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Between Loathing and Love
Theatrical agent Payton Gowan meets with former classmate―and prospective client―Beckett Huntington with every intention of brushing him off. Beckett not only made high school a living hell for Payton, but he was also responsible for dashing Payton’s dreams of becoming a Broadway star. Aspiring actor Beckett Huntington arrives in New York City on a wing and a prayer, struggling to land his first gig. He knows scoring Payton Gowan as an agent would be a great way to get his foot in the door, but with their history, getting the chance is going to be a tough sell. Against Payton’s better judgment, he agrees to give Beckett a chance, only to discover―to his amazement―that Beckett actually does have talent. Payton signs Beckett but can’t trust him―until Payton’s best friend, Val, is attacked. When Beckett is there for him, Payton begins to see another side to his former bully. Amidst attempts by a jealous agent to sabotage Beckett’s career and tear apart their blossoming love, Payton and Beckett must learn to let go of the past if they have any chance at playing out a future together.
200 pages, Paperback
First published October 12, 2015
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396 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
June 30, 2016
This was a good enemies to lovers story. I didn't quite love it as much as a lot of other's did. I think it just a bit mushy for me.
What I loved most about this book was how fresh it was for me. I've never read a book where the MC was an agent and the other was a theatre actor. I enjoyed that aspect of the book a lot. I also liked the two MC's.
Payton's hatred for Beckett was valid. The guy was horrible to him in school. Even though Beckett had his reasons it still didn't excuse his behavior. I'm glad it all wasn't forgiven so easily after he confesses his reasons. But still happy they worked through it and forgiveness was given.
Beckett really showed how much he had changed. I mean they are adults now and we are not who we were in high school. Hopefully.
Payton is struggling with his feeling's for Beckett and the prospect of losing his job over those feeling's. We have a creeper named, Garren.
Garren is a fellow agent at the same agency as Payton who is making things more difficult for Payton when it comes to this struggle. He is a dirty agent trying to take Payton down out of jealousy and being a lousy agent. He was such a creeper in this book. The kind that gives you weird vibes alerting you to avoid this person.
Then we have Val. The bestie to Payton. I loved their relationship and how protective they were of each other. They called each other on their bullshit and was really honest with each other. I loved that. It's amazing to have friendships like that.
I would love to see a book with Val and see if him and Lars are still together.
All in all a short goodie. ;]
What I loved most about this book was how fresh it was for me. I've never read a book where the MC was an agent and the other was a theatre actor. I enjoyed that aspect of the book a lot. I also liked the two MC's.
Payton's hatred for Beckett was valid. The guy was horrible to him in school. Even though Beckett had his reasons it still didn't excuse his behavior. I'm glad it all wasn't forgiven so easily after he confesses his reasons. But still happy they worked through it and forgiveness was given.
Beckett really showed how much he had changed. I mean they are adults now and we are not who we were in high school. Hopefully.
Payton is struggling with his feeling's for Beckett and the prospect of losing his job over those feeling's. We have a creeper named, Garren.
Garren is a fellow agent at the same agency as Payton who is making things more difficult for Payton when it comes to this struggle. He is a dirty agent trying to take Payton down out of jealousy and being a lousy agent. He was such a creeper in this book. The kind that gives you weird vibes alerting you to avoid this person.
Then we have Val. The bestie to Payton. I loved their relationship and how protective they were of each other. They called each other on their bullshit and was really honest with each other. I loved that. It's amazing to have friendships like that.
I would love to see a book with Val and see if him and Lars are still together.
All in all a short goodie. ;]
September 29, 2016
This story has an almost fairytale feel to it. The characters all have exceptional opportunities and situations pop up immediately, mostly everything goes their way, and there's very little conflict.
I enjoyed most of the story, with the exception a bit of unnecessary drama (to me) in the third quarter, which, admittedly, is more of a personal peeve. There are also two storylines, one involving a date gone bad with Payton's best friend, Val, and another involving Payton's co-worker that I felt kind of got dropped and felt unresolved. I would really have liked better resolutions for both situations.
In the end though, and aided by the exceptional narration by Tristan James, this is a sweet tale with some very nice heat and sexy times, easy flow, and likable characters (especially Pay's best friend, Val, who I hope will get his own story please!).
Tristan James has that uncanny knack to really bring the words in the story to life. He infuses his work with emotion, his character voices are entertaining, and his pacing is good. All in all this was a really pleasant way to spend six hours.
Audio copy of Between Loathing and Love provided by Dreampsinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
October 31, 2016
Tristan James brings to life this story featuring high school rivals. He always manages to differentiate the character’s voices so I am never confused as to what’s going on.
Talent scout Payton Gowan is hoping to rising to prominence at his job but to gain favor he has to cultivate a new talent, Beckett Huntington. The problem is that Payton went to school with Beckett and has only memories of Beckett the star athlete tormenting him. But Payton’s fortunes are tethered to Beckett’s.
It’s through spending time with Beckett that Payton gains a new perspective on his high school times. In addition, Payton learns that Beckett isn’t the monster that he remembers. Is that enough to move forward?
A cute story of enemies to lovers which saw Payton finally make peace with his high school bully. One of the things that stood out to me was Beckett’s confidence and Payton’s lack of it even after all this time. This book was a treat with the theater drama as well as Payton’s best friend Val. While it wasn’t a deep story, it did pull on my heart strings and I am glad that Payton and Beckett got it right.
*Audiobook given in exchange for an honest review.
Talent scout Payton Gowan is hoping to rising to prominence at his job but to gain favor he has to cultivate a new talent, Beckett Huntington. The problem is that Payton went to school with Beckett and has only memories of Beckett the star athlete tormenting him. But Payton’s fortunes are tethered to Beckett’s.
