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Time Trials
Luke Nevin and his best friend and next-door neighbor, Nick, are in love with each other, but after their first kiss at age thirteen, Luke's conservative Mormon parents have kept them as far apart as possible. Luke's parents wanted to shut Nick out of his life completely, but when Luke’s high-functioning autism causes him to meltdown, Nick is the only one he responds to. Nick's position as his peer guide keeps them together when they would otherwise have to be separated, and they have no problem taking advantage of that opening.
Nick Vogel's mother has never been much of a mother, but when his parents divorced shortly after that disastrous first kiss, somehow Nick's loving father was kicked out of his own ancestral home, and his mother gained custody of him. Nick still sees his father at swim practice though, and he still has his Granny, who lives in the carriage house between his home and Luke's. Both his dad and Granny know about the boys’ secret relationship, and they help the boys when they can.
As Nick's eighteenth birthday approaches, Luke finds out that Granny guards many more secrets than just their own. Secrets abound between their two families, and if Luke can piece those secrets together, then Granny might just be able to help the boys achieve the happy ending they deserve, and maybe even change some hearts in the process.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love’s Landscapes" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
Dear Author,
Look at these two men, caught in a moment of intense conversation. Are they on the same baseball team? Are they out or in the closet? How long have they been together? And what is the one on the left telling the one on the right, the one he’s got pressed against the fence? Is this a lover’s spat or is he telling him that everything will be okay? The intense look in his eyes took my breath away. The young man on the right seems to be listening carefully to his boyfriend, but might need a bit more convincing, don’t you think? And what’s the significance of the band tattoo? What meaning does it hold for them?
This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.
Nick Vogel's mother has never been much of a mother, but when his parents divorced shortly after that disastrous first kiss, somehow Nick's loving father was kicked out of his own ancestral home, and his mother gained custody of him. Nick still sees his father at swim practice though, and he still has his Granny, who lives in the carriage house between his home and Luke's. Both his dad and Granny know about the boys’ secret relationship, and they help the boys when they can.
As Nick's eighteenth birthday approaches, Luke finds out that Granny guards many more secrets than just their own. Secrets abound between their two families, and if Luke can piece those secrets together, then Granny might just be able to help the boys achieve the happy ending they deserve, and maybe even change some hearts in the process.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love’s Landscapes" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
Dear Author,
Look at these two men, caught in a moment of intense conversation. Are they on the same baseball team? Are they out or in the closet? How long have they been together? And what is the one on the left telling the one on the right, the one he’s got pressed against the fence? Is this a lover’s spat or is he telling him that everything will be okay? The intense look in his eyes took my breath away. The young man on the right seems to be listening carefully to his boyfriend, but might need a bit more convincing, don’t you think? And what’s the significance of the band tattoo? What meaning does it hold for them?
This story may contain sexually explicit content and is intended for adult readers. It may contain content that is disagreeable or distressing to some readers. The M/M Romance Group strongly recommends that each reader review the General Information section before each story for story tags as well as for content warnings.
71 pages, ebook
First published August 10, 2014
1 person is currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Jay D. Clark
9 books46 followersAs I continue to write and grow as a new M/M Romance author, I find myself drawn to certain basic themes: family, rural and urban living, the wide variety of settings possible in my home state of California, and to the ongoing struggles of LGBTQ people to find happiness, prosperity, acceptance, and love in a world that is getting better, but which has a long way to go.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
December 12, 2014
This book is fucking weird. In this story, there's apparently nothing odd about having your family (specifically your grandma) all up in your business regarding your sex life. I was thoroughly creeped out on several occasions, but the one that topped them all was when . Just, NO.
I kept reading after that, but in retrospect, this is what I should have done:
The sex was so not hot, and a couple lines brought me dangerously close to losing my lunch:
"Good boy, no fudge, just sweet, clean ass to lick."
and
I collapsed against his torso, the rest of his cum load spreading out between us like too much mayo on slices of hot toast.
I just skimmed the last 5% after that to get it over with.
There's more about the book that I found odd, but I don't really have the words to explain it. If you're curious, just read it yourself to see what I mean.
