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Awakening #2
Zack's Awakening
Fear. Zack Greyson had never known the true meaning of the word until he suspected he might be gay—which wasn’t an option for the personal trainer and ex-football star. He’s tried to convince himself that his attraction to men is nothing more than just a mere curiosity, but when Jackson Parker walks into his life, that façade comes shattering down.Jackson Parker is used to rejection because secrets never stay hidden forever. Left slightly broken and with no sense of belonging after his family’s rejection, he’s sought love in all the wrong places before. But meeting Zack, the hazel-eyed jock with killer dimples, Jackson steps out of his comfort zone and fights one last time for the happiness he knows he deserves.Falling for a supposed straight guy was crazy, but for once, Jackson feels like his luck has changed, and he’s finally found someone who won’t throw him away. However, Zack struggles to discover who he is and who he wants to be. When his fear of coming out drives a wedge between him and Jackson, only one question Which is love or fear?
206 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2015
91 people are currently reading
381 people want to read
About the author
Jaclyn Osborn
50 books1,773 followersAs an avid reader and coffee addict, Jaclyn Osborn can always be found with either a book in her hand or one being written on her laptop. The men in her stories mean the world to her, and she's thankful for each day she's able to do this as a career.
She writes M/M romance across all genres and worlds, including contemporary, historical, fantasy, and paranormal.
She writes M/M romance across all genres and worlds, including contemporary, historical, fantasy, and paranormal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
September 5, 2017
4 Stars!
I'm not going to lie. I struggled in the beginning and I really thought I was going to put it down and try again another time. But if you know me a bit then you know I can't quit a book for nothing. So of course I kept reading. Then kept reading some more until my eyes drooped and I couldn't stay awake much longer. See THAT is the reason I don't DNF books. Plus my crazy need to finish what I start. Besides that though, this is why I never quit a book. You never know if things will turn around and be good. Or awesome. Or the best thing you have read that year. This wasn't that last one. But it was the first one. This book turned out to be a little more than a good read for me. So yay! LOL
The reason I was so quick to quit was because the guys felt a lot more like buddies hanging out then two guys dating. I wasn't feeling the chemistry. But then I did. The author obviously meant to write it that way in the beginning because that was the way Zack was treating their time together because of his fears. When they were alone it was more intimate. The chemistry was there and it was strong.
Zack is trying to accept that he's attracted to guy's and that he's gay/bisexual. He's struggling a lot with it and can't seem to let the fear of what other people will think of him go so he can be happy. But there's Jackson and he is willing to fight the struggle to be with the man he has grown to care so much about and unable to live without. He takes steps that get him closer only to do something that makes him pull himself back even further. His younger brother is gay and very out and their parents accepted him no questions asked. They said family is family and you love your family. I loved that. Unfortunately their mother has passed on. But even knowing his father has accepted Gabe he still fears rejection.
Jackson is pretty alone in life besides his work and two best friends who he roommates with. His parents kicked him out when he was 16 when they discovered he was gay. His grandparents took him in but with the understanding there would be no sinning or talk of it in their home. So he basically had to put his true self aside and pretend to be someone he was not until he was free to leave and be on his own. He meets Zack when he is assigned as Jax's trainer. The attraction is instant for Jackson but he is pretty sure that Zack is straight since he went through all the girls in school and then some. So when Zack asks him out for a possible meal or drink he accepts and is hoping it's a date. Of course it was. And from here the relationship builds and feelings grow into love. Unfortunately Zack's fears take a toll on their relationship and things get rocky.
Jackson was a patient man. He put up with a lot of Zack going from warm to cold. But you felt for Zack too. His struggles are his and you can not force something on someone. They have to get there on their own. It was sad to see them both struggle so much. But when they are together they are so sweet. And boy were the sexy times hot. Did I mention how good the chemistry was? ;p
I read the second book in the series first. The first book wasn't available but now that it is I am off to read Gabe's story.
Pick this one up dolls!
Happy reading! xx
I'm not going to lie. I struggled in the beginning and I really thought I was going to put it down and try again another time. But if you know me a bit then you know I can't quit a book for nothing. So of course I kept reading. Then kept reading some more until my eyes drooped and I couldn't stay awake much longer. See THAT is the reason I don't DNF books. Plus my crazy need to finish what I start. Besides that though, this is why I never quit a book. You never know if things will turn around and be good. Or awesome. Or the best thing you have read that year. This wasn't that last one. But it was the first one. This book turned out to be a little more than a good read for me. So yay! LOL
The reason I was so quick to quit was because the guys felt a lot more like buddies hanging out then two guys dating. I wasn't feeling the chemistry. But then I did. The author obviously meant to write it that way in the beginning because that was the way Zack was treating their time together because of his fears. When they were alone it was more intimate. The chemistry was there and it was strong.
