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Blue #1
Blue
An early snow on the ground. A body in the yard. It wasn't your average Monday.
What happens when organized discipline meets chaotic obstinance? Brady Halverson is about to find out! Successful and self-assured, he was used to being in control. Then Blue stumbled into his life.
Half frozen and near death, the mysterious young man thawed into a blue-eyed hurricane. Bursts of temper and flashes of despair batter Brady’s efforts to calm the storm in a man he doubts he can tame. One drowning in the wreckage of his past.
Untangling Blue from the trauma requires careful steps and a lot of patience, but Brady has his own struggle: he’s falling for someone he isn’t supposed to love. Can he help Blue heal enough to love him back, or will the man that now owns Brady’s heart break it?
What happens when organized discipline meets chaotic obstinance? Brady Halverson is about to find out! Successful and self-assured, he was used to being in control. Then Blue stumbled into his life.
Half frozen and near death, the mysterious young man thawed into a blue-eyed hurricane. Bursts of temper and flashes of despair batter Brady’s efforts to calm the storm in a man he doubts he can tame. One drowning in the wreckage of his past.
Untangling Blue from the trauma requires careful steps and a lot of patience, but Brady has his own struggle: he’s falling for someone he isn’t supposed to love. Can he help Blue heal enough to love him back, or will the man that now owns Brady’s heart break it?
205 pages, ebook
First published September 23, 2015
12 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
About the author
D.P. Denman
14 books86 followersAward-winning author DP Denman wrote her first short story when she was eight and has been crafting fictional adventures ever since! You can usually find her with a cup of coffee in hand, contemplating her next story.
A covert romantic, she writes addictive, character-driven gay romance about damaged people who find the strength to put their lives back together. Her stories are gripping and dramatic -- guaranteed to hold you hostage to the last word!
A covert romantic, she writes addictive, character-driven gay romance about damaged people who find the strength to put their lives back together. Her stories are gripping and dramatic -- guaranteed to hold you hostage to the last word!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
November 24, 2015
I have around fifteen status updates attached to this review, this book. That will give people an opportunity to see whether it gels for them or not. Perhaps if you enjoyed Saving Liam, loved the character of Blue there, this book may have more meaning as well.
Not a bad read but it fell short in a couple of places - the relationship felt more forced than natural and there was a distinct difference in ages, not just numeric but in maturity levels.
Review at
http://ontopdownunderbookreviews.com/...
Not a bad read but it fell short in a couple of places - the relationship felt more forced than natural and there was a distinct difference in ages, not just numeric but in maturity levels.
Review at
http://ontopdownunderbookreviews.com/...
October 6, 2015
4.5 stars
Brady a spin off book. A couple of interesting, intriguing characters I really took to, and wanted more of when they became an integral couple in her poignant Saving Liam series. Blue in particular because the snippets we got of his disturbing past history, suggested yet another harrowing back story.
Like Liam and Justin's story, this highlights the heartbreaking plight of homeless LGBTQ teens rejected and turned onto the streets by asshole parents, because of their sexuality; only to be then targeted by unscrupulous predators or unconscionable, so called religious groups, whose idea of 'saving' these already confused, emotionally browbeaten boys is to beat, torture or brainwash the gay away!
After escaping one of those godawful conversion therapy camps— badly beaten, physically branded and frozen to the point of almost being half dead— a fortuitous twist of fate leads Blue to the much older, established business man who becomes his saviour. Drawn to this damaged boy with no recollection of who he is or what has happened to him at this point; Brady ends up taking him into his home and with the help of Mary, his kind hearted nurturing housekeeper begins the long at times arduous journey of mentally and physically healing the young man, who because of his striking eye colour, he names "Blue".
It’s a special person who without thought or condemnation takes on such a momentous task and it soon becomes clear just how bighearted and caring Brady is. His well off financial status means he can afford to get the sort of medical help Blue needs and supply him with the materialistic things that could help aid the process. Things that as he slowly begins to heal start to give him a sense of purpose again and a reason to want to get through the emotional anguish, but it's Brady’s unselfishness, uncomplicated sympathy and unwavering patience with the skittish, unstable younger man that really shines through. Like Justin is to Liam, in the series that spawned this offshoot love story, Brady becomes Blue's rock. His safe place. Although being so damaged he doesn't always see that, so there are a few rocky moments between them...
For rest of review follow Link->http://bit.ly/1MLVjEw
Brady a spin off book. A couple of interesting, intriguing characters I really took to, and wanted more of when they became an integral couple in her poignant Saving Liam series. Blue in particular because the snippets we got of his disturbing past history, suggested yet another harrowing back story.
Like Liam and Justin's story, this highlights the heartbreaking plight of homeless LGBTQ teens rejected and turned onto the streets by asshole parents, because of their sexuality; only to be then targeted by unscrupulous predators or unconscionable, so called religious groups, whose idea of 'saving' these already confused, emotionally browbeaten boys is to beat, torture or brainwash the gay away!
After escaping one of those godawful conversion therapy camps— badly beaten, physically branded and frozen to the point of almost being half dead— a fortuitous twist of fate leads Blue to the much older, established business man who becomes his saviour. Drawn to this damaged boy with no recollection of who he is or what has happened to him at this point; Brady ends up taking him into his home and with the help of Mary, his kind hearted nurturing housekeeper begins the long at times arduous journey of mentally and physically healing the young man, who because of his striking eye colour, he names "Blue".
It’s a special person who without thought or condemnation takes on such a momentous task and it soon becomes clear just how bighearted and caring Brady is. His well off financial status means he can afford to get the sort of medical help Blue needs and supply him with the materialistic things that could help aid the process. Things that as he slowly begins to heal start to give him a sense of purpose again and a reason to want to get through the emotional anguish, but it's Brady’s unselfishness, uncomplicated sympathy and unwavering patience with the skittish, unstable younger man that really shines through. Like Justin is to Liam, in the series that spawned this offshoot love story, Brady becomes Blue's rock. His safe place. Although being so damaged he doesn't always see that, so there are a few rocky moments between them...
For rest of review follow Link->http://bit.ly/1MLVjEw
March 11, 2023
4.5 stars. A very intense story with Blue barely surviving a stint in a conversion camp. The mental difficulties and PTSD this caused is really well written. It's very impressive what he achieves and Brady is such a great support. Impressive work.
