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Boys of Summer #1
Boys of Summer
Length: 2 hrs and 9 mins
I thought I knew what love was… My name is Hunter Willis and I’ve found love. The problem? I’m not sure I’m ready for the rest of the world to know I’ve fallen for my best friend. Everyone knows Max is gay. Me? They think I’m straight as an arrow. So did I, until Max and I shared a kiss three months ago that blew that theory right out of the water. Now, by the ocean in Florida, thousands of miles away from prying eyes, I’m finally ready to admit to myself that Max and I have something special. Max has been ready for a long time - and he’s been waiting for me. Really waiting. As in… he’s still a virgin. There's nothing I want more than to be Max’s first lover. But I know when Max gives away that part of himself, it won’t be just a summer fling. It’ll be for keeps. Max deserves the best. I’m just not sure, when it comes right down to it, that I won’t break his heart. Did I mention I’m scared as hell?
I thought I knew what love was… My name is Hunter Willis and I’ve found love. The problem? I’m not sure I’m ready for the rest of the world to know I’ve fallen for my best friend. Everyone knows Max is gay. Me? They think I’m straight as an arrow. So did I, until Max and I shared a kiss three months ago that blew that theory right out of the water. Now, by the ocean in Florida, thousands of miles away from prying eyes, I’m finally ready to admit to myself that Max and I have something special. Max has been ready for a long time - and he’s been waiting for me. Really waiting. As in… he’s still a virgin. There's nothing I want more than to be Max’s first lover. But I know when Max gives away that part of himself, it won’t be just a summer fling. It’ll be for keeps. Max deserves the best. I’m just not sure, when it comes right down to it, that I won’t break his heart. Did I mention I’m scared as hell?
3 pages, Audible Audio
First published August 4, 2009
18 people are currently reading
731 people want to read
About the author
Cooper Davis
12 books139 followersCooper Davis first discovered the allure of m/m storytelling when she, pulse aflutter, watched My Beautiful Laundrette with a college roommate. Later, her passion for stories about men falling in love and finding their HEA together was stoked by online slash fiction. After years as an avid fan of m/m and slash, Cooper finally decided to try her hand at penning her own stories about same-gender romance and love.
A voracious reader across all subgenres of m/m fiction, Cooper is particularly fond of courtships set against the backdrop of breathless scandal and intrigue found in period drawing rooms. She is thrilled that her first historically-themed m/m romance series debuts this December with A KING UNDONE (Samhain).
A voracious reader across all subgenres of m/m fiction, Cooper is particularly fond of courtships set against the backdrop of breathless scandal and intrigue found in period drawing rooms. She is thrilled that her first historically-themed m/m romance series debuts this December with A KING UNDONE (Samhain).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
September 18, 2024
4.5 Stars
This sweet story follows Hunter and Maxwell during the beginning months of their shifting relationship from friends-to-lovers. This was a relatively angst free read, but one that poignantly captured some of the fears experienced when people fall-in-love with someone they never expected to fall for (i.e. someone of their own sex).
Hunter has always identified as straight, but for the past few years—since he met and became friends with Max—he’s begun to feel like maybe he’s not so straight after all. Maxwell has recently accepted his own sexual identity and is in the process of thinking about coming out on a larger scale when he and Hunter’s relationship begins to shift from friends to more.
They spend the summer secretly exploring the possibilities of what they could have together, culminating in a short getaway to Florida at summer’s end, where they can finally be together without having to completely hide how they feel from their close-knit group of friends.
During their getaway, Maxwell and Hunter must decide whether what they have is worth risking the possible fall-outs in their personal lives. Maxwell is ready to dive head first into an out-and-proud relationship with Hunter, but Hunter is dealing with some serious coming out anxieties that he must overcome in order to be at peace with himself and his new relationship. Fears aside, Hunter knows he’s fallen deep for Maxwell and wishes for nothing more than to be brave enough to be what Maxwell needs him to be.
When I started this story I figured it would result in a 3 stars rating at best. It’s written in first person narrative from one characters perspective (Hunter’s), and when the story begins the boys are already engaging in their hidden relationship, potentially limiting my enjoyment, because I’m most definitely one of those romance readers who craves witnessing the moment-by-moment experiences of characters when they’re falling in love.
Luckily things turned around fast. Even though the story seemingly begins mid-relationship, my fears were swiftly put to rest when I realised we would get flashbacks (of sorts) to the important relationship moments between Hunter and Maxwell—the kind of moments I most want to witness when following a book couples blossoming romance (e.g. first kiss, first date, first fight etc.). By the end, I was completely won over by Hunter and Max and the heart-melting love they shared together; I no longer cared that the story was told in the non-sequential manner, if anything, I revelled in it.
If I had to compare this to something, it would be a work by Mary Calmes. This is a compliment, because even though I’m the first to admit that Calmes often writes over-the-top romantic arcs, I truly believe she is one of the best old school M/M authors at creating that all-consuming passion and need between her main characters—that passion and need that forces her readers to fall in love with her characters, or else! That’s what I felt here. Davis created such a palpable chemistry between Hunter and Maxwell that I couldn’t help but be consumed by their love for one another.
Some will find this romance sappy and the writing perhaps a bit too flowery for their liking, but I personally enjoyed the hell out of this one and can definitely see myself turning to this story in times of need for a comfort read in the future. I absolutely adored this story and I can’t wait to read the sequel (Taking you Home).
Highly Recommended! <3
This sweet story follows Hunter and Maxwell during the beginning months of their shifting relationship from friends-to-lovers. This was a relatively angst free read, but one that poignantly captured some of the fears experienced when people fall-in-love with someone they never expected to fall for (i.e. someone of their own sex).
