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Perfect Harmony #2
Love Me Tenor
There’s no way he’ll shake this off…
Trevor Daniels is feeling aimless. A recent college grad, he’s not sure what to do with his useless degree, and his family all but abandoned him after he revealed the truth about himself. But a friend’s suggestion that he take his chances on a reality show aimed at finding the next big boy band strikes a chord with him—until the show’s producers convince him to act like he’s in a relationship with a guy who’s not at all his type. It isn’t exactly love at first sight for Jalen Smith either—but lust just might push them in an unexpected direction. If only their secrets weren’t even more twisted than their sheets, threatening to cost them the win—and each other…
Trevor Daniels is feeling aimless. A recent college grad, he’s not sure what to do with his useless degree, and his family all but abandoned him after he revealed the truth about himself. But a friend’s suggestion that he take his chances on a reality show aimed at finding the next big boy band strikes a chord with him—until the show’s producers convince him to act like he’s in a relationship with a guy who’s not at all his type. It isn’t exactly love at first sight for Jalen Smith either—but lust just might push them in an unexpected direction. If only their secrets weren’t even more twisted than their sheets, threatening to cost them the win—and each other…
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 16, 2016
53 people are currently reading
711 people want to read
About the author
Annabeth Albert
110 books3,758 followersFrequent tweeter, professional grammar nerd, and obsessive reader, Annabeth Albert is also a Pacific Northwest romance writer in a variety of subgenres.
Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.
Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
August 13, 2025
One word: SPECTACULAR!
While I enjoyed the first book in the Perfect Harmony series, I loved this one MORE. Love Me Tenor can easily be read as a standalone. The MCs from the first book are mentioned in passing a couple times but are never on page.
Trevor is lost and scared. Cut off by his religious, homophobic (sad how the two seem to go hand in hand more times than not) family once he comes out as gay, Trevor is weeks away from being homeless. So when he gets the chance to appear on a singing competition reality show, he reluctantly agrees.
He certainly doesn't expect to be in a band with the "straight" jock (oh, Trevor can be judgy) who's pure Eye Candy, what with his gorgeous skin tone and bulging biceps, AND the wonder "twins": CarsonNCarter.
Jalen doesn't put up with bullshit. His teasing and indifferent attitude hide a kind, thoughtful man who loves to take care of people and is just waiting for his special someone.
(This is close to how I imagined Jalen, minus the tats and cross necklace.)
I loved the way Trevor and Jalen's dynamic changed throughout the book. They go from frenemies to reluctant friends to confidantes and lovers.
Jalen becomes Trevor's rock, even as Trevor's health takes a turn for the worse.
The story comes alive via a social media campaign (@StandOut! The Tweets tell a story of their own. Don't skip 'em.) and the fully fleshed out secondary characters.
I especially liked how Carter and Carson's relationship, both with each other and with Trevor and Jalen, changes and grows.
I really disliked the "twins" for the first half of the book, but they turned out to have their own insecurities and quirks. In the end, they're just two guys, together since they were teens, trying to make it as musicians.
The book portrays the fakeness of reality shows: the lack of privacy, the false but elevated emotions, the cutthroat brutality of having the most reTweets and shares.
(Calling all closet Swifties! You know who you are. *cough-trevor-cough*)
Jalen and Trevor have to pretend to be boyfriends, because Stand Out! is supposed to be the happy gay group.
I am a sucker for the fake-to-REAL boyfriends theme! That slow burn .... mmmmm YUMMY.
I also love some kinky fun, and this book didn't disappoint in the steam department. Jalen gets Trevor's sexual guilt and shame (this made me so damn sad), and wants to make things better. He doesn't push Trevor, but he gives him what he needs.
The kink isn't anything you'd expect, but Jalen and Trevor are able to talk through their likes and dislikes and find sexual play that works for them. This was mature and refreshing, and added another layer to the story.
I cannot recommend this book enough; it's SEXY, tender, and well-written, with a sparkly epilogue and two very REAL & very lovable MCs who get "an A in cuddle sutra"!
CUTENESS. Intensified.
P.S. Annabeth Albert includes the first chapter of the third book at the end, and I hate her a little. Because. Want Michelin's story. NOW.
BRING IT, baby!
While I enjoyed the first book in the Perfect Harmony series, I loved this one MORE. Love Me Tenor can easily be read as a standalone. The MCs from the first book are mentioned in passing a couple times but are never on page.
Trevor is lost and scared. Cut off by his religious, homophobic (sad how the two seem to go hand in hand more times than not) family once he comes out as gay, Trevor is weeks away from being homeless. So when he gets the chance to appear on a singing competition reality show, he reluctantly agrees.
He certainly doesn't expect to be in a band with the "straight" jock (oh, Trevor can be judgy) who's pure Eye Candy, what with his gorgeous skin tone and bulging biceps, AND the wonder "twins": CarsonNCarter.
Jalen doesn't put up with bullshit. His teasing and indifferent attitude hide a kind, thoughtful man who loves to take care of people and is just waiting for his special someone.
(This is close to how I imagined Jalen, minus the tats and cross necklace.)
I loved the way Trevor and Jalen's dynamic changed throughout the book. They go from frenemies to reluctant friends to confidantes and lovers.
Jalen becomes Trevor's rock, even as Trevor's health takes a turn for the worse.
The story comes alive via a social media campaign (@StandOut! The Tweets tell a story of their own. Don't skip 'em.) and the fully fleshed out secondary characters.
I especially liked how Carter and Carson's relationship, both with each other and with Trevor and Jalen, changes and grows.
I really disliked the "twins" for the first half of the book, but they turned out to have their own insecurities and quirks. In the end, they're just two guys, together since they were teens, trying to make it as musicians.
The book portrays the fakeness of reality shows: the lack of privacy, the false but elevated emotions, the cutthroat brutality of having the most reTweets and shares.
(Calling all closet Swifties! You know who you are. *cough-trevor-cough*)
Jalen and Trevor have to pretend to be boyfriends, because Stand Out! is supposed to be the happy gay group.
I am a sucker for the fake-to-REAL boyfriends theme! That slow burn .... mmmmm YUMMY.
I also love some kinky fun, and this book didn't disappoint in the steam department. Jalen gets Trevor's sexual guilt and shame (this made me so damn sad), and wants to make things better. He doesn't push Trevor, but he gives him what he needs.
The kink isn't anything you'd expect, but Jalen and Trevor are able to talk through their likes and dislikes and find sexual play that works for them. This was mature and refreshing, and added another layer to the story.
I cannot recommend this book enough; it's SEXY, tender, and well-written, with a sparkly epilogue and two very REAL & very lovable MCs who get "an A in cuddle sutra"!
CUTENESS. Intensified.
His mouth found Trevor's, and then Trevor was the light and the perfection and everything Jalen had missed for hours and hours and lifetimes.
P.S. Annabeth Albert includes the first chapter of the third book at the end, and I hate her a little. Because. Want Michelin's story. NOW.
BRING IT, baby!
December 19, 2018
3.5 Stars
I think that anyone who enjoys Albert, who loves music, and also liked Perfect Harmony, will have no problems with this second installment.
Love Me Tenor segues into Lucas’s best friend Trevor, who’s newly out and newly disowned from his family. He has no choice but to sign a contract to be in a singing contest with already made groups, seeing as how Trevor currently has no other options for room and board. However, there’s a catch. Trevor’s group is labeled as “boys in love”, and he has to pretend to be in a relationship with his complete opposite - the seemingly straight Jalen. Totally easy peasy right? Wrong.
Going along the same vein as Perfect Harmony, this NA romance nicely showcases all the painful ins and outs of growing up, mostly by taking responsibility, going after what you want, and owning up to your mistakes. Both Trevor and Jalen are not without baggage, and forced quarters and “fake” situations allow them to slowly let down their guard, inevitably falling for one another while gaining confidence and perhaps winning an amazing chance of a lifetime.
Beware quite a bit of self shame and hate and an awful terribly bigoted family. There is plenty of nice sexual awakening and UST, as this author never fails on the smex with an added dash of pain and dominance kink thrown in for good measure. I may not always like these sorts of tough topics/tropes, but Albert is consistently relevant and delivers a reliable heartfelt romance regardless.