January 4, 2018
Update #3: DNF @ 66% (then skimmed til the end) and ZERO STARS ... enough, enough, ENOUGH!! I can't do it anymore, I can't take this author's writing anymore and I sure as hell can't take any more of Blue!! UGH!! NO!!!!!!!
I have so many reasons for this decision, so many ... so stay tuned this upcoming week!! Trust me, I will NOT forget to update this review!! I have a rant to drop!
*******
Update #2: You know ... I'm thinking it doesn't really matter at this point :-/, because I'm at 50% and I'm already groaning at thinking I have 1 more book to read through :-/! I am highly doubtful I'd be interested in reading books 3 and 4 either way!! My updates ... my updates say a lot!!
******
Update: You know, I am starting to consider a different spin on what I’ve written below ... a spin that I might not like but that most definitely doesn’t make me as annoyed as the speculation [based on facts I’ve heard] below.
So this is the spin: Again, pure speculation, but at the end of the day, this scenario is WAAAAAAAAY better than any other scenario I can think of. Most definitely way better than what I had originally suspected. That being the case, I anticipate that THIS is what actually happens, because THIS is most definitely fixable!!
*****
I'm hoping that someone will come around and tell me that what I suspect is going to happen in book #4 is NOT going to happen, because if it is, I'll be done with this series by the time I hit book #2!! Why book #2, you ask?!? Well, because I purchased this one and the next, but thankfully [I think] have not purchased book #3 or #4 yet, and if things deteriorate the way it sounds like things will, I won't be purchasing them either!!
I will say this, I do hope my suspicions aren't true, and if they are, I am pissed!! Authors needs to stop fucking around with their characters just because they can, and they need to stop with this particular trope they like to use just because they need a trope that's either great for shock value, or the perfect setup for some ridiculous deux-ex-machina!!
So, that's where I stand ... I'll read the first two books in this series and will probably stop there, unless I'm told there is absolutely NO the way it sounds like there'll be :-/!! IF my conclusions are off track [and I highly doubt that they are], I'll reconsider! BUT, for me to reconsider, I need to be REALLY enlightened on what happens in the 4th book, and I need to know - without a reasonable doubt - that there is absolutely NO !!
That's it for now. In the meantime I'll dismiss the issue from my mind and will focus on enjoying these two books as if these are all there are in the series! I want to give at least these a fair chance and I want to enjoy what I bought! Come on, Book, don't let me down!!
I have so many reasons for this decision, so many ... so stay tuned this upcoming week!! Trust me, I will NOT forget to update this review!! I have a rant to drop!
*******
Update #2: You know ... I'm thinking it doesn't really matter at this point :-/, because I'm at 50% and I'm already groaning at thinking I have 1 more book to read through :-/! I am highly doubtful I'd be interested in reading books 3 and 4 either way!! My updates ... my updates say a lot!!
******
Update: You know, I am starting to consider a different spin on what I’ve written below ... a spin that I might not like but that most definitely doesn’t make me as annoyed as the speculation [based on facts I’ve heard] below.
So this is the spin: Again, pure speculation, but at the end of the day, this scenario is WAAAAAAAAY better than any other scenario I can think of. Most definitely way better than what I had originally suspected. That being the case, I anticipate that THIS is what actually happens, because THIS is most definitely fixable!!
*****
I'm hoping that someone will come around and tell me that what I suspect is going to happen in book #4 is NOT going to happen, because if it is, I'll be done with this series by the time I hit book #2!! Why book #2, you ask?!? Well, because I purchased this one and the next, but thankfully [I think] have not purchased book #3 or #4 yet, and if things deteriorate the way it sounds like things will, I won't be purchasing them either!!
I will say this, I do hope my suspicions aren't true, and if they are, I am pissed!! Authors needs to stop fucking around with their characters just because they can, and they need to stop with this particular trope they like to use just because they need a trope that's either great for shock value, or the perfect setup for some ridiculous deux-ex-machina!!
So, that's where I stand ... I'll read the first two books in this series and will probably stop there, unless I'm told there is absolutely NO the way it sounds like there'll be :-/!! IF my conclusions are off track [and I highly doubt that they are], I'll reconsider! BUT, for me to reconsider, I need to be REALLY enlightened on what happens in the 4th book, and I need to know - without a reasonable doubt - that there is absolutely NO !!
That's it for now. In the meantime I'll dismiss the issue from my mind and will focus on enjoying these two books as if these are all there are in the series! I want to give at least these a fair chance and I want to enjoy what I bought! Come on, Book, don't let me down!!
October 4, 2015
I love the Saving Liam series so I was eager to read all about Blue and what happened in his earlier life. Also, as I love age gap romance, especially in the m/m genre, I was bursting to read this one and I was not disappointed. Not at all.
Blue and Brady meet in unique circumstances, that being Blue collapsing in Brady’s back yard after escaping a camp he was sent to by his parents after he told them he was gay.
Banished to the outside world and having nobody he could trust, he finds an affinity with Brady and little by little he lets him in to his life. With nobody looking out for the young blue eyed man, Brady finds himself wanting to gain his trust and become the one person he can rely on, no matter how many attempts he makes to push Brady’s help away.
This was a deep and angst filled journey of a read that just kept me engrossed into the storyline. There were some frustrating times but also some extremely heart wrenching and tender moments that delivered a well-balanced and engaging age-gap romance. Even knowing how Blue turns out in the end – a successful songwriter and kick-ass dude, it was still an anxious and emotive read to see how this young damaged man took on every knock and push back that was thrown at him. It was rewarding to see how he fought back and overcame his nightmares of the past to become the better person and who he was always meant to be. But it was with Brady’s belief in him and his devotion that helped him the most and gave him the desire to trust again.
I loved how the story dealt with mental health issues and was wonderfully portrayed in Blue’s struggles. But it was the emotion and the connection of Blue and Brady that was the winner for me. The depth of love and trust between them was a joy to unfold and be part of.
Another great book by DP Denman and I highly recommend it. Five stars.
*ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest revew
Blue and Brady meet in unique circumstances, that being Blue collapsing in Brady’s back yard after escaping a camp he was sent to by his parents after he told them he was gay.
