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Brick by Brick
They say that time heals all wounds, but losing Parley, his one true love, left Zach with a hole in his heart that no one else can fill. After forty-eight blissful hours alone together as teens in an abandoned house, Parley disappeared. Parley is what he is, and the pray-away-the-gay camp his parents ship him to won’t change that. However, finding the balance between accepting his true nature and not losing his family means tough sacrifices.
Sixteen years later, Zach is thunderstruck when Parley stands on the front doorstep of his house—the house that had been their refuge, which Zach restored. But Parley isn’t alone, and Zach wonders if he’s found Parley only to lose him a second time. If they can overcome the terrors of the past and the situation of the present, maybe they can build a new relationship just as Zach rebuilt the house—brick by brick.
Sixteen years later, Zach is thunderstruck when Parley stands on the front doorstep of his house—the house that had been their refuge, which Zach restored. But Parley isn’t alone, and Zach wonders if he’s found Parley only to lose him a second time. If they can overcome the terrors of the past and the situation of the present, maybe they can build a new relationship just as Zach rebuilt the house—brick by brick.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 29, 2015
2 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Cate Ashwood
53 books503 followersCate discovered her love for books of all kinds early on, but romance is where her heart truly lies. She is addicted to the happily ever afters and the journey the characters take to get there. Currently residing in British Columbia, Cate loves living just a stone's throw from the water. When she's not writing, she can be found consuming coffee at an alarming rate while wrangling her children, her husband, and their two cats.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 29, 2015
I’m no stranger to Cate Ashwood, and I love her writing style; in fact, I consider myself a big fan. L.J. LaBarthe on the other hand is not an author I’m familiar with. Throughout this book I could see Cate’s MO many times, but unfortunately, I can’t say I loved this book. I liked it, just not very much.
One of the biggest problems I’ve had with this book is that no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t connect with the adult version of the characters. I liked the first part of the book, when Zach and Parley were both young; there was an innocence about them, especially Parley, but also a determination to forge their own way in life. Zach and Parley were best friends, but Zach doesn’t know much about Parley; Parley is an awkward teenager who’s coming from an extremely religious family in which taking his tie off is a reason to cry to God for forgiveness. His parents were some pretty serious nut-jobs, and I was horrified on Parley’s behalf.
Zach and Parley run away together as soon as the school year’s over, and they spend a few amazing days in an abandoned house playing at being grown-ups. I thought those few days together were lovely, full of first times, somewhat of an exciting adventure being away from any parental prison. The boys learn more personal things about each other and come to terms with the feelings they have for one another. It was cute and totally smile-worthy. But it all comes to an abrupt end when they boys are found and Parley is taken away from Zach and sent to a Pray-the-gay-away camp, where he spends the next three years of his life.
Fast forward 16 years, and we have the adult version of our characters, both still in love with each other, both still full of hope that they’ll find each other again. This is where the book started going down-hill for me, and fast. This part of the book felt rushed; I didn’t feel like I got to know the men as adults, especially Zach. The way they reconnected was somewhat believable, but their chemistry was off, and I couldn’t feel the attraction, the overwhelming feelings they both experienced when they set eyes on each other again. The writing was awkward as well, and it crossed the border to cheesy-land very fast. Add to that Parley’s inability to talk to Zach like an adult, and I started feeling put off; Parley’s best friend had to call Zach and tell him about Parley’s past and his feelings for Zach! How ridiculous is that? It was like a big conference call where all the parties were on speaker (yes, Parley was there as well!!!), and it made no sense to me at all. I was ready to give up on it then, but still went on in the hopes that their chemistry or intimacy would pick up. It didn’t…
There was one sex scene in this whole book, which happened at the end of the book. One moment they talk about taking things slow because Parley’s past at the camp has caused him PTSD and severe panic attacks, and the next moment, they’re in bed having sex. Unfortunately, that didn’t blow me away either, because it was lacking the chemistry I was mentioning earlier. I felt like the ending was rushed; they all got their happily ever after, which is a good thing, it just happened too fast for it to be satisfying.
The first part of the book is a solid 4 stars, the second part ranks somewhere around 2.5 stars unfortunately. All in all, this was an ok read; this was one of the few times it was obvious that two authors wrote this book, because their writing styles don’t really mesh, and that’s easy to see.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
One of the biggest problems I’ve had with this book is that no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t connect with the adult version of the characters. I liked the first part of the book, when Zach and Parley were both young; there was an innocence about them, especially Parley, but also a determination to forge their own way in life. Zach and Parley were best friends, but Zach doesn’t know much about Parley; Parley is an awkward teenager who’s coming from an extremely religious family in which taking his tie off is a reason to cry to God for forgiveness. His parents were some pretty serious nut-jobs, and I was horrified on Parley’s behalf.
Zach and Parley run away together as soon as the school year’s over, and they spend a few amazing days in an abandoned house playing at being grown-ups. I thought those few days together were lovely, full of first times, somewhat of an exciting adventure being away from any parental prison. The boys learn more personal things about each other and come to terms with the feelings they have for one another. It was cute and totally smile-worthy. But it all comes to an abrupt end when they boys are found and Parley is taken away from Zach and sent to a Pray-the-gay-away camp, where he spends the next three years of his life.
