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Fin & Matt

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Fin MacAuliffe had always been less than masculine; never truly confident enough to be himself. He’d long known he was gay – he’d just never shared it with anyone, not even his own free-thinking, liberal parents. Sure, they knew. Yet, they never quite gave up on linking him to some respectable girl with good genes and a generous bank account. Fin’s own account was nothing to be ashamed of, but even with all of the advantages, the only true thing he longed for was companionship.

After dragging himself back home to Missouri after graduation, Fin prepared to start his adult life – beginning with taking a new job as a music teacher at a private school. He was set, at least by the traditional standards. On his very first day, he saw him...

If there was a God, he made Matt DiFiore personally. Disheveled, straight black hair which appeared to be self-cut. Chiseled cheekbones. Tanned smooth skin.

Fin knew he was staring. Matt’s lower half was covered by track pants with side snaps, but Fin knew that beneath those snaps housed the most glorious legs in existence. Those full lips wrapped around an apple, biting down as a small smile formed and he turned to walk… Fin’s… way.


Contains M/M sexuality and adult language. This title is intended for mature audiences.

269 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 28, 2015

34 people are currently reading
337 people want to read

About the author

Charlie Winters

5 books33 followers
Writer of gay fiction. Silver RCA winner of Best Debut Author in 2015 for introductory novel "Fin & Matt" on the Sinfully Sexy blog. The same novel was listed in the Washington Blade's "Top Ten Summer Reads" in gay romance.

(Source: Amazon.com)

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5 stars
242 (29%)
4 stars
263 (31%)
3 stars
188 (22%)
2 stars
92 (11%)
1 star
40 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
864 reviews229 followers
September 15, 2015

1.5 stars

I had to wait a few days to write this review because, well…I was LIVID when I finished.

Let me say that when writing reviews, I am the FIRST to admit I am not a professional literary critic. I review by emotion…and feelings…how a book made me feel…it’s impact.

THIS BOOK REALLY PISSED ME OFF.

Was the writing terrible? No, actually, it was fine.

Was the story of two teachers falling in love offensive? No, actually, it was fairly sweet.

Was it painful to read? No, actually, it was rather easy.

Did the characters put me off? Other than being whiny and slightly annoying at times, no, actually, I didn’t dislike them.

So…up to this point, if you want a sweet, easy read with inoffensive characters…and if you’re not totally against instalove…then this book could be for you. In fact, it was sailing right along to a possible 3 star rating…which for me means I liked it.

And then the epilogue happened. No spoilers…and though you might guess it’s not good…all I can tell you is that the epilogue MADE ME SO ANGRY I wanted to scream into the air “WHY?!!!!!” What the heck, dear author, were you thinking? Who writes an epilogue to a book that doesn’t need an epilogue that in fact turns out to be the worst epilogue…EVER?

I can’t even. I just can’t…

I realize this is a rant moreso than a review, but I’m feeling…grouchy.
Profile Image for Renée.
1,175 reviews413 followers
July 10, 2017
3.5 stars.

Very cute story from a promising new author. Fin has just moved home after graduating college and has taken a teaching position at a private high school in music and theater. It is there he meets Matt, a 30 year old PE teacher at the same school.

The whole book consists entirely of the unfolding of their relationship. There was insta-love. It didn't bother me here as much as it has in other books though. The author spends a lot of time on character and relationship development (even if a lot of the relationship development is after ILYs). There are even some really great smexy times with a lot of loving intimacy.

Reading a new author is always interesting because you just don't know what to expect. For those who are considering this story and haven't read this author yet, I would say that there are a lot of similarities to Cardeno C. There was a lot of romance without going too far into cheesy territory. Fin and Matt reminded me a lot of Nate and Jake from Where He Ends and I Begin without the existing friendship before the relationship. I will say I could tell this is a newer author. Some of the scenes weren't polished - like a new scene had you guessing where the setting was and what the timing was. But after jumping on the "read this like it's a Cardeno book" thought process, I really enjoyed it!

Now - I honestly would've given this book a solid 4 stars had it not been for the epilogue. And while I'm sure no one will listen, if you read the book, I recommend that you actually SKIP the epilogue. DON'T DO IT. This author broke what I, personally, consider to be a cardinal rule in m/m romance. Hell no! This is not The Notebook. I don't want to read that shit! Leave me with my beautiful HEA!

