Yes, Mark and Deacon still “argue” over different terms for the same object or activity. Mark still consternates Deacon (who loves it) and Deacon still pushes Mark in good ways (Mark not so secretly loves it) and they are both crazy about each other.
I really enjoy the ‘big picture’ kind of story this is, made up of very intimate, wonderfully weird, tense and special moments between friends, family, boyfriends and those trying to become boyfriends. The friendships in this story feel real, natural, a lot of understanding, teasing and sharing to be had. Really good stuff.
This is some of the best writing these two authors have done together.
Brandon is dealing with something incredibly serious from his childhood. Nothing graphic is described but the ramifications, the huge array of feelings that have resulted and haunted him all of these years, they’re all examined and brought to light in one way or another. Some of most beautiful moments come from scenes when Brandon and Mark are talking about what Brandon wants, what progress, if any, he’s making… wonderful friendship stuff.
Alex is very observant, intelligent, very open and caring. And horny. He wants Brandon from the moment he sees him. Little does he know what all he’s going to learn about and share with Brandon. Little do they both know. The way their connection is built throughout this story is sweet, sad, tender, awkward and simply beautiful. I’m not kidding when I say that, more than once, I was teary and a lump was taking up residence in my throat, when all of a sudden one of them would say or do something that made me laugh. I get it. I get them.
Henry and Rock, this story feels to have been treated with steady, caring and exploratory writing. Time is taken for thoughts to work themselves out, for gestures to be given, for turning points to realize they can actually make those turns and things may be alright. Trust. It’s a rather large ingredient in all of this. All of these characters, not just Brandon and Alex, are learning more and more about how to build and maintain it. Tis not easy.
Fair warning, I’m pretty sure these authors were gunning for my heart, wanting to wrench it unceremoniously from my still warm body, and then dance a jig upon it. Gleefully. Also? I love that they can do that to me… for me. I’m thankful. Grateful.
He’d never been ashamed, exactly. Just that stuff got into your subconscious, no matter how hard you tried to keep it out. Gave you a complex no rainbow flag or pride parade could fix.
This is Alex thinking, but it speaks trainloads of volume for all of them, for all of us.
Humor, heart and healing. That’s the nutshell of this story, Brandon’s story, and of these characters.
You could technically read this without first reading Mark Cooper versus America, but you will miss a good bit of the emotional and humorous impact woven all throughout this book. If you’ve read Mark Cooper, then holy shiznoly, you’re more than ready for this. The tone, subjects and approach in this story are different than in MC. They’re all appropriate for and treat very well this story of Brandon.
This has landed in my top ten reads for this year. The writing is so natural, full of heart and respect, and it made me happy while reading it, even the most emotionally difficult parts.
And I’m making an official announcement: Mark is one of my favorite characters. Ever.
November 10, 2014
Dinos RULE!
Making them fight is always way more fun than just walking them around. Sure, when adults are spying you're all like humdeedum. But as soon as the coast is clear, it's mash potato tar pits and broccoli forest ravaging. So, I approve of Brandon and Alex's adorbs bonding. Totally cute. Like fuck, let me stick my hoarded Lucky Charms' marshmallow stars all over them--sweet and delicious.
Plus, Brandon's whole backstory is way too heavy to just layout and then expect it to all work out fine. The pace with the guys was totally reasonable and that pull between want and fear--perfect. There's nothing like eager virgins and the quest to lose it that has one rooting for the best possible outcome for both Alex and Brandon. Which btw, is awkwardly perfect. So, with all the seriousness underlying the story, I get that the levity provided by Mark's antics and Blake's oblivious good-heartedness is crucial, but I felt like in parts they were too strong and pushed our protagonists, our heroes into wallflowers.
Problem? Too many characters! And I hate to say since I loved all of them, but it cacophonous. Alex and Brandon's story gets pushed out of the limelight much like their shyness pushes them to the corners of rooms because the bolder and flashier friends hog it. Mark and Deacon, nice to see them again, but they run roughshod over their BFF and little brother multiple times. And Blake... he's awesome and steals the show with his earnest, uncomplicated and inspiring actions.
So, how do I rate this? No clue. I liked it. A lot. Just wish that Alex and Brandon were stronger than the secondary characters.
3.5 Stars
Favorite quote:
Making them fight is always way more fun than just walking them around. Sure, when adults are spying you're all like humdeedum. But as soon as the coast is clear, it's mash potato tar pits and broccoli forest ravaging. So, I approve of Brandon and Alex's adorbs bonding. Totally cute. Like fuck, let me stick my hoarded Lucky Charms' marshmallow stars all over them--sweet and delicious.
Dinosaurs fucking meant something.
