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Say Something
Jenson has loved Mike his whole life, but he has never known how to tell Mike how he feels. After high school Mike leaves for college and his Hollywood dream, while cowboy Jenson stays behind in their small East Texas hometown. Neither man knows what to say to go beyond friendship, even though they come together through all of the best and worst times of their lives. The most amazing moments keep bringing them back together, but through huge love and terrible loss, sickness and health, their timing never seems right to take their relationship to the next level. When the universe gives them one final chance, Jenson must overcome his fear and say the most important something before it's too late.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2014
27 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
About the author
B.A. Tortuga
382 books632 followersTexan to the bone and an unrepentant Daddy's Girl, BA Tortuga spends her days with her hounds and her beloved wife, texting her grandbabies, and eating Mexican food. When she's not doing that, she's writing. She spends her days off watching rodeo, knitting, and surfing Pinterest in the name of research. Following their own personal joys, BA and Julia heard the call of the high desert and they now live in the New Mexico mountains. BA's personal saviors include her wife, her best friends, and coffee. Lots of coffee. Really good coffee.
Having written everything from fist-fighting rednecks to cowboy daddies to werewolves, BA does her damnedest to tell the stories of her heart, which is committed to giving everyone their happily ever after. With books ranging from hard-hitting BDSM, to fiery passions, to the most traditional of love stories, BA refuses to be pigeon-holed by anyone but the voices in her head.
Having written everything from fist-fighting rednecks to cowboy daddies to werewolves, BA does her damnedest to tell the stories of her heart, which is committed to giving everyone their happily ever after. With books ranging from hard-hitting BDSM, to fiery passions, to the most traditional of love stories, BA refuses to be pigeon-holed by anyone but the voices in her head.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
October 14, 2014
WARNING: slight rant
Just no. I'm disappointed in this book, and I'm being generous with a 3 star rating because for me this book was a failure. If I were technically proficient, I would review this story with spoilers, but since I don't know how to do that shit, I'll just review as vaguely as I can, so that I don't spoil the story for anyone.
Say Something reads like a typical Country Song. At one point I was expecting the dog to get shot, it was that ridiculous. Jenson and Mike are in love. They've been best friends since they were children and have always had feelings for each other. But now after graduation, Mike has to leave. He wants to be an actor, and he can't do that if he stays in small town Texas AKA, the typical town full of homophobic bullies who beat up and slash his face before leaving. Mike begs Jenson to go. But Jenson stays, staying further in the closet. Jen says that "he's not smart" and all he knows is to be a cowboy. If Garth Brooks were gay, he'd probably have written this song.
A couple of years later Mike has graduated college and is ready to go to Hollywood to make his mark. Jenson comes for a visit. They have remained friends, and still have the unrequited love going. They have sex. They're all into "I love you" and Mike again (yes, again) asks Jen to go with him. But Jen says no. He can't and the reason is a doozy, and one that made him an asshole because he waited to bang Mike before telling him the news. Jen leaves. Mike is left heartbroken. Again.
Change of scene to a couple of years later. Jen calls Mike to ask him for a big favor. Like always, Mike bends over to make it happen. Jen is grateful...but he's still the same Jen because after everything happens, Mike asks him again to leave with him. And Jen, again, says no.
By this time I had "had it" with Jen. It's difficult to like a book when one of the heroes isn't a hero at all. For me, Jen was a self-centered, selfish asshole who called Mike when he needed him, and then closed the door on him, when he didn't. Proof of that is that when Mike finally got a clue and got involved with someone else, Jen finally left his security blankie, er, his texas town to visit Mike in California to see if he still had a chance with Mike. Really? Mike finally has someone that loves him openly and unconditionally and you want to go and spoil that?
Ok, I'll leave it here. Because if not I'll have to go through the whole country western song, er, story, and I do not want to do that. I found that the misery in this book was created by characters that should have been mature enough to work their problems, so that they didn't have to be apart. That's what people do when they love each other. And that's not counting the events that were used as plot devices to move the story forward.
I think I've read most of the short stories from Ms. Tortuga, and I've loved most of them. It's funny that in a longer length I didn't. I was underwhelmed and disappointed, so I decided to "Say Something."
I didn't like it.
Just no. I'm disappointed in this book, and I'm being generous with a 3 star rating because for me this book was a failure. If I were technically proficient, I would review this story with spoilers, but since I don't know how to do that shit, I'll just review as vaguely as I can, so that I don't spoil the story for anyone.
Say Something reads like a typical Country Song. At one point I was expecting the dog to get shot, it was that ridiculous. Jenson and Mike are in love. They've been best friends since they were children and have always had feelings for each other. But now after graduation, Mike has to leave. He wants to be an actor, and he can't do that if he stays in small town Texas AKA, the typical town full of homophobic bullies who beat up and slash his face before leaving. Mike begs Jenson to go. But Jenson stays, staying further in the closet. Jen says that "he's not smart" and all he knows is to be a cowboy. If Garth Brooks were gay, he'd probably have written this song.
