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The Roommate Situation
College freshman Shane Hahn finds himself unexpectedly shuffled to a new dorm room--which is fine by him, but his over-involved mother takes one look at toothpick-chewing, motorcycle-riding Derek McClain, his new roommate, and gets on the phone with the school. The school requires that Shane be the one to file the room-change paperwork, but Shane's reluctant.
He's attracted to Derek's independence, even though that independence means Derek has to pay his own way through college, which he does by making leather products (you belts, wallets...bondage gear) and selling it online. Shane isn't even allowed to work while he's in school, much less join a band, which is what he really wants to do with his life. Unfortunately, his parents are holding his guitar hostage until he can prove he's taking his future seriously.
When he decides he needs a way to come up with cash--the kind his parents won't find out about--so he can buy a guitar his parents can't take away from him, he turns to Derek with what sounds like a win-win he'll model bondage gear for Derek's online store photos, Derek will get more sales, and Shane will get a cut. The one thing he doesn't factor into his plan is the giddy stomach-flip feeling Derek McClain causes whenever he walks in the room--and what that might mean for them when Derek starts locking leather cuffs on his wrists.
He's attracted to Derek's independence, even though that independence means Derek has to pay his own way through college, which he does by making leather products (you belts, wallets...bondage gear) and selling it online. Shane isn't even allowed to work while he's in school, much less join a band, which is what he really wants to do with his life. Unfortunately, his parents are holding his guitar hostage until he can prove he's taking his future seriously.
When he decides he needs a way to come up with cash--the kind his parents won't find out about--so he can buy a guitar his parents can't take away from him, he turns to Derek with what sounds like a win-win he'll model bondage gear for Derek's online store photos, Derek will get more sales, and Shane will get a cut. The one thing he doesn't factor into his plan is the giddy stomach-flip feeling Derek McClain causes whenever he walks in the room--and what that might mean for them when Derek starts locking leather cuffs on his wrists.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2014
14 people are currently reading
700 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
October 20, 2018
The blurb for this one looked really good and I'd wanted to read this story forever, so I finally made the time and thoroughly enjoyed it.
This book was way different than what I typically read, in that it had a definite BDSM (ish) element to it. I normally avoid that genre like the plague, as it isn't anywhere close to being my thing.
Eighteen year old Shane is forced to move out of his freshman dorm when his antisocial, disturbed roommate commits suicide.
Enter twenty year old Derek, Shane's new roommate in a dorm for upperclassmen. Shane is a junior, paying his own way through college by making and selling hand-crafted leather products on eBay.
Big whoop. Belts and wallets. Whatever. But most of Derek's sales are from his erotic leather line, which includes harnesses and cuffs.
Now that I have your attention, heh, Shane offers to model the bondage gear for a small cut of the profits, which works out well for both boys.
Also, from the moment that the first cuff is locked into place, Shane immediately realizes that wearing fetish gear makes him crazy. In the very best sort of way. *Schwing*
Then when the boys fell into bed, neither of whom had ever been with a man before, and began testing out said fetish gear, things got extremely interesting. And surprisingly hot.
What I really liked about this book was that the bondage play was more like 2 guys horsing around.
It wasn't a serious "Me Tarzan, you Jane" kind of domination power trip and they didn't want to turn it into a huge lifestyle sort of thing. Just two guys getting a bit kinky, pushing boundaries, exploring. And role swapping, so hello!
Like I said, HAWT.
The majority of the conflict in this story came from Shane and Derek's mothers, who were polar opposites in regards to raising their sons.
Shane's mother is controlling and extremely manipulative, ensuring that every life decision, major or minor, was precisely what she wants -- not Shane.
Derek's mother abandoned him when he was 3 years old, making disruptive reappearances over the years. But now she wanted him to uproot his life to move across the country with her in order for her life to look more like the picture in her head.
One thing that I truly enjoyed was that neither young man hesitated where the other was concerned. Not once. They were blazing new territory, with both their sexuality and their feelings, but that was a complete non-issue.
My one niggle about the story was that, although there were plenty of sex scenes, there was no actual consummation of the relationship (read, 'backdoor action',) although both guys discussed their possible 'future' willingness to take one for the team, if you will.
I found that openness pretty hot, too, but would've preferred some disturbing the neighbors with a few passionate shouts of God and Jesus. *wink*
*Bang-Bang-Bang* (Literally.) "What the hell's going on over there???"
The story does end on a strong HFN, with much, but not all, of their mutual support systems behind them, which left me feeling both up-beat and hopeful about their prospects for the future.
So 4 very strong “Well, that was unexpected” stars this time around.
November 4, 2014
Snap! Dare I say that this story would've been much better in the form of.... Sterek fanfiction? 0_o
Yup, I'm in two minds about The Roommate Situation. On one hand, this is a rather sweet and gently flowing coming of age story (with double GFY as the 2 cherries on top!). The idea of 2 boys sharing a dorm room and one of them discovering that the other is making and selling leather bondage goodies on eBay to pay for his studies, was simple and effective. The progression into something more, peppered with teen angst and a dash of humor, felt natural and was exciting... albeit a little too slow. It takes a good 50 pages before the story gains momentum and gets a little more steamy. I don't recall Rider losing herself in describing mundane events in her other works at all. In this one, the pacing felt off, ultimately resulting in her longest book so far (too long really).
Sadly, I grew more disappointed with the the story as I read on. I think the personalities of both boys fell a little flat, especially considering that this book was a) long and b) the plot demanded more character depth. Both MCs lacked emotion in situations where this would've ramped up the level of excitement, hotness and angst quite nicely. Did the sex have to be so 'so this happened' matter-of-factly?
It's funny, because one of the MCs comes across as a bit of a broody and mysterious character with stubbles, a motor, leather jackets... and his name is Derek! It wouldn't have taken much to morph him into the 'real' Derek, you know? And the rather bland narrator would've made a lovely fretting Stiles! Damn, but I regret that these characters had potential but didn't live up to my mental comparisons. The most defining thing about these MCs? Their parents...
Which also brings me to the most aggravating part of The Roommate Situation! God, but these parents were given so much stage time, whereas a few striking lines in the form of a telephone convo here and there would've sufficed. Instead, their dominant presence pushed the blossoming young love between the MCs to the background. I had to suffer through endless pages of cliché riddled scenes with the narrator's parents (and then some more drama involving the other boy's parents), who treated him like a total doormat and grilled him tirelessly about not getting enough sleep, not getting enough daylight, his eating rituals, his unsatisfying grades, his hobbies, his friends, the bad influence of his roommate and so on and so forth. Sadly, it managed to suck much of the fun out of this read for me. I honestly think their OTT-ness was beneath what I consider Rider capable of.