Fast forward 16 years, and we have the adult version of our characters, both still in love with each other, both still full of hope that they’ll find each other again. This is where the book started going down-hill for me, and fast. This part of the book felt rushed; I didn’t feel like I got to know the men as adults, especially Zach. The way they reconnected was somewhat believable, but their chemistry was off, and I couldn’t feel the attraction, the overwhelming feelings they both experienced when they set eyes on each other again. The writing was awkward as well, and it crossed the border to cheesy-land very fast. Add to that Parley’s inability to talk to Zach like an adult, and I started feeling put off; Parley’s best friend had to call Zach and tell him about Parley’s past and his feelings for Zach! How ridiculous is that? It was like a big conference call where all the parties were on speaker (yes, Parley was there as well!!!), and it made no sense to me at all. I was ready to give up on it then, but still went on in the hopes that their chemistry or intimacy would pick up. It didn’t…
There was one sex scene in this whole book, which happened at the end of the book. One moment they talk about taking things slow because Parley’s past at the camp has caused him PTSD and severe panic attacks, and the next moment, they’re in bed having sex. Unfortunately, that didn’t blow me away either, because it was lacking the chemistry I was mentioning earlier. I felt like the ending was rushed; they all got their happily ever after, which is a good thing, it just happened too fast for it to be satisfying.
The first part of the book is a solid 4 stars, the second part ranks somewhere around 2.5 stars unfortunately. All in all, this was an ok read; this was one of the few times it was obvious that two authors wrote this book, because their writing styles don’t really mesh, and that’s easy to see.
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
August 8, 2015
Note: This book was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
This was a sweet story about two young men, Parley and Zach, who decide they need to get away from their town and their families as soon as they finish high school. Zach, a jock who befriended Parley when Parley agreed to tutor Zach in their senior year, is the more adventurous of the two. He buys a car with his $300 life savings and asks Parley to go with him. Where are they going? Anywhere, but here. Zach wants to make his mark on the world, but not by going to college. He wants to work with his hands, and he wants his independence, but more than anything, and though he doesn’t tell him, he’s fallen in love with Parley and wants to make him a home.
The first half of the story is devoted to the few days the boys manage to have alone in an abandoned house they’ve found in a small town not far from where they live. Unfortunately, both sets of parents have reported them missing, and since Parley is only seventeen, when the cops find them, they haul Parley back to his family. The problem is that Parley’s family are religious zealots who believe they can “pray the gay away” and send Parley to Sunbeam Farm, a place guaranteed to drive the sin out of him.
Sixteen years later, Zach is still in love with Parley. In the intervening years, Zach has built a workworking business and is a successful entrepreneur and owner of the house in which he and Parley stayed all those years ago—the house where he almost got to kiss the love of his life. Imagine his shock when he opens the door one day to find Parley standing on his porch—Parley—and his family!
It seems that both men have looked for the other over the years, though Zach has spent more time trying to find Parley than vice versa. Parley has been a world-traveler, working for a Christian organization and traveling with this partner and best friend Veronica and the two children she adopted overseas. Parley had no idea who now owned the house where his most treasured memories occurred, but he knows he has to get permission for his family to walk around and look it over while he tries to cope with the memories of his past.
When he sees Zach at the door, he’s just as shocked as Zach is, but of course, the story would be finished too quickly if there weren’t misunderstandings between the men, and the authors do a great job giving us a wonderful story, despite the misunderstandings. I forgave them quickly since they didn’t make me suffer needlessly through unnecessary extra “fluff” pages as some authors do.
I recommend this to those who enjoy an M/M romance with two sweet men, those who like stories about lovers reunited, and those who like to see their MCs prevail over religious persecution. Parley is a survivor, and Zach is there to help him rebuild his life “brick by brick.”
3.5 stars, rounded up because I loved the second half so much.
This was a sweet story about two young men, Parley and Zach, who decide they need to get away from their town and their families as soon as they finish high school. Zach, a jock who befriended Parley when Parley agreed to tutor Zach in their senior year, is the more adventurous of the two. He buys a car with his $300 life savings and asks Parley to go with him. Where are they going? Anywhere, but here. Zach wants to make his mark on the world, but not by going to college. He wants to work with his hands, and he wants his independence, but more than anything, and though he doesn’t tell him, he’s fallen in love with Parley and wants to make him a home.
The first half of the story is devoted to the few days the boys manage to have alone in an abandoned house they’ve found in a small town not far from where they live. Unfortunately, both sets of parents have reported them missing, and since Parley is only seventeen, when the cops find them, they haul Parley back to his family. The problem is that Parley’s family are religious zealots who believe they can “pray the gay away” and send Parley to Sunbeam Farm, a place guaranteed to drive the sin out of him.
Sixteen years later, Zach is still in love with Parley. In the intervening years, Zach has built a workworking business and is a successful entrepreneur and owner of the house in which he and Parley stayed all those years ago—the house where he almost got to kiss the love of his life. Imagine his shock when he opens the door one day to find Parley standing on his porch—Parley—and his family!
It seems that both men have looked for the other over the years, though Zach has spent more time trying to find Parley than vice versa. Parley has been a world-traveler, working for a Christian organization and traveling with this partner and best friend Veronica and the two children she adopted overseas. Parley had no idea who now owned the house where his most treasured memories occurred, but he knows he has to get permission for his family to walk around and look it over while he tries to cope with the memories of his past.
When he sees Zach at the door, he’s just as shocked as Zach is, but of course, the story would be finished too quickly if there weren’t misunderstandings between the men, and the authors do a great job giving us a wonderful story, despite the misunderstandings. I forgave them quickly since they didn’t make me suffer needlessly through unnecessary extra “fluff” pages as some authors do.
I recommend this to those who enjoy an M/M romance with two sweet men, those who like stories about lovers reunited, and those who like to see their MCs prevail over religious persecution. Parley is a survivor, and Zach is there to help him rebuild his life “brick by brick.”
