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Misplaced Affection
Clichés are overrated and loving the boy next door may not be as genuine as the love Flynn sacrifices along the way.
Knowing he’s gay and acting on it were two separate notions to Flynn Brewer until he’d met Keith, his first boyfriend, in high school. Before then, being gay wasn’t as real as the pain of living day-to-day. Flynn’s fear of coming out to his religious best friend Zach in their conservative community destroyed his relationship with Keith, but Flynn rationalized his avoidance and bottled up the truth until it was regrettably too late.
Zachary Mitchell was the perfect son and role model as far as the outside world could tell. Active in his church while attending college, Zach had a personality that could sell anything, do anything, or be anything. Except, he couldn’t sell the truth to himself. Just when he was ready to reveal his internal conflict to Flynn and expose the darkness lurking in his heart, and in his “perfect” family, Zach met a girl and got sucked deeper into his chasm of deception.
Caught in a living Newton’s Cradle of his own design, Flynn must choose between idealistic childhood fantasy, or a tempestuous passion that could ignite the very air he breathes.
Knowing he’s gay and acting on it were two separate notions to Flynn Brewer until he’d met Keith, his first boyfriend, in high school. Before then, being gay wasn’t as real as the pain of living day-to-day. Flynn’s fear of coming out to his religious best friend Zach in their conservative community destroyed his relationship with Keith, but Flynn rationalized his avoidance and bottled up the truth until it was regrettably too late.
Zachary Mitchell was the perfect son and role model as far as the outside world could tell. Active in his church while attending college, Zach had a personality that could sell anything, do anything, or be anything. Except, he couldn’t sell the truth to himself. Just when he was ready to reveal his internal conflict to Flynn and expose the darkness lurking in his heart, and in his “perfect” family, Zach met a girl and got sucked deeper into his chasm of deception.
Caught in a living Newton’s Cradle of his own design, Flynn must choose between idealistic childhood fantasy, or a tempestuous passion that could ignite the very air he breathes.
378 pages, Paperback
First published December 17, 2014
7 people are currently reading
235 people want to read
About the author
Wade Kelly
17 books388 followersWade Kelly lives and writes in conservative, small-town America on the east coast where it’s not easy to live free and open in one's beliefs. Wade writes passionately about controversial issues and strives to make a difference by making people think. Wade does not have a background in writing or philosophy, but still draws from personal experience to ponder contentious subjects on paper. There is a lot of pain in the world and people need hope. When not writing, she is thinking about writing, and more than likely scribbling ideas on sticky notes in the car while playing "taxi driver" for her three children. She likes snakes, can’t spell, and has a tendency to make people cry.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 24, 2018
Audio - 4 stars
Story - 2.5 I hate love triangle stars
Had I known this book involved a love triangle, I would have avoided it. But once I got start, I just couldn’t stop. I’m glad it’s over, but it’s not story I’ll forget so that’s why I’m rounding it up to 3 stars.
We have 3 MCs, Zach, Flynn and Keith. Their relationship is complicated and messy, but I’m going to try and keep it simple.
-Flynn and Zach are next door neighbors and best friends. Even though Zach is 2 years older, they share a special bond and a secret attraction for one another.
-Flynn and Keith start dating in high school. Keith is out but Flynn is mostly closeted.
-Keith is jealous of Flynn and Zach’s close friendship and this results in an off again, on again relationship between Keith and Flynn.
-Roughly 9 months after Keith and Flynn’s last breakup, Zach confesses to Flynn that he is bisexual and Flynn confesses to Zach that he’s gay.
-They end up going to a hotel and having sex for a couple of days. Flynn realizes that he’s not in love with Zach after all. He’s in love with Keith and wants him back!!!
When all is said and done, Keith and Flynn work everything out. They're a couple now, and Keith works on accepting the bond between Zach and Flynn.
There’s a lot more to the story, like mental and physical abuse, coping with death of a loved one, near death accidents, negative religious views. This book was all about the angst.
Story - 2.5 I hate love triangle stars
Had I known this book involved a love triangle, I would have avoided it. But once I got start, I just couldn’t stop. I’m glad it’s over, but it’s not story I’ll forget so that’s why I’m rounding it up to 3 stars.
We have 3 MCs, Zach, Flynn and Keith. Their relationship is complicated and messy, but I’m going to try and keep it simple.
-Flynn and Zach are next door neighbors and best friends. Even though Zach is 2 years older, they share a special bond and a secret attraction for one another.
-Flynn and Keith start dating in high school. Keith is out but Flynn is mostly closeted.
-Keith is jealous of Flynn and Zach’s close friendship and this results in an off again, on again relationship between Keith and Flynn.
-Roughly 9 months after Keith and Flynn’s last breakup, Zach confesses to Flynn that he is bisexual and Flynn confesses to Zach that he’s gay.
-They end up going to a hotel and having sex for a couple of days. Flynn realizes that he’s not in love with Zach after all. He’s in love with Keith and wants him back!!!
When all is said and done, Keith and Flynn work everything out. They're a couple now, and Keith works on accepting the bond between Zach and Flynn.
There’s a lot more to the story, like mental and physical abuse, coping with death of a loved one, near death accidents, negative religious views. This book was all about the angst.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2015
Wade Kelly has a way with flawed characters. That's what sucked me in to When Love Is Not Enough and that is what is on display again here. While this one didn't break my heart the way WLiNE did, I certainly went through a wide range of emotions for every character involved.
The book is broken into three parts each from the POV of one of the three main characters. Flynn is the character that the story mainly revolves around. Crushing on his next door neighbor and best friend Zach, experiencing his first love with Keith and struggling with blending those two worlds, coming out and trying to repair the relationship with his father that has been broken by their grief for his mother and brother. Zach is dealing with becoming an adult within the world of his controlling parents and their cult-like church and trying to work through his feelings for Flynn. Keith is out and proud, with a supportive, loving family. He is completely in love with Flynn, but finding it hard to be kept a secret especially where Zach is concerned, and that leads to jealousy that he doesn't handle very well.
The story begins in the present on Zach's wedding day and is told through flashbacks over the years. There are plenty of secrets, unresolved emotional issues and changing friendships that all bind the characters together in different ways just as they work to break others apart. Nobody has an easy time of it.
