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The Avona Tales #1
Bowl Full of Cherries
Porker, Fatty, Crowley Fredericks has heard it all. He’s dropped a lot of weight since his high school days, but he’s still a big guy, and the painful words and bullying follow him. Rejected—again—because of his size, Crowley is starting to think that maybe love just isn’t meant for huskier men.
Averell Lang and his twin are so different they might as well not even be related. So when Rell’s brother brings his roommate home to snowy Susset for the holidays, Rell expects the worst—another uptight, pretentious hipster. What he discovers instead is Crowley. Nerdy, fascinating, attractive, Crowley. Rell never expected to look at a man this way, and what he sees in Crowley Fredericks is something he didn’t even know he was looking for. If both men can overcome their hang-ups, they might unwrap more than presents this holiday season.
Averell Lang and his twin are so different they might as well not even be related. So when Rell’s brother brings his roommate home to snowy Susset for the holidays, Rell expects the worst—another uptight, pretentious hipster. What he discovers instead is Crowley. Nerdy, fascinating, attractive, Crowley. Rell never expected to look at a man this way, and what he sees in Crowley Fredericks is something he didn’t even know he was looking for. If both men can overcome their hang-ups, they might unwrap more than presents this holiday season.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2014
9 people are currently reading
378 people want to read
About the author
Raine O'Tierney
24 books173 followersRaine O'Tierney wants to change the world...one sweet story at a time. When she's not writing, Raine is either playing video games or fighting the good fight for intellectual freedom at her library day job. She believes the best thing we can do in life is be kind to one another, and she enjoys encouraging fellow writers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
December 29, 2019
*3.5*
Lovely and sweet holiday story that tackles a LOT of weighty issues (no pun intended!), yet still manages to stay pretty light and fluffy.
I think my favorite part of the story, and the one that I connected with the most, is the whole "love your body for what it is" message. Crowley has been dealing with teasing and rejection all his life. Though he used to be really overweight and now he just carries around some extra layers, he it constantly self-conscious about it. I related to his shyness about his body and feelings of inadequacy that I think we ALL have, in one form or another. It was a touching read in that way.
I also liked the sweet chemistry between Crowley and Averell (GAH, those names killed me, though). They were flirty and genuine with each other, and though the sex scenes were severely lacking in finesse and heat, IMO, I really enjoyed them as a couple.
This book is also really geeky, which could be good or bad for some people. There is a lot of gamer talk (I didn't follow), but I like me a geek, so I didn't mind too much being lost for sections of the story.
Noooooww... on to some issues.
It is no secret that I'm a whore for a sexuality discovery story. I love them. Like, REALLY love them. However, not all books are meant to be that way. I would have much preferred this story with Rell being bisexual or gay from the start, with Crowley just not being his usual type. The change from "straight" to "gay" was wayyy to fast for my liking. I just didn't get it. He never noticed guys before but, in a blink of an eye, was attracted to Crowley. Sure, they had great friend chemistry and a lot in common, but I have a lot in common with my best friend and I certainly don't want to lick her no-no!
I like my sexuality discoveries to be way more... gradual. It has to feel real, it has to feel organic. This didn't feel like something that could actually happen, even to a laid-back, open-minded guy like Rell.
Related to that is my issue with the sex scenes. Crowley is a virgin and TOTALLY inexperienced. I love virgins, LOVE them, but Crowley didn't seem like what I expected from a virgin. He was very shy and timid in the beginning, and then sort of morphed to someone more practiced than a virgin would be. I also just wasn't feeling the sex scenes in general, which was a bummer.
All in all, I think this was a nice new adult book with a good message of love, finding yourself, and being confident in your own skin. Though it didn't work for me as a GFY, it was still plenty enjoyable. Oh, and I'm pretty excited about Tyler's book!
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Lovely and sweet holiday story that tackles a LOT of weighty issues (no pun intended!), yet still manages to stay pretty light and fluffy.
I think my favorite part of the story, and the one that I connected with the most, is the whole "love your body for what it is" message. Crowley has been dealing with teasing and rejection all his life. Though he used to be really overweight and now he just carries around some extra layers, he it constantly self-conscious about it. I related to his shyness about his body and feelings of inadequacy that I think we ALL have, in one form or another. It was a touching read in that way.
I also liked the sweet chemistry between Crowley and Averell (GAH, those names killed me, though). They were flirty and genuine with each other, and though the sex scenes were severely lacking in finesse and heat, IMO, I really enjoyed them as a couple.
This book is also really geeky, which could be good or bad for some people. There is a lot of gamer talk (I didn't follow), but I like me a geek, so I didn't mind too much being lost for sections of the story.
Noooooww... on to some issues.
It is no secret that I'm a whore for a sexuality discovery story. I love them. Like, REALLY love them. However, not all books are meant to be that way. I would have much preferred this story with Rell being bisexual or gay from the start, with Crowley just not being his usual type. The change from "straight" to "gay" was wayyy to fast for my liking. I just didn't get it. He never noticed guys before but, in a blink of an eye, was attracted to Crowley. Sure, they had great friend chemistry and a lot in common, but I have a lot in common with my best friend and I certainly don't want to lick her no-no!
I like my sexuality discoveries to be way more... gradual. It has to feel real, it has to feel organic. This didn't feel like something that could actually happen, even to a laid-back, open-minded guy like Rell.
Related to that is my issue with the sex scenes. Crowley is a virgin and TOTALLY inexperienced. I love virgins, LOVE them, but Crowley didn't seem like what I expected from a virgin. He was very shy and timid in the beginning, and then sort of morphed to someone more practiced than a virgin would be. I also just wasn't feeling the sex scenes in general, which was a bummer.
All in all, I think this was a nice new adult book with a good message of love, finding yourself, and being confident in your own skin. Though it didn't work for me as a GFY, it was still plenty enjoyable. Oh, and I'm pretty excited about Tyler's book!
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
June 13, 2016
Wow... I soo wasn't expecting to be so hooked.. I cried, laughed, got angry, and everything else!! I will definitely re-read it soon!!
December 16, 2014
I bought this book based on the blurb (the weight issue sounded interesting). I'm glad I did. It's not a short read, but I found myself pulled through yesterday without being able to put it down for long. The thing I like most in this story was that the family dynamics felt real, particularly the relationship between the two twins, Tyler and Rell. The dialogue was quite good and natural. The character development was also well done, with both Crowley and Rell forcing positive change in each other. And, of course, it was a fun, sexy read. I'll look forward to more Raine O'Tierney books.
December 17, 2014
3.75
This book had me laughing…a lot. The dialogue was snappy and fun. I loved the characters here, all of them interested me, from secondary to mains but I wasn’t expecting this to be a New Adult story. Not one of my favourite things to read but this was so much fun, I just went with it.
Averell (Rell) ended up being in a position in his life where he’s really not sure about his direction. Everyone thinks he’s a slacker so it adds for a bit of snark when his family talk to him about his future. Crowley, who I found adorable, has some real body issues with a borderline eating disorder and I was happy to see some of that be addressed here.
These two connect on all fronts and I loved reading about them falling for each other. There is one aspect of it that irked me. GFY stories can work for me but I don’t like it when one character has no attraction to men at all and all the sudden he’s goes gaga for a guy. I like to see simmering attraction for men there but perhaps never acted on, when it comes out of nowhere it just doesn’t sit quite right for me or feel totally authentic.
Still even with that the men work well together. The sex is seamless, which for two virgins for gay sex seemed a bit too seamless but I went with it because, damn, the writing is just so good.
Even with the issues that I had with the story line I adored this book, I found it endlessly amusing. Everything flowed so well and I found myself laughing out loud several times during the read and I just couldn’t put it down until I was done. I love it when a book surprises you into an all night read because you just need to know how things end up.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
This book had me laughing…a lot. The dialogue was snappy and fun. I loved the characters here, all of them interested me, from secondary to mains but I wasn’t expecting this to be a New Adult story. Not one of my favourite things to read but this was so much fun, I just went with it.
Averell (Rell) ended up being in a position in his life where he’s really not sure about his direction. Everyone thinks he’s a slacker so it adds for a bit of snark when his family talk to him about his future. Crowley, who I found adorable, has some real body issues with a borderline eating disorder and I was happy to see some of that be addressed here.
These two connect on all fronts and I loved reading about them falling for each other. There is one aspect of it that irked me. GFY stories can work for me but I don’t like it when one character has no attraction to men at all and all the sudden he’s goes gaga for a guy. I like to see simmering attraction for men there but perhaps never acted on, when it comes out of nowhere it just doesn’t sit quite right for me or feel totally authentic.