Zack is trying to accept that he's attracted to guy's and that he's gay/bisexual. He's struggling a lot with it and can't seem to let the fear of what other people will think of him go so he can be happy. But there's Jackson and he is willing to fight the struggle to be with the man he has grown to care so much about and unable to live without. He takes steps that get him closer only to do something that makes him pull himself back even further. His younger brother is gay and very out and their parents accepted him no questions asked. They said family is family and you love your family. I loved that. Unfortunately their mother has passed on. But even knowing his father has accepted Gabe he still fears rejection.
Jackson is pretty alone in life besides his work and two best friends who he roommates with. His parents kicked him out when he was 16 when they discovered he was gay. His grandparents took him in but with the understanding there would be no sinning or talk of it in their home. So he basically had to put his true self aside and pretend to be someone he was not until he was free to leave and be on his own. He meets Zack when he is assigned as Jax's trainer. The attraction is instant for Jackson but he is pretty sure that Zack is straight since he went through all the girls in school and then some. So when Zack asks him out for a possible meal or drink he accepts and is hoping it's a date. Of course it was. And from here the relationship builds and feelings grow into love. Unfortunately Zack's fears take a toll on their relationship and things get rocky.
Jackson was a patient man. He put up with a lot of Zack going from warm to cold. But you felt for Zack too. His struggles are his and you can not force something on someone. They have to get there on their own. It was sad to see them both struggle so much. But when they are together they are so sweet. And boy were the sexy times hot. Did I mention how good the chemistry was? ;p
I read the second book in the series first. The first book wasn't available but now that it is I am off to read Gabe's story.
Pick this one up dolls!
Happy reading! xx
April 7, 2018
I liked this book more than the first one. The writing was more contained, and there was no Insta Love.
Zack and Jackson were friends first (Zack was Jackson's personal trainer), and the relationship developed on page at an even pace. The guys hiked, had a BBQ, went out to dinner, and talked. This is a very steamy story; Zack had many mind-blowing "first times" with Jackson.
The conflict stemmed from Zack's internalized homophobia. Despite having a gay brother he adored and a very supportive father, Zack was terrified of coming out as gay. Let me tell you how much sympathy I had for Zack: ZERO, as in NONE, as in Zack could go fuck himself.
Zack was an egomaniac who wanted everyone to love him. Even as a grown man, he wanted to fit in so badly, he totally went along with hateful bigots smearing his brother and boyfriend right in front of him. He denied being gay (You know I'm not like that!) right in front of Jackson, and not just once but many, many times in words and in more subtle ways.
The men's voices didn't sound distinct (I sometimes lost track of who was narrating what chapter), and Zack's personality wasn't consistent. Even the way he talked about being with women made me think he was bi, not gay.
Zack seemed schizophrenic, totally sure of his homosexuality in one moment, and then saying he wished Jackson were a girl in the very next. It's like the author didn't know her own character.
The main thing that redeemed this story for me was that Jackson stopped being a doormat and broke it off with Zack, who had to seriously grovel to get Jackson back. I do love me some good groveling.
Zack and Jackson were friends first (Zack was Jackson's personal trainer), and the relationship developed on page at an even pace. The guys hiked, had a BBQ, went out to dinner, and talked. This is a very steamy story; Zack had many mind-blowing "first times" with Jackson.
The conflict stemmed from Zack's internalized homophobia. Despite having a gay brother he adored and a very supportive father, Zack was terrified of coming out as gay. Let me tell you how much sympathy I had for Zack: ZERO, as in NONE, as in Zack could go fuck himself.
Zack was an egomaniac who wanted everyone to love him. Even as a grown man, he wanted to fit in so badly, he totally went along with hateful bigots smearing his brother and boyfriend right in front of him. He denied being gay (You know I'm not like that!) right in front of Jackson, and not just once but many, many times in words and in more subtle ways.
The men's voices didn't sound distinct (I sometimes lost track of who was narrating what chapter), and Zack's personality wasn't consistent. Even the way he talked about being with women made me think he was bi, not gay.
Zack seemed schizophrenic, totally sure of his homosexuality in one moment, and then saying he wished Jackson were a girl in the very next. It's like the author didn't know her own character.
The main thing that redeemed this story for me was that Jackson stopped being a doormat and broke it off with Zack, who had to seriously grovel to get Jackson back. I do love me some good groveling.