I think that anyone who enjoys Albert, who loves music, and also liked Perfect Harmony, will have no problems with this second installment.
Love Me Tenor segues into Lucas’s best friend Trevor, who’s newly out and newly disowned from his family. He has no choice but to sign a contract to be in a singing contest with already made groups, seeing as how Trevor currently has no other options for room and board. However, there’s a catch. Trevor’s group is labeled as “boys in love”, and he has to pretend to be in a relationship with his complete opposite - the seemingly straight Jalen. Totally easy peasy right? Wrong.
Going along the same vein as Perfect Harmony, this NA romance nicely showcases all the painful ins and outs of growing up, mostly by taking responsibility, going after what you want, and owning up to your mistakes. Both Trevor and Jalen are not without baggage, and forced quarters and “fake” situations allow them to slowly let down their guard, inevitably falling for one another while gaining confidence and perhaps winning an amazing chance of a lifetime.
Beware quite a bit of self shame and hate and an awful terribly bigoted family. There is plenty of nice sexual awakening and UST, as this author never fails on the smex with an added dash of pain and dominance kink thrown in for good measure. I may not always like these sorts of tough topics/tropes, but Albert is consistently relevant and delivers a reliable heartfelt romance regardless.
i-m-a-quitter
March 17, 2016DNF @37%
Too long.
Too slow.
Too boring.
This one just wasn't for me.
I don't think this author is for me. I loved
...but everything else since has been pretty
Pretty much everyone loved this one, so I'm sure it's me. If you're a fan of Annabeth's other stuff then I am sure you will like this one.
Too long.
Too slow.
Too boring.
This one just wasn't for me.
I don't think this author is for me. I loved
...but everything else since has been prettyPretty much everyone loved this one, so I'm sure it's me. If you're a fan of Annabeth's other stuff then I am sure you will like this one.
January 3, 2016
Annabeth Albert has once again managed to deliver another fantastic story. We have Trevor, who is alone in the world, after being cut off from his religious and bigoted family. He’s offered the chance to compete in a singing competition and feels obligated to accept to avoid being homeless. There is a catch, though; he must play the part of boyfriend with another member of the group, Jalen. Jalen, who at first comes off as a smartass, but is a kind nurturing young man.
What I loved:
*Annabeth Albert you managed the impossible: I am not a fan of the “pretend boyfriend” trope. It just doesn’t work for me, in fact, I recently DNF’ed a book and told myself to stop trying to like it. You made me love it here. This is the first time I can remember loving it.
*The main characters. It was impossible not fall in love with these endearing characters.
*The relationship development. The author did an excellent job bringing together two different personalities. It was a joy to read their relationship grow.
*The supporting cast. There were times that I questioned them, but they came through in the end.
*Nice story flow. It had a quick, easy pace.
*Dual POV. My favorite.
*I also appreciated how the author handled the behind the scenes of reality shows. She showed us the nitty gritty of things-how cold it can be.
*Their bedroom antics.
*Trevor and Jalen being an interracial couple. I’m probably biased because I’m in an interracial marriage, but one of the things I wish was seen more in romance is diversity.
*The end. It was lovely.
Quick Note:
*This being book 2 in the series: it can easily be read as a stand alone. The previous couple is hardly mentioned, and nothing will be spoiled if you chose to go back and read Treble Maker after reading this one.
All in all, this is a well-rounded story with an amazing group of characters that will pull at your heartstrings. It’s a story about self-worth, friendships, and family. 5 Stars!
ARC kindly provided by Lyrical Shine via NetGalley for an honest review.
March 23, 2016
Wish I remembered more of the story... should have reviewed ASAP.
January 8, 2021
5 fake boyfriends in a boy band stars
Holy. Fucking. Shit. I do not know what to say. I didn’t enjoy book one in this series, at all, nothing about it worked for me. And I was very close to not reading this one but I LOVE boy bands so I decided to get it a chance and i’m so glad I did. This was everything I wished book one was, it hit all of my buttons, I adored it so much.
I don’t know how to explain it better than saying that this book was perfect for me, it had everything I love in a book and it made me feel so many emotions, I just loved it so much.
Quick summary: Trevor was kicked out by his very religious family because he came out as gay and he has a lot of hang ups about being gay and sex because of how he grew up. He joins this new tv show where boy bands compete to see who is the best so he doesn’t have to be homeless. Jaden joins the show as a favour for his sister that works on it. The show makes them be boyfriends (always love a good fake boyfriend trope) because it will sell and then so much sparks happen between them.
“I spent so much time missing home, I didn’t even notice when I found a new one”
Some of the things I enjoyed:
- I adored how they were forced to be fake boyfriends and started by hating each other, I also loved the hate sex, that was so great.
- I loved how we got to see Trevor explore sex and how we got to slowly see him get over his hang ups and not hate himself for enjoying sex. That was done so so well. I also loved how Jalen did everything he could to make him feel better. Trevor’s exploration of sex was just so well done. I loved how Jalen was patient with him and just wanted him to feel good and not have hang ups anymore.
- I adored seeing them explore what they enjoy when it comes to sex. The sex scenes in this are really damn hot.
- Back to Trevor’s hang up, I loved how they coloured his every day life and all of his choices, thats very realistic. And I adored how they didn’t randomly go away.
- Trevor was told by his parents and everyone else that he couldn’t use his full singing range because it wasn’t manly enough, and I loved how we got to see him starting opening up and starting to be himself, I was cheering for him so much when he finally did it.
- Also I hate the break up at 75% trope but it didn’t even bother me here because I understood it. It actually made a lot of sense in this situation and I was really greatful for that. And it was so so sweet how they got back together, I really loved that part.
- I was so happy when Trevor finally started to fight for what he wants, that was so damn cute.
- I loved how this book portrayed the tv show, it was like I was watching an actual tv show about finding the best boy band, it was so much fun.
- And lastly I loved how it was about very heavy topics but the book never felt too angsty, it always had a nice vibe because of all the craziness happening with the tv show.
All I have to say is that this book was perfect for me and I loved it so so much.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange of my honest opinion
Holy. Fucking. Shit. I do not know what to say. I didn’t enjoy book one in this series, at all, nothing about it worked for me. And I was very close to not reading this one but I LOVE boy bands so I decided to get it a chance and i’m so glad I did. This was everything I wished book one was, it hit all of my buttons, I adored it so much.
I don’t know how to explain it better than saying that this book was perfect for me, it had everything I love in a book and it made me feel so many emotions, I just loved it so much.
Quick summary: Trevor was kicked out by his very religious family because he came out as gay and he has a lot of hang ups about being gay and sex because of how he grew up. He joins this new tv show where boy bands compete to see who is the best so he doesn’t have to be homeless. Jaden joins the show as a favour for his sister that works on it. The show makes them be boyfriends (always love a good fake boyfriend trope) because it will sell and then so much sparks happen between them.
“I spent so much time missing home, I didn’t even notice when I found a new one”
Some of the things I enjoyed:
- I adored how they were forced to be fake boyfriends and started by hating each other, I also loved the hate sex, that was so great.
- I loved how we got to see Trevor explore sex and how we got to slowly see him get over his hang ups and not hate himself for enjoying sex. That was done so so well. I also loved how Jalen did everything he could to make him feel better. Trevor’s exploration of sex was just so well done. I loved how Jalen was patient with him and just wanted him to feel good and not have hang ups anymore.
- I adored seeing them explore what they enjoy when it comes to sex. The sex scenes in this are really damn hot.
- Back to Trevor’s hang up, I loved how they coloured his every day life and all of his choices, thats very realistic. And I adored how they didn’t randomly go away.
- Trevor was told by his parents and everyone else that he couldn’t use his full singing range because it wasn’t manly enough, and I loved how we got to see him starting opening up and starting to be himself, I was cheering for him so much when he finally did it.
