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Names Can Never Hurt Me
"2nd Edition "
What if sexuality wasn t a definable thing and labels merely got in the way?
Nick Jones can t remember a time when he wasn t part of the in crowd. Everywhere he goes, he stands out as the best looking guy in the room, and women practically fall into bed with him. Then, after kissing Corey on a dare led to much more and on many occasions, Nick s screw anything reputation escalated, but he didn t care.
When Nick meets RC at the restaurant where he works, it throws his whole life out of whack. RC lives up to his dubbed nickname Scruffy Dude. He seems Nick s complete opposite, but Nick can t get him out of his head.
Because of peer-pressure and his fears about defining his sexuality, Nick struggles with stepping out of his comfort zone and caring about someone different than himself. If he s lucky, somewhere between arrogance and ignorance, Nick might find out what it means to be an adult, but if he s wrong, he could lose everything. "
What if sexuality wasn t a definable thing and labels merely got in the way?
Nick Jones can t remember a time when he wasn t part of the in crowd. Everywhere he goes, he stands out as the best looking guy in the room, and women practically fall into bed with him. Then, after kissing Corey on a dare led to much more and on many occasions, Nick s screw anything reputation escalated, but he didn t care.
When Nick meets RC at the restaurant where he works, it throws his whole life out of whack. RC lives up to his dubbed nickname Scruffy Dude. He seems Nick s complete opposite, but Nick can t get him out of his head.
Because of peer-pressure and his fears about defining his sexuality, Nick struggles with stepping out of his comfort zone and caring about someone different than himself. If he s lucky, somewhere between arrogance and ignorance, Nick might find out what it means to be an adult, but if he s wrong, he could lose everything. "
340 pages, Paperback
First published August 10, 2014
6 people are currently reading
360 people want to read
About the author
Wade Kelly
17 books388 followersWade Kelly lives and writes in conservative, small-town America on the east coast where it’s not easy to live free and open in one's beliefs. Wade writes passionately about controversial issues and strives to make a difference by making people think. Wade does not have a background in writing or philosophy, but still draws from personal experience to ponder contentious subjects on paper. There is a lot of pain in the world and people need hope. When not writing, she is thinking about writing, and more than likely scribbling ideas on sticky notes in the car while playing "taxi driver" for her three children. She likes snakes, can’t spell, and has a tendency to make people cry.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
September 19, 2018
Audio performance - 3.5
story - 4
It took me a while to warm up to Nick. He was incredibly vain and so very dense. All I kept saying to myself is “this guy is an idiot”. Between the voice given to Nick in the audio and how his character is written, Nick epitomized the doped up immature lazy dumb jock. I really didn’t think I would like him. After a long, long while, I did warm up to him. Especially when he became less self-absorbed, and focused on becoming the kind of boyfriend that RC deserved.
RC broke my damn heart. He’s been sexually abused and ridiculed from childhood for being overweight. Understandably, he doesn’t trust easily. I have a tough time with insecure characters because sometimes they come off whiny, and I have to remind myself to stop being a cold-hearted bitch. With RC, I didn’t feel like he used his past abuse as a crutch. He had every right to be cautious and demand patience from Nick.
There were a few dramatic scenes that were OTT and unnecessary, so I’m going with 4 stars instead of 5.
P.S.
Dear Author, can we get a book for Corey?
story - 4
It took me a while to warm up to Nick. He was incredibly vain and so very dense. All I kept saying to myself is “this guy is an idiot”. Between the voice given to Nick in the audio and how his character is written, Nick epitomized the doped up immature lazy dumb jock. I really didn’t think I would like him. After a long, long while, I did warm up to him. Especially when he became less self-absorbed, and focused on becoming the kind of boyfriend that RC deserved.
RC broke my damn heart. He’s been sexually abused and ridiculed from childhood for being overweight. Understandably, he doesn’t trust easily. I have a tough time with insecure characters because sometimes they come off whiny, and I have to remind myself to stop being a cold-hearted bitch. With RC, I didn’t feel like he used his past abuse as a crutch. He had every right to be cautious and demand patience from Nick.
There were a few dramatic scenes that were OTT and unnecessary, so I’m going with 4 stars instead of 5.
P.S.
Dear Author, can we get a book for Corey?
August 15, 2014
Not sure how to rate this really...very well written by Wade as you'd expect, but the main character irritated the hell out of me (although others may like him) so I think 4 stars is fair.
