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Not Letting Go #2
No Big Deal
Still reeling from his father’s death and stuck in a job he hates, the only moments of happiness in Josh Roberts's life are those he spends with his boyfriend, Bradley. The boys are inseparable, and when they lose their virginity together, Josh feels closer to Bradley than he ever imagined.
But Josh’s mum, proud of her son and his biggest supporter, expects Josh to go to university after his year off. He doesn’t want to disappoint her by telling her he’s changed his mind, and struggles to find a solution.
When Bradley moves in with Josh and his mum, Josh truly believes life can be perfect again. But before long, their still-fragile feelings of connection and intimacy are tested when Bradley becomes secretive and distant. Anxious and confused, Josh is desperate to find out why Bradley is rejecting his affections. Bradley finally opens up, but what he reveals will change every aspect of their young love and quite possibly the rest of their lives.
But Josh’s mum, proud of her son and his biggest supporter, expects Josh to go to university after his year off. He doesn’t want to disappoint her by telling her he’s changed his mind, and struggles to find a solution.
When Bradley moves in with Josh and his mum, Josh truly believes life can be perfect again. But before long, their still-fragile feelings of connection and intimacy are tested when Bradley becomes secretive and distant. Anxious and confused, Josh is desperate to find out why Bradley is rejecting his affections. Bradley finally opens up, but what he reveals will change every aspect of their young love and quite possibly the rest of their lives.
176 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2015
7 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Danni Keane
11 books99 followersDanni Keane lives in the depths of English suburbia, where she likes to divide her time equally between writing, daydreaming and napping.
Having never really grown up, Danni fits right in at her day job, working with children. She spends her days avidly listening to the whimsical imaginings of five-year-olds, and then rushes home to shamelessly plagiarise their ideas. However, she has yet to write a story about an exploding ghost banana. Maybe one day...
She loves to read and write all different types of stories, but her favourite characters usually have one thing in common: they are ordinary people with extraordinary dreams.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 26, 2016
No, no, no, no, NO.
After reading and somewhat enjoying the two initial short stories, this full-length novel left me extremely frustrated.
In the first stories, I'd come to like both Josh and Bradley; however, in this book, Josh behaved again and again like a complete spoiled brat.
Josh verbally lashed out at his poor *windowed* mother at every turn, despite the fact that she always accommodated HIS needs as best she could and had her own mountain of shit and grief to deal with.
In the first two stories, I felt that both Josh and Bradley acted their ages, or slightly older, but here Josh reverted to throwing hurtful tantrums befitting a twelve year old tween girl.
As Nina Garcia from Project Runway would say, "No Bueno."
When not pitching whiny little bitch fits, this story, like the first two, was fine. Not dazzling, not amazing, but fine.
So after my annoyance factor was taken into account, I'd rate this one at around 2.5 stars for overall enjoyment.
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My copy of the book was provided by the publisher in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
February 6, 2015
No Big Deal by Danni Keane is such a great book. It’s the second book in the Not Letting Go series and I loved both short stories that came before this, so when I was asked if I wanted to review this one, I jumped at the chance.
I’ve loved Josh and Bradley since I read the first short story. There’s something about best friends to lovers that really makes me smile. They are just as cute in this book as they were in the others, but they’re in a more grown up environment this time around. Living together is huge and not something I’ve seen a lot in YA. It’s a nice change and when there are supportive characters in the story, it makes it feel even better. I think that really increased my enjoyment. Knowing Josh’s mum and Bradley’s parents were okay with them living together.
Of course things aren’t easy for them all the time. They struggle and there are difficulties. Sometimes I was shaking my head, especially later in the book, wondering how things would work out for them. The health scare really was scary. I didn’t know how it would work out because it could have really changed everything for these boys. And after losing his dad, I think it would have had a huge impact on Josh mentally.
These characters are just so wonderful. I like them both as individuals and I really connect with Josh. I sort of know what he’s going through in a sense, but I was a lot younger when I lost my dad. It’s something that makes me really feel for him and I think it’s part of the reason I like him a much as I do (though it’s definitely the whole reason).
I really hope Danni writes more of these boys. I’m not ready to say goodbye to them yet and I really, really, really want to see what happens with them. They’ve come a long way but I see where there could be more for them.
Would I recommend this? Hell yes! I think starting with the two shorts would be a good idea, though, because it introduces you to the characters and you will just fall in love with Josh and Bradley like I did.
A copy of this book was given to me by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
My review an also be found on Greedy Bug Book Reviews.
I’ve loved Josh and Bradley since I read the first short story. There’s something about best friends to lovers that really makes me smile. They are just as cute in this book as they were in the others, but they’re in a more grown up environment this time around. Living together is huge and not something I’ve seen a lot in YA. It’s a nice change and when there are supportive characters in the story, it makes it feel even better. I think that really increased my enjoyment. Knowing Josh’s mum and Bradley’s parents were okay with them living together.
Of course things aren’t easy for them all the time. They struggle and there are difficulties. Sometimes I was shaking my head, especially later in the book, wondering how things would work out for them. The health scare really was scary. I didn’t know how it would work out because it could have really changed everything for these boys. And after losing his dad, I think it would have had a huge impact on Josh mentally.