- Also I hate the break up at 75% trope but it didn’t even bother me here because I understood it. It actually made a lot of sense in this situation and I was really greatful for that. And it was so so sweet how they got back together, I really loved that part.
- I was so happy when Trevor finally started to fight for what he wants, that was so damn cute.
- I loved how this book portrayed the tv show, it was like I was watching an actual tv show about finding the best boy band, it was so much fun.
- And lastly I loved how it was about very heavy topics but the book never felt too angsty, it always had a nice vibe because of all the craziness happening with the tv show.
All I have to say is that this book was perfect for me and I loved it so so much.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange of my honest opinion
November 25, 2018
3.5 Stars
Reality shows, boy bands, first love, kink for days, and a dash of hurt-comfort - yep, there was plenty to like about this one.
Trevor is a fresh college grad. Recently kicked out of his religious family for being gay and just diagnosed with adult onset diabetes, he has no money to his name, nowhere to go, and no idea what to do with his life now he’s finished school.
Fate intervenes when Trevor is approached to be part of a new reality music show where several newly minted boy bands will fight for victory. Although he doesn’t crave the spotlight, Trevor loves singing and enjoyed his time on an a cappella singing competition the year before (see book one). Plus, the promise of free housing, food, and eventual payment, regardless of whether his group wins or not, is more than enough to motivate Trevor to say yes.
When Trevor meets his new boy band group members, including sexy, moody and mysterious Jalen, and boyfriends Carter and Carson, they don’t mesh too well as a group. And to Trevor’s surprise, their group’s promotional focus is gay boys in love, with Trevor and Jalen expected to play boyfriends for the cameras and (hopefully) eventual fans.
Although Jalen and Trevor get off to a rocky start, they soon find the lines blurring between fake boyfriends and a very real and palpable attraction. On and off the cameras they grow closer and form a deep and meaningful connection that both boys desperately crave and need in their lives, but they must overcome some pretty heavy roadblocks before they can find any kind of personal peace and happiness together.
Trevor’s diabetes - which he keeps a secret from the show-runners - expectedly played a major role in the plot, as does Trevor’s religious background and his deep-seated emotional and mental hang-ups surrounding his upbringing and his ingrained (but often bullshit) beliefs.
I liked Trevor and Jalen as a couple and I enjoyed their kinky yet emotional sexual explorations.
Being a massive music lover and long-time fangirl of all things boy band related, I definitely enjoyed the backdrop of the making-a-boy-band reality show and I loved how music played a major role throughout the story.
What I didn’t enjoy so much were the heavy themes of religious repression and homophobia forced on Trevor by his extremist family. Obviously it's an overarching theme of the series, but the religion stuff was just too heavy and too infuriating, again, for me to truly love this story.
As a fan of stories with great secondary characters, this one fell short in that department. Aside from Trevor and Jalen themselves, I didn’t like a single secondary character present. Obviously Trevor’s family were hateful and unlikable, but even their band mates, Carson and Carter, never won me over with their creepy “twin” relationship, and Dawn, Jalen’s sister and show exec, was an insufferable pain in my ass more often than not. It’s a shame because I really do love reading stories with a full cast of fascinating characters, good or bad, but this one left me feeling flat in that regard.
At the end of the day, although I may not have loved some of the heavier themes here, this was yet another well-written, deliciously angsty offering from Albert, and I look forward to wrapping this series up with All Note Long.
Reality shows, boy bands, first love, kink for days, and a dash of hurt-comfort - yep, there was plenty to like about this one.
Trevor is a fresh college grad. Recently kicked out of his religious family for being gay and just diagnosed with adult onset diabetes, he has no money to his name, nowhere to go, and no idea what to do with his life now he’s finished school.
Fate intervenes when Trevor is approached to be part of a new reality music show where several newly minted boy bands will fight for victory. Although he doesn’t crave the spotlight, Trevor loves singing and enjoyed his time on an a cappella singing competition the year before (see book one). Plus, the promise of free housing, food, and eventual payment, regardless of whether his group wins or not, is more than enough to motivate Trevor to say yes.
When Trevor meets his new boy band group members, including sexy, moody and mysterious Jalen, and boyfriends Carter and Carson, they don’t mesh too well as a group. And to Trevor’s surprise, their group’s promotional focus is gay boys in love, with Trevor and Jalen expected to play boyfriends for the cameras and (hopefully) eventual fans.
Although Jalen and Trevor get off to a rocky start, they soon find the lines blurring between fake boyfriends and a very real and palpable attraction. On and off the cameras they grow closer and form a deep and meaningful connection that both boys desperately crave and need in their lives, but they must overcome some pretty heavy roadblocks before they can find any kind of personal peace and happiness together.
Trevor’s diabetes - which he keeps a secret from the show-runners - expectedly played a major role in the plot, as does Trevor’s religious background and his deep-seated emotional and mental hang-ups surrounding his upbringing and his ingrained (but often bullshit) beliefs.
I liked Trevor and Jalen as a couple and I enjoyed their kinky yet emotional sexual explorations.
Being a massive music lover and long-time fangirl of all things boy band related, I definitely enjoyed the backdrop of the making-a-boy-band reality show and I loved how music played a major role throughout the story.
What I didn’t enjoy so much were the heavy themes of religious repression and homophobia forced on Trevor by his extremist family. Obviously it's an overarching theme of the series, but the religion stuff was just too heavy and too infuriating, again, for me to truly love this story.
As a fan of stories with great secondary characters, this one fell short in that department. Aside from Trevor and Jalen themselves, I didn’t like a single secondary character present. Obviously Trevor’s family were hateful and unlikable, but even their band mates, Carson and Carter, never won me over with their creepy “twin” relationship, and Dawn, Jalen’s sister and show exec, was an insufferable pain in my ass more often than not. It’s a shame because I really do love reading stories with a full cast of fascinating characters, good or bad, but this one left me feeling flat in that regard.
At the end of the day, although I may not have loved some of the heavier themes here, this was yet another well-written, deliciously angsty offering from Albert, and I look forward to wrapping this series up with All Note Long.
December 29, 2015
Hottest New Boy Band competition is filming and Jalen and Trevor are on the same team. Forced together in a marketing stunt they soon find out that they are more interested than they thought. The games boys play.
The exploration of their sexuality and what makes them tick and explode is interesting, thoughtful, and well done. Both guys have some serious issues in their past that have affected them, and they rear up in unexpected ways during the competition and its stresses. I love the subdued and natural acceptance of their interracial relationship. In SoCal and among my friends, this is the norm so I found the lack of polemic blustering and posturing much more to my liking than the hyperbole of skin politics.
The focus was Jalen and Trevor's relationship and the events affecting its progression or regression, not the reality TV competition as much. I liked it, some the elements fell together super smoothly--this isn't gritty realism. Yeah, they made it look easy, but sometimes that's the cozy blanket we throw over our shoulders to keep out the cold. It is romance, after all.
3.5-4 star rating that I'm rounding up because it was an engaging read and I really liked both guys.
~Copy provided by NETGALLEY~
The exploration of their sexuality and what makes them tick and explode is interesting, thoughtful, and well done. Both guys have some serious issues in their past that have affected them, and they rear up in unexpected ways during the competition and its stresses. I love the subdued and natural acceptance of their interracial relationship. In SoCal and among my friends, this is the norm so I found the lack of polemic blustering and posturing much more to my liking than the hyperbole of skin politics.
The focus was Jalen and Trevor's relationship and the events affecting its progression or regression, not the reality TV competition as much. I liked it, some the elements fell together super smoothly--this isn't gritty realism. Yeah, they made it look easy, but sometimes that's the cozy blanket we throw over our shoulders to keep out the cold. It is romance, after all.
3.5-4 star rating that I'm rounding up because it was an engaging read and I really liked both guys.
~Copy provided by NETGALLEY~
February 16, 2016
*** 4.5 Stars ***
I’m feeling lazy, so I decided to let fifth grade me review this book:
*squeeeeeeeeeeeeee!*
Omg! OMG! OMG!
If you are in love with love, you will love this book! Jalen and Trevor are just the cutest! There are so many swoony, sigh-inducing moments and I could just DIE of the cute. Like, literally.