I kept reading after that, but in retrospect, this is what I should have done:
The sex was so not hot, and a couple lines brought me dangerously close to losing my lunch:
"Good boy, no fudge, just sweet, clean ass to lick."
and
I collapsed against his torso, the rest of his cum load spreading out between us like too much mayo on slices of hot toast.
I just skimmed the last 5% after that to get it over with.
There's more about the book that I found odd, but I don't really have the words to explain it. If you're curious, just read it yourself to see what I mean.
July 16, 2017
I have so many problems with this story I don't know where to begin.
- The writing itself - Granny is omnipotent, and people use words and expressions not used in normal, everyday conversation (eg. "your sacred birthright" or "let's see if this will fit Nick's and yours needs and desires")
- The MCs are barely 18 and are behaving like they're much older
- The plot is not believable and has no clear explanation and none of the side character's motives are explained in a way that is satisfactory
- Some scenes were entirely inappropriate. It started out neither here nor there, but gradually became more and more obvious. Examples:
* Granny is guarding the MCs while they kiss. Then she proceeds to put her hands on their faces to break them up.
* Granny making comments about the MC's physique throughout the story.
* Granny, Nick's dad and the dad's boyfriend walk in on Nick and Luke making out naked in the middle of the basement. After they let Nick and Luke put their towels back on, they proceeded to all together eat ice cream, while Nick and Luke were licking said ice cream off of each others chests still in only their towels, and calling it flirting.
I'm not going to talk about the comments about fudge in the middle of a rim job.
For me personally, this story had absolutely no redeeming traits whatsoever, so I'm going to give it one star and never read this writer's stories again.
- The writing itself - Granny is omnipotent, and people use words and expressions not used in normal, everyday conversation (eg. "your sacred birthright" or "let's see if this will fit Nick's and yours needs and desires")
- The MCs are barely 18 and are behaving like they're much older
- The plot is not believable and has no clear explanation and none of the side character's motives are explained in a way that is satisfactory
- Some scenes were entirely inappropriate. It started out neither here nor there, but gradually became more and more obvious. Examples:
* Granny is guarding the MCs while they kiss. Then she proceeds to put her hands on their faces to break them up.
* Granny making comments about the MC's physique throughout the story.
* Granny, Nick's dad and the dad's boyfriend walk in on Nick and Luke making out naked in the middle of the basement. After they let Nick and Luke put their towels back on, they proceeded to all together eat ice cream, while Nick and Luke were licking said ice cream off of each others chests still in only their towels, and calling it flirting.
Granny and Nick’s two dads would just laugh at us, Mr. Vogel and Coach kissing one another every time either Nick or I licked ice cream off the other one. But when Nick spilled some down near the edge of my towel and it started to seep inside, Nick’s dad said, “That one’s out of bounds, boys. Use a napkin on yourself for that one, Luke.”
I'm not going to talk about the comments about fudge in the middle of a rim job.
For me personally, this story had absolutely no redeeming traits whatsoever, so I'm going to give it one star and never read this writer's stories again.
dnf
February 14, 2021How to feel like a pedo in 10 pages. This was just weird and giving me creep vibes. Then I saw Tamara's review and it gets worse.
DNF @ 18%
DNF @ 18%
August 10, 2014
I loved this story, and it's definitely one of my big favorites of the Don't Read in the Closet: Love's Landscapes event this year. It's super sweet with just the right amount of intrigue to hook you into what happens next and whether or not these two can encourage Luke's family to accept them the way Nick's Granny and father do.
It's also lovely to read about an MC with high functioning autism (HFA) and dispel some myths about it. Luke doesn't feel significantly different from any other person, but if you look closely, you can see some of the minute tells which are just part of Luke's everyday life.
It's also lovely to read about an MC with high functioning autism (HFA) and dispel some myths about it. Luke doesn't feel significantly different from any other person, but if you look closely, you can see some of the minute tells which are just part of Luke's everyday life.
Read
August 11, 2014Two life long friends desperately wanting to be together.
I loved Nick and Luke. Found their history and background interesting, but the whole time I felt ill at ease while reading this. I'm not a proselytizing fan, for or against, and while I know it is something many people struggle with, I personally don't enjoy religious discussions in fiction. That's all me. I also found their patience legendary for teenage boys. Overall, I preferred the first half of the story over the second greatly. I suspect this will be a "reader response will vary story" according to their own needs.
