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Eyes of Love #1
Eyes Only for Me
For years, Clayton Potter’s been friends and workout partners with Ronnie. Though Clay is attracted, he’s never come on to Ronnie because, let’s face it, Ronnie only dates women.
When Clay’s father suffers a heart attack, Ronnie, having recently lost his dad, springs into action, driving Clay to the hospital over a hundred miles away. To stay close to Clay’s father, the men share a hotel room near the hospital, but after an emotional day, one thing leads to another, and straight-as-an-arrow Ronnie make a proposal that knocks Clay’s socks off! Just a little something to take the edge off.
Clay responds in a way he’s never considered. After an amazing night together, Clay expects Ronnie to ignore what happened between them and go back to his old life. Ronnie surprises him and seems interested in additional exploration. Though they’re friends, Clay suddenly finds it hard to accept the new Ronnie and suspects that Ronnie will return to his old ways. Maybe they both have a thing or two to learn.
When Clay’s father suffers a heart attack, Ronnie, having recently lost his dad, springs into action, driving Clay to the hospital over a hundred miles away. To stay close to Clay’s father, the men share a hotel room near the hospital, but after an emotional day, one thing leads to another, and straight-as-an-arrow Ronnie make a proposal that knocks Clay’s socks off! Just a little something to take the edge off.
Clay responds in a way he’s never considered. After an amazing night together, Clay expects Ronnie to ignore what happened between them and go back to his old life. Ronnie surprises him and seems interested in additional exploration. Though they’re friends, Clay suddenly finds it hard to accept the new Ronnie and suspects that Ronnie will return to his old ways. Maybe they both have a thing or two to learn.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 23, 2015
30 people are currently reading
457 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
April 25, 2017
I love a GFY book, but this one fell kind of flat for me.
Ronnie is 40, straight, has OCD, loves working out, is a bit of a manwhore, and is still dealing with the death of his father after 2 yrs.
Clay is 40, gay, in love with his straight best friend, lonely, and is still dealing with his break-up after 2 yrs.
When Clay gets a call saying that his father is in the hospital after suffering from multiple strokes Ronnie is there for him in more ways than one.
They cross the friendship line and become intimate. This is what Clay has been dreaming of, but it has left Ronnie in a bit of a midlife crisis. Yet, he still wants to have sex with Clay, just doesn't know if he wants the rest. Clay is pretty upset by this of course since he's been pining over Ronnie for a while.
I didn't love this. For a while there I didn't even know if I wanted to finish it. I didn't really like either MC. They both came off younger than their 40 years of age because the seemed a bit immature at times. I didn't feel a connection between them nor did I feel any chemistry when they got their sexy on. It just all fell really flat for me. I also didn't think Ronnie's past trauma was a necessary for the story. It all just felt off.
A lot of people loved this one though so I might just be part of the small group of the minorities.
Happy reading dolls! xx
Ronnie is 40, straight, has OCD, loves working out, is a bit of a manwhore, and is still dealing with the death of his father after 2 yrs.
Clay is 40, gay, in love with his straight best friend, lonely, and is still dealing with his break-up after 2 yrs.
When Clay gets a call saying that his father is in the hospital after suffering from multiple strokes Ronnie is there for him in more ways than one.
They cross the friendship line and become intimate. This is what Clay has been dreaming of, but it has left Ronnie in a bit of a midlife crisis. Yet, he still wants to have sex with Clay, just doesn't know if he wants the rest. Clay is pretty upset by this of course since he's been pining over Ronnie for a while.
I didn't love this. For a while there I didn't even know if I wanted to finish it. I didn't really like either MC. They both came off younger than their 40 years of age because the seemed a bit immature at times. I didn't feel a connection between them nor did I feel any chemistry when they got their sexy on. It just all fell really flat for me. I also didn't think Ronnie's past trauma was a necessary for the story. It all just felt off.
A lot of people loved this one though so I might just be part of the small group of the minorities.
Happy reading dolls! xx
December 14, 2016
Woow sometimes a book grasps you by the throat, well this one did that to me.
This was a very well written one. Great heartwarming thoughtful dialogues.
The passionate scenes were beautiful.
Profound sentences which did my heart beat faster. Very well done.
It was not an extraordinary story but how the story is written does make it extraordinary.
I really loved this book.
This was a very well written one. Great heartwarming thoughtful dialogues.
The passionate scenes were beautiful.
Profound sentences which did my heart beat faster. Very well done.
It was not an extraordinary story but how the story is written does make it extraordinary.
I really loved this book.
March 28, 2016
3.5 maybe 4-stars.
My first Andrew Grey book and I was entertained. My enjoyment was a combination of the storyline and the narrator Tristan James' delivery of the story.
It featured Clay and his straight best friend Ronnie going from being friends for years to more. Clay got a call that his father was in a hospital after having a stroke and Ronnie insisting to drive Clay there. In addition, Ronnie stayed for moral support. While in the hotel room, Clay and Ronnie experimented together and Ronnie found himself confused afterwards. Ronnie tried to return to his man-whore ways but sex with women no longer appealed. So Ronnie and Clay had to navigate the new terrain of their friendship while trying to decide on what they wanted from each other.
This audio book wasn't very angsty but it had enough emotional appeal that I connected with both Ronnie and Clay. I loved their comfortable and honest friendship. I also liked that Ronnie's attraction was more for the man who was his friend than just men in general. It worked as a romance and a self discovery book. I loved Ronnie's mom and Clay's dad. When your parents still love you when you share something you are afraid of, it gives courage to deal with friends and the outside world. Clay and Ronnie had chemistry and acceptance that is essential for a happy relationship. The narrator made the story so pleasant to follow. Everything about the book worked for me. I will definitely check out other audios by Andrew Grey.
*Special Thanks to Dreamspinner Press for the Audiobook given in exchange for an honest review.
My first Andrew Grey book and I was entertained. My enjoyment was a combination of the storyline and the narrator Tristan James' delivery of the story.
It featured Clay and his straight best friend Ronnie going from being friends for years to more. Clay got a call that his father was in a hospital after having a stroke and Ronnie insisting to drive Clay there. In addition, Ronnie stayed for moral support. While in the hotel room, Clay and Ronnie experimented together and Ronnie found himself confused afterwards. Ronnie tried to return to his man-whore ways but sex with women no longer appealed. So Ronnie and Clay had to navigate the new terrain of their friendship while trying to decide on what they wanted from each other.
This audio book wasn't very angsty but it had enough emotional appeal that I connected with both Ronnie and Clay. I loved their comfortable and honest friendship. I also liked that Ronnie's attraction was more for the man who was his friend than just men in general. It worked as a romance and a self discovery book. I loved Ronnie's mom and Clay's dad. When your parents still love you when you share something you are afraid of, it gives courage to deal with friends and the outside world. Clay and Ronnie had chemistry and acceptance that is essential for a happy relationship. The narrator made the story so pleasant to follow. Everything about the book worked for me. I will definitely check out other audios by Andrew Grey.
*Special Thanks to Dreamspinner Press for the Audiobook given in exchange for an honest review.
February 14, 2017
*** Clay, 40, has loved Ronnie for a long time, but Ronnie, 40, is straight. They've been best friends and have a small group of friends who they hang out with. Ronnie is super successful, and always has women who want something from him. Clay is out and proud, but lonely since his break up. He wants what everyone wants, to love and be loved, forever. When Clays Dad gets sick, Ronnie drops everything to help him get to his Dad. He stays, and is strong for Clay, like Clay was for him when his Dad died. Knowing Ronnie is straight, doesn't stop Clay from coming on to Ronnie and giving him a BJ. A whole new set of feelings are unlocked, but Ronnie is too stunned to know what to do. He liked it.