A couple of years later Mike has graduated college and is ready to go to Hollywood to make his mark. Jenson comes for a visit. They have remained friends, and still have the unrequited love going. They have sex. They're all into "I love you" and Mike again (yes, again) asks Jen to go with him. But Jen says no. He can't and the reason is a doozy, and one that made him an asshole because he waited to bang Mike before telling him the news. Jen leaves. Mike is left heartbroken. Again.
Change of scene to a couple of years later. Jen calls Mike to ask him for a big favor. Like always, Mike bends over to make it happen. Jen is grateful...but he's still the same Jen because after everything happens, Mike asks him again to leave with him. And Jen, again, says no.
By this time I had "had it" with Jen. It's difficult to like a book when one of the heroes isn't a hero at all. For me, Jen was a self-centered, selfish asshole who called Mike when he needed him, and then closed the door on him, when he didn't. Proof of that is that when Mike finally got a clue and got involved with someone else, Jen finally left his security blankie, er, his texas town to visit Mike in California to see if he still had a chance with Mike. Really? Mike finally has someone that loves him openly and unconditionally and you want to go and spoil that?
Ok, I'll leave it here. Because if not I'll have to go through the whole country western song, er, story, and I do not want to do that. I found that the misery in this book was created by characters that should have been mature enough to work their problems, so that they didn't have to be apart. That's what people do when they love each other. And that's not counting the events that were used as plot devices to move the story forward.
I think I've read most of the short stories from Ms. Tortuga, and I've loved most of them. It's funny that in a longer length I didn't. I was underwhelmed and disappointed, so I decided to "Say Something."
I didn't like it.
October 4, 2014
4.5
This story follows the relationship of Jenson and Mike over the years. Sometimes they're together and other times they're not but always they remain friends. I thought this was gorgeous read. I couldn't put it down and there were several times where it was so emotional that I found myself weeping. I was frustrated with both main characters quite often but that didn't stop me from loving this story, it just made me appreciate how human the men were with their flaws. These aren't perfect guys by any long shot but they are perfect for each other. The journey it took to get to their HEA was worth every tear.
I do have a question for the author, what happened to Ricky? I thought he and Mike were good friends so that I thought we would've at least seen him a couple more times down the road. Did I read it so fast that I missed some of the story?
This is an angsty beautifully written love story between friends who over the years are disappointed with each other but never stop relying on what's a grounding relationship for them both. Their HEA is tarnished but I found it stronger for the trials and richer for the fight it took to get them there.
This story follows the relationship of Jenson and Mike over the years. Sometimes they're together and other times they're not but always they remain friends. I thought this was gorgeous read. I couldn't put it down and there were several times where it was so emotional that I found myself weeping. I was frustrated with both main characters quite often but that didn't stop me from loving this story, it just made me appreciate how human the men were with their flaws. These aren't perfect guys by any long shot but they are perfect for each other. The journey it took to get to their HEA was worth every tear.
I do have a question for the author, what happened to Ricky? I thought he and Mike were good friends so that I thought we would've at least seen him a couple more times down the road. Did I read it so fast that I missed some of the story?
This is an angsty beautifully written love story between friends who over the years are disappointed with each other but never stop relying on what's a grounding relationship for them both. Their HEA is tarnished but I found it stronger for the trials and richer for the fight it took to get them there.
April 27, 2021
A soul deep novel ! Tissues required.
Our main guys begin this life long tale in high school, and end up when they're in their forties. Decades of their relationship for these two friends through the years. We see them continue to love each other, but have chances and timing work against them. We have Jensen's sadness in the homophobic small Texas town, and the horrendous attack on young Mike.
when they were young...
Scarred Mike needs out of that town, and will leave for college and acting. Jensen is stuck in Texas.
Jensen is dark haired, green eyed and not college material.
Mike is blonde and blue eyed, who knows
his calling is acting, even with his scar the small town haters dished out.
They stay in touch, and three years later, Jensen goes to the college to see Mike, where they finally get sexy times, but Jensen breaks the ecstasy with his news.
Once again they separate for many years, until Jensen calls Mike/Austin in Hollywood for a favor.
It's a real heart ripper, so, be ready for tears.
Mike/Austin has his big break in the movies, filming in Australia. We watch the years go by, we catch up on each man's life and yet another chance to be a couple is gone.
It's quite a ride with more lows than highs. When more bad news comes, it is Jensen who goes and takes over.
This is an intense saga of our men's lives. Finally in their 40s, we watch the face off, and the end of the rollercoaster ride.
Passionate, encompassing and caring, we get what we needed. It is truly a soul deep novel.
=====
Our main guys begin this life long tale in high school, and end up when they're in their forties. Decades of their relationship for these two friends through the years. We see them continue to love each other, but have chances and timing work against them. We have Jensen's sadness in the homophobic small Texas town, and the horrendous attack on young Mike.
when they were young...