Jalen + Trevor 4eva!!! <3
I’m feeling lazy, so I decided to let fifth grade me review this book:
*squeeeeeeeeeeeeee!*
Omg! OMG! OMG!
If you are in love with love, you will love this book! Jalen and Trevor are just the cutest! There are so many swoony, sigh-inducing moments and I could just DIE of the cute. Like, literally.
Jalen + Trevor 4eva!!! <3
April 27, 2016
This one went over my head. I admit I had doubts about this one since the very beginning, despite the great reviews. But one thing is to suspect it, and another thing altogether is to experience it in person.
My main and only problem with this book is this simple fact: it’s extremely boring. Apart from a detail or two I got a little upset about, this is the only objection I have.
The writing style doesn’t agree with me. I struggled with each passing chapter hoping for a ray of sunlight to appear, to no use. There were a few hints where I realized this story would take off at some point. However, I was let down again and again.
And again.
I felt I was at the same landing strip the whole way, waiting for some signal to begin the trip.
I was expecting to fly and I was on the ground instead.
When I saw that this book would never improve and that it would get 2 stars, being generous, I decided there were better things to invest my time in. It was becoming homework to me, and that’s not fun.
43%, it took that long for me to realize it wouldn’t start up.
At first I got the impression Jalen was a Latino, but when they said he was “brown” the questions began. This is what happens when authors are ambiguous in their descriptions. I NEVER get it right. I just want authors to play fair and don’t beat around the bush, because feeling stupid upsets me endlessly.
At least it wasn’t like that time when I found out the MC was black when they chose to display a black model on the SECOND book cover in the series or when the author says AT THE END of the book that the guy was born in Nigeria. It’s like “Hey, now that you got to 95% of the book, I forgot to mention I’m black, before you get to the 100%, you know? That’s all I wanted to say, goodbye!”. My face is priceless.
Why is it so difficult to mention an ethnicity in so many words?
I don't really care what color his skin is. If the author says nothing about the appearance of the characters, I'm okay with that. But if you are going to describe them, do it properly, please. Above all when you are going to show aspects related to it, like marginalization and racism. There is a tendency in using euphemisms and I believe it’s eventually counter-productive.
To sum it up: just don't bring up a vague reference to skin color and then never explain anything. Yes, I know, I’m a little…
Please, don’t get this wrong, all of this was to simply show that I want to know where my characters come from, not only in a geographic sense, but culturally speaking and the like, because that shapes someone and makes him grow into what he currently is. I want to understand them better. I want to get to know them. And, above all, I want to have a proper and faithful image of them in my head. It’s not a criminal request, right?
And authors tiptoeing around it is not the best way to do that, in my humble opinion. I value it when someone says it naturally in a book. But I didn’t get that impression here, unfortunately.
Apart from that, the media stuff and music show bullshit was getting on my nerves. I felt I was watching some kind of Big Brother and it was unbearable. I realize the author did a good job portraying the falseness and stupidity of this kind of… competitions (I don’t know how to call them, sorry) but it didn’t make it less painful to read.
Definitely, not for me.
*****
***Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.***
My main and only problem with this book is this simple fact: it’s extremely boring. Apart from a detail or two I got a little upset about, this is the only objection I have.
The writing style doesn’t agree with me. I struggled with each passing chapter hoping for a ray of sunlight to appear, to no use. There were a few hints where I realized this story would take off at some point. However, I was let down again and again.
And again.
I felt I was at the same landing strip the whole way, waiting for some signal to begin the trip.
I was expecting to fly and I was on the ground instead.
When I saw that this book would never improve and that it would get 2 stars, being generous, I decided there were better things to invest my time in. It was becoming homework to me, and that’s not fun.
43%, it took that long for me to realize it wouldn’t start up.
At first I got the impression Jalen was a Latino, but when they said he was “brown” the questions began. This is what happens when authors are ambiguous in their descriptions. I NEVER get it right. I just want authors to play fair and don’t beat around the bush, because feeling stupid upsets me endlessly.
At least it wasn’t like that time when I found out the MC was black when they chose to display a black model on the SECOND book cover in the series or when the author says AT THE END of the book that the guy was born in Nigeria. It’s like “Hey, now that you got to 95% of the book, I forgot to mention I’m black, before you get to the 100%, you know? That’s all I wanted to say, goodbye!”. My face is priceless.
Why is it so difficult to mention an ethnicity in so many words?
I don't really care what color his skin is. If the author says nothing about the appearance of the characters, I'm okay with that. But if you are going to describe them, do it properly, please. Above all when you are going to show aspects related to it, like marginalization and racism. There is a tendency in using euphemisms and I believe it’s eventually counter-productive.
To sum it up: just don't bring up a vague reference to skin color and then never explain anything. Yes, I know, I’m a little…
Please, don’t get this wrong, all of this was to simply show that I want to know where my characters come from, not only in a geographic sense, but culturally speaking and the like, because that shapes someone and makes him grow into what he currently is. I want to understand them better. I want to get to know them. And, above all, I want to have a proper and faithful image of them in my head. It’s not a criminal request, right?
And authors tiptoeing around it is not the best way to do that, in my humble opinion. I value it when someone says it naturally in a book. But I didn’t get that impression here, unfortunately.
Apart from that, the media stuff and music show bullshit was getting on my nerves. I felt I was watching some kind of Big Brother and it was unbearable. I realize the author did a good job portraying the falseness and stupidity of this kind of… competitions (I don’t know how to call them, sorry) but it didn’t make it less painful to read.
Definitely, not for me.
*****
***Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.***
March 20, 2016
** 4.5 stars**
March 6, 2016
Really loved this book a hell of a lot. It was the perfect length for me, covering more than just falling in love, but really getting into the psychology of both guys and digging into the sex, the family situation, the past with Trevor, and it was just so deliciously good. I'm all about the psychology of characters and Ms. Albert dug into it and unf. SO GOOD. Recommended read!
February 21, 2016
~BR with my favorite Dr. Dani~
4.5 stars!
This book really delivered for me. Trevor is a graduating college student who is about a month away from homelessness. He recently came out to his ultra-religious conservative family and was turned away. He won't be welcome into the family business where his post-college plans had been as well. He gets a call about a reality singing competition that includes 24/7 cameras.....and housing. DONE!
It's there he meets his "boyfriend" Jalen, who is "jacked like a Chevy with a lift kit." You see, the producers plan to have each group of singers competing have a different image. Their group of 4? They're the gays who are coupled off and in luuurve. But is it really such a hardship, Trevor?
Can you picture THAT? Jalen, come to mama. Alas, these two don't get along at first. They snipe all the time. But that does eventually, deliciously, turn into sizzling flirting since they have to have it "turned on" for the cameras.
And the kink? There are some mild, but HAWT, kinks on display here. And one of my personal favorites if I do say so. Pretend hold-me-down-I'm-trying-to-get-away-but-I'm-really-not-you're-gonna-leave-a-bruise-fuck-that's-hot kink.
Trevor's been in that super-religious environment for a long time. So he has some, hmmmmm, issues about sex. Self-hatred issues. And Jalen is this awesome balance between supportive and not letting him walk over him. But even Jalen (along with me) takes a while to understand the true depth of Trevor's internal struggle.
And once Jalen and Trevor begin spending hour upon hour, day upon day, together. The friendship builds. The trust builds. They have each others backs. Against the initially snarky other couple within their group Carson/Carter (still can barely tell them apart) and then against the invasive show's personnel.
The reality show did NOT take up too much page time. This was a beautifully written story about Jalen and Trevor, with side characters who you will actually grow to love. Even stupid Carson/Carter.
It's not often I give a high rating to a YA story, but this one is very much worth it. Recommended!!!
4.5 stars!
This book really delivered for me. Trevor is a graduating college student who is about a month away from homelessness. He recently came out to his ultra-religious conservative family and was turned away. He won't be welcome into the family business where his post-college plans had been as well. He gets a call about a reality singing competition that includes 24/7 cameras.....and housing. DONE!