Be prepared for a lot of drama, serious issues and bad behavior, but also for some fun, sweet and even ridiculous moments. I knew where I wanted the story to go, but Wade Kelly had me on my toes the whole time. There were a number of times where I couldn't believe how much I disliked Flynn, but then felt a little bad for him within moments. In fact, about 3/4 of the way through I actually shouted out "no no no"! There was no straight path to the HEA here, but there definitely is one, you're just going to have to go through a lot to get there!
The book is broken into three parts each from the POV of one of the three main characters. Flynn is the character that the story mainly revolves around. Crushing on his next door neighbor and best friend Zach, experiencing his first love with Keith and struggling with blending those two worlds, coming out and trying to repair the relationship with his father that has been broken by their grief for his mother and brother. Zach is dealing with becoming an adult within the world of his controlling parents and their cult-like church and trying to work through his feelings for Flynn. Keith is out and proud, with a supportive, loving family. He is completely in love with Flynn, but finding it hard to be kept a secret especially where Zach is concerned, and that leads to jealousy that he doesn't handle very well.
The story begins in the present on Zach's wedding day and is told through flashbacks over the years. There are plenty of secrets, unresolved emotional issues and changing friendships that all bind the characters together in different ways just as they work to break others apart. Nobody has an easy time of it.
Be prepared for a lot of drama, serious issues and bad behavior, but also for some fun, sweet and even ridiculous moments. I knew where I wanted the story to go, but Wade Kelly had me on my toes the whole time. There were a number of times where I couldn't believe how much I disliked Flynn, but then felt a little bad for him within moments. In fact, about 3/4 of the way through I actually shouted out "no no no"! There was no straight path to the HEA here, but there definitely is one, you're just going to have to go through a lot to get there!
January 1, 2015
I love a book that takes me on an emotional roller coaster ride and Wade Kelly’s "Misplaced Affection" does just that.
I first discovered how powerfully Wade creates characters with "Names Can Never Hurt Me." She does an even better job with this book. Flynn, Zach and Keith, who each get a turn narrating a section of the book, are drawn in vivid detail, each with a distinct personality that makes you like them and, at times, what to shake them so they wake up. It’s not just these main characters that Wade pays attention too, Keith parents are wonderful, Flynn’s dad has an amazing story arc of his own and Zach’s parents, well, saying they have issues is an understatement.
The story’s multiple threads all wrap up nicely at the end and make for an extremely satisfying read. I love a book that creates an emotional journey and this one does–I went back and forth between being delighted, angry, sad and back again.
You can read the full review at http://www.jeffandwill.com/2015/01/01...
I first discovered how powerfully Wade creates characters with "Names Can Never Hurt Me." She does an even better job with this book. Flynn, Zach and Keith, who each get a turn narrating a section of the book, are drawn in vivid detail, each with a distinct personality that makes you like them and, at times, what to shake them so they wake up. It’s not just these main characters that Wade pays attention too, Keith parents are wonderful, Flynn’s dad has an amazing story arc of his own and Zach’s parents, well, saying they have issues is an understatement.
The story’s multiple threads all wrap up nicely at the end and make for an extremely satisfying read. I love a book that creates an emotional journey and this one does–I went back and forth between being delighted, angry, sad and back again.
You can read the full review at http://www.jeffandwill.com/2015/01/01...
January 4, 2015
Original Blog Post:
Guest Post & eARC Review: Misplaced Affection by Bloggermomma ~ Wade Kelly
Misplaced Affection is a story full of life's clichés. In three parts. One part for each boy concerned. Each story told from their personal points of views. This is an especially great story to read for the one story is seen from three sides, much like a He Said, He Said thing only more. The best thing about this particular read is that even if the drama could twist and turn the reader's emotions up as could be expected from Ms Wade herself, it also can be quite amusing and frustrating and hilarious, just like Jock was. So yes, this is a definitive Wake Kelly Special but surprisingly, no matter how I was warned of it, I did not shed a tear. Why? Read on and find out the why of it, or make it simpler: get the book and read for yourself, then read this review. Deal?
So let's move on...
Part One: Flynn's Story.
So here we have young Flynn whose best friend was his next door neighbor who just happened to have been his deceased older brother's best friend growing up. When his mother and brother died, the two gravitated to each other. But Flynn had a problem with Zach as he is gay and Zach comes from a family background simply explained as backwoods, forest trail, cult-ish and overall bigoted conservative. So being all out and honest about his sexuality was thrown out the window. When he meets out and proud Keith, he finally knows the meaning of honesty and love, but secretly. There the problem begins.
Part Two: Zach's Story. As mentioned, yeah, he comes from that sort of family background and more secrets than expected. Although, it is expected, sort of. You'll know what I mean once you read the book. (Trying so hard not to reveal anything here or the story gets spoiled.) He relies on the younger Flynn for all his troubles but is also the rock that Flynn relies on. He has his own secrets and could not speak of them should he get bolt and lightninged dead or cursed. He goes through life like a drunk but as he does not drink, its an emotional high kind of drunk. But not the good high, I call it the Bad Trip.
Part Three: Keith's Point of View. He is Flynn's boyfriend and has been for years. He is older and a bit more controlling and his ego is a good match. He breaks up with Flynn at the drop of the hat a few times but goes crawling back after realizing he cannot let Flynn go as he is so in love with the young man. When tragedy strikes, he looks up and sees that maybe his pride should be thrown onto the side and maybe he should man up a bit. However, his decisions can make or break him and everyone around him and maybe he should not make decisions right now.
The whole story unfolds through several years and develops quite brutally in some areas but slowly in others. The three young men's characters also develop spectacularly so there are confusing and frustrating times for me. Despite all that, this is difficult not to read for the lives of these three unfold at a rapid pace. Bear in mind we have three young men in this story, even if there is no menage involved, but these three young men grow through the pages of this book and just like in real life, it can be frustrating. The best part is that they are so honestly real that I call them: familiar. Each of them I can remember as myself or others I grew up with or went to class with. They are the embodiment of the people around me while I grew up and that was fascinating. It is also the reason why nary a tear fell for I expected the unexpected and shrugged it off. I can say, however, many will hate this story for its realness but they will not be able to put this down either.