It’s through spending time with Beckett that Payton gains a new perspective on his high school times. In addition, Payton learns that Beckett isn’t the monster that he remembers. Is that enough to move forward?
A cute story of enemies to lovers which saw Payton finally make peace with his high school bully. One of the things that stood out to me was Beckett’s confidence and Payton’s lack of it even after all this time. This book was a treat with the theater drama as well as Payton’s best friend Val. While it wasn’t a deep story, it did pull on my heart strings and I am glad that Payton and Beckett got it right.
*Audiobook given in exchange for an honest review.
December 10, 2015
Fantastic story of two boys who grew up to be great men. I really enjoyed this one!
December 29, 2017
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars because still no 1/2 stars here on GR and Tristan James so rounding up seems appropriate.
All the world's a stage...
Payton Gowan long ago gave up his dreams of being an actor and turned his talents to making things happen for others, but when the reason for his careers change of course steals his treadmill at the gym Payton comes face to face with is past.
When Beckett Huntington bumps into Payton at the local gym he doesn't realize that he's not only meeting the person he blames for outing him all those years ago, the person who caused him to become interested in acting but the he's meeting the person who can help make all his dreams come true.
'Between Loathing and Love' is a quintessential 'enemies to friends' story. Payton is a nice guy he's honorable and in spite of the animosity of the past between him and Beckett he sees how talented the man is and he's totally professional in how he behaves in regard to Beckett's career.
I wasn't so sure about Beckett at the beginning but as the story progressed he grew on me and I liked the change from the person we were given to understand him to have been as a young man in high school and the adult that he's become.
There's definite communication challenges between Payton and Beckett which for me made sense given their background these two had a long of trust building to do and just generally needed to develop a better comfort level that allowed for open and honest communication.
There were some interesting secondary characters in this story...Beckett's neighbor Val was someone whom I'd like to see more of. He was an interesting character and I liked his open, honest nature and I'd really love to see how things turn out with him and Lars and then there was Rob and while I'm not going to say exactly where he factored into things I will say when last we saw him in this story he shared some things with Payton and Beckett that made me want to have more of a story about him. Then there was Beckett's douchebag co-worker while I don't need to see more of him, I will say he did add some interest in this one.
I really liked this story but I have to admit what really added to my enjoyment was the narrator...Tristan James. I cannot like this man is one on my top 5 list of favorites when it comes to narrators. If he's reading the story I just sink right in. I love his voice and the character voices are consistent, expressive and unique, injecting a tone that simply compels me to listen and I do so quite happily.
All the world's a stage...
Payton Gowan long ago gave up his dreams of being an actor and turned his talents to making things happen for others, but when the reason for his careers change of course steals his treadmill at the gym Payton comes face to face with is past.
When Beckett Huntington bumps into Payton at the local gym he doesn't realize that he's not only meeting the person he blames for outing him all those years ago, the person who caused him to become interested in acting but the he's meeting the person who can help make all his dreams come true.
'Between Loathing and Love' is a quintessential 'enemies to friends' story. Payton is a nice guy he's honorable and in spite of the animosity of the past between him and Beckett he sees how talented the man is and he's totally professional in how he behaves in regard to Beckett's career.
I wasn't so sure about Beckett at the beginning but as the story progressed he grew on me and I liked the change from the person we were given to understand him to have been as a young man in high school and the adult that he's become.
There's definite communication challenges between Payton and Beckett which for me made sense given their background these two had a long of trust building to do and just generally needed to develop a better comfort level that allowed for open and honest communication.
There were some interesting secondary characters in this story...Beckett's neighbor Val was someone whom I'd like to see more of. He was an interesting character and I liked his open, honest nature and I'd really love to see how things turn out with him and Lars and then there was Rob and while I'm not going to say exactly where he factored into things I will say when last we saw him in this story he shared some things with Payton and Beckett that made me want to have more of a story about him. Then there was Beckett's douchebag co-worker while I don't need to see more of him, I will say he did add some interest in this one.
I really liked this story but I have to admit what really added to my enjoyment was the narrator...Tristan James. I cannot like this man is one on my top 5 list of favorites when it comes to narrators. If he's reading the story I just sink right in. I love his voice and the character voices are consistent, expressive and unique, injecting a tone that simply compels me to listen and I do so quite happily.
October 3, 2016
dnf al 50%, esto no hay quien lo lea, me lo reservo para un día tonto o lo que sea.
December 6, 2015
CURTAIN UP ~ IT’S SHOWTIME!!! I love the theatre so when I saw this book by Andrew Grey I just couldn’t resist finding out what it is all about. Broadway, on and off stage, musicals, plays, love the whole backdrop of this book. OK, it was more off stage than on stage and that’s because we take a look at Payton who is a theatrical agent. Even off stage the whole business is just as cut throat as on, so it was interesting to read about Payton’s life, hopes and aspirations as a theatrical agent.
However, like any workplace there is those that support you and there is always the weasel who tries to trips you up, catch you out only to advance their own careers. The kind of people that hate seeing success in others as their own mediocre attempts just don’t come up to the mark. So the whole work place dynamics I loved and we have Garren the unlikable workplace swine. I could have punched this guy at times for Payton.
Payton has been handed a new client list and gets to work phoning until he gets to Beckett Huntington’s file. Then his whole world is turned on it’s head. He recognises the school bully who made his life a misery when he was a teenager. He has to put his emotions aside, remaining professional and signs him up.