So in the end this is a charming read, but not one that's without serious niggles. If your TBR pile is already a mountain that makes you hyperventilate when looking at it, you probably don't want to throw The Roommate Situation on top of it. I'd recommend trying Rider's Games Boys Play and Charlie in a Red Dress first.:)
Yup, I'm in two minds about The Roommate Situation. On one hand, this is a rather sweet and gently flowing coming of age story (with double GFY as the 2 cherries on top!). The idea of 2 boys sharing a dorm room and one of them discovering that the other is making and selling leather bondage goodies on eBay to pay for his studies, was simple and effective. The progression into something more, peppered with teen angst and a dash of humor, felt natural and was exciting... albeit a little too slow. It takes a good 50 pages before the story gains momentum and gets a little more steamy. I don't recall Rider losing herself in describing mundane events in her other works at all. In this one, the pacing felt off, ultimately resulting in her longest book so far (too long really).
Sadly, I grew more disappointed with the the story as I read on. I think the personalities of both boys fell a little flat, especially considering that this book was a) long and b) the plot demanded more character depth. Both MCs lacked emotion in situations where this would've ramped up the level of excitement, hotness and angst quite nicely. Did the sex have to be so 'so this happened' matter-of-factly?
It's funny, because one of the MCs comes across as a bit of a broody and mysterious character with stubbles, a motor, leather jackets... and his name is Derek! It wouldn't have taken much to morph him into the 'real' Derek, you know? And the rather bland narrator would've made a lovely fretting Stiles! Damn, but I regret that these characters had potential but didn't live up to my mental comparisons. The most defining thing about these MCs? Their parents...
Which also brings me to the most aggravating part of The Roommate Situation! God, but these parents were given so much stage time, whereas a few striking lines in the form of a telephone convo here and there would've sufficed. Instead, their dominant presence pushed the blossoming young love between the MCs to the background. I had to suffer through endless pages of cliché riddled scenes with the narrator's parents (and then some more drama involving the other boy's parents), who treated him like a total doormat and grilled him tirelessly about not getting enough sleep, not getting enough daylight, his eating rituals, his unsatisfying grades, his hobbies, his friends, the bad influence of his roommate and so on and so forth. Sadly, it managed to suck much of the fun out of this read for me. I honestly think their OTT-ness was beneath what I consider Rider capable of.
So in the end this is a charming read, but not one that's without serious niggles. If your TBR pile is already a mountain that makes you hyperventilate when looking at it, you probably don't want to throw The Roommate Situation on top of it. I'd recommend trying Rider's Games Boys Play and Charlie in a Red Dress first.:)
October 24, 2014
Overall, I enjoyed this one.
The relationship between Derek and Shane was strong and the slow-build from tentative overtures of friendship to lovers to being in love was utterly believable. There was also some decent character development. Both characters felt like your genuine 'every man' - like the guys that lived down the hall from you in the dorms, or sit next to you in class, or pass you in the hall at a party - and it was nice to see their growth over the course of the book (particularly that of Shane). Also, the small dose of kink that Rider threw in was somehow sweet and innocent and honest; it felt completely natural for both of these guys to explore these different sides to their personalities and sexuality while in college.
One aspect of the book that didn't hugely thrill me was that after about 200 pages I found the minutiae of college life and the mundane nature of some of the conversations to get a little tedious. I've been there, done that - three times (but who's counting?) - and I know these conversations by heart already. I'm over them. Let's sing a new song already!
Still, I think the biggest obstacle to my enjoyment of this book was that the focus was split pretty evenly between Shane's relationship with Derek, Shane's relationship with his parents (particularly his sMother), and Shane's journey of self-discovery. Personally, I would have preferred a little less of the parental pressures and a little more outright romance in my romance novel - just a few more outright declarations, sweet nothings, or casually affectionate gestures to lighten my heart. But that's entirely a personal preference; you might find it to have the perfect balance.
Definitely worth a read, but it wouldn't make the top of my recommendation lists.
The relationship between Derek and Shane was strong and the slow-build from tentative overtures of friendship to lovers to being in love was utterly believable. There was also some decent character development. Both characters felt like your genuine 'every man' - like the guys that lived down the hall from you in the dorms, or sit next to you in class, or pass you in the hall at a party - and it was nice to see their growth over the course of the book (particularly that of Shane). Also, the small dose of kink that Rider threw in was somehow sweet and innocent and honest; it felt completely natural for both of these guys to explore these different sides to their personalities and sexuality while in college.
One aspect of the book that didn't hugely thrill me was that after about 200 pages I found the minutiae of college life and the mundane nature of some of the conversations to get a little tedious. I've been there, done that - three times (but who's counting?) - and I know these conversations by heart already. I'm over them. Let's sing a new song already!
Still, I think the biggest obstacle to my enjoyment of this book was that the focus was split pretty evenly between Shane's relationship with Derek, Shane's relationship with his parents (particularly his sMother), and Shane's journey of self-discovery. Personally, I would have preferred a little less of the parental pressures and a little more outright romance in my romance novel - just a few more outright declarations, sweet nothings, or casually affectionate gestures to lighten my heart. But that's entirely a personal preference; you might find it to have the perfect balance.
Definitely worth a read, but it wouldn't make the top of my recommendation lists.
September 2, 2015
okay, so I have to start by saying--this isn't the book I thought I was going to read. I thought I was going to read a porny short story about a guy who does himself up in bondage and his roommate walks in on him--more erotica than romance, with no HEA.
That is apparently some other book. If you know the book I'm talking about, please let me know what it is, because I would actually like to read that also.
This was a full-length novel, and while it was erotic, it was not erotica, it was a romance, with a full, well developed plot arc, excellent male characters, and some smoking sex scenes. A nearly perfect book for me.
The only thing that kept me from giving this book 5 stars is the characterization of the women in this book--every single one, with the exception of the drummer, Lena, was a shallow, evil caricature with zero character development beyond EVIL.
All in all, I would recommend with the caveat that this book adheres very strongly to the "women are evil" M/M trope.
That is apparently some other book. If you know the book I'm talking about, please let me know what it is, because I would actually like to read that also.
This was a full-length novel, and while it was erotic, it was not erotica, it was a romance, with a full, well developed plot arc, excellent male characters, and some smoking sex scenes. A nearly perfect book for me.
The only thing that kept me from giving this book 5 stars is the characterization of the women in this book--every single one, with the exception of the drummer, Lena, was a shallow, evil caricature with zero character development beyond EVIL.
All in all, I would recommend with the caveat that this book adheres very strongly to the "women are evil" M/M trope.
April 14, 2015
Swoon. Mother.Fucking.Swoon. I wish I could go back in time, and not have read this... so that I could read it again for the first time. I don't even really know what to say.
I liked Shane's voice, I enjoyed watching him slowly start to notice his roommate, and I loved watching them develop a friendship. I loved Shane's discomfort with how much he enjoyed wearing the bondage gear, and was giddy with joy when they seamlessly and angstlessly flowed from a kiss to lovers to partners. I loved Derek's confidence and lack of over-analyzing. "He shrugs, "it is what it is." Damn right!