Overall, and I mean ignoring the usual ARC typos and such, this was just not what I expected and must highly recommend to all. It's a Kelly Book folks! It's a Kelly Book!
Guest Post & eARC Review: Misplaced Affection by Bloggermomma ~ Wade Kelly
Misplaced Affection is a story full of life's clichés. In three parts. One part for each boy concerned. Each story told from their personal points of views. This is an especially great story to read for the one story is seen from three sides, much like a He Said, He Said thing only more. The best thing about this particular read is that even if the drama could twist and turn the reader's emotions up as could be expected from Ms Wade herself, it also can be quite amusing and frustrating and hilarious, just like Jock was. So yes, this is a definitive Wake Kelly Special but surprisingly, no matter how I was warned of it, I did not shed a tear. Why? Read on and find out the why of it, or make it simpler: get the book and read for yourself, then read this review. Deal?
So let's move on...
Part One: Flynn's Story.
So here we have young Flynn whose best friend was his next door neighbor who just happened to have been his deceased older brother's best friend growing up. When his mother and brother died, the two gravitated to each other. But Flynn had a problem with Zach as he is gay and Zach comes from a family background simply explained as backwoods, forest trail, cult-ish and overall bigoted conservative. So being all out and honest about his sexuality was thrown out the window. When he meets out and proud Keith, he finally knows the meaning of honesty and love, but secretly. There the problem begins.
Part Two: Zach's Story. As mentioned, yeah, he comes from that sort of family background and more secrets than expected. Although, it is expected, sort of. You'll know what I mean once you read the book. (Trying so hard not to reveal anything here or the story gets spoiled.) He relies on the younger Flynn for all his troubles but is also the rock that Flynn relies on. He has his own secrets and could not speak of them should he get bolt and lightninged dead or cursed. He goes through life like a drunk but as he does not drink, its an emotional high kind of drunk. But not the good high, I call it the Bad Trip.
Part Three: Keith's Point of View. He is Flynn's boyfriend and has been for years. He is older and a bit more controlling and his ego is a good match. He breaks up with Flynn at the drop of the hat a few times but goes crawling back after realizing he cannot let Flynn go as he is so in love with the young man. When tragedy strikes, he looks up and sees that maybe his pride should be thrown onto the side and maybe he should man up a bit. However, his decisions can make or break him and everyone around him and maybe he should not make decisions right now.
The whole story unfolds through several years and develops quite brutally in some areas but slowly in others. The three young men's characters also develop spectacularly so there are confusing and frustrating times for me. Despite all that, this is difficult not to read for the lives of these three unfold at a rapid pace. Bear in mind we have three young men in this story, even if there is no menage involved, but these three young men grow through the pages of this book and just like in real life, it can be frustrating. The best part is that they are so honestly real that I call them: familiar. Each of them I can remember as myself or others I grew up with or went to class with. They are the embodiment of the people around me while I grew up and that was fascinating. It is also the reason why nary a tear fell for I expected the unexpected and shrugged it off. I can say, however, many will hate this story for its realness but they will not be able to put this down either.
Overall, and I mean ignoring the usual ARC typos and such, this was just not what I expected and must highly recommend to all. It's a Kelly Book folks! It's a Kelly Book!
January 2, 2015
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
Kelly doesn’t pull punches, that’s for sure. Misplaced Affection is a complex look at coming out, God and religion, life, death, and moving forward with life. It feels like there is a lot of personal experience in regards the character’s interpretation of God and what it means to the families. One school of thought is obligation to God versus God flowing through a person and both of these ideas are addressed skillfully by Kelly. The opinions truly felt consistent with the characters dealing with the subject matter. It was great to see even the more extreme religious views discussed without censure.
I have been noticing annoying and flawed characters more often lately, and can say without a doubt that Flynn was one of the annoying ones. I am not saying this to be mean, as I am a big fan of a character that frustrates me when I cannot understand why they are behaving a certain way, and absolutely love it when the reason comes to light and shows how deep and complex the character ends up being. There are many layers of characters in Misplaced Affection and I can say without a doubt that they are all flawed, insecure, and unabashedly human.
Read Jason’s review in its entirety here.
5 stars
Kelly doesn’t pull punches, that’s for sure. Misplaced Affection is a complex look at coming out, God and religion, life, death, and moving forward with life. It feels like there is a lot of personal experience in regards the character’s interpretation of God and what it means to the families. One school of thought is obligation to God versus God flowing through a person and both of these ideas are addressed skillfully by Kelly. The opinions truly felt consistent with the characters dealing with the subject matter. It was great to see even the more extreme religious views discussed without censure.
I have been noticing annoying and flawed characters more often lately, and can say without a doubt that Flynn was one of the annoying ones. I am not saying this to be mean, as I am a big fan of a character that frustrates me when I cannot understand why they are behaving a certain way, and absolutely love it when the reason comes to light and shows how deep and complex the character ends up being. There are many layers of characters in Misplaced Affection and I can say without a doubt that they are all flawed, insecure, and unabashedly human.
Read Jason’s review in its entirety here.
January 2, 2015
5 star review by Dan
Not surprisingly, another great book from Wade Kelly. At 421 pages, I’m thinking it was more like two books…but truthfully I’m not sure where it could have been cut in half. There was one spot that might have worked at the end of Part 1, but it would have ended with a huge cliffhanger which would have left me and the rest of you saying “what the heck Wade!”
I’m going to start out by just saying what I’m thinking. What the hell is wrong with us guys that we just can’t say what we feel. Women do it ALL the time. Men (straight or gay) hold it in and I guarantee you we all can look back with regret at those times we held our feelings in and later found out the feelings were reciprocated and we never knew because we didn’t say anything! This book particularly hit home to me, because the story of Flynn and his best friend Zach could very well have been copied in part from my own feelings for my best friend growing up. I think a lot of gay men will relate to this story.
