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Ready or Knot #1
Put a Ring on It
Ready or Book One
Kieran Delaney-Schwartz—adoptee, underachiever, and self-professed-slacker IT guy—lives his under-the-radar life by the Don’t try, don’t fail. His adopted siblings are all overachievers thanks to his driven, liberal parents, but Kieran has elected to avoid disappointing anyone by not getting their hopes up. He’s coasting through his early twenties when he’s hit head-on by Theo. The successful decade-older Broadway producer sweeps him off his feet for a whirlwind thirteen months that are pretty sweet, until it all comes screeching to a halt on Valentine’s Day, with an unexpected proposal via an NYC Times Square flash mob.
Now everyone wants in on the wedding, except the grooms….
Kieran Delaney-Schwartz—adoptee, underachiever, and self-professed-slacker IT guy—lives his under-the-radar life by the Don’t try, don’t fail. His adopted siblings are all overachievers thanks to his driven, liberal parents, but Kieran has elected to avoid disappointing anyone by not getting their hopes up. He’s coasting through his early twenties when he’s hit head-on by Theo. The successful decade-older Broadway producer sweeps him off his feet for a whirlwind thirteen months that are pretty sweet, until it all comes screeching to a halt on Valentine’s Day, with an unexpected proposal via an NYC Times Square flash mob.
Now everyone wants in on the wedding, except the grooms….
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 9, 2015
18 people are currently reading
507 people want to read
About the author
K.A. Mitchell
48 books1,112 followersK.A. Mitchell discovered the magic of writing at an early age when she learned that a carefully crayoned note of apology sent to the kitchen in a toy truck would earn her a reprieve from banishment to her room. Her career as a spin-control artist was cut short when her family moved to a two-story house, and her trucks would not roll safely down the stairs. Around the same time, she decided that Chip and Ken made a much cuter couple than Ken and Barbie and was perplexed when invitations to play Barbie dropped off. She never stopped making stuff up, though, and was surprised to find out that people would pay her to do it. Although the men in her stories usually carry more emotional baggage than even LAX can lose in a year, she guarantees they always find their sexy way to a happy ending.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
December 10, 2015
Where is my safe word to get out of this book? Octopus, octopus, octopus!!!
DAMN this book was a depressing read for me. No, the topic isn't particularly a downer one, but ohmygod I wanted to punch this couple in the face. I've said it before and I'll say it again, if I wanted to read about a couple having relationship problem after relationship problem and fighting all the time, I would just ask one of my real life friends to complain.
I read books to find that something magical in a couple, something that makes me want to read more about them. I wanted to know LESS about this couple. It isn't that I want a book without angst or conflict, but I have to actually be ROOTING for a couple to want to read about their issues.
Kieran was a total dick. I didn't like him at all, actually, and I didn't like how he constantly gave Theo a hard time. From my perspective, Theo was trying SO HARD to get things right. He was such a sweet, giving guy and all Kieran did was moan and complain. Theo wasn't perfect (did he know Kieran at all when he decided to propose???), but I still hated Kieran more.
I wanted to call off the wedding myself. If you need that much convincing that you should be together, then you honestly shouldn't be getting married, IMO. In fact, I was most interested in the tiny bits that showed the drama between Gabriel's friends and their relationship issues. Though I found his friends to be annoying in the context of Kieran and Theo's relationship, I was actually really excited while reading the teaser at the end of the book for the next in the series. Now THAT looks interesting.
I wanted out of this book almost from the start, and it didn't get any better for me over time.
Octopus, octopus, octopus!!
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
DAMN this book was a depressing read for me. No, the topic isn't particularly a downer one, but ohmygod I wanted to punch this couple in the face. I've said it before and I'll say it again, if I wanted to read about a couple having relationship problem after relationship problem and fighting all the time, I would just ask one of my real life friends to complain.
I read books to find that something magical in a couple, something that makes me want to read more about them. I wanted to know LESS about this couple. It isn't that I want a book without angst or conflict, but I have to actually be ROOTING for a couple to want to read about their issues.
Kieran was a total dick. I didn't like him at all, actually, and I didn't like how he constantly gave Theo a hard time. From my perspective, Theo was trying SO HARD to get things right. He was such a sweet, giving guy and all Kieran did was moan and complain. Theo wasn't perfect (did he know Kieran at all when he decided to propose???), but I still hated Kieran more.
I wanted to call off the wedding myself. If you need that much convincing that you should be together, then you honestly shouldn't be getting married, IMO. In fact, I was most interested in the tiny bits that showed the drama between Gabriel's friends and their relationship issues. Though I found his friends to be annoying in the context of Kieran and Theo's relationship, I was actually really excited while reading the teaser at the end of the book for the next in the series. Now THAT looks interesting.
I wanted out of this book almost from the start, and it didn't get any better for me over time.
Octopus, octopus, octopus!!
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
January 3, 2016
In the spirit of full disclosure, I must confess to being fangirl-stupid when it comes to K.A. Mitchell's books. I'll let this screen shot of my GoodReads ratings list of Ms. Mitchell's books speak to that. She tells interesting stories with complex, deeply flawed characters full of life and emotion and writes one hell of a smoking hot sex scene. She's unique that way for me since I usually prefer my characters with a hero complex, complete with the knight in shining armor. This book confused me at first glance and brings the old saying "don't judge a book my it's cover" into full light. "Wait, K.A. Mitchell wrote a book about gay marriage? Love and trust and warm fuzzies? Look at that cover! Happy, smiling boys back-dropped against two intertwined wedding bands. Huh. This will be a change for her." Well, don't let that cover fool you. These boys had to wade through a treacherous sea of angst and claw their way to their HFN. Yep, this is definitely a K.A. Mitchell book!
We start with Theo on the eve of his graduation from college, together with his three best friends Gideon, Jax and Dean, solidifying their friendship with a last hurrah roller coaster ride on Coney Island with a promise that they will always be friends. This is the setup for the Ready or Knot series.
Flash-forward 13 years and Theo is now a successful Broadway theater director, deeply in love with IT worker Kieran. These boys are polar opposites. Theo is a showman, anyways wanting to be "on" in every situation, a perfectionist and romantic to the point of ridiculousness. Kieran is quiet, almost reclusive and has a very low drive for success. He doesn't have a romantic bone in his body and absolutely abhors grand gestures of romance. I guess Theo didn't quite pick up on that because he stages a Times Square flash mob to propose marriage to Kieran, which takes Kieran completely by surprise. And the angst begins...