These characters are just so wonderful. I like them both as individuals and I really connect with Josh. I sort of know what he’s going through in a sense, but I was a lot younger when I lost my dad. It’s something that makes me really feel for him and I think it’s part of the reason I like him a much as I do (though it’s definitely the whole reason).
I really hope Danni writes more of these boys. I’m not ready to say goodbye to them yet and I really, really, really want to see what happens with them. They’ve come a long way but I see where there could be more for them.
Would I recommend this? Hell yes! I think starting with the two shorts would be a good idea, though, because it introduces you to the characters and you will just fall in love with Josh and Bradley like I did.
A copy of this book was given to me by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
My review an also be found on Greedy Bug Book Reviews.
February 3, 2015
I read this as a stand alone and will say, I don't recommend doing that. There is a free combined prequel of Sunshine and Buttercups and Not Letting Go to this on Smashwords. It gives you a bit of insight and understanding as to who Josh is; how he operates, how he deals with is father's death and his love for Bradley. I wish I had read them before I read this, it would have changed my reading experience dramatically, but this review is my thoughts on it as a stand alone.
I don’t think I have ever read about boys who love boys and wanted to mother the crap out of them. Not hug and love on them but smack them in the back of the head and tell them if they want to start being treated like adults, to act like adults. I am grumpy. This will be a grump fest.
First, Joshua Roberts, aka Josh aka Joshy – you young man are a selfish twat. Age cannot save you as an excuse for the way you are. I don’t understand you at all. I know that you love Bradley but to love someone is supposed to be selfless and yet all you do is complain and complain about what Bradley isn’t doing for your or with you and as long as you get some physical petting, you are good. Argh. You irked the hell out of me and I wanted to ground your ass and tell you the way it would be when you are living under my roof.
Bradley, though we don’t get your POV to know what exactly you are thinking, you need to man up as well. Being an adult isn’t just showing up for work every day, it’s showing up for life and your health. It’s about looking after yourself and letting the ones who love look after you as well. I know you and your Joshy are in love and the rose colored glasses you wear for one another are beautiful, but you… I don’t know what you need besides a spanking.
I will say on a positive note, this book did have one of the most honest first times I have ever read. That, I enjoyed and was pleased with.
But…
These two are just so immature and yes, I know they are young but it’s not the age. I do read and enjoy the YA/NA genre but the way the boys act, took away from… everything to be honest. Though the end began to get better, it was too late for me.
This book, I was super excited to read it, the author has written one of my favorite short stories ever that spawned my goo is good shelf but I was more angry and frustrated throughout this to enjoy it. It was an okay story, but with the boys being so immature, it was hard to connect.
I don’t think I have ever read about boys who love boys and wanted to mother the crap out of them. Not hug and love on them but smack them in the back of the head and tell them if they want to start being treated like adults, to act like adults. I am grumpy. This will be a grump fest.
First, Joshua Roberts, aka Josh aka Joshy – you young man are a selfish twat. Age cannot save you as an excuse for the way you are. I don’t understand you at all. I know that you love Bradley but to love someone is supposed to be selfless and yet all you do is complain and complain about what Bradley isn’t doing for your or with you and as long as you get some physical petting, you are good. Argh. You irked the hell out of me and I wanted to ground your ass and tell you the way it would be when you are living under my roof.
Bradley, though we don’t get your POV to know what exactly you are thinking, you need to man up as well. Being an adult isn’t just showing up for work every day, it’s showing up for life and your health. It’s about looking after yourself and letting the ones who love look after you as well. I know you and your Joshy are in love and the rose colored glasses you wear for one another are beautiful, but you… I don’t know what you need besides a spanking.
I will say on a positive note, this book did have one of the most honest first times I have ever read. That, I enjoyed and was pleased with.
But…
These two are just so immature and yes, I know they are young but it’s not the age. I do read and enjoy the YA/NA genre but the way the boys act, took away from… everything to be honest. Though the end began to get better, it was too late for me.
This book, I was super excited to read it, the author has written one of my favorite short stories ever that spawned my goo is good shelf but I was more angry and frustrated throughout this to enjoy it. It was an okay story, but with the boys being so immature, it was hard to connect.
February 15, 2015
What can I say - I loved this book. J and I are both Danni Keane fans so decided to buddy review this. I frankly just love this author's style, she writes in a straight forward way, introduces fabulous characters and manages angst without wallowing in it unnecessarily - it all adds to the story.
This story of first, true love, is wonderful. Since his dad died, Bradley has become the centre of Josh's world. In fact they were the centre of each other's worlds, time together is everything. God I can remember that feeling so well. Seventeen years down the line it's different, not less, just different, but I can clearly remember those days when being apart was awful, where every feeling I had was so intense. My world revolved around Big G - right or wrong, it did - and so I can completely understand how Josh and Bradley felt about each other.
The thing Danni Keane manages so well is to write about real life, without it being boring. Well,obviously it's fiction but it's real. I can utterly relate to the characters. Being a Brit too may help, as I recognise the actions and traits and they have a feeling of familiarity about them - the Christmas scene, yes, a million times yes. THAT is Christmas.