Right, let's start with the main character...Nick. He was an extremely indecisive, irritating and dense 23 year old doofus who looked like a movie star, was finally holding down a job in a local pizza parlour, and apparently a man-whore (sex on a stick) but still lived with his parents, and his mother still treated him as though he was 13 not 23!! Unlucky in love, unlucky in everything really BUT he had a heart of gold and never knowingly hurt anyone, he had one really good friend Corey and loads of girls that he'd slept with as part of the 'popular' gang at school, and let me just say, I'm so glad I wasn't part of a 'popular' gang at school...I had normal friends and we did normal things. As part of a bet, two of the vicious little sluts in the gang (Tara and Dawn) tried to get him to kiss a guy at a party...that guy being Corey, who was out and proud, and whom Nick had secretly had a crush on. Well, the kiss went better than even he expected, and Corey continued to be Nick's 'piece on the side' while he (Nick) worked his way through most of the girls in their group. Of course, he eventually realised that he was getting nothing but sexual release out of his involvement with 'Slut HQ'...Tara, Dawn, Chrissy...you name it, he had sex with it 'Being a sexual god was such a difficult job, but somebody had to do it'.
Into the pizza parlour every Wednesday lunchtime came a guy known as Scruffy Dude, better known to me as RC, and Nick was intrigued by him. Eventually they got talking, and I'll just leave things here.
This is relevant to the story...you need to read it.
I really did enjoy the story, and Wade certainly didn't hold back with her labelling of different characters. I have to admit (and I'm sure others will do the same) that it has never really struck me before HOW much we label people, and how WRONG that is. You know the old sayings....never judge a book by its cover, beauty is only skin deep etc., Perfectly true!!
Phrases, lines...do my usual thing...
'You're the only one in this world who can ignite my soul with a glance and melt my heart with a kiss.' [My 'Goo-ometer' loved this one!!]
'I found my hope in you.'
'I want to give us a try. More than a try. I want to prove to you I'm not only out to get you in my bed. I want you. All of you. And if I have to go without sex until you believe me, I'm willing to do it.'
'Nick, you might act like an ass, and you certainly are vain and arrogant, but you have the most compassionate heart I've ever seen.'
'Oh my God! He'd just given me the green light. He wants me. And I want him. I only needed to prove I wasn't the complete asshole everyone thought I was and commit. I could do that. Maybe. I sagged as I considered it. This was huge.'
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July 14, 2014I can't review it as I wrote it, BUT I can say that I have confidence in my beta readers who assured me it was good. I have to trust them.
Note: This also comes in paperback which is not listed here on goodreads as of 7/13/14
Note: This also comes in paperback which is not listed here on goodreads as of 7/13/14
September 4, 2014
When you stop and think about it, the amount of unconscious labels we put on people is amazing. The second you meet someone you have probably already put them into a broad category or two without even knowing it. There are also those times where someone labels with harmful intent. The labels that stick with and hurt people.
Nick is the good looking, seemingly shallow, clueless party boy who skates through life from girl to girl (and one particular flamboyant guy named Corey) not really thinking past sex. He is out of college, still lives at home and is only managing to finally hold down a job. He still hangs out with the same high school crowd who seem to rotate partners on a regular basis. RC comes into the shop where he works and seems to be the opposite of all the "pretty people" he hangs out with. The men take a liking to each other, striking up a friendship. Nick soon realizes he has more than friendly feelings towards RC, but that still doesn't make him gay and he still has a girlfriend (even though he sometimes hooks up with Corey). RC has been hurt in the past, including relentless bullying that started in school. RC sees Nick for the caring and loyal person that he is under the labels. Nick sees the need to move on and come to terms with his feelings about RC, but is afraid of the reactions he might receive from those around him.
The story has a slower pace and really focuses on Nick coming to understand himself, his past actions and what he wants for the future. RC's story is heartbreaking, but he has an inner strength and won't allow Nick to just add him to the list of past conquests. I enjoyed watching Nick navigate his fears of what his parents, friends and exes would think of his relationships with RC and his revelation at exactly what they all actually knew and thought about him. Good secondary characters round out the story and I wouldn't mind seeing more of Corey in the future.
Nick is the good looking, seemingly shallow, clueless party boy who skates through life from girl to girl (and one particular flamboyant guy named Corey) not really thinking past sex. He is out of college, still lives at home and is only managing to finally hold down a job. He still hangs out with the same high school crowd who seem to rotate partners on a regular basis. RC comes into the shop where he works and seems to be the opposite of all the "pretty people" he hangs out with. The men take a liking to each other, striking up a friendship. Nick soon realizes he has more than friendly feelings towards RC, but that still doesn't make him gay and he still has a girlfriend (even though he sometimes hooks up with Corey). RC has been hurt in the past, including relentless bullying that started in school. RC sees Nick for the caring and loyal person that he is under the labels. Nick sees the need to move on and come to terms with his feelings about RC, but is afraid of the reactions he might receive from those around him.