Hunter has always identified as straight, but for the past few years—since he met and became friends with Max—he’s begun to feel like maybe he’s not so straight after all. Maxwell has recently accepted his own sexual identity and is in the process of thinking about coming out on a larger scale when he and Hunter’s relationship begins to shift from friends to more.
They spend the summer secretly exploring the possibilities of what they could have together, culminating in a short getaway to Florida at summer’s end, where they can finally be together without having to completely hide how they feel from their close-knit group of friends.
During their getaway, Maxwell and Hunter must decide whether what they have is worth risking the possible fall-outs in their personal lives. Maxwell is ready to dive head first into an out-and-proud relationship with Hunter, but Hunter is dealing with some serious coming out anxieties that he must overcome in order to be at peace with himself and his new relationship. Fears aside, Hunter knows he’s fallen deep for Maxwell and wishes for nothing more than to be brave enough to be what Maxwell needs him to be.
When I started this story I figured it would result in a 3 stars rating at best. It’s written in first person narrative from one characters perspective (Hunter’s), and when the story begins the boys are already engaging in their hidden relationship, potentially limiting my enjoyment, because I’m most definitely one of those romance readers who craves witnessing the moment-by-moment experiences of characters when they’re falling in love.
Luckily things turned around fast. Even though the story seemingly begins mid-relationship, my fears were swiftly put to rest when I realised we would get flashbacks (of sorts) to the important relationship moments between Hunter and Maxwell—the kind of moments I most want to witness when following a book couples blossoming romance (e.g. first kiss, first date, first fight etc.). By the end, I was completely won over by Hunter and Max and the heart-melting love they shared together; I no longer cared that the story was told in the non-sequential manner, if anything, I revelled in it.
If I had to compare this to something, it would be a work by Mary Calmes. This is a compliment, because even though I’m the first to admit that Calmes often writes over-the-top romantic arcs, I truly believe she is one of the best old school M/M authors at creating that all-consuming passion and need between her main characters—that passion and need that forces her readers to fall in love with her characters, or else! That’s what I felt here. Davis created such a palpable chemistry between Hunter and Maxwell that I couldn’t help but be consumed by their love for one another.
Some will find this romance sappy and the writing perhaps a bit too flowery for their liking, but I personally enjoyed the hell out of this one and can definitely see myself turning to this story in times of need for a comfort read in the future. I absolutely adored this story and I can’t wait to read the sequel (Taking you Home).
Highly Recommended! <3
May 26, 2018
Noob gay dude is utterly terrified to come out, but in love with the man of his (fairly-recent) dreams.
Noob gay finally comes out, does an immediate 180, ending with a
Pretty sexy, but one steamy scene made me straight-up laugh.
I've NEVER heard an actual gay guy talk ANYTHING like this during sex, EVER...
“Oh God, Hunter,” he murmurs, small hips moving against me. “Sweet, sweet…oh so wonderful.”#WonderfulSexIsWonderful
#Str8OuttaMF
#FemaleAuthorWritingGayLadyWords
#TryUsingTheFWordMoreDuringGaySex4Realism
#SaidTheGayDude
Very short and sweet, but it didn't totally rock my world, so 3.25 stars.
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April 10, 2017
3.5 Stars
This was definitely a heartfelt story full of UST and plenty of sexy, as Hunter comes to terms with his attraction and finally, his love for Maxwell. The only thing is, Hunter’s always thought of himself as straight, and though he’s completely enamored with Maxwell, his acceptance of that is very hard to come by.
Hunter realizes that despite the fact that he’s all in, that there’s no way he can move forward without Maxwell, the very real fears about coming out paralyze and terrify, and for the majority of this book, he goes back and forth, back and forth, and back and forth. Though understandable, the redundancy ruined my enjoyment a bit.
However, when these two are together, the emotions, the smexy, the sweet factor, all were really enjoyable. I don’t think many have or will find fault with this short story at all.
This was definitely a heartfelt story full of UST and plenty of sexy, as Hunter comes to terms with his attraction and finally, his love for Maxwell. The only thing is, Hunter’s always thought of himself as straight, and though he’s completely enamored with Maxwell, his acceptance of that is very hard to come by.
Hunter realizes that despite the fact that he’s all in, that there’s no way he can move forward without Maxwell, the very real fears about coming out paralyze and terrify, and for the majority of this book, he goes back and forth, back and forth, and back and forth. Though understandable, the redundancy ruined my enjoyment a bit.
However, when these two are together, the emotions, the smexy, the sweet factor, all were really enjoyable. I don’t think many have or will find fault with this short story at all.
January 13, 2018
Short , Hot and sweet.
August 8, 2009
I really enjoyed this book. Hunter and Max have been friends for years, and over the past few months that friendship has turned into much more. But Hunter fights the fact that he could be gay, and even after he accepts it within himself and realizes he loves Max, he's scared to admit it to the world. The thing is, Max is gay, and he wants them to eventually be in a committed relationship. Max realizes Hunter's afraid to come out, and in an effort to take their relationship to the next step, he suggests the two go on a week long vacation to Florida to get away. Just the 2 of them. The book is about Hunter facing his fears and coming out, with Max as his side as his boyfriend.
The book is told in 1st person POV, and I usually don't like 1st person and shy away from such books. But the blurb really grabbed me, as did the excerpt, so I gave it a chance and loved it. The 1st person POV really worked in this book. And it was written in such a way that I fell in love with not only Hunter, but Max as well. He was such a great guy - so patient and sweet and sexy and hot as hell. He understood Hunter, understood his fears. While not explicitly stated in the book, I got the impression Max was so patient because he understood what Hunter was going through, because he'd been through it himself at one point. He's not a complete saint, though - Hunter does test his patience. Max loves Hunter and truly wants to be in a committed relationship with him, so it was sometimes hard for him when Hunter pulled back.