It's there he meets his "boyfriend" Jalen, who is "jacked like a Chevy with a lift kit." You see, the producers plan to have each group of singers competing have a different image. Their group of 4? They're the gays who are coupled off and in luuurve. But is it really such a hardship, Trevor?
"I'm bringing you African American, Mexican, and Hawaiian all in one hot package."
Can you picture THAT? Jalen, come to mama. Alas, these two don't get along at first. They snipe all the time. But that does eventually, deliciously, turn into sizzling flirting since they have to have it "turned on" for the cameras.
And the kink? There are some mild, but HAWT, kinks on display here. And one of my personal favorites if I do say so. Pretend hold-me-down-I'm-trying-to-get-away-but-I'm-really-not-you're-gonna-leave-a-bruise-fuck-that's-hot kink.
Trevor's been in that super-religious environment for a long time. So he has some, hmmmmm, issues about sex. Self-hatred issues. And Jalen is this awesome balance between supportive and not letting him walk over him. But even Jalen (along with me) takes a while to understand the true depth of Trevor's internal struggle.
He'd let dirty, dirty things happen to him, again because he was weak. There was nothing left to do except ride out the tidal wave of shame.
And once Jalen and Trevor begin spending hour upon hour, day upon day, together. The friendship builds. The trust builds. They have each others backs. Against the initially snarky other couple within their group Carson/Carter (still can barely tell them apart) and then against the invasive show's personnel.
The reality show did NOT take up too much page time. This was a beautifully written story about Jalen and Trevor, with side characters who you will actually grow to love. Even stupid Carson/Carter.
It's not often I give a high rating to a YA story, but this one is very much worth it. Recommended!!!
April 25, 2023
Trevor, a secondary character from Treble Maker, has come out to his family and has been disowned. A friend, who is also a person on the production staff of a new competition looking for a new boy band, convinces Trevor to signup as she has a band she is sure Trevor will fit in. Jalen is her brother and another person she convince to join the all gay boy band. the competition convince Trevor and Jalen to be fake boyfriend well we all now what happens next in this trope. They fall in love but their are obstacle like Trevor's lack of self esteem and his feelings of unworthiness and his Diabetes. add to it a fundamentalist family who tries to kidnap him and Jalen's Lack of trust due to his own abandonment issue you got a rocky romance that still strikes all the right notes.
February 15, 2016
I wasn’t sold on Trevor when I read the first book in the series, but boy am I glad I read his book! After losing the first spot at the a capella competition, Trevor flies to Vancouver to join a band competing at a reality TV show for America’s new it band. Trevor was ostracised by his very conservative family when he came out and he has nowhere to go, so he chooses this competition mainly to secure a place to live and living expenses. What he didn’t realise was that the band he was chosen to compete with has the cute guys in love theme to sell, with Jaylen as Trevor’s pretend boyfriend. Jaylen has the
too cool for this shit
vibe down pat. He is not excited about having to pretend delicate Trevor is his boyfriend for the cameras, but he wants a career in music and is willing to go along with it. What both Trevor and Jaylen did not see coming though was some honest attraction happening where the cameras cannot see. Because, see, the boys are rooming together and one thing leads to another, before they know it, they’re making out every night and cuddling on Jalen’s bed.
Can I just say how much I loved those late night talks they had and the cuddling? Trevor is struggling with shame and self-loathing after every sexual encounter, to the point where he does not think he deserves anything better than a quick fuck from someone without even getting off. But Jalen manages to break down that barrier and find ways for Trevor to be active sexually without hating himself afterward.
Sidenote: I love what Annabeth Albert has done with this series in terms of kink. In every book, it seems that the characters have some unique kink to bring to the table which makes everything all the more delicious and spicy! I won’t tell you what it is but they boys had a lot of fun exploring that together –as did I reading about it. Their sex scenes were very steamy but more importantly for me, more and more emotional as time went on.
The plot follows the reality competition so the boys are whisked from photo shoot, to interview, to performance every other day. I also liked that the singing parts were very present but did not take over the story, which was my feeling from book 1. The other couple in their band, Carter and Carson, were pretty obnoxious in the first half of the book, especially Carter, but as the band became closer, we learned more about that couple and why they acted the way they did. Let’s just say they were plenty redeemed in my eyes at least.
One of my favourite drama tropes is medical emergencies and the author hit all my spots with the way Trevor’s situation was portrayed. It wasn’t some last minute add-on which can often feel prosthetic and OTT but something that we’re slowly introduced to from the get go. It served as the catalyst for the boys to get closer and for solid character development as well.
I honestly have nothing bad to say about this book. It had everything I want in a NA novel. There’s evocative writing, a lot of personal growth for both characters, good communication, humour, conflict, a good dose of angst, STEAM STEAM STEAM, and a glorious HEA. The next story is about Michelin, who for some reason I pictured as a 50+ year-old guy, but is in fact in his early-mid thirties. The first chapter of his book is included at the end of this one, just enough to make waiting for his book torture. Thanks a lot Annabeth Albert!
Highly recommend!
ARC of Love Me Tenor provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. See this review at Gay Book Reviews.
Can I just say how much I loved those late night talks they had and the cuddling? Trevor is struggling with shame and self-loathing after every sexual encounter, to the point where he does not think he deserves anything better than a quick fuck from someone without even getting off. But Jalen manages to break down that barrier and find ways for Trevor to be active sexually without hating himself afterward.
Sidenote: I love what Annabeth Albert has done with this series in terms of kink. In every book, it seems that the characters have some unique kink to bring to the table which makes everything all the more delicious and spicy! I won’t tell you what it is but they boys had a lot of fun exploring that together –as did I reading about it. Their sex scenes were very steamy but more importantly for me, more and more emotional as time went on.
The plot follows the reality competition so the boys are whisked from photo shoot, to interview, to performance every other day. I also liked that the singing parts were very present but did not take over the story, which was my feeling from book 1. The other couple in their band, Carter and Carson, were pretty obnoxious in the first half of the book, especially Carter, but as the band became closer, we learned more about that couple and why they acted the way they did. Let’s just say they were plenty redeemed in my eyes at least.
One of my favourite drama tropes is medical emergencies and the author hit all my spots with the way Trevor’s situation was portrayed. It wasn’t some last minute add-on which can often feel prosthetic and OTT but something that we’re slowly introduced to from the get go. It served as the catalyst for the boys to get closer and for solid character development as well.
I honestly have nothing bad to say about this book. It had everything I want in a NA novel. There’s evocative writing, a lot of personal growth for both characters, good communication, humour, conflict, a good dose of angst, STEAM STEAM STEAM, and a glorious HEA. The next story is about Michelin, who for some reason I pictured as a 50+ year-old guy, but is in fact in his early-mid thirties. The first chapter of his book is included at the end of this one, just enough to make waiting for his book torture. Thanks a lot Annabeth Albert!
Highly recommend!
ARC of Love Me Tenor provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. See this review at Gay Book Reviews.
July 2, 2017
There is a lot going on in this romance and that is a good thing,
Trevor was in this first book in this series and he was sympathetic but not very likable.
He is so utterly human and in pain in this book and becomes utterly lovable,
Jalen starts out the book defensive in a way that is not really a match with the personality that is revealed but who he becomes (is) as the book moves on is pretty great.
They make a wonderful couple with pretend romance for the show to get them started.
It would be easy to give spoilers for this book that would take the fun out of why each hero is the way he is that would ruin the book.
This is a sexy, sweet, hot New Adult romance with a well earned Happily Ever After.
Trevor was in this first book in this series and he was sympathetic but not very likable.
He is so utterly human and in pain in this book and becomes utterly lovable,
Jalen starts out the book defensive in a way that is not really a match with the personality that is revealed but who he becomes (is) as the book moves on is pretty great.
They make a wonderful couple with pretend romance for the show to get them started.
It would be easy to give spoilers for this book that would take the fun out of why each hero is the way he is that would ruin the book.
This is a sexy, sweet, hot New Adult romance with a well earned Happily Ever After.