The story has a slower pace and really focuses on Nick coming to understand himself, his past actions and what he wants for the future. RC's story is heartbreaking, but he has an inner strength and won't allow Nick to just add him to the list of past conquests. I enjoyed watching Nick navigate his fears of what his parents, friends and exes would think of his relationships with RC and his revelation at exactly what they all actually knew and thought about him. Good secondary characters round out the story and I wouldn't mind seeing more of Corey in the future.
August 11, 2014
“I'd thought sexuality was instinctive or natural, but it's profoundly linked to inner security and cultural context.” ~ Tahar Ben Jelloun
If there was ever a clueless person, it would be Nick Jones of Wade Kelly's book, 'Names Can Never Hurt Me'. He's been skating through life for years, without giving too much thought to who he is or what he wants; he's satisfied with what's readily available and easy. He has no concept of how others see him, mostly because he doesn't involve his brain in anything remotely complicated. Even with sex, he slides through it with little or no intimacy; self gratification is the ultimate goal. Nick lives a shallow life, with shallow friends, thinking that good looks and sex are all important. Then he meets RC and Nick's days of merely sliding by, in blissful ignorance are over.
Nick's never given much thought to his sexuality. He's slept with just about every girl in his elite social group so he's had no need to question it. He's with women, so he's straight. Then, on a dare, he kisses Corey, a sweet, flamboyant gay man at a party, which leads to a secret affair between them, but Nick refuses to admit that he might be gay. Neither want a commitment so they stay friends and avoid emotional entanglement. Anytime he questions his sexuality, Nick runs to the next available girl and proves his straightness. As his feelings for RC grow, he has an awful time denying that he's gay. If Nick wants to win him over, he has to examine his lifestyle and make some serious changes in his actions and thoughts. As his eyes become open, he sees that the people he thought were his friends are not. They have never cared about him; they simply used him. Acknowledging this breaks Nick's heart. By this time, Nick knows he's in love with RC and agrees to his stringent, almost impossible terms, just to prove he's interested in a lasting relationship and that he can change.
RC is a complicated man. There's a lot that doesn't meet the eye about him. He's had a difficult life being the big fat boy who was frequently ridiculed by kids in school and in his later life. These experiences have caused RC to be cautions and untrusting. Just as RC is getting a good grip on his life, he meets Nick. RC likes him right away. He sees Nick as a kind-hearted individual worthy of knowing. As RC gets more glances at Nick's life, he realizes that Nick is not living up to his potential; he has little self-respect and a hard time standing up for himself. He goes with whatever is convenient, which gets himself into unhealthy, damaging, and even dangerous situations. Nick's disregard for his own good angers RC. He wants to see Nick take better care of himself. Nick tells RC that he's interested, but RC isn't so sure he wants to be that close to Nick. He levels with him and it's not pretty. Nick is hurt, but knows that what RC says is true, i.e., that he's a man whore, thinks about sex all the time, that all his decisions are based on self-gratification. RC has been hurt too much to crawl back in that mire, and gives Nick an ultimatum; if he's serious about being in a real relationship with RC, he will have to prove himself worthy. Nick has to put sex aside and learn to focus on life. RC is determined not to have sex with Nick until his vapid exterior more closely resembles the good-hearted man that he sees on the inside.
This book is a character study of two young men finding their way through the complexities of life, coming out and living their lives truthfully and successfully with deliberation and commitment. Nick, especially, learns to face his fears, to let go of a past that was destructive at best and embrace the future with a new outlook. RC learns to love and trust again, giving him an acceptance he's seldom had in his life, a new family, and whacky, but wonderful new friends. I recommend this insightful, original story to everyone, but especially to those who are conflicted about who they are and what they want out of life. Thanks, Wade! I can hardly wait for the sequel.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
If there was ever a clueless person, it would be Nick Jones of Wade Kelly's book, 'Names Can Never Hurt Me'. He's been skating through life for years, without giving too much thought to who he is or what he wants; he's satisfied with what's readily available and easy. He has no concept of how others see him, mostly because he doesn't involve his brain in anything remotely complicated. Even with sex, he slides through it with little or no intimacy; self gratification is the ultimate goal. Nick lives a shallow life, with shallow friends, thinking that good looks and sex are all important. Then he meets RC and Nick's days of merely sliding by, in blissful ignorance are over.