Still even with that the men work well together. The sex is seamless, which for two virgins for gay sex seemed a bit too seamless but I went with it because, damn, the writing is just so good.
Even with the issues that I had with the story line I adored this book, I found it endlessly amusing. Everything flowed so well and I found myself laughing out loud several times during the read and I just couldn’t put it down until I was done. I love it when a book surprises you into an all night read because you just need to know how things end up.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
December 20, 2014
Full Review http://kimichanexperience.com/bowl-ch...
Crowley just wants to have a nice Christmas with his family. But, after recently coming out to them, he’s told not to come home – no one will be there to pick him up from the airport.
He’s crushed, but he’s got a great friend in the form of his roommate, Tyler Lang. Tyler invites him to share Christmas with his big family upstate and even buys him the train ticket. The problem is the only available seat will actually put Crowley there one entire day before Tyler. No worries, Tyler tells him, just hang with his dumb twin Avrell and try not to be too bored.
Though he’s a little shell-shocked, he makes it to the train station and to Tyler’s hometown of Sutten. He’s a bit dismayed when someone vaguely resembling Tyler comes crashing over the curb – late – ready to pick him up, and sparking his romantic interest.
Crowley “knows” that there’s no way someone as good looking as Averell could be interested in a “fatty” like him, and Tyler never said he was gay so… he just quietly crushes on him… but is amazed by how easy they get along. Crowley’s pretty shy, especially in the face of someone he’s attracted to, but the conversation flows and the two end up having a ball!
Averell (Rell) is “in between jobs”. More or less permanently. He’s never found that “perfect” job and stumbles aimlessly looking for it. He’s currently living at home again and doing chores for room and board. He can’t believe his hipster-snob of a brother actually has a cool friend and he’s psyched to be actually “forced” to room with him while he’s here.
As the story progresses we see Crowley (nicknamed Owl by Rell) falling for Rell and surpisingly, Rell (who identifies as straight) falling too. Tyler tries to keep them separated – knowing how Crowley has been deeply hurt in the past and unwilling to see his “loser” brother “use” Crowley for either experimentation or worse.
But --- the attraction can’t be denied and on Christmas, Owl and Rell exchange a mind-blowing kiss that shakes them both up a bit. When it looks like they might want to do more than kiss, Owl freaks out at being naked and we begin to learn just how deep his body issues go.
Fortunately, Sondra, the boys’ cousin, is there and she has an absolutely amazing idea for helping Owl to love his body – and it works!
Now the only obstacle left to overcome is Rell and his feeling of unworthiness due to his lack of direction. Again – the best ideas come from loving family members and we leave Owl and Rell with a decidedly HFN that will completely have you sobbing tears of joy.
**
There are those of us who will so closely identify with this story, it’s not even funny. The horrible, horrible things society can do to young people – making them hate themselves – is not just for girls anymore.
This story handles the issue with loving care. It’s realistic, touching, sentimental, heart-breaking, tender, sweet… just amazing.
Even if you never had body “issues” you can clearly identify with childhood trauma and the feelings of isolation caused at the hands of a bully. When Crowley shares his experience and how it not only happened to him but was then broadcast on Facebook – I couldn’t help but think – Thank God I was a kid before Facebook! What an evil tool that little social program can be in the wrong hands!
My heart absolutely broke when Owl confessed that his guidance counselor was of no help and he didn’t dare tell his family about the incident because it would “out” him as well as show him as a weakling. So there he was, 15, feeling all alone, and having to face his bullies every day with no sense of power or any ability to feel good about himself. (It makes me tear up just thinking about it!)
I wanted to hug Rell and Sondra. God – what amazing healers these two people were. They were able to reach in a see what needed to be done and were brave enough to do it. (Sure the time frame was a little quick, but I don’t think it was out of the realm of possibility. Let’s face it – the chance for sex is a great motivating factor!)
The other thing that I appreciated from this story was that Owl went through a probably fairly normal “slimming” down as he went through puberty and grew up some. Sure, he did have some crazy diet ideas (and those were handled so very well in the story) but at no point did anyone suggest they’d help him “look better” or be his “work out buddy” in order for him to feel good about himself. The message was – you are beautiful As. You. Are.
Isn’t that a freeing thought?! (I fear corporate America will never let us (as a society) truly accept this as a concept – but one can hope!)
There are not enough hearts available to me to tell you how wonderful this book is.
Everyone who has ever thought “I am worthy not enough unless I …” should read this. The message is universal.
My applause to Raine O’Tierney and my appreication for tackling this issue so well.
Crowley just wants to have a nice Christmas with his family. But, after recently coming out to them, he’s told not to come home – no one will be there to pick him up from the airport.
He’s crushed, but he’s got a great friend in the form of his roommate, Tyler Lang. Tyler invites him to share Christmas with his big family upstate and even buys him the train ticket. The problem is the only available seat will actually put Crowley there one entire day before Tyler. No worries, Tyler tells him, just hang with his dumb twin Avrell and try not to be too bored.
Though he’s a little shell-shocked, he makes it to the train station and to Tyler’s hometown of Sutten. He’s a bit dismayed when someone vaguely resembling Tyler comes crashing over the curb – late – ready to pick him up, and sparking his romantic interest.
Crowley “knows” that there’s no way someone as good looking as Averell could be interested in a “fatty” like him, and Tyler never said he was gay so… he just quietly crushes on him… but is amazed by how easy they get along. Crowley’s pretty shy, especially in the face of someone he’s attracted to, but the conversation flows and the two end up having a ball!
Averell (Rell) is “in between jobs”. More or less permanently. He’s never found that “perfect” job and stumbles aimlessly looking for it. He’s currently living at home again and doing chores for room and board. He can’t believe his hipster-snob of a brother actually has a cool friend and he’s psyched to be actually “forced” to room with him while he’s here.
As the story progresses we see Crowley (nicknamed Owl by Rell) falling for Rell and surpisingly, Rell (who identifies as straight) falling too. Tyler tries to keep them separated – knowing how Crowley has been deeply hurt in the past and unwilling to see his “loser” brother “use” Crowley for either experimentation or worse.
But --- the attraction can’t be denied and on Christmas, Owl and Rell exchange a mind-blowing kiss that shakes them both up a bit. When it looks like they might want to do more than kiss, Owl freaks out at being naked and we begin to learn just how deep his body issues go.
Fortunately, Sondra, the boys’ cousin, is there and she has an absolutely amazing idea for helping Owl to love his body – and it works!
Now the only obstacle left to overcome is Rell and his feeling of unworthiness due to his lack of direction. Again – the best ideas come from loving family members and we leave Owl and Rell with a decidedly HFN that will completely have you sobbing tears of joy.
**
There are those of us who will so closely identify with this story, it’s not even funny. The horrible, horrible things society can do to young people – making them hate themselves – is not just for girls anymore.
This story handles the issue with loving care. It’s realistic, touching, sentimental, heart-breaking, tender, sweet… just amazing.
Even if you never had body “issues” you can clearly identify with childhood trauma and the feelings of isolation caused at the hands of a bully. When Crowley shares his experience and how it not only happened to him but was then broadcast on Facebook – I couldn’t help but think – Thank God I was a kid before Facebook! What an evil tool that little social program can be in the wrong hands!
My heart absolutely broke when Owl confessed that his guidance counselor was of no help and he didn’t dare tell his family about the incident because it would “out” him as well as show him as a weakling. So there he was, 15, feeling all alone, and having to face his bullies every day with no sense of power or any ability to feel good about himself. (It makes me tear up just thinking about it!)
I wanted to hug Rell and Sondra. God – what amazing healers these two people were. They were able to reach in a see what needed to be done and were brave enough to do it. (Sure the time frame was a little quick, but I don’t think it was out of the realm of possibility. Let’s face it – the chance for sex is a great motivating factor!)
The other thing that I appreciated from this story was that Owl went through a probably fairly normal “slimming” down as he went through puberty and grew up some. Sure, he did have some crazy diet ideas (and those were handled so very well in the story) but at no point did anyone suggest they’d help him “look better” or be his “work out buddy” in order for him to feel good about himself. The message was – you are beautiful As. You. Are.
Isn’t that a freeing thought?! (I fear corporate America will never let us (as a society) truly accept this as a concept – but one can hope!)
There are not enough hearts available to me to tell you how wonderful this book is.
Everyone who has ever thought “I am worthy not enough unless I …” should read this. The message is universal.
My applause to Raine O’Tierney and my appreication for tackling this issue so well.