Theo and Kieran now find themselves on different wavelengths and it threatens their relationship. Why is Theo so hell-bent on getting married? Why can't Kieran express his love to Theo? Why does everything need to be so dramatic with Theo? Why is Kieran so hell-bent on not getting married? And of course these two don't communicate very well. Add in Theo's meddling best friends and boss and Kieran's traditional Jewish grandmother and it all just plain goes to shit.
I absolutely loved this book. While Kieran took a while to warm up to, I was mesmerized by Theo's loving, free spirit and fondly shook my head every time he got everything so incredibly, desperately wrong. In the end they finally find themselves on the same page and we get a lovely HFN. BUT, do NOT let the fact we don't get a HEA deter you! Remember, this is a series and we're going to see these boys again. We KNOW these boys get a HEA. It's K.A. Mitchell. Duh!
Highly, highly recommended!
Advanced review copy of Put a Ring On It provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been crossed posted to Jessewave
September 16, 2015
Originally reviewed at Sinfully... Addicted to All Male Romance
When the story starts, IT guy Kieran and Broadway producer/writer Theo have been together for one year when Theo stages a flash mob proposal in Times Square just before Valentine’s Day. Kieran is an introverted, private person, but he does love Theo (although he’s never said it to him) and doesn’t want to hurt him so he says yes and then runs off when Theo’s back is turned. The story follows the couple over the next several weeks as Kieran tries to postpone a marriage his family is pushing him not to screw up, while the people around Theo conspire to either break the two men up or use the publicity from the viral proposal video to their advantage by courting investors for a new show.
Aside from Kieran and Theo’s story, there is another story connecting Theo’s three college friends, Jax, Dane and Gideon, who all have their own issues, but come together to intervene in what they see as Theo making a huge mistake. There are a lot of communication issues in this book and there were times where I had difficulty understanding the motivations of all the men involved.
Both Theo’s friends and Kieran are convinced that Theo is more about the way his relationship appears to others and that he’s more in love with getting married than he is in love with getting married to Kieran specifically. This is reflected in Kieran’s fears that Theo will tire of him after the perfect wedding show. Theo’s best friends are convinced that there is no way the marriage would last, not that they had ever met Kieran. In fact Gideon is more than happy to help Kieran find a way to postpone the wedding without Theo knowing. The problem is, I never saw this part of Theo. The public proposal to his introverted boyfriend was not a good idea, but other than that Theo came off as completely in love with and respectful towards Kieran and I never once got the feeling that this was some sort of insincere gesture or an act. Even though it seemed they were polar opposites in almost every way their relationship works for them and they clearly love each other.
What stopped me from enjoying this book more was that I knew nothing about Theo and Kieran as a couple before the proposal, but then again it seemed the two men really didn’t know each other either. The reader is told what they are like; Kieran is an introvert who doesn’t want to disappoint people, his family harps on him as an underachiever and he is sure Theo will tire of him and dump him. We’re told Theo is all about producing the show and making everything look perfect, then moving on (although it does appear that the prior men in his life left him or treated him badly). With more telling than showing, I never really had a good grasp on Kieran and Theo’s personalities and issues until the very end of the book when they finally had a conversation about what they want, fear and need.
The parts where the book really worked for me were the few times Theo and Kieran were together and presenting a united front instead of on their own worrying about what was going on with the other, but most of those came towards the end of the story.
This is the first installment in a series and Theo’s college friends will all have their own stories told. Next up is Jax, a closeted TV star who is trying to revive his career. The story I’m most intrigued by though is Gideon and Dane who have a contentious friends with benefits relationship that goes back to college and inevitably leaves Gideon feeling hurt, angry and ashamed whenever he loses his internal battle to make sure it never happens again. Whether they will wind up with each other or cut all ties is something I’m interested in seeing.
When the story starts, IT guy Kieran and Broadway producer/writer Theo have been together for one year when Theo stages a flash mob proposal in Times Square just before Valentine’s Day. Kieran is an introverted, private person, but he does love Theo (although he’s never said it to him) and doesn’t want to hurt him so he says yes and then runs off when Theo’s back is turned. The story follows the couple over the next several weeks as Kieran tries to postpone a marriage his family is pushing him not to screw up, while the people around Theo conspire to either break the two men up or use the publicity from the viral proposal video to their advantage by courting investors for a new show.
Aside from Kieran and Theo’s story, there is another story connecting Theo’s three college friends, Jax, Dane and Gideon, who all have their own issues, but come together to intervene in what they see as Theo making a huge mistake. There are a lot of communication issues in this book and there were times where I had difficulty understanding the motivations of all the men involved.
Both Theo’s friends and Kieran are convinced that Theo is more about the way his relationship appears to others and that he’s more in love with getting married than he is in love with getting married to Kieran specifically. This is reflected in Kieran’s fears that Theo will tire of him after the perfect wedding show. Theo’s best friends are convinced that there is no way the marriage would last, not that they had ever met Kieran. In fact Gideon is more than happy to help Kieran find a way to postpone the wedding without Theo knowing. The problem is, I never saw this part of Theo. The public proposal to his introverted boyfriend was not a good idea, but other than that Theo came off as completely in love with and respectful towards Kieran and I never once got the feeling that this was some sort of insincere gesture or an act. Even though it seemed they were polar opposites in almost every way their relationship works for them and they clearly love each other.
What stopped me from enjoying this book more was that I knew nothing about Theo and Kieran as a couple before the proposal, but then again it seemed the two men really didn’t know each other either. The reader is told what they are like; Kieran is an introvert who doesn’t want to disappoint people, his family harps on him as an underachiever and he is sure Theo will tire of him and dump him. We’re told Theo is all about producing the show and making everything look perfect, then moving on (although it does appear that the prior men in his life left him or treated him badly). With more telling than showing, I never really had a good grasp on Kieran and Theo’s personalities and issues until the very end of the book when they finally had a conversation about what they want, fear and need.
The parts where the book really worked for me were the few times Theo and Kieran were together and presenting a united front instead of on their own worrying about what was going on with the other, but most of those came towards the end of the story.
This is the first installment in a series and Theo’s college friends will all have their own stories told. Next up is Jax, a closeted TV star who is trying to revive his career. The story I’m most intrigued by though is Gideon and Dane who have a contentious friends with benefits relationship that goes back to college and inevitably leaves Gideon feeling hurt, angry and ashamed whenever he loses his internal battle to make sure it never happens again. Whether they will wind up with each other or cut all ties is something I’m interested in seeing.
December 10, 2015
I tapped out at 30%. I felt like I was being tortured. I've enjoyed this author's writing in the past, but this book was so bad, IMO, I don't know if I will chance it again.
For those that want to know what I didn't like: the story seemed to start in the middle, so that's always weird, but all the miscommunications and the lack of even trying to communicate just made me crazy. And it was a problem so often in the 30% I read that I just couldn't take it anymore.