I loved Nick and Luke. Found their history and background interesting, but the whole time I felt ill at ease while reading this. I'm not a proselytizing fan, for or against, and while I know it is something many people struggle with, I personally don't enjoy religious discussions in fiction. That's all me. I also found their patience legendary for teenage boys. Overall, I preferred the first half of the story over the second greatly. I suspect this will be a "reader response will vary story" according to their own needs.
Want to read
August 11, 2014Woot!!! This is the story that my prompt inspired!!! How super exciting to see it come to life!
Thank you, Jay! :)
Thank you, Jay! :)
August 20, 2014
Contains Spoilers.
I don't know what to say. I read the blurb and though I was getting a sweet tale of young love and homophobic parents trying to keep them apart. I was not even close.
This novel left me confused and a bit grossed out. From sporting semi-public wood. To being very kinky in front of your grandma and dad. Who licks ice cream of your BF chest in front of family. Just to make it worse the dad and his boyfriend make out while they are doing it.
There was this huge mystery about the family that fell out of nowhere. And you have to guess to become a trustee. Where would this hold up in court. I felt there were characters introduced to continue the plot, but felt rushed. Why not introduce the uncle better, make it a mystery and give the readers a chance to guess.
I was more interested about the dad's story. Yet I felt sad for Dane. Everybody gets a happy ending except him. Here is this guy that loves Ethan. Ethan gets drunk. Gets a kid and married, leaving Dane alone. He turns to religion, yet at the end everyone blames him because he is bitter. Never mind that Ethan eventually moved on with a guy. I felt sorry for him he was screwed by the guy he loved. The author tried to place blame on Nick's mother for getting Ethan drunk, but it was his choice to drink and continue drinking.
Why does Ethan deserve to be happy? He cheated while his BF was on mission. Had a son and married. Lied to his son the whole time. Left his son with a drunk so that he could be happy with his new BF. His action caused a lot of problems for his son. I would have been hapier had Dane and the coach ended together.
I don't know what to say. I read the blurb and though I was getting a sweet tale of young love and homophobic parents trying to keep them apart. I was not even close.
This novel left me confused and a bit grossed out. From sporting semi-public wood. To being very kinky in front of your grandma and dad. Who licks ice cream of your BF chest in front of family. Just to make it worse the dad and his boyfriend make out while they are doing it.
There was this huge mystery about the family that fell out of nowhere. And you have to guess to become a trustee. Where would this hold up in court. I felt there were characters introduced to continue the plot, but felt rushed. Why not introduce the uncle better, make it a mystery and give the readers a chance to guess.
I was more interested about the dad's story. Yet I felt sad for Dane. Everybody gets a happy ending except him. Here is this guy that loves Ethan. Ethan gets drunk. Gets a kid and married, leaving Dane alone. He turns to religion, yet at the end everyone blames him because he is bitter. Never mind that Ethan eventually moved on with a guy. I felt sorry for him he was screwed by the guy he loved. The author tried to place blame on Nick's mother for getting Ethan drunk, but it was his choice to drink and continue drinking.
Why does Ethan deserve to be happy? He cheated while his BF was on mission. Had a son and married. Lied to his son the whole time. Left his son with a drunk so that he could be happy with his new BF. His action caused a lot of problems for his son. I would have been hapier had Dane and the coach ended together.
September 26, 2016
I try to be extra generous with the DRitC stories, but when it comes down to it the characters in this story were ridiculous, the plot was tedious, and I basically sleep-read my way thru it. There is not a lot that happens in this book. There is however a lot of family background stuff that gets told...but because we don't really have a lot of time to get invested in the characters on page, let alone the ones that are dead and gone, it seemed pointless and really dragged the story down.
There is also the fact I was incredibly skeeved out by the whole dry-hump in front of the grandma scene, as well as the one where they are basically licking melting ice cream off each other's bodies while the parental units look on. I don't know, maybe i am incredibly repressed, but as much as I love my family I never EVER wanna see them that close to orgasm. I will happily go on pretending that they never have sex even if I know for a fact they do. The way that some of the grownups in this book were basically voyeurs to two teenagers trying to get it on just made me kinda ill.