* Then the story meanders through the self discovery, and more sexy episodes, leaving Clay wondering what he's done. The last thing he wants is to lose a friendship. Both men are angst laden, and Ronnie wants more sex, but only as bed buddies, so no one knows, and Clay knows this is going to crush his heart, because he is "in love" with Ronnie.
* I thought Ronnie was an ass, and devoid of true feelings. Clay has such a solid heart that is getting bruised. It seemed mostly one sided with Clay being the grown up, and Ronnie just being juvenile. I didn't feel the guys had a true connection, and were just going through the motions. It seemed superficial with Ronnie.
So, Ronnie realizes he likes Clay, too, but still likes women. If it was just sex for Ronnie, then Clay has been a fool.
Ronnie slowly gets some emotion, but seems hollow. Not a favorite book for me, even though I love Andrew Grey's stories, usually.
It seems people are split on this one, sooooo.
========================
* Then the story meanders through the self discovery, and more sexy episodes, leaving Clay wondering what he's done. The last thing he wants is to lose a friendship. Both men are angst laden, and Ronnie wants more sex, but only as bed buddies, so no one knows, and Clay knows this is going to crush his heart, because he is "in love" with Ronnie.
* I thought Ronnie was an ass, and devoid of true feelings. Clay has such a solid heart that is getting bruised. It seemed mostly one sided with Clay being the grown up, and Ronnie just being juvenile. I didn't feel the guys had a true connection, and were just going through the motions. It seemed superficial with Ronnie.
So, Ronnie realizes he likes Clay, too, but still likes women. If it was just sex for Ronnie, then Clay has been a fool.
Ronnie slowly gets some emotion, but seems hollow. Not a favorite book for me, even though I love Andrew Grey's stories, usually.
It seems people are split on this one, sooooo.
========================
February 1, 2016
DNF @ 55%
It just goes to show that even an amazing narrator can't save an awful book. Here's hoping for better luck with my next unknown book.
It just goes to show that even an amazing narrator can't save an awful book. Here's hoping for better luck with my next unknown book.
October 23, 2016
First, I need to say that I read a lot of Andrew Grey books and Love some of them ... but this one? NO NO NO
Clay is openly gay and has a crush on his best friend Ronnie. Ronnie is a straight manwhore with a loud sex life. UNTIL one day that something BAD happens in Clay´s life so Ronnie goes with Clay to comfort him (like any friend would be doing) And ask for SEX in the process....
WHAT? Totally forced scene. No connection. No magic. Sorry, nothing and the story go worse and worse. Yes, they have a HEA but what´s the point? is totally unbelievable!
Clay is openly gay and has a crush on his best friend Ronnie. Ronnie is a straight manwhore with a loud sex life. UNTIL one day that something BAD happens in Clay´s life so Ronnie goes with Clay to comfort him (like any friend would be doing) And ask for SEX in the process....
WHAT? Totally forced scene. No connection. No magic. Sorry, nothing and the story go worse and worse. Yes, they have a HEA but what´s the point? is totally unbelievable!
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January 14, 2025
Andrew Grey's has long time been one of my favorite authors. His "newsletter" is one of the few that I have ever signed up to receive. He always has such sweet, lovely comments about his husband, Dominic, and he has dedicated this book, to him. Andrew Grey had me hooked with the first book I read by him Fire and Sand... book #1 in his Carlisle Troopers Series. I have read that series more than once. This one, Eyes Only For Me has also taken a place on my "read this again" list.
I'm not sure if it was the element of taboo of "friends to lover's" or that I just liked the "Ronnie" character so much. He was simply amazing. I think Clay was supposed to be the guy we first fell for in their budding relationship...and he did start out as my favorite... but he lost "relationship points" with me over some of his actions regarding Ronnie later on in the story. He and Clay seemed destined to be together, but it was not always an easy thing for either of them.
Clay Potter is secretly in love with his "Bestie", Ronnie, but he thinks he has to keep his feeling hidden...after all, everyone knows that Ronnie likes women...actually it appears that Ronnie likes EVERY woman...that is until Clay's father has a health setback, and Ronnie and Clay spend time together at the hospital. Ronnie realized that he never felt totally complete until Clay was there.
Together they are dynamic, and they make this one a fun and steamy read.
Outside the bedroom Clay was the quit one; always reserved and relaxed; but not inside the bedroom. Ronnie is Clay's polar opposite. Outside the bedroom he was brash, shameless and always having fun. Their interactions with one another showed that they were definitely made for each other...but the question also hung in the air...could Ronnie and Clay make the transition from friends to lovers or will their feelings for each other complicate things too much and destroy their friendship? I'll give you a hint..."Happy Ever After". Another great Andrew Grey offering.
I'm not sure if it was the element of taboo of "friends to lover's" or that I just liked the "Ronnie" character so much. He was simply amazing. I think Clay was supposed to be the guy we first fell for in their budding relationship...and he did start out as my favorite... but he lost "relationship points" with me over some of his actions regarding Ronnie later on in the story. He and Clay seemed destined to be together, but it was not always an easy thing for either of them.
Clay Potter is secretly in love with his "Bestie", Ronnie, but he thinks he has to keep his feeling hidden...after all, everyone knows that Ronnie likes women...actually it appears that Ronnie likes EVERY woman...that is until Clay's father has a health setback, and Ronnie and Clay spend time together at the hospital. Ronnie realized that he never felt totally complete until Clay was there.
Together they are dynamic, and they make this one a fun and steamy read.
Outside the bedroom Clay was the quit one; always reserved and relaxed; but not inside the bedroom. Ronnie is Clay's polar opposite. Outside the bedroom he was brash, shameless and always having fun. Their interactions with one another showed that they were definitely made for each other...but the question also hung in the air...could Ronnie and Clay make the transition from friends to lovers or will their feelings for each other complicate things too much and destroy their friendship? I'll give you a hint..."Happy Ever After". Another great Andrew Grey offering.
February 27, 2016
Overall book review: 4 Stars
Audio book: Narrator - Tristan James 4 stars
Book cover: 3 Stars
I have a very special place in my heart for a good GFY, I think it's because my introduction to mm books was a GFY.
I absolutely loved this story of Clayton and Ronnie.
Ronnie is straight and a total slut. Clayton has been in love with Ronnie his best friend for years in some way without the sex part these two seems to be the perfect couple if you know what I mean!
After Clayton gets a call his father was hospitalize Ronnie doesn't leave Clayton's side one thing leads to another and these two ends up in a very compromising situation!!!!!!
Things get uncomfortable and a bit out of hand but like only guys can do they sort it out soon enough.
It was a beautiful amazing story and I loved every word.
Audio book: Narrator - Tristan James 4 stars
Book cover: 3 Stars
I have a very special place in my heart for a good GFY, I think it's because my introduction to mm books was a GFY.
I absolutely loved this story of Clayton and Ronnie.
Ronnie is straight and a total slut. Clayton has been in love with Ronnie his best friend for years in some way without the sex part these two seems to be the perfect couple if you know what I mean!
After Clayton gets a call his father was hospitalize Ronnie doesn't leave Clayton's side one thing leads to another and these two ends up in a very compromising situation!!!!!!
Things get uncomfortable and a bit out of hand but like only guys can do they sort it out soon enough.
It was a beautiful amazing story and I loved every word.
March 8, 2022
Della''s Broke and Bald Audible review.
I'm sorry just this cover ALONE is SEXY AF! I just kept looking at the cover like hmm who is Clay now who is Ronnie? Like they are both soo frigging hott!!
Then Tristan James ole country sounding ass gahhh!!! I'm telling some of you narrators right now! I'm going to need to claim yall on my taxes next year.