She manages to write that fine line between mundane/real without ever tipping into boring. I adored Josh, I loved his slightly selfish edge. Not horribly selfish just eighteen selfish. I'm in love selfish. I lost my dad selfish. In many ways he was all about protecting himself and his emotions. His love for Bradley just gave me goose-pimples, and his worries and fears, I felt them all.
Josh's mum is also one of my favourite characters. She is just...perfect in a completely unperfect normal way. I want to be just like her! She rocked. His sister is also a fab character and I liked the insight into her life and marriage. Don't judge a book and all that.
Bradley. Bradley was just right for Josh. and I can see how he was trying to hide his fears, trying to protect Josh, trying to deny that anything could be wrong. Sometimes you can have all the logic in the world but feelings don't correlate.
This story was just brilliant. The writing style thoroughly appeals to me and I don't think there was one thing about it I didn't like. Highly recommended.
A copy of this book was given by the author in return for an honest review.
Review previously at BMBR
This story of first, true love, is wonderful. Since his dad died, Bradley has become the centre of Josh's world. In fact they were the centre of each other's worlds, time together is everything. God I can remember that feeling so well. Seventeen years down the line it's different, not less, just different, but I can clearly remember those days when being apart was awful, where every feeling I had was so intense. My world revolved around Big G - right or wrong, it did - and so I can completely understand how Josh and Bradley felt about each other.
The thing Danni Keane manages so well is to write about real life, without it being boring. Well,obviously it's fiction but it's real. I can utterly relate to the characters. Being a Brit too may help, as I recognise the actions and traits and they have a feeling of familiarity about them - the Christmas scene, yes, a million times yes. THAT is Christmas.
She manages to write that fine line between mundane/real without ever tipping into boring. I adored Josh, I loved his slightly selfish edge. Not horribly selfish just eighteen selfish. I'm in love selfish. I lost my dad selfish. In many ways he was all about protecting himself and his emotions. His love for Bradley just gave me goose-pimples, and his worries and fears, I felt them all.
Josh's mum is also one of my favourite characters. She is just...perfect in a completely unperfect normal way. I want to be just like her! She rocked. His sister is also a fab character and I liked the insight into her life and marriage. Don't judge a book and all that.
Bradley. Bradley was just right for Josh. and I can see how he was trying to hide his fears, trying to protect Josh, trying to deny that anything could be wrong. Sometimes you can have all the logic in the world but feelings don't correlate.
This story was just brilliant. The writing style thoroughly appeals to me and I don't think there was one thing about it I didn't like. Highly recommended.
A copy of this book was given by the author in return for an honest review.
Review previously at BMBR
July 24, 2016
Gorgeous, loved it.
April 19, 2020
I think the beginning of this book was a bit disappointing for me. I read the short story Not Letting Go last year. It's literally 27 pages long but it made me cry and I thought it was a wonderful little story about love and loss and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I was expecting, not necessarily big things, but I was expecting a bit more for this book.
There wasn't enough build up or characterisation before the gratuitous sex scenes. I mean, 30 pages in and there are already fingers in bums? Is that really necessary? I knew this was going to be about the relationship between Josh and Bradley but I was disappointed with how this book presents that relationship mostly in a physical, sexual way. I wanted more talking.
As I said, it was the beginning half that was worse, they did end up kind of talking in the second half, but even then it was mostly arguing and not listening to each others opinion or feelings. The constant focus on being sexual - especially from main character Josh - just rubbed me the wrong way (badum tish pun not intended) There was even an actual conversation that had the conclusion that 'sex is 11/10 important maybe even 20/10' and 'I don't even want to PRETEND or IMAGINE that there would ever be a way or reason that sex wasn't on the cards!' Also icky pressury 'I don't care that you said no, let me touch your dick' moments happened AND this actual from-the-page convo happened
-'Can we just have a cuddle?'
-'If we have a cuddle, I'll want more, you know that, don't you?'
Also, one last thing about the sex stuff. The way the 18 year old boys talked to each other just felt far too unlikely. It was their first time, where was the awkwardness or just general teen boyness? It felt a bit too slick and unrealistic. Don't try and make it sexy for the reader, this book isn't an erotica, write it in a genuine, fumbly way.
So why did this get 3 stars?
Well first of all I enjoyed the sibling interaction between Josh and his sister Julie. The banter was realistic and they clearly cared about each other.
Also, the second half of the book where there was more dealing with emotions felt raw. This book takes place not too long after Josh's dad died of cancer (it's why the novella Not Letting Go was such an emotional read) And when we swing back into the actual life of Josh, rather than just his sex life the book really stands up. People deal with emotions differently, and it was interesting to read how Josh was dealing (or not dealing) with the loss and grief. Trying to get his thoughts in order, wondering whether his life and educational choices would make his dad proud. Over thinking whether he told his father he loved him enough. Having a problem with visiting the site where his dad's ashes were placed.
These emotions also bled into his love life. Having a hard time opening up and talking to Bradley, being worried about their relationship and it ending. Having panic attacks when things go down hill a bit. Not wanting Bradley - or his own family - to see him upset.