I think what I loved best about the book was the feel. It was sweet, hot and vulnerable. The sexual tension was scorching, and I felt Hunter's fear, his ingrained internal resistance to become an openly gay man. He feared how others would react, and I was immensely happy when he realized other people's opinions didn't matter because he loved Max.
It's not as explicit as the usual m/m erotic romance. It's more about the emotions, the depth of love between the 2 men, than the details. Rest assured, the bedroom door is open, it just doesn't have a ton of explicit details.
The book is on the short side for a novella. It opens on the day before their last day of their vacation. But even though the book is short, the author was able to convey a lot of information about Hunter and Max's relationship and how they got to this point. Hunter thinks about the first time he laid eyes on Max, their first 'date', their first kiss, etc. You get to experience the progression of their relationship, feel Hunter's internal fight as he tries to cling to his heterosexuality while falling in love with Max.
The only thing that stood out as kind of odd was that Max was a virgin. He had never had sex with a man or a woman. He dated a couple guys and dated girls in the past, but no sex. He's been in love with Hunter for a while and wants Hunter to be his first. It worked in the book, since Hunter knows that he can't in good conscious take Max's virginity unless he commits himself to their relationship. It can't be just a summer fling. But...in the real world I do wonder how realistic it could be to have a guy remain a virgin for so long. I'm guessing Max is in his late twenties - he's a successful stock trader, has made some nice money, and he's been friends with Hunter for 4 years. I don't recall if the author mentioned their ages, so I'm guessing here. Max had tried dating girls before he realized he was gay, but he's this really attractive, nice, outgoing, successful guy. And he remained a virgin for that long? Umm... Anyway, it did work in the book, so it didn't pull me out of the story.
I definitely recommend this book if you are in the mood for a sweet, romantic love story.
The book is told in 1st person POV, and I usually don't like 1st person and shy away from such books. But the blurb really grabbed me, as did the excerpt, so I gave it a chance and loved it. The 1st person POV really worked in this book. And it was written in such a way that I fell in love with not only Hunter, but Max as well. He was such a great guy - so patient and sweet and sexy and hot as hell. He understood Hunter, understood his fears. While not explicitly stated in the book, I got the impression Max was so patient because he understood what Hunter was going through, because he'd been through it himself at one point. He's not a complete saint, though - Hunter does test his patience. Max loves Hunter and truly wants to be in a committed relationship with him, so it was sometimes hard for him when Hunter pulled back.
I think what I loved best about the book was the feel. It was sweet, hot and vulnerable. The sexual tension was scorching, and I felt Hunter's fear, his ingrained internal resistance to become an openly gay man. He feared how others would react, and I was immensely happy when he realized other people's opinions didn't matter because he loved Max.
It's not as explicit as the usual m/m erotic romance. It's more about the emotions, the depth of love between the 2 men, than the details. Rest assured, the bedroom door is open, it just doesn't have a ton of explicit details.
The book is on the short side for a novella. It opens on the day before their last day of their vacation. But even though the book is short, the author was able to convey a lot of information about Hunter and Max's relationship and how they got to this point. Hunter thinks about the first time he laid eyes on Max, their first 'date', their first kiss, etc. You get to experience the progression of their relationship, feel Hunter's internal fight as he tries to cling to his heterosexuality while falling in love with Max.
The only thing that stood out as kind of odd was that Max was a virgin. He had never had sex with a man or a woman. He dated a couple guys and dated girls in the past, but no sex. He's been in love with Hunter for a while and wants Hunter to be his first. It worked in the book, since Hunter knows that he can't in good conscious take Max's virginity unless he commits himself to their relationship. It can't be just a summer fling. But...in the real world I do wonder how realistic it could be to have a guy remain a virgin for so long. I'm guessing Max is in his late twenties - he's a successful stock trader, has made some nice money, and he's been friends with Hunter for 4 years. I don't recall if the author mentioned their ages, so I'm guessing here. Max had tried dating girls before he realized he was gay, but he's this really attractive, nice, outgoing, successful guy. And he remained a virgin for that long? Umm... Anyway, it did work in the book, so it didn't pull me out of the story.
I definitely recommend this book if you are in the mood for a sweet, romantic love story.
January 28, 2023
This incredibly loving story is told in first person POV by Hunter, a man who has fallen in love with his friend, Maxwell. Hunter is afraid to come out, having panic attacks sometimes, hiding Max, wanting him yet being afraid to have him publicly. Max, who really hasn't come out either (for his family, for example), is incredible. He is in love, and he will do what it takes to make Hunter feel and be safe and comfortable. They go away on vacation, and Hunter takes his first steps into being with this amazing man, in front of people. It isn't all easy for them, but these men are in LOVE. It's what made the story so wonderful for me. Max wants to be patient for Hunter, Hunter wants to be perfect for Max. They want to be the "best boyfriend", cooking or carrying luggage for each other. It's adorable, warm and sweet. They seem a little younger in actions than it would appear they are, but this wasn't a problem for me. Just loved them.
March 9, 2013
Short story read-gasm fun! Cooper Davis knows two things extremely well: How to write a mind-melting M/M sex scene and how to bring M/M romance to vivid life on the page. After re-reading Bound By Nature I went looking for more by Ms. Davis and was sadden to see she only has 3 books total to her name. But this one was fantastic and it has a sequel Taking you Home so I've very grateful for that.
If you like mind-melting, romantic, emotional sex between beautiful men in love, I can HIGHLY RECOMMEND this short.