I hated Shane's parents. I hated that you can love someone even when they are horrible. I got frustrated with Shane's lack of backbone and immaturity with allowing his mom to goad him into getting upset so he then had to apologize. I got annoyed with him for not taking more initiative to get a job and become more financially independent.
I loved the sex. And the lack of sex. Although, there was a lot of sex. I loved the pace and the realistic progression of their relationship. I loved the ending. And I hated the ending. I want a pretty bow and for everything to be perfect. But he has his boy and he has his guitar, and everything is perfect.
I'm gushing. I can't even. Read this book. Good-bye.
Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
I liked Shane's voice, I enjoyed watching him slowly start to notice his roommate, and I loved watching them develop a friendship. I loved Shane's discomfort with how much he enjoyed wearing the bondage gear, and was giddy with joy when they seamlessly and angstlessly flowed from a kiss to lovers to partners. I loved Derek's confidence and lack of over-analyzing. "He shrugs, "it is what it is." Damn right!
I hated Shane's parents. I hated that you can love someone even when they are horrible. I got frustrated with Shane's lack of backbone and immaturity with allowing his mom to goad him into getting upset so he then had to apologize. I got annoyed with him for not taking more initiative to get a job and become more financially independent.
I loved the sex. And the lack of sex. Although, there was a lot of sex. I loved the pace and the realistic progression of their relationship. I loved the ending. And I hated the ending. I want a pretty bow and for everything to be perfect. But he has his boy and he has his guitar, and everything is perfect.
I'm gushing. I can't even. Read this book. Good-bye.
Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
October 23, 2015
NEW AUTHOR FOR ME! AND I LOVED THIS BOOK!
As I started this book I wasn't for sure if I was going to like the book, but as I read on I really started falling for Shane and Derek. I enjoyed the way their relationship developed. No insta-love here people! Just a natural building of a relationship. It felt real. These characters felt real. I love that in books. There is absolutely no angst in this one. They had a really honest relationship. Shane and Derek were up front with everything and I loved how Shane was so comfortable with Derek. He was able to feel and express himself without being judged by Derek.
Derek... How I loved this guy. He was just so damn calm and collected all the time. He cheered Shane on and encouraged him to do whatever made him happy. He even encouraged study time. I also loved how independent he was and that he worked and made his own way through college. He held no animosity towards those whose parents paid their way through school. He just was just so damn content with his place in life. I admired that about the guy.
Shane... I loved his inner monologue. I enjoyed watching him go from being uncomfortable with how he felt about the bondage gear to feeling completely comfortable in his skin about it.
The relationship with Shane and his parents was nothing but drama. I instantly hated them. His mother most of all. His father was very aloof and distant. We find out why later. But man his mother was a piece of work. Her views on the homosexual community totally had me saying WTF? The woman was insane.
Shane frustrated me a bit with his parents. The fact that he doesn't speak up enough and fight back where he should. The fact that he allows them to manipulate and take his choices away. I just wanted him to give a bit more fight.
Derek had mommy issues too. His was flighty and never there for him unless it was on her time. She moves from place to place never staying very long anywhere she ends up. But I really loved Derek's Uncle Dan and his dad, Dave. The little bit we get to see of them in the book shows them being completely supportive of Derek and his relationship with Shane. Loved that. Especially after the mother load of a melt downs Shane's mother has.
I am so THRILLED I bought this one. I wasn't sure of what I was getting and am so glad with what I got. I loved it. Give it a go people. I definitely recommend this one. ♥
As I started this book I wasn't for sure if I was going to like the book, but as I read on I really started falling for Shane and Derek. I enjoyed the way their relationship developed. No insta-love here people! Just a natural building of a relationship. It felt real. These characters felt real. I love that in books. There is absolutely no angst in this one. They had a really honest relationship. Shane and Derek were up front with everything and I loved how Shane was so comfortable with Derek. He was able to feel and express himself without being judged by Derek.
Derek... How I loved this guy. He was just so damn calm and collected all the time. He cheered Shane on and encouraged him to do whatever made him happy. He even encouraged study time. I also loved how independent he was and that he worked and made his own way through college. He held no animosity towards those whose parents paid their way through school. He just was just so damn content with his place in life. I admired that about the guy.
Shane... I loved his inner monologue. I enjoyed watching him go from being uncomfortable with how he felt about the bondage gear to feeling completely comfortable in his skin about it.
The relationship with Shane and his parents was nothing but drama. I instantly hated them. His mother most of all. His father was very aloof and distant. We find out why later. But man his mother was a piece of work. Her views on the homosexual community totally had me saying WTF? The woman was insane.
Shane frustrated me a bit with his parents. The fact that he doesn't speak up enough and fight back where he should. The fact that he allows them to manipulate and take his choices away. I just wanted him to give a bit more fight.
Derek had mommy issues too. His was flighty and never there for him unless it was on her time. She moves from place to place never staying very long anywhere she ends up. But I really loved Derek's Uncle Dan and his dad, Dave. The little bit we get to see of them in the book shows them being completely supportive of Derek and his relationship with Shane. Loved that. Especially after the mother load of a melt downs Shane's mother has.
I am so THRILLED I bought this one. I wasn't sure of what I was getting and am so glad with what I got. I loved it. Give it a go people. I definitely recommend this one. ♥
January 5, 2016
This was not what I was expecting and thank goodness for that. Zoe X. Rider is a new to me author but this blurb had me hooked and I knew I had to read it. Even me; the self-proclaimed reader who is not a fan of the first person narrative fell for this story hard. The author’s style is hypnotic. The story is told a slower pace that I happened to love and it lent well to the UST and slow burn with the boys. UST! Good freaking lord the UST is so good.
The beginning, it’s rough and came out of nowhere. I had to stop and read the blurb again to make sure I was reading the right book. Though a rough first few pages I was ready for Shane our now dorm-less freshman to meet his new roommate. Oh boy.
Derek… where do I start? I loved what a mystery he was when Shane first meets him yet how willing to talk and share he was as well. Derek is an old soul, an independent guy and takes to his new roommate immediately.
Shane? Oh the things that go through your head made me laugh and groan. Sometimes at the same time for different reasons but he first time you fell leather on your wrists… I was in that space with you and JHFC it was hot.
So to make a long story short; Shane gets a new roommate, an upper class man in fact after circumstances force him to move from his original dorm room. Through Shane’s friends being nosy, we learn that Derek makes money by selling leather goods on eBay and those leather goods include pieces of bondage gear. Shane is intrigued by this…
When Shane offers to model Derek’s product, to help them sell and to make some extra cash, things start to heat up. I was so ready for this but not ready for who made the first move and then I was in a huge puddle with these boys. The talks they have, the way they connect and the way they get off… I never wanted them to come out of their dorm room. Just stay in there boys and do what you do best because as Derek has said, it’s hot.