April 13, 2018
I was soooo looking forward to this book after reading Gabe and Michael’s story. I adored Zack in that one and thought after a bit of “fighting it”, he was going to be a great bf for Jackson. Well I couldn’t have been more wrong because he was fighting it until about 80% into the book. His hot and cold routine was exhausting. There were multiple times that I almost dnf but I figured like Jackson I’d been through too much not to see how it played out. Jackson I really liked and felt sorry for. All if his life people kept turning him away. Then he fell in love with Zack and the poor guy was treated like a yo-yo. He was a bit of a doormat and I kept thinking, find someone new, someone who treats you the way you deserve to be treated. When he finally grew a backbone I was cheering for him. He finally makes Zack work for it. And when Zack finally sees him for the first time and things don’t go as he planned of course Zack pulled a dick move. So there was no redemption for Zack in my eyes. My stars are for Jackson and Gabe and Michael. Did Zach change in the end? Yes, but it was too little too late for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2017
Favorite quote @ 87% ...
“What a person had between their legs didn’t matter. What mattered were the feelings you had when they were near, the butterflies that wouldn’t fucking stop fluttering when you kissed them. Love wasn’t about choosing one gender over another. It was about choosing a person who made you happy—a person who you automatically thought of when you woke up in the morning and who you wanted by your side when you fell asleep. Love was irrational and crazy. It wasn’t about perfection.
I was nowhere near perfect, having screwed up so many times I had lost count. But, that’s what made love beautiful, in my eyes. The faults and the recovery from them. The concept that nothing can tear two hearts that belong together away from each other.”
~ ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️!!
Perfection @ 100% ...
“Where Jackson was, I knew I belonged. My sexual awakening and struggle of self-acceptance had taken us both for a rough ride. A ride full of heartache, confusion, frustration, and ultimately, loss. But, in the end, love had prevailed. The future was a mystery, as most things in life were. But, I knew that whatever life tossed my way, Jackson would be by my side.
Pulling him as close as possible, I buried my face in his soft, brown hair. The revelation of how much he meant to me threatened to break me apart. Jackson was my home. My sexy, kind of nerdy, shy man with a surprisingly dominant side. A man who kindled a fire in my heart and sent me soaring sky-high to a paradise I’d never known existed until I’d found him. With him, I had everything.
And I had no intention of ever letting him go.”
~ ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️!!
****************
Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited.
I will always state when I borrowed something from Kindle Unlimited and whether I purchased it afterward or not! Why? Well, if I've borrowed something from KU, it - by default - means I am very unsure of either the author (if that author is new to me) or that specific book (in general)! I ADORE purchasing and owning my books, BUT for books or authors I'm unsure of, KU is a phenomenal way to try before committing!
Regardless, it means I'm very much on the fence, for whatever reason!
I'll highlight the outcome either way ... I'll either be glad it was on KU so I could give it back, or I'll have ADORED it and will decided to purchase right after borrowing :-)!!
I think it's a nice way to keep track; it might help someone else who's on the fence!
“What a person had between their legs didn’t matter. What mattered were the feelings you had when they were near, the butterflies that wouldn’t fucking stop fluttering when you kissed them. Love wasn’t about choosing one gender over another. It was about choosing a person who made you happy—a person who you automatically thought of when you woke up in the morning and who you wanted by your side when you fell asleep. Love was irrational and crazy. It wasn’t about perfection.
I was nowhere near perfect, having screwed up so many times I had lost count. But, that’s what made love beautiful, in my eyes. The faults and the recovery from them. The concept that nothing can tear two hearts that belong together away from each other.”
~ ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️!!
Perfection @ 100% ...
“Where Jackson was, I knew I belonged. My sexual awakening and struggle of self-acceptance had taken us both for a rough ride. A ride full of heartache, confusion, frustration, and ultimately, loss. But, in the end, love had prevailed. The future was a mystery, as most things in life were. But, I knew that whatever life tossed my way, Jackson would be by my side.
Pulling him as close as possible, I buried my face in his soft, brown hair. The revelation of how much he meant to me threatened to break me apart. Jackson was my home. My sexy, kind of nerdy, shy man with a surprisingly dominant side. A man who kindled a fire in my heart and sent me soaring sky-high to a paradise I’d never known existed until I’d found him. With him, I had everything.
And I had no intention of ever letting him go.”
~ ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️!!
****************
Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited.
I will always state when I borrowed something from Kindle Unlimited and whether I purchased it afterward or not! Why? Well, if I've borrowed something from KU, it - by default - means I am very unsure of either the author (if that author is new to me) or that specific book (in general)! I ADORE purchasing and owning my books, BUT for books or authors I'm unsure of, KU is a phenomenal way to try before committing!
Regardless, it means I'm very much on the fence, for whatever reason!
I'll highlight the outcome either way ... I'll either be glad it was on KU so I could give it back, or I'll have ADORED it and will decided to purchase right after borrowing :-)!!
I think it's a nice way to keep track; it might help someone else who's on the fence!