This side of the story definitely worked out in the books favour. To the point where at the end I was thinking 'oh, maybe it was pretty decent after all?' I even had mixed feeling on whether I should give this 3 or 4 stars on here, but after writing this review I acknowledge that the first half of the book was too disappointing to give anything higher than a 3. I've even deleted the '.5' I wrote at the beginning of the review.
If you haven't read Not Letting Go though I recommend giving it a go. (I'm a poet, who knew?)
I was expecting, not necessarily big things, but I was expecting a bit more for this book.
There wasn't enough build up or characterisation before the gratuitous sex scenes. I mean, 30 pages in and there are already fingers in bums? Is that really necessary? I knew this was going to be about the relationship between Josh and Bradley but I was disappointed with how this book presents that relationship mostly in a physical, sexual way. I wanted more talking.
As I said, it was the beginning half that was worse, they did end up kind of talking in the second half, but even then it was mostly arguing and not listening to each others opinion or feelings. The constant focus on being sexual - especially from main character Josh - just rubbed me the wrong way (badum tish pun not intended) There was even an actual conversation that had the conclusion that 'sex is 11/10 important maybe even 20/10' and 'I don't even want to PRETEND or IMAGINE that there would ever be a way or reason that sex wasn't on the cards!' Also icky pressury 'I don't care that you said no, let me touch your dick' moments happened AND this actual from-the-page convo happened
-'Can we just have a cuddle?'
-'If we have a cuddle, I'll want more, you know that, don't you?'
Also, one last thing about the sex stuff. The way the 18 year old boys talked to each other just felt far too unlikely. It was their first time, where was the awkwardness or just general teen boyness? It felt a bit too slick and unrealistic. Don't try and make it sexy for the reader, this book isn't an erotica, write it in a genuine, fumbly way.
So why did this get 3 stars?
Well first of all I enjoyed the sibling interaction between Josh and his sister Julie. The banter was realistic and they clearly cared about each other.
Also, the second half of the book where there was more dealing with emotions felt raw. This book takes place not too long after Josh's dad died of cancer (it's why the novella Not Letting Go was such an emotional read) And when we swing back into the actual life of Josh, rather than just his sex life the book really stands up. People deal with emotions differently, and it was interesting to read how Josh was dealing (or not dealing) with the loss and grief. Trying to get his thoughts in order, wondering whether his life and educational choices would make his dad proud. Over thinking whether he told his father he loved him enough. Having a problem with visiting the site where his dad's ashes were placed.
These emotions also bled into his love life. Having a hard time opening up and talking to Bradley, being worried about their relationship and it ending. Having panic attacks when things go down hill a bit. Not wanting Bradley - or his own family - to see him upset.
This side of the story definitely worked out in the books favour. To the point where at the end I was thinking 'oh, maybe it was pretty decent after all?' I even had mixed feeling on whether I should give this 3 or 4 stars on here, but after writing this review I acknowledge that the first half of the book was too disappointing to give anything higher than a 3. I've even deleted the '.5' I wrote at the beginning of the review.
If you haven't read Not Letting Go though I recommend giving it a go. (I'm a poet, who knew?)
February 6, 2015
The intensity of first love and the tragedy of parental loss have been the basis for this gentle, sweetly sexy series, also having to make important decisions about college and a future together while having to cope with the upset of losing someone you love, has made it a great teen drama. I've read the previous two, which are now available together in one volume: Not Letting Go, and I think that reading it in order has given me much more insight into the growth of everyone involved, especially Joshy; who tells the story from his POV and in his own distinctive way.
I'll be honest, at times, even though he's gone through something no one at his age ever should, Josh can come across as a bit of a self absorbed teen, but for me that's what makes this seem real. He's not perfect. He’s young and at times selfish (something he does actually admit to himself in his musings every now and again) but having to deal with something most teenagers never have to cope with until they're well into adulthood, he touches me and I've come to love him, even though there've been times where I've wanted to shake him for being a typical insensitive youngster, especially with his mother Sue who is going through her own grief, not just as a mum but as a woman in her own right who has lost the man she loves too. Sometimes he gets caught up in his own misery and the misplaced guilt we all tend to feel when we lose someone we love dearly, but I understand why.
Probably my favourite supporting character; Danni portrays Sue so realistically. She's a wonderful person… sympathetic and accepting of her sons sexuality, yet still concerned with his future like any loving mum would be.Their interactions range from funny familiar banter to the usual gripes between mother and teen son, but however they act together, there's no doubt there's a lot of love between them.
Grief is an emotion that hits everyone in different ways, and for Josh as much as he loves his mum his true comfort comes in the form of Bradley, his best friend to begin with but now the love of his life. It's a love that in a sense is all consuming for both of them and gay or not, like all first loves they just want to be together every waking minute. Something that in this segment of the trilogy becomes a viable option when Sue needs to take in a lodger to help out with finances until Josh goes off to college in the summer. Well, that's the plan, but as they say "best laid plans etc etc". ......
And then there's Bradley. Lovely, supportive Bradley, who absolutely adores his Joshy but has had to make life altering decisions about his own further education that have made a dent in their possible future together. Not as academic as his boyfriend, he's decided against college and has started work, so plans to move away to college together haven't worked out as they thought, and that also affects some of their judgements.