Nick's never given much thought to his sexuality. He's slept with just about every girl in his elite social group so he's had no need to question it. He's with women, so he's straight. Then, on a dare, he kisses Corey, a sweet, flamboyant gay man at a party, which leads to a secret affair between them, but Nick refuses to admit that he might be gay. Neither want a commitment so they stay friends and avoid emotional entanglement. Anytime he questions his sexuality, Nick runs to the next available girl and proves his straightness. As his feelings for RC grow, he has an awful time denying that he's gay. If Nick wants to win him over, he has to examine his lifestyle and make some serious changes in his actions and thoughts. As his eyes become open, he sees that the people he thought were his friends are not. They have never cared about him; they simply used him. Acknowledging this breaks Nick's heart. By this time, Nick knows he's in love with RC and agrees to his stringent, almost impossible terms, just to prove he's interested in a lasting relationship and that he can change.
RC is a complicated man. There's a lot that doesn't meet the eye about him. He's had a difficult life being the big fat boy who was frequently ridiculed by kids in school and in his later life. These experiences have caused RC to be cautions and untrusting. Just as RC is getting a good grip on his life, he meets Nick. RC likes him right away. He sees Nick as a kind-hearted individual worthy of knowing. As RC gets more glances at Nick's life, he realizes that Nick is not living up to his potential; he has little self-respect and a hard time standing up for himself. He goes with whatever is convenient, which gets himself into unhealthy, damaging, and even dangerous situations. Nick's disregard for his own good angers RC. He wants to see Nick take better care of himself. Nick tells RC that he's interested, but RC isn't so sure he wants to be that close to Nick. He levels with him and it's not pretty. Nick is hurt, but knows that what RC says is true, i.e., that he's a man whore, thinks about sex all the time, that all his decisions are based on self-gratification. RC has been hurt too much to crawl back in that mire, and gives Nick an ultimatum; if he's serious about being in a real relationship with RC, he will have to prove himself worthy. Nick has to put sex aside and learn to focus on life. RC is determined not to have sex with Nick until his vapid exterior more closely resembles the good-hearted man that he sees on the inside.
This book is a character study of two young men finding their way through the complexities of life, coming out and living their lives truthfully and successfully with deliberation and commitment. Nick, especially, learns to face his fears, to let go of a past that was destructive at best and embrace the future with a new outlook. RC learns to love and trust again, giving him an acceptance he's seldom had in his life, a new family, and whacky, but wonderful new friends. I recommend this insightful, original story to everyone, but especially to those who are conflicted about who they are and what they want out of life. Thanks, Wade! I can hardly wait for the sequel.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
August 11, 2016
Review previously at BMBR.
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.
WARNING: The following review contains a lot of fucking swearing.
Oooooohhhhhkkkaaayyy.
Where do I start with reviewing this? Looking at my highlighted notes I've got way more parts coloured than I normally do - usually if I've got a lot of highlighted passages it means I have really not enjoyed the story or that it was particularly lyrical in an appealing way. This book kinda falls into the former - bits of this story absolutely drove me bonkers... and yet I found it thoroughly readable and enjoyed it. Which makes reviewing very difficult. . So here I go with my best effort.
Okay. I think the first thing that griped me about this book is Nick. He's a self centered arsehole. Seriously, even when he was being nice he was annoying... it was kind of the point of the story though, watching him mature. And he did, eventually, but boy oh boy was I ready to shake him by the time he managed it. He's vain - what a freaking put off.
"You haven't met him. He's single and overweight. His skin might have cleared up really well and he has great hair, but that doesn't mean he has room to be choosy. If I'm so hot, then he should have been all over me in the theatre. He's gay. It's what they do."
I mean, really? REALLY? How am I supposed to like this dickwad? (Don't even get me started on that last line. They. THEY. Fuck you, Nick. Fuck you to the stars and back).
It wasn't just Nick though, it was his whole group of friends. The in-crowd. They were petty, immature, snobby, bratty - it was very difficult to find any redeeming qualities in many of them. Especially (and I hate to say this) the girls. They all felt a little 2d to me, manipulative and playing games, but without any nice to round them out.
Tara bossed Nick about, ordering him to go and take up dog-soiled carpets at her aunts house, demanding where they'd go out and what they see. Then she was all flirty and girly in a major eye roll way.
"I stuck a french fry up my nose and she giggled."
Of course she did because apparently you're both ten years old, Nick.