![Profile Image for Megan [At The Cottage].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1634561405i%2F25103878._UY200_CR50%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
January 4, 2023
MM Romance
Coming Out
3.5 Stars ⭐️
A To Z Book Title Challenge: Z This challenge has been amazing and introduced me to so many new authors and series that I can’t wait to continue. It also helped me clean out all my lists that I have on here and Amazon of not just books I read but ones I would have never read now that my book preferences have changed. I highly recommend this to anyone in a slump because it pulled me out of a major one. I initially worried that because I was a mood reader I would feel trapped or unable to read what I wanted but that wasn’t an issue because I could read whatever I wanted as long as it started with the right letter so I never decided beforehand and went searching based on my mood. Speaking of searching, THANK YOU so much to the people who have extensively long TBRs or books they’ve read because I used your shelves to find tricky letters like ‘J’ and ‘V’. Both those books were great so thank you thank you thank you 🙏💗
Ok this book is a tricky one because I hated it yet loved it at the same time. Once I started this book I couldn’t put it down and I read it in one sitting. But because Zack was really hard to like for most of this book, it made it hard to read. Now, Zack isn’t a bad person but he’s coming to terms with his sexuality in this book and he’s scared to death of what that means because he lives in small town Arkansas, one of the most conservative states in the US and he’s always been known as a ladies man. He also works at a gym as a personal trainer and feels like if people knew he was gay, they wouldn’t think he was manly enough to do his job. All of this is bs of course and deep down Zack knows this because his brother Gabe has been out and proud his whole life and their father fully accepts him as he is but still Zack doesn’t want to be gay and is trying to fight it until he takes on Jackson as a client and can’t deny how he feels about men anymore. Jackson on the other hand came out when he was in high school but his parents called him a disgusting f***** and disowned him. If it wasn’t for going to college and meeting his best friend’s Nick and Benji, who he now lives with, he’d have no one. Jackson may have been disowned but he fought tooth and nail to make something of himself and graduated college but underneath all that bravado is a person who just wants to be cared for and loved by someone who won’t hide him or make him feel unwanted.
So these two go from clients to friends then boyfriends but it’s not perfect because Zack refuses to come out and Jackson doesn’t want to be anyone’s secret. And so I became extremely protective over Jackson while reading this because he was so into Zack and willing to be a secret and give him time but some of the things Zack said and did while they were in public just sucked and it made it really hard for me to like him. I get he was scared but he went out of his way to show the world he wasn’t gay like freaking out if Jackson paid their tab at a restaurant even though friends do that all the time for each other or he’d see some old acquaintances and play up on being this ladies man with Jackson right next to him. It broke my heart for Jackson especially if I was in Jackson’s POV at the time because he’d be devastated hearing the man he loves saying cruel things.
But when these two were together by themselves their relationship was wonderful. They cared so much for each other and Jackson was willing to compromise with Zack so he’d feel comfortable with sex among other things. The sex scenes in this book were hot 🥵 and these two just couldn’t keep their hands off each other which is why being in public was so hard for Jackson because he couldn’t even hold his hand. ☹️ But then Zack planned all these really thoughtful dates and I absolutely loved when they went camping which is why I think it hurt me when Zack would revert to this closed off dickhead because I could see how beautiful they were together and fuck what anyone else thinks. So yes this is a bit angsty and annoying and I loved it yet hated it. But I absolutely LOVED Zack’s brother Gabe and plan to read the first book of this series which is his story. I would love to see if Benji and Nick have a story in another series because they were cute as fuck too.
So, I’m all over the place with this review and feel like 3 stars is too low but 4 is too high and I hate GR for not letting me half star things.
Coming Out
3.5 Stars ⭐️
A To Z Book Title Challenge: Z This challenge has been amazing and introduced me to so many new authors and series that I can’t wait to continue. It also helped me clean out all my lists that I have on here and Amazon of not just books I read but ones I would have never read now that my book preferences have changed. I highly recommend this to anyone in a slump because it pulled me out of a major one. I initially worried that because I was a mood reader I would feel trapped or unable to read what I wanted but that wasn’t an issue because I could read whatever I wanted as long as it started with the right letter so I never decided beforehand and went searching based on my mood. Speaking of searching, THANK YOU so much to the people who have extensively long TBRs or books they’ve read because I used your shelves to find tricky letters like ‘J’ and ‘V’. Both those books were great so thank you thank you thank you 🙏💗
Ok this book is a tricky one because I hated it yet loved it at the same time. Once I started this book I couldn’t put it down and I read it in one sitting. But because Zack was really hard to like for most of this book, it made it hard to read. Now, Zack isn’t a bad person but he’s coming to terms with his sexuality in this book and he’s scared to death of what that means because he lives in small town Arkansas, one of the most conservative states in the US and he’s always been known as a ladies man. He also works at a gym as a personal trainer and feels like if people knew he was gay, they wouldn’t think he was manly enough to do his job. All of this is bs of course and deep down Zack knows this because his brother Gabe has been out and proud his whole life and their father fully accepts him as he is but still Zack doesn’t want to be gay and is trying to fight it until he takes on Jackson as a client and can’t deny how he feels about men anymore. Jackson on the other hand came out when he was in high school but his parents called him a disgusting f***** and disowned him. If it wasn’t for going to college and meeting his best friend’s Nick and Benji, who he now lives with, he’d have no one. Jackson may have been disowned but he fought tooth and nail to make something of himself and graduated college but underneath all that bravado is a person who just wants to be cared for and loved by someone who won’t hide him or make him feel unwanted.