Scarred Mike needs out of that town, and will leave for college and acting. Jensen is stuck in Texas.
Jensen is dark haired, green eyed and not college material.
Mike is blonde and blue eyed, who knows
his calling is acting, even with his scar the small town haters dished out.
They stay in touch, and three years later, Jensen goes to the college to see Mike, where they finally get sexy times, but Jensen breaks the ecstasy with his news.
Once again they separate for many years, until Jensen calls Mike/Austin in Hollywood for a favor.
It's a real heart ripper, so, be ready for tears.
Mike/Austin has his big break in the movies, filming in Australia. We watch the years go by, we catch up on each man's life and yet another chance to be a couple is gone.
It's quite a ride with more lows than highs. When more bad news comes, it is Jensen who goes and takes over.
This is an intense saga of our men's lives. Finally in their 40s, we watch the face off, and the end of the rollercoaster ride.
Passionate, encompassing and caring, we get what we needed. It is truly a soul deep novel.
=====
October 24, 2014
2.5 stars
Full Review http://thebloggergirls.com/2014/10/19...
First, the blurb suggests that Jenson and Mike don’t know how the other feels. This just isn’t true. Right from the beginning Mike and Jenson are together, but Jenson can’t admit the truth, growing up in the small, homophobic Texas town they live in. Mike ends up beaten up for being gay and goes off to an East Coast school to major in drama and Jenson ends up staying behind. Both are already heartbroken they can’t be together.
Later, Jenson visits Mike in college and Mike thinks this will be the time when Jenson commits to him and leaves Texas behind so the two can end up together. Nope. Sure, they admit they’re still in love and get “busy” but in actuality Jenson is only up there to tell Mike he got his high school girlfriend pregnant and he’s getting married in three days.
More time passes and Mike is called to Jenson when Jenson’s son is diagnosed with cancer. They hook up again, but separate because Jenson still can’t be with Mike in the way they both want.
More time passes, now Mike is famous and finally moving on with someone new. This time there’s no getting together but both still harbor deep feelings for each other.
More time passes and Mike is alone again, but still not the right time.
Finally, another calamity draws the two together and this time it sticks. They are both in the right place at the right time.
**
On the one hand the premise behind the story is a good one. Watching two guys, already in love, navigate their very different lives in the way each thinks they must, though neither has it just right. Both are flawed in their thinking, and neither gives the other as much importance as they’d need to live the life they chose.
On the other hand, there doesn’t seem to be a really good reason for our boys to stay apart. This was hard to read. I had a really tough time understanding the motivation of either MC, but especially Jenson. Once he and his wife had divorced, I saw little reason for him to remain tied to Texas when, clearly, Mike was out and proud and making a good life for himself in a way that could absolutely include Jenson. It wasn’t as though Jenson wrestled with his sexual identity to himself, only publicly.
I just kept wanting to hit him on the head and say “you don’t deserve to be happy you dumb-shit”. Mike was mostly a love struck guy who kept pinning his hopes on Jenson, but vain enough to think his career was his only identity and thus the only thing of importance.
When the two finally do end up together it is lack-luster at best. Even though EVERY SINGLE drama that you can think of happens to them, the story was not very moving. Something as profound as near-death experiences and actual deaths left me pretty cold. I just never felt the two had any more than a sophomoric passion for the other, their relationship was never really shown as anything more than f*ck-buddies who met up every 3-5 years or so to get it on but nothing strong enough to keep them together.
I think if the author had taken more time to develop the in-between times, let us see more of who they were apart, then shown us how much “better” it was when they were together I would have been more invested in the story. As it was, we saw small glimpses of them as they faced major crises that they never seemed to grow from and incomprehensible yet indestructible forces that kept them apart.
I can’t really recommend the book, but I can say the idea has merit and the writing and editing were sound, but the plot just wasn’t fleshed out very well.
I give it a 2.5 of 5 stars, it was okay; disappointing more than bad.
Full Review http://thebloggergirls.com/2014/10/19...
First, the blurb suggests that Jenson and Mike don’t know how the other feels. This just isn’t true. Right from the beginning Mike and Jenson are together, but Jenson can’t admit the truth, growing up in the small, homophobic Texas town they live in. Mike ends up beaten up for being gay and goes off to an East Coast school to major in drama and Jenson ends up staying behind. Both are already heartbroken they can’t be together.
Later, Jenson visits Mike in college and Mike thinks this will be the time when Jenson commits to him and leaves Texas behind so the two can end up together. Nope. Sure, they admit they’re still in love and get “busy” but in actuality Jenson is only up there to tell Mike he got his high school girlfriend pregnant and he’s getting married in three days.
More time passes and Mike is called to Jenson when Jenson’s son is diagnosed with cancer. They hook up again, but separate because Jenson still can’t be with Mike in the way they both want.
More time passes, now Mike is famous and finally moving on with someone new. This time there’s no getting together but both still harbor deep feelings for each other.