I honestly enjoyed this story otherwise and would recommend.
Profile Image for AliciaJ.
1,332 reviews113 followers
August 9, 2015
So, this is not going to be a happy go lucky review, just to let you know. I am not a happy camper, so be prepared for a shit ton of f-bombs.



So yeah, that's how I feel about that issue. It pretty much ruined the whole experience of the story for me, unfortunately. Now I've got to go read a comfort book to scrub the last couple of hours out of my brain.

Profile Image for Macky.
2,044 reviews230 followers
November 28, 2024
4.5 STARS

If I had to pick one word to describe this story, it would be... 'lovely'...because that's exactly what this story was; a lovely reading experience about two men in love in the true sense of the word. A gentle, touching exploration of a relationship between two soul mates who, quite simply, were obviously fated to be together.

Two halves destined to meet to form a (near) perfect whole!

Sweet, funny and winsome at times, but never saccharine or sugary, it was a heartfelt, uncomplicated, genuine read; with moments of heart stopping tenderness between Fin and Matt, that sometimes took my breath away because of the simplicity, beauty and realness of its core story. Made even more delightful by the effortless, easy flow of Charlie Winters straightforward but classy writing style. One that pulled me in and kept me completely and utterly entranced from the start.

It was so special at times, that I almost felt a bit like an intruder, because some scenes were so intimate. It was like being a fly on the wall, but it was also a privilege to be part of their journey together.

This wasn't about umpteen convoluted side plots interweaving in the background; nor was it filled to the brim with tons of contrived angst meant to create the sort of drama that has you huffing frustratingly. No...this was about two people meeting, connecting, falling head over heels in love and then dealing with the sort of emotional obstacles and personal insecurities that at some time in our lives, we all have to face up to. BUT...big sigh of relief...whenever the odd crisis did threaten to impinge on their relationship, Fin and Matt actually did what people who love each other enough to want to get through those emotional impasses do...shock horror! They talked...and in doing so, got through each problem in a realistic way that strengthened their bond even more.

HALLELUJAH! The customary 'Big Misunderstanding' held no truck in this novel, and that in itself was a refreshing change.

Of the two of them, Fin is the most emotionally insecure. He's always had issues with his feminine looks and has convinced himself that no one will accept him, but still he craves a long term, loving relationship with the right person. He's trust fund rich and his designer clothes and general lifestyle show that; but there's nothing 'spoilt brat ' about Fin at all. His slightly dippy mum and dad love him unconditionally and indulge him selflessly but not because he ever expects or demands it as money is not a driving force in his life. I loved those two people so much! They added a touch of humour, wit and warmth to the book that balanced the emotional side of the love story beautifully.

Matt's personal demons lie with his family history, a huge mistake made in his youth; that has impacted on his life and career in a big way and his pride in not wanting to feel beholden to Fin's immense wealth. He's a proud, proud man; but one thing he's certain about is that from the moment he sets eyes on the beautiful, ethereal Fin, he's a goner! And Fin mirrors that, although it takes a while for him to fully accept this eye catchingly gorgeous, man is in it for the long haul.

You can call this insta love but it's done in such a convincing way that I never once found myself questioning the fast progression of their falling in love. It was a love at first sight situation that wasn't written with bells and whistles, but was portrayed in a unassuming way that worked because the author conveyed the realization of their attraction to each other simply and believably, and the progression of their relationship from that moment on was pitched perfectly. I loved these two as a couple so much because it wasn't the type of sickly, too good to be true romance that, to be honest, doesn't always work for me as I'm not a hearts and flowers girl myself. Yet it still managed to ooze a romanticism that got my slightly fossilised old heart fluttering like it did when I was a teenager and still open to a bit of sighing and mooning over the guy of the moment.

I think this might actually be one of the most sexy, sensual, romantic books I've ever read, because it had me believing that a love like that could truly exist, and honestly, despite the odd blip, there was NEVER a time when I didn't think that these two beautiful men wouldn't make their life together work. The love scenes are hot but again they're beautifully portrayed because of the soul connection between its two MC's. Just gorgeous!

So if I loved it so much, why not five stars? Well...

For rest of review follow Link-> http://bit.ly/1QceBVN

GRBanner



Profile Image for BWT.
2,250 reviews244 followers
January 27, 2016
Belens Audio Book Review

I don't normally do this...but here's my two cents: For those who like a more sentimental insta-love romance, I'd totally recommend this story - just STOP before reading or listening to the epilogue.