October 18, 2016
Me ha costado mucho acabarlo, esperaba más, decepcionante.
December 8, 2016
Firstly, thank you T. I had a eBook exchange at work and this was one of my gifts. The point was to get a book for a person that they would probably never pick up for themselves. This was a good call because I probably would have scrolled right past this one if only because I hate the word hipster. LOL
I am struggling with a rating.
I wasn't far in when I almost put it down as a dnf because of a lot of my pet peeves but I pushed through. It was a gift after all.
And I am glad I did because in the end, even if this book didn't quite work for me, the message of learning to love and accept yourself is a good one. And whether you struggle with loving yourself because you think you're too heavy, or too skinny, too short or tall or not as straight as you'd like to be, a person needs to learn to love themselves, for themselves and not in spite of it.
In the end I found this story kind of charming.
I am struggling with a rating.
I wasn't far in when I almost put it down as a dnf because of a lot of my pet peeves but I pushed through. It was a gift after all.
And I am glad I did because in the end, even if this book didn't quite work for me, the message of learning to love and accept yourself is a good one. And whether you struggle with loving yourself because you think you're too heavy, or too skinny, too short or tall or not as straight as you'd like to be, a person needs to learn to love themselves, for themselves and not in spite of it.
In the end I found this story kind of charming.
October 17, 2016
I LOVE this one!!!
Crowley´s mum told him that he´s not welcome for Xmas in their family house since he´s gay. So he cancel his holidays and back to his apartament. His flatmate Tyler discovers it and decides to invite him at his house.
So that´s is how Crowley ends up in Tylers house, with all his family specially his twin brother Averell that is just the oposite of Tyler hipster attitude.
TONS of sugar and a HEA Xmas story!!
BUT, the ending of the book confused me... I wanted a second book! You must know why if yoy read it!
December 23, 2014
3.5 stars
It was a nice story, overall it felt as if I was reading FOREVER until finally reaching the end. It was still entertaining and I don't know what could have left out, only somehow it went on and on and all was a tad bit too smooth. Nevertheless, I think I'll give Tyler's book a try.
It was a nice story, overall it felt as if I was reading FOREVER until finally reaching the end. It was still entertaining and I don't know what could have left out, only somehow it went on and on and all was a tad bit too smooth. Nevertheless, I think I'll give Tyler's book a try.
April 16, 2024
Happy tears! Speaking ones truth into a...the lovers skin. That right there, brought me to tears. Then, "You make me want to put on a tie!" Lord, I'm done! Put me out to pasture.
My first foray into Raine O'Tierney world. Ended up being a good start to my week. Hope to keep this high going.
My first foray into Raine O'Tierney world. Ended up being a good start to my week. Hope to keep this high going.
December 17, 2014
3.5 stars
I was a bit worried about reading this - after coming off a sterek binge, I was nervous about what to choose as I have difficulty getting my head back into reading normal (real?) books, especially normal length stuff. I felt the need for some Christmassy cheering up though - and this definitely did the trick!
Lots of things I loved about this, including or maybe most of all Rell. He was such a sweetheart. I kind of thought I would end up loving Crowley (what's with that name?) but although I liked him and sympathised with him, it was Rell who won me over the most, especially the way he was with Crowley - and his nickname for him grew on me. Rell & Tyler's family and the whole Christmas set-up was cool too. They sound like my family at Christmas - lots of noise and arguing, but in a 'loving' way! :)
These guys were so unbelievably geeky at times, in a good way - I mean I don't THINK it will put you off if you aren't as into that kind of thing, as the amount of detail isn't too over the top, but there are quite a few gaming references and stuff - but yeah, as I said in my status update while I was reading this, at one point when Rell & Crowley first meet and are chatting in Rell's room, my inner geek was squeeing so loud and I was grinning like a loon. They were really good together and they both kind of brought out better things in the other through the course of the story - although I would have liked to know a bit more at the end about what Crowley was going to do.
I have to just mention a couple of niggles I had...Although this is supposed to be gay for you (and seriously I frickin LOVE GFY, its my all time favourite trope), I felt like that part of the story maybe wasn't developed enough. I understand that Rell is supposed to be this laid back guy who wasn't really phased by the fact he found himself feeling like this over a guy for the first time, and it wasn't so much that, as I can get that maybe it's not that big a deal for him to think he's bisexual with the way his character was portrayed...but I normally like to read a bit more about what the character is thinking (even if it's just that he's cool with it, I felt like there should have been at least a little bit more self-analysing about this), you know? - that's part of what makes GFY good for me - and I didn't feel I quite got that. Rell didn't really think about it much at all - there were just a couple of things he thought and said, and that was it, done...maybe that was just supposed to be his character, jumping into things without too much thought?
But leading on from that, when they first have sex it kinda seemed a bit too soon and rushed? And Rell was completely ok with everything, again without any thought/hesitation... on the one hand that's kind of cool that he had no hang-ups over "doing it with a dude" :P, but on the other I felt it wasn't really realistic...although this is Christmas fiction, so what am I saying?! lol ...Talking about the sex scenes though, something just didn't quite work for me with them. It's hard to explain, I dunno, I can't pinpoint why really - they just didn't do it for me how they should have done!
Not to end on a downer, I loved the little flashback glimpse of Tyler & David at the end too - Tyler is a bit of a snob but it was funny how oblivious he was and then shell-shocked when he realised what was going on - I can't wait to see if we get any more on that in a sequel I hear the author is working on :) Overall a funny and sweet Christmas read - I'm glad I read it.
I was a bit worried about reading this - after coming off a sterek binge, I was nervous about what to choose as I have difficulty getting my head back into reading normal (real?) books, especially normal length stuff. I felt the need for some Christmassy cheering up though - and this definitely did the trick!
Lots of things I loved about this, including or maybe most of all Rell. He was such a sweetheart. I kind of thought I would end up loving Crowley (what's with that name?) but although I liked him and sympathised with him, it was Rell who won me over the most, especially the way he was with Crowley - and his nickname for him grew on me. Rell & Tyler's family and the whole Christmas set-up was cool too. They sound like my family at Christmas - lots of noise and arguing, but in a 'loving' way! :)
These guys were so unbelievably geeky at times, in a good way - I mean I don't THINK it will put you off if you aren't as into that kind of thing, as the amount of detail isn't too over the top, but there are quite a few gaming references and stuff - but yeah, as I said in my status update while I was reading this, at one point when Rell & Crowley first meet and are chatting in Rell's room, my inner geek was squeeing so loud and I was grinning like a loon. They were really good together and they both kind of brought out better things in the other through the course of the story - although I would have liked to know a bit more at the end about what Crowley was going to do.
I have to just mention a couple of niggles I had...Although this is supposed to be gay for you (and seriously I frickin LOVE GFY, its my all time favourite trope), I felt like that part of the story maybe wasn't developed enough. I understand that Rell is supposed to be this laid back guy who wasn't really phased by the fact he found himself feeling like this over a guy for the first time, and it wasn't so much that, as I can get that maybe it's not that big a deal for him to think he's bisexual with the way his character was portrayed...but I normally like to read a bit more about what the character is thinking (even if it's just that he's cool with it, I felt like there should have been at least a little bit more self-analysing about this), you know? - that's part of what makes GFY good for me - and I didn't feel I quite got that. Rell didn't really think about it much at all - there were just a couple of things he thought and said, and that was it, done...maybe that was just supposed to be his character, jumping into things without too much thought?
But leading on from that, when they first have sex it kinda seemed a bit too soon and rushed? And Rell was completely ok with everything, again without any thought/hesitation... on the one hand that's kind of cool that he had no hang-ups over "doing it with a dude" :P, but on the other I felt it wasn't really realistic...although this is Christmas fiction, so what am I saying?! lol ...Talking about the sex scenes though, something just didn't quite work for me with them. It's hard to explain, I dunno, I can't pinpoint why really - they just didn't do it for me how they should have done!
Not to end on a downer, I loved the little flashback glimpse of Tyler & David at the end too - Tyler is a bit of a snob but it was funny how oblivious he was and then shell-shocked when he realised what was going on - I can't wait to see if we get any more on that in a sequel I hear the author is working on :) Overall a funny and sweet Christmas read - I'm glad I read it.
January 1, 2015
What a brilliant Christmas story about learning to love oneself, even if it does require something of a kickstart from somebody else first.
Crowley has such low self esteem - about his weight, and undoubtedly expounded by his mother's...grr. Dislike. But anyway, it's safe to say he isn't expecting 'love' to blossom in the way that it does.