There is also the fact I was incredibly skeeved out by the whole dry-hump in front of the grandma scene, as well as the one where they are basically licking melting ice cream off each other's bodies while the parental units look on. I don't know, maybe i am incredibly repressed, but as much as I love my family I never EVER wanna see them that close to orgasm. I will happily go on pretending that they never have sex even if I know for a fact they do. The way that some of the grownups in this book were basically voyeurs to two teenagers trying to get it on just made me kinda ill.
August 17, 2014
Thank you to the author and the LL team.
This is a sweet and brave story. I liked the fact that one of the MC's is autistic and that there are cousins involved. Perhaps I am wrong but I got the feeling that there are elements which are auto- biographical?
This is not really my normal type of read, which goes to show how important it is as readers to try something different, because I really enjoyed it.
Congrats to the author :D
This is a sweet and brave story. I liked the fact that one of the MC's is autistic and that there are cousins involved. Perhaps I am wrong but I got the feeling that there are elements which are auto- biographical?
This is not really my normal type of read, which goes to show how important it is as readers to try something different, because I really enjoyed it.
Congrats to the author :D
August 13, 2014
2.5 stars rounded up.
I'm going to be the party pooper, I just know it. I skimmed, I'm sorry! It has nothing to do with the authors writing, because this was a very well written NA story. I actually loved the idea of Luke and Nick. I loved that Luke was a HFA (high functioning autistic/autism), and the dynamic he and Nick had. Actually, I was expecting it to be more about these two kids and their interesting dynamic because Luke was autistic. Instead, we get some interesting family history and some intrigue and mystery. It was at this point that I started skimming (which I hate to do) because as the family history unfolded, I couldn't help but think that maybe some of the family members should have moved away. I was having a difficult time keeping who's who straight.
Interestingly enough, the fact that these two are kissing cousins didn't bother me in the least, it was actually the level of PDA that these two display in front of their family and the sudden turn around from Luke's family that bothered me. Every conflict would get wrapped up in a pretty bow so easily that I couldn't reconcile the first part of the story with the second. I also found that Luke's autism seemed to completely disappear during the second half of the book.
I think that this is just a case of reading this story at the wrong time or possibly just having different expectations than what the book actually was. I was expecting a struggle for Luke and Nick to be together and to continue swimming careers in college, and got something more family driven.
This is a well written story from an author I'll keep my eyes open for in the future. The first half (which I really liked) was sweet and touching. This will be a very appealing story to many, and receive high praise, it just wasn't the story for me.
My thanks to the author for their time and participation in the loves landscapes event.
I'm going to be the party pooper, I just know it. I skimmed, I'm sorry! It has nothing to do with the authors writing, because this was a very well written NA story. I actually loved the idea of Luke and Nick. I loved that Luke was a HFA (high functioning autistic/autism), and the dynamic he and Nick had. Actually, I was expecting it to be more about these two kids and their interesting dynamic because Luke was autistic. Instead, we get some interesting family history and some intrigue and mystery. It was at this point that I started skimming (which I hate to do) because as the family history unfolded, I couldn't help but think that maybe some of the family members should have moved away. I was having a difficult time keeping who's who straight.
Interestingly enough, the fact that these two are kissing cousins didn't bother me in the least, it was actually the level of PDA that these two display in front of their family and the sudden turn around from Luke's family that bothered me. Every conflict would get wrapped up in a pretty bow so easily that I couldn't reconcile the first part of the story with the second. I also found that Luke's autism seemed to completely disappear during the second half of the book.
I think that this is just a case of reading this story at the wrong time or possibly just having different expectations than what the book actually was. I was expecting a struggle for Luke and Nick to be together and to continue swimming careers in college, and got something more family driven.
This is a well written story from an author I'll keep my eyes open for in the future. The first half (which I really liked) was sweet and touching. This will be a very appealing story to many, and receive high praise, it just wasn't the story for me.
My thanks to the author for their time and participation in the loves landscapes event.