3.5 stars, rounded up because I loved the second half so much.
November 25, 2017
This one made me cry. These boys were soooo sweet that the whole situation with them broke my heart.
Another case of the ‘loves cures all’, which I’m not a huge fan of. Also, it was so slow burn, that it spoiled the meal for me. Their finally being together arrived too late for me. The whole misunderstanding about Veronica and the kids was ridiculous, as if dragging it a little bit more was necessary after 16 years!
Also, why on earth didn’t Par looked for Zach after moving with his brother and being free from his parents? Why did he stay at the ‘farm’ for 3 years??? He became an adult mere months after he was sent there! His parents didn’t have any saying there.
I hated Par’s parents. How can someone do that to their kid?
This one was just ok. I loved the first part until they were separated. I didn’t care for the rest.
Another case of the ‘loves cures all’, which I’m not a huge fan of. Also, it was so slow burn, that it spoiled the meal for me. Their finally being together arrived too late for me. The whole misunderstanding about Veronica and the kids was ridiculous, as if dragging it a little bit more was necessary after 16 years!
Also, why on earth didn’t Par looked for Zach after moving with his brother and being free from his parents? Why did he stay at the ‘farm’ for 3 years??? He became an adult mere months after he was sent there! His parents didn’t have any saying there.
I hated Par’s parents. How can someone do that to their kid?
This one was just ok. I loved the first part until they were separated. I didn’t care for the rest.
August 3, 2015
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
I have mixed feelings about this book. The first half of the book was one of the best books that I have read in a while. Outstanding! It had it all: young love, religious zealot parents (Parley’s), helicopter parents who’ve mapped out their child’s life for them (Zach’s), an escape, a capture, and an exile. I quickly was drawn into the story as the two young men’s friendship evolves into love only to be snatched away from them.
And then we have the second half of the book that begins 16 years later… I just couldn’t connect with the characters as adults like I did when they were younger. I didn’t feel the spark that was there before. Add in Veronica, Parley’s best friend, who seems to take a prominent role in the second half, acting like a go-between between these two men as Parley is too afraid to talk to Zach himself. At points, it seemed Parley acted more juvenile as an adult than he had as a teenager.
Overall, I was disappointed with the book primarily because the first half was so well written and had me so invested with the characters, but then we fast forward 16 years to them as adults and are expected to believe that their love for one another never changed, even though both of them changed significantly. I would have liked to have seen more Parley and Zach time in the second half and a whole lot less of Veronica, Parley, and Zach time.
Read Wendy’s review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
I have mixed feelings about this book. The first half of the book was one of the best books that I have read in a while. Outstanding! It had it all: young love, religious zealot parents (Parley’s), helicopter parents who’ve mapped out their child’s life for them (Zach’s), an escape, a capture, and an exile. I quickly was drawn into the story as the two young men’s friendship evolves into love only to be snatched away from them.
And then we have the second half of the book that begins 16 years later… I just couldn’t connect with the characters as adults like I did when they were younger. I didn’t feel the spark that was there before. Add in Veronica, Parley’s best friend, who seems to take a prominent role in the second half, acting like a go-between between these two men as Parley is too afraid to talk to Zach himself. At points, it seemed Parley acted more juvenile as an adult than he had as a teenager.
Overall, I was disappointed with the book primarily because the first half was so well written and had me so invested with the characters, but then we fast forward 16 years to them as adults and are expected to believe that their love for one another never changed, even though both of them changed significantly. I would have liked to have seen more Parley and Zach time in the second half and a whole lot less of Veronica, Parley, and Zach time.
Read Wendy’s review in its entirety here.
August 14, 2015
There was a lot with this book that just didn’t work for me. The uber crazy religious aspect of Parley’s life and personality clashes with the more carefree no real convictions Zach which makes it hard to believe their chemistry.
I also thought that most of this book was going to be about how they manage to work through 16 years of issues. Over half of this book was about when they were teens. Then we are expected to believe that after 16 years, they can be around each other for a few hours over a couple of days and they are not only ready to jump into bed, but move in together and live happily ever after. Sorry, it just doesn’t work at all for me. Especially when you take into account what has to be some severe psychological trauma on Parley’s part.
I also never got what the issue was with Parley’s relationship with Veronica. The story made it seem like it was this huge, weird, big deal. So what. They were friends. Maybe I missed something, but it was just another aspect of the story that didn’t really work for me and I was wondering why it was so heavily emphasized.
While this had some sweet aspects, those were darn near syrupy, rainbows and bunny farts sweet to the point that it wasn’t even believable.
The crazy religious part came across weirdly preachy, which had me coming close a couple of times to just putting this down. Now, I’m kinda thinking that might have been the better choice.
I also thought that most of this book was going to be about how they manage to work through 16 years of issues. Over half of this book was about when they were teens. Then we are expected to believe that after 16 years, they can be around each other for a few hours over a couple of days and they are not only ready to jump into bed, but move in together and live happily ever after. Sorry, it just doesn’t work at all for me. Especially when you take into account what has to be some severe psychological trauma on Parley’s part.
I also never got what the issue was with Parley’s relationship with Veronica. The story made it seem like it was this huge, weird, big deal. So what. They were friends. Maybe I missed something, but it was just another aspect of the story that didn’t really work for me and I was wondering why it was so heavily emphasized.
While this had some sweet aspects, those were darn near syrupy, rainbows and bunny farts sweet to the point that it wasn’t even believable.