Banished to the outside world and having nobody he could trust, he finds an affinity with Brady and little by little he lets him in to his life. With nobody looking out for the young blue eyed man, Brady finds himself wanting to gain his trust and become the one person he can rely on, no matter how many attempts he makes to push Brady’s help away.
This was a deep and angst filled journey of a read that just kept me engrossed into the storyline. There were some frustrating times but also some extremely heart wrenching and tender moments that delivered a well-balanced and engaging age-gap romance. Even knowing how Blue turns out in the end – a successful songwriter and kick-ass dude, it was still an anxious and emotive read to see how this young damaged man took on every knock and push back that was thrown at him. It was rewarding to see how he fought back and overcame his nightmares of the past to become the better person and who he was always meant to be. But it was with Brady’s belief in him and his devotion that helped him the most and gave him the desire to trust again.
I loved how the story dealt with mental health issues and was wonderfully portrayed in Blue’s struggles. But it was the emotion and the connection of Blue and Brady that was the winner for me. The depth of love and trust between them was a joy to unfold and be part of.
Another great book by DP Denman and I highly recommend it. Five stars.
*ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest revew
March 23, 2017
These are my Happily Ever After Novel Thoughts...
This book will tug at your heartstrings and upset you greatly. Well, that is if you are sensitive to other's pain and suffering. Found by Brady in his backyard very nearly dead, Blue carves a spot in Brady's heart almost immediately. When Brady finds out what all had happened, he's ready to flip his lid.
Blue decides he's well enough to go on about his life without Brady and his hospitality. Then things go from optimistic to dreary. Will things work out or will he end up back in Brady's house?
I wanted to crawl into the book and get rid of the people who decided it was a great idea to hurt Blue. He is just a kid (teenager) and the people closest to him were supposed to love him unconditionally, instead they showed how vile and callused they really are.
I loved the chemistry between Blue and Brady. There is a big age difference, but other than it being pointed out a few times, you don't really remember about it because they are great together.
I find M/M stories to be tenderer than M/F romances. The guys seem to feel deeper and quite fiercely.
This is a great story and I definitely recommend it if you're looking for a hard hitting, yet sweetly erotic tale of two guys trying to find their way through life and love.
This book will tug at your heartstrings and upset you greatly. Well, that is if you are sensitive to other's pain and suffering. Found by Brady in his backyard very nearly dead, Blue carves a spot in Brady's heart almost immediately. When Brady finds out what all had happened, he's ready to flip his lid.
Blue decides he's well enough to go on about his life without Brady and his hospitality. Then things go from optimistic to dreary. Will things work out or will he end up back in Brady's house?
I wanted to crawl into the book and get rid of the people who decided it was a great idea to hurt Blue. He is just a kid (teenager) and the people closest to him were supposed to love him unconditionally, instead they showed how vile and callused they really are.
I loved the chemistry between Blue and Brady. There is a big age difference, but other than it being pointed out a few times, you don't really remember about it because they are great together.
I find M/M stories to be tenderer than M/F romances. The guys seem to feel deeper and quite fiercely.
This is a great story and I definitely recommend it if you're looking for a hard hitting, yet sweetly erotic tale of two guys trying to find their way through life and love.
March 5, 2023
A very painful read, Blue escapes a conversion therapy camp physically but not mentally, the things told to him, shown to him and done to him leave their marks. Brady finds Blue and tries to heal him but the damage in mind and body is deep. Hard to read at times but also very moving. There are a couple of stories that follow this but I think I need a break before I carry on, this one gutted me a little.
October 4, 2015
Title: Blue
Author: DP Denman
Publisher: North Shore Press
Date: 9/25/2015
Stars: 3.5
Heat: 3 uncomfortable flames
BLURB
Long before he was a successful songwriter and black-belt badass, Blue was a survivor of an ultimatum that cost him everything.
It was supposed to bring a new beginning, a new life. Instead, it left him near death with nothing to rely on but the kindness of a stranger. Hostile and headstrong, Blue needs a calmer influence to balance his fury. Someone to save him from himself.
Brady’s life was quiet and orderly until fate sent him a blue-eyed hurricane. Bursts of temper and flashes of despair batter his efforts to calm the storm in a man he doubts he can tame. One drowning in the wreckage of his past.
With a head full of lies and a body full of scars, Blue must work to rebuild his life with the help of a man determined to prove sometimes trust is worth the risk.
Blue features one of the most popular characters from the Saving Liam saga! Destined for greatness, he reveals the past that made him the scarred bad boy readers love.
REVIEW
I am not entirely sure how I feel about this book. I am unfamiliar with the Saving Liam Saga and this is my first book by DP Denman. Overall, this is a story about a college age guy who is struggling to overcome severe trauma, both mental and physical trauma. Blue, Meets Brady by chance when he literally collapses in Brady's backyard. From that moment on Brady is saving Blue, saving him from repercussions of what has happened to him and saving him from himself. Blue is not always the most grateful and at times he is downright a temperamental brat - however, with what he has been through I think he deserves some leeway. My problem with this book is the romantic relationship between Blue and Brady. I really don't want to say too much as it will give the story away.. But the relationship feels unhealthy to me especially as Blue deals with his depression and then when they start adding sex in the mix, it really turned me off.
Readers should be warned this book deals with multiple trigger subjects including: rape, degradation, humiliation, gay conversion therapy camps, physical trauma, suicide, depression, cutting and PTSD - it is not a book for people who may be affected by those subjects.
Overall I am giving this story 3.5 stars rounded up to a 4 star, maybe it just wasn't something for me.
Quotes
“A different perspective won’t make any of this better. It’ll still be bullshit I don’t want to deal with.” “Life is littered with bullshit you don’t want to deal with. It’s a permanent part of the human condition.”
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by JLoves2Read from Alpha Book Club and Jessewaves Reviews.
Author: DP Denman
Publisher: North Shore Press
Date: 9/25/2015
Stars: 3.5
Heat: 3 uncomfortable flames
BLURB
Long before he was a successful songwriter and black-belt badass, Blue was a survivor of an ultimatum that cost him everything.
It was supposed to bring a new beginning, a new life. Instead, it left him near death with nothing to rely on but the kindness of a stranger. Hostile and headstrong, Blue needs a calmer influence to balance his fury. Someone to save him from himself.