November 1, 2014
This story revolves around two best friends, Luke and Nick. Luke is autistic. Nick is more than just a best friend to Luke. Nick is that one solid in Luke's like, his anchor. In some aspects, Nick is number one in Luke's world. They are lovers, but their bond is stronger than most. Sadly, there are outside factors that makes them unable to share/show their love publicly. Luke's family is religious. They expect Luke to do certain things... doesn't matter what Luke wants. They frown upon homosexuals and do not want their son to lead that life.
They are also distant cousins who are also next door neighbors, with grandma living behind them in her cottage. Grandmother is the keeper of family secrets. She is also their number one supporter for their relationship. With her help, we find out family secrets and the truth behind the family feud between Luke's family and Nick's dad.
Grandma has a plan. A plan to bring the feud to a end and give Nick and Luke their happy ending. I really liked Grandma. In my opinion, Grandma was just an important character as Nick and Luke where in this story.
They are also distant cousins who are also next door neighbors, with grandma living behind them in her cottage. Grandmother is the keeper of family secrets. She is also their number one supporter for their relationship. With her help, we find out family secrets and the truth behind the family feud between Luke's family and Nick's dad.
Grandma has a plan. A plan to bring the feud to a end and give Nick and Luke their happy ending. I really liked Grandma. In my opinion, Grandma was just an important character as Nick and Luke where in this story.
August 10, 2014
3.5 stars rounded up
Friends to lovers short story, probably would class as NA.
Nick and Luke first kissed at the age of 13, and have been slightly more than friends since then, though they've not really taken their relationship much further. Luke, who suffers from autism, has turned 18 and his parents expect him to go on his Mission, inline with their church policy, rather than to college next year. Nick, whose 18th birthday much of the story centres about, is from a broken family, living with his drug/drunk addicted mother and her current husband. However, he has support from his grandmother, father and the swimming team coach - who happens to be his father's partner. The story, told in alternate first person points of view by the main characters, is not just about their relationship with each other, but with their families. There are also a host of family secrets - both historical and involving Nick's father and Luke's uncle. In places the story felt a little crowded but it was an enjoyable read, in particular Nick's gran who had a major role in the story.
Friends to lovers short story, probably would class as NA.
Nick and Luke first kissed at the age of 13, and have been slightly more than friends since then, though they've not really taken their relationship much further. Luke, who suffers from autism, has turned 18 and his parents expect him to go on his Mission, inline with their church policy, rather than to college next year. Nick, whose 18th birthday much of the story centres about, is from a broken family, living with his drug/drunk addicted mother and her current husband. However, he has support from his grandmother, father and the swimming team coach - who happens to be his father's partner. The story, told in alternate first person points of view by the main characters, is not just about their relationship with each other, but with their families. There are also a host of family secrets - both historical and involving Nick's father and Luke's uncle. In places the story felt a little crowded but it was an enjoyable read, in particular Nick's gran who had a major role in the story.
August 16, 2014
OMG, I loved this story. It was delightful. When it got to the part about something being as big as an elephant (and, no, I am NOT talking about penis size) I about fell out of my bed laughing so hard. And that is hard since my bed is on risers and is about 4 feet off the floor. In fact, as I write this I am still laughing!!!! Great job Jay! <3
February 14, 2016
Weird, gross, and hella creepy. I don't care how close your family is, no one wants Grandma all up in their sex life. *shudders*
August 12, 2014
This was really sweet. I loved the characters.
December 20, 2014
I LOVED THIS STORY!!! I could so relate to both the story and the characters. I loved the relationship between Nick and Luke. It reminded me of a relationship I had with my first boyfriend when I was a teenager. I also had a crush on a guy in my Boy Scout Troop who was a competitive swimmer. Back in those days competitive swimmers still wore Speedos and I would drool over his long sexy legs and firm torso. Didn't hurt that he was easy on the eyes too.
I love that this is a coming of age story that focuses on the relationship between the two main characters as well as their relationship with their families. When sex does occur it is written in a sensitive manner and not like some guy jerking himself off as he writes a porno script. I believe that these two young men are in love and I find myself hoping that the relationship lasts for decades.
I want to read some more stories by Jay D. Clark starring Nick and Luke. I want to find out what happens to them in college both on the swim team and personally between the two of them. Growing up is not easy, and the college years are some of the hardest to navigate for anyone. Add being gay to that and you have a whole new set of unique problems to deal with to go with the ones you already have just being in college and trying to navigate the adult world.