Flynn Brewer is your typical average middle of the road high school student. He isn’t a jock, he isn’t a stoner, he isn’t emo, he’s just an average joe…well except for that gay thing, but no one knows about that. All that changes one day in art class when he meets Keith Leppo. Keith is out, or at least he thinks he is. Turns out no one at school really has any idea that he is gay either.
The two begin to get to know each other, but there are some issues to get past which could keep them from going any further. One is Flynn’s dad. Six years prior to the beginning of this story, a drunk driver t-boned Flynn’s family on their way to church. Both Flynn’s mom and brother, Nathan, were killed. Since then Flynn and his dad have “existed”. Flynn has coped by depending on his friendship with his best friend Zach Mitchell who lives next door, but things have been weird since that kiss they exchanged one night. It doesn’t help that Flynn has feelings for Zach, but Zach is straight. Mr. Brewer has been coping through a growing dependence on working around the clock and drinking when he does come home. Another issue is Flynn’s hesitation to actually admit he is gay! He will have to tell his dad and Zach before things can go any further. But how long can Keith be expected to wait on the sidelines?
Zach has his own issues. His family belongs to a splinter group church which preaches the wrath of God version of Christianity. Zach’s father and mother have changed over the years and have now become zealots of their religion. Zach’s dad has been physically beating him for years, and is totally intolerant of any other religions and especially intolerant of homosexuals.
The characters in the book ran the gamut of emotions with me. At times I liked them very much, at times I despised them. By shortly before mid-way through the book, I came to a point where I didn’t at all like either Flynn or Keith. Would they ever just start damn talking to each other? Happily shortly thereafter I came to like them again.
Along the way through this book we have Flynn’s dad catching Flynn and Keith on the couch in some heavy petting, we have Zach shipped off to one of those religious “retreats” in Utah to get him back on the right path to God and find a good Christian woman to marry at the same time, we also have car accidents, injuries and near death experiences. Through it all we have love (although as I’ve said….no one actually wants to say it!).
I really liked this book, and recommend it to all. As I mentioned, it really is long. I read it in one day because I’m that sort of reader, but I’d recommend reading it a little slower, so you don’t miss anything! And don’t panic like I did when you get to Part 2. When it went back to 2008 after the cliff hanger at the end of Part 1, I’ll admit it Wade, I used an out loud WTF! Thankfully it is only one chapter and it gets back to 2014!
You will love this book. Go one-click it right now while you’re thinking about it!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
Not surprisingly, another great book from Wade Kelly. At 421 pages, I’m thinking it was more like two books…but truthfully I’m not sure where it could have been cut in half. There was one spot that might have worked at the end of Part 1, but it would have ended with a huge cliffhanger which would have left me and the rest of you saying “what the heck Wade!”
I’m going to start out by just saying what I’m thinking. What the hell is wrong with us guys that we just can’t say what we feel. Women do it ALL the time. Men (straight or gay) hold it in and I guarantee you we all can look back with regret at those times we held our feelings in and later found out the feelings were reciprocated and we never knew because we didn’t say anything! This book particularly hit home to me, because the story of Flynn and his best friend Zach could very well have been copied in part from my own feelings for my best friend growing up. I think a lot of gay men will relate to this story.
Flynn Brewer is your typical average middle of the road high school student. He isn’t a jock, he isn’t a stoner, he isn’t emo, he’s just an average joe…well except for that gay thing, but no one knows about that. All that changes one day in art class when he meets Keith Leppo. Keith is out, or at least he thinks he is. Turns out no one at school really has any idea that he is gay either.
The two begin to get to know each other, but there are some issues to get past which could keep them from going any further. One is Flynn’s dad. Six years prior to the beginning of this story, a drunk driver t-boned Flynn’s family on their way to church. Both Flynn’s mom and brother, Nathan, were killed. Since then Flynn and his dad have “existed”. Flynn has coped by depending on his friendship with his best friend Zach Mitchell who lives next door, but things have been weird since that kiss they exchanged one night. It doesn’t help that Flynn has feelings for Zach, but Zach is straight. Mr. Brewer has been coping through a growing dependence on working around the clock and drinking when he does come home. Another issue is Flynn’s hesitation to actually admit he is gay! He will have to tell his dad and Zach before things can go any further. But how long can Keith be expected to wait on the sidelines?
Zach has his own issues. His family belongs to a splinter group church which preaches the wrath of God version of Christianity. Zach’s father and mother have changed over the years and have now become zealots of their religion. Zach’s dad has been physically beating him for years, and is totally intolerant of any other religions and especially intolerant of homosexuals.
The characters in the book ran the gamut of emotions with me. At times I liked them very much, at times I despised them. By shortly before mid-way through the book, I came to a point where I didn’t at all like either Flynn or Keith. Would they ever just start damn talking to each other? Happily shortly thereafter I came to like them again.
Along the way through this book we have Flynn’s dad catching Flynn and Keith on the couch in some heavy petting, we have Zach shipped off to one of those religious “retreats” in Utah to get him back on the right path to God and find a good Christian woman to marry at the same time, we also have car accidents, injuries and near death experiences. Through it all we have love (although as I’ve said….no one actually wants to say it!).
I really liked this book, and recommend it to all. As I mentioned, it really is long. I read it in one day because I’m that sort of reader, but I’d recommend reading it a little slower, so you don’t miss anything! And don’t panic like I did when you get to Part 2. When it went back to 2008 after the cliff hanger at the end of Part 1, I’ll admit it Wade, I used an out loud WTF! Thankfully it is only one chapter and it gets back to 2014!
You will love this book. Go one-click it right now while you’re thinking about it!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
January 26, 2015
I’ve left days between finishing Misplaced Affection and starting my review. It’s not that I’m lazy or I’ve been too busy, but simply because the book left me speechless (unusual!) and with too much to process. Now, I’m not sure I even have the right words to describe how I felt when I was reading the story.
I totally understand that not everyone is into gay romances and though in my eyes this book is as near to perfect as you get, other people will disagree. Neither do I want to want to start saying “if this book was based on a heterosexual romance” because it is the gay love at the centre of the story which allows Wade Kelly to address issues of religion and politics, other authors may shy away from.