I liked this whole enemies to lovers scenario and as the title suggest when they first meet they only remember the times in school and of course hate each other with a vengeance. But do people change with time? Are they now the same people they were in school? This is now the elephant standing in the room as they find the attraction, at least first the physical one is undeniable. I really liked the aspect of how both protagonists first have to overcome their past issues in order to pave the way for a relationship. However, in this department Payton seems to have more hang-ups than Beckett. He seems to have more problems with putting the past behind him. Put on top this the ethical issue of getting involved with a client then the professional barrier has been well and truly broken. Even more so when you know the workplace weasel is just going to use anything against you.
What I also loved were the dialogues especially between Payton and his good friend and neighbour Val. I loved Val, upbeat, optimistic and always ready with a funny quip. the conversations were natural, funny and intimate on a making fun level. It is all too often that sometimes such dialogues can come across as being contrived and a little stayed but here they flowed naturally and it was like listening to two good friend having fun and giving each other advice when needed. I could imagine Val would also be exactly the kind of best friend I would like for myself. Oh and here I have to mention the two drag queens that Payton signs up – LOL! Loved them.
This was a thoroughly entertaining read, two people learning to love each other after coming from a background where they had hated each other. It was great to read how they overcame their issues and mastered their situation. How Payton got his revenge on Garren – HA! How Payton wakes up and sees that love can be more important than any career choice or job. There is some angst thrown in while Payton is deciding whether it’s his career or Beckett which are more important to him but nothing that had me worrying to death. If you’re looking for a great read with a little humour, theatrics and razzle dazzle and pizazz then you’ll really like this book by Andrew Grey. Encore!
However, like any workplace there is those that support you and there is always the weasel who tries to trips you up, catch you out only to advance their own careers. The kind of people that hate seeing success in others as their own mediocre attempts just don’t come up to the mark. So the whole work place dynamics I loved and we have Garren the unlikable workplace swine. I could have punched this guy at times for Payton.
Payton has been handed a new client list and gets to work phoning until he gets to Beckett Huntington’s file. Then his whole world is turned on it’s head. He recognises the school bully who made his life a misery when he was a teenager. He has to put his emotions aside, remaining professional and signs him up.
I liked this whole enemies to lovers scenario and as the title suggest when they first meet they only remember the times in school and of course hate each other with a vengeance. But do people change with time? Are they now the same people they were in school? This is now the elephant standing in the room as they find the attraction, at least first the physical one is undeniable. I really liked the aspect of how both protagonists first have to overcome their past issues in order to pave the way for a relationship. However, in this department Payton seems to have more hang-ups than Beckett. He seems to have more problems with putting the past behind him. Put on top this the ethical issue of getting involved with a client then the professional barrier has been well and truly broken. Even more so when you know the workplace weasel is just going to use anything against you.
What I also loved were the dialogues especially between Payton and his good friend and neighbour Val. I loved Val, upbeat, optimistic and always ready with a funny quip. the conversations were natural, funny and intimate on a making fun level. It is all too often that sometimes such dialogues can come across as being contrived and a little stayed but here they flowed naturally and it was like listening to two good friend having fun and giving each other advice when needed. I could imagine Val would also be exactly the kind of best friend I would like for myself. Oh and here I have to mention the two drag queens that Payton signs up – LOL! Loved them.
This was a thoroughly entertaining read, two people learning to love each other after coming from a background where they had hated each other. It was great to read how they overcame their issues and mastered their situation. How Payton got his revenge on Garren – HA! How Payton wakes up and sees that love can be more important than any career choice or job. There is some angst thrown in while Payton is deciding whether it’s his career or Beckett which are more important to him but nothing that had me worrying to death. If you’re looking for a great read with a little humour, theatrics and razzle dazzle and pizazz then you’ll really like this book by Andrew Grey. Encore!
March 4, 2016
Some relationships are more difficult than others, and this one, between theatrical agent Payton and aspiring actor Beckett is definitely one of the more obstacle-ridden ones I have seen recently. On the surface, these two men should be able to get along really well. They both love the theater, if for slightly different reasons, and they both come from the same hometown, even went to high school together. But that last point is also the reason for their deep-seated issues. The truth about what exactly happened in their shared past only emerges slowly, and for me, that was part of the charm of the book. The other part was the fact that Payton’s animosity was not just due to a “general dislike” or a one-time run-in, there is some fundamental psychological drama at the heart of their history that went far deeper than bullying. And just to put the icing on the cake, drama-wise, it turns out that Becket had good reason to feel exactly the same animosity as Payton even though he looks like, to outsiders, the one doing the bullying. Very cleverly planned and executed!
Payton didn’t set out to be a theatrical agent, he always wanted to be an actor. But after what happened in high school, all due to Beckett and his arrogant interference, Payton knows he doesn’t have what it takes to be a successful actor. He does, however, have a talent to see what others are good at, so becoming a “talent scout”, an agent who finds and represents actors and gets them parts, is perfect for him. Meeting Beckett again, and being more or less told by his boss to sign him on as a client, is initially almost traumatizing for Payton. He intends to have his revenge and ignore his boss’s request, but once he sees how talented Beckett is, everything changes. I was impressed with Payton’s ability to be a professional, but even more so when Payton opens his mind to other possibilities. Not that it’s easy, there is plenty of conflict, but Payton is very mature about handling it – most of the time.
Beckett is determined to become a successful actor. He was into bodybuilding for a while, and his image needs some work if he wants to land character roles, but he is prepared to listen to advice and put in the work needed to go all the way. He thinks he has reason to hate Payton, but is open-minded enough to let bygones be bygones once he finds out the truth. Fighting for Payton’s heart is tough, but if anyone can do it, Beckett can. He definitely has the determination and sheer stubbornness to attempt it.