I want to like the characters I'm reading about and a well rounded character has good and bad sides. In fact, even the 'nice' girls in this story seemed a little 2d. Marcy came across as an airhead; interfering and obsessed with trying to get Nick attracted to her. It was tedious.
Then there was this line...
"I might be a slut, but I'd never had non-consensual sex. Tara was the only one I'd ass-fucked without consent and it had happened by accident."
Excuse me? It happened by accident? Yeah, because it's really easy to stick your dick up an arse instead of a vagina by accident. What the actual fuck.
"I would never have consciously done that, I think that's why I felt so bad about it."
Liar, liar pants on fire. No excuses, mate. If she didn't want anal sex then you're just as bad as the person you're talking about. It doesn't just accidentally slip into one instead of the other.
Reading all my highlighted notes I'm getting crosser and crosser and am starting to wonder why I gave it 4 hearts as a rating. The thing is, it was really readable despite my huge list of nitpicks.
I really liked RC. He did feel much better rounded, I liked Nick's progression from a complete dickhead to a fairly likeable person. I liked the writing style, if not the characterisation. I liked the way the book looked at labels as a whole, something that seems particularly pertinent at the moment. For all my dislikes I'll be damned if I didn't bloody go and like this story.
I rate by gut and when I finished this story, I rated it a 4. Now, a little while later I'm wondering why because all my notes say 2 hearts, three at the very most. Do I change my rating? Nope, because my instinctual rating was a 4 and I want to go with my gut. So I wouldn't say avoid this book; just be prepared to roll your eyes. A lot.
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.
WARNING: The following review contains a lot of fucking swearing.
Oooooohhhhhkkkaaayyy.
Where do I start with reviewing this? Looking at my highlighted notes I've got way more parts coloured than I normally do - usually if I've got a lot of highlighted passages it means I have really not enjoyed the story or that it was particularly lyrical in an appealing way. This book kinda falls into the former - bits of this story absolutely drove me bonkers... and yet I found it thoroughly readable and enjoyed it. Which makes reviewing very difficult. . So here I go with my best effort.
Okay. I think the first thing that griped me about this book is Nick. He's a self centered arsehole. Seriously, even when he was being nice he was annoying... it was kind of the point of the story though, watching him mature. And he did, eventually, but boy oh boy was I ready to shake him by the time he managed it. He's vain - what a freaking put off.
"You haven't met him. He's single and overweight. His skin might have cleared up really well and he has great hair, but that doesn't mean he has room to be choosy. If I'm so hot, then he should have been all over me in the theatre. He's gay. It's what they do."
I mean, really? REALLY? How am I supposed to like this dickwad? (Don't even get me started on that last line. They. THEY. Fuck you, Nick. Fuck you to the stars and back).
It wasn't just Nick though, it was his whole group of friends. The in-crowd. They were petty, immature, snobby, bratty - it was very difficult to find any redeeming qualities in many of them. Especially (and I hate to say this) the girls. They all felt a little 2d to me, manipulative and playing games, but without any nice to round them out.
Tara bossed Nick about, ordering him to go and take up dog-soiled carpets at her aunts house, demanding where they'd go out and what they see. Then she was all flirty and girly in a major eye roll way.
"I stuck a french fry up my nose and she giggled."
Of course she did because apparently you're both ten years old, Nick.
I want to like the characters I'm reading about and a well rounded character has good and bad sides. In fact, even the 'nice' girls in this story seemed a little 2d. Marcy came across as an airhead; interfering and obsessed with trying to get Nick attracted to her. It was tedious.
Then there was this line...
"I might be a slut, but I'd never had non-consensual sex. Tara was the only one I'd ass-fucked without consent and it had happened by accident."
Excuse me? It happened by accident? Yeah, because it's really easy to stick your dick up an arse instead of a vagina by accident. What the actual fuck.
"I would never have consciously done that, I think that's why I felt so bad about it."
Liar, liar pants on fire. No excuses, mate. If she didn't want anal sex then you're just as bad as the person you're talking about. It doesn't just accidentally slip into one instead of the other.
Reading all my highlighted notes I'm getting crosser and crosser and am starting to wonder why I gave it 4 hearts as a rating. The thing is, it was really readable despite my huge list of nitpicks.
I really liked RC. He did feel much better rounded, I liked Nick's progression from a complete dickhead to a fairly likeable person. I liked the writing style, if not the characterisation. I liked the way the book looked at labels as a whole, something that seems particularly pertinent at the moment. For all my dislikes I'll be damned if I didn't bloody go and like this story.