Seriously. DO NOT READ THE EPILOGUE.



Twenty-three year old Fin has moved back to St. Louis after graduation. Fin doesn't need to work, he's a trust fund kid and his parents lavish money and presents on him constantly, but he wants to feel useful, so he accepts a teaching position at a local private high school teaching music and theater. On his first day he meets thirty year old Phys Ed teacher Matt DiFiore. The two hit it off and begin seeing one another.

Told entirely from Fin's POV, we do get a bit of angst in the story, mostly from Matt. Matt comes with quite a lot of baggage; he's a board certified Sports Medicine doctor unable to practice in his field (for reasons) and he lives under a very tight budget paying off old debts, so there's some money friction between the two as well.

The story revolves entirely around Fin and Matt's whirlwind (read: insta-love) romance. There are some pretty hot sexy times, and, though there were a couple of times when the romance started reading far more like a het-romance and I would side-eye it, it generally got back on track pretty quickly, and was a really enjoyable listen.

Charlie Winters is a new M/M writer, and you can tell this was a first attempt at times. There are some stumbles, but on the whole the story is mostly enjoyable, I was really digging the whole thing. There are times I really like a sappy romance and this was ticking off all my boxes...especially with the narration.

I really, really enjoyed the narration by, new to M/M romance, narrator Luke Itzvic. He was sexy, saucy, swishy, masculine...all of his character voices were great, I liked his pitch and timing, and his tone. I'll definitely be looking for more audios narrated by Itzvic in the future.

Then came the one glaringly huge exception: THE EPILOGUE.

How could you

The epilogue almost ruined this story for me. Seriously. In my opinion, if you like your romances with a HEA then DO NOT READ THE EPILOGUE. I guarantee you will be happier for it. This would have been a solid 4.5 star listen for me if it weren't for that damn epilogue.

This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.

**********************
I have to calm down before I write a review. So mad right now.
Profile Image for ~Mindy Lynn~.
1,396 reviews661 followers
February 28, 2017
What we have here ladies and gents is a beautiful love story that absolutely gutted me at the fucking end.
bawling photo: bawling tumblrcrying.gif
I didn't expect it. It totally through me for a loop that it would go in that direction and I am so glad it did. I can enjoy a bittersweet ending when the love that the couple share for one another is so exceptional.
At the beginning I was worried because the 'I love you', was thrown out there early. But who the fuck knows, this shit could happen. I've never known anyone to love someone so fast, but I'm sure it's doable. So I'm not gonna judge the author for it. Plus I loved the guys. Their relationship was filled with so many feels that I didn't give one iota of a damn in the end. Also because there are ways of doing the insta love that can either work for me or it can feel so unbelievably fake that I can't accept it. That's not the case with this story.
The guys come from complete opposite backgrounds. One's family is very well off while the others is your everyday blue collar family. Ones family is completely accepting of their son while the other hasn't seen his family in two years. But like the saying goes, opposites attract.
Great read.
Profile Image for Jenny Wood.
Author 26 books309 followers
February 2, 2016
*Spoilers*

Are you kidding me with that effin ending?? Why didn't anyone to tell me to STOP READING at the epilogue... I really wish I had!!! I feel like the whole book was really good until the epilogue and it completely ruined the whole book for me... it was so unnecessary!
It all felt natural and good and it was happy and they get married, then the last few pages is little cliffnotes half paragraphs of their lives then....SUPRIRSE Matt dies!
What the FUCK?!?!!!
Will NOT be reading another book by this author... she's like.. here, have a piece of a rainbow then, lets smile and let it feel good... then set it on fire....
What a waste. I totally would give this book 4 stars, it's a good story...I mean I thought it was awkward at times cuz Fin was so inexpierienced but their banter was cute, Fin's parents were awesome... heads up, they die too... but I just can't get over the ending...I really wish I would have stopped reading at the epilogue
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Pixie.
1,227 reviews17 followers
June 26, 2015
DNF’d at 43%...(looks around) I am sooooo judging all of you. This book was so unbelievably over the top with the insta-love, and perfect parents, and virginal awe I just could not. Matt is 30???? It felt like two 16 year olds. Meeting parents the first weekend, this guy is closeted yet after two days he wants to tell the boss and risk his job even though he's in debt up to his eyeballs. Thankfully this was a kindle unlimited read so it was basically free, but come on my time has to be worth something.