If you like mind-melting, romantic, emotional sex between beautiful men in love, I can HIGHLY RECOMMEND this short.
July 25, 2021
I read A King Undone last year - hated it - and unfortunately it took me far too long to venture back to Cooper Davis. This book is simple and sweet. From Hunter's POV, it's just a day or two in his life, and his relationship with Maxwell. Beautifully told.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
February 6, 2017
**Grammar**
I must say that this woman knows how to write a sex, or in this case making love,scene damn well and make it hot. The plot was simple and the book really short (and I'm not a fan of 1st POV)so I can't rate it much, but sure as hell I will read more books from this author. She can make the reader feel the emotions in the scenes, in what is happening,and she is able to make her chars real.
Sometimes Hunter annoyed me, since he was scared all the time of coming out and everytime he decided something, the next second he was regretting it and was insecure. But in the end I tried to understand his feelings and how he could be scared of coming out as a gay man to his family and friends. This is all new for him, before meeting Max he had always thought he was straight, but then 4 years ago, his at the time girlfriend and now friend, had introduced him to Max and from that day on, nothing had been the same, until one day Max had found the courage to kiss him.
Hunter that night had understood one thing, he had never felt this complete and happy with anyone else before.
Max was a damn saint, Idk how was possible for an handsome guy like him to still be a virgin, also because he meets Hunter when he is already in his twenties and he has gone out with a girl(now his best friend) and 2 boys. The only explanation I could find, was in the fact that Max, like Hunter explains to us in his thoughts, didn't want to give himself that way to a person that didn't commit to him. He wanted someone who would stay with him, not a fling. Hunter knows it and understands that he must be sure before taking his next step and is for this reason that their first time, happens 3 months after they have started dating and not the same night they become boyfriends.
In this books we have a lot of sex scenes and I liked all of them. They were kind of pure, not just a dirty fu*k. You could feel the love these guys have for each other and I loved the fact that they were versatile.
The end of this book is the start of the second one in the series. Hunter, almost joking, asked Max to marry him and Max said yes. Hunter wants to let all know that this incredible man, who is also hos best friend and waited years for him, is only his and also if he doesn't know if they can really get married he couldn't stop his words, while staring at the man he loves smiling at him and giving him his apartment keys.
Next!!!!
I must say that this woman knows how to write a sex, or in this case making love,scene damn well and make it hot. The plot was simple and the book really short (and I'm not a fan of 1st POV)so I can't rate it much, but sure as hell I will read more books from this author. She can make the reader feel the emotions in the scenes, in what is happening,and she is able to make her chars real.
Sometimes Hunter annoyed me, since he was scared all the time of coming out and everytime he decided something, the next second he was regretting it and was insecure. But in the end I tried to understand his feelings and how he could be scared of coming out as a gay man to his family and friends. This is all new for him, before meeting Max he had always thought he was straight, but then 4 years ago, his at the time girlfriend and now friend, had introduced him to Max and from that day on, nothing had been the same, until one day Max had found the courage to kiss him.
Hunter that night had understood one thing, he had never felt this complete and happy with anyone else before.
Max was a damn saint, Idk how was possible for an handsome guy like him to still be a virgin, also because he meets Hunter when he is already in his twenties and he has gone out with a girl(now his best friend) and 2 boys. The only explanation I could find, was in the fact that Max, like Hunter explains to us in his thoughts, didn't want to give himself that way to a person that didn't commit to him. He wanted someone who would stay with him, not a fling. Hunter knows it and understands that he must be sure before taking his next step and is for this reason that their first time, happens 3 months after they have started dating and not the same night they become boyfriends.
In this books we have a lot of sex scenes and I liked all of them. They were kind of pure, not just a dirty fu*k. You could feel the love these guys have for each other and I loved the fact that they were versatile.
The end of this book is the start of the second one in the series. Hunter, almost joking, asked Max to marry him and Max said yes. Hunter wants to let all know that this incredible man, who is also hos best friend and waited years for him, is only his and also if he doesn't know if they can really get married he couldn't stop his words, while staring at the man he loves smiling at him and giving him his apartment keys.
Next!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2013
Off the bat I have to say I loved the cover of this book! Looked very sexy. And now after reading the actual book, I think it was good as well. This is a sweet sexy summer love story between two best friends Hunter & Maxwell.
Maxwell seems like he's the steady one. Knows who is he already and is comfortable and accepts himself in his own skin with his sexuality. And then there's Hunter who seems like the complete opposite being a bit more on the fence and hasn't fully accepted himself and doesn't seem comfortable about himself until the very end. He's hesitant majority of the time about coming out to their friends/family. But slowly but surely he gets there in the end in his own time.
All in all this was a quick sweet short story that I wouldn't mind reading a continue sequel of. 4 stars!
Maxwell seems like he's the steady one. Knows who is he already and is comfortable and accepts himself in his own skin with his sexuality. And then there's Hunter who seems like the complete opposite being a bit more on the fence and hasn't fully accepted himself and doesn't seem comfortable about himself until the very end. He's hesitant majority of the time about coming out to their friends/family. But slowly but surely he gets there in the end in his own time.
All in all this was a quick sweet short story that I wouldn't mind reading a continue sequel of. 4 stars!
January 24, 2017
I'm a gay man, and the two main characters came across to me as female rather than male. It was the way that they spoke to each other, and the way that they behaved with each other. The sensibility, relationship to their own emotions (on the whole), and the sex all seemed much more like two women than two men. I would have believed them as a lesbian couple.
May 6, 2013
Meh. It was ok.
November 28, 2017
3.5 stars rounded down to 3 because still no 1/2 stars here on GR.
It's been more than a couple of years since I read this one and while Brian Pallino did a wonderful job on the narration I guess this story has lost a little of it's glow for me. I still enjoyed it alot just not quite as much as the first time around but all in I'm glad happy I revisited the 'Boys of Summer'
Ok, if you know me than you knew this was coming and I have to admit while The Ataris did an admirable job of it...for me no one beats Don Henley on this one...The Boys of Summer
It's been more than a couple of years since I read this one and while Brian Pallino did a wonderful job on the narration I guess this story has lost a little of it's glow for me. I still enjoyed it alot just not quite as much as the first time around but all in I'm glad happy I revisited the 'Boys of Summer'
Ok, if you know me than you knew this was coming and I have to admit while The Ataris did an admirable job of it...for me no one beats Don Henley on this one...The Boys of Summer
March 9, 2013
I wouldn't consider this a best friends to lovers story as the synopsis suggests, as the two MCs, Maxwell and Hunter are friends, but the way the story is written, their friendship and the emotional basis for them becoming lovers isn't really touched upon.... The way this story is written, it is almost as if there should have been more chapters before chapter one started to give these characters' friendship a backstory, because the story begins with them already in a relationship.
This piece was definitely a coming-out piece with more angst than I was anticipating. It is the story of Maxwell and Hunter, who start a romantic relationship but who are both relatively "new to being gay." (With Maxwell having dated men before, but Hunter has only ever dated women.) We are not told how old these characters are, which bothered me too. I couldn't tell if they were in their mid twenties or their mid thirties. Heck, they could have been older, technically, as no age was given. This made it hard for me to picture the characters. Additionally, we are told these characters love each other, which I buy, but we are told and not shown... Just like we are told and not shown that they are friends that turn into lovers. And they were not best friends, they just hung out in the same group of friends.
Hunter's trepidations about coming out to their friends irked me a bit. I think that his conflicting emotions were realistic, but I didn't like the way they were presented. Also, as I found with other reviews I read here on goodreads, I was confused with the dynamic of the MCs. Max was supposed to be the one who was comfortable with his sexuality, but the story starts off mainly from Hunter's point of view about how much he wants Maxwell, but then it turns out that Max isn't actually out of the closet, unlike what the synopsis suggests. So it was a bit contradictory at times.
So all in all, I thought this story was just ok. I wish there was more of a foundation to it. I wish there was some more backstory to it, and the language in it kept reading to me like these two MCs were a heterosexual couple with Maxwell being the woman. The language seemed very delicate, which is fine and was endearing in a way, but im not sure it was entirely fitting to these characters. The love making scenes, were just that, acts of love as opposed to smut. Which is completely fine with me. This is merely an observation.
This piece was definitely a coming-out piece with more angst than I was anticipating. It is the story of Maxwell and Hunter, who start a romantic relationship but who are both relatively "new to being gay." (With Maxwell having dated men before, but Hunter has only ever dated women.) We are not told how old these characters are, which bothered me too. I couldn't tell if they were in their mid twenties or their mid thirties. Heck, they could have been older, technically, as no age was given. This made it hard for me to picture the characters. Additionally, we are told these characters love each other, which I buy, but we are told and not shown... Just like we are told and not shown that they are friends that turn into lovers. And they were not best friends, they just hung out in the same group of friends.
Hunter's trepidations about coming out to their friends irked me a bit. I think that his conflicting emotions were realistic, but I didn't like the way they were presented. Also, as I found with other reviews I read here on goodreads, I was confused with the dynamic of the MCs. Max was supposed to be the one who was comfortable with his sexuality, but the story starts off mainly from Hunter's point of view about how much he wants Maxwell, but then it turns out that Max isn't actually out of the closet, unlike what the synopsis suggests. So it was a bit contradictory at times.
So all in all, I thought this story was just ok. I wish there was more of a foundation to it. I wish there was some more backstory to it, and the language in it kept reading to me like these two MCs were a heterosexual couple with Maxwell being the woman. The language seemed very delicate, which is fine and was endearing in a way, but im not sure it was entirely fitting to these characters. The love making scenes, were just that, acts of love as opposed to smut. Which is completely fine with me. This is merely an observation.
August 8, 2009
This sweet little novella (60 pages) hit all the right notes for me. It was near perfect.
This is a first person narrative from the POV of Hunter, who is on a vacation in Florida with his boyfriend, Max. Hunter is deep in the closet, but he wants Max so bad he'll do anything. Max is a virgin, and he wants to give himself to Hunter, but he won't do it without a real commitment - which means coming out to their friends and living as a couple. Hunter finally decides he's ready.
So the book is basically Hunter and Max's coming out story, but Hunter also goes back and tells some of the key points of how they came together. It's done in pieces and not in chronological order. The whole thing had a bit of a dreamlike quality to it. It was so sweet and so achingly romantic; it totally satisfied the sap in me. This book had me all aflutter. I totally recommend it.
This is a first person narrative from the POV of Hunter, who is on a vacation in Florida with his boyfriend, Max. Hunter is deep in the closet, but he wants Max so bad he'll do anything. Max is a virgin, and he wants to give himself to Hunter, but he won't do it without a real commitment - which means coming out to their friends and living as a couple. Hunter finally decides he's ready.
So the book is basically Hunter and Max's coming out story, but Hunter also goes back and tells some of the key points of how they came together. It's done in pieces and not in chronological order. The whole thing had a bit of a dreamlike quality to it. It was so sweet and so achingly romantic; it totally satisfied the sap in me. This book had me all aflutter. I totally recommend it.
December 2, 2012
I don't GR will allow me all the expletives I want to include here, so let's see if I can get by without them. I love this freaking story. I've had in my huge-ass pile of ToBe Read books For Ever and for some reason I kept passing it over. So freaking glad I decided on it tonight. Short and delicious and let me tell you, from word one my heart was in my throat and engaged with these men. So good, emotions so real, so tangible, so...believable. I have no complaints, loved Hunter's voice. Loved how much loving Maxwell scared the ish outta him, but he stayed right there with it. Rolled with it. Embraced it. So damn good, this book.
April 25, 2011
A sweet and engaging story about the blossoming relationship between Max and Hunter and how Hunter deals with the fact that he's gay.
I really liked how Hunter's insecurities about coming out were described. While we meet Hunter at the end of his journey, flashbacks provide insight in to how the relationship between the two men -and Hunter's emotions- evolved.
Unfortunately, once the angst became less, the sap level was increased and it became too loveydovey for my taste.
But overall: a sweet read. 3,5 stars.
I really liked how Hunter's insecurities about coming out were described. While we meet Hunter at the end of his journey, flashbacks provide insight in to how the relationship between the two men -and Hunter's emotions- evolved.
Unfortunately, once the angst became less, the sap level was increased and it became too loveydovey for my taste.
But overall: a sweet read. 3,5 stars.
December 10, 2015
Meh - I liked this just okay. To be honest I skimmed through most of the book. We got very little background other than when they first met (which they have known each other for years) and I didn't really understand the love between the two.
I tend to like a slow burn and this just didn't really do it for me in that way. It was a very fast paced book (Book ends at 85% on Kindle) and while I LOVE the friends to lovers story line - this was simply not that.
Lots of angst and the main MC's thoughts were so back and forth I couldn't keep up.
On to the next!
I tend to like a slow burn and this just didn't really do it for me in that way. It was a very fast paced book (Book ends at 85% on Kindle) and while I LOVE the friends to lovers story line - this was simply not that.
Lots of angst and the main MC's thoughts were so back and forth I couldn't keep up.
On to the next!
January 14, 2018
Exquisitely written. The language was evocative and compelling. Sweet short story detailing the angst and emotion of new love and accepting one's sexuality . Well done. 4.5*
January 5, 2018
It was sweet and sexy and nothing I was expecting. The only reason I gave it 4 stars was because I wish it was longer. The author should've written the prequel instead of the secuel. That one Im gonna skip, because I dont want to lose the fuzzy feeling this one got me ;)
September 2, 2009
This was my first book read of this genre so it was definately something different. However, that being said I don't think love and romance are something that has to be restricted to m/f.
This was a really sweet love story between two men, one of which thought he was straight and was having a REALLY hard time coming out of the closet.
I figured there would be sex in this book but wasn't sure what to expect since this was the first of its kind I had read. To my surprise it was very well done and very romantic. Kudos to the author for that.
The reason I only gave this book three stars was because it felt like a blog more then a story.
The book is in the point of view of Hunter, the guy who is having the issue coming out and its written as if we are reading a diary. No there aren't dates like a diary would have but it definately has that *feel*.
This was a very short story, so there wasnt much storyline outside of the love story and Hunters coming out issues. I tend to like my books with more then just a love story and sex.
I did enjoy it for my first m/m book and will read others.
This was a really sweet love story between two men, one of which thought he was straight and was having a REALLY hard time coming out of the closet.
I figured there would be sex in this book but wasn't sure what to expect since this was the first of its kind I had read. To my surprise it was very well done and very romantic. Kudos to the author for that.
The reason I only gave this book three stars was because it felt like a blog more then a story.
The book is in the point of view of Hunter, the guy who is having the issue coming out and its written as if we are reading a diary. No there aren't dates like a diary would have but it definately has that *feel*.
This was a very short story, so there wasnt much storyline outside of the love story and Hunters coming out issues. I tend to like my books with more then just a love story and sex.
I did enjoy it for my first m/m book and will read others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2012
Hunter and Max have been friends for four years and in the summer it turned into more after they shared a kiss so they got away to see what was between them. Max is open about being gay and a virgin but Hunter has a lot of fears, how will people react and even saying out loud he is gay. These fears seemed normal to be sometimes, he is crazy in love with Max but so afraid of the changes accepting it will bring in his life. All in all I enjoyed the book, it was sappily romantic.
August 15, 2009
I wish I could give this more than 5 stars, it was that good. It is an emotional look into a man accepting his sexuality, and the fact that he is in love with his male friend. It felt very real and I finished the book feeling very happy. I only wish it was longer, or that there will be another one, to see how they are doing later on.
March 19, 2013
3 stars for me, found the language rather stilted.
Hunter and Max were a nice enough couple, and I was happy that they found their HEA, but I have to say that I much preferred the song 'Boys of Summer' by Don Henley
to this book. Sorry.
December 18, 2011
This is a very very sweet read. I love the way the main character over comes his fears and opens himself up to what everyone else already knows. I am not a big fan of short stories, but this one was very well written. I would strongly recommend it.
March 9, 2015
3.75 stars
I listened to the audiobook version of this novella. The narration was great, though certain style choices in the book were unusual to me. It was a sweet coming-out story with some nice angst and love.
It feels authentic and is a great comfort read. <3
I listened to the audiobook version of this novella. The narration was great, though certain style choices in the book were unusual to me. It was a sweet coming-out story with some nice angst and love.
It feels authentic and is a great comfort read. <3
October 26, 2018
The synopsis is super vague. The cover of this version makes it seem like the guys are teens. Not knowing anything else about the book, it's frustrating as things progress. Oh they're not inhigh school, college maybe? Nope, they have careers... ok... and it's not until 34% do you even find out this is the MCs first gay experience. He didn't know he liked guys until he met Max. The beginning talks about Max being a virgin, not Hunter, so I'm assuming that Hunter has been with guys, he is just super closeted, and it makes him seem like a bit of an asshole. I think the audio may make it seem even more so... he's a little gruff, not good with feelings, led by his dick. Now that it's jumped back to actually telling us anything about how we got to this place, I'm a little more forgiving. But the beginning just makes me feel a little icky and worried that once Hunter gets into Max's pants, he's going to hurt Max but not actually coming out (which is still possible if course). It's short so I'll keep going... and it's "free".
Ok, another annoyance... making a big deal about how they're finally "lovers"... you've been together for months, orgasms and genitals = lovers, not just anal. Ugh.
Ok, another annoyance... making a big deal about how they're finally "lovers"... you've been together for months, orgasms and genitals = lovers, not just anal. Ugh.
September 10, 2009
Hunter Willis and Maxwell Daniels have been best friends for years. Hunter has never had any doubts about his sexual orientation until the night Max kisses him. Months later Hunter can no longer deny to himself that he has fallen in love with Max. Since Max is gay and in love with Hunter there shouldn't be anything standing in the way of a relationship between them. However Hunter has great difficulty even thinking of coming out of the closet as a gay man. He can't imagine how his family and friends, not to mention his ex-girlfriend, will react to the surprising news.
Max has been in love with Hunter for years but never thought he'd have a chance to be with him until the night he kisses Hunter at a party. From that first kiss Max and Hunter start out on a wonderfully romantic journey that will lead them from friendship to love. Max patiently introduces Hunter to the pleasures of being intimate with a man and since Max is a virgin, although he does have some experience, this is a journey in which they are both learning along the way.
It's really wonderful to see how Max tries to help Hunter deal with his fears and apprehensions about going public while at the same time we see how important it is for Max that they be a 'couple' in the full sense of the word and not just a secret between Hunter and him. Max longs for a time when everyone can see just how in love they are and as Hunter became more comfortable with their love and expressing it publicly I cheered for both of them.
This short story is wonderfully written and deeply emotional. Hunter and Max are both well developed characters and the obvious love between them makes this a joy to read. I loved how Hunter's issues are dealt with pretty realistically and not just glossed over. The fact that Hunter has always thought himself a 'normal' heterosexual man and now finds himself in love with a man is very disturbing to him but as he grows more confident in his love for Max we see him start to really examine himself and his sexuality. What he discovers about himself will be a surprise to him and makes this a better story than the usual GFY story.
I really loved this book. It's romantic and sweet with sex scenes that are not as explicit as a lot of M/M books tend to be. This suited both the storyline and the characters very well. Overall I found this book to be beautifully written, it features two interesting men experiencing the joy, confusion, excitement, highs and lows of falling in love. It's about coming to terms with yourself and learning that no matter how important you may think other peoples opinion of you is what really counts in life is being true to yourself. It's about finding love and learning to appreciate it even if it's not at all what is expected of you by others or even by yourself.
As far as I know this is the first book by Cooper Davis and it's a great way to debut. I'll be looking forward to reading more stories by this author in the future. I highly recommend Boys of Summer.
Max has been in love with Hunter for years but never thought he'd have a chance to be with him until the night he kisses Hunter at a party. From that first kiss Max and Hunter start out on a wonderfully romantic journey that will lead them from friendship to love. Max patiently introduces Hunter to the pleasures of being intimate with a man and since Max is a virgin, although he does have some experience, this is a journey in which they are both learning along the way.
It's really wonderful to see how Max tries to help Hunter deal with his fears and apprehensions about going public while at the same time we see how important it is for Max that they be a 'couple' in the full sense of the word and not just a secret between Hunter and him. Max longs for a time when everyone can see just how in love they are and as Hunter became more comfortable with their love and expressing it publicly I cheered for both of them.
This short story is wonderfully written and deeply emotional. Hunter and Max are both well developed characters and the obvious love between them makes this a joy to read. I loved how Hunter's issues are dealt with pretty realistically and not just glossed over. The fact that Hunter has always thought himself a 'normal' heterosexual man and now finds himself in love with a man is very disturbing to him but as he grows more confident in his love for Max we see him start to really examine himself and his sexuality. What he discovers about himself will be a surprise to him and makes this a better story than the usual GFY story.
I really loved this book. It's romantic and sweet with sex scenes that are not as explicit as a lot of M/M books tend to be. This suited both the storyline and the characters very well. Overall I found this book to be beautifully written, it features two interesting men experiencing the joy, confusion, excitement, highs and lows of falling in love. It's about coming to terms with yourself and learning that no matter how important you may think other peoples opinion of you is what really counts in life is being true to yourself. It's about finding love and learning to appreciate it even if it's not at all what is expected of you by others or even by yourself.
As far as I know this is the first book by Cooper Davis and it's a great way to debut. I'll be looking forward to reading more stories by this author in the future. I highly recommend Boys of Summer.
August 8, 2011
well this was different :)
This book was a recommend romance book -
It's also my first real read that was focused solely on a Gay couple. Sure I've read about three-some but they've all been with shifters and mating and all this -
This book was a really touching story about 2 guys who loved each other -
The story is told in Hunter's POV - Now Hunter had always been straight - he dated girls, even had sex with them - but there was always something wrong - Veronica - his last girlfriend - they tried to make it work, but for some reason, he just couldn't get into the relationship fully - She was the one that introduced Hunter and Max - It was like something happened once he saw Max - they just clicked -
They became best friends - and after 4 years of hanging out - they finally got drunk enough, and kissed - and that kiss changed Hunter's life - in SO many different ways -
Max is an open book gay guy - he's so beautiful it's hard to miss it -
He wasn't always gay though - he and his best friend from childhood Louisa tried to be a couple - but after a little while - they realized it was pointless - So Max dated a few guys - but nothing really came out of those relationships - he was a true virgin in every way -
The book starts off in Florida with Max and Hunter hanging out on the beach - they're together, but they are on vacation - they live in California, but they wanted to get away where they could be free to be a couple. They started out as a teasing couple at the beginning of the summer - and now the summer was ending - but Hunter was still afraid to tell their friends about relationship - He was afraid to tell them he was Gay - He thought Veronica would laugh at him, and he was terrified.
Max was very comfortable with their relationship - he wanted nothing more than to make Hunter feel at ease with their relationship - because he was tired of lying to Louisa , and hiding his feelings - he was tired of Hunter sneaking off in the early hours of the morning just so his roommate Ben wouldn't wonder why he was there all night -
It wasn't until Hunter finally came to terms that he was with Max, and that was all that mattered ....
But he was still terrified -
This was a good book - you could tell their love for each other was genuine. And the romance was smoking hot *Blush*
Defiantly a recommend for those that like the hot steamy romance - especially in the males POV :)
This book was a recommend romance book -
It's also my first real read that was focused solely on a Gay couple. Sure I've read about three-some but they've all been with shifters and mating and all this -
This book was a really touching story about 2 guys who loved each other -
The story is told in Hunter's POV - Now Hunter had always been straight - he dated girls, even had sex with them - but there was always something wrong - Veronica - his last girlfriend - they tried to make it work, but for some reason, he just couldn't get into the relationship fully - She was the one that introduced Hunter and Max - It was like something happened once he saw Max - they just clicked -
They became best friends - and after 4 years of hanging out - they finally got drunk enough, and kissed - and that kiss changed Hunter's life - in SO many different ways -
Max is an open book gay guy - he's so beautiful it's hard to miss it -
He wasn't always gay though - he and his best friend from childhood Louisa tried to be a couple - but after a little while - they realized it was pointless - So Max dated a few guys - but nothing really came out of those relationships - he was a true virgin in every way -
The book starts off in Florida with Max and Hunter hanging out on the beach - they're together, but they are on vacation - they live in California, but they wanted to get away where they could be free to be a couple. They started out as a teasing couple at the beginning of the summer - and now the summer was ending - but Hunter was still afraid to tell their friends about relationship - He was afraid to tell them he was Gay - He thought Veronica would laugh at him, and he was terrified.
Max was very comfortable with their relationship - he wanted nothing more than to make Hunter feel at ease with their relationship - because he was tired of lying to Louisa , and hiding his feelings - he was tired of Hunter sneaking off in the early hours of the morning just so his roommate Ben wouldn't wonder why he was there all night -
It wasn't until Hunter finally came to terms that he was with Max, and that was all that mattered ....
But he was still terrified -
This was a good book - you could tell their love for each other was genuine. And the romance was smoking hot *Blush*
Defiantly a recommend for those that like the hot steamy romance - especially in the males POV :)
January 15, 2012
Hunter Willis has a problem.
He is in love with his best friend.
His name is Max, and the two met through other friends while Hunter was with his then girlfriend. The two became fast friends, and spent a lot of time together. Everyone knows Max is gay, and that doesn't bother Hunter. Everyone thinks he is straight, including Hunter himself.
But when they go on what amounts to a date, and share a kiss, everything changes. Now Hunter is spending the night at Max's home. Sleeping in his bed. But Max is still a virgin, and isn't ready to commit himself to any man who won't be there for him all the way.
As in out. Out of the closet and ready to love him in plain view.
Now the two men are vacationing together, on the beach thousand of miles from home. And Hunter has a choice to make. Can he be enough for Max? Can he come out and tell all their friends he loves Max?
I adore this book, plain and simple. There is something so lovely and touching about this beautiful and meaningful story of two men who find each other and slowly, shyly take that fall into love.
The story is written from Hunter's point of view, and gives us such insight into how he thinks. All his fear, hopes, wants, needs. And how utterly and solidly he is in love with and trembles for Max.
And Max. Such a vulnerable yet strong man. He knows what he wants and even though he obviously loves Hunter, he isn't willing to settle for less than he wants and deserves.
I found myself with a sense of quiet wonder reading this book. It was like a spell was woven and I didn't want to wake up. And it was such a sweet and loving dream too.
This one is a classic. Great job, Cooper Davis.
Tom
He is in love with his best friend.
His name is Max, and the two met through other friends while Hunter was with his then girlfriend. The two became fast friends, and spent a lot of time together. Everyone knows Max is gay, and that doesn't bother Hunter. Everyone thinks he is straight, including Hunter himself.
But when they go on what amounts to a date, and share a kiss, everything changes. Now Hunter is spending the night at Max's home. Sleeping in his bed. But Max is still a virgin, and isn't ready to commit himself to any man who won't be there for him all the way.
As in out. Out of the closet and ready to love him in plain view.
Now the two men are vacationing together, on the beach thousand of miles from home. And Hunter has a choice to make. Can he be enough for Max? Can he come out and tell all their friends he loves Max?
I adore this book, plain and simple. There is something so lovely and touching about this beautiful and meaningful story of two men who find each other and slowly, shyly take that fall into love.
The story is written from Hunter's point of view, and gives us such insight into how he thinks. All his fear, hopes, wants, needs. And how utterly and solidly he is in love with and trembles for Max.
And Max. Such a vulnerable yet strong man. He knows what he wants and even though he obviously loves Hunter, he isn't willing to settle for less than he wants and deserves.
I found myself with a sense of quiet wonder reading this book. It was like a spell was woven and I didn't want to wake up. And it was such a sweet and loving dream too.
This one is a classic. Great job, Cooper Davis.
Tom
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