The crazy religious part came across weirdly preachy, which had me coming close a couple of times to just putting this down. Now, I’m kinda thinking that might have been the better choice.
July 1, 2015
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This book took me into an emotional trip through the lives of two troubled souls, both struggling with imminent decisions and the changes that said decisions would bring into their lives.
Since Zach met Parley, he was smitten by the quiet gorgeous guy that became his best friend and secretly, the love of his life.
Parley’s sweet nature, intelligence and devotion to his family was never really recognized by them, and he was afraid that his decision to finally be free to live his life as he always dreamed would have dire consequences. It was hard to see what prejudice and family misconceptions did with these two beautiful souls that only wanted a chance to be together.
Their reunion after such a long time, and how Zach’s love helped Parley to get over his demons and the pain of their separation was really heartwarming. I also loved the secondary characters and the part they play in Parley and Zach’s life.
This is a sweet story about undying love, friendship and about never giving up on your dreams.
I simply know that you’ll love it as much as I did.
This book took me into an emotional trip through the lives of two troubled souls, both struggling with imminent decisions and the changes that said decisions would bring into their lives.
Since Zach met Parley, he was smitten by the quiet gorgeous guy that became his best friend and secretly, the love of his life.
Parley’s sweet nature, intelligence and devotion to his family was never really recognized by them, and he was afraid that his decision to finally be free to live his life as he always dreamed would have dire consequences. It was hard to see what prejudice and family misconceptions did with these two beautiful souls that only wanted a chance to be together.
Their reunion after such a long time, and how Zach’s love helped Parley to get over his demons and the pain of their separation was really heartwarming. I also loved the secondary characters and the part they play in Parley and Zach’s life.
This is a sweet story about undying love, friendship and about never giving up on your dreams.
I simply know that you’ll love it as much as I did.
February 26, 2025
1.5 stars
POV: alternating 3rd person, past tense
Parley was raised in a religious compound until he was a teenager, when his parents moved the family to Vancouver. They are still strictly religious with strict ideas of behaviour and attitudes, but the boys can go to public school and are exposed to lots more people with differing ideas. Parley meets Zach when he is asked to tutor him, and the two quickly become best friends. When Zach suggests that they escape after graduation because Zach doesn't like the plans and pressures his parents have for him, Parley agrees. They have a couple of days on their own in an abandoned house, and then they are forced to come back to their families. That is the last Zach sees of Parley, even though he never stops looking for him, until Parley turns up on the doorstep of the house that they squatted in 16 years later.
Well. That was not good. I had hoped that maybe an author who I have had issues with would be mitigated by an author who I had previously read and liked and they would be stronger together. Nope. The writing was childish and repetitive. Parley and Zach were childish, even as adults. There was a big talk with Zach, and then they make a HUGE deal about ANOTHER big talk BY THE SAME PERSON AND ABOUT THE SAME THING several chapters later, and they act like it's completely different. No, it's not. You said the same thing. But Zach was all "oh, that explains everything!!!!! So amazing!". And I was like "were you tuning her out the last time she got you alone? Because all she did was expand the tiniest bit on everything she already told you." I was not impressed. No wonder Zach needed akeeper ... er, assistant to run his business, even though it wasn't that big. I'm not sure why I kept reading. Maybe I was hoping it would get better? Or maybe I was bitter about the whole thing and wanted an excuse to rant.
POV: alternating 3rd person, past tense
Parley was raised in a religious compound until he was a teenager, when his parents moved the family to Vancouver. They are still strictly religious with strict ideas of behaviour and attitudes, but the boys can go to public school and are exposed to lots more people with differing ideas. Parley meets Zach when he is asked to tutor him, and the two quickly become best friends. When Zach suggests that they escape after graduation because Zach doesn't like the plans and pressures his parents have for him, Parley agrees. They have a couple of days on their own in an abandoned house, and then they are forced to come back to their families. That is the last Zach sees of Parley, even though he never stops looking for him, until Parley turns up on the doorstep of the house that they squatted in 16 years later.
Well. That was not good. I had hoped that maybe an author who I have had issues with would be mitigated by an author who I had previously read and liked and they would be stronger together. Nope. The writing was childish and repetitive. Parley and Zach were childish, even as adults. There was a big talk with Zach, and then they make a HUGE deal about ANOTHER big talk BY THE SAME PERSON AND ABOUT THE SAME THING several chapters later, and they act like it's completely different. No, it's not. You said the same thing. But Zach was all "oh, that explains everything!!!!! So amazing!". And I was like "were you tuning her out the last time she got you alone? Because all she did was expand the tiniest bit on everything she already told you." I was not impressed. No wonder Zach needed a
July 30, 2015
“This house was everything we knew. It’s where we kept our love and every single memory of me and you...everything that's left is telling us the worst of it is through. Home has never felt so right, there's nothing in the way. There's nothing in between us...If we hold on to each other, we'll be better than before. And brick by brick, we'll get back to yesterday.” ~ Train (Brick by Brick)
You never forget your first love, the one who caused the first flutterings of desire in your heart; there's no way of recapturing the experience with anyone else. For Zach and Parley, of 'Brick by Brick' by Cate Ashwood and L.J. LaBarthe, this is especially true. Zach and Parley are fortunate enough to find each other, become friends, and fall in love at a young age. They are impetuous enough to think that running away from home, to be on their own, would be an exciting adventure. Their road trip costs them dearly when they are cruelly ripped apart, not to see each other again for many years. The one thing no one can take away from them is their endearing love for each other and the hope that they will be reunited some day.