Averell is Crowley's roommate's twin, and he's awesome. That's all you need to know. He's not a slacker, he's a dude with a cool attitude, taking life just as it comes.
This best have a sequel, Raine, or I might just have to write one myself!
Amazing story, lots of sweet, gorgeous Raine O'Tierney loveliness, with a few tearful moments. Recommended Christmas reading, but will lighten the darkest day all year round!
Crowley has such low self esteem - about his weight, and undoubtedly expounded by his mother's...grr. Dislike. But anyway, it's safe to say he isn't expecting 'love' to blossom in the way that it does.
Averell is Crowley's roommate's twin, and he's awesome. That's all you need to know. He's not a slacker, he's a dude with a cool attitude, taking life just as it comes.
This best have a sequel, Raine, or I might just have to write one myself!
Amazing story, lots of sweet, gorgeous Raine O'Tierney loveliness, with a few tearful moments. Recommended Christmas reading, but will lighten the darkest day all year round!
January 21, 2018
Owl and Rell make a great couple and this is a really charming romance with holiday fun thrown in.
Rell finds himself really attracted to a man in an intense way for the first time. Its his twin's best friend. Rell appears to be a bit of slacker and hasn't really found his way.
Owl is a plain Joe not super built hero. I love it. He is amazing and beautiful in every other way and Rell sees it and falls in love.
This is a New Adult romance as these two heroes find their way in young adulthood. Such good writing and great details. .
Rell finds himself really attracted to a man in an intense way for the first time. Its his twin's best friend. Rell appears to be a bit of slacker and hasn't really found his way.
Owl is a plain Joe not super built hero. I love it. He is amazing and beautiful in every other way and Rell sees it and falls in love.
This is a New Adult romance as these two heroes find their way in young adulthood. Such good writing and great details. .
February 23, 2022
That was sweet and funny and wonderful. And Crowley's roommate Tyler is a pretentious douche-canoe who's pretty mean to his brother, even if he's looking out for his roommate in general. I want to see him fall in love with a dude-bro, even if I'm more than just a little skeptical. Crowley and Averell? The two of them are lovely. Might wait until December to dive into Tyler's story.
February 2, 2016
3.5 stars This book is a solid 3.5 stars, and I do actually think the audio version is what made me round up to 4 stars. The narrator, Seth Clayton, has a pleasant voice and the pacing is good, but it's the little things that make it special. I liked how he sang the hipster mistletoe song and the inflection he put on surprise or excitement (with the exception of one sex groan that was maybe a bit too exuberant).
The three main characters (I'm including the twin aka BFF, Tyler) didn't have vastly different voices but possibly due to good dialogue writing, I never had trouble figuring out who was talking. and the women sounded like normal human beings instead of high-pitched flakey flakes. The one thing I will say (and this isn't necessarily the narrator, perhaps editing?) is that there wasn't enough of a pause between scene changes within a chapter, and sometimes it took me a second to realize we were on to something new.
In general the story was sweet and fun. I'm hesitant sometimes when I read a blurb where one MC is overweight because if it is mentioned then it is often a huge focus, and sometimes done to death. But it was handled well here. This story dealt with some of the insecurity and self-hatred that Crowly was dealing with due to previous bullying, but wasn't overly angsty or dramatic. His turn around may have been a little sudden for some, but for a guy who's never been kissed I think the attentions of an attractive young man can do wonders. It's a self esteem issue and having not only Averell, but also cousin Sondra, presenting positive body affirmations and encouragement was a realistic catalyst for change.
I'll admit, I'm guilty of waiting on the edge of my seat for the tears and fighting and angst that comes from a turn in the story. But right when that could have happened, Crowly made a point of thinking, "I'm not gonna do that." Both he and Averell handled things like adults and decided they needed to take charge of their own lives and making things the way they wanted them to be. They may have been each others catalyst to effect change, but they made the changes themselves.
I liked their chemistry a lot, but I will say the 2 sex scenes left a lot to be desired. No tension build up, things happened pretty fast and were over just as quickly. There was barely even any prep the second time and if I remember correctly, no condom, even though they made a point of it before and 4 days is not long enough for Averell to have been tested. But I digress.
I'm definitely interested in reading (and listening) to Tyler's story. It was funny to hear the twins rag on each other and I enjoyed when Averell would make fun of Tyler and his hipster ways. It'll be interesting to see him humbled a little in book 2, and I would love the see the twins start to mend their relationship.
Received audio from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
The three main characters (I'm including the twin aka BFF, Tyler) didn't have vastly different voices but possibly due to good dialogue writing, I never had trouble figuring out who was talking. and the women sounded like normal human beings instead of high-pitched flakey flakes. The one thing I will say (and this isn't necessarily the narrator, perhaps editing?) is that there wasn't enough of a pause between scene changes within a chapter, and sometimes it took me a second to realize we were on to something new.
In general the story was sweet and fun. I'm hesitant sometimes when I read a blurb where one MC is overweight because if it is mentioned then it is often a huge focus, and sometimes done to death. But it was handled well here. This story dealt with some of the insecurity and self-hatred that Crowly was dealing with due to previous bullying, but wasn't overly angsty or dramatic. His turn around may have been a little sudden for some, but for a guy who's never been kissed I think the attentions of an attractive young man can do wonders. It's a self esteem issue and having not only Averell, but also cousin Sondra, presenting positive body affirmations and encouragement was a realistic catalyst for change.
I'll admit, I'm guilty of waiting on the edge of my seat for the tears and fighting and angst that comes from a turn in the story. But right when that could have happened, Crowly made a point of thinking, "I'm not gonna do that." Both he and Averell handled things like adults and decided they needed to take charge of their own lives and making things the way they wanted them to be. They may have been each others catalyst to effect change, but they made the changes themselves.
I liked their chemistry a lot, but I will say the 2 sex scenes left a lot to be desired. No tension build up, things happened pretty fast and were over just as quickly. There was barely even any prep the second time and if I remember correctly, no condom, even though they made a point of it before and 4 days is not long enough for Averell to have been tested. But I digress.
I'm definitely interested in reading (and listening) to Tyler's story. It was funny to hear the twins rag on each other and I enjoyed when Averell would make fun of Tyler and his hipster ways. It'll be interesting to see him humbled a little in book 2, and I would love the see the twins start to mend their relationship.
Received audio from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
December 20, 2016
While this ended up being a super cute, very warm Christmas story, it definitely didn’t start well for Crowley, who is told by his mother that he shouldn’t bother coming home for Christmas since nobody is going to pick him up from the airport. I wanted to smack her! And the second main character, Averell (Rell for short), wasn’t very impressed with what he expected to happen. But then, I wasn’t very impressed with his initial attitude, so it went both ways. Luckily, he redeems himself, and the story ended up being a little geeky (which I totally adored), a lot warm, as Crowley and Rell began to understand what was happening between, and very, very happy—a perfect balance as far as I am concerned.
Crowley has a lot of issues. Lack of self-esteem due to still carrying around “an extra layer” after being really overweight is one of them. His geekiness and lack of ability to connect to people is another. His awful mother is a third, but he doesn’t find out the real extent of that until just before Christmas. Thank God his roommate and best friend Tyler has a solution, and drags him to New York to spend Christmas with his family. Crowley, while dreading the experience of meeting total strangers under these circumstances, still does as Tyler tells him for lack of a better solution, and he is in for a surprise. Luckily, it turns out to be a good one, but not before quite a few obstacles keep popping up to make things difficult for him. He has a lot to learn, and one of the most difficult for him is self-acceptance.
Rell may be Tyler’s twin, but he is so different, they might as well be from different families. He is a bit of an adventurer, and very impulsive, and has no idea what he wants to do with his life. The scenes between him and his mother as she tries to make him do extra work to “earn his keep” were hilarious. When Rell is made to accept Crowley staying in his room (everyone else’s has already been taken), then told to pick him up from the train station, Rell has already decided he hates the guy. That changes quite quickly though, as they bond over a taste for eclectic music and gaming. Rell has no idea what to do, since he has never been attracted to a man before. But there is just something about Crowley…
If you like gay-for-you stories with two initially reluctant partners, if you enjoy a bit of humor and lots of snark in your romance, and if you’re looking for a read about a man who learns to accept himself while helping his partner find out what makes life worth living, then you will probably like this novel. I loved the writing, the message, and even the angsty moments the author made me suffer through before the happy ending were great.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Crowley has a lot of issues. Lack of self-esteem due to still carrying around “an extra layer” after being really overweight is one of them. His geekiness and lack of ability to connect to people is another. His awful mother is a third, but he doesn’t find out the real extent of that until just before Christmas. Thank God his roommate and best friend Tyler has a solution, and drags him to New York to spend Christmas with his family. Crowley, while dreading the experience of meeting total strangers under these circumstances, still does as Tyler tells him for lack of a better solution, and he is in for a surprise. Luckily, it turns out to be a good one, but not before quite a few obstacles keep popping up to make things difficult for him. He has a lot to learn, and one of the most difficult for him is self-acceptance.