Plus, Brandon's whole backstory is way too heavy to just layout and then expect it to all work out fine. The pace with the guys was totally reasonable and that pull between want and fear--perfect. There's nothing like eager virgins and the quest to lose it that has one rooting for the best possible outcome for both Alex and Brandon. Which btw, is awkwardly perfect. So, with all the seriousness underlying the story, I get that the levity provided by Mark's antics and Blake's oblivious good-heartedness is crucial, but I felt like in parts they were too strong and pushed our protagonists, our heroes into wallflowers.
Problem? Too many characters! And I hate to say since I loved all of them, but it cacophonous. Alex and Brandon's story gets pushed out of the limelight much like their shyness pushes them to the corners of rooms because the bolder and flashier friends hog it. Mark and Deacon, nice to see them again, but they run roughshod over their BFF and little brother multiple times. And Blake... he's awesome and steals the show with his earnest, uncomplicated and inspiring actions.
So, how do I rate this? No clue. I liked it. A lot. Just wish that Alex and Brandon were stronger than the secondary characters.
3.5 Stars
Favorite quote:
Sometimes he felt like he was nothing except wasted potential.
Want to read
July 13, 2017On Indefinite Hold
So I started this last night on a whim when I was browsing my kindle & frankly, I'm a little uncomfortable with Alex's immediate obsession of Brandon.
Let me explain.
Brandon and Alex meet when Brandon accidentally spills orange soda on Alex at a frat party. Brandon apologizes and offers to give Alex a shirt since his is obviously ruined. During this exchange, the two barely speak beyond the obvious introductions and "sorry I ruined your shirt." Alex is a smitten kitten from that moment on.
A week later, the two run into each other and Alex reminds Brandon that he needs to return his shirt (at this point, I'm thinking he's kinda adorable with his crush). Brandon gives him a bit of a dismissive brush off of "oh yeah, drop it by whenever" (I don't mind this because Brandon is very tentative around people, especially those he doesn't know...and he's not mean about it).
Okay, now here's where the authors lost me and it veered into Creepyville.
Alex dashes back to his dorm room because his roommate is in class and he knows he'll have the place to himself for a little bit. This is his last time to be with the Brandon-smelling shirt. So he pulls it out from under his pillow, starts sniffing it, and begins jerking off. While we're in his head, he admits that he's done this about a half-dozen times in the week that it's been in his possession.
If that wasn't creepy enough, as his grand hoorah and goodbye, he cums on the shirt and cleans himself up with it. Once he's done, he goes and washes it and heads over to give it back to Brandon....like no big deal.
Brandon's surprised to see him and completely forgot that they ran into each other. He thanks him for bringing the shirt over and wants to usher Alex out (Brandon is uncomfortable with having a stranger in his room), but Alex starts looking around. He finds a dinosaur figurine and thinks this is his in with Brandon because he loves dinosaurs too.
Brandon is clearly uncomfortable, but Alex doesn't notice because he's excited about their possible shared interest. Because of this excitement, Alex throws himself at Brandon and starts kissing him. Brandon pushes him off and asks him to leave. Alex apologizes and begins to say that "he thought..." but Brandon cuts him off and asks him to leave again. I don't know what Alex "thought" but Brandon wasn't giving out ANY signals of interest sooooo.
Alex apologizes again and leaves....and so do I.
You're jerking off everyday to the smell of a shirt that belongs to a person you spent all of about 3 minutes with? And then you cum on it! And then you throw yourself at them when they've given you ZERO indication that they MAY be interested?? I just...*shudder*
After all that, I don't know if I'd be able to get into the romance. I'm too creeped out. Maybe if somewhere later in the book Alex is all "hey man, funny story about that shirt you let me borrow" but even then duuuuude. And I'd have to find a way to get over this initial feeling of creepy in order to get to that possible point. The rest of the book may be magical for all I know....but this feeling of creepiness is a giant mountain obstructing my path.
So, for now...ON HOLD.
November 2, 2014
4 big stars for awkward, geeky, love triumphing over all!
I really loved how the story unfolded between Alex and Brandon. I thought they were adorably awkward and that made them perfect for each other. I think that Alex was exactly what Brandon needed as he was patient, caring, and loving. He didn't want to rush Brandon and always made his comfort a priority.
I really fell in love with Blake. I thought he was so sweet throughout the whole book and I loved what an interest he took in Brandon and trying to help him. He was a jock with a heart of gold. I absolutely loved all of the parts with him.
I enjoyed getting to catch up with Mark and Deacon as well. Overall, I thought it was a really enjoy sequel to the first book.
I really loved how the story unfolded between Alex and Brandon. I thought they were adorably awkward and that made them perfect for each other. I think that Alex was exactly what Brandon needed as he was patient, caring, and loving. He didn't want to rush Brandon and always made his comfort a priority.
I really fell in love with Blake. I thought he was so sweet throughout the whole book and I loved what an interest he took in Brandon and trying to help him. He was a jock with a heart of gold. I absolutely loved all of the parts with him.
I enjoyed getting to catch up with Mark and Deacon as well. Overall, I thought it was a really enjoy sequel to the first book.