Still judging you all!!!!!
Profile Image for Bookishcat.
34 reviews19 followers
July 5, 2017
Was totally a greatlight hearted book until the FREAKING EPILOGUE!!! WTF!! WTF!!! WTF!! I am fuming right now because there was no reason to have it end that way. Let me just say if you despised the Titanic you will not like this book either.


This is me at my kindle, I feel like it betrayed me somehow:
description
Profile Image for JLOluvsbooks&dogs.
316 reviews5 followers
June 13, 2015
Well, I was warned to not read the epilogue, but how can you not? It had some good parts that needed to be read and when a book touches your heart its worth it. The story will stay with me a long time. It does remind me a bit of a smaller version of "Always" by Kindle Alexander. Definitely a good read.
Profile Image for Ed Davis.
2,890 reviews99 followers
Read
June 20, 2020
I’m not going to finish this book. I was enjoying it, but I accidentally found out something about it that ruined it for me. I don’t want to ruin it for someone else so I won’t say anything else.
Profile Image for Denise H..
3,243 reviews268 followers
July 18, 2020
Simply a wonderful, well written love story !! This M/M romance is everything a reader could possibly want. We feel like we know these guys and we can't wait to hear what happens next. So realistic, true, honest, endearing, and amazing. Deep thought filled characters, twists and turns in the plot, and super hot sex. No sugary conversation, just real emotions, straight talk, and excellent relationships. No angst or flip-flopping, just a deeply satisfying relationship that two people have when in love. You watch them each gain strength from one another.
They achieve greatness in that they work out issues right away and don't let anything fester, or ruin their bond. They respect each other. Lots of sizzling, emotional sex, and it's spread out throughout, just like real life, and incredibly well written.
I have nothing bad to say about the epilogue, much criticized, it reminded me of the "Six Feet Under" series, where in the last episode we saw what happened to all their lives. This was touching, deeply realistic, and emotional. Not everyone wants the truth or the life wrap up, but it was very emotional to me, and I loved it !!! (three hankies)
This is a perfect story, and I read it the way the author wanted it read.
Author Charlie Winters has the M/M romance award from me.
I loved it!! Highly recommend !! ENJOY !!!

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Profile Image for Angela.
335 reviews39 followers
March 18, 2017
This book was a solid 4-star read for twenty sweet and sexy chapters (if you don't mind slipping into a sugar coma every once in awhile). But despite other reviewers warnings not to read it, I went ahead and read the epilogue, which forced me to drop this to three stars. I'm not doing that because I didn't like where the author took the story (although I did NOT). I can't dock a star simply because I didn't like it. No, I docked the star because the epilogue served absolutely NO good purpose. In fact, it sort of pi**ed me off, and not in that literary, thought-provoking way. I really felt like the epilogue cheapened the overall story. I'm left with a sick feeling, reminded of how unfair life can be, and as much as I know in my head I really enjoyed twenty chapters I'm struggling to remember why. The only way that epilogue could have worked for me is if it had taken place much, much, MUCH further in the future for our couple than it did. As it is, I hope this writer spends time studying the successful use of epilogues before she writes her next book.

ETA: I decided to change this to 2 stars after all. I was looking at some of my 3-star books, and this just was not 3 stars for me.
Profile Image for Chappy.
2,207 reviews112 followers
May 8, 2019
Very sweet but a bit heavy on the insta-love. Fin and Matt were almost too perfect for each other and I didn't really understand Fin's lack of self-confidence. Their relationship is very hot, steamy and rife with feels.
The epilogue felt a little rushed to me, especially with . I wanted more details and a kleenex to wipe my eyes.
Profile Image for ♥️Victoria ♥️ ♥️love books♥️.
837 reviews69 followers
July 10, 2016
Overall book rating: 4.5 Stars
Audio book: Narrator Luke Itzvic 4 stars
Book Cover: 4 Stars
MC1: Fin - Music teacher
MC2: Matt - Sports doctor


The first part of this book was a bit fast for my taste - when a book starts so fast at the beginning it makes me wonder what the hell waits for me in all the other pages, but somehow there was something and I just couldn't put it down. This book just wouldn't let me go. I believe that some books choose you and not you the book well for me this was one of those books.

This was one hell of a journey for me it had ups and downs, it made me smile and laugh and oh hell yes it made me cry rivers.

In this book you will read about love and loss, you will feel the happy times and get angry and sad the next. This book really shook me to the corr - I was a mess after reading it but I will never regret reading it.