Rell may be Tyler’s twin, but he is so different, they might as well be from different families. He is a bit of an adventurer, and very impulsive, and has no idea what he wants to do with his life. The scenes between him and his mother as she tries to make him do extra work to “earn his keep” were hilarious. When Rell is made to accept Crowley staying in his room (everyone else’s has already been taken), then told to pick him up from the train station, Rell has already decided he hates the guy. That changes quite quickly though, as they bond over a taste for eclectic music and gaming. Rell has no idea what to do, since he has never been attracted to a man before. But there is just something about Crowley…
If you like gay-for-you stories with two initially reluctant partners, if you enjoy a bit of humor and lots of snark in your romance, and if you’re looking for a read about a man who learns to accept himself while helping his partner find out what makes life worth living, then you will probably like this novel. I loved the writing, the message, and even the angsty moments the author made me suffer through before the happy ending were great.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
December 28, 2015
Der Musikstudent Crowley Fredericks hat sein Leben lang unter seinem Gewicht gelitten und schon viel durchgemacht. Inzwischen hat er abgenommen, doch sein Selbstbewusstsein hält sich in Grenzen. Scheu und unsicher ist er im Umgang mit seinen Mitmenschen und schlechte Erfahrungen sind es auch, die ihn vor Nähe zurückschrecken lassen. Crowley steht auf Männer, hatte jedoch noch nie einen Freund und nun bricht auch noch seine Mutter mit ihm, weil sie mit seiner Homosexualität nicht klar kommt. Ausgerechnet zu Weihnachten sitzt er nun in seiner kleinen Wohnung, die er sich mit Tyler teilt. Der ist sein bester Freund und Mitbewohner. Tyler organisiert ein Ticket für Crowley und nimmt ihn einfach mit zu seiner Familie.
Tylers Familie überwältigt und erstaunt Crowley. Sie nehmen ihn freundlich auf und vor allem Tylers Zwilling, Averell, verbringt viel Zeit mit Crowley. Während Tyler fleissig studiert, lebt Averell in den Tag hinein. Jobs kommen und gehen, nichts ist von Dauer. Er hat kein Ziel und keine Erwartungen. Dies macht vor allem Tyler völlig wahnsinnig, während die Mutter der Zwillinge diesem Umstand gelassener hinnimmt. Averell fühlt sich zu Crowley hingezogen, auch wenn er eigentlich nie homoerotische Tendenzen gezeigt hat. Jedoch fühlt er sich davon nicht überwältigt oder reagiert ängstlich auf diese Gefühle. Crowley macht es ihm aber auch leicht und die Zuneigung ist gegenseitig. Jedoch bleibt Owl – wie Rell ihn nennt – vorsichtig und scheu.
Die Liebesgeschichte von Rell und Owl lässt sich Zeit. Behutsam führt die Autorin die Protagonisten zueinander hin und sie gibt ihnen viel Zeit um sich kennenzulernen. Das ist eine Stärke, aber auch eine Schwäche. Phasenweise zieht sich das Buch nämlich. Allerdings ist die Geschichte bezaubernd und herzerwärmend. Beide Akteure sind sehr, sehr liebenswürdig. Auch Tyler ist ein toller Nebenakteur, der sehr interessant geschrieben ist. Seine Sicht der Dinge ist wirklich interessant zu lesen und schon alleine seine Sorge um den besten Freund lässt ihn noch sympathischer erscheinen.
Rell, wie auch Owl machen in den wenigen Tagen eine Entwicklung durch, die durchaus gefällig ist. Sie sind beide nicht perfekt. Manchmal ein wenig sprunghaft, oder auch zu unsicher. Doch während der ganzen Geschichte gab es keinen Moment, der mich an ihnen hat zweifeln lassen. Oder in dem sie mir auf die Nerven gegangen wären. Eine wirklich wunderschöne Geschichte, die halt nicht ganz perfekt war. Doch es lohnt sich dran zu bleiben.
Tylers Familie überwältigt und erstaunt Crowley. Sie nehmen ihn freundlich auf und vor allem Tylers Zwilling, Averell, verbringt viel Zeit mit Crowley. Während Tyler fleissig studiert, lebt Averell in den Tag hinein. Jobs kommen und gehen, nichts ist von Dauer. Er hat kein Ziel und keine Erwartungen. Dies macht vor allem Tyler völlig wahnsinnig, während die Mutter der Zwillinge diesem Umstand gelassener hinnimmt. Averell fühlt sich zu Crowley hingezogen, auch wenn er eigentlich nie homoerotische Tendenzen gezeigt hat. Jedoch fühlt er sich davon nicht überwältigt oder reagiert ängstlich auf diese Gefühle. Crowley macht es ihm aber auch leicht und die Zuneigung ist gegenseitig. Jedoch bleibt Owl – wie Rell ihn nennt – vorsichtig und scheu.
Die Liebesgeschichte von Rell und Owl lässt sich Zeit. Behutsam führt die Autorin die Protagonisten zueinander hin und sie gibt ihnen viel Zeit um sich kennenzulernen. Das ist eine Stärke, aber auch eine Schwäche. Phasenweise zieht sich das Buch nämlich. Allerdings ist die Geschichte bezaubernd und herzerwärmend. Beide Akteure sind sehr, sehr liebenswürdig. Auch Tyler ist ein toller Nebenakteur, der sehr interessant geschrieben ist. Seine Sicht der Dinge ist wirklich interessant zu lesen und schon alleine seine Sorge um den besten Freund lässt ihn noch sympathischer erscheinen.
Rell, wie auch Owl machen in den wenigen Tagen eine Entwicklung durch, die durchaus gefällig ist. Sie sind beide nicht perfekt. Manchmal ein wenig sprunghaft, oder auch zu unsicher. Doch während der ganzen Geschichte gab es keinen Moment, der mich an ihnen hat zweifeln lassen. Oder in dem sie mir auf die Nerven gegangen wären. Eine wirklich wunderschöne Geschichte, die halt nicht ganz perfekt war. Doch es lohnt sich dran zu bleiben.
March 22, 2017
After reading O'Tierney's Most Beautiful Words, I knew I had to see what else she'd written. Her work is just so hopeful, so sweet and optimistic, and it's just what I need right about now.
Bowl Full of Cherries is pure happiness. It's a quick read but does not lack in heart. Crowley, a music student, is shunned by his homophobic mother right before the holidays, so his best friend and roommate Tyler invites him over to their big Lang family Christmas. Tyler's twin brother, Averell, picks Crowley up for the long trip on a snowy afternoon, and the two hit it off right away, sharing a love for the Rain Queen video and card game and holiday trips to Toys R' Us. But Crowley's insecurity about his weight have kept him from entering a relationship, Rell has only dated women until he met Crowley, and to top it all off, Tyler is not happy about his slacker brother's interest in his talented best friend.
The stakes are set at a perfect level in this fun, festive holiday story. We sympathize completely with Crowley's weight issues and Rell's young adult existential crisis, and we just want to see them happy together. The Lang family is an absolute joy to read, from the probably-lesbian aunts and bickering older "mommy" sisters to the mom who bakes a "reserve" pie and the free-wheeling cousin who takes nude photos. They feel so wonderfully real and cozy and sweet. This is the ideal book to curl up with on a snowy day with a cup of hot cocoa.
I almost gave this one four stars because I do feel O'Tierney is still finding that line between good drama and melodrama. I felt like she nailed it with Most Beautiful Words, but there were a few moments in this one where I skimmed over the tears a bit. I also don't think she's that great with love scenes, but to be honest, you feel the crackle of romance and sexual tension between these characters even when there's no sex at all.
I pretty much bought the rest of O'Tierney's books, and I can't wait to devour them over this holiday season!
Bowl Full of Cherries is pure happiness. It's a quick read but does not lack in heart. Crowley, a music student, is shunned by his homophobic mother right before the holidays, so his best friend and roommate Tyler invites him over to their big Lang family Christmas. Tyler's twin brother, Averell, picks Crowley up for the long trip on a snowy afternoon, and the two hit it off right away, sharing a love for the Rain Queen video and card game and holiday trips to Toys R' Us. But Crowley's insecurity about his weight have kept him from entering a relationship, Rell has only dated women until he met Crowley, and to top it all off, Tyler is not happy about his slacker brother's interest in his talented best friend.