For those that want to know what I didn't like: the story seemed to start in the middle, so that's always weird, but all the miscommunications and the lack of even trying to communicate just made me crazy. And it was a problem so often in the 30% I read that I just couldn't take it anymore.
September 17, 2015
I like character stories. I like established couples learning how to be in a long term relationship stories. So...this should have been a win.
NOPE.
Because what I REALLY DON'T LIKE is silly miscommunication and manufactured problem stories. And whoa, buddy, was that this entire story. Seriously. Kieran and Theo spend the entire book telling each other nearly nothing. And it turns out, after a year together, they don't seem to know anything about the other. I mean, SERIOUSLY. Living together and wanting to be together and failing on every level to understand one another.
There's also the setup for the rest of this series, and it's aaaawkward. A few POV changes to show the others and I suppose tempt us for future books. Unfortunately, those bits come off more as trying too hard to force these characters into the story and are generally just confusing. Though the hottest sexy time was possibly secondary characters. So there's that.
Speaking of sexy times...moooore examples of miscommunication. Oddly enough, they both want the other to let go more. They haven't worked that out though. And I swear they didn't get any closer to it by the end. I don't even believe in their HEA, because they STILL haven't really talked about sooo many things. This is a story of unresolved everything.
As an added bit of piss-me-off, there's this gem:
And just for fun, I searched the use of "ring" in this book. 90 times (including title). Why yes, I like to have themes beat over my head like every other reader out there. /sarcasm font
One final irritation. Dear publisher/cover artist/whoever is responsible, that's the most Korean Guy With the Hair you could find?! Do. Better.
I had high hopes for this. I enjoy the author. I wanted to love a new series by her. This isn't a good start of that for me.
NOPE.
Because what I REALLY DON'T LIKE is silly miscommunication and manufactured problem stories. And whoa, buddy, was that this entire story. Seriously. Kieran and Theo spend the entire book telling each other nearly nothing. And it turns out, after a year together, they don't seem to know anything about the other. I mean, SERIOUSLY. Living together and wanting to be together and failing on every level to understand one another.
There's also the setup for the rest of this series, and it's aaaawkward. A few POV changes to show the others and I suppose tempt us for future books. Unfortunately, those bits come off more as trying too hard to force these characters into the story and are generally just confusing. Though the hottest sexy time was possibly secondary characters. So there's that.
Speaking of sexy times...moooore examples of miscommunication. Oddly enough, they both want the other to let go more. They haven't worked that out though. And I swear they didn't get any closer to it by the end. I don't even believe in their HEA, because they STILL haven't really talked about sooo many things. This is a story of unresolved everything.
As an added bit of piss-me-off, there's this gem:
Apparently wearing a fucking engagement ring had turned him into a passive-aggressive bitch.
And just for fun, I searched the use of "ring" in this book. 90 times (including title). Why yes, I like to have themes beat over my head like every other reader out there. /sarcasm font
One final irritation. Dear publisher/cover artist/whoever is responsible, that's the most Korean Guy With the Hair you could find?! Do. Better.
I had high hopes for this. I enjoy the author. I wanted to love a new series by her. This isn't a good start of that for me.
October 16, 2015
I'm so disappointed because I usually love this author, but I hated the MCs in this one. Neither had much personality, but Kieran was ungodly douchey and ungrateful for everything. And Theo's friends didn't really seem like friends to me.
March 6, 2016
What is the world coming to when a KA Mitchell doesn't have good smex in it.
September 8, 2015
The Blogger Girls
An overachiever and a doubter make for a great romance, with just enough bumps in the road to keep my “fluff” meter from going all wonky. I love KA Mitchell because she writes stories that contain the perfect mix of angst and flawed men so that the reader works hard for that happily ever after. So, with Put a Ring on It, I was a tad nervous that Kieran and Theo would be too sweet and too fluffy for my literary tastes. My fears were unfounded, yay, and Theo really had his work cut out for him on multiple fronts. What’s a friend good for if not to help your fiancé ruin your big moment?
Kieran is the product of overachieving siblings and unyielding parents. When you live your entire life “never being good enough,” you begin to believe it. You begin to live it, and you never believe anyone, not even the sexy and successful Theo. Theo is head over heels in love with Kieran but is blind to the internal turmoil coiling inside of the man. When money is no object, and when you’ve learned to smooze your way into everything you want, it comes as a huge wake up call when your fiancé doesn’t appear to be as happy as you are about the upcoming nuptials. What’s a man to do?
One of the parts of this story that I really liked was the cameos of Theo and his friends. When they were introduced at the beginning, I was unsure what their purpose was for taking up so much time, but they are an integral part of this story and the series, and also the reason for many of the issues that befall both Kieran and Theo. KA Mitchell has a wonderful way with words, and dialogue, and leaving the reader wanting more. I am very glad that this is the beginning of a new series, and I am so looking forward to seeing the “friends” tie the knot, too.
Overall Impression: I loved it
An overachiever and a doubter make for a great romance, with just enough bumps in the road to keep my “fluff” meter from going all wonky. I love KA Mitchell because she writes stories that contain the perfect mix of angst and flawed men so that the reader works hard for that happily ever after. So, with Put a Ring on It, I was a tad nervous that Kieran and Theo would be too sweet and too fluffy for my literary tastes. My fears were unfounded, yay, and Theo really had his work cut out for him on multiple fronts. What’s a friend good for if not to help your fiancé ruin your big moment?
Kieran is the product of overachieving siblings and unyielding parents. When you live your entire life “never being good enough,” you begin to believe it. You begin to live it, and you never believe anyone, not even the sexy and successful Theo. Theo is head over heels in love with Kieran but is blind to the internal turmoil coiling inside of the man. When money is no object, and when you’ve learned to smooze your way into everything you want, it comes as a huge wake up call when your fiancé doesn’t appear to be as happy as you are about the upcoming nuptials. What’s a man to do?
One of the parts of this story that I really liked was the cameos of Theo and his friends. When they were introduced at the beginning, I was unsure what their purpose was for taking up so much time, but they are an integral part of this story and the series, and also the reason for many of the issues that befall both Kieran and Theo. KA Mitchell has a wonderful way with words, and dialogue, and leaving the reader wanting more. I am very glad that this is the beginning of a new series, and I am so looking forward to seeing the “friends” tie the knot, too.