January 3, 2021
3.5 stars
This book takes place around a show focused on becoming the next big sensation boy band. Trevor and Jalen are put into a group together but there is a catch... every member in the group is gay with two of the members, Carter and Carson, being together. However, one relationship within the group is not good enough the producers want to sell two couples which means when the cameras are turned on Jalen and Trevor must act like boyfriends. Shouldn't be a problem right? Wrong!
Trevor is newly out the closet, recently diagnosed with diabetes and just kicked out of his family. Growing up in his family has caused him serious issues with self acceptance. Jalen is use to people pre-judging him off his looks. Trevor is not different. The two have a rocky start but as the show progresses and the more they learn about one another feelings change.
Overall, an enjoyable entertaining read.
This book takes place around a show focused on becoming the next big sensation boy band. Trevor and Jalen are put into a group together but there is a catch... every member in the group is gay with two of the members, Carter and Carson, being together. However, one relationship within the group is not good enough the producers want to sell two couples which means when the cameras are turned on Jalen and Trevor must act like boyfriends. Shouldn't be a problem right? Wrong!
Trevor is newly out the closet, recently diagnosed with diabetes and just kicked out of his family. Growing up in his family has caused him serious issues with self acceptance. Jalen is use to people pre-judging him off his looks. Trevor is not different. The two have a rocky start but as the show progresses and the more they learn about one another feelings change.
Overall, an enjoyable entertaining read.
February 20, 2016
What a wonderful surprise this book was for me. I'm new to Annabeth Albert's work and I loved Trevor's and Jalen's story. The boys were young and just starting out on life on their own. One had a supportive adoptive family while the other had a horrible religious zealot homophobic family. I was afraid the story was going to take a dark turn. Thank goodness it didn't go there because I get so angry reading about homophobic families, especially the religious ones. The boys learned and grew as individuals and as a couple, it was beautiful to read.
Honestly, I enjoyed all the characters in the book. I haven't read the first book in this series yet, but it honestly didn't affect this story at all. There were only a couple of casual mentions of previous characters. I got a sneak peek at the next book at the end of this one. I can't wait! It's going to be great.
Honestly, I enjoyed all the characters in the book. I haven't read the first book in this series yet, but it honestly didn't affect this story at all. There were only a couple of casual mentions of previous characters. I got a sneak peek at the next book at the end of this one. I can't wait! It's going to be great.
February 4, 2020
It took me a while to get into this book, unlike Treble Maker where I fell hard and fast. But about half-way through, all of a sudden it seemed to click. Looking forward to the next book in the series All Note Long.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
January 17, 2021
Okay, this story was ridiculously adorable. It had so much more depth and heart than I was anticipating. The book was filled with complex characters, endless emotion, and an happily-ever-after that I am still smiling about. So much so, that I think I might like story better than the first book.
At this point, we should all know I am weak to the fake-date troupe, it has definitely moved it way onto my favorite troupes list this past year. So Trevor and Jalen are thrown together and while there is an undeniable attraction between them, they both want to fight it. And over time things start to blur. Trevor was like a skittish cat and Jalen tamed him. But that's not to say the relationship wasn't balanced. While Jalen definitely smoothed out Trevor's rough edges, Trevor helped Jalen find himself in the bedroom.
This is where Annabeth Albert thrives as an author, she has an amazing ability to balance kinks with emotions. While the characters might be steaming up the bedroom, their emotions and vulnerability shine through and add another layer of richness to the story. It's definitely what made me fall for Trevor and Jalen. Not to mention, there was a secondary romance in the book with Carter and Carson. These two didn't take away from the main narrative, they truly rounded out the characters and added some much needed support and friendship.
Overall, I just loved watching these characters evolve, grow, fall in love, and form life-long bonds. Trevor really went through so much drama with his health and his family, which weighed heavily on my heart. To see him glowing and thriving at the end of the story left me feeling so hopeful.
At this point, we should all know I am weak to the fake-date troupe, it has definitely moved it way onto my favorite troupes list this past year. So Trevor and Jalen are thrown together and while there is an undeniable attraction between them, they both want to fight it. And over time things start to blur. Trevor was like a skittish cat and Jalen tamed him. But that's not to say the relationship wasn't balanced. While Jalen definitely smoothed out Trevor's rough edges, Trevor helped Jalen find himself in the bedroom.
This is where Annabeth Albert thrives as an author, she has an amazing ability to balance kinks with emotions. While the characters might be steaming up the bedroom, their emotions and vulnerability shine through and add another layer of richness to the story. It's definitely what made me fall for Trevor and Jalen. Not to mention, there was a secondary romance in the book with Carter and Carson. These two didn't take away from the main narrative, they truly rounded out the characters and added some much needed support and friendship.
Overall, I just loved watching these characters evolve, grow, fall in love, and form life-long bonds. Trevor really went through so much drama with his health and his family, which weighed heavily on my heart. To see him glowing and thriving at the end of the story left me feeling so hopeful.
February 16, 2016
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4.25
Reviewers note: While one of the main characters was in the first book in this series, it is not necessary to read that book to enjoy this one. The couple from book one is mentioned a couple of times in this book, but not featured.
Author Annabeth Albert treats us to another book about reality television, young men trying to break into show business, and discovering, embracing the things that make you unique and living the life that makes you happy. Love Me Tenor was exciting, entertaining but also sweet with a side of sexy and a very enjoyable story.
College senior Trevor is scared, lonely and trying to figure out what he's going to do when he graduates in a little over a month when he'll be homeless, jobless and still disowned by his ultra religious and conservative family after coming out as gay. Being asked to return to the world of reality television as part of Next Direction a show looking for the next big Boy Band isn't high on his list of things to do, but with no other options he find himself agreeing and in Vancouver for taping.
As a favor to his assistant producer sister, Jalen agrees to be a part of one of the Boy Bands competing for stardom but he questions his ability to really help a group win. Jalen has swagger, he can rap some, but that's about the extent of his musical ability and then finding out that he has to pretend to be the boyfriend of the very uptight guy who thoroughly checked him out while he was waiting for his sister makes him want to run.
Trevor and Jalen don't get off to a great start and it takes them awhile to find their footing with each other, but along the way they begin to appreciate the little things that make the other special. I liked that Trevor shared and trusted some pretty big secrets with Jalen given that he didn't really have someone he could confide in. While Jalen was a bit more closed off, he did warm up to Trevor but more than that he wanted help Trevor and keep him safe and happy. I admired Jalen's dedication to Trevor even before they crossed the line from acquaintances to friends to lovers and I loved watching Trevor learn to love himself and accept that his wants and needs were not only important but necessary to being happy. That's not to say these two didn't struggle because they did, but overall even with all the changes in their relationship and a very serious episode that truly was a matter of life and death their relationship wasn't filled with a lot of angst.
While the taping of the reality show was pretty present throughout this book, for the most part Trevor and Jalen and their burgeoning relationship was front and center. In my opinion the other members of Trevor and Jalen's group, Stand Out, Carter and Carson, a real life couple who oddly looked like twins, were featured way too much as I found them boorish, insipid and with bullying tendencies. I think I would have enjoyed this book a whole lot more if I hadn't had to wade through so many scenes with them in it.
Love Me Tenor is another great coming of age story from Annabeth Albert, but most of all it is a great testament to believing in yourself, celebrate your life and learning that sometimes the family who choose is better than the one you are given.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
4.25
Reviewers note: While one of the main characters was in the first book in this series, it is not necessary to read that book to enjoy this one. The couple from book one is mentioned a couple of times in this book, but not featured.
Author Annabeth Albert treats us to another book about reality television, young men trying to break into show business, and discovering, embracing the things that make you unique and living the life that makes you happy. Love Me Tenor was exciting, entertaining but also sweet with a side of sexy and a very enjoyable story.
College senior Trevor is scared, lonely and trying to figure out what he's going to do when he graduates in a little over a month when he'll be homeless, jobless and still disowned by his ultra religious and conservative family after coming out as gay. Being asked to return to the world of reality television as part of Next Direction a show looking for the next big Boy Band isn't high on his list of things to do, but with no other options he find himself agreeing and in Vancouver for taping.