More time passes and Mike is alone again, but still not the right time.
Finally, another calamity draws the two together and this time it sticks. They are both in the right place at the right time.
**
On the one hand the premise behind the story is a good one. Watching two guys, already in love, navigate their very different lives in the way each thinks they must, though neither has it just right. Both are flawed in their thinking, and neither gives the other as much importance as they’d need to live the life they chose.
On the other hand, there doesn’t seem to be a really good reason for our boys to stay apart. This was hard to read. I had a really tough time understanding the motivation of either MC, but especially Jenson. Once he and his wife had divorced, I saw little reason for him to remain tied to Texas when, clearly, Mike was out and proud and making a good life for himself in a way that could absolutely include Jenson. It wasn’t as though Jenson wrestled with his sexual identity to himself, only publicly.
I just kept wanting to hit him on the head and say “you don’t deserve to be happy you dumb-shit”. Mike was mostly a love struck guy who kept pinning his hopes on Jenson, but vain enough to think his career was his only identity and thus the only thing of importance.
When the two finally do end up together it is lack-luster at best. Even though EVERY SINGLE drama that you can think of happens to them, the story was not very moving. Something as profound as near-death experiences and actual deaths left me pretty cold. I just never felt the two had any more than a sophomoric passion for the other, their relationship was never really shown as anything more than f*ck-buddies who met up every 3-5 years or so to get it on but nothing strong enough to keep them together.
I think if the author had taken more time to develop the in-between times, let us see more of who they were apart, then shown us how much “better” it was when they were together I would have been more invested in the story. As it was, we saw small glimpses of them as they faced major crises that they never seemed to grow from and incomprehensible yet indestructible forces that kept them apart.
I can’t really recommend the book, but I can say the idea has merit and the writing and editing were sound, but the plot just wasn’t fleshed out very well.
I give it a 2.5 of 5 stars, it was okay; disappointing more than bad.
September 30, 2014
So, BA Tortuga.... I exptected lots of sex and smut... what I got? A plot that was heart-wrenching, made me read the book in one sitting and it made my cry. Several times! Every book that manages that deserves 5 stars :) Loved it!!! And I so desperately want more of Jen and Mike!
January 19, 2021
DNF AT 50%
This is giving me a headache.
Awful headache.
This is giving me a headache.
Awful headache.
October 8, 2014
Say Something is quite moving, and before I knew it, I got really caught up in their story, holding back tears was impossible!
They were utterly sweet together, and always so hard in love, I couldn't stand seeing them apart, and they never seemed to get it right :(
My heart broke a little more with every year they spent apart, and every missed opportunity to call and fix things.
The writing felt a little odd at times, and while I enjoyed following both MC's, I didn't get to connect with them on a deeper level / as much as I wanted. I missed a little something here and there and especially their bond only fully bloomed in the last ten percent or so, which was also a little sad to see but perhaps all the more rewarding?
They were utterly sweet together, and always so hard in love, I couldn't stand seeing them apart, and they never seemed to get it right :(
My heart broke a little more with every year they spent apart, and every missed opportunity to call and fix things.
The writing felt a little odd at times, and while I enjoyed following both MC's, I didn't get to connect with them on a deeper level / as much as I wanted. I missed a little something here and there and especially their bond only fully bloomed in the last ten percent or so, which was also a little sad to see but perhaps all the more rewarding?
August 15, 2020
It was such a beautiful story. Two Texans, Mike and Jenson, best friends since toddlers, on and off lovers and after graduating they went their separate ways. Both forged ahead in their own lives but came together over the years for different reasons. Some sad, some happy but ultimately their love won out and they got their HEA. It was hard on my heart for a few chapters but it was worth it. Two very loveable characters who seemed fated to always be in different places.
August 21, 2022
I’m not sure why I love books that make me cry pretty much the whole way through, but they are my kryptonite.
There is nothing more haunting than a guy who has found love but can’t bring himself to step out of the closet and live his life.
Jenson and Mike have been best friends since they were tots, and in love for almost as long, but life and fear have conspired against them too many times. As they’ve each navigated hard life and tragic losses, they’ve been drawn together over and over, but each time, they break their own hearts a little more. Jensen is in the closet and seems tethered to his small town in Texas, while Mike is out, proud, and destined for the lights and fame of Hollywood.
So many years later, so many heartbreaks later, Mike calls needing Jensen, and Jensen knows this will be his last chance to get the man he loves and the life he deserves, and he will do whatever it takes to protect that.
This story is beautiful and heartbreaking all at the same time. I really enjoyed it and it made the ending all the more wonderful.
4.5 Stars
There is nothing more haunting than a guy who has found love but can’t bring himself to step out of the closet and live his life.