Misplaced Affection is a book which grabbed me, shook me and left me bruised. Ironically the only reason I wanted to read it, at the beginning, was because there was a hot guy on the cover! The story is long, filled with emotional turmoil, developing relationships and family difficulties. Wade Kelly divides the book into three parts, with the first being the longest, narrated by Flynn, who is definitely my favourite character. At times, we definitely feel that there is a continual stream of drama, but the author reminds us that these events occur over a matter of 6 years, rather than just days or weeks.
The story is written with a sense of urgency, with each character eager to share their memories and problems. I imagine Wade Kelly as an author who allowed these young men to “speak” through her because everything they say has such a depth. They are fluid characters, with constantly changing attitudes which are formed and re-formed by everything they encounter.
Flynn is privately gay and secretly in love with his best friend. However, it is this friendship with Zach which defines Flynn, and not his sexuality. Zach takes advantage of Flynn, oblivious to the fact that Flynn wants more than a stolen kiss. Flynn is even prepared to risk his relationship with new boyfriend, Keith, to be at Zach’s beck and call. This situation becomes a relentless love triangle, made worse by the flaws in each young man; Flynn does not have the strength to say ‘no’ to Zach, or the courage to admit he is gay. Keith constantly adds to the pressure Flynn already feels and is insanely jealous (as well as being a condescending smart-arse!) and Zach is confused, needy and blind to what is around him! It is not until part 3 of the story when these now mature characters become happy and have the opportunity to redeem themselves, making life-changing and sometimes unexpected decisions.
Misplaced Affection is not only about friendship, denial, love and acceptance, but Wade Kelly asks her reader to think about the part religion plays in shaping who we are. Flynn is agnostic but learnt from his mother that peace can be found in God’s presence. Keith attends church, but his family’s beliefs are liberal. Zach has grown up in part of a fundamentalist branch of Christianity, which has forced him to question his actions and feelings and at times puts his friendship with Flynn in jeopardy. Part two of the story helps us to understand Zach more and though we may not agree with how he has treated Flynn, we definitely feel empathy for him.
Would I recommend this book? A million times over and I know it is a story which will stay with me for a long time. I finished one part sobbing and cursing Wade Kelly, entering the second phase of the story overwhelmed and uncertain and reaching the ending surprised but fulfilled. Yes, my emotions were extreme but I truly cared about the characters and their happiness.
I totally understand that not everyone is into gay romances and though in my eyes this book is as near to perfect as you get, other people will disagree. Neither do I want to want to start saying “if this book was based on a heterosexual romance” because it is the gay love at the centre of the story which allows Wade Kelly to address issues of religion and politics, other authors may shy away from.
Misplaced Affection is a book which grabbed me, shook me and left me bruised. Ironically the only reason I wanted to read it, at the beginning, was because there was a hot guy on the cover! The story is long, filled with emotional turmoil, developing relationships and family difficulties. Wade Kelly divides the book into three parts, with the first being the longest, narrated by Flynn, who is definitely my favourite character. At times, we definitely feel that there is a continual stream of drama, but the author reminds us that these events occur over a matter of 6 years, rather than just days or weeks.
The story is written with a sense of urgency, with each character eager to share their memories and problems. I imagine Wade Kelly as an author who allowed these young men to “speak” through her because everything they say has such a depth. They are fluid characters, with constantly changing attitudes which are formed and re-formed by everything they encounter.
Flynn is privately gay and secretly in love with his best friend. However, it is this friendship with Zach which defines Flynn, and not his sexuality. Zach takes advantage of Flynn, oblivious to the fact that Flynn wants more than a stolen kiss. Flynn is even prepared to risk his relationship with new boyfriend, Keith, to be at Zach’s beck and call. This situation becomes a relentless love triangle, made worse by the flaws in each young man; Flynn does not have the strength to say ‘no’ to Zach, or the courage to admit he is gay. Keith constantly adds to the pressure Flynn already feels and is insanely jealous (as well as being a condescending smart-arse!) and Zach is confused, needy and blind to what is around him! It is not until part 3 of the story when these now mature characters become happy and have the opportunity to redeem themselves, making life-changing and sometimes unexpected decisions.
Misplaced Affection is not only about friendship, denial, love and acceptance, but Wade Kelly asks her reader to think about the part religion plays in shaping who we are. Flynn is agnostic but learnt from his mother that peace can be found in God’s presence. Keith attends church, but his family’s beliefs are liberal. Zach has grown up in part of a fundamentalist branch of Christianity, which has forced him to question his actions and feelings and at times puts his friendship with Flynn in jeopardy. Part two of the story helps us to understand Zach more and though we may not agree with how he has treated Flynn, we definitely feel empathy for him.
Would I recommend this book? A million times over and I know it is a story which will stay with me for a long time. I finished one part sobbing and cursing Wade Kelly, entering the second phase of the story overwhelmed and uncertain and reaching the ending surprised but fulfilled. Yes, my emotions were extreme but I truly cared about the characters and their happiness.
January 10, 2015
Misplaced Affection is the story of three young men… Flynn, Zach and Keith, as they navigate their way through childhood, high school, love, loss and ignorance in an effort to find themselves and where they belong. Or more importantly, who they belong with.
Flynn Brewer lost his mother and his brother when he was still a child. Raised by an emotionally absent father since, he connected on a deeper level with his neighbor and best friend, Zach Mitchell more than anyone else. Flynn realized he was gay and that his feelings for Zach went beyond just friendship early on, but fear of losing that friendship and being ostracized by his friends if he came out kept him in a closet of sorts.
Keith Leppo never hides his sexuality, but he doesn’t wear it like a badge either. When he and Flynn start to explore being more than just friends, all Keith wants to do is shout it from the roof tops that Flynn is his. He is extremely jealous, likes to be in control and hates the bond that Flynn shares with Zach instantly. Flynn is adamant about his anonymity though and refuses to acknowledge he and Keith are anything more than friends, and Keith is surprisingly okay with that when it comes to everyone, except Zach.