There is more to this book than the fantastic main characters, though they and the way they grow and change were the main reason for my enthusiasm. There is Payton’s best friend Val, who is a great supporter for Payton no matter what and a quirky, fun guy to get to know. I also really liked Gloria, a much more experienced theatrical agent who gives Payton more than career advice. There is the setting of New York theatre, which has a magic all its own, especially since I got to see some of what goes on behind the scenes. The cutthroat competition between theatrical agents comes through as well, and it’s just as bad as anywhere else in the business world.
If you like the glamorous world of actors, agents, and theatre, if you want to know more about two men who used to be “mortal enemies” in high school only to discover, a few years later, that they could be a lot more than friends, and if you’re looking for a read full of emotions, drama, personal and other revelations, and a wonderful happy ending, then you will probably like this novel as much as I did. It’s an entertaining, suspenseful, character-driven story in a fascinating setting.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Payton didn’t set out to be a theatrical agent, he always wanted to be an actor. But after what happened in high school, all due to Beckett and his arrogant interference, Payton knows he doesn’t have what it takes to be a successful actor. He does, however, have a talent to see what others are good at, so becoming a “talent scout”, an agent who finds and represents actors and gets them parts, is perfect for him. Meeting Beckett again, and being more or less told by his boss to sign him on as a client, is initially almost traumatizing for Payton. He intends to have his revenge and ignore his boss’s request, but once he sees how talented Beckett is, everything changes. I was impressed with Payton’s ability to be a professional, but even more so when Payton opens his mind to other possibilities. Not that it’s easy, there is plenty of conflict, but Payton is very mature about handling it – most of the time.
Beckett is determined to become a successful actor. He was into bodybuilding for a while, and his image needs some work if he wants to land character roles, but he is prepared to listen to advice and put in the work needed to go all the way. He thinks he has reason to hate Payton, but is open-minded enough to let bygones be bygones once he finds out the truth. Fighting for Payton’s heart is tough, but if anyone can do it, Beckett can. He definitely has the determination and sheer stubbornness to attempt it.
There is more to this book than the fantastic main characters, though they and the way they grow and change were the main reason for my enthusiasm. There is Payton’s best friend Val, who is a great supporter for Payton no matter what and a quirky, fun guy to get to know. I also really liked Gloria, a much more experienced theatrical agent who gives Payton more than career advice. There is the setting of New York theatre, which has a magic all its own, especially since I got to see some of what goes on behind the scenes. The cutthroat competition between theatrical agents comes through as well, and it’s just as bad as anywhere else in the business world.
If you like the glamorous world of actors, agents, and theatre, if you want to know more about two men who used to be “mortal enemies” in high school only to discover, a few years later, that they could be a lot more than friends, and if you’re looking for a read full of emotions, drama, personal and other revelations, and a wonderful happy ending, then you will probably like this novel as much as I did. It’s an entertaining, suspenseful, character-driven story in a fascinating setting.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
January 8, 2016
*3.5 stars*
This started off well. 'Enemies' who went to high school together, then seeing each other several years later. It was a five star read for a bit, but slowly the rating went down. It wasn't a bad book per se, but there were several things that ruined it for me.
I didn't like how quickly they went from hating, to lusting, then suddenly breaking up over stupid things, really stupid that almost made me dnf, then omg they are so in love and everything is resolved, let's all live happily ever after. And the kicker, this all happened in a week. Yep, you heard right, one week. So do I recommend this? Maybe, it was ok. If you like enemies to lovers, it wasn't done to well as they moved on to quick, if you hate Insta love, leave this alone. It was hot, I liked the MCs, sorta, maybe. Actually I liked The best friend Val more, so if he has a book I will probably read that.
This started off well. 'Enemies' who went to high school together, then seeing each other several years later. It was a five star read for a bit, but slowly the rating went down. It wasn't a bad book per se, but there were several things that ruined it for me.
I didn't like how quickly they went from hating, to lusting, then suddenly breaking up over stupid things, really stupid that almost made me dnf, then omg they are so in love and everything is resolved, let's all live happily ever after. And the kicker, this all happened in a week. Yep, you heard right, one week. So do I recommend this? Maybe, it was ok. If you like enemies to lovers, it wasn't done to well as they moved on to quick, if you hate Insta love, leave this alone. It was hot, I liked the MCs, sorta, maybe. Actually I liked The best friend Val more, so if he has a book I will probably read that.
April 29, 2020
Very enjoyable.
It's been a long time since I've done an Andrew Grey, and his stories are always reliable. Well written characters and an interesting relationship.
I've missed Tristan James though. I've been far too long without his rich, dulcet tones crooning in my ear :).
It's been a long time since I've done an Andrew Grey, and his stories are always reliable. Well written characters and an interesting relationship.
I've missed Tristan James though. I've been far too long without his rich, dulcet tones crooning in my ear :).
November 15, 2015
3,5 stars
May 21, 2020
3.5 Stars
There's something about Andrew Grey books that make them comfort-reads. A little drama (in this case, literally!), some hot sexy times, and a lot of romance with some interesting characters...and you've got a great formula for an easy read. It's not formulaic; it's just that when you pick up one of his books you know what you're gonna get - and rarely do they disappoint.
Tristan James did a great job with the narration of this high-school enemies to adult lovers story. I appreciated the character growth as well. Took a lot of guts for Payton to admit he'd underestimated Beckett, and for Beckett to take that teenage anger at being outed and channel it into a successful career.
There's something about Andrew Grey books that make them comfort-reads. A little drama (in this case, literally!), some hot sexy times, and a lot of romance with some interesting characters...and you've got a great formula for an easy read. It's not formulaic; it's just that when you pick up one of his books you know what you're gonna get - and rarely do they disappoint.