So these two go from clients to friends then boyfriends but it’s not perfect because Zack refuses to come out and Jackson doesn’t want to be anyone’s secret. And so I became extremely protective over Jackson while reading this because he was so into Zack and willing to be a secret and give him time but some of the things Zack said and did while they were in public just sucked and it made it really hard for me to like him. I get he was scared but he went out of his way to show the world he wasn’t gay like freaking out if Jackson paid their tab at a restaurant even though friends do that all the time for each other or he’d see some old acquaintances and play up on being this ladies man with Jackson right next to him. It broke my heart for Jackson especially if I was in Jackson’s POV at the time because he’d be devastated hearing the man he loves saying cruel things.
But when these two were together by themselves their relationship was wonderful. They cared so much for each other and Jackson was willing to compromise with Zack so he’d feel comfortable with sex among other things. The sex scenes in this book were hot 🥵 and these two just couldn’t keep their hands off each other which is why being in public was so hard for Jackson because he couldn’t even hold his hand. ☹️ But then Zack planned all these really thoughtful dates and I absolutely loved when they went camping which is why I think it hurt me when Zack would revert to this closed off dickhead because I could see how beautiful they were together and fuck what anyone else thinks. So yes this is a bit angsty and annoying and I loved it yet hated it. But I absolutely LOVED Zack’s brother Gabe and plan to read the first book of this series which is his story. I would love to see if Benji and Nick have a story in another series because they were cute as fuck too.
So, I’m all over the place with this review and feel like 3 stars is too low but 4 is too high and I hate GR for not letting me half star things.
December 5, 2017
1.5☆
This story just didn't work for me.
The whole thingy with Zack not coming out I could get but agreeing to an old childhood friend(Which he didn't hang out with since highschool btw.) when he's dissing your little brother and saying hurtful things about him and other gay people and you agree with him when your boyfriend is standing next to you like seriously WTF??
This whole story was about Zack coming to terms with his sexuality which I can understand isn't always that easy but still...
after a while I was fed up with Zack and his issues/bullshit
Jackson I wanted to like him more but *ugh he was such a doormat .
also Zack and Jackson were no childhood friends they went to the same school before Jax was kicked out for being gay
they didn't hang out or even talk so ...
This story just didn't work for me.
The whole thingy with Zack not coming out I could get but agreeing to an old childhood friend(Which he didn't hang out with since highschool btw.) when he's dissing your little brother and saying hurtful things about him and other gay people and you agree with him when your boyfriend is standing next to you like seriously WTF??
This whole story was about Zack coming to terms with his sexuality which I can understand isn't always that easy but still...
after a while I was fed up with Zack and his issues/bullshit
Jackson I wanted to like him more but *ugh he was such a doormat .
also Zack and Jackson were no childhood friends they went to the same school before Jax was kicked out for being gay
they didn't hang out or even talk so ...
November 11, 2015
4.5 ****
No where near as angst driven as the first book, but I found that I was very okay with that. I think it complimented the first book nicely by given us a look at my First Fabulous couple and continuing with Zack and Jackson. I'm learning that with my Jaclyn that we must have a touch of angst...but it doesn't have to drive her stories. Fabulous job my Dear! ! For the 1* reviews. ...sigh. ...people are intitled to their opinions. ..I still don't understand Author Bashing, but to each his/her own. I would really love to be able to read their published works...you know. ..for comparison reason's only. I look forward to more from Jaclyn O and will wholeheartedly recommend her work without reservation.
No where near as angst driven as the first book, but I found that I was very okay with that. I think it complimented the first book nicely by given us a look at my First Fabulous couple and continuing with Zack and Jackson. I'm learning that with my Jaclyn that we must have a touch of angst...but it doesn't have to drive her stories. Fabulous job my Dear! ! For the 1* reviews. ...sigh. ...people are intitled to their opinions. ..I still don't understand Author Bashing, but to each his/her own. I would really love to be able to read their published works...you know. ..for comparison reason's only. I look forward to more from Jaclyn O and will wholeheartedly recommend her work without reservation.