Zach has searched for Parley for years, feeling like half a person without him. He buys and restores their “little peace of heaven”, the house where they spent their last two days together. During this project, Zach discovers how much he enjoys working with wood and eventually starts his own business. Even when the house is finished, Zach just doesn't feel right living there without Parly; it is their house. Zach keeps hoping that he will find Parley and they can be together, as they should have in the first place. Like the quote from the movie 'Field of Dreams', when Ray hears a voice while he is walking through the cornfield: “If you build it, he will come.” By restoring the house, Zach creates the opportunity for them to be reunited and have their second chance. When his plan is successful and Parley is standing at his front door, Zach can hardly believe it, but welcomes him and his family back into his life with open arms.
Parley has been through a lot, particularly at the conversion camp where he's tortured in order to “get the gay out of him”. He finally lies to get out of that hell hole, but he's not converted. The effects of his torture follow Parley, haunting his dreams, causing flashbacks and other PTSD symptoms no one should ever have to suffer through. Fortunately Parley finds a friend, Veronica, who helps him heal. Even though Parley, his sister, Veronica, and her two adopted children are his family now, they all know that Parley and Zach belong together. Parley just can't find the words to tell Zach how he feels, so, as a family, they help Parley tell Zach how much Parley still loves and wants to be with him. Veronica trusts that Zach will give Parley the love and care he needs and her trust is not misplaced. Parley doesn't lose his kindred by being with him; Zach simply becomes part of their extended family unit.
At times this was a difficult book to read and I shed more than a few tears, simply from the needlessness of the trauma the guys, particularly Parley, endured. Sixteen years is an ungodly amount of time to be separated, but they do find each other again. I was surprised that Zach and Parley had sex so quickly, especially after what they had gone through. I'd think that Parley would need a lot more time to adjust; to heal, but perhaps the strength of their love and desire to be together overrode all of the negativity and left room for them to grow even closer together. If you're interested in conversion therapy, religious zealots, forgiveness, reunions, soul mates, and unconditional love, you may like this book. Thanks, Cate and L.J., for a story which made me think and for giving Zach and Parley their happy ending.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
July 13, 2015
*copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by author/publisher via Pride Promotions in exchange for an honest review*
Parley and Zach meet in high school. Parley is a good academic student, very Christian and quiet.
Zach is the total opposite. He is loud and curses. He is into sports, but not doing so well academically.
Parley and Zach are thrown into one another's lives when Parley tutors Zach. Even though they are not alike, they find a common a ground and form a strong friendship.
Zach knows he'll never be good enough to go to college like his parents aspect him to, so he decides after his finals are all taken, he will run away. He asks Parley, his best friend to go with him. Parley says no at first, but quickly changes his mind. He is in love with Zach and can't see his life without him.
The two don't make it far before the beater Zach bought breaks down. They are eventually caught and brought back to their parents. Zach tries to see Parley, but his parents have sent him away, to a conversion camp. I'm going to stop right here and thank the authors. I have read The Pray The Gay Away series by Sara York, and when I got to this point in the book, I almost closed it. I can't take that. It tore me up more than almost anything I have ever read, when I read those scenes in Sara's series. Thank God, the authors skip ahead 16 years. We see none of the gory details.
After 16 years Parley shows up on Zach's door step. Zach has spent the past 16 years never giving up hope that he would find Parley. He has never given up on his one true love.
This was a good story, and I enjoyed it. It was well written and different. Different in the fact that usually we would start the story either as a prologue or in the present, but here we see things in real time, as they happen, until the point these young men are torn apart.
The characters had a good chemistry, and the relationship developed slowly when they were teens, but when they get together as adults, I felt things were a bit rushed. The authors didn't really take the time to have the characters get reacquainted, and get to know each other again. 16 years is a long time and experiences change people. I just wish the authors would have taken things a little more gradually in the second half of the book.
The relationship between the main characters was sweet and intense. The secondary characters of Zach's assistant, Tessa, and Parley's friend, Veronica and his Sister Emma, play a big part in this book. Sometimes with Veronica, almost too big of a part. I wish she would have been kept more as a background character, and more time devoted to Parley and Zach.
All in all this was a good story and I enjoyed it.
Parley and Zach meet in high school. Parley is a good academic student, very Christian and quiet.
Zach is the total opposite. He is loud and curses. He is into sports, but not doing so well academically.
Parley and Zach are thrown into one another's lives when Parley tutors Zach. Even though they are not alike, they find a common a ground and form a strong friendship.
Zach knows he'll never be good enough to go to college like his parents aspect him to, so he decides after his finals are all taken, he will run away. He asks Parley, his best friend to go with him. Parley says no at first, but quickly changes his mind. He is in love with Zach and can't see his life without him.
The two don't make it far before the beater Zach bought breaks down. They are eventually caught and brought back to their parents. Zach tries to see Parley, but his parents have sent him away, to a conversion camp. I'm going to stop right here and thank the authors. I have read The Pray The Gay Away series by Sara York, and when I got to this point in the book, I almost closed it. I can't take that. It tore me up more than almost anything I have ever read, when I read those scenes in Sara's series. Thank God, the authors skip ahead 16 years. We see none of the gory details.
After 16 years Parley shows up on Zach's door step. Zach has spent the past 16 years never giving up hope that he would find Parley. He has never given up on his one true love.
This was a good story, and I enjoyed it. It was well written and different. Different in the fact that usually we would start the story either as a prologue or in the present, but here we see things in real time, as they happen, until the point these young men are torn apart.