Overall Impression: I loved it
January 7, 2016
Marriage proposals should not come as a surprise for some people – especially those who don’t deal well with unexpected events. Yet – how can a proposal be anything but a surprise, you ask? Well, you might have to read this book to fully understand the difference. It’s about two men who have very different outlooks on life, and even though they have known each other for thirteen months and have shared a condo for the last six, there are some fundamental truths they have not figured out. This is the story of how Theo, a supremely self-confident theatre producer who is sure about everything that is important, and Kieran, a man less than certain about most situations that involve other humans, go from living next to each other and making lots of assumptions to truly understanding the man they have fallen in love with. It might have been obvious to me, as a reader, what the issue was, but it definitively wasn’t clear to Kieran and Theo – and watching them figure it all out, as painful as that was for them, was more than a little entertaining for me.
Theo has made his life about performing. Making other people like him, making them smile, making them happy. He is afraid to let down the protective barrier he has built for fear that people won’t like what they see if he lets them closer to who he really is. Theo is all about the gestures, making things right, and believes, deep down, that showing Kieran how much he loves him is important – and showing it in public makes it realer, more romantic even.
Kieran is not-quite-shy and quiet, prefers a one-on-one situation to a group any day, and hates being in the limelight. His meddlesome family (mainly his mother) has something to do with it, but Kieran is just not an impulsive guy. He likes to think things through. Of course, after a very public flash mob and hundreds of thousands of hits on the inevitable video of the proceedings on YouTube, there isn’t a private corner to be had – and it drives Kieran nuts.
But the “overly public” proposal is only the starting point of their problems. Theo is ten years older than Kieran, and it shows in their expectations. Added to the existing differences in their personalities, the wedding preparations everyone now expects turn into an excruciatingly public event. Kieran’s family isn’t easy to handle either, and Theo’s friends and family all have comments as well. Not to mention his business manager’s idea of using the publicity to get Theo’s own musical produced. With all of this going on it’s a miracle Theo and Kieran are still talking to each other at the end of the novel – then again, it’s the kind of baptism of fire that proves they belong together for life if they can survive it.
If you like stories with lots of misunderstandings and drama, if two men who only begin to figure out who their partner is once they face the very real threat of a partnership meltdown, and if you’re looking for a read full of as much humor as intensely emotional moments, then you will probably like this novel. It’s character driven, has great pacing, and was a lot of fun to read – even if I did sometimes want to shake both Kieran and Theo into a greater awareness of what was going on.
Theo has made his life about performing. Making other people like him, making them smile, making them happy. He is afraid to let down the protective barrier he has built for fear that people won’t like what they see if he lets them closer to who he really is. Theo is all about the gestures, making things right, and believes, deep down, that showing Kieran how much he loves him is important – and showing it in public makes it realer, more romantic even.
Kieran is not-quite-shy and quiet, prefers a one-on-one situation to a group any day, and hates being in the limelight. His meddlesome family (mainly his mother) has something to do with it, but Kieran is just not an impulsive guy. He likes to think things through. Of course, after a very public flash mob and hundreds of thousands of hits on the inevitable video of the proceedings on YouTube, there isn’t a private corner to be had – and it drives Kieran nuts.
But the “overly public” proposal is only the starting point of their problems. Theo is ten years older than Kieran, and it shows in their expectations. Added to the existing differences in their personalities, the wedding preparations everyone now expects turn into an excruciatingly public event. Kieran’s family isn’t easy to handle either, and Theo’s friends and family all have comments as well. Not to mention his business manager’s idea of using the publicity to get Theo’s own musical produced. With all of this going on it’s a miracle Theo and Kieran are still talking to each other at the end of the novel – then again, it’s the kind of baptism of fire that proves they belong together for life if they can survive it.
If you like stories with lots of misunderstandings and drama, if two men who only begin to figure out who their partner is once they face the very real threat of a partnership meltdown, and if you’re looking for a read full of as much humor as intensely emotional moments, then you will probably like this novel. It’s character driven, has great pacing, and was a lot of fun to read – even if I did sometimes want to shake both Kieran and Theo into a greater awareness of what was going on.
September 27, 2015
3.5 stars
I am a big KA Mitchell fan and this novel did not disappoint. I love it when we meet established couples and get to experience their actual relationship and its problems. In this one, Keiran is an almost anti-social, withdrawn, younger guy, and Theo is the somewhat older, accomplished Broadway producer. It starts with a very public marriage proposal that soon goes viral and threatens the stability of their relationship significantly.
What struck me the most is that Keiran isn’t commitment-phobic. He’s not reluctant to be with Theo permanently. There is no talk of not being sure that he’ll want to be with Theo forever or anything like that. It’s the publicity of it all and the formality of going through an actual ceremony that frightens him. He’s also deeply insecure and doesn’t quite believe that Theo would want him as a life partner. Theo is also insecure and anxious. He’s afraid that if he doesn’t tie Keiran down with marriage, he’ll end up losing him. The premise makes for an interesting read but I found myself questioning throughout the book why there was so much mistrust and lack of communication between them. Surely that doesn’t make the future look promising, does it? Theo was desperate, almost trying too hard, to do or say whatever he thought Keiran would want to hear so everything is good. Keiran gave me whiplash with how he said one thing and meant another. He didn’t want to get married but accepted the proposal. He didn’t want to be public about it but ended up being paraded around in social media giving interviews about the proposal and their relationship. At some point, I wanted to yell at him to grow some balls and stand by what he actually wants.
Theo won me over because of how laser-focused he was on Keiran. He observed every little nuance of his body language, his behaviour, and the things Keiran said. I was utterly convinced that there is a tremendous amount of love between these two, just a messed-up way of voicing their fears and insecurities. There is a little angst, which was welcome, but my masochistic side would enjoy a bit more tears and heart-break.
There’s some decent character development, with sufficient family backstory and a social circle that makes for two well-created MCs. Theo’s friends from college play a bigger role than Keiran’s former roommates, and they made me crave the sequels. It’s tricky when so many side characters are introduced. Often times they take over the story and interfere a little too much. Not here. Theo’s friends take just the perfect amount of page time to make for distinct personalities that contribute in different ways in Theo’s life.
Let’s not forget: There is some seriously hot smexin going on as per usual Mitchell fashion! Hot hot hot! The guys get a sweet HEA but it did bother me a bit that after reading so many pages of will-they? won’t-they? , it ended like THAT! I hope there’s a short story coming or something as a follow-up.
If you like this author’s style and enjoy established couples’ stories, this will probably be a win. There is humour, plenty of steam, and feelings galore. There were some problems, a bit in the plot, a bit in the editing (a few typos, fragmented sentences throughout) but it was an enjoyable read.
Recommend.