I rate by gut and when I finished this story, I rated it a 4. Now, a little while later I'm wondering why because all my notes say 2 hearts, three at the very most. Do I change my rating? Nope, because my instinctual rating was a 4 and I want to go with my gut. So I wouldn't say avoid this book; just be prepared to roll your eyes. A lot.
October 27, 2014
4.5 stars really - full review here: http://thebloggergirls.com/2014/08/11...
Nick Jones is a hard character to like, especially at first. He is a very self-absorbed, aimless young man, vain, wandering, screwing around in and through life. We are first introduced to him at a party where he is dared to kiss another boy for the first time, and lo and behold, “he kissed a boy and he liked it!” His reputation isn’t harmed by this little endeavor, it seems to merely open doors for more sexual exploration. Since Nick’s friends are mostly self-indulgent jerks, out for a good time, and (in the beginning) Nick fits right it, the first part of the book was frustrating – setting us up for the far more satisfying part of the book where Nick begins to grow and learn how to be a better human.
RC, Raffael Coppola, is an ex fat kid who stumbles into Nick’s life via a sandwich shop. RC clearly has a crush on Nick, and though it takes him a little while to figure it out, Nick comes around to seeing RC as a friend, then more, until, finally, he is everything.
I love RC. Love him! He is sweet, authentic, kind, gentle, honest, funny and sexy. He has had a hell of a hard life, but still he keeps an open heart and open mind. I really appreciated his ability to take care of himself, standing firm in the face of temptation, and really being willing to get what he wants and deserves.
I also really liked the imagery Wade uses with RC’s use of contact lenses to hide his beauty and keep himself “hidden” from people’s attention, good or bad.
Corey Parrish is not technically an MC but he could be. He adds so much to the story and helps to shape Nick into a somewhat likable guy that he deserves a mention here. He is Nick’s first foray into gay love/sex and ends up being almost a brother to Nick. He’s a flamboyant, lip-gloss wearing gay boy and he is so sweet and sexy it was hard to not root for him and Nick, at least a little, and I was so glad we got to see him find his own HEA.
What makes this book so good are these characters and how they relate to one another. Wade Kelly does an amazing job of creating realistic, flawed-yet-wonderful people that you grow to love. Nick’s friends are perfectly skeevy and a perfect contrast to Nick’s parents who are amazingly caring and supportive yet dopey in their own way. I love how we see the natural evolution of growth and understanding – how at first some of the enemies turn into friends, once people cut through the crap and start to see the real people beneath the exterior. Life isn’t black and white and people do make mistakes and poor judgments and it takes real strength of character to move past that and let things go.
My only complaints about his book are two-fold:
One – the length. It’s pretty long and though it is very rich and well written, I think it could have been edited tighter and made the story move at a better pace.
Two – Nick. I didn’t quite feel like Nick deserved RC enough. He comes a long way. But he had a really long way to come. He was kind of a dick in the beginning of the story, and he made up a lot of ground, but I have to be honest… I’m not sure he made it to “good enough” by the end. I was also conflicted because I was feeling kinda attached to Corey so I was slow to warm up to the RC/Nick combo. Of course, I absolutely adored the romance between RC and Nick. RC is so effin’ adorable that you can’t help but root for his happiness and it was clear he was so, so happy with Nick. So… It’s ok. With RC as his partner some of that goodness is bound to rub off (heh heh) and I’m sure Nick will complete his growth process, and keep our RC quite happy for years to come.
Overall I loved this book, loved the topics Wade fearlessly tackled and the relationships she allowed to grow and change over the course of the story. It was sweet, sexy, sentimental and an excellent read. I highly recommend it!
Overall Impression:
4.5 stars – I loved it
*I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher in return for a fair and honest review.*
Nick Jones is a hard character to like, especially at first. He is a very self-absorbed, aimless young man, vain, wandering, screwing around in and through life. We are first introduced to him at a party where he is dared to kiss another boy for the first time, and lo and behold, “he kissed a boy and he liked it!” His reputation isn’t harmed by this little endeavor, it seems to merely open doors for more sexual exploration. Since Nick’s friends are mostly self-indulgent jerks, out for a good time, and (in the beginning) Nick fits right it, the first part of the book was frustrating – setting us up for the far more satisfying part of the book where Nick begins to grow and learn how to be a better human.
RC, Raffael Coppola, is an ex fat kid who stumbles into Nick’s life via a sandwich shop. RC clearly has a crush on Nick, and though it takes him a little while to figure it out, Nick comes around to seeing RC as a friend, then more, until, finally, he is everything.