The characters had a good chemistry, and the relationship developed slowly when they were teens, but when they get together as adults, I felt things were a bit rushed. The authors didn't really take the time to have the characters get reacquainted, and get to know each other again. 16 years is a long time and experiences change people. I just wish the authors would have taken things a little more gradually in the second half of the book.
The relationship between the main characters was sweet and intense. The secondary characters of Zach's assistant, Tessa, and Parley's friend, Veronica and his Sister Emma, play a big part in this book. Sometimes with Veronica, almost too big of a part. I wish she would have been kept more as a background character, and more time devoted to Parley and Zach.
All in all this was a good story and I enjoyed it.
April 8, 2016
*** 1.5 Stars ***
*tosses another book on the "Not for Me" shelf*
I should have known this book wasn't going to be to my tastes when I saw the ridiculous name "Parley" (Parsley? Barley? The poor man's Harley?!) and the heavy religious overtones in the blurb. If only I had paid attention to the signs, I could have saved myself a fairly disappointing reading experience.
Right from the beginning, this book seemed... Unbalanced. I'm so used to books that start in the past and then fast forward to the present being weighted about 15% past/85% present - just enough details in the past to connect the readers to the character, engage our empathy for their inevitable separation, and then fast forward to the good, complicated emotional stuff. But the part of this story told about these MCs as high school students just went on, and on, and on. In fact, it took up exactly half the book. I know other readers may not take issue with this, but I found that it resulted in both halves of the story feeling underdeveloped.
Then there was the issue of the dialogue; it was incredibly stiff. I would have expected a certain formality and stiffness from the sheltered, uber religious MC, but getting it from both main characters (and even some secondary characters later in the story) drew me out of the story. I couldn't see myself or my peers in the characters' shoes, saying the characters' words, and so the dialogue ultimately rang false for me.
Although the characters had some really gushing, tender moments in the last 10% of this book which I appreciated, I never felt as if their high school personas TRULY connected in such a soul deep way that would have made both of them pine after each other for 16 years. Again, the relationship felt artificial or, at the very least, underdeveloped.
And now, if I'm being honest, I've had too much wine to continue my review coherently, so ima gonna leave it here... Just know that while I wouldn't classify this as a terrible book, and I realize that there are probably those readers out there that will 3 or 4 star this book, I can't recommend it to my friends - I know they have more discerning taste than that.
Oooh... That comment was a little more bitchy than constructive. I blame the wine.
*tosses another book on the "Not for Me" shelf*
I should have known this book wasn't going to be to my tastes when I saw the ridiculous name "Parley" (Parsley? Barley? The poor man's Harley?!) and the heavy religious overtones in the blurb. If only I had paid attention to the signs, I could have saved myself a fairly disappointing reading experience.
Right from the beginning, this book seemed... Unbalanced. I'm so used to books that start in the past and then fast forward to the present being weighted about 15% past/85% present - just enough details in the past to connect the readers to the character, engage our empathy for their inevitable separation, and then fast forward to the good, complicated emotional stuff. But the part of this story told about these MCs as high school students just went on, and on, and on. In fact, it took up exactly half the book. I know other readers may not take issue with this, but I found that it resulted in both halves of the story feeling underdeveloped.
Then there was the issue of the dialogue; it was incredibly stiff. I would have expected a certain formality and stiffness from the sheltered, uber religious MC, but getting it from both main characters (and even some secondary characters later in the story) drew me out of the story. I couldn't see myself or my peers in the characters' shoes, saying the characters' words, and so the dialogue ultimately rang false for me.
Although the characters had some really gushing, tender moments in the last 10% of this book which I appreciated, I never felt as if their high school personas TRULY connected in such a soul deep way that would have made both of them pine after each other for 16 years. Again, the relationship felt artificial or, at the very least, underdeveloped.
And now, if I'm being honest, I've had too much wine to continue my review coherently, so ima gonna leave it here... Just know that while I wouldn't classify this as a terrible book, and I realize that there are probably those readers out there that will 3 or 4 star this book, I can't recommend it to my friends - I know they have more discerning taste than that.
Oooh... That comment was a little more bitchy than constructive. I blame the wine.
June 9, 2016
4.25 stars
Brick by Brick had been on my TBR list for some time but I kept putting off reading for some reason or another. I totally should not have done that. This book was completely fresh and original as well as sweet and romantic.
The book is basically in two parts. The first shows Zack and Parley as young adults, Zack is 18 and Parley is almost 18. The almost is the important part.
Parley’s family is ultra-religious not horribly abusive but far from loving. Zack wants to take off and leave town and invites Parley, but Parley originally says no. He soon changes his mind and before long the young men are off on their adventure.
Fate plays a hand in things and their car breaks down in front of an abandoned house they decide to squat in. Their time in the house isn’t especially realistic, but that didn’t matter to me at all. I loved seeing their relationship grow from friends to something more. Parley, in particular, changes the most. He learns to accept himself as gay and get past the religious doctrine drilled into his head. He also opens up to Zack about an event in his life. This scene was heartbreaking and I was as much in tears as Zack was.
Because Parley is not yet 18 his parents can force him to come home. Instead of laying low, Parley admits he is gay and is taken to a gay conversion camp.
This is where the second half of the book starts up. It’s 16 years later and Zack and Parley haven’t seen each other in all that time.
Zack is a successful businessman and still misses Parley. Parley has his own makeshift family and still suffers from the time spent in the conversion camp.
I don’t want to ruin too much of the story because how they meet was an awesome surprise. I was enthralled with the story from this point on. Seeing the men reconnect and explore what’s left of their feelings was so freaking awesome. Zack and Parley are totally adorable.