Jenson and Mike have been best friends since they were tots, and in love for almost as long, but life and fear have conspired against them too many times. As they’ve each navigated hard life and tragic losses, they’ve been drawn together over and over, but each time, they break their own hearts a little more. Jensen is in the closet and seems tethered to his small town in Texas, while Mike is out, proud, and destined for the lights and fame of Hollywood.
So many years later, so many heartbreaks later, Mike calls needing Jensen, and Jensen knows this will be his last chance to get the man he loves and the life he deserves, and he will do whatever it takes to protect that.
This story is beautiful and heartbreaking all at the same time. I really enjoyed it and it made the ending all the more wonderful.
4.5 Stars
July 29, 2020
Reader warning:
I think the author could be accused of being the Wicked Witch of the West - she's thrown every writing trick/ploy available to keep her two MCs apart despite their being fated to be together! As is, Jensen and Mike have to overcome distance and time, career and family demands, misunderstanding and fear of bigotry/rejection ... everything short of the sinking of the Titanic and an alien invading Armegeddon! These two hapless lovers are amazingly supported throughout the years by a host of supportive secondary characters holding spouse, family, friend, pet and staff roles!
If I were not able to let go of reality/expectations - I would have dumped this M-M romance in frustration. I'm therefore rating this a 3 star read because the author somehow managed to convince me to go along for a rocky romance ride liberally strewn with life's obstacles. And yes Virginia ... there is a HEA all.
I think the author could be accused of being the Wicked Witch of the West - she's thrown every writing trick/ploy available to keep her two MCs apart despite their being fated to be together! As is, Jensen and Mike have to overcome distance and time, career and family demands, misunderstanding and fear of bigotry/rejection ... everything short of the sinking of the Titanic and an alien invading Armegeddon! These two hapless lovers are amazingly supported throughout the years by a host of supportive secondary characters holding spouse, family, friend, pet and staff roles!
If I were not able to let go of reality/expectations - I would have dumped this M-M romance in frustration. I'm therefore rating this a 3 star read because the author somehow managed to convince me to go along for a rocky romance ride liberally strewn with life's obstacles. And yes Virginia ... there is a HEA all.
November 15, 2014
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
for the full review, visit http://wp.me/p220KL-3pE
From that review: "I have taken my time writing this review for Say Something by BA Tortuga because this story has me so divided over my thoughts about the writing, the characters, and the narrative. I have loved BA Tortuga from the moment I read her Stormy Weather and Roughstock series. A prolific writer, I could always spot a BA Tortuga story from the opening line. I didn't have to look for the author's name because Tortuga's impeccable regional voices and dialects combined with an intimate knowledge of her settings and regional culture leapt off the page with a vitality that couldn't be ignored. Her boys bounced, drawled, bucked and rode off into the sunset with humor, sexiness, and a charisma that few other authors achieved. Even when this author's stories lacked one element or another, there was always something uniquely hers that set them apart and made them worth reading. So to say my expectations regarding Say Something were high is a tad on the understated side.
Did this story even come close to meeting those predictions? Unfortunately not. Had the cover not plainly stated that BA Tortuga authored Say Something I would never have guessed this was written by her. And that disappointment flavored my overall view of this story and its characters. Readers without prior knowledge of BA Tortuga, and therefore, lacking in assumptions, might have a differing outlook. But I don't think so because other elements as well crowd in to make this one of the harder reviews I have had to write."
for all reviews, author interviews, book tours and contests, visit http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
January 26, 2015
3.5 stars
This was definitely an angst-fest, with relief coming only at the very end.
The story follows Jensen and Mike for something like 20+ years, and we really only check in with them in times of crisis and/or relationship near-misses. Just watching these guys circle each other for so long was heart-rending enough, but they always seemed to be doing it under the worst circumstances- which I could see being potentially very triggery for some readers- .
Because of the compressed timeline, the angst felt unrelenting, and I found myself feeling depressed and frustrated during this book. However, I was also engaged enough with the characters and story to finish it in one day. Despite the heavy subject matter, the book is well constructed, reads easily, and I did enjoy it.
I really enjoyed The Terms of Release, and while I did not like this one as much, it has cemented B.A. Tortuga as one of my 'trusted' authors- authors I can reliably count on for a good story that is put together professionally (aka, not so full of grammatical and editing errors that I want to throw my Nook at the wall).
This was definitely an angst-fest, with relief coming only at the very end.
The story follows Jensen and Mike for something like 20+ years, and we really only check in with them in times of crisis and/or relationship near-misses. Just watching these guys circle each other for so long was heart-rending enough, but they always seemed to be doing it under the worst circumstances- which I could see being potentially very triggery for some readers- .
Because of the compressed timeline, the angst felt unrelenting, and I found myself feeling depressed and frustrated during this book. However, I was also engaged enough with the characters and story to finish it in one day. Despite the heavy subject matter, the book is well constructed, reads easily, and I did enjoy it.
I really enjoyed The Terms of Release, and while I did not like this one as much, it has cemented B.A. Tortuga as one of my 'trusted' authors- authors I can reliably count on for a good story that is put together professionally (aka, not so full of grammatical and editing errors that I want to throw my Nook at the wall).