And that's on Mary Had a little lamb!!! 🤌🏾🤌🏾🤌🏾
The novel itself was decent Tristan James really brought out the characters for me honestly and sometimes I had to backup because I got lost I'm my own fantasy world imagining the two guys and Tristan James voice and forgot about the book.
But in the authors defense I am a deviant a pervert and I have the attention span of my pet tortoise 🐢 🙃.
Welp that's all for this ramble off to the next one. 🥰😍😛
I'm sorry just this cover ALONE is SEXY AF! I just kept looking at the cover like hmm who is Clay now who is Ronnie? Like they are both soo frigging hott!!
Then Tristan James ole country sounding ass gahhh!!! I'm telling some of you narrators right now! I'm going to need to claim yall on my taxes next year.
And that's on Mary Had a little lamb!!! 🤌🏾🤌🏾🤌🏾
The novel itself was decent Tristan James really brought out the characters for me honestly and sometimes I had to backup because I got lost I'm my own fantasy world imagining the two guys and Tristan James voice and forgot about the book.
But in the authors defense I am a deviant a pervert and I have the attention span of my pet tortoise 🐢 🙃.
Welp that's all for this ramble off to the next one. 🥰😍😛
November 29, 2015
2.5 stars for me. I guess I'm in the minority here based on the other ratings, but I just didn't click with this story. I honesty didn't see the connection and chemistry between Clay and Ronnie, when they said the I love you's, or them working as a couple. I don't know if it was due to being written in 1st person POV or what, but it was just frustrating. And one minute Clay was telling guys what to do and being all practical and all-knowing with the do-this and do-that's, and then he was a dirty talker, kinky guy in bed...and it just didn't seem to blend for his character.
June 7, 2024
Review from 2018
B for narration/C for content, 3.5 stars.
I haven’t read or listened to a book by Andrew Grey before, but I know he’s a fairly prolific author of m/m romances and knowing Tristan James is a reliably good narrator, decided to give this one a try.
Eyes Only for Me centres on two best friends – Clay (who is gay) and Ronnie (who isn’t) – who end up becoming a lot more than friends following an unexpected night of passion. I suppose it’s a Gay-For-You story, although the author does explore the idea that sexual orientation is a grey area and that there are many different options and possibilities beyond the simple definitions of “gay” and “straight”.
Both men are in their forties, but for most of the book, Ronnie seems stuck in his twenties – he’s brash, loud, unsubtle and a player; after a failed marriage years earlier and a more recent break up with a long-term girlfriend, he hooks up with a succession of gorgeous airheads who, he’s well aware, are more after what he can give them (he’s a hugely successful stockbroker (or something of that ilk) and thus extremely wealthy) than for who he is himself. He has a form of OCD which can make it hard for him to think clearly and he has trouble letting go of things that have affected him emotionally, like his most recent break-up (which was over a year before) and his father’s death more than two years earlier.
Clay is Ronnie’s best friend and has also recently come out of a long-term relationship. He’s mostly content – enjoys his job and his circle of friends, with whom he meets up regularly for gym and lunch dates – but nonetheless misses being part of a couple and would like to try to find that special someone he can spend his life with. He’s the total opposite of Ronnie – Clay is quiet, considered and thoughtful – often to the point of overthinking things – and comes off as a lot more mature than his group of friends.
When Clay’s father has several strokes which leave him in a coma, Ronnie drives Clay to the hospital in Baltimore, several hours away, and, once the older man is stable, arranges for them to stay overnight at a nearby hotel. It’s here that things heat up between them; Clay has known for some time that he’s interested in Ronnie as more than a friend, but believing Ronnie is straight, never thought anything could ever happen between them. But that night, his fantasies come true, and what starts out as Clay trying to put down one of Ronnie’s typically suggestive comments ends up with them having sex. I have to say that this seemed both fast and really unlikely. I can understand that maybe Clay needed a diversion or to blow off some steam, but for his heretofore completely straight friend to suggest he gives him a blow job and then agree to have penetrative sex for the first time in his life seemed off.
Anyway. The rest of the story deals with the fallout from this one night. Clay is surprised when Ronnie seems interested in a repeat performance – more than one – but also knows that Ronnie has to come to terms with this new thing he’s learned about himself, and also that it’s likely that eventually Ronnie will ‘revert to form’ and will go back to his previous playboy lifestyle. Ronnie’s uncertainty about his sexuality and the state of his relationship with Clay feels realistic; I’m sure anyone in their forties who suddenly discovered that something fundamental to their sense of self had shifted would be confused and conflicted, and Ronnie is very obviously trying to work it all out, to the extent that even their group of gym buddies notice he’s become quieter and a little withdrawn. The problem is that while Ronnie is deciding what he wants, Clay is overthinking everything and drawing the wrong conclusions. I liked that while he was prepared to give Ronnie time, he was also clear about the fact that he wasn’t going to be his ‘dirty little secret’ – but I didn’t like that he was so quick to attribute actions and motivations to Ronnie without giving Ronnie the chance to think and act for himself.
Both Ronnie and Clay are fairly well-rounded characters. At first, Ronnie seems like he’s just a loud-mouthed dickhead, but we are shown another side to him, one that can be thoughtful and kind; Clay is his total opposite and sometimes it seems as though he is in danger of being steamrollered by Ronnie’s much larger-than-life personality, but he never is, possessing a quiet inner strength and self- awareness that mean he can only be pushed so far. I have to say though, that Clay’s transition from gentle voice of reason to sex-god-dirty-talker didn’t really work for me, and I found myself giggling at some of the things he said that I’m sure weren’t supposed to produce that reaction!
All credit to Tristan James for being able to utter them without corpsing, but then I suppose the ability to do that goes with the territory ;). He delivers an enjoyable performance, providing distinct and appropriate character voices for the principals and main secondary cast. His portrayals of Clay and Ronnie are especially good; he gives Ronnie this big, resonant sound which perfectly reflects his big personality, while Clay is quieter and more softly spoken, which fits with his more mature outlook and calmer persona. Mr. James has a pleasant, slightly husky note to his voice, and although his delivery can be just a teeny bit on the slower side, it doesn’t detract from his performance overall.
Eyes Only for Me didn’t quite work for me, mostly because I found it difficult to believe in that first hook-up. There were a number of aspects to the story that I did enjoy, however; the friendships and familial relationships, Ronnie’s willingness to accept such a huge shift in his self-knowledge, and the fact that Clay and Ronnie are generally pretty honest and open with one another. But I couldn’t completely buy into the romance. I enjoyed the listen on the whole, but it isn’t going down as one of my favourites.
B for narration/C for content, 3.5 stars.
I haven’t read or listened to a book by Andrew Grey before, but I know he’s a fairly prolific author of m/m romances and knowing Tristan James is a reliably good narrator, decided to give this one a try.
Eyes Only for Me centres on two best friends – Clay (who is gay) and Ronnie (who isn’t) – who end up becoming a lot more than friends following an unexpected night of passion. I suppose it’s a Gay-For-You story, although the author does explore the idea that sexual orientation is a grey area and that there are many different options and possibilities beyond the simple definitions of “gay” and “straight”.
Both men are in their forties, but for most of the book, Ronnie seems stuck in his twenties – he’s brash, loud, unsubtle and a player; after a failed marriage years earlier and a more recent break up with a long-term girlfriend, he hooks up with a succession of gorgeous airheads who, he’s well aware, are more after what he can give them (he’s a hugely successful stockbroker (or something of that ilk) and thus extremely wealthy) than for who he is himself. He has a form of OCD which can make it hard for him to think clearly and he has trouble letting go of things that have affected him emotionally, like his most recent break-up (which was over a year before) and his father’s death more than two years earlier.