The stakes are set at a perfect level in this fun, festive holiday story. We sympathize completely with Crowley's weight issues and Rell's young adult existential crisis, and we just want to see them happy together. The Lang family is an absolute joy to read, from the probably-lesbian aunts and bickering older "mommy" sisters to the mom who bakes a "reserve" pie and the free-wheeling cousin who takes nude photos. They feel so wonderfully real and cozy and sweet. This is the ideal book to curl up with on a snowy day with a cup of hot cocoa.
I almost gave this one four stars because I do feel O'Tierney is still finding that line between good drama and melodrama. I felt like she nailed it with Most Beautiful Words, but there were a few moments in this one where I skimmed over the tears a bit. I also don't think she's that great with love scenes, but to be honest, you feel the crackle of romance and sexual tension between these characters even when there's no sex at all.
I pretty much bought the rest of O'Tierney's books, and I can't wait to devour them over this holiday season!
December 11, 2014
Wow! This book was amazing! Ms. O’Tierney managed to fully invest me in Crowley’s plight by halfway through the first chapter. I felt so sorry for Averell as well. It just seems like everyone in both of their lives discounted, wrote off or just plain didn’t care about either of them. There are so many relatable elements in this story that I think everyone can find something that applies to them on one level or another.
This book is about acceptance, accepting one’s self and not trying to conform to the wants and expectations of others. Both of these men have been burying their true selves for so long, but they recognize a kindred spirit and cling to one another. It was so wonderful to watch them bond and encourage each other to pursue their dreams.
I was so invested in this book I did not realize it was almost over until it was. But there was a little tidbit at the end that has me just begging for the next book. I had a love/hate relationship with Tyler the whole book and I have a feeling the next book in the series will explain why he acts the way he does. I am very much anticipating the next book in this series so I hope it comes LONG before next Christmas!
This book is about acceptance, accepting one’s self and not trying to conform to the wants and expectations of others. Both of these men have been burying their true selves for so long, but they recognize a kindred spirit and cling to one another. It was so wonderful to watch them bond and encourage each other to pursue their dreams.
I was so invested in this book I did not realize it was almost over until it was. But there was a little tidbit at the end that has me just begging for the next book. I had a love/hate relationship with Tyler the whole book and I have a feeling the next book in the series will explain why he acts the way he does. I am very much anticipating the next book in this series so I hope it comes LONG before next Christmas!
March 26, 2015
Original review on Molly Lolly
Five stars!
Oh my gosh y’all. This book is amazing. Crowley is such an amazing man. His heart is so big and he is just beautiful inside and out. The scene where he first meets Averell is adorable. We all get that fluttery nervous feeling when we meet someone that we feel that instant attraction to. I thought it was unfair that Rell was called lazy and unmotivated by his family the whole time. I didn’t see him that way. I just thought he hadn’t found his passion yet. The line where Rell tells Crowley how gorgeous he is. I teared up big time because it was so beautiful. Rell’s nickname for Crowley, Owl and Owley, yup, adorable. The epilogue with David and Tyler was SO FUNNY! I have to have their story. I can’t wait to read that one next year.
Five stars!
Oh my gosh y’all. This book is amazing. Crowley is such an amazing man. His heart is so big and he is just beautiful inside and out. The scene where he first meets Averell is adorable. We all get that fluttery nervous feeling when we meet someone that we feel that instant attraction to. I thought it was unfair that Rell was called lazy and unmotivated by his family the whole time. I didn’t see him that way. I just thought he hadn’t found his passion yet. The line where Rell tells Crowley how gorgeous he is. I teared up big time because it was so beautiful. Rell’s nickname for Crowley, Owl and Owley, yup, adorable. The epilogue with David and Tyler was SO FUNNY! I have to have their story. I can’t wait to read that one next year.
November 16, 2015
This book is full of adorable young men. Rell is floating through life not able to stay in a relationship or keep a job and then Crowley walks into his life. Crowley is sweet, shy, funny, and has some serious body issues (and his not so lovely mother has told him that he can't come home for Christmas because he is gay). Rell doesn't necessary understand it, but he is fascinated by and very attracted to Crowley. Rell has never been attracted to a man before, but he wants to know where this will go. Crowley with his body issues is struggling to believe that Rell is really attracted to him. Amongst the sweetness to this book there is a couple of real-life issues that are handled in realistic and gentle ways.
July 2, 2016
Oh my oh my! I love Raine O'Tierney's sense of humour and obviously, writing style. The banter between the characters were just hilarious!
So why is it missing a star? Because I feel there were some unanswered questions. It didn't tie things up as nicely as I expected. Plus, I think there were some punctuation misses as I had to read a couple of lines multiple times to get it.
But overall? I loved it! I love flighty Rell. He was adorable and so, so honest with his feelings. There wasn't any unnecessary drama. And the Lang family was awesome!
So why is it missing a star? Because I feel there were some unanswered questions. It didn't tie things up as nicely as I expected. Plus, I think there were some punctuation misses as I had to read a couple of lines multiple times to get it.
But overall? I loved it! I love flighty Rell. He was adorable and so, so honest with his feelings. There wasn't any unnecessary drama. And the Lang family was awesome!
March 15, 2018
'Gay for you' is a trope I have issues with, and I wouldn't have read this if I'd realized it involved it (that's on me! I should've done more than skim the blurb). That said, I appreciated that it wasn't a source of angst for Rell to suddenly be into a dude; he had issues, but that wasn't one of them. All in all, a quick read, fairly lighthearted even with some heavy issues in there (side-eyeing the super short time span for resolving some of the pretty heavy issues though) and charming enough to keep me entertained for a couple afternoons.
July 9, 2016
I'm so waiting for Tyler and David's story. :3 Dear Author, please don't make me wait till next Christmas! Oh and I would definitely buy an audio book... maybe narrated by Michael Lesley? :3 I'm shelving it as DIK.
July 25, 2016
Really sweet story with some sexy times but not over the top.
Poor Crowley "Owl" gets dumped by his mom right before Christmas when he comes out to her. His room mate decides to take him to his home for the holidays. This is where he meets Averell "Rell", his room mates's twin.
Rell's easy-go-lucky temperament is perfect to balance out Owl's low self-confidence and his issues with food.
Poor Crowley "Owl" gets dumped by his mom right before Christmas when he comes out to her. His room mate decides to take him to his home for the holidays. This is where he meets Averell "Rell", his room mates's twin.
Rell's easy-go-lucky temperament is perfect to balance out Owl's low self-confidence and his issues with food.
February 7, 2016
I quite enjoyed this one. Nice change from the perfect body specimens we typically get in MM, and I laughed quite often, so this one was a winner for me after the holiday season. Narrator did an excellent job with emoting, and his timing was great for catching the humorous moments.
August 21, 2016
This is the second of Ms. O’Tierney’s books I’ve reviewed. I chose this because I love her style and figured I would enjoy it. I honestly didn’t think she’d be able to top the last one I read, but I was mistaken. This is definitely one of the best books I’ve read. I spent the whole book alternating between laughing and tearing up.
I have nothing negative to say about the book, and I fear my review simply won’t do it justice. The writing is fantastic–polished and well-crafted as well as technically excellent. The story flows smoothly and takes just the right pace.
Now for all the things I adored. I was in love with these characters from the first page. Crowley is so utterly relatable. From his self-consciousness to the little things he does, we get a picture of what young adulthood is like in the wake of childhood bullying. I was not personally triggered by anything, but some elements of Crowley’s feelings and behaviors might affect other readers more deeply with regard to his experiences of fat-shaming and the way he treats himself as a result.
I loved Rell, too, and his sharp assessments of his family. He struck me as a people-watcher, a keen observer of everyone and everything. His relationship with his siblings felt realistic to me, and I thought it was interesting that he and Tyler were often at odds with each other. He comments that Tyler must be more than his stereotype, but Rell doesn’t care to dig deeper. Yet somehow, we’re left with the hope that he eventually will. He also isn’t unaware of his own troubles, and he goes from dismissing them to accepting his need for change.
That was another thing I liked–the relationship between Crowley and Rell is never about “saving” each other. Rell never perceives himself as the one who will fix all Crowley’s self-hatred, and Crowley never sees himself as the one to rescue Rell from his bad habits. Yet through loving each other, they’re both able to see themselves as worthy of becoming who they were meant to be.