Tristan James did a great job with the narration of this high-school enemies to adult lovers story. I appreciated the character growth as well. Took a lot of guts for Payton to admit he'd underestimated Beckett, and for Beckett to take that teenage anger at being outed and channel it into a successful career.
October 16, 2015
Sweet Loving Jezus, what a great book!!! The only thing I hate is that I seem to read Andrew's books so fast!!!! Loved it!!!!
September 24, 2016
Audiobook review September 2016
"Well Written and re-told by Tristan James"
What did you love best about Between Loathing and Love?
The way Beckett tore down every wall Payton threw up between them.
What did you like best about this story?
Payton's journey as he learns that what he thought he knew was skewed and how he finds love in the last place he thought he would.
What about Tristan James’s performance did you like?
Every damn thing! Tristan James is a storyteller that embodies the characters in the voices he gives them.
Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
This was an intense story with a plethora of emotions. Pay's warped co-worker made me laugh more than once, at him that is. And what happens with Val, Pay's best friend, made me tear up a little. When I read that scene it was emotional, but then to hear Tristan James really encompass Val's emotional state while narrating just drove that situation home for me.
E-book Review October 2015
Payton Gowan is very far removed from the shy, awkward, overweight gay kid that was bullied and picked on in high school. He has a great life, a successful career and lives in the same building with his best friend. And then his childhood tormentor walks into his office looking for representation and throws Payton for a loop. What Payton wants to do is tell Beckett to piss off and show him the door, but Beckett is very talented and at the end of the day, Payton realizes he needs to do his job and leave the past in the past.
Beckett Huntington doesn’t remember who Payton is at first. Payton has shortened his name to Pay, he’s lost weight and toned his body, gone is the acne, replaced with a very stunning man. Beckett is attracted and intrigued, until Payton reminds him of their shared past. Once Beckett learns that he was wrong about Payton in high school, he sets out to make Payton his. And while the attraction is mutual, Payton has trouble letting go of the past, even if it is threatening to destroy his future.
Enemies to lover’s stories can be quite good, if conveyed the right way. Grey painted a pretty vivid image of the interaction between these two when they were in high school, and how things could have been perceived the way they were. A decade later and Beckett has had to learn how to rely on his talent and skill instead of his size and good looks. Pay has worked his way up in a demanding, cut throat business, and still has a shark snipping at his heels. These two can be so much more together, if they can find a way to let go of the past and compromise to build a future.
This story showed Grey’s sexier side of writing. Beckett and Pay share an electric chemistry that jumps off the pages. Beckett is large and domineering, and yet, he is gentle with Pay when he needs to be. I especially enjoyed that while Pay wasn’t a virgin, he had not had generous lovers… so the relationship with Beckett was different, new and more meaningful for both of them; a very passionate romance.
I have to say though; I sincerely hope that Grey brings the guy with PTSD back. I would love to see what Grey can bring to the table writing a love story for a man that suffers from the inflictions PTSD causes in someone’s life. While Val was more of a secondary character, Pay’s best friend, I could tell even with the little page time with him that he just wants to be loved, and to love someone. I think they would be perfect together. We shall see!
Definitely a must read, especially if you are a fan of Grey’s work. As I said, the story is passionate and sexy with a bit of suspense and politics to mix things up. You can never go wrong with an Andrew Grey read.
"Well Written and re-told by Tristan James"
What did you love best about Between Loathing and Love?
The way Beckett tore down every wall Payton threw up between them.
What did you like best about this story?
Payton's journey as he learns that what he thought he knew was skewed and how he finds love in the last place he thought he would.
What about Tristan James’s performance did you like?
Every damn thing! Tristan James is a storyteller that embodies the characters in the voices he gives them.
Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
This was an intense story with a plethora of emotions. Pay's warped co-worker made me laugh more than once, at him that is. And what happens with Val, Pay's best friend, made me tear up a little. When I read that scene it was emotional, but then to hear Tristan James really encompass Val's emotional state while narrating just drove that situation home for me.
E-book Review October 2015
Payton Gowan is very far removed from the shy, awkward, overweight gay kid that was bullied and picked on in high school. He has a great life, a successful career and lives in the same building with his best friend. And then his childhood tormentor walks into his office looking for representation and throws Payton for a loop. What Payton wants to do is tell Beckett to piss off and show him the door, but Beckett is very talented and at the end of the day, Payton realizes he needs to do his job and leave the past in the past.
Beckett Huntington doesn’t remember who Payton is at first. Payton has shortened his name to Pay, he’s lost weight and toned his body, gone is the acne, replaced with a very stunning man. Beckett is attracted and intrigued, until Payton reminds him of their shared past. Once Beckett learns that he was wrong about Payton in high school, he sets out to make Payton his. And while the attraction is mutual, Payton has trouble letting go of the past, even if it is threatening to destroy his future.
Enemies to lover’s stories can be quite good, if conveyed the right way. Grey painted a pretty vivid image of the interaction between these two when they were in high school, and how things could have been perceived the way they were. A decade later and Beckett has had to learn how to rely on his talent and skill instead of his size and good looks. Pay has worked his way up in a demanding, cut throat business, and still has a shark snipping at his heels. These two can be so much more together, if they can find a way to let go of the past and compromise to build a future.
This story showed Grey’s sexier side of writing. Beckett and Pay share an electric chemistry that jumps off the pages. Beckett is large and domineering, and yet, he is gentle with Pay when he needs to be. I especially enjoyed that while Pay wasn’t a virgin, he had not had generous lovers… so the relationship with Beckett was different, new and more meaningful for both of them; a very passionate romance.