May 30, 2016
Zack had me wanting to throw my Kindle across the room . I get why he was the way he was. But dang he worked my nerves. Wanting to throw my Kindle across the room is a compliment to the author, if you're wondering ;-) If you're thinking this is going to be like the first book, it's not, it's Zack and Jackson's story and I love that it's way different, different struggles. I loved Jackson and felt so bad for him, waiting for Zack to work through everything. I really did enjoy it even though Zack worked my nerves, lol. They were perfect for each other. I love this author's writing and have enjoyed both books in the series and look forward to reading her next book when it comes out. I love finding a new authors to read.
January 20, 2016
*****Zack and Jackson have been friends since childhood.
***** This has complicated family dynamics, it's interesting, and very sexy.
Jackson, a waiter looking for work as a paralegal, is openly gay, but Personal Trainer, Zack, is afraid of what people will say, so he's stayed in the closet. His Dad has one gay son
and he's somehow afraid to disappoint the man. We see his internal torment, his reasoning, and hesitations. Jackson is tired of waiting and the guys start to explore their sexy side. Zack has never been with a man, and Jackson is a willing teacher.
We see the relationship develop, and everything is okay, unless they are in public.
Zack is not ready to be openly gay. Everyone is struggling with his indecision, even friends, family, and each other. We see Michael and Gabe from the previous book, getting ready for their wedding.
What will it take for Zack to end the fear?
Deeply thought-filled characters, strong writing, a flowing plot, and of course lots of hot M/M sex scenes. Highly recommend ! ENJOY !!
(this can be a stand alone)
================================
***** This has complicated family dynamics, it's interesting, and very sexy.
Jackson, a waiter looking for work as a paralegal, is openly gay, but Personal Trainer, Zack, is afraid of what people will say, so he's stayed in the closet. His Dad has one gay son
and he's somehow afraid to disappoint the man. We see his internal torment, his reasoning, and hesitations. Jackson is tired of waiting and the guys start to explore their sexy side. Zack has never been with a man, and Jackson is a willing teacher.
We see the relationship develop, and everything is okay, unless they are in public.
Zack is not ready to be openly gay. Everyone is struggling with his indecision, even friends, family, and each other. We see Michael and Gabe from the previous book, getting ready for their wedding.
What will it take for Zack to end the fear?
Deeply thought-filled characters, strong writing, a flowing plot, and of course lots of hot M/M sex scenes. Highly recommend ! ENJOY !!
(this can be a stand alone)
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November 8, 2015
I so loved this book!! I couldn't wait for it to come out right after I read Michael's Wakening.This was an emotional book as well in a different way then the first one, but such a good read. I loved Jackson right away,Zack..it to awhile then I loved him too. I was sad that he was struggling but the way he acted with Jax in front of people made me hurt more for Jax, but I felt bad for Zach Argh... So confusing! But I'm glad it all worked out even though it took awhile. It was great to read more about Gabe & Michael, their wedding... Loved it!! I was crying like crazy, especially before the wedding when Zack & Gabe were alone talking , broke my heart. Awesome book Jaclyn!!
November 7, 2015
I have previously read Michaels Awakening by this author and fell in love with the characters. I hoped that Zack would get his own book and he did!
Something I loved about this book is that their love story wasn't easy. Zack is conflicted about his feelings and Jackson has to be patient with him, but he can only be patient for so long. This story was beautifully written and, just like with her first book, you will laugh, and you will cry.
You definitely dont want to miss out on this book! :)
Something I loved about this book is that their love story wasn't easy. Zack is conflicted about his feelings and Jackson has to be patient with him, but he can only be patient for so long. This story was beautifully written and, just like with her first book, you will laugh, and you will cry.
You definitely dont want to miss out on this book! :)
November 7, 2015
Brilliant!!!
I have to say I had extremely high expectations for this book after reading "Michael's Awakening". I was not disappointed.
Once again Ms. Osborn brings her characters to life, opens them up for the world to see, and creates a story that blends with reality.
Zach's story is all to real for many young men. Or indeed, men and women of any age. Coming to terms with your true self and needing that love and acceptance from those around you can be devastating. Sometimes only to find that you need to start fresh and find that comfort with others that cross your path and slowly become family.
The family in this, and the first book, started just that way and created beauty from darkness and love from pain.
This is a book you will not soon forget.
Thank you Ms. Osborn for sharing this story.
I have to say I had extremely high expectations for this book after reading "Michael's Awakening". I was not disappointed.
Once again Ms. Osborn brings her characters to life, opens them up for the world to see, and creates a story that blends with reality.