Clay is Ronnie’s best friend and has also recently come out of a long-term relationship. He’s mostly content – enjoys his job and his circle of friends, with whom he meets up regularly for gym and lunch dates – but nonetheless misses being part of a couple and would like to try to find that special someone he can spend his life with. He’s the total opposite of Ronnie – Clay is quiet, considered and thoughtful – often to the point of overthinking things – and comes off as a lot more mature than his group of friends.
When Clay’s father has several strokes which leave him in a coma, Ronnie drives Clay to the hospital in Baltimore, several hours away, and, once the older man is stable, arranges for them to stay overnight at a nearby hotel. It’s here that things heat up between them; Clay has known for some time that he’s interested in Ronnie as more than a friend, but believing Ronnie is straight, never thought anything could ever happen between them. But that night, his fantasies come true, and what starts out as Clay trying to put down one of Ronnie’s typically suggestive comments ends up with them having sex. I have to say that this seemed both fast and really unlikely. I can understand that maybe Clay needed a diversion or to blow off some steam, but for his heretofore completely straight friend to suggest he gives him a blow job and then agree to have penetrative sex for the first time in his life seemed off.
Anyway. The rest of the story deals with the fallout from this one night. Clay is surprised when Ronnie seems interested in a repeat performance – more than one – but also knows that Ronnie has to come to terms with this new thing he’s learned about himself, and also that it’s likely that eventually Ronnie will ‘revert to form’ and will go back to his previous playboy lifestyle. Ronnie’s uncertainty about his sexuality and the state of his relationship with Clay feels realistic; I’m sure anyone in their forties who suddenly discovered that something fundamental to their sense of self had shifted would be confused and conflicted, and Ronnie is very obviously trying to work it all out, to the extent that even their group of gym buddies notice he’s become quieter and a little withdrawn. The problem is that while Ronnie is deciding what he wants, Clay is overthinking everything and drawing the wrong conclusions. I liked that while he was prepared to give Ronnie time, he was also clear about the fact that he wasn’t going to be his ‘dirty little secret’ – but I didn’t like that he was so quick to attribute actions and motivations to Ronnie without giving Ronnie the chance to think and act for himself.
Both Ronnie and Clay are fairly well-rounded characters. At first, Ronnie seems like he’s just a loud-mouthed dickhead, but we are shown another side to him, one that can be thoughtful and kind; Clay is his total opposite and sometimes it seems as though he is in danger of being steamrollered by Ronnie’s much larger-than-life personality, but he never is, possessing a quiet inner strength and self- awareness that mean he can only be pushed so far. I have to say though, that Clay’s transition from gentle voice of reason to sex-god-dirty-talker didn’t really work for me, and I found myself giggling at some of the things he said that I’m sure weren’t supposed to produce that reaction!
All credit to Tristan James for being able to utter them without corpsing, but then I suppose the ability to do that goes with the territory ;). He delivers an enjoyable performance, providing distinct and appropriate character voices for the principals and main secondary cast. His portrayals of Clay and Ronnie are especially good; he gives Ronnie this big, resonant sound which perfectly reflects his big personality, while Clay is quieter and more softly spoken, which fits with his more mature outlook and calmer persona. Mr. James has a pleasant, slightly husky note to his voice, and although his delivery can be just a teeny bit on the slower side, it doesn’t detract from his performance overall.
Eyes Only for Me didn’t quite work for me, mostly because I found it difficult to believe in that first hook-up. There were a number of aspects to the story that I did enjoy, however; the friendships and familial relationships, Ronnie’s willingness to accept such a huge shift in his self-knowledge, and the fact that Clay and Ronnie are generally pretty honest and open with one another. But I couldn’t completely buy into the romance. I enjoyed the listen on the whole, but it isn’t going down as one of my favourites.
November 23, 2015
Just when you think you know Andrew Grey and his writing style he comes out with something brilliantly new, albeit a well covered trope. If you think you know what GFY is all about think again. Eyes Only For Me is how GFY (or BFY) should be written.
Ronnie has always thought of himself as solidly straight. He has gay friends but that is all they are: friends. It’s women who turn his crank. He has never settled down with any one woman, believing that it’s more fun and satisfying to take home a different women, especially after breaking up with one he thought was special.
Clay has always thought of himself as solidly gay. His best friend Ronnie is a straight as a ruler, or so Clay believes. Clay has crushed on Ronnie for years but put that thought aside as an unattainable dream. Then comes an opportunity to take Ronnie to bed. Or is it just temptation? Will it be possible to fulfill that lifelong wish or will it be the end of an important friendship?
Even after they have sex, things are not settled. In fact, it’s doubtful that this was a move in the right direction. Or is it? Ronnie and Clay need proof that they can be together and that proof is very difficult to put together. There may be more evidence that they need to be friends. Or that they need to part ways and never speak again. What turmoil!
The ball is pretty much in Ronnie’s court to put the puzzle of their future together. Can he do it? You will enjoy finding out in this Andrew Grey book that is one of my favorites. Whether you are a long time fan who has read everything he’s written or new to his collection, this is a must read. Highly recommended.
Ronnie has always thought of himself as solidly straight. He has gay friends but that is all they are: friends. It’s women who turn his crank. He has never settled down with any one woman, believing that it’s more fun and satisfying to take home a different women, especially after breaking up with one he thought was special.
Clay has always thought of himself as solidly gay. His best friend Ronnie is a straight as a ruler, or so Clay believes. Clay has crushed on Ronnie for years but put that thought aside as an unattainable dream. Then comes an opportunity to take Ronnie to bed. Or is it just temptation? Will it be possible to fulfill that lifelong wish or will it be the end of an important friendship?
Even after they have sex, things are not settled. In fact, it’s doubtful that this was a move in the right direction. Or is it? Ronnie and Clay need proof that they can be together and that proof is very difficult to put together. There may be more evidence that they need to be friends. Or that they need to part ways and never speak again. What turmoil!
The ball is pretty much in Ronnie’s court to put the puzzle of their future together. Can he do it? You will enjoy finding out in this Andrew Grey book that is one of my favorites. Whether you are a long time fan who has read everything he’s written or new to his collection, this is a must read. Highly recommended.
March 7, 2016
Overall book review: 3.5 - 4
Audio book: Narrator - Tristan James 4
Book cover: 3 Stars
Did I enjoy it? Yes. Was there moments I really felt and enjoyed a great deal? Yes.
That being said, I felt it lacked real depth. It felt to fast in a way? Let me explain. The whole time I'm enthralled with this whole thing unwrapping and the disastrous potential lurking in so many corners it's really not even funny. I'm sitting on the edge of my seat ready for the tidal wave of epic proportions to hit me and.... Well.
When things at last start to move in a positive direction all they seem to connect around is the sex? I will be lying through my teeth if I said that I wasn't a bit disappointed. I wanted so much more. I would have loved to see these guys grow not only as persons but also as a couple. Too me, this didn't really happen. I still liked it, but it could have been a 4.5 star book, and it just wasn't.
Audio book: Narrator - Tristan James 4
Book cover: 3 Stars
Did I enjoy it? Yes. Was there moments I really felt and enjoyed a great deal? Yes.
That being said, I felt it lacked real depth. It felt to fast in a way? Let me explain. The whole time I'm enthralled with this whole thing unwrapping and the disastrous potential lurking in so many corners it's really not even funny. I'm sitting on the edge of my seat ready for the tidal wave of epic proportions to hit me and.... Well.
When things at last start to move in a positive direction all they seem to connect around is the sex? I will be lying through my teeth if I said that I wasn't a bit disappointed. I wanted so much more. I would have loved to see these guys grow not only as persons but also as a couple. Too me, this didn't really happen. I still liked it, but it could have been a 4.5 star book, and it just wasn't.