ARC of Put a Ring on It provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
I am a big KA Mitchell fan and this novel did not disappoint. I love it when we meet established couples and get to experience their actual relationship and its problems. In this one, Keiran is an almost anti-social, withdrawn, younger guy, and Theo is the somewhat older, accomplished Broadway producer. It starts with a very public marriage proposal that soon goes viral and threatens the stability of their relationship significantly.
What struck me the most is that Keiran isn’t commitment-phobic. He’s not reluctant to be with Theo permanently. There is no talk of not being sure that he’ll want to be with Theo forever or anything like that. It’s the publicity of it all and the formality of going through an actual ceremony that frightens him. He’s also deeply insecure and doesn’t quite believe that Theo would want him as a life partner. Theo is also insecure and anxious. He’s afraid that if he doesn’t tie Keiran down with marriage, he’ll end up losing him. The premise makes for an interesting read but I found myself questioning throughout the book why there was so much mistrust and lack of communication between them. Surely that doesn’t make the future look promising, does it? Theo was desperate, almost trying too hard, to do or say whatever he thought Keiran would want to hear so everything is good. Keiran gave me whiplash with how he said one thing and meant another. He didn’t want to get married but accepted the proposal. He didn’t want to be public about it but ended up being paraded around in social media giving interviews about the proposal and their relationship. At some point, I wanted to yell at him to grow some balls and stand by what he actually wants.
Theo won me over because of how laser-focused he was on Keiran. He observed every little nuance of his body language, his behaviour, and the things Keiran said. I was utterly convinced that there is a tremendous amount of love between these two, just a messed-up way of voicing their fears and insecurities. There is a little angst, which was welcome, but my masochistic side would enjoy a bit more tears and heart-break.
There’s some decent character development, with sufficient family backstory and a social circle that makes for two well-created MCs. Theo’s friends from college play a bigger role than Keiran’s former roommates, and they made me crave the sequels. It’s tricky when so many side characters are introduced. Often times they take over the story and interfere a little too much. Not here. Theo’s friends take just the perfect amount of page time to make for distinct personalities that contribute in different ways in Theo’s life.
Let’s not forget: There is some seriously hot smexin going on as per usual Mitchell fashion! Hot hot hot! The guys get a sweet HEA but it did bother me a bit that after reading so many pages of will-they? won’t-they? , it ended like THAT! I hope there’s a short story coming or something as a follow-up.
If you like this author’s style and enjoy established couples’ stories, this will probably be a win. There is humour, plenty of steam, and feelings galore. There were some problems, a bit in the plot, a bit in the editing (a few typos, fragmented sentences throughout) but it was an enjoyable read.
Recommend.
ARC of Put a Ring on It provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
September 18, 2015
Synopsis:
Kieran Delaney-Schwartz—adoptee, underachiever, and self-professed-slacker IT guy—lives his under-the-radar life by the motto: Don’t try, don’t fail. His adopted siblings are all overachievers thanks to his driven, liberal parents, but Kieran has elected to avoid disappointing anyone by not getting their hopes up. He’s coasting through his early twenties when he’s hit head-on by Theo. The successful decade-older Broadway producer sweeps him off his feet for a whirlwind thirteen months that are pretty sweet, until it all comes screeching to a halt on Valentine’s Day, with an unexpected proposal via an NYC Times Square flash mob.
Now everyone wants in on the wedding, except the grooms….
My Thoughts:
I really do wish GR would implement half stars. I'd rate this one a 3.5.
The book pretty much starts out getting right into the thick of things. Honestly, I can't blame Kieran for being pissed at that outlandish marriage proposal considering he and Theo had never discussed the topic of marriage. It was a huge proposal in a very public place, so it ends up going viral and getting attention from news networks. All of this just makes Kieran wish he could disappear. But he loves Theo and feels like he can't say no, so he says yes.
Theo floats on cloud nine until he realizes that he fucked up. They then decide to cool it, but the media blows it up all over again and Kieran agrees to use the momentum to help with getting producers for Theo's first play that he wrote on his own. All through this mess are interfering family members and friends. Theo's friends try real hard to talk to him out of marrying Kieran as they've never even met him before. I didn't like the way they talked about Kieran as though he was just like all of the other men Theo had been involved with before him. I get wanting to protect your friend, but at least meet the dude before you bad mouth him.
Things were real up and down between Theo and Kieran throughout the book. I thought they could have done with actually talking about things more. Both of them try to hide something from the other once the whole proposal debacle begins and it doesn't help at all. I wanted to knock them around for that.
Eventually, both of their secrets come out and Theo gets real upset at Kieran over his. This leads up to a rather unsatisfying ending. It felt like the end was just suddenly there. For real, wtf was that?! It left me feeling disappointed.
The rest of the books will be following Theo's group of friends, though I wonder if Kieran's best friend will get a book of his own as well. I'm not sure if I want to continue the series, but the excerpt for book 2 sure does get things off to a sexy start. I'll have to think about it. I'm not sure if I want to read about Gideon and Dane. I'll be shocked if they aren't each other's HEA, but considering all of the messiness between those two, I don't see how they can work it out. Talk about dysfunctional. Probably co-dependent, too.
Kieran Delaney-Schwartz—adoptee, underachiever, and self-professed-slacker IT guy—lives his under-the-radar life by the motto: Don’t try, don’t fail. His adopted siblings are all overachievers thanks to his driven, liberal parents, but Kieran has elected to avoid disappointing anyone by not getting their hopes up. He’s coasting through his early twenties when he’s hit head-on by Theo. The successful decade-older Broadway producer sweeps him off his feet for a whirlwind thirteen months that are pretty sweet, until it all comes screeching to a halt on Valentine’s Day, with an unexpected proposal via an NYC Times Square flash mob.
Now everyone wants in on the wedding, except the grooms….
My Thoughts:
I really do wish GR would implement half stars. I'd rate this one a 3.5.
The book pretty much starts out getting right into the thick of things. Honestly, I can't blame Kieran for being pissed at that outlandish marriage proposal considering he and Theo had never discussed the topic of marriage. It was a huge proposal in a very public place, so it ends up going viral and getting attention from news networks. All of this just makes Kieran wish he could disappear. But he loves Theo and feels like he can't say no, so he says yes.
Theo floats on cloud nine until he realizes that he fucked up. They then decide to cool it, but the media blows it up all over again and Kieran agrees to use the momentum to help with getting producers for Theo's first play that he wrote on his own. All through this mess are interfering family members and friends. Theo's friends try real hard to talk to him out of marrying Kieran as they've never even met him before. I didn't like the way they talked about Kieran as though he was just like all of the other men Theo had been involved with before him. I get wanting to protect your friend, but at least meet the dude before you bad mouth him.