December 15, 2014
Jeezus, fuck! That was gut wrenching, heart breaking. Could not put it down. I had to know how it all turned out. My goodness, that was good.
February 2, 2015
4.5 stars.
I really liked this book. Review to come.
I really liked this book. Review to come.
December 10, 2014
3.5 Stars
I love books that span years but this book dragged out the misery. SO MUCH HAPPENED! I was so happy when the two MC's finally got together after all the drama.
I love books that span years but this book dragged out the misery. SO MUCH HAPPENED! I was so happy when the two MC's finally got together after all the drama.
January 3, 2015
3.5 stars
August 8, 2017
This story is quite a package - it's great, it's horrible, it's sad, it's frustrating beyond belief... While reading it, I just about felt every single emotion possible. It made me cry, and it made me smile, and it made me soooo mad, but I simply couldn't stop thinking about it. And, that deserves some shining stars, right?
Sometimes life gives you lemons, and that's okay, and you make do. Sometimes, on the other hand, life gives you a pint of the finest Belgian Chocolate Haagen Dazs, and you refuse it because... um... why, exactly??? Are you crazy? Belgian Chocolate Haagen Dazs, helloooo! Well, that's Jenson, y'all before he finally came to his senses. And, he took his sweet time, to tell you the truth.
So, if you feel prepared to embark on a long (and frustrating) journey, give it a try. Just make sure there's a pint (or five) of ice-cream nearby. And tissues. Lots and lots of tissues.
Sometimes life gives you lemons, and that's okay, and you make do. Sometimes, on the other hand, life gives you a pint of the finest Belgian Chocolate Haagen Dazs, and you refuse it because... um... why, exactly??? Are you crazy? Belgian Chocolate Haagen Dazs, helloooo! Well, that's Jenson, y'all before he finally came to his senses. And, he took his sweet time, to tell you the truth.
So, if you feel prepared to embark on a long (and frustrating) journey, give it a try. Just make sure there's a pint (or five) of ice-cream nearby. And tissues. Lots and lots of tissues.
August 22, 2020
Oh boy, you will need tissues, many tissues.Also you will want to throw something at the main characters because they cannot get together....until they do. Jen and Mike span a whole lot of years and can't seem to get together, something is in the way every time. They are there for each other through a lot. This heartwarming story will definitely be a re-read for me.
August 13, 2020
Exceptional Read! Janson is torn with indecision but he always keeps Mike in his heart. Both men are there for one another when they need someone who knows them and not the person they have put out in front of everyone.
Recommend this to everyone who loves Ba Tortuga's books.
Recommend this to everyone who loves Ba Tortuga's books.
May 6, 2022
Have tissue ready!
I loved this book but it is hard on the heart and the tear ducts. But the best books make you feel things and this one has got that and some. Read this, it will not disappoint.
I loved this book but it is hard on the heart and the tear ducts. But the best books make you feel things and this one has got that and some. Read this, it will not disappoint.
December 11, 2017
I'm too conflicted about this book to give it a proper review.
Read
August 16, 2020love will triumph over much angst
February 13, 2024
4.25 🌟
February 17, 2024
Brutal!! Hurt/comfort
November 2, 2014
FiveStars
All I can start out by saying is WOW! Loved this book. It had one of the most moving stories about being in love.
The story was so touching I didn't expect to cry, but every time I picked it up to read, I found myself crying.
Every time I had to stop reading, I was always thinking about what could possibly happen next.
The author did a wonderful job with the characters, all the pain, sickness, and love that Jensen and Mike went through, was so much for two people, but their love held them together as friends. Finally they get that one chance, but will they take it, no spoilers, you need to read it!
Wanted to keep reading about Mike and Jensen but the book was done, so wish there was more!!
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Sherry
FourandHalfStars
This was a book that drew me in right from page one. The two main characters, Jensen and Mike, have an intense relationship, and the book spans two decades in their lives as they navigate what it means to be adults and how to remain in each other's lives.
Both men are complex, full of insecurities and each with their own challenges that have, in a way, stalled their growing up. I liked the unusual nature of their relationship. This is neither a portrait of a long-term couple nor a falling-in-love story, though it has elements of both.
I will admit the direction the story took was not at all what I was expecting, and I loved it. Without giving too much away, I'll just say the way these two men finally found their stride was unusual and wonderful, and it had me sighing with delight by the end of the book.
There is plenty of hot sex in this one, so be prepared. It's more intense and aggressive than steamy or sensual, with a distinctly raw quality to it. It fit the characters and the story well, and I never felt as though the sex was gratuitous because of its importance to the storyline.
The one negative was that it was often hard to follow conversations and know who was speaking. This was partly due to formatting in the e-book copy, but not entirely. I wish the author had used more dialogue tags to make things more clear. It was enough that I was frequently distracted and brought out of the story because I was trying to figure out who was talking.