I have to say though; I sincerely hope that Grey brings the guy with PTSD back. I would love to see what Grey can bring to the table writing a love story for a man that suffers from the inflictions PTSD causes in someone’s life. While Val was more of a secondary character, Pay’s best friend, I could tell even with the little page time with him that he just wants to be loved, and to love someone. I think they would be perfect together. We shall see!
Definitely a must read, especially if you are a fan of Grey’s work. As I said, the story is passionate and sexy with a bit of suspense and politics to mix things up. You can never go wrong with an Andrew Grey read.
December 11, 2015
4.5 Heart Review by Vicki
Awww…. I loved this story! I was planning on reading it, but hadn’t gotten to it yet, when it became available to review I decided now was a good time to read it. I’m so glad I did!
This is a story of redemption, and a lesson of forgiveness and acceptance. In high school Payton saw something he shouldn’t have, and paid the price. Beckett Huntington got caught doing something he shouldn’t be doing, and reacted badly, becoming the bully he wasn’t meant to be. Years later, Payton, now a theatrical agent in New York City, is shocked to see his high school nemesis in his local gym. He’s even more shocked when Beckett shows up on his list of prospective actors at work. He’s convinced he’ll brush him off, but unfortunately Beckett has talent. And doesn’t appear to remember Payton from high school… I will admit that stretched my believability of this story a bit, if Beckett hated and harassed Payton as much as Payton implies, I find it hard to believe that Beckett wouldn’t remember him. But, I went with it, and really got in to this story.
So Payton agrees to represent Beckett, but of course it comes out that they have a history. Beckett has a different understanding of how things went down in high school, and a big kerfuffle ensues. Leading to understanding, acceptance, redemption, and….. maybe more! You’ll have to read this book to find out what happens!
I liked Payton, and the first person perspective. He’s a strong character, we see him not only with Beckett, but his best friend Val, and he has a work issue he deals with nicely. He’s had his own issues to deal with, going from chubby, bullied kid, with aspirations to acting, to the confident man he is now. He’s worked past his loss of his dream of acting, still able to make his living in the industry, just in a different way. Beckett was a little harder for me to get a hold of, but as the story progressed and Payton accepted him, I did as well. He is proof that you don’t always know the full story. He did react badly in high school, but we find out why. He still was an asshole, but there was a reason. Payton gets it and is able to move on.
I loved the little drama that occurs with Val, and how Beckett steps up. I loved Val and Payton together, there were some fun moments, but some sweet ones as well. I loved Payton and Beckett as a couple, once they get there (Oops! Gave that away… but it is a romance, so it’s probably not a surprise!), and they are smoking hot in bed. I liked the details about the theater industry in NYC.
I am a fan of Andrew Grey, as expected this is another sweet story from him. There is enough drama to keep it interesting, and the usual tender moments he is so good at giving us. I had a quote I was going to share, but I can’t find it now, it was a nice moment between Payton and Beckett… This was just a good story all around! I’d recommend it to anyone that likes a sweet contemporary romance between strong characters. Minimal angst, good sex scenes, and an interesting plot.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
Awww…. I loved this story! I was planning on reading it, but hadn’t gotten to it yet, when it became available to review I decided now was a good time to read it. I’m so glad I did!
This is a story of redemption, and a lesson of forgiveness and acceptance. In high school Payton saw something he shouldn’t have, and paid the price. Beckett Huntington got caught doing something he shouldn’t be doing, and reacted badly, becoming the bully he wasn’t meant to be. Years later, Payton, now a theatrical agent in New York City, is shocked to see his high school nemesis in his local gym. He’s even more shocked when Beckett shows up on his list of prospective actors at work. He’s convinced he’ll brush him off, but unfortunately Beckett has talent. And doesn’t appear to remember Payton from high school… I will admit that stretched my believability of this story a bit, if Beckett hated and harassed Payton as much as Payton implies, I find it hard to believe that Beckett wouldn’t remember him. But, I went with it, and really got in to this story.
So Payton agrees to represent Beckett, but of course it comes out that they have a history. Beckett has a different understanding of how things went down in high school, and a big kerfuffle ensues. Leading to understanding, acceptance, redemption, and….. maybe more! You’ll have to read this book to find out what happens!
I liked Payton, and the first person perspective. He’s a strong character, we see him not only with Beckett, but his best friend Val, and he has a work issue he deals with nicely. He’s had his own issues to deal with, going from chubby, bullied kid, with aspirations to acting, to the confident man he is now. He’s worked past his loss of his dream of acting, still able to make his living in the industry, just in a different way. Beckett was a little harder for me to get a hold of, but as the story progressed and Payton accepted him, I did as well. He is proof that you don’t always know the full story. He did react badly in high school, but we find out why. He still was an asshole, but there was a reason. Payton gets it and is able to move on.
I loved the little drama that occurs with Val, and how Beckett steps up. I loved Val and Payton together, there were some fun moments, but some sweet ones as well. I loved Payton and Beckett as a couple, once they get there (Oops! Gave that away… but it is a romance, so it’s probably not a surprise!), and they are smoking hot in bed. I liked the details about the theater industry in NYC.
I am a fan of Andrew Grey, as expected this is another sweet story from him. There is enough drama to keep it interesting, and the usual tender moments he is so good at giving us. I had a quote I was going to share, but I can’t find it now, it was a nice moment between Payton and Beckett… This was just a good story all around! I’d recommend it to anyone that likes a sweet contemporary romance between strong characters. Minimal angst, good sex scenes, and an interesting plot.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
September 16, 2016
This is an enemies to lovers story about two guys who “hated” each other in high school and now are forced to work with one another as adults.