Their connection and love was so well-written it didn’t bother me when there was somewhat unrealistic dialogue. Anything negative in this book is totally overpowered by the positive.
If you like sweet romances this is the book for you.
http://www.prismbookalliance.com/2015...
Brick by Brick had been on my TBR list for some time but I kept putting off reading for some reason or another. I totally should not have done that. This book was completely fresh and original as well as sweet and romantic.
The book is basically in two parts. The first shows Zack and Parley as young adults, Zack is 18 and Parley is almost 18. The almost is the important part.
Parley’s family is ultra-religious not horribly abusive but far from loving. Zack wants to take off and leave town and invites Parley, but Parley originally says no. He soon changes his mind and before long the young men are off on their adventure.
Fate plays a hand in things and their car breaks down in front of an abandoned house they decide to squat in. Their time in the house isn’t especially realistic, but that didn’t matter to me at all. I loved seeing their relationship grow from friends to something more. Parley, in particular, changes the most. He learns to accept himself as gay and get past the religious doctrine drilled into his head. He also opens up to Zack about an event in his life. This scene was heartbreaking and I was as much in tears as Zack was.
Because Parley is not yet 18 his parents can force him to come home. Instead of laying low, Parley admits he is gay and is taken to a gay conversion camp.
This is where the second half of the book starts up. It’s 16 years later and Zack and Parley haven’t seen each other in all that time.
Zack is a successful businessman and still misses Parley. Parley has his own makeshift family and still suffers from the time spent in the conversion camp.
I don’t want to ruin too much of the story because how they meet was an awesome surprise. I was enthralled with the story from this point on. Seeing the men reconnect and explore what’s left of their feelings was so freaking awesome. Zack and Parley are totally adorable.
Their connection and love was so well-written it didn’t bother me when there was somewhat unrealistic dialogue. Anything negative in this book is totally overpowered by the positive.
If you like sweet romances this is the book for you.
http://www.prismbookalliance.com/2015...
September 9, 2015
Brick by Brick was not what I expected from the start. From the way it was written, I figured it would start off when Parley returned. Nope. It starts off when the two are teenagers and for 8-9 chapters it continues on that route, telling the story of how they got to be separated. I will admit, I thought much of that dragged. The parts where they showed what was happening were insightful, but there was a lot of telling in those first chapters.
However, I am glad I persevered. Once the book flipped to sixteen years later to when Parley returns, well the rest of the book zoomed by. Zach, who has never stopped loving the only man he’s ever loved is thrilled when he sees him. Unfortunately, there are a few extra people with his old friend that might mean the two of them can never get together.
So much pain caused by religious extremists and Parley has literally been through hell. He’s found others who support and love him, but he’s never forgotten the only man he’s ever loved.
The story wasn’t too angsty – which was great for me – and the ending was actually a bit of a surprise. I was sure I could see the writing on the wall of what would happen with Parley’s ‘family’ but the authors didn’t take that route which wasn’t just a surprise, but a pleasant one
Reviewed by a-nony-mouse for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for review*
However, I am glad I persevered. Once the book flipped to sixteen years later to when Parley returns, well the rest of the book zoomed by. Zach, who has never stopped loving the only man he’s ever loved is thrilled when he sees him. Unfortunately, there are a few extra people with his old friend that might mean the two of them can never get together.
So much pain caused by religious extremists and Parley has literally been through hell. He’s found others who support and love him, but he’s never forgotten the only man he’s ever loved.
The story wasn’t too angsty – which was great for me – and the ending was actually a bit of a surprise. I was sure I could see the writing on the wall of what would happen with Parley’s ‘family’ but the authors didn’t take that route which wasn’t just a surprise, but a pleasant one
Reviewed by a-nony-mouse for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for review*
February 9, 2016
A fairly quick paced read that covers a lot of controversial issues without preaching but definitely engaging the reader's feelings.
The first half of the book is when Parley and Zach are at high school, Parley tutoring Zach. Their friendship develops over the months, with both having deep feelings for the other. Their ill-formed plan to run away comes to its inevitable conclusion but it is the glimpses of Parley's youth and the consequences that he suffers that are terrible.
We miss the interveneing 16 years, which in Parley's case is a blessing though because of what has happened he has ultimaately had a more travelled life.
Zach returned to their get away village fairly quickly and has built a successful if lonely life. Their meet cute reunion is quite emotional, especially with the characters that they have both gathered along the way.
They didn't come across as 30+ men but the circumstances of their parting have obviously scarred both of them let alone the interveneing times.
Parley is too forgiving of his family in my opinion but he is a better person! I would have loved to see how his parents react to Zach again.
3.5*
The first half of the book is when Parley and Zach are at high school, Parley tutoring Zach. Their friendship develops over the months, with both having deep feelings for the other. Their ill-formed plan to run away comes to its inevitable conclusion but it is the glimpses of Parley's youth and the consequences that he suffers that are terrible.
We miss the interveneing 16 years, which in Parley's case is a blessing though because of what has happened he has ultimaately had a more travelled life.
Zach returned to their get away village fairly quickly and has built a successful if lonely life. Their meet cute reunion is quite emotional, especially with the characters that they have both gathered along the way.
They didn't come across as 30+ men but the circumstances of their parting have obviously scarred both of them let alone the interveneing times.
Parley is too forgiving of his family in my opinion but he is a better person! I would have loved to see how his parents react to Zach again.