I love that this is a coming of age story that focuses on the relationship between the two main characters as well as their relationship with their families. When sex does occur it is written in a sensitive manner and not like some guy jerking himself off as he writes a porno script. I believe that these two young men are in love and I find myself hoping that the relationship lasts for decades.
I want to read some more stories by Jay D. Clark starring Nick and Luke. I want to find out what happens to them in college both on the swim team and personally between the two of them. Growing up is not easy, and the college years are some of the hardest to navigate for anyone. Add being gay to that and you have a whole new set of unique problems to deal with to go with the ones you already have just being in college and trying to navigate the adult world.
September 3, 2014
I usually have to really like a book or really, really dislike a book to write a review. This one falls somewhere on both extremes. I know... that sounds contradictory but I'm still trying to decide if I liked the story enough to override some of the uncomfortable moments. The story is very complex and yet not. (Yep, another contradiction!)
The book is well written. The author developed the characters well. I felt like I (mostly) understood their motivations. It's just that I'm not all that comfortable with some of their choices or actions and the way some of the characters seemed to flip their whole personality too easily. All of the secrets, the changing alliances, and the history/ancestry just seemed unreal or convoluted. I have a child who swims competitively and the swim aspects of the book (aside from the groping) were spot on.
I've read authors and readers complain about unrealistic sex scenes in books. Wow, this author certainly made it all real. Maybe I just wasn't comfortable reading that explicitly about barely 18 year old boys. But, that's my hang-up.
Overall, I guess my rating is a 3.5 star. Not sure I recommend this book but, if you like very young love with a interesting family saga, this one is probably for you.
The book is well written. The author developed the characters well. I felt like I (mostly) understood their motivations. It's just that I'm not all that comfortable with some of their choices or actions and the way some of the characters seemed to flip their whole personality too easily. All of the secrets, the changing alliances, and the history/ancestry just seemed unreal or convoluted. I have a child who swims competitively and the swim aspects of the book (aside from the groping) were spot on.
I've read authors and readers complain about unrealistic sex scenes in books. Wow, this author certainly made it all real. Maybe I just wasn't comfortable reading that explicitly about barely 18 year old boys. But, that's my hang-up.
Overall, I guess my rating is a 3.5 star. Not sure I recommend this book but, if you like very young love with a interesting family saga, this one is probably for you.
December 27, 2014
I appreciate the chance to write this story for the Don't Read in the Closet: Love's Landscapes (2014) event in the M/M Romance Group. It gives me a lot of perspective on the craft of writing in this fun genre, as well as a lot more respect for my favorite M/M Romance authors. As much fun as it was to write about all the characters, Granny was my favorite. And I have the most sympathy for the story's one tragic figure, Dane. I hope to write his story someday, complete with a better ending for him.
April 7, 2015
Enjoyable and heartwarming story with lots of family secrets. I liked "upgraded games" and unexpected surprises. Luke's Mom's and Dad's words (in the end of birthday meal) were a little bit too sweet untill Pa's joke saved the moment :)
Now I'm waiting for new stories from Jay *_*
PS. I wanted to read "Time Trials" since the start of LOR event. Was only wating for the right mood :)
Now I'm waiting for new stories from Jay *_*
PS. I wanted to read "Time Trials" since the start of LOR event. Was only wating for the right mood :)
September 25, 2016
This was not good, the writing felt weird and the language unnatural. The storyline with the big family secrets and the all powerful Grammy felt to unrealistic.
And lets not talk about the scene in the basement where Grammy, Nick's dad and dad's boyfriend walk in on Nick and Luke dancing and kissing, naked. Then proceeding to eat ice cream in only towels, and licking ice cream of each others chests. In front of the others, and being all casual about it and calling it flirting. That was just too much for me.
And lets not talk about the scene in the basement where Grammy, Nick's dad and dad's boyfriend walk in on Nick and Luke dancing and kissing, naked. Then proceeding to eat ice cream in only towels, and licking ice cream of each others chests. In front of the others, and being all casual about it and calling it flirting. That was just too much for me.
October 22, 2014
The ending was pretty unrealistic. I know it's fiction and not supposed to be about realism necessarily but it has to be relatable. However the rest of the book was so sweet and scrumptious, it made up for it :)
September 2, 2016
Mmm I don't know. The story is interesting, it could be easily developed into a novel cause there's a lot of characters, secrets and places to discover. My problem? The book simply bored me. I read it since I was curious but it was a struggle. My fault.
2,75 stars
2,75 stars
event-stories-unread
May 13, 2015[NOTE: I rate most writing event stories (free reads) 4 or 5 stars because of my appreciation of the author's participation and gift.]
August 19, 2014
Really enjoyed this story...I'll be reading more from this author! :)
September 2, 2014
A quirky tale, with unexpected twists and turns.
November 3, 2014
Fun story about a non-traditional family, teenage friends who become lovers, and family secrets.
September 23, 2014
Review to come
March 25, 2017
The first half of the book flowed nicely. There was a swim meet which would have a big impact on Nate's and Luke's athletic careers. There were hidden touches between the two MCs. There was family drama in both of their families.
The second half of the book made me feel old. Ethan, Shane, and Dane were young in the 1980s. Granny and Ethan Sr. were young in the 1960s. I would guess about 10 or 15 years older than me. what annoyed me in the second half was how portentous things were. The image of twisted cables. The twins. The lace shirts.
In addition to the portents, there was technology. I haven't seen a player piano in a while. Would songs of the last 30 years be on piano rolls? Was there a juke box mechanism for the piano rolls? I remember having to remove the roll by hand, line up the new roll and wind it enough to be at the start of the music without missing the first few notes. Wouldn't it have been easier to put an MP3 player into the piano in order to have a contemporary play list?
Isn't it dangerous to have an underground bedroom with the doors locked? What about when there is a fire or a medical emergency? No exit! Probably not a concern when the houses were built.
I liked the story overall, but it required some large doses of suspension-of-disbelief.
The second half of the book made me feel old. Ethan, Shane, and Dane were young in the 1980s. Granny and Ethan Sr. were young in the 1960s. I would guess about 10 or 15 years older than me. what annoyed me in the second half was how portentous things were. The image of twisted cables. The twins. The lace shirts.
In addition to the portents, there was technology. I haven't seen a player piano in a while. Would songs of the last 30 years be on piano rolls? Was there a juke box mechanism for the piano rolls? I remember having to remove the roll by hand, line up the new roll and wind it enough to be at the start of the music without missing the first few notes. Wouldn't it have been easier to put an MP3 player into the piano in order to have a contemporary play list?
Isn't it dangerous to have an underground bedroom with the doors locked? What about when there is a fire or a medical emergency? No exit! Probably not a concern when the houses were built.
I liked the story overall, but it required some large doses of suspension-of-disbelief.
January 1, 2015
★★★☆☆½
Pros - The acceptance of Luke's autism. Luke and Nick's unwavering love and patience for a couple of teenagers.
Cons - The religion/proselytizing aspect. A few unsettling scenes with Granny and Nick's dad - maybe a little too accepting? Nick's dad leaving him with an obviously unfit mother, .
I've waited a few weeks to review this Love's Landscape offering and overall I liked it although I do mention a few cons. I really try not to mix religion in with my reads so I was uncomfortable with this aspect.
Nick and Luke were on the same wavelength and were each other's soulmate so that was special. Even though some of the things Nick and Luke did were different, they helped to anchor Luke and worked as a coping mechanism .
Anyway, certainly different than anything I've read, not same old so I give the author credit for making me mull this over in my head for a while.
Pros - The acceptance of Luke's autism. Luke and Nick's unwavering love and patience for a couple of teenagers.
Cons - The religion/proselytizing aspect. A few unsettling scenes with Granny and Nick's dad - maybe a little too accepting? Nick's dad leaving him with an obviously unfit mother, .
I've waited a few weeks to review this Love's Landscape offering and overall I liked it although I do mention a few cons. I really try not to mix religion in with my reads so I was uncomfortable with this aspect.
Nick and Luke were on the same wavelength and were each other's soulmate so that was special. Even though some of the things Nick and Luke did were different, they helped to anchor Luke and worked as a coping mechanism .
Anyway, certainly different than anything I've read, not same old so I give the author credit for making me mull this over in my head for a while.
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