Other than that, I loved it and look forward to reading Ms. Tortuga's other books.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
~Amy
All I can start out by saying is WOW! Loved this book. It had one of the most moving stories about being in love.
The story was so touching I didn't expect to cry, but every time I picked it up to read, I found myself crying.
Every time I had to stop reading, I was always thinking about what could possibly happen next.
The author did a wonderful job with the characters, all the pain, sickness, and love that Jensen and Mike went through, was so much for two people, but their love held them together as friends. Finally they get that one chance, but will they take it, no spoilers, you need to read it!
Wanted to keep reading about Mike and Jensen but the book was done, so wish there was more!!
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Sherry
FourandHalfStars
This was a book that drew me in right from page one. The two main characters, Jensen and Mike, have an intense relationship, and the book spans two decades in their lives as they navigate what it means to be adults and how to remain in each other's lives.
Both men are complex, full of insecurities and each with their own challenges that have, in a way, stalled their growing up. I liked the unusual nature of their relationship. This is neither a portrait of a long-term couple nor a falling-in-love story, though it has elements of both.
I will admit the direction the story took was not at all what I was expecting, and I loved it. Without giving too much away, I'll just say the way these two men finally found their stride was unusual and wonderful, and it had me sighing with delight by the end of the book.
There is plenty of hot sex in this one, so be prepared. It's more intense and aggressive than steamy or sensual, with a distinctly raw quality to it. It fit the characters and the story well, and I never felt as though the sex was gratuitous because of its importance to the storyline.
The one negative was that it was often hard to follow conversations and know who was speaking. This was partly due to formatting in the e-book copy, but not entirely. I wish the author had used more dialogue tags to make things more clear. It was enough that I was frequently distracted and brought out of the story because I was trying to figure out who was talking.
Other than that, I loved it and look forward to reading Ms. Tortuga's other books.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
~Amy
October 15, 2014
Jenson and Mike were best friends and a little more for as long as they knew each other. Mike had been figured out as gay in high school but Jensen hid well behind his high school girlfriend.
Jenson has always loved Mike and cherished the moments they had. He was distraught that Mike was leaving Texas to go west to college and be an actor. He wanted Mike to stay and be with him, but he didn’t want to come out since the town they live in wasn’t gay friendly.
Mike hated his hometown and vowed to never come back after he left. He hoped that soon he could convince Jensen to move to California and be with him.
This is a very emotional and heart-wrenching story. Be sure to have a full box of tissues and plenty of time to finish the book in one sitting. It started a bit slow in the first chapter and I felt like the book was part of a series and I had missed something. The dialogue at first was a bit odd and time changed without notice and it skipped character view a lot for me but the storyline was very intriguing and I fell in love with both Jenson and Mike right away. I went on and was glad I did.
I don’t know where to begin. I absolutely loved Mike and how hard he tried to get Jenson to be with him and how long he waited. I felt so sorry for Jenson, but man was there times I wanted to smack him. Once the story got started it went quickly with so many shocks, and twists I lost count. I’ll confess I set up most of the night to finish the book. The ending was so sad but so worth the time!
If you like a very sweet, sad, heart wrenching, angsty emotional love story. Friends to lovers, sexy actors, hot cowboys, twists and turns, this is for you!
this review was written for http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Jenson has always loved Mike and cherished the moments they had. He was distraught that Mike was leaving Texas to go west to college and be an actor. He wanted Mike to stay and be with him, but he didn’t want to come out since the town they live in wasn’t gay friendly.
Mike hated his hometown and vowed to never come back after he left. He hoped that soon he could convince Jensen to move to California and be with him.
This is a very emotional and heart-wrenching story. Be sure to have a full box of tissues and plenty of time to finish the book in one sitting. It started a bit slow in the first chapter and I felt like the book was part of a series and I had missed something. The dialogue at first was a bit odd and time changed without notice and it skipped character view a lot for me but the storyline was very intriguing and I fell in love with both Jenson and Mike right away. I went on and was glad I did.
I don’t know where to begin. I absolutely loved Mike and how hard he tried to get Jenson to be with him and how long he waited. I felt so sorry for Jenson, but man was there times I wanted to smack him. Once the story got started it went quickly with so many shocks, and twists I lost count. I’ll confess I set up most of the night to finish the book. The ending was so sad but so worth the time!
If you like a very sweet, sad, heart wrenching, angsty emotional love story. Friends to lovers, sexy actors, hot cowboys, twists and turns, this is for you!
this review was written for http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
October 26, 2014
3 star review by Marieke
Jensen, or Jen, has always been in love with Mike. But Mike is not cowboy material. He goes off to college and studies acting, making a life for himself away from Texas, where Jen still lives.
The book follows the two men from age eighteen to their forties or something. It starts with Mike saying goodbye and moving away to college. Just before he leaves, he’s jumped, beaten and cut in the face. The scar leaving him insecure for the rest of his life.