Brady’s life was quiet and orderly until fate sent him a blue-eyed hurricane. Bursts of temper and flashes of despair batter his efforts to calm the storm in a man he doubts he can tame. One drowning in the wreckage of his past.
With a head full of lies and a body full of scars, Blue must work to rebuild his life with the help of a man determined to prove sometimes trust is worth the risk.
Blue features one of the most popular characters from the Saving Liam saga! Destined for greatness, he reveals the past that made him the scarred bad boy readers love.
REVIEW
I am not entirely sure how I feel about this book. I am unfamiliar with the Saving Liam Saga and this is my first book by DP Denman. Overall, this is a story about a college age guy who is struggling to overcome severe trauma, both mental and physical trauma. Blue, Meets Brady by chance when he literally collapses in Brady's backyard. From that moment on Brady is saving Blue, saving him from repercussions of what has happened to him and saving him from himself. Blue is not always the most grateful and at times he is downright a temperamental brat - however, with what he has been through I think he deserves some leeway. My problem with this book is the romantic relationship between Blue and Brady. I really don't want to say too much as it will give the story away.. But the relationship feels unhealthy to me especially as Blue deals with his depression and then when they start adding sex in the mix, it really turned me off.
Readers should be warned this book deals with multiple trigger subjects including: rape, degradation, humiliation, gay conversion therapy camps, physical trauma, suicide, depression, cutting and PTSD - it is not a book for people who may be affected by those subjects.
Overall I am giving this story 3.5 stars rounded up to a 4 star, maybe it just wasn't something for me.
Quotes
“A different perspective won’t make any of this better. It’ll still be bullshit I don’t want to deal with.” “Life is littered with bullshit you don’t want to deal with. It’s a permanent part of the human condition.”
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by JLoves2Read from Alpha Book Club and Jessewaves Reviews.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2015
So, to start off let me say that I have not read the Saving Liam saga (this is my first DP Denman book), so this was my first introduction to Blue's character. Blue is the type of character with whom you immediately sympathize, and as his story unfolds it will pull at your heart. He's withdrawn and wary after enduring unspeakable atrocities and nearly dying at the hands of those meant to "cure" him.
Fate throws him into the path of Brady, a man nearly two decades his senior, who helps Blue and is continually drawn to help him. At first, Brady is merely helping a young man who has gone through hell, hoping to set him to rights again. As time goes on, even with Blue's aversion to other men touching him and getting close, things develop between them.
Blue's journey from a violently scarred teen to a young man who works to overcome so many cruelties, mental and emotional issues is touching but also disturbing. Touching on the topics of abuse in the name of religious "healing" of Blue's "condition" (that he is gay) instigated by his narrow-minded parents, cutting and suicide, there are several things in this story that might be triggers for readers. These topics are handled well by the author, and serve to give Blue's character astounding depth and will have you caring greatly about him.
For me, the relationship between Blue and Brady felt a bit awkward, mostly due to the large age difference. That normally wouldn't be a big deal for me, except that Blue is extremely young when this story takes place so for me it just felt weird to have such a large gap in age between them. This didn't stop me from adoring Brady's character though. He is filled with compassion, is level-headed and intelligent, and makes for a good complement to Blue's character.
The writing was very good, though at times the story did go a bit slow for me, but this story has spurred me to add the books in the Saving Liam saga to my TBR list. 3.5 stars for Blue, and I'd recommend it for 18+ due to the adult M/M sexual scenes.
Fate throws him into the path of Brady, a man nearly two decades his senior, who helps Blue and is continually drawn to help him. At first, Brady is merely helping a young man who has gone through hell, hoping to set him to rights again. As time goes on, even with Blue's aversion to other men touching him and getting close, things develop between them.
Blue's journey from a violently scarred teen to a young man who works to overcome so many cruelties, mental and emotional issues is touching but also disturbing. Touching on the topics of abuse in the name of religious "healing" of Blue's "condition" (that he is gay) instigated by his narrow-minded parents, cutting and suicide, there are several things in this story that might be triggers for readers. These topics are handled well by the author, and serve to give Blue's character astounding depth and will have you caring greatly about him.
For me, the relationship between Blue and Brady felt a bit awkward, mostly due to the large age difference. That normally wouldn't be a big deal for me, except that Blue is extremely young when this story takes place so for me it just felt weird to have such a large gap in age between them. This didn't stop me from adoring Brady's character though. He is filled with compassion, is level-headed and intelligent, and makes for a good complement to Blue's character.
The writing was very good, though at times the story did go a bit slow for me, but this story has spurred me to add the books in the Saving Liam saga to my TBR list. 3.5 stars for Blue, and I'd recommend it for 18+ due to the adult M/M sexual scenes.
September 20, 2015
Well, I'm not familiar with the Saving Liam saga, but after reading this hauntingly beautiful story, I can see why Blue is such a popular character. He is a man with a past as scarred as the body he lives in. Now I want to read more about Blue to see how far he's come from the brink of madness.
Brady is a well off, older gentleman with his life in order, however he is missing somebody to share that life with. Enter Blue. Never in a million years did Brady think that the boy he saved from death's doorstep would end up being the missing piece.
Living with a head full of madness, no matter how much Blue pushes Brady, the man just won't give up on him and that's exactly what Blue needs at this point in his life. He needs somebody to love him unconditionally, as well as learning to accept that type of love.
Brady and Blue have a tough road ahead. Trying to get the young man back on track with his life, love, friends and a job is a challenge for Brady, one he is ready to accept. Along with his friend and housekeeper Mary, Brady helps Blue adjust to the newness of being accepted for who he is and also to direct his anger into something more productive.
I absolutely loved Blue's story! The book was well written and D.P. Denman did a fantastic job balancing Blue's emotional struggle along side of a budding romance. The story was a slow build into a beautiful relationship for Brady and Blue.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
Brady is a well off, older gentleman with his life in order, however he is missing somebody to share that life with. Enter Blue. Never in a million years did Brady think that the boy he saved from death's doorstep would end up being the missing piece.
Living with a head full of madness, no matter how much Blue pushes Brady, the man just won't give up on him and that's exactly what Blue needs at this point in his life. He needs somebody to love him unconditionally, as well as learning to accept that type of love.