Zach's story is all to real for many young men. Or indeed, men and women of any age. Coming to terms with your true self and needing that love and acceptance from those around you can be devastating. Sometimes only to find that you need to start fresh and find that comfort with others that cross your path and slowly become family.
The family in this, and the first book, started just that way and created beauty from darkness and love from pain.
This is a book you will not soon forget.
Thank you Ms. Osborn for sharing this story.
November 30, 2018
Great addition and Story. Loved catching up with and reading about the wedding too.
November 21, 2015
Wow
Couldn't put the book down. With every turn of the page I was right there with them. This was a great read.
Couldn't put the book down. With every turn of the page I was right there with them. This was a great read.
January 22, 2016
After Michael and Gabe’s story, I got really excited to read Zack and Jackson’s book! And I loved it!
Zack has real issues about being gay – he’s not only afraid of assuming his sexual orientation… he’s terrified! What his friends, colleagues and family would say? Fear is not a reasonable feeling, because, well, he’s Gabe’s brother, so why he should be afraid of what his family and close friends would say?
Jackson is a great guy, that faced a lot of heartbreak in his life, but never gave up finding that special person that would put his feelings, happiness and love first of all things. He though he had found this person in Zack, but would he be willing to wait until Zack set his mind right? For him to finally realize that he would be giving up his chance of happiness, not just his sexual orientation if he stayed in the closet?
I must confess that if I could, I would have smacked Zack upside the head a lot of times, to try and put some sense into that thick head of his! And OMG, Jackson won me over from the start… I was cheering so bad for him to finally get the kind of love he so deserved!
Thanks Jaclyn for a great ride!
Zack has real issues about being gay – he’s not only afraid of assuming his sexual orientation… he’s terrified! What his friends, colleagues and family would say? Fear is not a reasonable feeling, because, well, he’s Gabe’s brother, so why he should be afraid of what his family and close friends would say?
Jackson is a great guy, that faced a lot of heartbreak in his life, but never gave up finding that special person that would put his feelings, happiness and love first of all things. He though he had found this person in Zack, but would he be willing to wait until Zack set his mind right? For him to finally realize that he would be giving up his chance of happiness, not just his sexual orientation if he stayed in the closet?
I must confess that if I could, I would have smacked Zack upside the head a lot of times, to try and put some sense into that thick head of his! And OMG, Jackson won me over from the start… I was cheering so bad for him to finally get the kind of love he so deserved!
Thanks Jaclyn for a great ride!
August 30, 2017
After Michael and Gabe’s story, I got really excited to read Zack and Jackson’s book! And I loved it!
Zack has real issues about being gay – he’s not only afraid of assuming his sexual orientation… he’s terrified! What his friends, colleagues and family would say? Fear is not a reasonable feeling, because, well, he’s Gabe’s brother, so why he should be afraid of what his family and close friends would say?
Jackson is a great guy, that faced a lot of heartbreak in his life, but never gave up finding that special person that would put his feelings, happiness and love first of all things. He though he had found this person in Zack, but would he be willing to wait until Zack set his mind right? For him to finally realize that he would be giving up his chance of happiness, not just his sexual orientation if he stayed in the closet?
I must confess that if I could, I would have smacked Zack upside the head a lot of times, to try and put some sense into that thick head of his! And OMG, Jackson won me over from the start… I was cheering so bad for him to finally get the kind of love he so deserved!
Thanks Jaclyn for a great ride!
Zack has real issues about being gay – he’s not only afraid of assuming his sexual orientation… he’s terrified! What his friends, colleagues and family would say? Fear is not a reasonable feeling, because, well, he’s Gabe’s brother, so why he should be afraid of what his family and close friends would say?
Jackson is a great guy, that faced a lot of heartbreak in his life, but never gave up finding that special person that would put his feelings, happiness and love first of all things. He though he had found this person in Zack, but would he be willing to wait until Zack set his mind right? For him to finally realize that he would be giving up his chance of happiness, not just his sexual orientation if he stayed in the closet?
I must confess that if I could, I would have smacked Zack upside the head a lot of times, to try and put some sense into that thick head of his! And OMG, Jackson won me over from the start… I was cheering so bad for him to finally get the kind of love he so deserved!
Thanks Jaclyn for a great ride!
March 1, 2017
Oh Zack....You really did make me shout a few times...well a lot of times.....Zack really found it hard coming to terms with being gay......his inner turmoil was so hard to read...The way he treated Jackson was pure torture sometimes....Jackson really loved him and wanted him to be open with him and let everyone know that he belonged to Zack but I guess Zack needed that time....When they finally get it together fully it was just beautiful....We also get Gabriel and Michael's wedding which also was beautiful...I really wished I'd read these books earlier as they really are amazing books...I will definitely be looking for more books by Jaclyn...Truly a great author x
November 8, 2017
Oh Zack!