The story unfolds in three parts from each young man’s POV, so parts of the story are told multiple times, but through a different set of eyes. That was one of my favorite things about the story, getting to watch a specific event unfold from three different vantage points gave the story depth and variety. As the story progresses you learn more about each character on a personal level, and something that Keith did or said while you were inside Flynn’s head that maybe pissed you off, took on new meaning when you saw it through Keith’s eyes, or even Zach’s. And you may think that this set up would be tedious, repetitive, but I assure you it is not. Each point of view is distinctly different and crucial to the overall fell of the story.
I laughed, then I cried, I laughed while I was crying and I tell you right now that laughter through tears is my favorite emotion. There is something to be said about an author that can take you to such an emotional place that you are snot slinging, chortling while your eyes are glued to the page, trying to anticipate if you should grab a drink next, or a tissue! Wade Kelly is like diet Amy Lane, very in sync with her ability to bring the angst and emotional outbursts to any story she writes. Three dimensional characters, flawed and believable, with a strong storyline and fantasticly driven secondary characters to give the overall feel of the book some spine.
Definitely a must read! Required reading materials include a full bottle of vodka and a new box of Kleenex though, be warned. An angsty and emotional story about finding your way in life, and being who you are regardless of the consequences.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
Flynn Brewer lost his mother and his brother when he was still a child. Raised by an emotionally absent father since, he connected on a deeper level with his neighbor and best friend, Zach Mitchell more than anyone else. Flynn realized he was gay and that his feelings for Zach went beyond just friendship early on, but fear of losing that friendship and being ostracized by his friends if he came out kept him in a closet of sorts.
Keith Leppo never hides his sexuality, but he doesn’t wear it like a badge either. When he and Flynn start to explore being more than just friends, all Keith wants to do is shout it from the roof tops that Flynn is his. He is extremely jealous, likes to be in control and hates the bond that Flynn shares with Zach instantly. Flynn is adamant about his anonymity though and refuses to acknowledge he and Keith are anything more than friends, and Keith is surprisingly okay with that when it comes to everyone, except Zach.
The story unfolds in three parts from each young man’s POV, so parts of the story are told multiple times, but through a different set of eyes. That was one of my favorite things about the story, getting to watch a specific event unfold from three different vantage points gave the story depth and variety. As the story progresses you learn more about each character on a personal level, and something that Keith did or said while you were inside Flynn’s head that maybe pissed you off, took on new meaning when you saw it through Keith’s eyes, or even Zach’s. And you may think that this set up would be tedious, repetitive, but I assure you it is not. Each point of view is distinctly different and crucial to the overall fell of the story.
I laughed, then I cried, I laughed while I was crying and I tell you right now that laughter through tears is my favorite emotion. There is something to be said about an author that can take you to such an emotional place that you are snot slinging, chortling while your eyes are glued to the page, trying to anticipate if you should grab a drink next, or a tissue! Wade Kelly is like diet Amy Lane, very in sync with her ability to bring the angst and emotional outbursts to any story she writes. Three dimensional characters, flawed and believable, with a strong storyline and fantasticly driven secondary characters to give the overall feel of the book some spine.
Definitely a must read! Required reading materials include a full bottle of vodka and a new box of Kleenex though, be warned. An angsty and emotional story about finding your way in life, and being who you are regardless of the consequences.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
February 14, 2017
Misplaced affection
Aargh! There are so many typos and spelling errors in this book. If the book had merit, the printing mistakes would have ruined the reading experience. Shame on the edit and the author and the proof readers. But I will say, I disliked this book so much that at least finding the errors made it interesting! (I.e. Straitening means living in poverty. The author's spelling correction program did not correct that the author meant straightening (standing up)). (I.e. "When were dating" rather than "when we were dating".)(I.e. I flowed it south rather than I followed it south) (I.e. Assistant principal, not assistant principle)(I.e maybe my fears we irrational, rather than maybe my fears were irrational)(I.e. Distracted me long enough to allow the feeling to became familiar, rather than become familiar)
But breathe, breathe. About the story . . . This is about the lives of three boys, Flynn, Keith, and Zach. Flynn and Keith are boyfriends and Zach is Flynn's older best friend. So, immediately you can see that there is going to be conflict. Stupid conflict, but conflict none-the-less. Also, these three boys grow up in a town that is extremely conservative, and there are constant references to the Town's preacher (who is Zach's father) throughout the book.
Well, let's get it out of the way -- the only thing this book contains is teenage angst for hundreds of pages (that seemed like thousands of pages!) There is nothing new or inspirational here, so it is a fairly slow slog to get these three boys to the end of the book.
And it ends up Zack is some sort of a Mormon he goes on a retreat with his father to Utah. When he returns months later, Closeted Zach is now engaged to another Mormon pod-person and going on a mission to Uganda. Could we get a little more cliché then copying the entire plot of the Book of Mormon musical?
About half way through the book, I was ready to throw in the towel. I think I deserve a medal for actually finishing this book. This book would have been much better with a major editing job to lose about 100 pages, and marketing under Harmony Ink (for gay kids). There is just no depth to this book or the characters. I really found it to be annoying. Out of courtesy to the author, I finished this book hoping, no praying, that it got better. But it didn't. It is just an angst ridden adolescent novel. As such, for the grown-ups out there, this is a 2 out of 5 star book.
Aargh! There are so many typos and spelling errors in this book. If the book had merit, the printing mistakes would have ruined the reading experience. Shame on the edit and the author and the proof readers. But I will say, I disliked this book so much that at least finding the errors made it interesting! (I.e. Straitening means living in poverty. The author's spelling correction program did not correct that the author meant straightening (standing up)). (I.e. "When were dating" rather than "when we were dating".)(I.e. I flowed it south rather than I followed it south) (I.e. Assistant principal, not assistant principle)(I.e maybe my fears we irrational, rather than maybe my fears were irrational)(I.e. Distracted me long enough to allow the feeling to became familiar, rather than become familiar)
But breathe, breathe. About the story . . . This is about the lives of three boys, Flynn, Keith, and Zach. Flynn and Keith are boyfriends and Zach is Flynn's older best friend. So, immediately you can see that there is going to be conflict. Stupid conflict, but conflict none-the-less. Also, these three boys grow up in a town that is extremely conservative, and there are constant references to the Town's preacher (who is Zach's father) throughout the book.