July 23, 2016
Probably my favorite Andrew Grey book to date.
December 5, 2019
It would have been a fine book if I could like the MCs; unfortunately, neither of them was particularly likable. Clay is a quiet, unassuming man who turns into a super talkative lover who feels confident enough to say "I'll make you feel like you climbed on top of Everest and then fell down" to a supposedly straight man, only to hide in his house out of insecurity when the night's over -until the next time they have sex and the same thing happens again (and again)- while Ronnie acted like a teenager most of the time, enjoying to show off his expensive car and sexy girlfriends, spending all his free time goofing around with the guys. In the end I had to skip their sex scenes, because Clay's transformation to a sexy, take-charge alpha male just creeped me out everytime; it was so out of character that it sounded like he was possessed at the time, or that someone else strode into the bedroom with Ronnie, instead of Clay.
Without those troubling sex scenes it could be a 3 stars romance, because Clay wasn't so bad when he was on his own. Ronnie however, needed a few more redeeming qualities because acting like a frat-boy at your 40s, does not an alluring MC make.
Without those troubling sex scenes it could be a 3 stars romance, because Clay wasn't so bad when he was on his own. Ronnie however, needed a few more redeeming qualities because acting like a frat-boy at your 40s, does not an alluring MC make.
December 11, 2015
Andrew Grey is an author who never takes his eye off his audience. The parameters of m/m fiction are always in sight. Thus it’s an exciting moment when he pushes the boundaries of the genre and offers us something substantial to ponder.
“Eyes Only for Me” veers dangerously close to the “gay for you” trope that raises my blood-pressure; but Grey turns that old-school m/m fantasy into a thoughtful, emotionally complex case study of what bisexuality and fluid sexual orientation really mean.
Clay and Ronnie are good friends and have been for a long time. Clay is gay, and still hurting after the ugly collapse of a long-time relationship. At forty, he knows the clock is ticking. Ronnie is also forty, and after a disastrous brief marriage and having been left by his girlfriend of several years, seems to be happy in the role of bachelor playboy, using his money, his Lamborghini and his looks to lure a willing stream of younger women into (and out of) his bed. Everybody loves Ronnie, including Clay.
At a moment of deep emotional crisis for Clay, Ronnie steps in as a caring friend. But a taunting frat-boy provocation from Ronnie sparks Clay into pushing an unprecedented intimacy between the two men, leaving both of them confused and in fear for their friendship.
What does it mean when a presumably content straight man suddenly sees a side of himself he previously kept so deeply buried that he didn’t know it existed? What follows, carefully laid out and handsomely embroidered with emotional insights into both protagonists, is a textbook presentation of the complexities of the Klein Sexuality Grid.
As a Kinsey 6 (totally gay, never kissed a woman or wanted to), I had to smile when Clay’s friend Phillip says to him: “You and I are gay so that makes things easier…Sexual identity isn’t black-and-white. We’d all like to think it is—even gay people.” The Kinsey scale is very linear, ranging from Zero (totally straight, like my brother) to my own position at the top of the scale. The Klein Grid, however, is multidirectional, taking into account emotional inclinations, sexual attraction, self-identity, and every possible nuance of sexual orientation. Needless to say, the Klein Grid makes Kinsey 6’s anxious, myself included.
Andrew Grey manages to take an emotional rollercoaster of a love story and turn it into a teaching moment. Both Ronnie’s and Clay’s personalities and back-stories are studied and compared, as each man grapples with the changed reality of their friendship and the sometimes frightening possibilities of that friendship’s future. Ronnie’s mother and Clay’s father are important as secondary players in this drama (which could as easily have been written as a farce), because they are catalysts for their sons’ emotional lives. The men’s shared group of friends, gay and straight, also provide a soundboard for the social context in which these guys are set. They create sort of a Greek chorus, whose reactions and opinions to a situation they don’t fully understand helps the reader grasp that same situation.
Most romances, of whatever subset, don’t really try to explain what love really is. “Eyes Only for Me” tackles that thorny question, and mostly succeeds in the attempt. Oddly, I found the closing epilogue something of a let-down. Maybe it’s because Grey decided to set it only six months in the future, and maybe it’s because the sexual dynamic between the men seems frozen in Clay’s initial fantasy mode. My chief criticism of the book is that the sex, which starts out surprising and catalytic in its power, ends up feeling predictable and driven by a gay fantasy of sexual prowess rather than emotional connection.
That said, I liked this book a great deal, and was grateful for Grey’s care and thoughtfulness. Romance is always better when it’s rooted in reality, because then the reader can feel it more deeply.
“Eyes Only for Me” veers dangerously close to the “gay for you” trope that raises my blood-pressure; but Grey turns that old-school m/m fantasy into a thoughtful, emotionally complex case study of what bisexuality and fluid sexual orientation really mean.
Clay and Ronnie are good friends and have been for a long time. Clay is gay, and still hurting after the ugly collapse of a long-time relationship. At forty, he knows the clock is ticking. Ronnie is also forty, and after a disastrous brief marriage and having been left by his girlfriend of several years, seems to be happy in the role of bachelor playboy, using his money, his Lamborghini and his looks to lure a willing stream of younger women into (and out of) his bed. Everybody loves Ronnie, including Clay.
At a moment of deep emotional crisis for Clay, Ronnie steps in as a caring friend. But a taunting frat-boy provocation from Ronnie sparks Clay into pushing an unprecedented intimacy between the two men, leaving both of them confused and in fear for their friendship.
What does it mean when a presumably content straight man suddenly sees a side of himself he previously kept so deeply buried that he didn’t know it existed? What follows, carefully laid out and handsomely embroidered with emotional insights into both protagonists, is a textbook presentation of the complexities of the Klein Sexuality Grid.
As a Kinsey 6 (totally gay, never kissed a woman or wanted to), I had to smile when Clay’s friend Phillip says to him: “You and I are gay so that makes things easier…Sexual identity isn’t black-and-white. We’d all like to think it is—even gay people.” The Kinsey scale is very linear, ranging from Zero (totally straight, like my brother) to my own position at the top of the scale. The Klein Grid, however, is multidirectional, taking into account emotional inclinations, sexual attraction, self-identity, and every possible nuance of sexual orientation. Needless to say, the Klein Grid makes Kinsey 6’s anxious, myself included.
Andrew Grey manages to take an emotional rollercoaster of a love story and turn it into a teaching moment. Both Ronnie’s and Clay’s personalities and back-stories are studied and compared, as each man grapples with the changed reality of their friendship and the sometimes frightening possibilities of that friendship’s future. Ronnie’s mother and Clay’s father are important as secondary players in this drama (which could as easily have been written as a farce), because they are catalysts for their sons’ emotional lives. The men’s shared group of friends, gay and straight, also provide a soundboard for the social context in which these guys are set. They create sort of a Greek chorus, whose reactions and opinions to a situation they don’t fully understand helps the reader grasp that same situation.
Most romances, of whatever subset, don’t really try to explain what love really is. “Eyes Only for Me” tackles that thorny question, and mostly succeeds in the attempt. Oddly, I found the closing epilogue something of a let-down. Maybe it’s because Grey decided to set it only six months in the future, and maybe it’s because the sexual dynamic between the men seems frozen in Clay’s initial fantasy mode. My chief criticism of the book is that the sex, which starts out surprising and catalytic in its power, ends up feeling predictable and driven by a gay fantasy of sexual prowess rather than emotional connection.
That said, I liked this book a great deal, and was grateful for Grey’s care and thoughtfulness. Romance is always better when it’s rooted in reality, because then the reader can feel it more deeply.