I love RC. Love him! He is sweet, authentic, kind, gentle, honest, funny and sexy. He has had a hell of a hard life, but still he keeps an open heart and open mind. I really appreciated his ability to take care of himself, standing firm in the face of temptation, and really being willing to get what he wants and deserves.
I also really liked the imagery Wade uses with RC’s use of contact lenses to hide his beauty and keep himself “hidden” from people’s attention, good or bad.
Corey Parrish is not technically an MC but he could be. He adds so much to the story and helps to shape Nick into a somewhat likable guy that he deserves a mention here. He is Nick’s first foray into gay love/sex and ends up being almost a brother to Nick. He’s a flamboyant, lip-gloss wearing gay boy and he is so sweet and sexy it was hard to not root for him and Nick, at least a little, and I was so glad we got to see him find his own HEA.
What makes this book so good are these characters and how they relate to one another. Wade Kelly does an amazing job of creating realistic, flawed-yet-wonderful people that you grow to love. Nick’s friends are perfectly skeevy and a perfect contrast to Nick’s parents who are amazingly caring and supportive yet dopey in their own way. I love how we see the natural evolution of growth and understanding – how at first some of the enemies turn into friends, once people cut through the crap and start to see the real people beneath the exterior. Life isn’t black and white and people do make mistakes and poor judgments and it takes real strength of character to move past that and let things go.
My only complaints about his book are two-fold:
One – the length. It’s pretty long and though it is very rich and well written, I think it could have been edited tighter and made the story move at a better pace.
Two – Nick. I didn’t quite feel like Nick deserved RC enough. He comes a long way. But he had a really long way to come. He was kind of a dick in the beginning of the story, and he made up a lot of ground, but I have to be honest… I’m not sure he made it to “good enough” by the end. I was also conflicted because I was feeling kinda attached to Corey so I was slow to warm up to the RC/Nick combo. Of course, I absolutely adored the romance between RC and Nick. RC is so effin’ adorable that you can’t help but root for his happiness and it was clear he was so, so happy with Nick. So… It’s ok. With RC as his partner some of that goodness is bound to rub off (heh heh) and I’m sure Nick will complete his growth process, and keep our RC quite happy for years to come.
Overall I loved this book, loved the topics Wade fearlessly tackled and the relationships she allowed to grow and change over the course of the story. It was sweet, sexy, sentimental and an excellent read. I highly recommend it!
Overall Impression:
4.5 stars – I loved it
*I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher in return for a fair and honest review.*
August 25, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
Nick Jones is obviously conceited, self-involved, sex-driven, and shallow. Except. He is also scrupulously honest, caring and loyal almost to a fault, and I believe written as a character that suffers from ADHD. His scattered thoughts, his inability to focus on one task for long, and his aimless drifting through life would indicate that he is an adult in need of meds to help him stay on track. So, now this almost typical male version of a “dumb blonde” becomes so much more. His shallowness turns into a naïveté that tugs at your heartstrings and when he is finally able to actually see his behavior as destructive and hurtful, he is able to slowly bring about change in his life, but only because his love for RC grounds and focuses him.
And there is the actual beauty of this story. Yes, as these two men get to know each other and RC’s horrible tale of abuse and painful bullying at the hands of classmates is revealed, we are provided the opportunity to see how it affects a person who unknowingly and callously would have been part of that very school crowd who had laughed at RC. This, for me, was the true genius behind Wade Kelly’s novel. The realization that slowly dawns on Nick of how very abusive it is to be “just part of the in crowd.” When he understands that NOT doing something to stop the bullying of another person is tantamount to being an actual bully, his response is heart wrenching and incredibly powerful. Kelly goes beyond the victim (in this case RC) and shows us how each one of us at some time in our lives could very well have been the abuser. She shines a light on the simplistic occasional remarks we make about a stranger’s physical appearance and juxtaposes it with hate crimes and violence done on others and asks how our callous remarks really inflict any less real damage on the victim than a beating would. Because of her powerful writing and her bravery to call us out, we realize through this incredible story that inside each of us lays the ability to be a bully. That made this story simply mind-blowing.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
5 stars
Nick Jones is obviously conceited, self-involved, sex-driven, and shallow. Except. He is also scrupulously honest, caring and loyal almost to a fault, and I believe written as a character that suffers from ADHD. His scattered thoughts, his inability to focus on one task for long, and his aimless drifting through life would indicate that he is an adult in need of meds to help him stay on track. So, now this almost typical male version of a “dumb blonde” becomes so much more. His shallowness turns into a naïveté that tugs at your heartstrings and when he is finally able to actually see his behavior as destructive and hurtful, he is able to slowly bring about change in his life, but only because his love for RC grounds and focuses him.