As a favor to his assistant producer sister, Jalen agrees to be a part of one of the Boy Bands competing for stardom but he questions his ability to really help a group win. Jalen has swagger, he can rap some, but that's about the extent of his musical ability and then finding out that he has to pretend to be the boyfriend of the very uptight guy who thoroughly checked him out while he was waiting for his sister makes him want to run.
Trevor and Jalen don't get off to a great start and it takes them awhile to find their footing with each other, but along the way they begin to appreciate the little things that make the other special. I liked that Trevor shared and trusted some pretty big secrets with Jalen given that he didn't really have someone he could confide in. While Jalen was a bit more closed off, he did warm up to Trevor but more than that he wanted help Trevor and keep him safe and happy. I admired Jalen's dedication to Trevor even before they crossed the line from acquaintances to friends to lovers and I loved watching Trevor learn to love himself and accept that his wants and needs were not only important but necessary to being happy. That's not to say these two didn't struggle because they did, but overall even with all the changes in their relationship and a very serious episode that truly was a matter of life and death their relationship wasn't filled with a lot of angst.
While the taping of the reality show was pretty present throughout this book, for the most part Trevor and Jalen and their burgeoning relationship was front and center. In my opinion the other members of Trevor and Jalen's group, Stand Out, Carter and Carson, a real life couple who oddly looked like twins, were featured way too much as I found them boorish, insipid and with bullying tendencies. I think I would have enjoyed this book a whole lot more if I hadn't had to wade through so many scenes with them in it.
Love Me Tenor is another great coming of age story from Annabeth Albert, but most of all it is a great testament to believing in yourself, celebrate your life and learning that sometimes the family who choose is better than the one you are given.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
my-issues-not-yours
January 11, 2016As I started reading this I realized that I really, really, hated the whole fake relationship for marketing ploy. I thought I could get pass this to find out more about the characters, but even the whole twitter shout at the beginning of the chapters made me grit my teeth because they were all lies. I hated the idea so much. HATED IT. This should be a lesson for me to remember that everything with famous people / Hollywood theme in romance might not always be my thing.
So, I decided to stop early on. Definitely my issue alone and not the book (especially not the author). As much as I love Annabeth Albert's books, "Perfect Harmony" series is definitely not for me. I'll stick to her "Portland Heat" or other books instead.
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
So, I decided to stop early on. Definitely my issue alone and not the book (especially not the author). As much as I love Annabeth Albert's books, "Perfect Harmony" series is definitely not for me. I'll stick to her "Portland Heat" or other books instead.
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
January 16, 2020
Cute story about two young guys with some issues, a TV show and actually music.
I so enjoyed watching Trevor gain confidence in his voice and singing! :)
I so enjoyed watching Trevor gain confidence in his voice and singing! :)
December 6, 2015
Hands down, this is Annabeth Albert's best book to date. It was not only fun, but also very complex and the characters certainly manage to play with your heartstrings. I'm pretty sure every single character in this book grew a lot, changed, matured, from who they were at the beginning of this book. I usually don't watch talent shows, but I'm pretty familiar with how they work, and I kind of enjoyed the setting and plot of this book.
I loved Trevor and Jalen from the very beginning, and I loved every single one of their interactions, from the reluctant enemies to incendiary lovers. Let me tell you, Trevor and Jalen set the sheets on fire, I've never come across a hotter frottage scene than the one that takes place between these two. Holy fuck, it was intense... Jalen is dominant and bossy, but at the same time a very sensual lover, while Trevor loves to be held down and rubbed into submission. The result is some out if this world sex in many different forms (I tend to skim the sex scenes when they get too repetitive, and I never once wanted to skim any part of this book).
Trevor is a very damaged soul who's at a very bad place in life. He's been kicked out of his very religious family after coming out to them, wasn't able to find any reliable job, and he's about to become homeless when he gets the call about being part of Next Direction Show. Trevor is not a confident person, and there's not much about himself he loves or even likes. He's too short, his dick's too small, his voice is too high pitched, he's gay, and he doesn't think he deserves any of the good opportunities being part of this show can bring him. Trevor's journey is somewhat painful to watch, and I found myself aggravated with him at times (mostly when I wasn't brokenhearted), mainly for his ignorance and dismissal when it came to his diabetes. The feelings of guilt and shame he experienced after each time he had sex broke my heart, and I was so glad I had Jalen to hurt with...we were hurting buddies, Jalen and I.
Jalen is a rock, that dude has my heart! Once he realizes he's attracted to Trevor and decides to give the chemistry simmering between them a try, Jalen is 100% in. He is a caretaker, a worrier, he NEEDS to know that the people he cares about are happy and safe, always taken care of. Trevor pushes every one of his buttons, because he NEEDS people who care about him and his wellbeing, and there's nobody better at that than Jalen. I absolutely loved how Jalen refused to be stereotyped and put in a box simply because someone believed he belonged in one. He believed at all times that being yourself was the only way to go, and he teaches Trevor how to love, both himself and others.
There are lots of secondary characters, but I want to give a shout-out to the boyfriend-"twins" Carter and Carson, the other two member of Stand Out... dudes, your brand of drama made me smile from the beginning, because I could totally see your inner-divas shinning brightly. You guys were catty, bitchy and pretentious, sometimes even downright rude, but I still loved you anyways, especially after you removed those huge baseball bats you had shoved up your bottoms and became amazing friends to Trevor, who was in desperate need of support. I went from being amused and mildly annoyed (with Carter mostly) to loving you guys to pieces, and I always appreciate a character who can make me go through such a complex range of feelings.
This book totally rocked, I'm goo-goo, ga-ga, over the top in love with the whole story! I hope we get more in this series, because Michelin really needs his own book, it's about time!
I loved Trevor and Jalen from the very beginning, and I loved every single one of their interactions, from the reluctant enemies to incendiary lovers. Let me tell you, Trevor and Jalen set the sheets on fire, I've never come across a hotter frottage scene than the one that takes place between these two. Holy fuck, it was intense... Jalen is dominant and bossy, but at the same time a very sensual lover, while Trevor loves to be held down and rubbed into submission. The result is some out if this world sex in many different forms (I tend to skim the sex scenes when they get too repetitive, and I never once wanted to skim any part of this book).
Trevor is a very damaged soul who's at a very bad place in life. He's been kicked out of his very religious family after coming out to them, wasn't able to find any reliable job, and he's about to become homeless when he gets the call about being part of Next Direction Show. Trevor is not a confident person, and there's not much about himself he loves or even likes. He's too short, his dick's too small, his voice is too high pitched, he's gay, and he doesn't think he deserves any of the good opportunities being part of this show can bring him. Trevor's journey is somewhat painful to watch, and I found myself aggravated with him at times (mostly when I wasn't brokenhearted), mainly for his ignorance and dismissal when it came to his diabetes. The feelings of guilt and shame he experienced after each time he had sex broke my heart, and I was so glad I had Jalen to hurt with...we were hurting buddies, Jalen and I.
Jalen is a rock, that dude has my heart! Once he realizes he's attracted to Trevor and decides to give the chemistry simmering between them a try, Jalen is 100% in. He is a caretaker, a worrier, he NEEDS to know that the people he cares about are happy and safe, always taken care of. Trevor pushes every one of his buttons, because he NEEDS people who care about him and his wellbeing, and there's nobody better at that than Jalen. I absolutely loved how Jalen refused to be stereotyped and put in a box simply because someone believed he belonged in one. He believed at all times that being yourself was the only way to go, and he teaches Trevor how to love, both himself and others.
There are lots of secondary characters, but I want to give a shout-out to the boyfriend-"twins" Carter and Carson, the other two member of Stand Out... dudes, your brand of drama made me smile from the beginning, because I could totally see your inner-divas shinning brightly. You guys were catty, bitchy and pretentious, sometimes even downright rude, but I still loved you anyways, especially after you removed those huge baseball bats you had shoved up your bottoms and became amazing friends to Trevor, who was in desperate need of support. I went from being amused and mildly annoyed (with Carter mostly) to loving you guys to pieces, and I always appreciate a character who can make me go through such a complex range of feelings.