Shane and his mom. What a mess. Ugh. I know things like this happen and all but I wanted to punch that woman in the neck a few times and don’t get me started on his father… a bit checked out of it all aren’t ya Daddy? I loved Derek's family, well I loved his dad and uncle, his mom is piece of work.
Anyway, I loved when Shane got sappy and babbled and Derek liked it. I loved that Derek likes Shane and doesn’t want to look anywhere else for companionship and I adored their talks about sexuality. I wouldn’t say this was a double GFY but more of a double kissing and having sex with dudes doesn’t freak me out though I don’t think I am gay.
The bubble the boys create in their room make for some serious intimacy. Would they have had it otherwise? I think so? Maybe? Derek is so attentive with Shane and simply gets him. He gives him the best advice, listens when Shane needs and then gives Shane what he really needs. *waggles eyebrows*
As the relationship progresses and the boys find new ways to try out Derek’s merchandise, I feel deeper in love with this. Again, this story is slower paced than most I read but it is right for these two. They take their time, they find out new things about one another and the sexy is sexy but the small tender moments just turned me into goo and if you know me, goo is good. Really good.
Now while there is bondage in this book, it’s not really BDSM. It’s slightly kinky and the kink is done well. There are “roles” played, but it is more boyfriends doing what boyfriends so when one likes to be tied up and the other likes that his boyfriend likes it, you know?
So yeah, after babbling and making no sense at all, I LOVED this book. It was paced right, it was told well, it was swoon worthy and sexy and just... I couldn't get enough of Shane and Derek.
4.5 stars
The beginning, it’s rough and came out of nowhere. I had to stop and read the blurb again to make sure I was reading the right book. Though a rough first few pages I was ready for Shane our now dorm-less freshman to meet his new roommate. Oh boy.
Derek… where do I start? I loved what a mystery he was when Shane first meets him yet how willing to talk and share he was as well. Derek is an old soul, an independent guy and takes to his new roommate immediately.
Shane? Oh the things that go through your head made me laugh and groan. Sometimes at the same time for different reasons but he first time you fell leather on your wrists… I was in that space with you and JHFC it was hot.
So to make a long story short; Shane gets a new roommate, an upper class man in fact after circumstances force him to move from his original dorm room. Through Shane’s friends being nosy, we learn that Derek makes money by selling leather goods on eBay and those leather goods include pieces of bondage gear. Shane is intrigued by this…
When Shane offers to model Derek’s product, to help them sell and to make some extra cash, things start to heat up. I was so ready for this but not ready for who made the first move and then I was in a huge puddle with these boys. The talks they have, the way they connect and the way they get off… I never wanted them to come out of their dorm room. Just stay in there boys and do what you do best because as Derek has said, it’s hot.
Shane and his mom. What a mess. Ugh. I know things like this happen and all but I wanted to punch that woman in the neck a few times and don’t get me started on his father… a bit checked out of it all aren’t ya Daddy? I loved Derek's family, well I loved his dad and uncle, his mom is piece of work.
Anyway, I loved when Shane got sappy and babbled and Derek liked it. I loved that Derek likes Shane and doesn’t want to look anywhere else for companionship and I adored their talks about sexuality. I wouldn’t say this was a double GFY but more of a double kissing and having sex with dudes doesn’t freak me out though I don’t think I am gay.
The bubble the boys create in their room make for some serious intimacy. Would they have had it otherwise? I think so? Maybe? Derek is so attentive with Shane and simply gets him. He gives him the best advice, listens when Shane needs and then gives Shane what he really needs. *waggles eyebrows*
As the relationship progresses and the boys find new ways to try out Derek’s merchandise, I feel deeper in love with this. Again, this story is slower paced than most I read but it is right for these two. They take their time, they find out new things about one another and the sexy is sexy but the small tender moments just turned me into goo and if you know me, goo is good. Really good.
Now while there is bondage in this book, it’s not really BDSM. It’s slightly kinky and the kink is done well. There are “roles” played, but it is more boyfriends doing what boyfriends so when one likes to be tied up and the other likes that his boyfriend likes it, you know?
So yeah, after babbling and making no sense at all, I LOVED this book. It was paced right, it was told well, it was swoon worthy and sexy and just... I couldn't get enough of Shane and Derek.
4.5 stars
July 10, 2016
D'AW. I LIKE THIS.
4.5 stars.
Who'd have thought I'd like a college book with BDSM hints to it? Super fantastic. Really enjoyed the realistic characters and situations.
ONLY "problem":
4.5 stars.
Who'd have thought I'd like a college book with BDSM hints to it? Super fantastic. Really enjoyed the realistic characters and situations.
ONLY "problem":
Want to read
September 29, 2015Thank you mystery gift giver!!! <3
November 7, 2014
4.5
I loved how the characters felt so real, even when they were making me crazy. I know people like Shane, and his mother, and his father.
*smh*
And even though they had their moments I wanted to yell at them, they also had their moments where I felt their confusion, and their fear. Like real people.
My favorite parts of the story, though? All the times I laughed, and all the times I squirmed.
Zoe X. Rider writes good words :D
From my updates, favorite quotes:
"Trying to sound nonchalant, I say, “Oh. Well. That’s kind of cool, then.” I slide my leg up and cup my shin in my hands, trying to cover what I really think."
"I bite his shoulder a little. I don’t want to have sex—we just had sex ten minutes ago—but biting feels nice anyway."
"No one knows I’m here like this. No one.
I squirm, and a sound escapes my throat, almost desperate with pleasure.
I relax into the restraints, let them hold me."
and...extra credit for awesome phone sex :D
I loved how the characters felt so real, even when they were making me crazy. I know people like Shane, and his mother, and his father.
*smh*
And even though they had their moments I wanted to yell at them, they also had their moments where I felt their confusion, and their fear. Like real people.
My favorite parts of the story, though? All the times I laughed, and all the times I squirmed.
Zoe X. Rider writes good words :D
From my updates, favorite quotes:
"Trying to sound nonchalant, I say, “Oh. Well. That’s kind of cool, then.” I slide my leg up and cup my shin in my hands, trying to cover what I really think."
"I bite his shoulder a little. I don’t want to have sex—we just had sex ten minutes ago—but biting feels nice anyway."
"No one knows I’m here like this. No one.
I squirm, and a sound escapes my throat, almost desperate with pleasure.
I relax into the restraints, let them hold me."
and...extra credit for awesome phone sex :D
dnf-not-4-me
January 20, 2016I just wasn't able to get into this one. Shane is too young with too much parental influence. I know it gets better and Shane finds his independence, but I'm just not interested enough to keep going. I stopped at 40% for I won't be rating.