You know how they say just before your death you life flashes before your eyes - well this was one of those books if I can explain it like that. That stand still moment when everything just clicks into place.

I was really emotional after reading this book it took me a thew days just to get my emotions back into place. This was really an amazing book!!!

The only thing that I really did not like was the end, but believe me I get it, I know why but it made me so, so sad....

If I can make one wish it will be that every one on this planet gets to experience a love like Fin and Matt.

description
Profile Image for Amy.
1,030 reviews100 followers
July 24, 2016
***Audiobook***Narrated by Luke Itzvic***So I was feeling adventurous this weekend and decided to try an author's debut M/M romance along with a new-to-me narrator. Surprisingly, it turned out pretty well. I enjoyed Fin and Matt. Once you get over the insta-love and jealousy, their story is pretty sweet. And I think I'd like Fin's parents to adopt me, LOL! I agree with others that the epilogue was completely unnecessary, but I knew that going in. I read it because I was curious, but I'm going to ignore it for the purpose of rating this book. The narration was great. I will definitely look for more from Luke Itzvic.
Profile Image for Barb .
209 reviews
June 13, 2015
This book was a 4 star read for me until I got to the long epilogue. That caused it to drop to a 3 star. It was so unnecessary. What a horrible epilogue. I really loved the characters and that was something I didn't want to read. Why? Makes no sense why the author felt the need to finish the story that way. Ruined it for me.

Don't skip the book, just skip the epi. It's a great book up until then.
Profile Image for Vallie.
707 reviews78 followers
dnf
July 8, 2015
DNF @ 16%

So, I wasn't exactly enjoying this all that much, but was willing to give it a good try. Then, I read a review that totally spoilers what happens at the end. Plenty of reviews have mentioned a WTF epilogue, but this one spelt out exactly what happened. Thanks a lot.
Profile Image for Silke.
294 reviews1 follower
Read
November 5, 2015
DNF!

Today seems to be a "every book I start is plain ridiculous" day! Damn! This book is SO over the top! Saying ILY after just two days?! Yeah, you completely lost me there. And everything is picture perfect and then the last half of the book it changes and ends like THAT?! Awful!
Profile Image for Sandra.
466 reviews7 followers
June 6, 2015
Really well done

Minus one star for the epilogue. Really could have done without that. Overall a great book; funny, low on angst, high on love, amazing characters.
Profile Image for Katrina Passick Lumsden.
1,782 reviews12.9k followers
June 8, 2015
Heartfelt and emotional, this book will reduce at least half of its readers to ugly crying. I almost hate Winters for making me feel like that. *sigh*
Profile Image for Claude.
250 reviews23 followers
July 21, 2018
Sweet story.....But this ending? WHY? Grrrrr
Profile Image for Bárbara.
1,210 reviews82 followers
January 27, 2020
Wow. This was... Not good.
The instalove I could have handled, but the rest was all over the place, everything happened too fast. And the writing in general was anything but smooth. It was just bad all around. (and I know I promised I wouldn't read the epilogue, but I did and just... No. What the fuck was that? Ugh).

This just didn't work.
Profile Image for Biblio.
118 reviews
June 17, 2015
This book didn't really have a storyline - it was just a story of two people with no conflict, who fall in love immediately and are saccharine sweet all the time. What I especially disliked was how Fin is so insecure about his looks despite everyone telling him how hot and beautiful he is. Trust me, no hot / beautiful person is that clueless. It seemed really forced, like every other author trying to make a hot character unaware of his/her awesome looks. It was lame - and don't ask me about the ending - it was another forced cliche. Matt was a strong, healthy person - so it was really unrealistic to end the book the way the author did just to make it a sad ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lucia.
590 reviews40 followers
June 4, 2015
4.5 I really enjoyed this book. At first, I thought the insta-love between Matt and Fin was a little OTT, but once they got together I loved their relationship and the way they were always faithful and supportive of one another. The most emotional part for me was the epilogue. It was very moving and made me shed a few tears.
Profile Image for Lori Paradise.
45 reviews1 follower
June 14, 2015
THIS BOOK! Romance off the charts. The sweetest, most loving MCs. From the first page, you fall in love with this book. These two guys love each other like no one's business. There is no angst. Fin and Matt meet, and this is their love story. And it is a joy to read. I truly am in awe of this book. And then there is the Epilogue. Fuck.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews

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