3.5*
January 2, 2018
I absolutely loved the first half of the book - Parley was raised by a family who lived in a religious compound. His family had very strong beliefs including, of course, homosexuality. Parley and Zach meet in school when Zach, who is failing math, has to raise his scores in order to play soccer. Parley is asked to tutor him. They become friends. The build-up of the friendship between the two boys juxtaposed against Parley's upbringing and family give you a sense foreboding that all will not end well with these boys. And sadly, it doesn't. Oh I sobbed. We fast forward 16 years. Now the length of time it took to straighten out the confusion with Veronica and Parley went on a little too long. I was yelling at my Kindle - SOMEBODY WAKE UP, ALL IS NOT AS IT SEEMS!!! In addition, I wanted a little more backstory on the Emma, Veronica and the kids situation. And I didn't like Tessa, Zach's assistant. Very annoying. One of those brittle women that contributed to my decision not to read M/F books anymore. Anyway, it ends in a lovely HEA.
June 30, 2015
FourStars
Normally I don’t read books that have religion in them; they aren’t my cup of tea usually. This is the second book recently that I have read that does deal with religion and I didn’t mind. I will say that I cried big fat crocodile tears while reading some parts of this book. At first I didn’t really feel the connection between Parley and Zach but once the book got going I could. I found some of the book hard to read because I don’t agree with some of the religious aspects of the book because it made me so mad knowing that this stuff probably happens all the time still in this day in age and that just breaks my heart. I liked how the book went from childhood to adulthood. I don’t want to ruin the story for anyone but I loved how Zach took something from their childhood and kept with it into adulthood, it just made me cry. This book just proves that true love does happen and it was a beautiful story.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Angie
Normally I don’t read books that have religion in them; they aren’t my cup of tea usually. This is the second book recently that I have read that does deal with religion and I didn’t mind. I will say that I cried big fat crocodile tears while reading some parts of this book. At first I didn’t really feel the connection between Parley and Zach but once the book got going I could. I found some of the book hard to read because I don’t agree with some of the religious aspects of the book because it made me so mad knowing that this stuff probably happens all the time still in this day in age and that just breaks my heart. I liked how the book went from childhood to adulthood. I don’t want to ruin the story for anyone but I loved how Zach took something from their childhood and kept with it into adulthood, it just made me cry. This book just proves that true love does happen and it was a beautiful story.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
Angie
July 2, 2015
Original review on Molly Lolly
Three and a half stars!
This story was good. I really liked Parley and Zach. They are so sweet together, and you can feel their emotions. They’re very deep and well developed. It was a little slow moving at times. Veronica and Emma are wonderful characters and great support for Parley. Plus I loved how the family they created works together and encourage each other. My only issue with the book was some of the major problems they face as a couple and individually when they find each other again are glossed over or just skipped all together. The story is enjoyable, and the characters were likable, I just wanted more.
Three and a half stars!
This story was good. I really liked Parley and Zach. They are so sweet together, and you can feel their emotions. They’re very deep and well developed. It was a little slow moving at times. Veronica and Emma are wonderful characters and great support for Parley. Plus I loved how the family they created works together and encourage each other. My only issue with the book was some of the major problems they face as a couple and individually when they find each other again are glossed over or just skipped all together. The story is enjoyable, and the characters were likable, I just wanted more.
July 5, 2015
Wow, we have two writers here and got only half a story, so DISAPPOINTING!
I admit, first half of the storyline, when Parley and Zach were young was interesting. And then a reader is thrown with fast forward for 16 years. Now two lost friends find each other again and decide, "we want out HEA" the end.
What kind of a story is that, written by two writers, I'm speechless! Where is the middle part, what happened in between? Where is the PLOT!!!!!
I admit, first half of the storyline, when Parley and Zach were young was interesting. And then a reader is thrown with fast forward for 16 years. Now two lost friends find each other again and decide, "we want out HEA" the end.
What kind of a story is that, written by two writers, I'm speechless! Where is the middle part, what happened in between? Where is the PLOT!!!!!
July 17, 2015
4 1/2 stars because it was well written, but...
Good story, interesting plot, intense religion bashing, horrible parenting, very long timeline and separation. Characters are developed but I'm not sure I followed them through the story intact. This was a very different kind of book. Not what I've come to expect from Cate Ashwood but sometimes it's a good idea to mix things up. I'm just not entirely sure this was mixing things up or a nightmare put on the page.
Good story, interesting plot, intense religion bashing, horrible parenting, very long timeline and separation. Characters are developed but I'm not sure I followed them through the story intact. This was a very different kind of book. Not what I've come to expect from Cate Ashwood but sometimes it's a good idea to mix things up. I'm just not entirely sure this was mixing things up or a nightmare put on the page.
September 13, 2015
3.5*
I really liked this one! The first half of the book is about friends that have an attraction to each other and spend a few days alone together.
Zach and Parley still love each other and have looked for each other through out the years.
16 years later Parley appears at the door with his family by his side.
I wish there would have been a little more about the years apart so we could have understood the characters a little more in the adult years. Good book!
I really liked this one! The first half of the book is about friends that have an attraction to each other and spend a few days alone together.
Zach and Parley still love each other and have looked for each other through out the years.
16 years later Parley appears at the door with his family by his side.
I wish there would have been a little more about the years apart so we could have understood the characters a little more in the adult years. Good book!
October 6, 2015
Loved the story.
July 1, 2015
cute. could have been fleshed out quite a bit more
July 9, 2015
Beautiful book to read.
December 13, 2015
Brick by Brick by Cate Ashwood & L.J. LaBarthe: http://reviews-and-ramblings.dreamwid... 2015 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
February 24, 2016
3.75 stars
June 8, 2017
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews