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Out of the Blue #2

Black & Bluhe

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Grayson Black has never forgiven himself for not saving his identical twin brother, Jet, from a savage beating at their father’s hands ten years ago. Jet’s near-death never would have happened if Gray hadn’t been so focused on his boyfriend at the time. He has sworn to take care of his brother ever since. Gray can’t afford a distraction from his self-imposed mission, the type of distraction presented by the gorgeous blond showing up at their gigs.

Kris Larson is a firefighter with the San Francisco Fire Department. Since splitting from his girlfriend, his favorite way to spend nights off is watching the Black Brothers play in the bars of the Bay Area, especially the guitarist. But it’s not until the brothers are left homeless after a fire at their apartment building that Kris has the opportunity to know the real person behind the brooding façade.

Gray fights his attraction to Kris, but with a meddlesome twin who just wants him to be happy, it’s a losing battle. Before Gray and Kris can have a lasting relationship, though, Gray must learn to forgive himself, let go of the past, and lay more than one demon to rest.

155 pages, Unknown Binding

First published July 31, 2015

17 people are currently reading
208 people want to read

About the author

R.J. Jones

32 books116 followers

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5 stars
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136 (47%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for Debra ~~ seriously slacking on her reviews ~~.
2,241 reviews260 followers
July 31, 2015
Full release day review originally posted at Sinfully...Addicted to All Male Romance

Friendly, generous, firefighter Kris is bisexual and recently out of a relationship with a woman. Gray is first man he’s been attracted to in years, but he hasn’t had the nerve to approach him. When a fire in Gray’s apartment building leaves him and his brother with nowhere to go, Kris offers the use of his spare room. Unfortunately for Kris, when he finally gets to know Gray, it appears Gray doesn’t like him very much.

Broody singer Gray has noticed the gorgeous man he calls “Blondie” every time he’s come to see Gray and his twin brother Jet play in local bars as The Black Brothers. Jet has also noticed and has pointed out that “Blondie” comes to watch Gray. Gray’s main focus however is protecting Jet and regardless of Jet pushing him, he feels any relationship would just be a distraction.

Gray and Jet haven’t spent a night apart since they found themselves on their own at eighteen. Over the years they have become pretty codependent and with few friends, the two spend almost all their time together and have an unbreakable bond. As much as Gray knows he is overprotective and as much as he can acknowledge that it is hurting both him and his brother, his guilt over past events won’t let him move on.

Kris and Jet become fast friends, while Gray acts like an ass, but as much as Kris likes Jet’s friendship, Gray is the man he’s attracted to. Gray can’t deny his strong attraction to Kris, but Gray’s solid plan to sleep with Kris to get it out of his system doesn’t work out the way he hoped and as he tries to distance himself from Gray, Jet is determined change things.

There is not a lot of outside action in this book, but it was an enjoyable, quick read. There are several relationships that are developing and changing throughout the story and I was invested in each one. Outside of an emotionless quickie early on, the relationship between Kris and Gray is a super slow burn. The two men barely have a civil conversation through the first half of the story and sometimes I was really frustrated by Gray’s waffling. Gray understandably has enormous trust issues and realizes that his behavior towards both Kris and Jet may not be rational, but he hasn’t been able to change it.

Kris is a loveable character, and is willing to give Gray more chances than he probably should, but he’s not a door mat. While he is hung up on Gray, he accepts that Gray isn’t interested and does what he can to move on while maintaining his ties with Jet. The scenes where he is out with his friend and co-worker Mason were quite entertaining as Mason does his best to antagonize Gray, who clearly is not done with Kris.

While Gray has been busy making himself Jet’s protector, facing the damage their father inflicted on Jet, he hasn’t dealt with the damage he suffered as well. Both brothers have their vulnerabilities and their strengths, but surprisingly Jet is the more outgoing and the one to finally force Gray to deal with their past. Although it all wraps up rather quickly at the end, I didn’t see a need for it to be drawn out any more than it was, but I do wish we had a bit more time with the three men in the aftermath. Jet is a character I would love to see get his HEA in the future.

While Kris was introduced and had a large secondary role in the first book, Out of the Black, and all of the firefighters that work with Kris and were previously introduced are back in supporting roles, this story is a standalone and not nearly as angsty as the first one.
Profile Image for DaisyGirl.
1,206 reviews67 followers
August 13, 2015
Gimme gimme gimme! *grabby hands*

********************************************
8/11/15 ETA

My review was originally posted at Reviews by Jessewave

3.5 --> 4.0 Solid Stars

R.J. Jones has solidified her standing as one of my all-time fave authors and she has made her way onto my auto-buy list. Why? Because I kinda liked this book. Huh? Let me explain. This book was all kinds of hurt/comfort and anyone who knows me knows that that is not my bag. It just isn’t. Despite the atrocities suffered by Grayson and Jet … and I do mean atrocities … as well as the plethora of heartaches suffered by Kris because of Gray (and I do mean plethora), I truly enjoyed this book, which says a lot. I thought I’d get sick of Gray’s rigidity and I did at times but my irritation was tempered by the glimpses of goodness that I just knew lay underneath that stoic exterior. On the other hand, I loved Kris from the get-go but I worried that he would silently slip into doormat territory. Although it was close, he didn’t; mostly because he stood up for himself when it mattered and didn’t take all Gray’s bullshit. Kris took lots, don’t get me wrong, but not all. And, Gray came around in the end.

Bottom line: True to form, R.J. delivered a well-written, angsty, smexy read that left me aching for more. I can’t wait for book 3.

*I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. (Thanks, Gigi!)*
Profile Image for Earlyn.
664 reviews2 followers
Read
June 2, 2018
Gray and Kris

This book had my head spinning.
Gray and Kris had an attraction. Gray and his brother Jet plays at local bars.Kris had a fascination with them, so he follows them when he can.
He is a freighter and one unfortunate night Jet and Gray's building had a fire.
He was on hand to offer the brothers some place to stay.
You would have thought that since they were in the same vicinity things will move in t he right direction.
Not a chance. There was this courting dance between them.
Gray was running hot and cold, while Kris was full throttle.
I kept on thinking please please get on the same page.
Eventually they got together. I was pleased that they acknowledged the attraction and took slow to reach their goal.
It just took them so long to get their, I was almost sorry for Kris.
Profile Image for Kim Stone.
1,552 reviews1 follower
May 27, 2018
Another amazing story in this mm contemporary book series. I love this world and characters. Love is a hard fought for emotion. I’ll read more from this series and author.
Profile Image for Susan65.
1,648 reviews53 followers
August 1, 2015
The Blogger Girls

I must be on an identical twin kick because three of my last five books contained a pair…or two. This is a story I’ve been waiting for because I really loved the first book and couldn’t wait for Kris to get his own story. It didn’t disappoint.

Grayson and Jet Black are identical twins who have been to hell and back. Gray is completely committed to his brother because he blames himself for not being there when their father nearly killed him. Jet has lasting repercussions from that horrific beating, but he doesn’t blame his brother and he is more than capable of looking after himself. Now, to convince Gray that he could have a life and stop worrying so much. Easier said than done.

Kris is the firefighter we met in the first book, the bi-sexual friend and co-worker of Cameron in Out of the Blue. I didn’t particularly like that he hit on Cameron in that book, but it ended well, obviously, and I finished that story looking forward to seeing Kris get his own man. But, man did the author make him work for it. I was almost beginning to root for Jet to be his significant other and not Gray. Gray was a hard man to love.

Gray wanted a man of his own to love, and to love him in return. Gray really wanted Kris. But, Gray needed to protect Jet more than anything. Kris has a major uphill battle to fight to get Grayson to open up. And it required a lot of manipulation by his brother Jet, but when Grayson finally lets go of the past and allows himself to be loved it was incredible. It wasn’t smooth and it wasn’t instant but it was worth it.

This story is one about homophobia, bigotry, regret, compassion, and fighting for the ones you love. It was hard to read in some places, and sometimes I wanted to kick Gray in the ass, but I adored Kris and I totally fell in love with Jet. Once Gray’s entire story was told and his reasons revealed, and he allowed himself to move on, I fell in love with him, too.
Profile Image for El.
255 reviews9 followers
August 10, 2015
The entire time I was reading this, I kept thinking about that line from Frozen, "You can't marry a guy you just met!" I'm not a big fan of love-at-first-sight novels; lust-at-first-sight, sure. Being attracted to someone's physical appearance is normal, but inviting your crush and his brother to live with you after having never once spoken a word to them... not so much.

Once I got over the entire "I don't know you but I love you anyways" thing (well, pushed it to the back of my mind), I settled in to try and enjoy the plot. Gray and his brother are musicians by night, teachers by day, and have a dark past that they don't tell anyone about. They legally changed their names to run from a father who beat Jet to near-death in a drunken rage... but more on that later.

Okay, so I tried to enjoy the plot, but the plot was frankly a bit ridiculous. Kris is the "nice guy" to Gray's "bad guy"; Kris opens up his home, offers up use of his car, feeds the brothers, and is basically the most perfect human being ever, while Gray is super attracted to him and decides that he's going to fuck him once and walk away, uncaring of Kris' feelings. In fact, Gray is an asshole, plain and simple, for most of the novel. They're so black-and-white that they're cartoonish parodies of characters.

Read the rest of the review on Just Love @ Wordpress.
Profile Image for ~SexyBookWorm~.
1,083 reviews32 followers
August 29, 2015
I enjoyed this book very much! I actually read it after reading a review on the first book in this series. The review wasn't that great but it said that this book would be much better. I think I have to agree that this book was worth taking the chance and starting a book mid series.
The mc grey and Kris had a ton of issues! And tbh I think Kris was too forgiving and too lenient on grey at times. For example I think it was really important that Kris hold out and wait for grey to kiss him. Grey repeatedly hurt poor Kris but Kris was ever forgiving. It all works out in the end and it was beautiful but I do wish Kris had held out a little bit more. Grey needed a wake up call.
I Am really hoping and looking forward to not only Jet, Grey's twin brother, getting his own book but also Mason and Brandon *who is straight* getting their book. I can't find much work from this author so I believe they are new but so far I'd say a top writer in the making.
1,304 reviews33 followers
December 25, 2015
Sigh. It was all right. I preferred her first book.

Really I should have just left it at reading the blurb, but I enjoyed her first book so much I assumed this book would be really good. Basically the premise of the plot was annoying, and that's not the author's fault. That's my personal preference. She did a good job with the characters and their story, I was just over the whole thing.
Profile Image for BevS.
2,854 reviews2 followers
July 5, 2016

Could've kicked Gray up the backside a few times...how Kris kept putting up with his changeable moods I've no idea, but all's well that ends well. Hope we get to see Jet have his own HEA too. 3.5 rounded up.
Profile Image for Tami.
358 reviews
May 25, 2018
3.5 stars

I really enjoy this author's writing although I didn't enjoy Gray in the least. Jet was the star character of this story and it wasn't even about him. Gray acted like an ass time and time again and Kris smiled and took him back. So frustrating!
Profile Image for Amneris Cesare.
Author 37 books54 followers
May 28, 2018
I read it all, up to the end of the book but I really had difficulties to click with the MC1 drama and, honestly, MC2 was way too patient and forgave MC1 way too much humiliations. But it was a very interesting reading.
Profile Image for Anke.
2,506 reviews97 followers
October 13, 2015
Perhaps 3.5 stars

Not much to say about it, I finished it, but it was quite predictable.
31 reviews
May 21, 2018
“Bi guys will always choose a woman because they’re easier. Women can give them kids and the ‘normal.’” I made air quotes. “Bi guys just want to fuck a guy on the side while they do the serious thing with a woman.”

What in the fucking fuck did I just read? Didn’t get far into this one thanks to outright biphobic shit like this.
Profile Image for Lisa.
3,520 reviews139 followers
September 22, 2022
A tale of a man trying to come to terms with his past and trying to move on to be with the man he loves.
A true enemies to lovers tale. Gray is protective of his brother and is finding it hard to move on from his father's abuse to start a meaningful relationship with Blondie.
I enjoyed this story, a quick read.
Profile Image for Emeziel.
348 reviews19 followers
July 11, 2019
Gray really really irked me, and Kris was a total doormat. I don't like that.
I don't think I would be reading the forth book because it would be story of another doormat character at the mercy of both Black divas.
Profile Image for multitaskingmomma.
1,359 reviews44 followers
August 7, 2015
Original Blog Post: Review Request: Black & Blühe (Out of the Blue #2) by R.J. Jones

Review by: multitaskingmomma
My Rating: 4 of 5 Stars



Twins Jet and Gray Black are part time musicians with a good following. Their daytime jobs is in education and they are both happy as much as they could be. Things could be better, but they are not. The point is, they survived and they are accomplished in what they do. Better, they are respected.

One night they lost their home and it seemed they had nowhere to go but an expensive hotel or an inexpensive, dirty motel. As they thought over how their life could go down the drain thanks to one fire, they are approached by none other than a fireman who they recognize as someone who is not only their loyal Black Brothers fan, but is the same man who Gray has long been attracted to. It helps they know him from a distance as he is someone who follows their act around. Is he trustworthy? Well, Jet seems to think so and Gray has to grit his teeth and follow where his brother leads.

Kris has had a long crush on one of the Black Brothers, Gray to be specific. Sure, the twins are identical, but there is just something about Gray that grabs Kris' heartstrings. If only Gray were as nice, as charming, as amusing, and as open as Jet, then Kris would not have a problem. Opening his home to the twins was a move made from the heart as the two really did need a temporary home until they got back on their feet. On one hand, it would lessen the loneliness Kris felt living alone in his old house still filled with the furnishings from an era long past gone. On the other hand, maybe he should not have offered his home because Gray was nasty. On one foot, Jet was a blast and Kris never ate better. On the other foot, Gray went out of his way to make him miserable.

Gray has his reasons for his anger issue but really, should he have made Kris be at the receiving end? Maybe he should give Kris a try? Well he did, but then Gray backtracks and there the story really begins and goes on. Seriously, there were times I wanted to bitch slap Gray and wished for Kris to fall for Jet instead, but No! RJ Jones has to guarantee it is Gray who is the love interest. Why? Well, she had her reasons and by the end page, she was right, I guess. It took time for me to love Gray, an instant to love Kris and about a sentence to love Jet.

I love RJ Jones but much as I love her, this was a bit of a longish read and the angst sort of dragged on a bit. However, drag or not, the end was what this book needed and more, it was well worth the wait through the drama.

If you don't mind my rambling, look to the rating and yeah, this is a recommended read. Well worth the anxiety I had to go through to get to the happy ending these two men deserved.

Note: Copy provided by Pride Promotions for an honest review.
Profile Image for Love Bytes Reviews.
2,529 reviews38 followers
August 26, 2015
4.5 Heart Review by Amber

You know what? I’m really enjoying the hell out of this writer. It’s remarkable to me because book 1 in this series came to me randomly, but I really liked it and the characters were so deep and full, I fell in love. Anticipating book two was a sweet torture. I really liked Kris in book 1, even with everything that happened so I couldn’t wait to see what his story entailed. And while, I really loved Gray, he also bothered me, very much. At times I felt he was completely unfair, uncaring and completely selfish to a man that not only gave his heart but also his time, home, and security. I tried hard to put myself in Gray’s shoes, to feel what he felt, to understand his position and I really tried but I felt his reactions were so over the top. Kris proved himself so many times but Gray kept on breaking him apart and that was really hard to swallow. BUT, that did not take away from how much I really did enjoy the story. Both books have really captured my attention from the get go and held onto it…

Grayson Black has a violent, troubled past, a past that almost caused the death of his identical twin brother, Jet. Gray is so tormented by the past that it naturally affects his future. Jet, however, wants nothing more than for Gray to live his life. Jet wants Gray to have love, happiness, and peace. But Gray doesn’t think he deserves any of that.

Kris Larson is a firefighter. Recently he broke up with his girlfriend realizing he’s wanting more of the male side of his bisexuality. Going to bars after his shifts has put him into contact with the Black Brothers who work at the bars as musical entertainment.

Surprisingly enough a fire tears through the Black brothers apartment and Kris’s unit is the one that is called. Kris, noticing that they will be homeless offers them sanctuary in his apartment.

Kris, having fought his attraction so long to Gray wants to give in so badly. Gray, never wanting a relationship to distract him from his brother tries his hardest to ignore his hearts pull to Kris.

This is the epitome of the battle of wills. There is so much back and forth that you will get whiplash but it’s the good king of whiplash. The kind that you actually want and it’s only because this author is that good. You want pain and hurt because the author writes it so well. This is such a great book. This author is so good. You don’t need to start with book 1…but I can’t think of why you wouldn’t. They both are really good…recommending the WHOLE series!!!!

This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
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Profile Image for Sandra.
4,121 reviews13 followers
July 24, 2015
3.75 stars This was a really enjoyable story, and I loved the addition of the twins' relationship as an added component. Grey and Kris have been eying each other for weeks/months as Kris attends the Black Brothers shows in small, run down bars. But Grey is terrified of the way Kris makes him feel, and is resistant to anything more due to his long-standing guilt complex and need to constantly protect his brother (even though there is nothing currently hurting Jet).

Despite them both having strong feelings for each other without yet meeting, this didn't feel like insta-love. They both developed crushes from afar, and once they got to know each other those feelings deepened (even though Grey was being an ass - I know I've been there, jackassery unfortunately does not disqualify someone from crush status). So the feelings felt genuine and certainly slow-burn, since it took a while for Grey to get over his shit.

The whole book actually, despite things at least starting to progress by halfway through. Of course I got frustrated with Grey acting like a child and being rude to Kris when he was nothing but nice. But I could see he regretted his actions, and he was sincere in his apology. I was okay with Grey's commitaphobe behavior the first two times, although I'll admit I was annoyed by his third attempt at running. That seemed a little much, and I was surprised Kris would put up with so much. But given the emotional revelations, it all felt genuine and I did believe it from both sides.

I liked that Jet acknowledged his and his brothers co-dependence, yet I still enjoyed the frequent hugs, small touches, and support that the brothers offered each other. Kris and Jet's friendship was another component that added to the story, and it would have been unrealistic for Kris and Grey to have a relationship without that.

I loved how Grey ended up being the one who needed protection, who was so broken and vulnerable, despite initially being the more brash and tough one. Very sweet hurt/comfort book with the lovely addition of non-incesty twin-love. I'm desperately hoping Jet gets his own loveable firefighter, although I have a feelings Mason and Brandon will get the next book!

Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
Profile Image for Tracy~Bayou Book Junkie.
1,575 reviews47 followers
July 30, 2015
*copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by author/publisher via Pride Promotions in exchange for an honest review*


Gray and Jet Black are identical twins, that play music at clubs in their spare time. They are both full time teachers. Kris has been following them to different gigs, but has never really met them. When Kris, a firefighter responds to a fire at their apartment building, that leaves the twins homeless, he makes the impulsive decision to offer them his spare room. He is attracted to Gray, and would like to get to know him, but Gray is closed off, and even though the attraction is mutual, he is rude and mean to Kris, to push him away.


I have mixed feelings about this book. I really disliked Gray for a good portion of the book, and I felt that Kris was too much of a pushover. He was way too understanding of Gray's actions and I felt he forgave too quickly.

I liked the relationship between the twins, but I found it was TOO much. I have 21 year old twin daughters and they might love each other dearly, but even they wouldn't hug and kiss as much as Gray and Jet did. I know it was nothing sexual, but at times their relationship was too mushy.

The story at times was uninteresting and kind of boring. This was a good storyline, but it needed some more excitement. But I have to say, even though I was kind of bored at times and craved something more, I couldn't put it down. I had to see what was going to happen next, or if anything was going to happen.

A major problem with this book is at times, was things were told more than once. If you have explained to me the reader, through inner dialogue what happened, when that person tells the story to another character(s), don't rewrite the whole thing. Sum it up. I felt done stories were repeated, and I just wanted to skim ahead.

I thought the ending was nice, but it felt a bit rushed. I would have liked to have more closure in the end. The story was drawn out, and then suddenly it was over.

I would love to see Jet's book, I just hope the relationship between the twins isn't as mushy in his story.

I feel like this review is all negatives, and I'm sorry. I did enjoy the story, I just wish it had been more exciting.
Profile Image for Jessie G..
Author 29 books261 followers
July 29, 2015
Very often I judge a book on if it makes me cry, especially if it’s supposed to. This had all the earmarking’s of a tear jerker. Abuse theme, siblings protecting one another, house fires…I went into this expecting to bawl like a baby. Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on your tear duct response time, any time my heart started to ache for Jet and Gray’s past, Gray opened his big mouth.

I can understand that the attraction is growing for months on both men’s parts, which I think is the only reason Gray had a shot. Kris had never spoken to him, so he didn’t know Gray was such an ass. But then, to bend over backwards to help the brothers, only to have Gray act the way he did…that would have doused the attraction for me. Done. Kris was the better man, but even though he does sort of put Gray in his place a few times, he was just a doormat that Gray had no problem walking over time and again. Even recognizing that was Kris’s role in the story, it was still a bit of a shock to see Kris thinking of Gray in terms of love so quickly. There was just no basis for falling in love with this man in the beginning, no glimmer of hope beneath the angry veneer for Kris to latch on to. Gray needed to work for Kris, earn Kris, and I never saw that.

When Gray turns it around, both Kris and I are understandably shocked and leery. It was like a switch flipping, unfurling the red warning flags and triggering the alarms. Kris chose to ignore the warning signs, while I didn’t have the same faith in Gray. If the switch can go up, it most assuredly can go down…and does. And yes, I was cheering for Kris when he stood up for himself that time…but something happened on the way to this moment. I wanted Kris to forgive Gray…again.

So, I didn’t cry, but RJ consistently made me dislike a character and still root for his HEA. Total 4 stars.

*I received an ARC of this book for an honest review
Profile Image for Carra.
1,733 reviews31 followers
May 20, 2016
You know, after the amazing start to this series with Out of the Blue, I was really excited to jump right in to Black and Blühe...and boy was I thrilled to find that it is just as emotional and fantastic a story!

Now, after the incident that happened with Kris and Cam in Out of the Blue (sorry guys, that's as much as I'm saying...is that a tease?), I wasn't sure if I would be able to get into Kris in this book. I needn't have worried-I found Kris to be a wonderful character who is sweet, kind and trusting, and after getting not too far into this story, I really wanted him to get a happy ending.

Gray does not trust easily and is wary of anyone other than his twin brother, Jet. The two of them together are actually pretty amazing-the strong bond they share, their love for each other as brothers, and the protectiveness they have toward each other all point toward an unbreakable link that is inspiring to read about. But right from the start there's something there between Gray and Kris, even before they officially meet. Gray fights it from the start, putting his brother first before his own happiness. Thank goodness Jet is having none of that! Jet is funny, upbeat and a bit of a scheming guy, and this story would not have been the same if he wasn't written the way he was.

There are things that happened in Gray and Jet's past that make it difficult for Gray to want to get involved with anyone seriously, and this causes problems between him and Kris that add plenty of drama to the story. Gray has his own journey to make to come to terms with what happened in the past, making this story another emotional trip...tempered with the levity that Jet brings to the table.

I loved Black and Blühe, and am becoming addicted to the emotional storytelling RJ Jones is putting out in this series. Another 5-star top recommendation from me...and I can't wait for the rest of this series! Recommended for M/M romance fans 18+ for adult language and M/M sexual content.
Profile Image for Carly.
Author 5 books50 followers
August 29, 2015
I loved the emotional connection between Jet and Grey, their commitment to each other, and how they are both willing to make personal sacrifices for the good of the other. It's a very well written co-dependent relationship that contrasts who the brothers are as individuals with how they depend on each other. That being said, I loved Jet and loved to hate Gray. Jet is the kind of guy I'd like to have as a friend, but Grey is much harder to like. They have both had a rough road in life so far, but Grey allowed his past to embitter him to the future. For a good portion of the story Grey acts like a spoilt brat who needs to get over himself much faster than he does.

Kris is a sweetheart of a guy who develops a crush-at-first-sight on Grey. Even in the face of Grey's hot and cold emotional responses Kris keeps coming back for more, looking deeper and pursuing the caring guy Grey could be. Personally, I thought that Kris deserved a steadier and more compassionate lover but the heart wants what it wants in the end.

Jones's character are interesting and strangely likeable, despite their obvious flaws. The story is unique, and I loved the fact that she brought previous characters back to life in book two. I'm glad that Kris, Jet, and Grey were able to depend on each other to work through their issues and hope that they will continue to do so long after where the story ends. These guys have been through a lot and they all deserve a happy ever after ending.

My OFFICIAL REVIEW written for Carly’s Book Reviews.
Profile Image for Joyfully Jay.
9,092 reviews518 followers
August 6, 2015
A Joyfully Jay review.

4 stars


Black and Blühe is set in the same world as Out of the Blue but can be read as a standalone. Kris was introduced in that first book but primarily this is Gray’s story and by extension Jet’s story. This book has a similar somber feel as well.

Gray and Jet have an incredibly close relationship. They are the only family they have and after a devastating attack that left Jet with permanent complications, their bond is fierce and admittedly co-dependent. While they look alike, that is almost where the similarities end. Jet is open and friendly and wants to live life. He especially wants his brother to find love. Gray is closed off and defensive and the guilt he carries over Jet’s injuries are strangling him. Gray tries to be so strong to face the world, but inside he is scared, lonely, and would really like someone to put their arms around him and keep him safe.

Kris is an incredibly good guy. He opens up his home to Gray and Jet and takes all of the crap that Gray sends his way. Even though we met Kris previously and even though we meet his family here, I never felt like I got to know Kris that well. For most of the story he is watching Gray, trying to get over Gray, and then once again waiting for Gray, and I felt somewhat removed from him.

Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.



Profile Image for Antisocial Recluse.
2,712 reviews
March 31, 2017
Reread before Jet's story

1st read 10/8/15 Very good but not spectacular

I think the author has an obsession about ten year time frames. Gray and Jet, the twin brothers, for ten years, have been so codependent that it's almost ridiculous. Yes, they had a lot of past trauma, so I understand, to a point. With what Jet had gone through, I would think that counseling or therapy would have been offered. It was never mentioned anywhere. Gray cut himself and his brother off from a normal life with his actions. Even with a twin bond, you would think his brother would have rebelled more. 28 years old and never had a boyfriend for either of them? This trope has been used a lot, with characters denying themselves emotional intimacy because of some past issue. I can't buy it.

Other than that, and the number of times Gray hurt Kris because of his problems, it was good. At least Kris wasn't a total doormat and pretty much threw Gray out on his ass the second time he hurt him. Kris was a good character, sweet, kind and understanding. He had a great friendship with Jet. Jet annoyed me because he didn't stand up to his brother more and enabled Gray's behavior. I really liked Kris's parents who were warm and accepting. Jet did push his brother near the end, to find some closure for his emotions. It seemed a little too easy to resolve everything so quickly. It really ended up with just a HFN. I'd like to see something happen for Jet in another book. I'm sure we'll get Mason and Brandon's story, too.
Profile Image for Claudia.
1,151 reviews
August 3, 2015
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I can’t express how happy I am to return here and review this second book in the series “Out of the Blue” (Thanks Bec!!!!!)
I so loved the first one and like a lot of people, I was waiting anxiously for this sequel. And Oh Boy!!! I was not disappointed! This book is as good as I was hoping it would be.
I fell in love with quiet, troubled Gray from the start… How he tried so hard not to fall in love with Kris. After all, it was easier to believe Kris was not reliable… How could he believe all Kris wanted was to help him and his brother? Nooo, he couldn’t let himself trust Kris, couldn’t lower his guard! Ever again!
Kris was determined to help the brothers… he couldn’t simply leave them homeless, right? The fact that he was totally infatuated with the guitar player was just a tiny little detail – hehehe. And of course between the brothers, he had to fall for the brooding one!
When you add to this story Jet, Gray’s brother, you get the last ingredient for an amazing book. Jet is such a great character… he’s funny, friendly, talkative and he tries his best to make Gray and Kris work out their differences! I really, really hope Jet gets his own book soon ( Just saying RJ )
I love RJ's writing… She totally knows how to take you into her stories... Don’t miss this great book! I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I did.
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