October 26, 2014
3.5 stars
A well written college romance with some pretty hot (but mild) bondage scenes. It meandered a bit halfway through and I kept waiting for some major drama to happen to move things on but it never did. I liked Shane's vulnerability and thought that he showed some good character growth by the end but I wish we'd had a chance to see more of what made Derek tick. He seemed too self-assured, too cool and self-contained for a just turned 21 year old.
An enjoyable read by an author I'd not read before but will definitely try more of in the future.
A well written college romance with some pretty hot (but mild) bondage scenes. It meandered a bit halfway through and I kept waiting for some major drama to happen to move things on but it never did. I liked Shane's vulnerability and thought that he showed some good character growth by the end but I wish we'd had a chance to see more of what made Derek tick. He seemed too self-assured, too cool and self-contained for a just turned 21 year old.
An enjoyable read by an author I'd not read before but will definitely try more of in the future.
November 23, 2014
3.5 Stars
Where do I sign?
I’ve gone back and forth on this book since I finished it and what kept it from being a 4-4.5 star read for me boils down to the mother. I H.A.T.E.D. her. On the one hand, I have to hand it to Ms. Rider for eliciting that level of emotion from me. On the other hand, the relationship Shane has with his parents kept jerking me out of the main storyline. I don’t think a writer ever wants a reader to get so frustrated that s/he puts the book down entirely and that’s precisely what happened to me when I got to the “I’m sorry” part. I actually began dreading any chapters dealing with the parents which is a shame since the rest of the story was so good. I wish it would’ve focused more on Derek and Shane rather than the coming of age/breaking free of the parental ties that bind that wound up having a rather ambiguous and unsatisfactory resolution anyway.
Stupid parents are stupid.
What I really liked about The Roommate Situation was how organic Derek and Shane’s relationship began and evolved. They both struck me as just everyday dudes. Dudes I really liked. It’s all told from Shane’s perspective and he’s witty with a dry sense of humor that I thoroughly enjoyed. I also really liked that neither of them were hung up on labeling their sexuality. They know they like each other. They know they’ve never been attracted to another dude before, but they aren’t angsty about it. It just is what it is.
Derek has a side business of making leather goods. All kinds of leather goods even some kinky ones and their exploration of bondage felt genuine and uncontrived. Their conversations in general and about what turned them on were direct and honest. Even Shane’s friends were just dudes who provided some enjoyable comedic moments. Shane’s trouble picking a major given his parents expectations vs. his love of music vs. how lucrative a career in music could potentially be were all relatable and brought back memories of my own college experience. What made me like Shane even more was his willingness to listen to others’ advice/suggestions.
Like I said initially, this would have been a 4-4.5 star read were it not for the parents. I will definitely read something else from this author and, actually, I’d probably re-read this. I’ll just skip all the parental chapters.
The Black Angels and Mountain Dew references???
Where do I sign?
I’ve gone back and forth on this book since I finished it and what kept it from being a 4-4.5 star read for me boils down to the mother. I H.A.T.E.D. her. On the one hand, I have to hand it to Ms. Rider for eliciting that level of emotion from me. On the other hand, the relationship Shane has with his parents kept jerking me out of the main storyline. I don’t think a writer ever wants a reader to get so frustrated that s/he puts the book down entirely and that’s precisely what happened to me when I got to the “I’m sorry” part. I actually began dreading any chapters dealing with the parents which is a shame since the rest of the story was so good. I wish it would’ve focused more on Derek and Shane rather than the coming of age/breaking free of the parental ties that bind that wound up having a rather ambiguous and unsatisfactory resolution anyway.
Stupid parents are stupid.
What I really liked about The Roommate Situation was how organic Derek and Shane’s relationship began and evolved. They both struck me as just everyday dudes. Dudes I really liked. It’s all told from Shane’s perspective and he’s witty with a dry sense of humor that I thoroughly enjoyed. I also really liked that neither of them were hung up on labeling their sexuality. They know they like each other. They know they’ve never been attracted to another dude before, but they aren’t angsty about it. It just is what it is.
Derek has a side business of making leather goods. All kinds of leather goods even some kinky ones and their exploration of bondage felt genuine and uncontrived. Their conversations in general and about what turned them on were direct and honest. Even Shane’s friends were just dudes who provided some enjoyable comedic moments. Shane’s trouble picking a major given his parents expectations vs. his love of music vs. how lucrative a career in music could potentially be were all relatable and brought back memories of my own college experience. What made me like Shane even more was his willingness to listen to others’ advice/suggestions.
Like I said initially, this would have been a 4-4.5 star read were it not for the parents. I will definitely read something else from this author and, actually, I’d probably re-read this. I’ll just skip all the parental chapters.
October 29, 2014
I read this book because a friend was reading it and I couldn't ignore her goodreads updates any longer! Sara has great taste in books and when she loves something that much, I'm pretty sure I will too. The thing is, even with those tempting updates, the cover and blurb nearly put me off! I'm not sure why. Maybe I'm turning into a cover snob (I know exactly which designer I blame for that) and the blurb - while it does tell you what the book is about, it really doesn't do it justice. IMO anyway *shrugs*.
This book is so good. It has the best build up of sexual tension and that first kiss O.M.G. While the blurb makes it sound like it's going to venture into quite raunchy ground (or at least, that was my interpretation) this manages to be hot, with a bit of kink, but not downright porn. Not that there is anything wrong with reading some pornier work but this, this beats that hands down.
I completely fell for Shane and Derek. One hundred percent in love with them both. In fact, I was not ready for it to be the end of their story, not by a long shot. I even found Derek being a smoker sexy and I loathe and detest smoking (I know, I know). The secondary characters are fantastic - particularly Derek's family. I swear I could read more about the whole lot of them.
The writing is great, it pulls you into the story and leaves you unable to put it down (or apparently find the authors backlist and read every damn thing on it, as anyone who gets my goodread feed will attest to - sorry :/). This is Zoe X Rider's only full length novel to date and IMO it's the best - but I couldn't get enough of her shorter pieces too. If I fall for a writing style I fall hard and this author has made it to my auto-buy list. I would highly recommend if you like NA/college stories, I promise this won't disappoint.
This book is so good. It has the best build up of sexual tension and that first kiss O.M.G. While the blurb makes it sound like it's going to venture into quite raunchy ground (or at least, that was my interpretation) this manages to be hot, with a bit of kink, but not downright porn. Not that there is anything wrong with reading some pornier work but this, this beats that hands down.
I completely fell for Shane and Derek. One hundred percent in love with them both. In fact, I was not ready for it to be the end of their story, not by a long shot. I even found Derek being a smoker sexy and I loathe and detest smoking (I know, I know). The secondary characters are fantastic - particularly Derek's family. I swear I could read more about the whole lot of them.