April 25, 2022
3.75 stars ⭐️ Yay for me because I finished a book without DNFing. Having been in a slump where nothing could hold my attention, this has pulled me so quickly since it was Brandan Mills' story I had yet to read. And I read this in just one sitting.
Brandon is such a sweetheart, but I loved Alex more than Brandon. He was the reason Brandon made himself go beyond his comfort zone. I loved how every time Alex said "Omigod", I found it so adorable. They were both just so right together!
There weren't any spice sex scenes in the story, but I was happy with what the author had offered me.
The thing I disliked most about the book was Mark. His behavior was sometimes so annoying, and he continuously popped up in the story too.
Brandon is such a sweetheart, but I loved Alex more than Brandon. He was the reason Brandon made himself go beyond his comfort zone. I loved how every time Alex said "Omigod", I found it so adorable. They were both just so right together!
There weren't any spice sex scenes in the story, but I was happy with what the author had offered me.
The thing I disliked most about the book was Mark. His behavior was sometimes so annoying, and he continuously popped up in the story too.
December 13, 2015
4.5 stars- Although I think the first one was a little better, this one is still awesome. I think I love Blake. What an awesome secondary character! :)
December 10, 2014
Oh god I need the next book now. Please tell me there's a next book. Please.
(Also, I know this book was about Brandon, but I still adore Mark & Deacon).
It feels like I've waited forever for this book. In fact, I'd forgotten how much I love Mark - it doesn't sound good does it, the book's about Brandon and I keep writing about Mark. Don't worry though, the whole thing is great, the Brandon storyline is almost a complete contrast to the Mark one from book 1, but it was no less brilliant.
Great characters are at the heart of this story, and it doesn't just stop with the MC's - Blake is one of the most wonderful secondary characters I've ever read. I'd take him home with me if I could. If we all had friends like him the world would be a happy place!
Brandon and Alex - GAH! A far cry from the in-your-face Mark we met in book one, both of these characters are still adorable. They're not sad saps, they can be quirky and they make for a brilliant story. I laughed out loud several times, especially at Alex. He is gorgeous.
Written well and with sensitivity, this book touches on some very horrible issues (ones that were mentioned in book 1). Without becoming melodramatic it explores the ways in which gestures, actions and reactions can differ from person to person and experience to experience. It's a really great story.
My only complaint is I've not had enough of any of these characters and I hope there are plans for more in this series. I may have to re-read Mark Cooper V... soon.
(Also, I know this book was about Brandon, but I still adore Mark & Deacon).
It feels like I've waited forever for this book. In fact, I'd forgotten how much I love Mark - it doesn't sound good does it, the book's about Brandon and I keep writing about Mark. Don't worry though, the whole thing is great, the Brandon storyline is almost a complete contrast to the Mark one from book 1, but it was no less brilliant.
Great characters are at the heart of this story, and it doesn't just stop with the MC's - Blake is one of the most wonderful secondary characters I've ever read. I'd take him home with me if I could. If we all had friends like him the world would be a happy place!
Brandon and Alex - GAH! A far cry from the in-your-face Mark we met in book one, both of these characters are still adorable. They're not sad saps, they can be quirky and they make for a brilliant story. I laughed out loud several times, especially at Alex. He is gorgeous.
Written well and with sensitivity, this book touches on some very horrible issues (ones that were mentioned in book 1). Without becoming melodramatic it explores the ways in which gestures, actions and reactions can differ from person to person and experience to experience. It's a really great story.
My only complaint is I've not had enough of any of these characters and I hope there are plans for more in this series. I may have to re-read Mark Cooper V... soon.
October 1, 2015
4 stars
Another fun read. Where Mark Cooper was on the sexy side (and, um, a little kinky), this one was on the sweet side. Like, two virgins - in all their awkwardness - sweet.
This was also pretty funny. The side story involving Blake was kinda OTT but I have to admit that Blake was also kinda awesome.
I'm hoping there's more to come in the Prescott world!
Another fun read. Where Mark Cooper was on the sexy side (and, um, a little kinky), this one was on the sweet side. Like, two virgins - in all their awkwardness - sweet.
This was also pretty funny. The side story involving Blake was kinda OTT but I have to admit that Blake was also kinda awesome.
I'm hoping there's more to come in the Prescott world!
October 29, 2014
I love these 2 authors!!
I seriously lol'd and lol'd my way through this book!
And it was sweet
Losing ones V card is no laughing matter right.... Lol! Best scene ever!
Mare~Slitsread
I seriously lol'd and lol'd my way through this book!
And it was sweet
Losing ones V card is no laughing matter right.... Lol! Best scene ever!
Mare~Slitsread
February 9, 2019
4 Stars
Fun, funny and touching. I loved the audio, and honestly this is probably one of my favorites narrated by Joel Leslie.
Fun, funny and touching. I loved the audio, and honestly this is probably one of my favorites narrated by Joel Leslie.
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