Link to rest of review: http://bit.ly/1DH7WIR
️SINFULLY...Addicted To All Male Romance
Formerly
I'll be honest, at times, even though he's gone through something no one at his age ever should, Josh can come across as a bit of a self absorbed teen, but for me that's what makes this seem real. He's not perfect. He’s young and at times selfish (something he does actually admit to himself in his musings every now and again) but having to deal with something most teenagers never have to cope with until they're well into adulthood, he touches me and I've come to love him, even though there've been times where I've wanted to shake him for being a typical insensitive youngster, especially with his mother Sue who is going through her own grief, not just as a mum but as a woman in her own right who has lost the man she loves too. Sometimes he gets caught up in his own misery and the misplaced guilt we all tend to feel when we lose someone we love dearly, but I understand why.
Probably my favourite supporting character; Danni portrays Sue so realistically. She's a wonderful person… sympathetic and accepting of her sons sexuality, yet still concerned with his future like any loving mum would be.Their interactions range from funny familiar banter to the usual gripes between mother and teen son, but however they act together, there's no doubt there's a lot of love between them.
Grief is an emotion that hits everyone in different ways, and for Josh as much as he loves his mum his true comfort comes in the form of Bradley, his best friend to begin with but now the love of his life. It's a love that in a sense is all consuming for both of them and gay or not, like all first loves they just want to be together every waking minute. Something that in this segment of the trilogy becomes a viable option when Sue needs to take in a lodger to help out with finances until Josh goes off to college in the summer. Well, that's the plan, but as they say "best laid plans etc etc". ......
And then there's Bradley. Lovely, supportive Bradley, who absolutely adores his Joshy but has had to make life altering decisions about his own further education that have made a dent in their possible future together. Not as academic as his boyfriend, he's decided against college and has started work, so plans to move away to college together haven't worked out as they thought, and that also affects some of their judgements.
Link to rest of review: http://bit.ly/1DH7WIR
️SINFULLY...Addicted To All Male Romance
Formerly
January 1, 2016
ARC given in exchange for a review.
Joshy and Bradley. Bradley and Joshy. Two cute characters in a tale of love located in England in the sequel to Not Letting Go.
Joshy is still reeling from his father's death due to cancer. He and Bradley have been dating a while now, both working, though Joshy has an office job he abhors and Bradley works retail. But they're in love and surviving together.
Josh and his mum are having a difficult time with money and decide to take in a border. And after an exhaustive search, Josh talks his mum into letting Bradley move in with them. And he does. And their world just grows, experiencing their first time with sex, their love, and I swear your heart melts because these two, along with their British accents (which I LOVE), are sharing in this intense love that feels like a forever.
But then Bradley starts pulling away. I swear it made me sick, thinking of all the reasons why. Was it another man? Did he fall out of love with Josh? Just every possibility ran through my mind.
And then I found out the reason for Bradley's actions, and it was much worse than anything I thought. Josh was sick, livid, upset and I was right there with him. He was trying to find a way to cope with the world and all the sh!#y things going on in his. The feelings stuck with me until the end of the tale...though I would love to say what, I won't.
Give this heartwarming tale a read, after the first book of course. There is a really sweet love story here. A coming of age tale, too. And the British lingo, phrases, euphemisms just make it all the better.
Joshy and Bradley. Bradley and Joshy. Two cute characters in a tale of love located in England in the sequel to Not Letting Go.
Joshy is still reeling from his father's death due to cancer. He and Bradley have been dating a while now, both working, though Joshy has an office job he abhors and Bradley works retail. But they're in love and surviving together.
Josh and his mum are having a difficult time with money and decide to take in a border. And after an exhaustive search, Josh talks his mum into letting Bradley move in with them. And he does. And their world just grows, experiencing their first time with sex, their love, and I swear your heart melts because these two, along with their British accents (which I LOVE), are sharing in this intense love that feels like a forever.
But then Bradley starts pulling away. I swear it made me sick, thinking of all the reasons why. Was it another man? Did he fall out of love with Josh? Just every possibility ran through my mind.
And then I found out the reason for Bradley's actions, and it was much worse than anything I thought. Josh was sick, livid, upset and I was right there with him. He was trying to find a way to cope with the world and all the sh!#y things going on in his. The feelings stuck with me until the end of the tale...though I would love to say what, I won't.
Give this heartwarming tale a read, after the first book of course. There is a really sweet love story here. A coming of age tale, too. And the British lingo, phrases, euphemisms just make it all the better.
July 19, 2015
Josh is an ungrateful selfish little prick who just whines and thinks about himself. Sometimes, a first person POV is not so good when the person narrating is someone like Josh. And I know it's kind of shallow, but it's the only reason I'm giving this 2 awful stars.
January 28, 2015
BR with Lori, my beautiful friend from across the pond. Review soon on BoyMeetsBoyReviews.com
February 15, 2015
This entire series was brilliant. Josh and Bradley's relationship was lovely and heartwarming. The narrative voice was spot on and authentic. Perfect Valentine's weekend reading.
May 27, 2015
This book was provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. Thanks!