There’s also a bit about self-esteem/self-worth as Payton has made some changes to his appearance as well.
I enjoyed Val, Payton’s BFF – he was funny and interesting and hopefully will have his own story one day! I think his “issues” could be very powerful.
I didn’t really feel that I got a good understanding of what drove Beckett. He seemed such a contradiction. Really muscular/jockish but acting and being on Broadway didn’t seem to be two things that blended well. I’d have enjoyed learning more about that juxtaposition.
Payton was another mixed bag. On one hand he was so confident and knew what he wanted from life, but on the other he was so insecure. I was a bit bothered by the fact that all his problems seemed to “go away” once he lost weight. This seems to indicate that physical appearance is the most important thing in life. I also didn’t like the fact that Beckett didn’t seem to be interested in Payton before the weight loss (before the “incident”) and that feels a bit superficial to me.
Payton and Beckett definitely have a lot in common and I could see them being together long term. Beckett seems pretty superficial to me, but so does Payton, so that might work for them both.
I really liked Val and hope we see more of him in the future.
In total, this story didn’t move me much and I found it far less interesting than Andrew Grey’s other works. I really like his senses series https://www.goodreads.com/search?q=an... or his supernatural stories written as Dirk Greyson https://www.goodreads.com/search?q=di...) much better, but this was a low angst read, with nice writing and an interesting set of careers for our MCs.
3 of 5 stars
Audio
Tristan James is one of my favorite narrators! He has a lovely voice and I can just listen to him for hours! He has a great grasp of emotion and really does a lot to bring a story to life. He absolutely increased my enjoyment of this story – I likely wouldn’t have continued reading if I hadn’t been “listening” instead.
4.5 of 5 stars
Overall 3.75 of 5 stars for the audiobook
There’s also a bit about self-esteem/self-worth as Payton has made some changes to his appearance as well.
I enjoyed Val, Payton’s BFF – he was funny and interesting and hopefully will have his own story one day! I think his “issues” could be very powerful.
I didn’t really feel that I got a good understanding of what drove Beckett. He seemed such a contradiction. Really muscular/jockish but acting and being on Broadway didn’t seem to be two things that blended well. I’d have enjoyed learning more about that juxtaposition.
Payton was another mixed bag. On one hand he was so confident and knew what he wanted from life, but on the other he was so insecure. I was a bit bothered by the fact that all his problems seemed to “go away” once he lost weight. This seems to indicate that physical appearance is the most important thing in life. I also didn’t like the fact that Beckett didn’t seem to be interested in Payton before the weight loss (before the “incident”) and that feels a bit superficial to me.
Payton and Beckett definitely have a lot in common and I could see them being together long term. Beckett seems pretty superficial to me, but so does Payton, so that might work for them both.
I really liked Val and hope we see more of him in the future.
In total, this story didn’t move me much and I found it far less interesting than Andrew Grey’s other works. I really like his senses series https://www.goodreads.com/search?q=an... or his supernatural stories written as Dirk Greyson https://www.goodreads.com/search?q=di...) much better, but this was a low angst read, with nice writing and an interesting set of careers for our MCs.
3 of 5 stars
Audio
Tristan James is one of my favorite narrators! He has a lovely voice and I can just listen to him for hours! He has a great grasp of emotion and really does a lot to bring a story to life. He absolutely increased my enjoyment of this story – I likely wouldn’t have continued reading if I hadn’t been “listening” instead.
4.5 of 5 stars
Overall 3.75 of 5 stars for the audiobook
January 24, 2016
“What I see in you and what you see in me is less important than what we see in ourselves. I can’t change what’s in the mirror. Only you can do that. Just like only I can change what I see.”
For some reason, that quote out of all the books that I have read this past year has stood out for me personally. I do think that it’s something that people need to remember, and it’s something that a lot of people forget.
When I first started this book, I was completely drawn into the relationship between Payton and Beckett. Something that everyone fears happening to them, meeting the person who bullied you in the past when you’re an adult. I do have to say that I did enjoy the way that Grey was able to create the relationship between the two men. And the best part was, it wasn’t an instant thing either; Payton still was dealing with his demons from his past.
Even with all of that, there was still something that just didn’t … work for me personally. I don’t know what it was, but I just couldn’t get into this story the way that I can with Grey’s books. There were some scenes where it felt very wordy, and that bothered me a bit as well.
Overall though, I do have to say that I did still enjoy this book, and it did stick with me, I would recommend that if you’re on the fence about it to get the sample and see how it goes for you. But I do want to say, if Val get’s his own story, I would want to read that.
Reviewed by Crystal Marie for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for review*
For some reason, that quote out of all the books that I have read this past year has stood out for me personally. I do think that it’s something that people need to remember, and it’s something that a lot of people forget.
When I first started this book, I was completely drawn into the relationship between Payton and Beckett. Something that everyone fears happening to them, meeting the person who bullied you in the past when you’re an adult. I do have to say that I did enjoy the way that Grey was able to create the relationship between the two men. And the best part was, it wasn’t an instant thing either; Payton still was dealing with his demons from his past.
Even with all of that, there was still something that just didn’t … work for me personally. I don’t know what it was, but I just couldn’t get into this story the way that I can with Grey’s books. There were some scenes where it felt very wordy, and that bothered me a bit as well.
Overall though, I do have to say that I did still enjoy this book, and it did stick with me, I would recommend that if you’re on the fence about it to get the sample and see how it goes for you. But I do want to say, if Val get’s his own story, I would want to read that.
Reviewed by Crystal Marie for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for review*
November 30, 2024
Payton and Beckett have been enemies in high school, with Pay-ton being overweight and Beckett the star quarterback. When Beckett is outed he blames Payton, since he saw him getting a blowjob, he picks on him making Payton's high school years hell.