As far as their relationship, I want to offer a heart-felt thank you to Ms. O’Tierney for not shying away from writing genuinely bisexual characters. Crowley refers once to Rell as possibly bi, though Rell never specifically identifies that way. I imagine that’s because being in love with another man is new for him, and he hasn’t processed it in any other way than “I love this person.” I appreciate how he doesn’t ever suggest his relationships with women were meaningless, and he isn’t suddenly gay. Tyler suggests he’s playing “gay for you” with Crowley, and I love that he went there because it’s a common trope. However, that’s clearly not what Rell is doing or feeling, and I expect Tyler’s not ready to confront his own sexuality and is taking it out on his twin. There are hints about it all through the book, so I don’t think I’m off-base saying that, and the end is left open for more exploration of Tyler’s experiences.
I have to confess, I was surprised by the overt sensuality. I think that’s because the last book I read by Ms. O’Tierney was YA, so I suppose I was expecting more “fade to black.” That’s not a bad thing, just an observation. The sex fit well into the story and didn’t seem gratuitous to me. It was the right kind of steamy without being too much.
Finally, what I love most about this book is that although at its core it’s a sweet romance between two young men, there is a realness to it that reflects things so many of us have thought or felt. It’s as though Ms. O’Tierney has offered us a mirror, holding it up and saying, “Look without shame at how beautiful you are, even with all your perceived flaws.”
I wish I could give this more than five stars, but I’m limited, so it gets all 5 from me along with a promise to tell as many people as I can about this book.
I have nothing negative to say about the book, and I fear my review simply won’t do it justice. The writing is fantastic–polished and well-crafted as well as technically excellent. The story flows smoothly and takes just the right pace.
Now for all the things I adored. I was in love with these characters from the first page. Crowley is so utterly relatable. From his self-consciousness to the little things he does, we get a picture of what young adulthood is like in the wake of childhood bullying. I was not personally triggered by anything, but some elements of Crowley’s feelings and behaviors might affect other readers more deeply with regard to his experiences of fat-shaming and the way he treats himself as a result.
I loved Rell, too, and his sharp assessments of his family. He struck me as a people-watcher, a keen observer of everyone and everything. His relationship with his siblings felt realistic to me, and I thought it was interesting that he and Tyler were often at odds with each other. He comments that Tyler must be more than his stereotype, but Rell doesn’t care to dig deeper. Yet somehow, we’re left with the hope that he eventually will. He also isn’t unaware of his own troubles, and he goes from dismissing them to accepting his need for change.
That was another thing I liked–the relationship between Crowley and Rell is never about “saving” each other. Rell never perceives himself as the one who will fix all Crowley’s self-hatred, and Crowley never sees himself as the one to rescue Rell from his bad habits. Yet through loving each other, they’re both able to see themselves as worthy of becoming who they were meant to be.
As far as their relationship, I want to offer a heart-felt thank you to Ms. O’Tierney for not shying away from writing genuinely bisexual characters. Crowley refers once to Rell as possibly bi, though Rell never specifically identifies that way. I imagine that’s because being in love with another man is new for him, and he hasn’t processed it in any other way than “I love this person.” I appreciate how he doesn’t ever suggest his relationships with women were meaningless, and he isn’t suddenly gay. Tyler suggests he’s playing “gay for you” with Crowley, and I love that he went there because it’s a common trope. However, that’s clearly not what Rell is doing or feeling, and I expect Tyler’s not ready to confront his own sexuality and is taking it out on his twin. There are hints about it all through the book, so I don’t think I’m off-base saying that, and the end is left open for more exploration of Tyler’s experiences.
I have to confess, I was surprised by the overt sensuality. I think that’s because the last book I read by Ms. O’Tierney was YA, so I suppose I was expecting more “fade to black.” That’s not a bad thing, just an observation. The sex fit well into the story and didn’t seem gratuitous to me. It was the right kind of steamy without being too much.
Finally, what I love most about this book is that although at its core it’s a sweet romance between two young men, there is a realness to it that reflects things so many of us have thought or felt. It’s as though Ms. O’Tierney has offered us a mirror, holding it up and saying, “Look without shame at how beautiful you are, even with all your perceived flaws.”
I wish I could give this more than five stars, but I’m limited, so it gets all 5 from me along with a promise to tell as many people as I can about this book.
May 4, 2016
Crowley, tired of lying and probably just plain tired, came out to his family at Thanksgiving. It did not go well. Still, he wasn’t expecting to get a call as he pulled up to the airport saying that he shouldn’t bother coming home since no one was going to pick him up when he landed. His roommate, though, seeing that he was going to be all alone at Christmas ‘asks’ him to come home with him. When the other option is staying in their apartment and cleaning mysterious liquids out of the sink…yeah, Crowley decides maybe a trip to the Lang household may not be so bad.
When he arrives, and finds his roommate’s twin, Averell, is picking him up he doesn’t know what to do. Because Rel is hot. Like hot hot. And Crowley is not. But Rel is also geeky and fun…and they click. Oddly enough. But Crowley can’t see what Rel (who’s straight anyways) could possibly see in a chubby violin player with no real social skills, no matter what Rel says.
First off, this was too damn cute. It just was. I honestly didn’t know what to think when I started reading this (was afraid it was going to be nothing but one 200 page angsty pity party) but it was nothing like that. Yeah, Crowley has issues (ones that I am more than familiar with) but it doesn’t make the story sad…just makes it more real. And like I said, I have dealt a lot with all the shit Crowley is dealing with in this book, so yeah, I get it. Maybe that is why I like it so much; that connection between me and Owl (as Rel calls Crowley) was already there from the beginning. I didn’t have to fight for it like I do in some books.
Secondly…no matter how hard I try I can not think Crowley and then not have visions of Mark Sheppard dancing around in my head (this is not actually a bad thing, but gay romcom and demon lord of hell is one hell of a mashup to have going inside my mind). This is probably why I liked Rel’s nicknames for Crowley so much. Owl, or Owly, fit a lot better with this story than a (admittedly hot) demon from a tv show.
Thirdly, I liked how the whole weight issue was handled here. Not trivialized, but also not made a thing. And the way that Rel’s cousin goes about showing Owl just beautiful he can be…yeah, that was cool. Not something I would do in a million years, but cool nonetheless.
Lastly, the romance here was very sweet. Rel might be straight(ish) but I love how he saw Owl, saw something he wanted and could love, and didn’t have a complete and total breakdown. Owl had the ‘breakdown’ part of this book covered, so Rel was both a calming influence and someone who pushed Owl into all the fun situations he would never dare to on his own.
(Rel’s brother, and Owl’s roommate, was a bit of a pretentious dick, though. A loving one, but still a dick.)
4.5 stars
(Note: This is the review minus all the christmas squeeing. If you want to see me in all my sugar-high glory, you really oughta check out the review on the blog. It just seemed like an unneeded extra to the review here on GR.)
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
When he arrives, and finds his roommate’s twin, Averell, is picking him up he doesn’t know what to do. Because Rel is hot. Like hot hot. And Crowley is not. But Rel is also geeky and fun…and they click. Oddly enough. But Crowley can’t see what Rel (who’s straight anyways) could possibly see in a chubby violin player with no real social skills, no matter what Rel says.
First off, this was too damn cute. It just was. I honestly didn’t know what to think when I started reading this (was afraid it was going to be nothing but one 200 page angsty pity party) but it was nothing like that. Yeah, Crowley has issues (ones that I am more than familiar with) but it doesn’t make the story sad…just makes it more real. And like I said, I have dealt a lot with all the shit Crowley is dealing with in this book, so yeah, I get it. Maybe that is why I like it so much; that connection between me and Owl (as Rel calls Crowley) was already there from the beginning. I didn’t have to fight for it like I do in some books.
Secondly…no matter how hard I try I can not think Crowley and then not have visions of Mark Sheppard dancing around in my head (this is not actually a bad thing, but gay romcom and demon lord of hell is one hell of a mashup to have going inside my mind). This is probably why I liked Rel’s nicknames for Crowley so much. Owl, or Owly, fit a lot better with this story than a (admittedly hot) demon from a tv show.
Thirdly, I liked how the whole weight issue was handled here. Not trivialized, but also not made a thing. And the way that Rel’s cousin goes about showing Owl just beautiful he can be…yeah, that was cool. Not something I would do in a million years, but cool nonetheless.
Lastly, the romance here was very sweet. Rel might be straight(ish) but I love how he saw Owl, saw something he wanted and could love, and didn’t have a complete and total breakdown. Owl had the ‘breakdown’ part of this book covered, so Rel was both a calming influence and someone who pushed Owl into all the fun situations he would never dare to on his own.