I really enjoyed this quiet little story. Two British teenagers, after the British equivalent of American high school, are trying to figure things out—work, school, family, life, their relationship, each other. (I classify the novel as closer to New Adult than YA because of where they are in their lives and the kinds of things they're dealing with (although they fall into the YA age range).) Josh's dad has recently died, so he and his mum are trying to adjust, and both Josh and Bradley are trying to decide what to do with their lives now (and how to make it work with the other person's plans). It's very much a character-driven story rather than action-driven, but it kept me hooked and I read it quickly. By "character-driven," I don't mean that nothing happens, but we're heavily focused on the guys living their lives and learning how to be in a relationship. There's a lot of real-life stuff in this, and she does that all very well—all of the annoying truths, like how to live with someone, and what to do with the hole in your life after someone dies, and what do you do when the person you love starts pulling away and won't talk to you about it, and how to deal with (or not) being in love for the first time.
Neither of the guys is perfect, but if they were, a) they wouldn't be real teenagers, and b) the story would be boring. We never get into heavy omg-I'm-going-to-die angst, but there's enough drama to keep things lively (and a bit sad).
I really like Danni Keane's writing. In my quick review of the prequel to this, I mentioned that her writing reminds me a bit of Jay Northcote's--easy to read, character-focused, nothing extra or unnecessary. The characters are warm and believable (Josh's sister drove me nuts, but I guess that's what older sisters do). As a note, because I know some people care, this novel is in first person present, which I absolutely love but I know some people don't. But if that's the only thing holding you back from reading it, I recommend giving it a try anyway. It's not obviously written, so you might find you don't mind. :)
There is a prequel to this book, "Not Letting Go," comprising two short stories. While I don't think it's 100% necessary to read it before this, I strongly recommend you do (it's free! and short!)--it gives you good background on what's happening in the book, particularly with Josh, and the author herself recommends reading the prequel first.
Lots of thumbs up for this heartwarming story.
I really enjoyed this quiet little story. Two British teenagers, after the British equivalent of American high school, are trying to figure things out—work, school, family, life, their relationship, each other. (I classify the novel as closer to New Adult than YA because of where they are in their lives and the kinds of things they're dealing with (although they fall into the YA age range).) Josh's dad has recently died, so he and his mum are trying to adjust, and both Josh and Bradley are trying to decide what to do with their lives now (and how to make it work with the other person's plans). It's very much a character-driven story rather than action-driven, but it kept me hooked and I read it quickly. By "character-driven," I don't mean that nothing happens, but we're heavily focused on the guys living their lives and learning how to be in a relationship. There's a lot of real-life stuff in this, and she does that all very well—all of the annoying truths, like how to live with someone, and what to do with the hole in your life after someone dies, and what do you do when the person you love starts pulling away and won't talk to you about it, and how to deal with (or not) being in love for the first time.
Neither of the guys is perfect, but if they were, a) they wouldn't be real teenagers, and b) the story would be boring. We never get into heavy omg-I'm-going-to-die angst, but there's enough drama to keep things lively (and a bit sad).
I really like Danni Keane's writing. In my quick review of the prequel to this, I mentioned that her writing reminds me a bit of Jay Northcote's--easy to read, character-focused, nothing extra or unnecessary. The characters are warm and believable (Josh's sister drove me nuts, but I guess that's what older sisters do). As a note, because I know some people care, this novel is in first person present, which I absolutely love but I know some people don't. But if that's the only thing holding you back from reading it, I recommend giving it a try anyway. It's not obviously written, so you might find you don't mind. :)
There is a prequel to this book, "Not Letting Go," comprising two short stories. While I don't think it's 100% necessary to read it before this, I strongly recommend you do (it's free! and short!)--it gives you good background on what's happening in the book, particularly with Josh, and the author herself recommends reading the prequel first.
Lots of thumbs up for this heartwarming story.
May 11, 2015
This is a great YA read. If a story can bring me to tears or make me laugh out loud, it's a good one and this story did both :)
I read the free prequel(s) to this story a couple of months ago and I really like the way Danni Keane writes. Her style is straightforwards and simple and so very readable, and she really brings these characters to life.
Josh is a beautifully flawed character. At eighteen he is selfish but it is a very relatable selfishness--he doesn't yet see the world outside his intensive relationship with Bradley. And Bradley too--I felt so frustrated with his stubborness at times, but I could completely understand it!
The prequel gives this story extra depth and it is well worth reading to really get a feel for why Josh acts as he does.
No Big Deal also deals sensitively with important subject matter, and this story line hurt my heart a little.
I can't wait to read more of Danni's stories :)
*I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
I read the free prequel(s) to this story a couple of months ago and I really like the way Danni Keane writes. Her style is straightforwards and simple and so very readable, and she really brings these characters to life.
Josh is a beautifully flawed character. At eighteen he is selfish but it is a very relatable selfishness--he doesn't yet see the world outside his intensive relationship with Bradley. And Bradley too--I felt so frustrated with his stubborness at times, but I could completely understand it!
The prequel gives this story extra depth and it is well worth reading to really get a feel for why Josh acts as he does.
No Big Deal also deals sensitively with important subject matter, and this story line hurt my heart a little.