Brady and Blue have a tough road ahead. Trying to get the young man back on track with his life, love, friends and a job is a challenge for Brady, one he is ready to accept. Along with his friend and housekeeper Mary, Brady helps Blue adjust to the newness of being accepted for who he is and also to direct his anger into something more productive.
I absolutely loved Blue's story! The book was well written and D.P. Denman did a fantastic job balancing Blue's emotional struggle along side of a budding romance. The story was a slow build into a beautiful relationship for Brady and Blue.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
October 5, 2015
I for one did not read the ‘Saving Liam’ saga, but this book is phenomenal. Well written, sweet sweet story of an emotional and bodied scarred character that just really blew me away. This is an age-gap story that fate sets on a path to each other. This has a good many of emotional triggers, abuse, cutting, suicide and religion. Highly recommend this book!
May 6, 2018
Compelling read!
Brady is in his comfortable Vancouver home one Winter afternoon looking through his window at the woods that border on his backyard, when he spots something shocking: a young man, clearly in pain and covered with bruises, emerging from the trees and staggering into Brady's yard, before falling down, unconscious. When Brady reaches him, he comes to just long enough to utter two words: Help me, before passing out again.
At first, he doesn't even know his own name or what he was doing outside during Winter in just jeans and a T-shirt. Brady names him Blue because his eyes are such a startling shade of blue. However, as his memories begin to return, he is reluctant to tell anyone about the horrific abuse he suffered at that damn camp. If anyone finds out he's gay, will they send him back? Or worse yet, contact the parents who didn't seem to care whether he lived or died? Better not reveal too much!
The author did a wonderful job of taking a young man with so many scars (emotional and psychological as well as physical) and showing the reader the long and arduous road to recovery and self-acceptance. But thanks to Brady and the other good people Blue begins to surround himself with, it's great to watch him finally begin to heal.
Blue is book one of a series. The next book is Rhythm and Blue. Am I gonna read it? Definitely!
Brady is in his comfortable Vancouver home one Winter afternoon looking through his window at the woods that border on his backyard, when he spots something shocking: a young man, clearly in pain and covered with bruises, emerging from the trees and staggering into Brady's yard, before falling down, unconscious. When Brady reaches him, he comes to just long enough to utter two words: Help me, before passing out again.
At first, he doesn't even know his own name or what he was doing outside during Winter in just jeans and a T-shirt. Brady names him Blue because his eyes are such a startling shade of blue. However, as his memories begin to return, he is reluctant to tell anyone about the horrific abuse he suffered at that damn camp. If anyone finds out he's gay, will they send him back? Or worse yet, contact the parents who didn't seem to care whether he lived or died? Better not reveal too much!
The author did a wonderful job of taking a young man with so many scars (emotional and psychological as well as physical) and showing the reader the long and arduous road to recovery and self-acceptance. But thanks to Brady and the other good people Blue begins to surround himself with, it's great to watch him finally begin to heal.
Blue is book one of a series. The next book is Rhythm and Blue. Am I gonna read it? Definitely!
March 22, 2017
Wow.
Absolutely beautiful. Wow.
The story of Blue and Brady is not an easy one, but one of heartache and pain. The path to happiness is normally full of past horrors.
When Brady finds Blue he is not in a good place. At all. Blue is more than just a lost soul. He is a damaged one. Those who were supposed to love him allowed certain horrors to take place. Horrors we don't fully know about and never will, based on wat we learn about Blue.
When Brady first meets Blue, he's just a too guy helping a kid in need. He even names him Blue as he doesn't know his real name at the time.
But soon, a helping hand leads to more.
The age difference between Brady and Blue might bother some, but I love it. It makes to difference to them how many years separated them. And really, they knew each other for two years before anything started between the two of them.
This book is emotional, beautiful, and painful. Brady and Blue are two people who couldn't be more different, but they just work.
DP Denman told a wonderful story about love, despite the pain lurking just under the surface.
Absolutely beautiful. Wow.
The story of Blue and Brady is not an easy one, but one of heartache and pain. The path to happiness is normally full of past horrors.
When Brady finds Blue he is not in a good place. At all. Blue is more than just a lost soul. He is a damaged one. Those who were supposed to love him allowed certain horrors to take place. Horrors we don't fully know about and never will, based on wat we learn about Blue.
When Brady first meets Blue, he's just a too guy helping a kid in need. He even names him Blue as he doesn't know his real name at the time.
But soon, a helping hand leads to more.
The age difference between Brady and Blue might bother some, but I love it. It makes to difference to them how many years separated them. And really, they knew each other for two years before anything started between the two of them.
This book is emotional, beautiful, and painful. Brady and Blue are two people who couldn't be more different, but they just work.
DP Denman told a wonderful story about love, despite the pain lurking just under the surface.
February 8, 2017
Blue by D.P. Denman is book one in this series.
Meet Blue, bad boy, writer and black-belt bad a**.
Brady finds a nearly dead teenager in his backyard. It´s Blue who has no recognition where he came from and who he is.
He´s a broken teen with major issues. Both Blue and Brady suffer.
I wished Blue had not get his memeory back. It was so unbelievable cruel what was done to him.
My heart was bleeding.
With much patience from Brady he helps him to get better.
This book was a very emotional read of mine. I loved it and now I´m gonna read book two Rhythm and Blue immediatedly.
Thank you D.P. Denman !!
Meet Blue, bad boy, writer and black-belt bad a**.
Brady finds a nearly dead teenager in his backyard. It´s Blue who has no recognition where he came from and who he is.
He´s a broken teen with major issues. Both Blue and Brady suffer.
I wished Blue had not get his memeory back. It was so unbelievable cruel what was done to him.
My heart was bleeding.
With much patience from Brady he helps him to get better.
This book was a very emotional read of mine. I loved it and now I´m gonna read book two Rhythm and Blue immediatedly.
Thank you D.P. Denman !!
March 17, 2023
Not for the feint of heart. There is so much happening in this book. It is very traumatic with a lot of self hate and homophobic imagery. However, the love that blossoms between the two main characters is beautiful. I liked it, but I advise to read with caution.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 25, 2023
The chemistry was not there for me. Brady and Blue were more friends than lovers.