May 4, 2016
e-book review November 2015 4.5/5 stars...
Unrequited love is a bitch, especially when it’s your best friend you’re in love with.
Clay Potter has wanted more than just friendship from Ronnie pretty much since they met. Several things keep the lust at bay. For starters, Ronnie is all but the poster boy for straight men across the land. Few women avoid Ronnie’s charm, and not many more avoid his bed. The man is gorgeous, successful and smart, even if a little conceited. Clay is content to play the role of confidant and best friend though, until an unexpected trip home to visit his sick father changes the game entirely.
I am a huge fan of gay for you storylines, especially when there is valid confusion involved. I had a little trouble a few times with Ronnie’s back and forth, his confusion and unwillingness to admit his feelings bordering on garnering him with the title of douche, but he managed to win me over in the end. Clay truly stole the show in my opinion though. He was strong, steadfast and unwavering to spite the fact that Ronnie was killing him with his uncertainty. Clay stayed true to their friendship regardless and that was so very endearing for me. I mean, it was the promise he made to Ronnie from the start, before all the lines blurred, and he stood true to that statement to the end. In fact, I think that bond was the glue that held them together.
This book was unlike any other story I’ve read from Grey and I think I’ve read just about everything from him. I’ve said it before, that I am in awe of his imagination and ability to continue to bring fresh, believable stories over one hundred books into his career. The story was emotional and raw with a different little twist to the GFY story arch that I can’t disclose. No spoilers, but I guarantee it’s worth the read and I’m certain you’ll enjoy the ride usually confident, yet sometimes perplexed Ronnie as much as Clay did.
Audiobook review May 2016...
Tristan James tells the story of Clay and Ronnie quite brilliantly. I don't think it's a secret that he is one of my favorite narrators, he has this very husky voice that really translates well for a character like Ronnie that is this alpha male, confident and assured man. What I really liked and what I think set this audio book apart from the print version was how James conveyed the confusion Ronnie was experiencing with the way he voiced him. Subtle tone inflections turned Clay from an almost aggravating character to one I could sympathize with.
While the book and the audio version were essentially the same story, they are two different experiences. There were little things I missed from the print version that stood out in the audio version. Definitely a must read and a must listen story.
Unrequited love is a bitch, especially when it’s your best friend you’re in love with.
Clay Potter has wanted more than just friendship from Ronnie pretty much since they met. Several things keep the lust at bay. For starters, Ronnie is all but the poster boy for straight men across the land. Few women avoid Ronnie’s charm, and not many more avoid his bed. The man is gorgeous, successful and smart, even if a little conceited. Clay is content to play the role of confidant and best friend though, until an unexpected trip home to visit his sick father changes the game entirely.
I am a huge fan of gay for you storylines, especially when there is valid confusion involved. I had a little trouble a few times with Ronnie’s back and forth, his confusion and unwillingness to admit his feelings bordering on garnering him with the title of douche, but he managed to win me over in the end. Clay truly stole the show in my opinion though. He was strong, steadfast and unwavering to spite the fact that Ronnie was killing him with his uncertainty. Clay stayed true to their friendship regardless and that was so very endearing for me. I mean, it was the promise he made to Ronnie from the start, before all the lines blurred, and he stood true to that statement to the end. In fact, I think that bond was the glue that held them together.
This book was unlike any other story I’ve read from Grey and I think I’ve read just about everything from him. I’ve said it before, that I am in awe of his imagination and ability to continue to bring fresh, believable stories over one hundred books into his career. The story was emotional and raw with a different little twist to the GFY story arch that I can’t disclose. No spoilers, but I guarantee it’s worth the read and I’m certain you’ll enjoy the ride usually confident, yet sometimes perplexed Ronnie as much as Clay did.
Audiobook review May 2016...
Tristan James tells the story of Clay and Ronnie quite brilliantly. I don't think it's a secret that he is one of my favorite narrators, he has this very husky voice that really translates well for a character like Ronnie that is this alpha male, confident and assured man. What I really liked and what I think set this audio book apart from the print version was how James conveyed the confusion Ronnie was experiencing with the way he voiced him. Subtle tone inflections turned Clay from an almost aggravating character to one I could sympathize with.
While the book and the audio version were essentially the same story, they are two different experiences. There were little things I missed from the print version that stood out in the audio version. Definitely a must read and a must listen story.
December 1, 2015
I do love my MM and this one was a best friends to lovers story which is another plot device I love. This was a good read with a fair amount of angst. Ronnie was a manwhore, he literally flitted from girl to girl no matter the age difference. He had been burned once and has vowed never to be in the same situation again. Clay was Ronnie's best friend and was gay. Clay has loved Ronnie for a long time in more ways than one but had always kept his feelings to himself, fully prepared to stay in the friend zone, after all Ronnie was straight.
However, one situation shows that Ronnie may have kinks...but what would come first, friendship or lovers?
However, one situation shows that Ronnie may have kinks...but what would come first, friendship or lovers?
November 23, 2015
I usually love friends to lovers stories but this one didn't grab my attention. I didn't really enjoy either of the main characters and the secondary characters weren't that interesting either.
January 28, 2016
Listened to the audio version of this book, and really enjoyed it. Tristan James narrated and he is great. The story was really sweet and touched sometimes with just a little bit of angst.
October 25, 2016
True rating: 2.5 stars. This is NOT a negative rating. This book was just "okay" for me; nothing more, nothing less :-)!!
February 5, 2018
Definitely not my favorite by this author but it was ok...
This one turned out to be a mixed bag of I like this but this isn't working so well for me. First off I liked that it was older MCs. Ronnie and Clay are both 40 years old. So not only older but no May/December romance going on and I'm not opposed to those by any means but I'm not a fan of a a steady diet of anything when it comes to my books. I like variety and diversity and ironically same age older MCs is a change of pace for me.
Ronnie's straight, he's got OCD and lets just say he gets around. He's gregarious sort of guy who's outgoing and people just seem to be drawn to him and I have to admit I'm not sure why because honestly Ronnie just quite often struck me as being a bit of an...well, I'm going to say jerk, but at other times he showed an incredibly kind, thoughtful and caring demeanor that I would have liked to have seen more of. Interestingly enough I can also see why Ronnie wasn't so willing to show this side of his personality. At times things seemed to hint at the fact that Ronnie's had more than one person try to use him in his life fortunately for Ronnie he may had OCD but that doesn't mean he has S-T-U-P-I-D, so the users end up getting kicked to the curb. Unfortunately for me, Ronnie vacillated between douchey jerk and thoughtful, sweet friend to much for me to really get a sense of him as a person and just about the time I started thinking that he was a nice guy and I liked him, he'd switch and I'd be thinking 'Wow, what a jerk!' so Ronnie was ok but I just couldn't really warm up to him.
The other MC was Clay and thankfully in terms of personality he was a bit more stable. I liked Clay and for most of the book I honestly felt like he was a better friend to Ronnie than Ronnie was to him...except, when Clay's father suddenly became ill, Ronnie was right there he stepped in and was totally there for Clay. In short he was an awesome friend.
I really enjoyed the relationship between Clay and his father. So often in stories we seen parent/child relations portrayed as really amazing or totally horrid and this one wasn't either of those things. Clay loved his dad and they'd had their problems but there was a definite willingness between them to work things out...especially on Clay's side and wonder of wonders the problems between Clay and his dad weren't about the fact that Clay was gay...I KID YOU NOT!!! Not every problem between a parent and their child is about the child's sexuality and while I love that books address this issue sometimes it's nice to read a story where the relationship dynamics have gotten changed up a bit.