I can't wait to read more of Danni's stories :)
*I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
May 9, 2015
I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Please read the free prequel Not Letting Go first, it is probably not required, but it will definitely give you a lot of back story and insight into these two teen MCs.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting, I couldn't put it down. Those of you who follow my reviews know I love books that make me feel. This book does that in innumerable ways, from the interactions between the MCs, with Josh's Mom, Josh's sister, etc.
Maybe because I was once an 18-year old boy (yes, it was a LONG time ago! LOL) I related to the teen angst, the feelings of immortality by Bradley, and the fear of losing someone by Josh.
BUT, the absolute best part of this book was the relationship between Josh and Bradley. I don't know anyone who wouldn't want to have that kind of love, regardless of age.
The writing is smooth and I was never pulled out of the story.
Thank you Danni Keane for this opportunity, I will definitely be keeping my eyes open for more from you.
Please read the free prequel Not Letting Go first, it is probably not required, but it will definitely give you a lot of back story and insight into these two teen MCs.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting, I couldn't put it down. Those of you who follow my reviews know I love books that make me feel. This book does that in innumerable ways, from the interactions between the MCs, with Josh's Mom, Josh's sister, etc.
Maybe because I was once an 18-year old boy (yes, it was a LONG time ago! LOL) I related to the teen angst, the feelings of immortality by Bradley, and the fear of losing someone by Josh.
BUT, the absolute best part of this book was the relationship between Josh and Bradley. I don't know anyone who wouldn't want to have that kind of love, regardless of age.
The writing is smooth and I was never pulled out of the story.
Thank you Danni Keane for this opportunity, I will definitely be keeping my eyes open for more from you.
August 29, 2015
4.5 STARS
I think what really stood out for me in this book was the author’s ability to write teenage characters. I found both Bradley and Josh to be very realistic in the way they believed they were “grownups” but still acted very juvenile at times. Josh more obviously than Bradley, but even Bradley had his moments. Had the characters been even five years older I would have been bemoaning their immaturity but I felt, for their ages, they were written with a great balance of adult and child.
My full review of No Big Deal can be found at Love Bytes Reviews
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2015/03/2...
I think what really stood out for me in this book was the author’s ability to write teenage characters. I found both Bradley and Josh to be very realistic in the way they believed they were “grownups” but still acted very juvenile at times. Josh more obviously than Bradley, but even Bradley had his moments. Had the characters been even five years older I would have been bemoaning their immaturity but I felt, for their ages, they were written with a great balance of adult and child.
My full review of No Big Deal can be found at Love Bytes Reviews
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2015/03/2...
March 30, 2015
Finished with Danni Keanes' book, "No Big Deal"-AWESOME book! The prequel, "Not Letting Go" was engrossing, and this one is every bit as captivating. She delivers again, a tightly woven tale, with characters that immediately grab you. Her ability to transport the reader to another place and time, to experience her characters' joys and pains, to actually make the reader care about the people in her stories, is the mark of a truly gifted writer. I'm a definite fan!
May 7, 2015
* A free copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*
This is the sequel of Not Letting go.
The relationship between Josh and Bradley keeps growing and when Josh decides to stay at home from College for a year, he gets a job and stays at home with his mother. He loves Bradley deeply and when he can’t spend much time with his love, he asks his mother to let B. rent Julie’s old room
They start to live in the same house but even if they don’t see each other much, they express their love for each other, when they can.
But nothing comes easy.
Suddenly, Bradley starts to pull away from Josh and Josh doesn’t know why. Plus, he misses his father and during Christmas time, the people around him tell Josh that he’s a taker and not a giver
When, finally, Bradley tells Josh about his secret, Josh goes nuts ( I was totally on his side on this) and Bradley doesn’t like it. He thinks that Josh should chill out and that he should talk to a therapist about his past year without his father. They fight and Josh seems to suffer deeply about it.
In the end , they find a way to each other again and their love is stronger than ever. If you love a story with a HEA, this is for you.
I'd have loved to read about Josh and Bradley future but I hope for a third book
The writing is really good and it was easy to feel every emotion that Josh felt.
Well done, Danni.
4.5 to 5 stars
This is the sequel of Not Letting go.
The relationship between Josh and Bradley keeps growing and when Josh decides to stay at home from College for a year, he gets a job and stays at home with his mother. He loves Bradley deeply and when he can’t spend much time with his love, he asks his mother to let B. rent Julie’s old room
They start to live in the same house but even if they don’t see each other much, they express their love for each other, when they can.
But nothing comes easy.
Suddenly, Bradley starts to pull away from Josh and Josh doesn’t know why. Plus, he misses his father and during Christmas time, the people around him tell Josh that he’s a taker and not a giver
When, finally, Bradley tells Josh about his secret, Josh goes nuts ( I was totally on his side on this) and Bradley doesn’t like it. He thinks that Josh should chill out and that he should talk to a therapist about his past year without his father. They fight and Josh seems to suffer deeply about it.
In the end , they find a way to each other again and their love is stronger than ever. If you love a story with a HEA, this is for you.
I'd have loved to read about Josh and Bradley future but I hope for a third book
The writing is really good and it was easy to feel every emotion that Josh felt.