July 9, 2023
A good story line and may read the 2nd Blue book some day.
September 28, 2015
"Jen's 4.5 Star Review"
I don’t remember hearing about Blue in the Saving Liam series but then I haven’t had the chance to read all of them yet. Nor do I know if within that series if the timeline is before or after this one but I’m definitely looking forward to seeing where he comes into play in that series. I love this author’s writing style. I loved how D.P Denman creates stories where one character is so broken but with the help of someone who is truly patient and caring they slowly start to rebuild their lives. True to Saving Liam Blue is no different.
PTSD is a serious issue and this author really shows us how deeply it ran with Blue. A traumatic turn of events really shook him to his core and changed everything in his life. I love that Blue’s torment and recovery weren’t romanticized. I felt his pain, anger, his discomfort and the challenges he faced after the ordeal he was put through.
“He feared touch. He couldn’t stand to be that close, to have hands on his body, the press of muscle against him,”
Brady, man what a breath of fresh air. This man is truly a hero. He’s one of the biggest reason why Blue survived and flourished though everything. This selfless man who only had Blue’s best interests at heart was so kind, caring and yes patient. He never pushed Blue do anything he couldn’t handle and was always conscious about not going too fast to soon. His only intentions were what Blue needed or would need and how he could help him. His love that grew from caring for this broken man was really something else. Takes a really big person to give everything and not expect anything in return as long as it gives that person room to heal with a sense of safety and self-worth. Ultimately hoping that someday that person may not feel so broken and have a happiness once again. Brady was truly just an inspiring man. If we had more people like that in our world it would be a better place.
“He was the wall of granite he’d promise to be, solid, sturdy, and patient.”
I won’t go into detail about the story because the emotional journey you take with Blue and Brady should be experienced without spoilers. This book was written beautifully and sometimes the issues at hand are hard to read through. This is a remarkable book about a lost, broken man finding happiness with the help of an amazing man and his equally amazing house keeper. I do have say that I really loved the secondary characters that Blue befriends on his way to rock stardom. Scubba was another man that I found a joy to meet. His own life experiences and his craft also helped to mold Blue into the man he is today.
If you are a fan of this author’s writing or are looking for a story with some real life depth to it where the journey back to happiness is slow and not sugar coated than this is definitely one you’ll want to pick up. I can’t wait to go back into the Saving Liam series now and pick up where I left off before.
February 2, 2016
Copy received for an honest review.
I have read the Saving Liam series which this spins off from, but I suffer from such terrible bookzheimer's and read so many books, I don't remember Blue from them.
But you don't need to have read that series to read Blue.
Blue is just... wow! It is emotional read, as Blue comes to terms with the horrible things that have happened to him to bring him into Brady's world.
Brady is a saint, there is no other word for it! The things he does for a young man he doesn't know is heartwarming, and I would want to hope that I would do even a part of what he does.
Theirs is an unusual relationship at the start, but there is a connection between them that cannot be denied.
My heart broke over and over for Blue as he forged his way through life - a life that has not been easy for him at all - but there was so much hope for him that I couldn't help but smile.
Blue touches on some darker, edgier subject then I thought it would, and I loved the way they were dealt with by the author.
Now, on to read the next book, Rhythm and Blue.
I have read the Saving Liam series which this spins off from, but I suffer from such terrible bookzheimer's and read so many books, I don't remember Blue from them.
But you don't need to have read that series to read Blue.
Blue is just... wow! It is emotional read, as Blue comes to terms with the horrible things that have happened to him to bring him into Brady's world.
Brady is a saint, there is no other word for it! The things he does for a young man he doesn't know is heartwarming, and I would want to hope that I would do even a part of what he does.
Theirs is an unusual relationship at the start, but there is a connection between them that cannot be denied.
My heart broke over and over for Blue as he forged his way through life - a life that has not been easy for him at all - but there was so much hope for him that I couldn't help but smile.
Blue touches on some darker, edgier subject then I thought it would, and I loved the way they were dealt with by the author.
Now, on to read the next book, Rhythm and Blue.
October 1, 2015
What would you do if you saw someone collapse on your property in the frigid cold? Would you be the one to run out and make sure they were ok or would yo stay inside your warm house and call for help?
Brady finds himself in just this situation in the opening chapter of Blue. When he fears the worst has happened to this kid, he rushes out into the cold to his aide. What he didn't expect was to feel drawn to this young, hurt, angry sole. Brady takes it upon himself, with the help of his friend and housekeeper Mary to care for "Blue." He wants to give him a safe place to recover and heal, not just physically, but emotionally as well. What ensues is a beautiful relationship. Though there is a fairly large difference in age between the characters, Blue is just what Brady needs and vice versa.
Blue is struggling to let go of the traumatic past he has endured. Forced to go to a camp that will reprogram the way he feels and behaves has ended with him fighting for his life. Blue is gay and his family will not accept it, thus sending him off to camp to have the demons extricated from him. When one last incident goes terribly wrong, Blue escapes. When he finally comes to, lying in a hospital bed, he remembers very little about the physical harm that his body has succumbed to. With the help of his rescuer will he be able to heal and finally find some peace, forgiveness, happiness and love in his life? Or will he once again find himself on deaths door/
This is the first book I have read by DP Denman and can say that it is definitely not my last. I was aware of the Saving Liam book and actually own it. I just have yet to get to it. I will now be moving it to the top of my list. I found Blue to be well written, thought provoking and bitterly painful at times. No one deserves to be made to feel like they shouldn't exist, just because of who they truly are. We all deserve to have a life of love, happiness and security and Blue parents never felt that their son deserved that because of his choices. Go and grab your copy today. You will not be disappointed.
Brady finds himself in just this situation in the opening chapter of Blue. When he fears the worst has happened to this kid, he rushes out into the cold to his aide. What he didn't expect was to feel drawn to this young, hurt, angry sole. Brady takes it upon himself, with the help of his friend and housekeeper Mary to care for "Blue." He wants to give him a safe place to recover and heal, not just physically, but emotionally as well. What ensues is a beautiful relationship. Though there is a fairly large difference in age between the characters, Blue is just what Brady needs and vice versa.