The writing is great, it pulls you into the story and leaves you unable to put it down (or apparently find the authors backlist and read every damn thing on it, as anyone who gets my goodread feed will attest to - sorry :/). This is Zoe X Rider's only full length novel to date and IMO it's the best - but I couldn't get enough of her shorter pieces too. If I fall for a writing style I fall hard and this author has made it to my auto-buy list. I would highly recommend if you like NA/college stories, I promise this won't disappoint.
November 15, 2014
I loved Games Boys Play, so I was very, very happy when I noticed this one. It is a little more "romancy" than that novel, but I like it almost as much--and I'd ascribe that to personal preference rather than quality. It's cute and sweet and just a little kinky.
It's also serious where it needs to be. Because sometimes those who love us don't see us at all.
I had a couple of little quibbles. Derek doesn't feel twenty. So much so that I wondered if the character had originally been written older--say twenty-five or six, and then been changed to a more typical college student age. Also, I know he's been separated from his guitar, and the love of music comes through, but I never get a really strong sense of Shane as a musician. The last quibble is that there's no strong sense of place. Sometimes it's hard for writers to use real places, for a number of reasons, but this really is vague. I thought it might be Massachusetts, and it's obviously the East, but it could be anywhere from Virginia to New Hampshire, and there was a sketchiness to the descriptions that bothered me. Made-up places need to feel as vivid as real ones--not "names and distinguishing details have been changed to protect the innocent". Ms. Rider is an extremely skilled writer. I can see Shane and Derek clearly. I can see, and even smell, their dorm room vividly as well. I'd like to experience the rest of their world as strongly.
These are small complaints. Overall, I really liked it, and I'd love to see more from this author.
It's also serious where it needs to be. Because sometimes those who love us don't see us at all.
I had a couple of little quibbles. Derek doesn't feel twenty. So much so that I wondered if the character had originally been written older--say twenty-five or six, and then been changed to a more typical college student age. Also, I know he's been separated from his guitar, and the love of music comes through, but I never get a really strong sense of Shane as a musician. The last quibble is that there's no strong sense of place. Sometimes it's hard for writers to use real places, for a number of reasons, but this really is vague. I thought it might be Massachusetts, and it's obviously the East, but it could be anywhere from Virginia to New Hampshire, and there was a sketchiness to the descriptions that bothered me. Made-up places need to feel as vivid as real ones--not "names and distinguishing details have been changed to protect the innocent". Ms. Rider is an extremely skilled writer. I can see Shane and Derek clearly. I can see, and even smell, their dorm room vividly as well. I'd like to experience the rest of their world as strongly.
These are small complaints. Overall, I really liked it, and I'd love to see more from this author.
January 21, 2016
Well this was really sweet.
At the end i feel kind of disspointed and maybe the book isn't good as i though it was but it really work for me and my mood.
I'm so not into BDSM stuff but this really wasn't like that, only two boys playing to take the control.
I really like it.
At the end i feel kind of disspointed and maybe the book isn't good as i though it was but it really work for me and my mood.
I'm so not into BDSM stuff but this really wasn't like that, only two boys playing to take the control.
I really like it.
September 2, 2016
I really, surprisingly, found myself enjoying this. It's not something I would necessarily recommend to someone, because I feel like some would complain about the slow place, or how selfish Shane acts to his parents. For me, I found myself relating to his frustrations because I had some family that act the exact same way. All the angst in the story was mostly about Shane and his parents, him trying to break away. And in the end, I don't think He's still a little selfish and self-involved, expecting his parents to bail him out, but then again, not much different from the average 18 year old.
But what this book was mostly about, and what I most enjoyed, was the relationship between him and Derek. I kind of thought from the blurb that this would be a predictable bad boy meets nerd story. Instead it was just really nice and enjoyable, seeing their slow progression from roommates to business partners to friends to lovers. I liked that it felt natural, that though Shane was confused, there was no big freak out. He just knew he liked and wanted to be with Derek. Even though I felt like sometimes shaking Shane the rest of the time with his skewed relationship with his parents, I loved how he was with Derek. And I liked how even though Derek was a little older, he still was just as young and vulnerable as Shane was in how he deal with his family. Plus I liked how he was also a loner x)
This ended up not being a kink filled story as the blurb might suggest, but that was a good thing for me. It might not be for others who were hoping for more of a smut-fest though.
But what this book was mostly about, and what I most enjoyed, was the relationship between him and Derek. I kind of thought from the blurb that this would be a predictable bad boy meets nerd story. Instead it was just really nice and enjoyable, seeing their slow progression from roommates to business partners to friends to lovers. I liked that it felt natural, that though Shane was confused, there was no big freak out. He just knew he liked and wanted to be with Derek. Even though I felt like sometimes shaking Shane the rest of the time with his skewed relationship with his parents, I loved how he was with Derek. And I liked how even though Derek was a little older, he still was just as young and vulnerable as Shane was in how he deal with his family. Plus I liked how he was also a loner x)
This ended up not being a kink filled story as the blurb might suggest, but that was a good thing for me. It might not be for others who were hoping for more of a smut-fest though.
December 8, 2014
Eh. The characters were a little flat for me and I wanted a muzzle for Shane's mom.
December 20, 2014
3.7 stars.
Let's get this out of the way, shall we? What, in all blazes, kind of mother did Shane have? That woman drove me crazy. And by connection, made me angry with Shane's wish-wash attitude and reaction towards her. Could someone smack some sense into her?
*deep breath* Ok, let's not get excited. There are 2-3 other reasons why I lowered my rating... along with the one mentioned above.
I had some question marks when it came to Shane saving money (his calculations and mine didn't quite add up in terms of money saved and costs of purchases) but whatever, moving on. What I liked about the story was the day-to-day accounting of life in college. Resembled mine somewhat (minus the dorm). I liked the character expansion that included parents from both sides (I adored Dave and Dan). And I adored Derek with his calm nature, wise cracks, leather jacket and bike.
But what really disappointed me was the crazy mom.
Overall, some of it was good, some of it was bad. I don't regret reading it but I was expecting more from the author that dazzled me with Charlie in a Red Dress.
Let's get this out of the way, shall we? What, in all blazes, kind of mother did Shane have? That woman drove me crazy. And by connection, made me angry with Shane's wish-wash attitude and reaction towards her. Could someone smack some sense into her?
*deep breath* Ok, let's not get excited. There are 2-3 other reasons why I lowered my rating... along with the one mentioned above.
I had some question marks when it came to Shane saving money (his calculations and mine didn't quite add up in terms of money saved and costs of purchases) but whatever, moving on. What I liked about the story was the day-to-day accounting of life in college. Resembled mine somewhat (minus the dorm). I liked the character expansion that included parents from both sides (I adored Dave and Dan). And I adored Derek with his calm nature, wise cracks, leather jacket and bike.
But what really disappointed me was the crazy mom.