Well done, Danni.
4.5 to 5 stars
April 11, 2016
Title: No Big Deal
Author: Danni Keane
Publisher: Harmony Ink Press
ISBN: 978-1-63216-723-1
Buy Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/stor...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
Not Letting Go 2
Still reeling from his father’s death and stuck in a job he hates, the only moments of happiness in Josh Roberts's life are those he spends with his boyfriend, Bradley. The boys are inseparable, and when they lose their virginity together, Josh feels closer to Bradley than he ever imagined.
But Josh’s mum, proud of her son and his biggest supporter, expects Josh to go to university after his year off. He doesn’t want to disappoint her by telling her he’s changed his mind, and he struggles to find a solution.
When Bradley moves in with Josh and his mum, Josh truly believes life can be perfect again. But before long, their still-fragile feelings of connection and intimacy are tested when Bradley becomes secretive and distant. Anxious and confused, Josh is desperate to find out why Bradley is rejecting his affections. Bradley finally opens up, but what he reveals will change every aspect of their young love and quite possibly the rest of their lives.
Summary:
While I enjoyed this story, at times the story line seemed to drag. Everyone deals with death and illness in their own way and their own time. On the surface, Josh appeared to have accepted his father's death, but by limiting himself to discussing his feelings with his brother he closed off his feelings towards the very people who understood him the most, his family. Bradley and Josh thought that their problems would be solved when Bradley moved in as their boarder. In reality they had to learn as all couples do that there is a give and take in all relationships. From Josh's deciding not to go to college to Bradley have a medical issue, their love was put to the test as they struggle to deal with these as other adult situations that test many relationships.
Author: Danni Keane
Publisher: Harmony Ink Press
ISBN: 978-1-63216-723-1
Buy Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/stor...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
Not Letting Go 2
Still reeling from his father’s death and stuck in a job he hates, the only moments of happiness in Josh Roberts's life are those he spends with his boyfriend, Bradley. The boys are inseparable, and when they lose their virginity together, Josh feels closer to Bradley than he ever imagined.
But Josh’s mum, proud of her son and his biggest supporter, expects Josh to go to university after his year off. He doesn’t want to disappoint her by telling her he’s changed his mind, and he struggles to find a solution.
When Bradley moves in with Josh and his mum, Josh truly believes life can be perfect again. But before long, their still-fragile feelings of connection and intimacy are tested when Bradley becomes secretive and distant. Anxious and confused, Josh is desperate to find out why Bradley is rejecting his affections. Bradley finally opens up, but what he reveals will change every aspect of their young love and quite possibly the rest of their lives.
Summary:
While I enjoyed this story, at times the story line seemed to drag. Everyone deals with death and illness in their own way and their own time. On the surface, Josh appeared to have accepted his father's death, but by limiting himself to discussing his feelings with his brother he closed off his feelings towards the very people who understood him the most, his family. Bradley and Josh thought that their problems would be solved when Bradley moved in as their boarder. In reality they had to learn as all couples do that there is a give and take in all relationships. From Josh's deciding not to go to college to Bradley have a medical issue, their love was put to the test as they struggle to deal with these as other adult situations that test many relationships.
July 15, 2015
These guys are so sweet. I loved the prequel the best -- although it was short, it showed how Josh and Bradley went from friends to boyfriends. In this story, they're navigating life after high school together and Josh is still trying to come to terms with his dad's death. I docked it one star because the ending came before all the issues were resolved! I assume there will be another book in the series.
October 24, 2016
To live in the hearts of those we love is not to die.
Oh! There were some truly beautiful moments in this story for Bradley and Josh.
I love the up's and downs they go through to make what they have with one another stronger and I can't help but think and hope for a HEA for these two in their 30s, 40s, 50s and so on.
This was a lovely tale of young love and the real life disadvantages that can either make a young relationship weaker or stronger.
Oh! There were some truly beautiful moments in this story for Bradley and Josh.
I love the up's and downs they go through to make what they have with one another stronger and I can't help but think and hope for a HEA for these two in their 30s, 40s, 50s and so on.
This was a lovely tale of young love and the real life disadvantages that can either make a young relationship weaker or stronger.
Read
September 29, 2015Because of my work on the Stonewall Book Award Committee, I cannot publish reviews or publicly post my opinions concerning any children's or YA book with LGBT themes. I will update my reviews once the 2016 Stonewall Book Awards have been announced.
November 2, 2016
Pretty heavy going on, but totally worth the read
A perfect conclusion to the series. Pages of angst. By the time I turned the last page, I didn't want the story to end. Navigating through some real life drama. Solid five stars.
A perfect conclusion to the series. Pages of angst. By the time I turned the last page, I didn't want the story to end. Navigating through some real life drama. Solid five stars.
April 19, 2018
This is a wonderful, touching story of two boys on the cusp of adulthood. The situations are realistic and the dialog is perfectly suited to the boy’s ages. Josh is sarcastic but funny. Bradley is the doting boyfriend. Together they are perfect for each other.
August 30, 2015
It is really hard to get into a book when all you want to do from the first page is smack the crap out of the MC.
September 8, 2015
3.5 stars.
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