Blue is struggling to let go of the traumatic past he has endured. Forced to go to a camp that will reprogram the way he feels and behaves has ended with him fighting for his life. Blue is gay and his family will not accept it, thus sending him off to camp to have the demons extricated from him. When one last incident goes terribly wrong, Blue escapes. When he finally comes to, lying in a hospital bed, he remembers very little about the physical harm that his body has succumbed to. With the help of his rescuer will he be able to heal and finally find some peace, forgiveness, happiness and love in his life? Or will he once again find himself on deaths door/
This is the first book I have read by DP Denman and can say that it is definitely not my last. I was aware of the Saving Liam book and actually own it. I just have yet to get to it. I will now be moving it to the top of my list. I found Blue to be well written, thought provoking and bitterly painful at times. No one deserves to be made to feel like they shouldn't exist, just because of who they truly are. We all deserve to have a life of love, happiness and security and Blue parents never felt that their son deserved that because of his choices. Go and grab your copy today. You will not be disappointed.
October 18, 2015
I love the Saving Liam series so I was eager to read all about Blue and what happened in his earlier life. Also, as I love age gap romance, especially in the m/m genre, I was bursting to read this one and I was not disappointed. Not at all.
Blue and Brady meet in unique circumstances, that being Blue collapsing in Brady’s back yard after escaping a camp he was sent to by his parents after he told them he was gay.
Banished to the outside world and having nobody he could trust, he finds an affinity with Brady and little by little he lets him in to his life. With nobody looking out for the young blue eyed man, Brady finds himself wanting to gain his trust and become the one person he can rely on, no matter how many attempts he makes to push Brady’s help away.
This was a deep and angst filled journey of a read that just kept me engrossed into the storyline. There were some frustrating times but also some extremely heart wrenching and tender moments that delivered a well-balanced and engaging age-gap romance. Even knowing how Blue turns out in the end – a successful songwriter and kick-ass dude, it was still an anxious and emotive read to see how this young damaged man took on every knock and push back that was thrown at him. It was rewarding to see how he fought back and overcame his nightmares of the past to become the better person and who he was always meant to be. But it was with Brady’s belief in him and his devotion that helped him the most and gave him the desire to trust again.
I loved how the story dealt with mental health issues and was wonderfully portrayed in Blue’s struggles. But it was the emotion and the connection of Blue and Brady that was the winner for me. The depth of love and trust between them was a joy to unfold and be part of.
Another great book by DP Denman and I highly recommend it. Five stars.
Blue and Brady meet in unique circumstances, that being Blue collapsing in Brady’s back yard after escaping a camp he was sent to by his parents after he told them he was gay.
Banished to the outside world and having nobody he could trust, he finds an affinity with Brady and little by little he lets him in to his life. With nobody looking out for the young blue eyed man, Brady finds himself wanting to gain his trust and become the one person he can rely on, no matter how many attempts he makes to push Brady’s help away.
This was a deep and angst filled journey of a read that just kept me engrossed into the storyline. There were some frustrating times but also some extremely heart wrenching and tender moments that delivered a well-balanced and engaging age-gap romance. Even knowing how Blue turns out in the end – a successful songwriter and kick-ass dude, it was still an anxious and emotive read to see how this young damaged man took on every knock and push back that was thrown at him. It was rewarding to see how he fought back and overcame his nightmares of the past to become the better person and who he was always meant to be. But it was with Brady’s belief in him and his devotion that helped him the most and gave him the desire to trust again.
I loved how the story dealt with mental health issues and was wonderfully portrayed in Blue’s struggles. But it was the emotion and the connection of Blue and Brady that was the winner for me. The depth of love and trust between them was a joy to unfold and be part of.
Another great book by DP Denman and I highly recommend it. Five stars.
October 8, 2015
What would you do if you looked out your window and see that someone has collapsed on your property in the freezing cold? Would you turn your back on them and stay in your warm house or would you help them and make sure they are alive? As you start to read this is the situation that Brady finds himself in . He fear for the kids health and runs outside in the cold to aide the person. He didn't expect to be drawn to this young hurt sole but he was. Brady takes it upon himself to help the young boy ,and asked for this housekeeper Mary to help him care for the boy. The young boys name is "Blue" All Brady wants is Blue safe and to recover and heal, not just physically but emotionally also. There is a big age difference between Blue and Brady but the feeling are strong between them both. Is Blue what Brady needs or is Brady what Blue needs? Or do they both need each other? I would go on and keep telling you what happens between these two amazing characters but that would spoil this story for you. I highly recommend you to read this great story for yourself because you won't be disappointed because it's strong compelling read.
February 7, 2016
Wow!! I am at a loss for words to describe the journey D.P. Denman takes you on. It was emotional, gritty and dark at times and it couldn't be anything but these with the life that Blue has endured. The horrific treatment he received left not just physical scars but deep emotional ones as well, along with a deep self-loathing that leads him to some dark places.
If it were not for Brady, Blue wouldn't have survived. Brady saved him physically and, with time, emotionally. With love comes peace and healing and Brady shows plenty of love and patience, nurturing and encouraging him. It is safe to say that without Brady, there would be no Blue.
The healing process takes time and set-backs but with Brady's patience we see Blue find his place and start to come to terms with his past and who he is now. It is through Brady and his gentle nudging that Blue finds his passion for music, which gives him a positive outlet to focus on.
This was a heart-breaking, emotionally charged journey, which was beautifully written. D.P. Denman captured the mood and the characters in such a way that you become immersed in their story without realising it.
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
If it were not for Brady, Blue wouldn't have survived. Brady saved him physically and, with time, emotionally. With love comes peace and healing and Brady shows plenty of love and patience, nurturing and encouraging him. It is safe to say that without Brady, there would be no Blue.
The healing process takes time and set-backs but with Brady's patience we see Blue find his place and start to come to terms with his past and who he is now. It is through Brady and his gentle nudging that Blue finds his passion for music, which gives him a positive outlet to focus on.
This was a heart-breaking, emotionally charged journey, which was beautifully written. D.P. Denman captured the mood and the characters in such a way that you become immersed in their story without realising it.
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
October 2, 2015
This book made me incredibly sad, at the same time, also making me want to scream with rage at the atrocities committed against this young man. The torture and degradation that he had to submit to is only made worse by the fact that these sorts of things have happened, and unfortunately, still do.