Overall, some of it was good, some of it was bad. I don't regret reading it but I was expecting more from the author that dazzled me with Charlie in a Red Dress.
March 8, 2017
** This was a hard review to write**
This book had a lot of potential to be 4.5-5 star read, it's still a great read though with a strong plot and a nice coming out storyline with really well defined characters. That's what made it work for me. Although it's another two guys in a collage dorm scenario, forget that because I felt it was irrelevant to a certain point. It's definitely worth a read. I'm only giving it 3 star because it just ended way too abruptly for my personal liking, selfish on my behalf I know but it could have had quite a bit cut out during a brutal edit as it dragged a few times in places for my personal taste or that could have been used to enhance the story more. I will admit though that if there's a sequel I'll definitely read it.This is just me nick picking because I don't normally do this EVER.I need to know more Zoe :) I got the feeling that it was possibly structured this way on purpose and if that's the case then it will get 4.5 stars if there is a sequel. It held my attention and I loved the way the two main characters rapid self discovery quickly gave to way a bit of S&M. The lessor characters were just beginning to become very important as the story shifted direction towards the end. Maybe it's just frustration on my behalf speaking here because then it just ended like and old VHS tape snapping in the middle of a very good movie. I still highly recommend it though. The love side of the story between the 2 guys was very endearing too, I loved the way you structured that, very romantic but not sappy.
This book had a lot of potential to be 4.5-5 star read, it's still a great read though with a strong plot and a nice coming out storyline with really well defined characters. That's what made it work for me. Although it's another two guys in a collage dorm scenario, forget that because I felt it was irrelevant to a certain point. It's definitely worth a read. I'm only giving it 3 star because it just ended way too abruptly for my personal liking, selfish on my behalf I know but it could have had quite a bit cut out during a brutal edit as it dragged a few times in places for my personal taste or that could have been used to enhance the story more. I will admit though that if there's a sequel I'll definitely read it.This is just me nick picking because I don't normally do this EVER.I need to know more Zoe :) I got the feeling that it was possibly structured this way on purpose and if that's the case then it will get 4.5 stars if there is a sequel. It held my attention and I loved the way the two main characters rapid self discovery quickly gave to way a bit of S&M. The lessor characters were just beginning to become very important as the story shifted direction towards the end. Maybe it's just frustration on my behalf speaking here because then it just ended like and old VHS tape snapping in the middle of a very good movie. I still highly recommend it though. The love side of the story between the 2 guys was very endearing too, I loved the way you structured that, very romantic but not sappy.
December 24, 2014
I don't have the patience to detail why this one didn't sit well. I'm just gonna throw out random phrases and move on:
Horrible mother...trigger...caricature.
Polarity...ABC special...close minded family vs cool dads.
Racism...but I'm more open-minded than my mother because I wouldn't mind black people.
Neat, sweet ending.
Couldn't feel Shane and Derek, flat characterisation...couldn't feel love.
Overly long sex scenes in place of development.
Preachy quest for sexual identity.
Unrealistic major at the end.
Privilege.
Get a job.
NJ chick who sued parents for tuition called to mind.
Preferred the other roommate BDSM book. His Roommate's Pleasure
Blah.
Ps: hours later it dawns = this is yet another book written by a female author in which all women are vilified as a means of 'authenticating' an m/m book. There is not one positive woman in here.
Horrible mother...trigger...caricature.
Polarity...ABC special...close minded family vs cool dads.
Racism...but I'm more open-minded than my mother because I wouldn't mind black people.
Neat, sweet ending.
Couldn't feel Shane and Derek, flat characterisation...couldn't feel love.
Overly long sex scenes in place of development.
Preachy quest for sexual identity.
Unrealistic major at the end.
Privilege.
Get a job.
NJ chick who sued parents for tuition called to mind.
Preferred the other roommate BDSM book. His Roommate's Pleasure
Blah.
Ps: hours later it dawns = this is yet another book written by a female author in which all women are vilified as a means of 'authenticating' an m/m book. There is not one positive woman in here.
October 27, 2014
3.5 stars
Strong first half with great UST and relationship development, and very hot bondage scenes. Second half wasn't as strong, with too much air time given to Shane's parents, but I still enjoyed it. My favorite scene was when they reversed roles and Shane showed Derek just how evil he could be!
Strong first half with great UST and relationship development, and very hot bondage scenes. Second half wasn't as strong, with too much air time given to Shane's parents, but I still enjoyed it. My favorite scene was when they reversed roles and Shane showed Derek just how evil he could be!
September 8, 2021
What a fucking book!
How can a writer make things I never enjoyed in bed so damn scintillating?
How can that same writer describe sex scenes this smoldering between two guys who never had a stray gay thought before?
And how can those smoldering sex scenes be interspersed yet not interrupted by back-and-forths between the lovers that relieve the tension but not the passion?
Thank you to the GoodReads friend who answered my query about how I could get my hands on this book . . .
http://library.lol/fiction/3DC2DD0970...
[Sorry, first link was incomplete. This one should work]
And thank you to the Goodreads friends who reviewed it so much better than I am. ( For example, see Jamie Deacon's review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ).
But most of all thank you to Zoe X. Rider for a college novel that raises the bar for anything I'll read going forward in that genre, and for introducing me to Shane and Derek, two dudes who will remain seared in the bedsheets of my memory, as much for how naturally they play together as for how scorchingly.
How can a writer make things I never enjoyed in bed so damn scintillating?
How can that same writer describe sex scenes this smoldering between two guys who never had a stray gay thought before?
And how can those smoldering sex scenes be interspersed yet not interrupted by back-and-forths between the lovers that relieve the tension but not the passion?
Thank you to the GoodReads friend who answered my query about how I could get my hands on this book . . .
http://library.lol/fiction/3DC2DD0970...
[Sorry, first link was incomplete. This one should work]
And thank you to the Goodreads friends who reviewed it so much better than I am. ( For example, see Jamie Deacon's review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ).
But most of all thank you to Zoe X. Rider for a college novel that raises the bar for anything I'll read going forward in that genre, and for introducing me to Shane and Derek, two dudes who will remain seared in the bedsheets of my memory, as much for how naturally they play together as for how scorchingly.
August 27, 2017
3.5 stars
May 9, 2016
Here's to unexpected surprises, people! Because this one was absolutely not what I thought it would be!
So, this one kinda came out of nowhere. I had the sample sitting on my Kindle for ages, before finally having the funds & desire to really pick it up. What I expected was a rather light read, no angst, maybe a little kinky college romance between two young guys falling into lust. What I got was... not that. But I'm glad to say it was BETTER!