This isn’t a story for the faint hearted. There is a lot of heartache, disease and even death. Normally I would give a little summery of the story here and then tell you why I liked it, or not.
With this review I cannot simply give you a summary and move on. There’s too much happening in this book. The author covers years instead of days in this book, and every time we skip a few years something major happens. Let me just say that it’s never boring.
There was one thing that bugged the hell out of me in this book, though, it was the writing. Especially in the beginning, I felt as if I was reading about two mentally challenged people. It took away some of the enjoyment of the story for me.
I know lots of people will love this story because of all the angst and heartache, and I did too, but I didn’t love it because of the writing. It was just too distracting.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
Jensen, or Jen, has always been in love with Mike. But Mike is not cowboy material. He goes off to college and studies acting, making a life for himself away from Texas, where Jen still lives.
The book follows the two men from age eighteen to their forties or something. It starts with Mike saying goodbye and moving away to college. Just before he leaves, he’s jumped, beaten and cut in the face. The scar leaving him insecure for the rest of his life.
This isn’t a story for the faint hearted. There is a lot of heartache, disease and even death. Normally I would give a little summery of the story here and then tell you why I liked it, or not.
With this review I cannot simply give you a summary and move on. There’s too much happening in this book. The author covers years instead of days in this book, and every time we skip a few years something major happens. Let me just say that it’s never boring.
There was one thing that bugged the hell out of me in this book, though, it was the writing. Especially in the beginning, I felt as if I was reading about two mentally challenged people. It took away some of the enjoyment of the story for me.
I know lots of people will love this story because of all the angst and heartache, and I did too, but I didn’t love it because of the writing. It was just too distracting.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
October 17, 2016
I have had no internet for a week and was getting desperate so I opened up ibooks on the ipad and found lots of books I had read a long time ago because I changed from ibooks to total reader.
I knew I had already Say Something before but I opened it up and got reading. This took me on an emotional roller coaster, I didn't want to put it down but with puffy eyes and a wet t-shirt I had to go to bed, onl;y to pick it up again at 5am to finish it. Jen's story breaks my heart. This is what so many gay men choose to do. That he got his happily ever after with Mike made my heart soar. In a way sometimes I felt bad for Curtis and others I didn't, was he truly that magnanimous that he could love Mike but still not be his number one? the fact he called Mike Austin made me feel bad for him, then him sending every moment of his life with Mike that Jen was missing made me think he was a little mean too.
Jen and Mike are still young and that they get to be together also made me cry, and now they are heading off to Italy together I hope Mike realises now that Jen isn't going anywhere, because as we know, Jen has loved Mike forever.
I knew I had already Say Something before but I opened it up and got reading. This took me on an emotional roller coaster, I didn't want to put it down but with puffy eyes and a wet t-shirt I had to go to bed, onl;y to pick it up again at 5am to finish it. Jen's story breaks my heart. This is what so many gay men choose to do. That he got his happily ever after with Mike made my heart soar. In a way sometimes I felt bad for Curtis and others I didn't, was he truly that magnanimous that he could love Mike but still not be his number one? the fact he called Mike Austin made me feel bad for him, then him sending every moment of his life with Mike that Jen was missing made me think he was a little mean too.
Jen and Mike are still young and that they get to be together also made me cry, and now they are heading off to Italy together I hope Mike realises now that Jen isn't going anywhere, because as we know, Jen has loved Mike forever.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2022
Wow! This story was a doozy! Tissues and pillows are needed. Jenson (Jen) and Mike have known each other their whole lives and have loved each other just as long. This story is longer than most of this author’s stories and at times it seemed like these two would never get their act together. At times you need a pillow or two so you can throw them when they go through one of their hurtful, lonely periods. Or when you are so frustrated because the story keeps going and you are just so ready to see them get their happiness only to see another bend in the road and more story to come. BUT finally when they do get together grab the tissues as it is not all smooth sailing for them. Life grabs them by the horns and they have to yet again fight for their life and love. Though a long read it is so worth it in the end. It is not a fun and flirty book…it is mindful, soulful and so good though!
Well done BA!
Well done BA!
October 23, 2014
This was not a rushed kind of love. These two men had known each other since they were five years old. One growing into a big cowboy and the other an actor that had been badly beaten in their Texas home town for being gay.
Decades of problems and just plain stupidity kept them apart. The worst cat scenario brings them together. Is it temporary or till death do they part?
If you like your books slow and steady, this is one of those books. Why the four stars? I just didn't feel the heat between these two. The connection just never made me root for them. Still, a well-written book except for that, and that might just be they way I reacted to these two characters.
Decades of problems and just plain stupidity kept them apart. The worst cat scenario brings them together. Is it temporary or till death do they part?
If you like your books slow and steady, this is one of those books. Why the four stars? I just didn't feel the heat between these two. The connection just never made me root for them. Still, a well-written book except for that, and that might just be they way I reacted to these two characters.
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