This book totally rocked, I'm goo-goo, ga-ga, over the top in love with the whole story! I hope we get more in this series, because Michelin really needs his own book, it's about time!
February 16, 2016
This is the second book in a series, and fully enjoyable on its own.
Trevor hails from a conservative Christian family which has rejected him due to his sexuality. He's weeks from graduating college and his whole life already seems a bust. He's cut off from his family and his planned job as music director in his father's church. He has no prospects, no home and less than $100 in his bank account when he gets a call to take part in a "boy band" reality show. Trevor was part of an acapella group in college, and even participated in a previous reality show with that group the summer before--one of this new show's producers is the one calling him back, and well, he has the choice between homelessness and six weeks of room and board in the reality show house. Plus, if the group he's with wins...well!
Okay, it's not gonna be easy, especially when Trevor learns that he's part of a "gay" band. And, not just part...he's the "other half" of a couple, to a guy he has never met.
Jalen is doing this show as a favor to his foster sister, and he doesn't mind singing so much, but he hasn't had any formal training, and he's not sure what to make of Trevor, his "boo." Jalen's a beefcake mix of Black-Hispanic-Hawaiian genes, and though he isn't tall, he dwarfs 5' 5" Trevor. They are pressed into sharing a room in the house, and that's not all they share. Okay, well, that is all they share at first, but the pressure cooker of the competition soon draws them close.
Trevor has such a negative view of himself, it's upsetting. He's never been good enough for his family, his music group, his instructors, etc. He's also so very hard on himself for looking too femme, with a high vocal range that also makes him feel femme. He has NO desire to be femme, but it's kinda default, on account of his stature, and it really affects him, holds him back from being the best he can be. Jalen is such a nurturer. As Jalen gets a glimpse into Trevor's world, all he wants is to keep Trevor safe. It's not easy, due to a developing medical problem that worsens as the story winds on. The big crisis comes just when it looks like Jalen and Trevor and their group are poised to win the whole thing.
There are some spectacular feels in this book. Trevor's capacity for self-loathing seems deep and wide, but Jalen's steadfast affection, and eventual love, is able to slowly draw Trevor into a positive mindset. There is some rather deep shame kink here--some I hadn't read before--and I liked the way it was handled. The whole "different strokes" take was interesting and kept me engaged, as I hoped that Trevor would work past it. The playful banter was so spot on, and the insight from both Trevor and Jalen's POVs were compelling. The competition didn't play such a role in this book, as very little of the story takes place before an audience and there are no weekly eliminations, so the bulk of the narrative was focused on the characters and their love story, and how it developed.
There are good secondary characters, too. Carter and Carson--the other half of the "band" are not pleasant at first, but we get a good look in on them when the going gets rough. I liked how Trevor and Carter interacted when it looked like the whole plan was going up in smoke. Jalen's sister is a good gal, despite the prickly situation of being a boss in the show.
I totally loved this one, and am not nearly ready to wait goodness knows how long for the NEXT book in this series now that I broke my rule and read the (included) first chapter of book three... ARRGH!
I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
Trevor hails from a conservative Christian family which has rejected him due to his sexuality. He's weeks from graduating college and his whole life already seems a bust. He's cut off from his family and his planned job as music director in his father's church. He has no prospects, no home and less than $100 in his bank account when he gets a call to take part in a "boy band" reality show. Trevor was part of an acapella group in college, and even participated in a previous reality show with that group the summer before--one of this new show's producers is the one calling him back, and well, he has the choice between homelessness and six weeks of room and board in the reality show house. Plus, if the group he's with wins...well!
Okay, it's not gonna be easy, especially when Trevor learns that he's part of a "gay" band. And, not just part...he's the "other half" of a couple, to a guy he has never met.
Jalen is doing this show as a favor to his foster sister, and he doesn't mind singing so much, but he hasn't had any formal training, and he's not sure what to make of Trevor, his "boo." Jalen's a beefcake mix of Black-Hispanic-Hawaiian genes, and though he isn't tall, he dwarfs 5' 5" Trevor. They are pressed into sharing a room in the house, and that's not all they share. Okay, well, that is all they share at first, but the pressure cooker of the competition soon draws them close.
Trevor has such a negative view of himself, it's upsetting. He's never been good enough for his family, his music group, his instructors, etc. He's also so very hard on himself for looking too femme, with a high vocal range that also makes him feel femme. He has NO desire to be femme, but it's kinda default, on account of his stature, and it really affects him, holds him back from being the best he can be. Jalen is such a nurturer. As Jalen gets a glimpse into Trevor's world, all he wants is to keep Trevor safe. It's not easy, due to a developing medical problem that worsens as the story winds on. The big crisis comes just when it looks like Jalen and Trevor and their group are poised to win the whole thing.
There are some spectacular feels in this book. Trevor's capacity for self-loathing seems deep and wide, but Jalen's steadfast affection, and eventual love, is able to slowly draw Trevor into a positive mindset. There is some rather deep shame kink here--some I hadn't read before--and I liked the way it was handled. The whole "different strokes" take was interesting and kept me engaged, as I hoped that Trevor would work past it. The playful banter was so spot on, and the insight from both Trevor and Jalen's POVs were compelling. The competition didn't play such a role in this book, as very little of the story takes place before an audience and there are no weekly eliminations, so the bulk of the narrative was focused on the characters and their love story, and how it developed.
There are good secondary characters, too. Carter and Carson--the other half of the "band" are not pleasant at first, but we get a good look in on them when the going gets rough. I liked how Trevor and Carter interacted when it looked like the whole plan was going up in smoke. Jalen's sister is a good gal, despite the prickly situation of being a boss in the show.
I totally loved this one, and am not nearly ready to wait goodness knows how long for the NEXT book in this series now that I broke my rule and read the (included) first chapter of book three... ARRGH!
I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
August 16, 2017
I loved this one, I think I preferred it just over book one in the series too because Trevor was just so in need of someone to love him and he found the perfect person.
I also love the idea of these singing reality TV shows (even though I don't watch any of them in actuality) and I think this worked better than the a cappella version in book one too.
The cast of secondary characters were great, the twin boyfriends Carter and Carson had me laughing but they actually had a lot of depth to them and their relationship, I liked Dawn, it's nice to have supportive female characters, and our other MC, the delightfully spikey Jalen, was also a serious sweetheart.
Most of the conflict comes from external sources and there's one character I'd like to hit with a piece of two b'four because of how he treats Trevor and how he gets in the way of Trev and Jalen. Homophobia and religious fervor really grind my gears.
Now to find where the heck I stuck book three because I need M's story like yesterday!
I also love the idea of these singing reality TV shows (even though I don't watch any of them in actuality) and I think this worked better than the a cappella version in book one too.
The cast of secondary characters were great, the twin boyfriends Carter and Carson had me laughing but they actually had a lot of depth to them and their relationship, I liked Dawn, it's nice to have supportive female characters, and our other MC, the delightfully spikey Jalen, was also a serious sweetheart.
Most of the conflict comes from external sources and there's one character I'd like to hit with a piece of two b'four because of how he treats Trevor and how he gets in the way of Trev and Jalen. Homophobia and religious fervor really grind my gears.
Now to find where the heck I stuck book three because I need M's story like yesterday!
April 29, 2018
4.25 Stars!
January 10, 2021
I don’t think this author is for me. I just went through all the books by her I’ve read and I can’t remember any of them.
I enjoyed this to start but it got boring past the halfway point. Trevor’s issues got tedious, and I didn’t love either MC.
Amongst Trevor’s multitude of issues is the fear of being too feminine by singing high notes, which really irked me.
I never like religion, but I don’t typically mind when it’s painted in a bad light, but I hated it here because of how it left Trevor.
I enjoyed this to start but it got boring past the halfway point. Trevor’s issues got tedious, and I didn’t love either MC.
Amongst Trevor’s multitude of issues is the fear of being too feminine by singing high notes, which really irked me.
I never like religion, but I don’t typically mind when it’s painted in a bad light, but I hated it here because of how it left Trevor.
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