Things were real up and down between Theo and Kieran throughout the book. I thought they could have done with actually talking about things more. Both of them try to hide something from the other once the whole proposal debacle begins and it doesn't help at all. I wanted to knock them around for that.
Eventually, both of their secrets come out and Theo gets real upset at Kieran over his. This leads up to a rather unsatisfying ending. It felt like the end was just suddenly there. For real, wtf was that?! It left me feeling disappointed.
The rest of the books will be following Theo's group of friends, though I wonder if Kieran's best friend will get a book of his own as well. I'm not sure if I want to continue the series, but the excerpt for book 2 sure does get things off to a sexy start. I'll have to think about it. I'm not sure if I want to read about Gideon and Dane. I'll be shocked if they aren't each other's HEA, but considering all of the messiness between those two, I don't see how they can work it out. Talk about dysfunctional. Probably co-dependent, too.
September 10, 2015
this is a high 3 stars. I enjoyed reading this book, and read it quickly. Love this author, and love the idea of a whole mess of books coming out about gay marriage as a plot device. As the starting book in a series, I thought the friendships worked well to set up the next books. All of the secondary characters seemed fleshed out.
Here's why only three stars: I happen to have a big dislike for the and once Theo did that, I felt like he just totally didn't understand his boyfriend. It really created a doubt in me that the two men belonged together and understood each other. Of course the whole intent of the rest of the book was to resolve that conflict, and deal with how two men with really different conceptions of privacy could be together and in love. For the most part it worked for me, but I did sort of anticipate that 5 minutes after marriage, they'd be in some ridiculous fight.
I wished, basically, that they had some couples therapy to improve their communication skills. This is a HFN, and I guess I craved a HEA. (Perhaps I need to be more patient and wait for the next books from the series.)
From a diversity standpoint, loved having an adopted character who was Korean American and Jewish. So great!! (In fact, I would love to read a book with more on Kiernan's family -- the mom & dad are intriguing, as is his brother and sister and Lia -- don't call her his sister-in-law.)
Some of the yiddish read a bit heavy-handed to me, but that's nitpicky. Sometimes I have trouble with a NYC-set book because characters will do ridiculous things with transportation, but this one was lovely & perfect from that perspective.
Here's why only three stars: I happen to have a big dislike for the and once Theo did that, I felt like he just totally didn't understand his boyfriend. It really created a doubt in me that the two men belonged together and understood each other. Of course the whole intent of the rest of the book was to resolve that conflict, and deal with how two men with really different conceptions of privacy could be together and in love. For the most part it worked for me, but I did sort of anticipate that 5 minutes after marriage, they'd be in some ridiculous fight.
I wished, basically, that they had some couples therapy to improve their communication skills. This is a HFN, and I guess I craved a HEA. (Perhaps I need to be more patient and wait for the next books from the series.)
From a diversity standpoint, loved having an adopted character who was Korean American and Jewish. So great!! (In fact, I would love to read a book with more on Kiernan's family -- the mom & dad are intriguing, as is his brother and sister and Lia -- don't call her his sister-in-law.)
Some of the yiddish read a bit heavy-handed to me, but that's nitpicky. Sometimes I have trouble with a NYC-set book because characters will do ridiculous things with transportation, but this one was lovely & perfect from that perspective.
September 18, 2015
**I received this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review. To read the full review, go to my blog**
I’m going to tell you right now that this book got shelved on the DNFR (Did Not Finish Reading) shelf. I grew so frustrated and angry with this book that I finally threw it down (figuratively) and gave up. I did skip to the end to see what happened and wasn’t happy with the resolve, so I stand by my decision with not finishing the book.
I’ve read K.A. Mitchell’s work before and enjoyed it, so I’m a fan of her work. But this book I just could not enjoy. I made it about 80 pages in (a little under halfway?) before I threw in the towel. Now I don’t want to say that my decision to quit reading was because of the quality of the writing. K.A. Mitchell is a talented author, and as I stated before, I’ve enjoyed previous stories by her, but this particular one just chaffed me the wrong way. On a technical level the story was great. It wasn’t the quality of the writing, but the characterization and the actual plot of the story I didn’t enjoy.
I’m going to tell you right now that this book got shelved on the DNFR (Did Not Finish Reading) shelf. I grew so frustrated and angry with this book that I finally threw it down (figuratively) and gave up. I did skip to the end to see what happened and wasn’t happy with the resolve, so I stand by my decision with not finishing the book.
I’ve read K.A. Mitchell’s work before and enjoyed it, so I’m a fan of her work. But this book I just could not enjoy. I made it about 80 pages in (a little under halfway?) before I threw in the towel. Now I don’t want to say that my decision to quit reading was because of the quality of the writing. K.A. Mitchell is a talented author, and as I stated before, I’ve enjoyed previous stories by her, but this particular one just chaffed me the wrong way. On a technical level the story was great. It wasn’t the quality of the writing, but the characterization and the actual plot of the story I didn’t enjoy.
September 10, 2015
This is a hard one to review as I really like this author but I did not like this book. I hated Kieran and I blame the author because more insight to the reason why Kieran was such a pain in the ass would have been really helpful. His inner musings did nothing to help us see why he was the way he was. I really liked Theo and figured he must know why his partner was such a dip sh*t and why he wanted to stay with him. I also needed to further understand why Theo's friends were so against him marrying. There was a hint or 2 but not really enough. They were kind of mean about it but quite frankly, I blame the author, not the characters. LOL... This book just needed more back story!! I'm interested in reading the next one because I liked the secondary characters and hopefully the next one will be better written...more clarification if needed and just more insight! Ugh..I hate writing bad reviews...I'm sorry.
September 11, 2015
And I thought planning my proposal and wedding within 3 months of each other was stressful..... This book has a lot of insecurities with both characters and stress BUT you're constantly rooting for them to COMMUNICATE so it'll all work out in the end. LOL!!!! GREAT BOOK!!!
February 24, 2016
Kieran and Theo have been living together for several months and dating for over a year. Everything looks likes it’s going great, so what does Theo do? He takes his very introverted and socially awkward lover to Times Square to propose to him (without having ever brought up marriage before) with a flash mob made up of Broadway singers and dancers.
Not wanting to hurt Theo in front of God and everybody Kieran reluctantly says yes, but it is not his idea of an ideal situation.
Then, to compound things a morning talk show runs with this and promotes their marriage by offering to pay for their wedding in Hawaii so long as they do it in 2 weeks.
Now, just when we think Kieran is going to make a run for it, they manage to come to an agreement only to have it blow up in their faces whether its from well-meaning friends, or family or a devious producer.
In any case, they manage to finally come to an agreement everyone can live with.