Zack's awakening. Zack was a love em and leave em kind of guy who always considered himself straight. Having a flamboyant younger brother who he wholeheartedly accepted he suddenly began to struggle when he noticed Jax and started having these feelings he couldn't explain. Afraid to come out he puts Jax through hell eventually losing him. Zack had to finally decide what was more important, public perception or his love for Jax. A beautiful story of awakening and the struggle to accept who you are.
Zack's awakening. Zack was a love em and leave em kind of guy who always considered himself straight. Having a flamboyant younger brother who he wholeheartedly accepted he suddenly began to struggle when he noticed Jax and started having these feelings he couldn't explain. Afraid to come out he puts Jax through hell eventually losing him. Zack had to finally decide what was more important, public perception or his love for Jax. A beautiful story of awakening and the struggle to accept who you are.
March 28, 2016
I absolutely LOVED this !!
We'd already met Zack in book one of this series, and we'd kind of met Jackson too, but in this we get their story. IT was quite an emotional read as we see Zack struggling with "coming out" and accepting that he is gay. I felt so sorry for him and Jackson, and at times wanted to get in the book and scream at Zack to not care about what others think of him !!
LOVED IT !!
We'd already met Zack in book one of this series, and we'd kind of met Jackson too, but in this we get their story. IT was quite an emotional read as we see Zack struggling with "coming out" and accepting that he is gay. I felt so sorry for him and Jackson, and at times wanted to get in the book and scream at Zack to not care about what others think of him !!
LOVED IT !!
March 31, 2016
Loved it!
I thought the first book in this series was good but I absolutely loved this one. Jackson and Zach are both wonderful characters. My heart was breaking for these two, I just couldn't get enough of them. I enjoyed getting peaks of Michael and Gabe from the first book, Gabe and Zach are hilarious together. The writing was wonderful and brought me to tears several times. Can't wait to read !ore from Jaclyn Osborn.
I thought the first book in this series was good but I absolutely loved this one. Jackson and Zach are both wonderful characters. My heart was breaking for these two, I just couldn't get enough of them. I enjoyed getting peaks of Michael and Gabe from the first book, Gabe and Zach are hilarious together. The writing was wonderful and brought me to tears several times. Can't wait to read !ore from Jaclyn Osborn.
February 17, 2018
Loved
Zack and Jackson's journey had my emotions all over the place I loved it so much
Zack and Jackson completely stole my heart I was hooked from beginning to end
I could feel everyone of their emotions through their ups and downs their laughter their tears and uncertainty
When Zack and Jackson were apart you could feel how sad they were
Zack's awakening was a beautiful intense and wonderful journey
Zack and Jackson's journey had my emotions all over the place I loved it so much
Zack and Jackson completely stole my heart I was hooked from beginning to end
I could feel everyone of their emotions through their ups and downs their laughter their tears and uncertainty
When Zack and Jackson were apart you could feel how sad they were
Zack's awakening was a beautiful intense and wonderful journey
January 14, 2017
Aaahhh, I didn't want it to end!
It would be so nice to live in a more accepting world than we do. A world where loves flows freely and no judgements are cast.
I can wait for book 3!
It would be so nice to live in a more accepting world than we do. A world where loves flows freely and no judgements are cast.
I can wait for book 3!
July 13, 2017
This is a super follow up to the first book. Zack and Jackson struggle to find their way and Jaclyn leads us through another amazing story. I can't wait to re-read this one when the next book comes out.
March 22, 2021
This author is new to me, and I love their work. I read it in one go. The characters were fantastic, and the plots crossover with characters making an appearance in other books.
This was an easy 5 star from me.
This was an easy 5 star from me.
November 24, 2015
A solid 4 ½ stars for the ending alone. Would like to see more of this series, possibly Nick and Benji's story! I could read more of Gabriel and Michaels story, maybe they could adopt a baby!
June 21, 2016
Love
It was an emotional amazing struggle that ended perfectly. Can't wait to read more from you......
Is there a sequel?
It was an emotional amazing struggle that ended perfectly. Can't wait to read more from you......
Is there a sequel?
July 31, 2016
Great next book in a great series.
August 1, 2016
Good followup to first book. Loved Jackson and his love for zack. Slow burn. Enjoyable.
May 20, 2017
I really loved this book. I feel like I'm cheating on Gab and Michael though ;) lol Both such great well executed characters. Loved the story. On to Benji's story.
August 29, 2018
Thank you!
This book was so good! To see the struggle that Zack had trying to come to terms with himself is so relevant to the world we live in now. Really great book!
This book was so good! To see the struggle that Zack had trying to come to terms with himself is so relevant to the world we live in now. Really great book!
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