This is an extremely well-written book, showing - but not glamorising - depression, PTSD, and self-harm to name but a few. All of these things Blue has to deal with on a daily basis. However, Brady also has to deal with them, as Blue is living with him. The characters are completely believable, whether it is Brady's calm that gets you, or Blue's immature temper tantrums. The fact of the matter is, they seem real. The characters, the situations, none of it seems false.
This is the first book by D.P. Denman I have read, but after this book, I can tell you that it won't be the last. Definitely recommended.
* I received this book from Enticing Journey Book Promotions in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is an extremely well-written book, showing - but not glamorising - depression, PTSD, and self-harm to name but a few. All of these things Blue has to deal with on a daily basis. However, Brady also has to deal with them, as Blue is living with him. The characters are completely believable, whether it is Brady's calm that gets you, or Blue's immature temper tantrums. The fact of the matter is, they seem real. The characters, the situations, none of it seems false.
This is the first book by D.P. Denman I have read, but after this book, I can tell you that it won't be the last. Definitely recommended.
* I received this book from Enticing Journey Book Promotions in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
September 25, 2015
So I will be honest and say I was not a huge fan of this book...Let me tell you why.
Although I felt so bad for Blue, with the camp his parents sent him too and what had happened to him there. He came across as so spoiled most of the time, like he expected Brady to just pay for everything. I know he went through some bad things but the way he acted turned me off this whole book.
Brady took Blue in when he ends up falling over in Brady's backyard after escaping camp. So you would think he would seem grateful for everything Brady was doing for him but he did not come across that way at all.
The two of them together I just did not feel at all...
There is a little angst in this book and you spend most of the book reading about Blue recovering. There were good parts to this book, but Blue's whole attitude and the way he treated Brady turned me off this book.
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads
Although I felt so bad for Blue, with the camp his parents sent him too and what had happened to him there. He came across as so spoiled most of the time, like he expected Brady to just pay for everything. I know he went through some bad things but the way he acted turned me off this whole book.
Brady took Blue in when he ends up falling over in Brady's backyard after escaping camp. So you would think he would seem grateful for everything Brady was doing for him but he did not come across that way at all.
The two of them together I just did not feel at all...
There is a little angst in this book and you spend most of the book reading about Blue recovering. There were good parts to this book, but Blue's whole attitude and the way he treated Brady turned me off this book.
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads
September 13, 2015
OMG this book had me up tell 3 in the morning i could not put it down. It had my emotions so over the place i felt so awful for Blue the way his parents were when Brady found him he was so hurt and so much anger in him but Brady saw something in him and he felt something for Blue. I loved how Brady had so much patience for Blue. I am hoping there will be another story about these two love to learn some more about Brady he seems like he had a story to tell but loved how it ended and loved How Brady was with Blue. You will fall in love with this story like i did there was just something about this book that as soon as you read the first page you were hooked and you wanted more and more. I did get emotional in this book and that is because i could feel the pain Blue went through. So do a big favor go ahead and click this book you will not regret it.
September 25, 2015
FiveStars
This is a crazy book... I felt sooooo bad for Blue and didn't always understand why Brady had so much patience, but in the end it all makes sense. The things you do for love.
Blue has a lot to overcome and Brady has the means and desire to be there for him... if he wants it.
The way these two connect was just beautiful. There was a very different chemistry than normal there and it just... worked. I liked that even though there was a big age difference it wasn't a huge issue, just there and almost smiled upon because it really didn't affect their relationship, just those outside the relationship, who don't really matter.
My heart broke when Blue had fall backs and I cheered when he had successes.
I can't wait to read more from Ms. Denman.
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Inked Rainbow Reads.
This is a crazy book... I felt sooooo bad for Blue and didn't always understand why Brady had so much patience, but in the end it all makes sense. The things you do for love.
Blue has a lot to overcome and Brady has the means and desire to be there for him... if he wants it.
The way these two connect was just beautiful. There was a very different chemistry than normal there and it just... worked. I liked that even though there was a big age difference it wasn't a huge issue, just there and almost smiled upon because it really didn't affect their relationship, just those outside the relationship, who don't really matter.
My heart broke when Blue had fall backs and I cheered when he had successes.
I can't wait to read more from Ms. Denman.
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Inked Rainbow Reads.
September 21, 2016
In this story Brady, a self-made man, rescues Blue when he stumbles from the woods behind his house into his garden in a cold winter night. He calls an ambulance and visits him in the hospital because he feels responsible for him. Blue has a lot of injuries and doesn´t want to talk about the things that happened to him. Brady gives him a home and tries to help Blue together with his housekeeper Mary. When Blue moves out he can´t cope with his rage about the things that he experienced and starts to take drugs. When he lands in a mental ward because the hospital thinks that he tried to commit suicide the hospital informs Brady and he takes him in once more and this time he gets Blue to seek professional help and they manage to form a relationship. I liked this story very much.
February 15, 2016
i'm waiting to write my full review until i've read book 2 which may or may not be fair.
this is a unique story that pretty much had me quickly turning pages, reluctant to put it down. i had a few issues with blue's recovery and the story following. i want to see how things play out in book 2.
questions still need to be answered - particularly everything about brady. on the surface he seems like an amazingly grounded, well adjusted man. i'd like to know what shaped him. i'm also not totally sure how i feel about their age difference. 20 years is a big gap.
this is a unique story that pretty much had me quickly turning pages, reluctant to put it down. i had a few issues with blue's recovery and the story following. i want to see how things play out in book 2.
questions still need to be answered - particularly everything about brady. on the surface he seems like an amazingly grounded, well adjusted man. i'd like to know what shaped him. i'm also not totally sure how i feel about their age difference. 20 years is a big gap.
September 24, 2015
3.5 - 4 Stars
I don't know what to make of this book, I liked it but at the same time disliked it. I felt although Blue went through some pretty heavy stuff, it was just meh. The sexual tension between the characters was good and the writing was also, but i just felt it was lacking in the overall storyline.
Was good for a quick read.
I don't know what to make of this book, I liked it but at the same time disliked it. I felt although Blue went through some pretty heavy stuff, it was just meh. The sexual tension between the characters was good and the writing was also, but i just felt it was lacking in the overall storyline.
Was good for a quick read.
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