Years later, Payton lost the extra weight and is a successful agent, but has not put Beckett's bullying behind him. Then Beckett turns up, seemingly has amazing talent and becomes Payton's client.
Beckett does not recognises him, but when Payton tells him who he is. Both men have changed and his seems the attraction is mutual.
Trying to keep it professional, Payton realises that he is the one who stayed in the past and needs to overcome that. Of course it is best to move away from all that, but I think the kissing and all were all too soon. Beckett should have groveled way more, afterall “You made me feel so badly about myself that I actually thought about ending it all more than once.”
October 28, 2015
Conflicts Smoothly Resolved
This one snuck out of the blue--I am a devoted Andrew Grey fan but did not see any pre-pub notice of it until it suddenly appeared. Glad it did.
Enmeshed in a totally OMG-serendipitous plot line are three completely unique characters in Payton, Beckett and Val, each of whom has his plus and very large flaws, some of which annoyed me. Payton is a sympathetic narrator as a naïve Midwesterner turned suddenly sharp tongued and sharp elbowed actors' agent. Beckett, whom I found less endearing until late in the book, is too larger than life in many respects, but obviously cut out to be a unique character among some pretty bland competition. Val is just this side of fey but in the end too wise for either Payton or Beckett to ignore.
In the end it's another swift journey led by guide Grey, and well worth your effort.
This one snuck out of the blue--I am a devoted Andrew Grey fan but did not see any pre-pub notice of it until it suddenly appeared. Glad it did.
Enmeshed in a totally OMG-serendipitous plot line are three completely unique characters in Payton, Beckett and Val, each of whom has his plus and very large flaws, some of which annoyed me. Payton is a sympathetic narrator as a naïve Midwesterner turned suddenly sharp tongued and sharp elbowed actors' agent. Beckett, whom I found less endearing until late in the book, is too larger than life in many respects, but obviously cut out to be a unique character among some pretty bland competition. Val is just this side of fey but in the end too wise for either Payton or Beckett to ignore.
In the end it's another swift journey led by guide Grey, and well worth your effort.
March 12, 2016
I wish I had time to write up a full review but I can't right now. Suffice it to say that Andrew Grey is one of my "go to" authors when I need something that's fairly straightforward and refreshingly honest. One that makes me smile and sigh when I'm done is also greatly appreciated. This book meets the criteria.
I needed this love story in the midst of a chaotic move and it just hit all my warm and fuzzy places. A nice enemies to lovers tale, I was rooting for the happy ending and thankfully got it.
I needed this love story in the midst of a chaotic move and it just hit all my warm and fuzzy places. A nice enemies to lovers tale, I was rooting for the happy ending and thankfully got it.
June 2, 2017
10 STARS...omg omg..LOVED it.. Payton's character and the gentle giant Beckett are fantastic together. The two knew each other from high school but due to lack of communication they where enemies. Now re-antiquated the anger is still there or is it lust. The fire in these two keep you reading. A MUST READ..
October 30, 2015
I really liked these characters. Together they create an entertaining story of...well, of loathing and love. Full Review: http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/reviews/...
November 10, 2015
Loved this. I loved Payton and Beckett together. It was great to see how much Beckett changed and you also learned why he wasn't the nicest person when he was younger. I also really enjoyed seeing how a theatrical agent works. Very interesting. I hope we get Val's story.
January 20, 2016
It was a fun, easy to read, little angst read. I enjoyed it and i do hope we will get a follow up on Val's story.
October 18, 2015
A great feel good book!! Read it in one afternoon and truly enjoyed it..
August 29, 2016
4.25 stars
December 1, 2022
3/3.5 stars
Everything went a little too fast. Some more serious things happen or are brought up from the past but it lacks a little depth for it to have impact at all. Here it's just there and it doesn't add much to the story. Especially the thing around Val it's so convoluted it was such a weird way to bring into the story and how to deal with the aftermath. I'd rather have a clear depiction of because instead the way it was written it sounds more like a weird excuse to justify what happened.
Everything went a little too fast. Some more serious things happen or are brought up from the past but it lacks a little depth for it to have impact at all. Here it's just there and it doesn't add much to the story. Especially the thing around Val it's so convoluted it was such a weird way to bring into the story and how to deal with the aftermath. I'd rather have a clear depiction of because instead the way it was written it sounds more like a weird excuse to justify what happened.
January 3, 2019
A sweet story. There was the romance and a LOT of smexy time. But, at its heart, this story is a lot more about taking control of the person you want to be and that you want to see when you look in the mirror. It’s about identifying the people who make you better and cutting away those that don’t. It’s about recognising everyone has a past and their own struggles but what matters is how you deal with your own. Both MCs built their original opinions of each other based on perceptions and were drastically wrong.
The story had good pacing and believability as well, which was nice.
The story had good pacing and believability as well, which was nice.
May 5, 2017
This was good. I liked it.
I'm left questioning Rod..Rob? So, was he drugged? or just an ass? I need to know!
Misunderstanding in high school, causing them to hate each other.
Work issues holding up progress.
Nice fluffy read, just what I was looking for at that moment.
I'm left questioning Rod..Rob? So, was he drugged? or just an ass? I need to know!
Misunderstanding in high school, causing them to hate each other.
Work issues holding up progress.
Nice fluffy read, just what I was looking for at that moment.
January 13, 2021
That was cute. I mean, dude be easy, and the bullying issue and any resulting self reflection is so glossed over and played down it surprised me, which is why it's a low 3 stars. But it was a cute story for sure.
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