Well, let's get it out of the way -- the only thing this book contains is teenage angst for hundreds of pages (that seemed like thousands of pages!) There is nothing new or inspirational here, so it is a fairly slow slog to get these three boys to the end of the book.
And it ends up Zack is some sort of a Mormon he goes on a retreat with his father to Utah. When he returns months later, Closeted Zach is now engaged to another Mormon pod-person and going on a mission to Uganda. Could we get a little more cliché then copying the entire plot of the Book of Mormon musical?
About half way through the book, I was ready to throw in the towel. I think I deserve a medal for actually finishing this book. This book would have been much better with a major editing job to lose about 100 pages, and marketing under Harmony Ink (for gay kids). There is just no depth to this book or the characters. I really found it to be annoying. Out of courtesy to the author, I finished this book hoping, no praying, that it got better. But it didn't. It is just an angst ridden adolescent novel. As such, for the grown-ups out there, this is a 2 out of 5 star book.
January 16, 2015
In the past, I've read another book by Wade Kelly, My Roommate's a Jock ? Well, Crap ! And I expected this one to be alike.
I was so wrong.
First of all, there are three parts in this book, each one on a different point of view. And it begins from the end... let me explain.
The first part is from Flynn's POV. He's at his best friend's wedding, Zach. Flynn is gay, not out and is probably in love with his best friend and neighbour since before pre-K (actually more since 7th Grade). But he doesn't allow himself to feel that way. The story comes fast backward and continues until the wedding.
The second part is from Zach's POV. But it begans when he was fourteen and until ... I can't say that, I would ruin the author's effect :D
And then, switch to Keith's POV. Keith has been Flynn's boyfriend during several years. On and off, as Keith's jealousy takes the best part of him...
I thought it would be a light reading, to be honest. And I was very surprised to see some really heavy problems come to those poor boys. Parents misbehaviour, strong religious fanatism, brainwashing, concussions, bullying (even if that is quite common in the genre, it was well written : Bullies are not always decerebrated kids ... entomologist ? great idea :D).
I loved the humour in this book but I would like to quote a few sentences that I loved too, humour apart.
" Stop. If you mentally paint labels on people's foreheads, like 'homosexual', 'dyke', 'puffster', or even the all-purpose insult 'loser', it unconsciously changes your perception of them. Without even realizing it, you no longer see them as a person, but as a definition. They are who they are." So true...
"Another proof that outward appearances should'nt influence one person's opinion of another without first making an effort to engage them". (About the tattoo artist).True again
It was a great book. Very intense, after my first false impression. Wade Kelly is an impressive author. She made me cry and laugh and think very hard about subjects I didn't intend to think too much. I loved it.
Enjoy ;)
I was so wrong.
First of all, there are three parts in this book, each one on a different point of view. And it begins from the end... let me explain.
The first part is from Flynn's POV. He's at his best friend's wedding, Zach. Flynn is gay, not out and is probably in love with his best friend and neighbour since before pre-K (actually more since 7th Grade). But he doesn't allow himself to feel that way. The story comes fast backward and continues until the wedding.
The second part is from Zach's POV. But it begans when he was fourteen and until ... I can't say that, I would ruin the author's effect :D
And then, switch to Keith's POV. Keith has been Flynn's boyfriend during several years. On and off, as Keith's jealousy takes the best part of him...
I thought it would be a light reading, to be honest. And I was very surprised to see some really heavy problems come to those poor boys. Parents misbehaviour, strong religious fanatism, brainwashing, concussions, bullying (even if that is quite common in the genre, it was well written : Bullies are not always decerebrated kids ... entomologist ? great idea :D).
I loved the humour in this book but I would like to quote a few sentences that I loved too, humour apart.
" Stop. If you mentally paint labels on people's foreheads, like 'homosexual', 'dyke', 'puffster', or even the all-purpose insult 'loser', it unconsciously changes your perception of them. Without even realizing it, you no longer see them as a person, but as a definition. They are who they are." So true...
"Another proof that outward appearances should'nt influence one person's opinion of another without first making an effort to engage them". (About the tattoo artist).True again
It was a great book. Very intense, after my first false impression. Wade Kelly is an impressive author. She made me cry and laugh and think very hard about subjects I didn't intend to think too much. I loved it.
Enjoy ;)
April 26, 2015
DNF at 84%. I actually was enjoying this book, until I got so angry I wanted to hurl my kindle across the room. The author spends the first 80% of the book establishing the fact that Flynn and Zach are meant to be, that they are the loves of each other's lives. Okay, great. Except, then Flynn decides, almost out of nowhere that he loves Zach, but he isn't "in love" with him. No, he is really in love with Keith. I could have possibly accepted this turn in the story, if the author had given ANY sort of clue that Keith and Flynn were actually good for each other. Yes, they apparently had mind blowing sex, but their relationship did not seem to have any sort of depth to it. It also would have helped if Keith hadn't been written as an obnoxious, whiny brat.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2015
I Love You! I Hate Him! You Love Him! You Love Me!
Three young men. A crazy religious cult. Manipulation. Lies. Hormones. Despair. Desperation. Weddings. Graves. Accidents. Forgiveness. Beatings. Passion. Friendship. Misunderstandings. Confessions. Loss. Love.
This beautifully written story has all the makings of a movie. The characters make you want to cheer for them on one hand and you want to throttle them the next! Parents display what true love really is, while their counterparts corrupt the very nature of 'parenting.'
You'll definitely remember this book long after the last page is turned and the last line is read. The format of being told from three different perspectives is inspired.
Three young men. A crazy religious cult. Manipulation. Lies. Hormones. Despair. Desperation. Weddings. Graves. Accidents. Forgiveness. Beatings. Passion. Friendship. Misunderstandings. Confessions. Loss. Love.
This beautifully written story has all the makings of a movie. The characters make you want to cheer for them on one hand and you want to throttle them the next! Parents display what true love really is, while their counterparts corrupt the very nature of 'parenting.'
You'll definitely remember this book long after the last page is turned and the last line is read. The format of being told from three different perspectives is inspired.
January 3, 2016
I started to DNF this one. I stuck with it and I can say that I definitely became attached to the main characters. That is the best thing I can say about this book. I liked the story, but the the execution....not so much. It was kinda all over the place. I really liked the religious aspect and would have loved to see that explored more deeply. I like the author (his prose kept me reading) and I will keep him on my radar.
If the blurb sounds good to you then you should read it! I look forward to reading others reviews!
If the blurb sounds good to you then you should read it! I look forward to reading others reviews!
January 31, 2016
Wade Kelly has a thing for complicated, but everything weaves together to create a perfect picture. Each protagonist had a lot to learn about themselves and each other and Misplaced Affection is a wonderful, if not frustrating, rollercoaster at times. The supporting characters were great and not overwhelming. Plus there was enough drama to whet the appetite without being overdone. The story takes you through a myriad of emotions, and I swear I wanted to shake Flynn and especially Keith more than once. In the end it worked out the way it was meant to.
November 24, 2015
This was a roller coaster ride. Flynn has always had a thing for his neighbor and best friend, Zach. But he's never been able to tell him that he's gay. Then, he meets Keith and finds out what it really means to be in a relationship with someone. Ahhh.... Young love. Full of hormones and drama! But there was so much more to this story. Just when you thought things were going one way, it got all turned around, then switched up again. I was entranced and in love with Flynn, Zach, and Keith (even though Keith could be a little bit of an ass and Flynn needed to grow a pair.)
January 16, 2015
This was my first Wade Kelly book and I'm definitely hooked. Misplaced Affection is a fantastic read, which gives you the story from all three sides of a very strange love triangle. Part coming of age, part coming to terms with sexuality, and part coping with coming out to friends and family. Wade Kelly deals with all of this and creates believable characters, whose love, conflict, pain and joy we get to share. This one is going into my re-read pile.
November 2, 2016
A lot of squandered potential in this one. Some great dramatic things would happen, and then the characters just wouldn't care. Like the characters, at one point, ran away from a bat-wielding maniac...and kept driving to NYC for a mini-vacation. What?
The switching of storylines meant I didn't care about any of the pairings.
I REALLY didn't like the implications about bisexuality.
Just okay.
The switching of storylines meant I didn't care about any of the pairings.
I REALLY didn't like the implications about bisexuality.
Just okay.
January 5, 2015
Ohhhhh, you had me going for a minute there. Around page 300 I thought you were out of your mind! They could not get that happy ending with all the pain they caused everyone around them. I spent most of the book wanting to smack Flynn, you redeemed him rather well.
Really good story.
Really good story.
April 11, 2016
The only thing that stopped me from giving it a higher rating was that I wasn't entirely happy with the shifting points of view. I would have rather stayed with a single POV. Other than that, it was a great story.
April 11, 2015
I like the ending. I like the conflict. I didn't love all the religion.
March 3, 2015
You can see my review soon at GGR-Review dot com.
March 19, 2018
OMG wow! Absolutely amazing. Cannot recommend this book enough.
December 15, 2015
Misplaced Affection by Wade Kelly: http://reviews-and-ramblings.dreamwid... 2015 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
February 8, 2016
Out of all of Wade;s books this one touched me the most. It was very personal and similar to something I went through with a first love! Sadly he did not have as happy a ending
December 17, 2017
2.5⭐️. Honestly I can’t recommend this book. It was just so many piles of religious B.S. piled one on top of another. The general over all character description is a large group of mentally challenged self involved maniacs, which includes the protagonists. I dislike books that overuse timeline jumps. This book overdoes timeline jumps. The book is way, way to long. I found myself wanting to abandon it completely at 4 different times. I had to put it down and start another read just cleans my brain before continuing again. I guess I am a glutton for punishment so I plodded along until I finished it, hating to leave any book unfinished. I can guarantee you can spend you time on better reads than this. The 2.5⭐️’s is for the gay characters even as f***ed up as they are. I have really enjoyed many other of Wade Kelly’s books, hence initially wanting to read this one, big mistake. Also the auto accident trope used one in a storyline is OK but twice or more is unacceptable, try using some other trope!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2017
1.5 stars. I can't be the only one who had a WTF moment when the MCs that had been teased through the whole book as the ones who were going to be together ended up not together. Bait and switch! Hated Flynn and Keith together. Flynn treated him like garbage every time Zac was around and Keith was a controlling asshole.
September 17, 2020
Perfect narration by Chris Patton. What I love about it, is how the reader does not know which boyfriend Flynn is going to end up with. Although it touches on themes like alcoholism and homophobic religion, it is not too depressing or preachy.
March 25, 2018
I got tired of Flynn always wanting Zach and not seeing what was right in front of him all the time. I liked Gwen, that she could see through Zach's father's BS even when Zach couldn't.
May 24, 2017
shocker
January 6, 2017
I was not surprised to come here and find out that the author of this book is a woman which explains why the book didn't ring true (like the majority of m/m fiction written by females with only a couple of exceptions in my experience, Robin Reardon being one of them). Making romance between two teenage boys (0r males of any age) the equivalent of boy/girl relationships is pure fantasy. Boys do not go for for months in a relationship just kissing and talking about "not being ready" or "waiting for the right moment". They get 'into it' at the first opportunity. My experience and that of my friends just does not reflect gay male virginity at 16-18 except in the odd instance. We were like rabbits but without offspring from 11, 12 and 13.
I actually found Flynn to be a rather unlikable character. His Republicanism, his lack of depth in thinking US service personnel died in Vietnam for American freedom, his selfishness and so on were all factors.
The religion in the book although needed for parts of the story became a turnoff after a while. Why do education Americans still believe in a sky daddy?
Wade maybe Ms Kelly's real first name but I'm sick to death of writers of m/m fiction using using male-sounding names or initials which are obviously a deliberate attempt to lure male readers.
I actually found Flynn to be a rather unlikable character. His Republicanism, his lack of depth in thinking US service personnel died in Vietnam for American freedom, his selfishness and so on were all factors.
The religion in the book although needed for parts of the story became a turnoff after a while. Why do education Americans still believe in a sky daddy?
Wade maybe Ms Kelly's real first name but I'm sick to death of writers of m/m fiction using using male-sounding names or initials which are obviously a deliberate attempt to lure male readers.
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