**
This was a different KA Mitchell than I’m used to. I’m quite used to her having “anti-heros” (Bad Boyfriend series) and smokin’ hot sex scenes and these are there. But she has also really touched on some of the important issues every couple faces – communication, trust, honesty and a willingness to be vulnerable.
There were times when I was so mad at both guys, but I totally saw where they were coming from.
I got a little bogged down by the side story with Theo’s college buddies and wondered at the amount of page time they received but I appreciated some of what they had to offer.
I was also a little disappointed by the ending – I won’t spoil it for you – because it didn’t feel as deeply personal and emotional as the rest of the story and in fact felt pretty rushed.
That being said it was still a great book and a nice change of pace from the typical romance that starts with two lovers meeting and ends with them in and a HEA.
4.5 of 5 stars
Audiobook
Michael Stellman is easy to listen to and does a nice job with the feelings and humor as well as the basic narration. He doesn’t do a lot with the voices but I think it is always easy to know who is who in the way he paces his voice.
I think this adds to the overall enjoyment of the story and I recommend it.
Not wanting to hurt Theo in front of God and everybody Kieran reluctantly says yes, but it is not his idea of an ideal situation.
Then, to compound things a morning talk show runs with this and promotes their marriage by offering to pay for their wedding in Hawaii so long as they do it in 2 weeks.
Now, just when we think Kieran is going to make a run for it, they manage to come to an agreement only to have it blow up in their faces whether its from well-meaning friends, or family or a devious producer.
In any case, they manage to finally come to an agreement everyone can live with.
**
This was a different KA Mitchell than I’m used to. I’m quite used to her having “anti-heros” (Bad Boyfriend series) and smokin’ hot sex scenes and these are there. But she has also really touched on some of the important issues every couple faces – communication, trust, honesty and a willingness to be vulnerable.
There were times when I was so mad at both guys, but I totally saw where they were coming from.
I got a little bogged down by the side story with Theo’s college buddies and wondered at the amount of page time they received but I appreciated some of what they had to offer.
I was also a little disappointed by the ending – I won’t spoil it for you – because it didn’t feel as deeply personal and emotional as the rest of the story and in fact felt pretty rushed.
That being said it was still a great book and a nice change of pace from the typical romance that starts with two lovers meeting and ends with them in and a HEA.
4.5 of 5 stars
Audiobook
Michael Stellman is easy to listen to and does a nice job with the feelings and humor as well as the basic narration. He doesn’t do a lot with the voices but I think it is always easy to know who is who in the way he paces his voice.
I think this adds to the overall enjoyment of the story and I recommend it.
September 16, 2015
3.75 stars
This is my first KA in quite a long time; she was one of my very first MM authors (and Diving in Deep, which I've read like 6 times, will always be a favorite).
I enjoyed this, read right through it in a few hours. I don't think it was perfect--both Theo and Kieran annoyed me at times (not grievously, but enough, and Kieran more than Theo)--but it was certainly more than good enough. I assume this is the first in a many-book series given how many other guys we could see featured in his own story--Jax, Dane, Gideon, maybe even Brett...and I think I'm forgetting someone. Each was interesting in his own way, and none of them was the book's "bad guy," so I don't hate any of them on general principle which I almost always do after the first book in a different-MCsseries :)
It's been so long since I've read one of her books (or there've been so many other books I've read since one of hers) that I'm not sure if this was a bit choppy or if I've just forgotten what her writing is like. Either way, my biggest complaint (and it's not very big) about the book is that it did feel choppy at times--the writing and story. Not horribly so, but enough for me to notice. Theo and Kieran were very up and down and all over the place, and sometimes I got sorta lost in the transitions.
But overall, a solid effort, a good start to a series, and actually, the story itself felt surprisingly fresh. It's so easy to fall into a rut when it comes to reading romance--I mean, how many ways can you tell boy-meets-boy, boy-falls-in-love-with-boy? I think part of what sets this apart is that it's established-relationship--the guys are together from the start of the book (well, after the prologue, which gives us a glimpse at Theo and his boys 13 years prior to the book's start), and the story is really about Theo and Kieran trying to stay together and deciding if it's even possible.
Good balance of angst and everything else. Looking forward to more about this group of friends.
This is my first KA in quite a long time; she was one of my very first MM authors (and Diving in Deep, which I've read like 6 times, will always be a favorite).
I enjoyed this, read right through it in a few hours. I don't think it was perfect--both Theo and Kieran annoyed me at times (not grievously, but enough, and Kieran more than Theo)--but it was certainly more than good enough. I assume this is the first in a many-book series given how many other guys we could see featured in his own story--Jax, Dane, Gideon, maybe even Brett...and I think I'm forgetting someone. Each was interesting in his own way, and none of them was the book's "bad guy," so I don't hate any of them on general principle which I almost always do after the first book in a different-MCsseries :)
It's been so long since I've read one of her books (or there've been so many other books I've read since one of hers) that I'm not sure if this was a bit choppy or if I've just forgotten what her writing is like. Either way, my biggest complaint (and it's not very big) about the book is that it did feel choppy at times--the writing and story. Not horribly so, but enough for me to notice. Theo and Kieran were very up and down and all over the place, and sometimes I got sorta lost in the transitions.
But overall, a solid effort, a good start to a series, and actually, the story itself felt surprisingly fresh. It's so easy to fall into a rut when it comes to reading romance--I mean, how many ways can you tell boy-meets-boy, boy-falls-in-love-with-boy? I think part of what sets this apart is that it's established-relationship--the guys are together from the start of the book (well, after the prologue, which gives us a glimpse at Theo and his boys 13 years prior to the book's start), and the story is really about Theo and Kieran trying to stay together and deciding if it's even possible.
Good balance of angst and everything else. Looking forward to more about this group of friends.
January 21, 2016
Ok so this one got to me. The boys get their big fight moment and it broke my heart just a little bit. Because this is one of those stories where anyone reading it can tell the two guys are hopelessly in love with each other but their own insecurities both don't always allow them to show it properly or really believe it's real.
I admit I really loved Keiran's curmudgeonly self. Since this story doesn't start with the love story of how these two fall for each other the initial attraction is lost, but Theo and Keiran really do belong together. The balance each other out in a strange over the top and way internal sort of way.
This has some really sweet moments and some "Really??? Get over yourselves and TALK!" moments. But overall I really enjoyed this story. I'd put it at 4.5 Stars losing a half a star for the slightly abrupt ending.
I admit I really loved Keiran's curmudgeonly self. Since this story doesn't start with the love story of how these two fall for each other the initial attraction is lost, but Theo and Keiran really do belong together. The balance each other out in a strange over the top and way internal sort of way.
This has some really sweet moments and some "Really??? Get over yourselves and TALK!" moments. But overall I really enjoyed this story. I'd put it at 4.5 Stars losing a half a star for the slightly abrupt ending.
March 17, 2019
I got bored with the constant miscommunication and unwillingness to be honest. Couldn't understand how they were still together as neither seemed really interested in the other - chemistry between them - nil!!
3 stars
3 stars
September 18, 2015
Not my favorite from this author. Interested in some of the secondary characters, so I'll be picking the next one up.
March 22, 2016
I'm not having much luck with a few books lately :-/. This wasn't really for me ... one of the MCs got on my nerves VERY quickly and this book just lost me. True rating: 2.5.
September 17, 2015
K.A. Mitchell never disappoints. :-)
February 21, 2016
I love watching Flash Mob wedding proposals—so romantic and touching, don’t you agree? Kieran Delaney-Schwartz loves to watch them too, but just wasn’t expecting to be caught in the center of one when his boyfriend, Theo, proposed to him. And, to Kieran’s disbelief, it just keeps getting worse. The proposal goes viral, leading to a morning show appearance, and then to a free trip to Hawaii for the wedding that Kieran doesn’t even think he wants. It’s like everyone forgot to ask the groom if he wanted to get married.
Theo’s friends are against the marriage; they even arrange an intervention to try and stop the wedding from happening. Kieran overhears them talking in the coffee shop, and for the most part he agrees with the group—he would rather just keep going on with Theo as boyfriends. As for Theo, though, he is genuinely in love with Kieran, but can he convince Kieran of that?
So many of the characters in this book need their own stories, and Put a Ring on It is a great vehicle to get the series started. The narrator, Michael Stellman, was perfect for this book. He has an ability to develop and portray all the characters of the books he narrates, giving each one a unique voice and conveying their personalities. You just really can’t go wrong with any book narrated by Mr. Stellman. He performs so well every time.
Reviewed by Kathie for The Novel Approach Reviews
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
Theo’s friends are against the marriage; they even arrange an intervention to try and stop the wedding from happening. Kieran overhears them talking in the coffee shop, and for the most part he agrees with the group—he would rather just keep going on with Theo as boyfriends. As for Theo, though, he is genuinely in love with Kieran, but can he convince Kieran of that?
So many of the characters in this book need their own stories, and Put a Ring on It is a great vehicle to get the series started. The narrator, Michael Stellman, was perfect for this book. He has an ability to develop and portray all the characters of the books he narrates, giving each one a unique voice and conveying their personalities. You just really can’t go wrong with any book narrated by Mr. Stellman. He performs so well every time.
Reviewed by Kathie for The Novel Approach Reviews
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
September 11, 2015
I am fairly certain my blood pressure was all over the place during the reading of this book. Where do I begin? I adore K.A. Mitchell’s books. Her mind is a plethora of creativity and it shows in every story she writes. Put A Ring On It was emotional. The main emotion was frustration. Kieran is a mess and through this whole story I found myself not understanding him. Why is he like this? But you have to look at the big picture. We don’t ALWAYS have to understand people or why they do what they do. More importantly we have no right to judge people’s feelings. No one MADE Kieran this way it’s just who he is and Theo loves him flaws and all. Theo is no Georgia peach either. He’s a Prince, yes. He’s handsome, rich, creative, kind, selfless… Okay he’s practically perfect. BUT he has his own flaws too and when it all hit me I took a breath. We are human not robots. Love isn’t always easy. You have to work in a relationship and if this book shows you anything it’s that lesson. It’s that no matter how it looks on the outside to the whole world, when the door closes and the two people who are in the relationship have to live with each other. THAT is real. THAT is the real show! K.A. makes you ponder things in this book. So, you may want to fish slap Kieran and you may want to hug Theo while simultaneously hitting him in the back of the head, you can’t look past the truth of this love story.
Well Done, K.A.
Well Done, K.A.
September 10, 2015
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
I’ve made no secret that I am a huge K.A. Mitchell fan girl, so I was super excited to see she had a new book out in a new series. I really liked the set up and the structure of this one. We start with an established couple who are happily living together. Kieran is totally content and not even thinking marriage, when suddenly Theo proposes. What these guys really need to do is talk and figure out how to get on the same page, but the combination of Theo’s fame and the public nature of the proposal means that everything pretty much gets away from them right from the start. Kieran is basically shell shocked by the whole thing and you can really fear his terror as he watches his life speeding ahead and he can barely catch up. And Theo’s love for Kieran and his fear that Kieran is going to walk away are so palpable. I appreciated that we see these guys have their struggles, and at times both of them are frustratingly bad at communicating. But once they work through things, they become a team and start to figure out how to resolve everything together, which is quite satisfying.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
I’ve made no secret that I am a huge K.A. Mitchell fan girl, so I was super excited to see she had a new book out in a new series. I really liked the set up and the structure of this one. We start with an established couple who are happily living together. Kieran is totally content and not even thinking marriage, when suddenly Theo proposes. What these guys really need to do is talk and figure out how to get on the same page, but the combination of Theo’s fame and the public nature of the proposal means that everything pretty much gets away from them right from the start. Kieran is basically shell shocked by the whole thing and you can really fear his terror as he watches his life speeding ahead and he can barely catch up. And Theo’s love for Kieran and his fear that Kieran is going to walk away are so palpable. I appreciated that we see these guys have their struggles, and at times both of them are frustratingly bad at communicating. But once they work through things, they become a team and start to figure out how to resolve everything together, which is quite satisfying.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
November 21, 2024
Wow, there is a LOT of angst in this story, enough that I felt like I was reading a YA a few times here. I'm interested in seeing what happens to the other three friends, but I'm not sure if I really want to put the time in to reading their stories... I didn't connect with either of the MCs here, since they both felt a little one-dimensional and undefined in character. I'll have to think for a while before reading more.
October 5, 2015
I'm usually a total K.A. Fangirl but I found this one just okay. I didn't fall in love with Theo and Kieran and thought some of the story was a bit confusing with who was actually speaking.
Want to read
August 21, 2015pre-order from Dreamspinner Press
November 18, 2017
Fun but angsty story of how hard it can be to get that ring in place and to keep it there. Sometimes it was almost painful to see the way Theo and Kieran dance around their own insecurities while managing to tromp all over the other guy's. Also, friends can sometimes be the worst part of trying to get things right. I often wondered if they would ever get things right or if it was a set up for something completely differently. It took work but it was worth the battle.
November 4, 2016
It took a while to get into the story, especially when the book started off with four friends, who were pretty much interchangeable at that point. KA Mitchell won me around though, and by the end, I was looking forward to the sequels.
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