Speaking of relationships...let's talk about Ronnie and Clay's because for me it came down to being a big miscommunication clusterf*ck!!! Seriously I just wanted to sit them both down and tell them to hear what's being said and not what they 'think' is being said because that was a big, big part of their problem and honestly it was more on Clay's side than Ronnie. Clay kept assuming that he knew what Ronnie wanted or needed but he wasn't always hearing what Ronnie was telling him so...disagreements were inevitable.
While there were things that I liked and enjoyed about this story there just wasn't enough to totally pull me into it but the biggest saving grace for me was the narrator, Tristan James. This is one of my favorite narrators and I thoroughly enjoy listening to him no matter what book he's reading. But just like all the other audio books I've listened to him narrate, listening this one was no hardship either.
This one turned out to be a mixed bag of I like this but this isn't working so well for me. First off I liked that it was older MCs. Ronnie and Clay are both 40 years old. So not only older but no May/December romance going on and I'm not opposed to those by any means but I'm not a fan of a a steady diet of anything when it comes to my books. I like variety and diversity and ironically same age older MCs is a change of pace for me.
Ronnie's straight, he's got OCD and lets just say he gets around. He's gregarious sort of guy who's outgoing and people just seem to be drawn to him and I have to admit I'm not sure why because honestly Ronnie just quite often struck me as being a bit of an...well, I'm going to say jerk, but at other times he showed an incredibly kind, thoughtful and caring demeanor that I would have liked to have seen more of. Interestingly enough I can also see why Ronnie wasn't so willing to show this side of his personality. At times things seemed to hint at the fact that Ronnie's had more than one person try to use him in his life fortunately for Ronnie he may had OCD but that doesn't mean he has S-T-U-P-I-D, so the users end up getting kicked to the curb. Unfortunately for me, Ronnie vacillated between douchey jerk and thoughtful, sweet friend to much for me to really get a sense of him as a person and just about the time I started thinking that he was a nice guy and I liked him, he'd switch and I'd be thinking 'Wow, what a jerk!' so Ronnie was ok but I just couldn't really warm up to him.
The other MC was Clay and thankfully in terms of personality he was a bit more stable. I liked Clay and for most of the book I honestly felt like he was a better friend to Ronnie than Ronnie was to him...except, when Clay's father suddenly became ill, Ronnie was right there he stepped in and was totally there for Clay. In short he was an awesome friend.
I really enjoyed the relationship between Clay and his father. So often in stories we seen parent/child relations portrayed as really amazing or totally horrid and this one wasn't either of those things. Clay loved his dad and they'd had their problems but there was a definite willingness between them to work things out...especially on Clay's side and wonder of wonders the problems between Clay and his dad weren't about the fact that Clay was gay...I KID YOU NOT!!! Not every problem between a parent and their child is about the child's sexuality and while I love that books address this issue sometimes it's nice to read a story where the relationship dynamics have gotten changed up a bit.
Speaking of relationships...let's talk about Ronnie and Clay's because for me it came down to being a big miscommunication clusterf*ck!!! Seriously I just wanted to sit them both down and tell them to hear what's being said and not what they 'think' is being said because that was a big, big part of their problem and honestly it was more on Clay's side than Ronnie. Clay kept assuming that he knew what Ronnie wanted or needed but he wasn't always hearing what Ronnie was telling him so...disagreements were inevitable.
While there were things that I liked and enjoyed about this story there just wasn't enough to totally pull me into it but the biggest saving grace for me was the narrator, Tristan James. This is one of my favorite narrators and I thoroughly enjoy listening to him no matter what book he's reading. But just like all the other audio books I've listened to him narrate, listening this one was no hardship either.
October 10, 2016
Solid friendship, the kind where you know your friend as well as yourself and can be honest about the good as well as the bad, is hard to come by. Clayton and Ronnie have that type of connection; they have been through a lot together, seen each other in the most difficult circumstances, and enjoy each other’s company. As well as they know the other though, that knowledge is limited to reactions and behaviors. As far as matters of the heart are concerned, Clay and Ronnie still have a lot to learn – about themselves as well as about the other. Thank you, Andrew, for a fascinating story of emotional development, unexpected change, and character growth.
Clay has always known he is gay, had the support of his parents when he came out, and has had his share of shorter and one longer relationship. He is currently single again, so when his best friend Ronnie suggest a little “stress release” of the sexual kind when they’re both exhausted after a visit to Clay’s father in the hospital, Clay is tempted enough to give in. After all, he has had a secret crush on Ronnie for years, and he isn’t exactly thinking clearly at that point.
What is even more surprising is that Ronnie doesn’t seem to want to accept that it was a one-time occurrence. Ronnie is curious, begins to discover he may not be into women as exclusively as he thought, and while he isn’t ready to come out and change everything about his life, he wants to know more. But the two men have never functioned as a couple, and Clay isn’t even sure that is what Ronnie wants. And what about the things Clay wants? He is determined not to be a “dirty secret on the side” but has no idea how it is all supposed to work. While he knows what he would like, he can also see that Ronnie may never be willing to go that far.
The experimentation, discussions, and events that follow are realistic, tough on both men, and come close to destroying their friendship more than once. Clay has very few friends he can talk to about what he is going through, and he makes more than one assumption about what Ronnie wants. Getting to the truth of what will work and make them both happy is hard work, and I was glued to the pages.
If you like character-driven stories, if you want to learn more about two men who go from best friends to more, and if you’re looking for a read that is emotionally intense, fascinating, and suspenseful, you will probably like this book as much as I do. A fascinating look deep into the hearts and minds of two men who never expected the discoveries they made along the way of changing and deepening their friendship to the point they become life partners.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Clay has always known he is gay, had the support of his parents when he came out, and has had his share of shorter and one longer relationship. He is currently single again, so when his best friend Ronnie suggest a little “stress release” of the sexual kind when they’re both exhausted after a visit to Clay’s father in the hospital, Clay is tempted enough to give in. After all, he has had a secret crush on Ronnie for years, and he isn’t exactly thinking clearly at that point.
What is even more surprising is that Ronnie doesn’t seem to want to accept that it was a one-time occurrence. Ronnie is curious, begins to discover he may not be into women as exclusively as he thought, and while he isn’t ready to come out and change everything about his life, he wants to know more. But the two men have never functioned as a couple, and Clay isn’t even sure that is what Ronnie wants. And what about the things Clay wants? He is determined not to be a “dirty secret on the side” but has no idea how it is all supposed to work. While he knows what he would like, he can also see that Ronnie may never be willing to go that far.
The experimentation, discussions, and events that follow are realistic, tough on both men, and come close to destroying their friendship more than once. Clay has very few friends he can talk to about what he is going through, and he makes more than one assumption about what Ronnie wants. Getting to the truth of what will work and make them both happy is hard work, and I was glued to the pages.
If you like character-driven stories, if you want to learn more about two men who go from best friends to more, and if you’re looking for a read that is emotionally intense, fascinating, and suspenseful, you will probably like this book as much as I do. A fascinating look deep into the hearts and minds of two men who never expected the discoveries they made along the way of changing and deepening their friendship to the point they become life partners.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
February 21, 2016
4.5 Stars Rounded Up to 5 Stars
Eyes for Only Me by Andrew Grey is a m/m contemporary romance that will take you on a journey of the best-friends-to-lovers trope along with the gay-for-you trope. Our two MC are best friends and have been through a lot together including the passing of a parent, break-up of long-term relationships, and serial dating - they have been through it all as friends. Clay has secretly had feelings for his best-friend Ronnie for a while, he never intended to act on it though - until one-thing leads to another after a very stressful and emotional day while his Dad is in the hospital. Now the two are unsure what to do, do they attempt to go back to being just friends? Clay knows what he wants; however, he doesn't have any idea what Ronnie wants--and it seems Ronnie might be just as confused.