(Rel’s brother, and Owl’s roommate, was a bit of a pretentious dick, though. A loving one, but still a dick.)
4.5 stars
(Note: This is the review minus all the christmas squeeing. If you want to see me in all my sugar-high glory, you really oughta check out the review on the blog. It just seemed like an unneeded extra to the review here on GR.)
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
December 6, 2014
Reviewed for 
Hearts On Fire Reviews - 4 1/2 hearts
I absolutely adored this story! I think most readers are going to thoroughly love Crowley’s character. He’s shy, humble, and polite, and has real issues that people can relate to – getting tossed aside by his mother after telling her he’s gay and getting picked on as a kid and young adult for carrying that extra “bowl full of jelly (or cherries – take your pick)” around his middle. I connected so deeply with Crowley’s character due to my own body image issues over the years that I felt like I had a fictional soul mate. Some of the things he said and did just gave me the shivers because they hit too close to the surface of some buried emotions.
Averell (Rell for short) is seemingly the opposite of Crowley. He’s trim, totally carefree, unencumbered by school (or a job for that matter) and straight – until he meets Crowley. Crowley is best friends and roommates with Rell’s twin brother Tyler. Tyler brings Crowley home with him for the holidays when Crowley’s own mother tells him to not bother visiting. Rell ends up back at his family home after his latest adventure fails and he needs a place to squat for a while and that’s how they meet.
Despite being twins and having similar physical appearances, Tyler and Rell have very different personalities and bicker pretty much constantly. Once it comes out that Rell and Crowley are involved, Tyler gets protective of Crowley and harasses his brother to quit using Crowley as his latest experiment. However, that’s not at all how Rell sees it. He well and truly is attracted to Crowley despite never having been attracted to another man, and has his work cut out for him in trying to convince Crowley that he’s hot and gorgeous and has nothing to be ashamed of in addition to trying to convince his brother that he has zero intentions of hurting Crowley.
This is a wonderful, sweet, and refreshing holiday read that takes place over the span of a few short days. As you might expect, not everything can be totally resolved and wrapped up in a bow in such a short time; however, my only tiny little wish was for an epilogue in order to see just a little further into the future for Crowley and Rell.
The hidden inspirational messages about loving yourself, being comfortable in your skin, and having someone be able to look beyond the exterior packaging to see the whole beautiful you make this book more than worth the cost of purchase and time to read it. The parting implication of a potential story featuring Tyler for next Christmas was truly like the cherry on top of an exquisite ice cream sundae. Calories and waistlines be damned – I want to gorge myself on more of these sweet young men. Loved them and loved their story!!!
Hearts On Fire Reviews - 4 1/2 heartsI absolutely adored this story! I think most readers are going to thoroughly love Crowley’s character. He’s shy, humble, and polite, and has real issues that people can relate to – getting tossed aside by his mother after telling her he’s gay and getting picked on as a kid and young adult for carrying that extra “bowl full of jelly (or cherries – take your pick)” around his middle. I connected so deeply with Crowley’s character due to my own body image issues over the years that I felt like I had a fictional soul mate. Some of the things he said and did just gave me the shivers because they hit too close to the surface of some buried emotions.
Averell (Rell for short) is seemingly the opposite of Crowley. He’s trim, totally carefree, unencumbered by school (or a job for that matter) and straight – until he meets Crowley. Crowley is best friends and roommates with Rell’s twin brother Tyler. Tyler brings Crowley home with him for the holidays when Crowley’s own mother tells him to not bother visiting. Rell ends up back at his family home after his latest adventure fails and he needs a place to squat for a while and that’s how they meet.
Despite being twins and having similar physical appearances, Tyler and Rell have very different personalities and bicker pretty much constantly. Once it comes out that Rell and Crowley are involved, Tyler gets protective of Crowley and harasses his brother to quit using Crowley as his latest experiment. However, that’s not at all how Rell sees it. He well and truly is attracted to Crowley despite never having been attracted to another man, and has his work cut out for him in trying to convince Crowley that he’s hot and gorgeous and has nothing to be ashamed of in addition to trying to convince his brother that he has zero intentions of hurting Crowley.
This is a wonderful, sweet, and refreshing holiday read that takes place over the span of a few short days. As you might expect, not everything can be totally resolved and wrapped up in a bow in such a short time; however, my only tiny little wish was for an epilogue in order to see just a little further into the future for Crowley and Rell.
The hidden inspirational messages about loving yourself, being comfortable in your skin, and having someone be able to look beyond the exterior packaging to see the whole beautiful you make this book more than worth the cost of purchase and time to read it. The parting implication of a potential story featuring Tyler for next Christmas was truly like the cherry on top of an exquisite ice cream sundae. Calories and waistlines be damned – I want to gorge myself on more of these sweet young men. Loved them and loved their story!!!
December 19, 2014
B+
Loved it. This was so much more than a holiday story. Life, growing up, letting go of past pain and hurt, taking control of your life, following your heart, making your dreams come true, family, falling in love, healing, taking chances, acceptance, friendship, and pie.
Crowley has some serious issues going on when he goes to his best friend and roommate, Tyler's family home for Christmas. Crowley's mother had told him not to come home for the holiday. That whole situation was heartbreaking and pissed me off. But Crowley responded with love and with Rell and Tyler and their family's help was able to have a very happy holiday despite her.
Rell is coasting. He doesn't know what he wants to do with his life or himself. He's followed his whims and failed at many a harebrained scheme. He's kind of the family screw up. Then one day he gets sent to pick up his brother's friend and everything changes.
Crowley and Rell are amazing together. I loved them from their first meeting and every moment that followed as they became instant friends and fell hard and fast into love. They were adorable together, sweet and innocent, funny and dirty, sexy and gentle. They are exactly what the other needs and they make each other so very happy.
I was so glad that Rell was so accepting about his attraction to Crowley. He didn't angst it to death or freak out. There was no sense of shame or anger. He really liked Crowley as a person and he thought Crowley was very sexy so wanting to make out with him made perfect sense. While things move quickly between them it felt natural and was sweet and worked for them.
If I'm honest I had a very hate (he's such a pretentious, judgmental asshat and he's so mean to Rell) and love (he's Crowley's BFF and he is so there for him and when he wants to be he's a good brother) situation with Tyler. And I am ecstatic that we get his story. (Huge grin). It looks like it's going to be fantastic and we will get to see more of Crowley and Rell then as well.
A wonderful story that runs the gamut of emotions and had me tearing up, chuckling, smiling and fully engaged from beginning to end.
Reviewed by Nina
To see more of this review and others like it please visit us at Gay List Book Reviews at www.gaylistbookreviews.wordpress.com
Loved it. This was so much more than a holiday story. Life, growing up, letting go of past pain and hurt, taking control of your life, following your heart, making your dreams come true, family, falling in love, healing, taking chances, acceptance, friendship, and pie.
Crowley has some serious issues going on when he goes to his best friend and roommate, Tyler's family home for Christmas. Crowley's mother had told him not to come home for the holiday. That whole situation was heartbreaking and pissed me off. But Crowley responded with love and with Rell and Tyler and their family's help was able to have a very happy holiday despite her.
Rell is coasting. He doesn't know what he wants to do with his life or himself. He's followed his whims and failed at many a harebrained scheme. He's kind of the family screw up. Then one day he gets sent to pick up his brother's friend and everything changes.
Crowley and Rell are amazing together. I loved them from their first meeting and every moment that followed as they became instant friends and fell hard and fast into love. They were adorable together, sweet and innocent, funny and dirty, sexy and gentle. They are exactly what the other needs and they make each other so very happy.
I was so glad that Rell was so accepting about his attraction to Crowley. He didn't angst it to death or freak out. There was no sense of shame or anger. He really liked Crowley as a person and he thought Crowley was very sexy so wanting to make out with him made perfect sense. While things move quickly between them it felt natural and was sweet and worked for them.
If I'm honest I had a very hate (he's such a pretentious, judgmental asshat and he's so mean to Rell) and love (he's Crowley's BFF and he is so there for him and when he wants to be he's a good brother) situation with Tyler. And I am ecstatic that we get his story. (Huge grin). It looks like it's going to be fantastic and we will get to see more of Crowley and Rell then as well.
A wonderful story that runs the gamut of emotions and had me tearing up, chuckling, smiling and fully engaged from beginning to end.
Reviewed by Nina
To see more of this review and others like it please visit us at Gay List Book Reviews at www.gaylistbookreviews.wordpress.com
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