Let's start with Shane. The blurb tells us that he gets shuffled to another dorm room. I'm not sure if this is a spoiler or not, so you're warned, but the reason for Shane changing dorms is not a funny, light mishap. It's because his former roommate killed himself in their room and Shane found him. Boom. This is what the opening of this book felt like to me, and honestly? It kind of set the tone for the rest of the book. Things just... jumped up in my face and surprised the crap out of me. But never in a bad way, never too angsty, or too dark. Just not... as light or easy as I thought it would be. Derek, Shane's new roommate stays an enigma for quite some time, but I absolutely loved how we got to know him over time - just like Shane.
The relationship building was a-mazing. I loved the pace, the honesty and the lack of "Oh, there is this big misunderstanding that will keep us apart for an appropriate time period". I did have a harder time with Shane's growth and fight for independence, mostly because I'm not that big on YA/NA and MCs struggling with overbearing parents. BUT, it worked for me here somehow, and in a way that made me very happy. The more the story developed, the more I fell for these guys. Seeing them change, evolve and grow, together and individually, was a real treat. This author was completely new to me, but it's safe to say that the writing convinced me to look for more of her work.
The only thing that actually bugged me was that the most important women in this book - especially the mothers - were evil, messed up bitches. Seriously. I'm not even kidding. And it's not that I'm that opposed to the portrayal of awful/difficult mothers - I have one, I'm familiar with the problem. I'm just getting more and more AND MORE tired of women being the spawn of the devil in my romance books. It would have been so nice to see the important female roles in the story to have a lick of sense and a conscience.
Alas, I can't have everything.
Other than that, I enjoyed this book immensely! Definitely recommended for everyone who likes a great college YA full-lenght-novel with beautiful relationship building and great MCs.
So, this one kinda came out of nowhere. I had the sample sitting on my Kindle for ages, before finally having the funds & desire to really pick it up. What I expected was a rather light read, no angst, maybe a little kinky college romance between two young guys falling into lust. What I got was... not that. But I'm glad to say it was BETTER!
Let's start with Shane. The blurb tells us that he gets shuffled to another dorm room. I'm not sure if this is a spoiler or not, so you're warned, but the reason for Shane changing dorms is not a funny, light mishap. It's because his former roommate killed himself in their room and Shane found him. Boom. This is what the opening of this book felt like to me, and honestly? It kind of set the tone for the rest of the book. Things just... jumped up in my face and surprised the crap out of me. But never in a bad way, never too angsty, or too dark. Just not... as light or easy as I thought it would be. Derek, Shane's new roommate stays an enigma for quite some time, but I absolutely loved how we got to know him over time - just like Shane.
The relationship building was a-mazing. I loved the pace, the honesty and the lack of "Oh, there is this big misunderstanding that will keep us apart for an appropriate time period". I did have a harder time with Shane's growth and fight for independence, mostly because I'm not that big on YA/NA and MCs struggling with overbearing parents. BUT, it worked for me here somehow, and in a way that made me very happy. The more the story developed, the more I fell for these guys. Seeing them change, evolve and grow, together and individually, was a real treat. This author was completely new to me, but it's safe to say that the writing convinced me to look for more of her work.
The only thing that actually bugged me was that the most important women in this book - especially the mothers - were evil, messed up bitches. Seriously. I'm not even kidding. And it's not that I'm that opposed to the portrayal of awful/difficult mothers - I have one, I'm familiar with the problem. I'm just getting more and more AND MORE tired of women being the spawn of the devil in my romance books. It would have been so nice to see the important female roles in the story to have a lick of sense and a conscience.
Alas, I can't have everything.
Other than that, I enjoyed this book immensely! Definitely recommended for everyone who likes a great college YA full-lenght-novel with beautiful relationship building and great MCs.
April 8, 2015
*4.5*
What I really liked about this book was that it had a lot of conflicts, but not in the romance department. Sometimes, it’s nice to read about a couple that just get it on and develop a loving relationship, without any big misunderstandings.
I loved how Derek was there as a quiet support for Shane whenever things blew up with his parents.
I loved Derek’s home environment, and could appreciate the difference between his and Shane’s parents.
I loved Shane being the money-focused young dude that I think most people are that age, it made it feel very real.
I do feel a bit sorry for mothers in general, since the ones portrayed here were proper weirdoes. However, they were both a separate kind of crazy, and made for great conflicts, so there really was no need for a lot of coming out angst or relationship troubles.
The sex was great, and the build up to it kind of funny, with poor Shane struggling with his desires…They also take it slow, and sometimes a bit too slow imo.
Both characters were just so relaxed and secure in themselves, which made me enjoy it even more.
What I really liked about this book was that it had a lot of conflicts, but not in the romance department. Sometimes, it’s nice to read about a couple that just get it on and develop a loving relationship, without any big misunderstandings.
I loved how Derek was there as a quiet support for Shane whenever things blew up with his parents.
I loved Derek’s home environment, and could appreciate the difference between his and Shane’s parents.
I loved Shane being the money-focused young dude that I think most people are that age, it made it feel very real.
I do feel a bit sorry for mothers in general, since the ones portrayed here were proper weirdoes. However, they were both a separate kind of crazy, and made for great conflicts, so there really was no need for a lot of coming out angst or relationship troubles.
The sex was great, and the build up to it kind of funny, with poor Shane struggling with his desires…They also take it slow, and sometimes a bit too slow imo.
Both characters were just so relaxed and secure in themselves, which made me enjoy it even more.
October 29, 2017
Really enjoyed this one. I like how the guys find their way organically and naturally. I do feel like the end was a bit rushed. And though there is a lot of build up to Shane's situation at home the resolution felt anticlimactic or because it was rushed I feel like I need more. An epilogue would have helped a TON.
If you enjoyed His Roommate's Pleasure you would probably like this too. Although the kink on this one is very light.
If you enjoyed His Roommate's Pleasure you would probably like this too. Although the kink on this one is very light.
November 17, 2014
This was my first book by Zoe X. Rider and won't be my last. I really enjoyed this surprisingly sweet college love story between freshman Shane and junior Derek. The pace of the relationship felt very natural as the two explore a new found side to their sexuality, with a little bit of light bondage thrown in.
The biggest drama comes in the form of Shane dealing with his overbearing parents, which is really the main focus in the last part of the book. I enjoyed the story but would have loved to see a bit of an epilogue as it ended a bit quickly.
The biggest drama comes in the form of Shane dealing with his overbearing parents, which is really the main focus in the last part of the book. I enjoyed the story but would have loved to see a bit of an epilogue as it ended a bit quickly.
July 4, 2020
The humor in this book sets it apart from a lot of the others I've read. While there were parts that dragged, and the story overall was a bit bogged down by minutia, the dialogue was quite good, and Shane and Derek's interactions were fantastic.
Shane: "You have your helmet. You're going somewhere."
Derek: "Are you practicing to be a narrator?"
Shane: "You have your helmet. You're going somewhere."
Derek: "Are you practicing to be a narrator?"
Read
October 22, 2014DNF, very dull.
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