Andrew Grey has written a beautiful story full of thought provoking ideals regarding more than just relationships. Clay is a wise man for his age and is full of ideals of how people should be treated - he is not afraid to share this wisdom throughout the story. Mr. Grey has also written a very hot story because while these two best friends may not know if they want to go from friends-to-lovers right away, one thing they do know is how to tear it up between the sheets and make each other fly!
Tristan James! What more can I say about him he is an awesome narrator and when I saw that he was doing the narration of this book I was thrilled. His voice is smooth like velvet as he tells the story of Clay and Robbie and he is able to put the emotion and depth behind his voice that brings the characters to life! He was perfect for this story! Bravo - Mr. James, hats off to you for a stellar performance!
Overall, this is a story that will make you think and it will keep you entertained from beginning to end. I would have liked to get inside of Robbie's head a little more and see what he was thinking sometimes I think it would have added another layer of depth to the story. 4.5 Stars~
Eyes for Only Me by Andrew Grey is a m/m contemporary romance that will take you on a journey of the best-friends-to-lovers trope along with the gay-for-you trope. Our two MC are best friends and have been through a lot together including the passing of a parent, break-up of long-term relationships, and serial dating - they have been through it all as friends. Clay has secretly had feelings for his best-friend Ronnie for a while, he never intended to act on it though - until one-thing leads to another after a very stressful and emotional day while his Dad is in the hospital. Now the two are unsure what to do, do they attempt to go back to being just friends? Clay knows what he wants; however, he doesn't have any idea what Ronnie wants--and it seems Ronnie might be just as confused.
Andrew Grey has written a beautiful story full of thought provoking ideals regarding more than just relationships. Clay is a wise man for his age and is full of ideals of how people should be treated - he is not afraid to share this wisdom throughout the story. Mr. Grey has also written a very hot story because while these two best friends may not know if they want to go from friends-to-lovers right away, one thing they do know is how to tear it up between the sheets and make each other fly!
Tristan James! What more can I say about him he is an awesome narrator and when I saw that he was doing the narration of this book I was thrilled. His voice is smooth like velvet as he tells the story of Clay and Robbie and he is able to put the emotion and depth behind his voice that brings the characters to life! He was perfect for this story! Bravo - Mr. James, hats off to you for a stellar performance!
Overall, this is a story that will make you think and it will keep you entertained from beginning to end. I would have liked to get inside of Robbie's head a little more and see what he was thinking sometimes I think it would have added another layer of depth to the story. 4.5 Stars~
May 7, 2017
*3 ½ stars*
A nice adult romance that doesn't resort to misunderstandings or outside pressures for conflict, but rather on the very real baggage that forty-year-olds who have led full lives carry. One is gay and has always been and the other has been leading a heterosexual life but is willing and open to try something new in his life when the opportunity arises, but not because he has secretly been pining for a man but rather because he recognizes a good thing when it comes his way.
I liked that Ronnie is a well rounded human and by that I mean that he's a good friend, good son, good at his career but also a loud mouth, brusque and apparently suffers from some form of OCD (which I kind of hoped the author had gone a little more into) and yet he is open and willing to go into a relationship with Clay at the age of 40 because he's smart enough to recognize what's good for him. I love him.
Clay is a good guy who sometimes over thinks things but that's ok because he's willing to be there for his friends and those he loves but he's not a doormat and though he's willing to go into a relationship with a guy who's not "gay" and be patient he won't be a secret in the closet and good for him!
I generally enjoyed this but the audio by Tristan James was not my favorite. I didn't hate it. I just didn't love it and maybe that brought down the rating a bit but also some of the dialogue, especially Clay, seemed a little didactic and more in the vein of how people write but not talk: expository rather than a regular conversation. Maybe if I read this on my own it would have been a solid 4 star read.
Recommended as a good example of a later in life love story among normal adults. Plus just hearing how much these guys go to the gym got me feeling guilty about skipping yoga. LOL
A nice adult romance that doesn't resort to misunderstandings or outside pressures for conflict, but rather on the very real baggage that forty-year-olds who have led full lives carry. One is gay and has always been and the other has been leading a heterosexual life but is willing and open to try something new in his life when the opportunity arises, but not because he has secretly been pining for a man but rather because he recognizes a good thing when it comes his way.
I liked that Ronnie is a well rounded human and by that I mean that he's a good friend, good son, good at his career but also a loud mouth, brusque and apparently suffers from some form of OCD (which I kind of hoped the author had gone a little more into) and yet he is open and willing to go into a relationship with Clay at the age of 40 because he's smart enough to recognize what's good for him. I love him.
Clay is a good guy who sometimes over thinks things but that's ok because he's willing to be there for his friends and those he loves but he's not a doormat and though he's willing to go into a relationship with a guy who's not "gay" and be patient he won't be a secret in the closet and good for him!
I generally enjoyed this but the audio by Tristan James was not my favorite. I didn't hate it. I just didn't love it and maybe that brought down the rating a bit but also some of the dialogue, especially Clay, seemed a little didactic and more in the vein of how people write but not talk: expository rather than a regular conversation. Maybe if I read this on my own it would have been a solid 4 star read.
Recommended as a good example of a later in life love story among normal adults. Plus just hearing how much these guys go to the gym got me feeling guilty about skipping yoga. LOL
January 25, 2017
Freebie 13.12.16 as part of ARe's 12 days of Christmas.
Well that was... disappointing.
Two not particularly likeable characters, who for 40 years olds appeared more like early 20's in their actions. The gay man crushing on his best friend trope, meets the OMG! I'm a complete manwhore but suddenly I am sleeping with my best male friend trope... And so much drama! I really failed to connect with either character.
By about half way I was skimming and just hoping for the end. This I am going to put down as an anomaly as I usually like this author's work... I guess I had eventually come across one that didn't work for me given the number of books he has written...
Well that was... disappointing.
Two not particularly likeable characters, who for 40 years olds appeared more like early 20's in their actions. The gay man crushing on his best friend trope, meets the OMG! I'm a complete manwhore but suddenly I am sleeping with my best male friend trope... And so much drama! I really failed to connect with either character.
By about half way I was skimming and just hoping for the end. This I am going to put down as an anomaly as I usually like this author's work... I guess I had eventually come across one that didn't work for me given the number of books he has written...
January 22, 2017
Not one of Grey's better stories. The they don't give you stimulants "was high for years on my meds" with OCD. OCD is physical repetition because if you don't something will happen usually negative - waving hands, checking locks, erasing until holes go in paper, picking this up and down etc and you get Zoloft. ADHD is when the brain spins and you get stimulants, or if you don't have the true version you get Strattera which is not a stimulant. If you freeze in place, body jerks they give you Lorazepam for catatonia. Just saying .
So, I had difficulty with the dx.
Then there was the constant yes, no, I don't know .
His Father was sick, then fine and filler.
Reading the blurb I didn't expect Ronnie's behavior or sexual insecurity and it made the story off from the start and I had issues the entire story because I was expecting something different .
So, I had difficulty with the dx.
Then there was the constant yes, no, I don't know .
His Father was sick, then fine and filler.
Reading the blurb I didn't expect Ronnie's behavior or sexual insecurity and it made the story off from the start and I had issues the entire story because I was expecting something different .
July 12, 2021
This didn't really do it for me. I didn't feel the chemistry between Ronnie and Clay, and none of the secondary characters were that interesting.
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February 21, 2016
It was nice to see Ronnie close up and to know what makes him tick. He was an amusing character in the other books, but fleshed out in this one. The heat level seemed to be dialed up a notch, too.
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