And there is the actual beauty of this story. Yes, as these two men get to know each other and RC’s horrible tale of abuse and painful bullying at the hands of classmates is revealed, we are provided the opportunity to see how it affects a person who unknowingly and callously would have been part of that very school crowd who had laughed at RC. This, for me, was the true genius behind Wade Kelly’s novel. The realization that slowly dawns on Nick of how very abusive it is to be “just part of the in crowd.” When he understands that NOT doing something to stop the bullying of another person is tantamount to being an actual bully, his response is heart wrenching and incredibly powerful. Kelly goes beyond the victim (in this case RC) and shows us how each one of us at some time in our lives could very well have been the abuser. She shines a light on the simplistic occasional remarks we make about a stranger’s physical appearance and juxtaposes it with hate crimes and violence done on others and asks how our callous remarks really inflict any less real damage on the victim than a beating would. Because of her powerful writing and her bravery to call us out, we realize through this incredible story that inside each of us lays the ability to be a bully. That made this story simply mind-blowing.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
August 12, 2014
I loved this book, although its main character should have driven me crazy - I so do not like his kind in real life, but apparently I have different tastes when book characters are concerned.
Nick Jones is a male version of a "dumb blond", if I were to put a name on him that is; because that is partly what this book is about, the names we put of people, the boxes we put people in (almost in a manner that would suggest it's an inherited human trait and maybe it is, people appear to be doing it all over the world and has been doing it for ... ever? And it sure can be debilitating to the individual person)and how it forms us. I am sure Nick will infuriate quite a few readers along the way. It says he's 23 but he most certainly doesn't act 23 and he is constantly obsessing about his looks, he's promiscuous and lets be honest he is not the brightest star in the sky. But he has some sort of charm, he's honest and kind and quite a bit insecure too. The entire story is told from Nick's POV, in past tense.
Then there's RC, the scruffy dude that comes to Papa's Pizzeria where Nick works, for his lunch, and Nick is not impressed by the guy when he first sees him. Definitely no instant-love here, but a very slow burner instead and a tragic past to mix in the middle.
It's sweet to see both Nick and RC slowly change during the course of the story. The supporting characters are doing a great job as well. Fabulous Corey is too easy to love, but so are the staff at Papa's Pizzeria when you get to know them a little better. Nick's mom is a star from start, but even his dad makes a memorable role towards the end. You never gets too old to sometimes need your parents support and when they are there for you its one of those blessings you should count.
Names can never hurt me is not labeled as a coming of age story, maybe because the main characters are 23 and 27 but it reads like one to me, and that's just fine with me because I love some coming of age story every now and then.
Nick Jones is a male version of a "dumb blond", if I were to put a name on him that is; because that is partly what this book is about, the names we put of people, the boxes we put people in (almost in a manner that would suggest it's an inherited human trait and maybe it is, people appear to be doing it all over the world and has been doing it for ... ever? And it sure can be debilitating to the individual person)and how it forms us. I am sure Nick will infuriate quite a few readers along the way. It says he's 23 but he most certainly doesn't act 23 and he is constantly obsessing about his looks, he's promiscuous and lets be honest he is not the brightest star in the sky. But he has some sort of charm, he's honest and kind and quite a bit insecure too. The entire story is told from Nick's POV, in past tense.
Then there's RC, the scruffy dude that comes to Papa's Pizzeria where Nick works, for his lunch, and Nick is not impressed by the guy when he first sees him. Definitely no instant-love here, but a very slow burner instead and a tragic past to mix in the middle.
It's sweet to see both Nick and RC slowly change during the course of the story. The supporting characters are doing a great job as well. Fabulous Corey is too easy to love, but so are the staff at Papa's Pizzeria when you get to know them a little better. Nick's mom is a star from start, but even his dad makes a memorable role towards the end. You never gets too old to sometimes need your parents support and when they are there for you its one of those blessings you should count.
Names can never hurt me is not labeled as a coming of age story, maybe because the main characters are 23 and 27 but it reads like one to me, and that's just fine with me because I love some coming of age story every now and then.
August 11, 2014
Loved this book!
Review excerpt: "This is a wonderful book about an important topic not only for college kids and college grads today but also for people in general. In this era where everyone is so quick to judge and apply labels to people, this novel takes a deep dive at the damage those labels can cause."
Full review at http://www.jeffandwill.com/2014/08/11...
Review excerpt: "This is a wonderful book about an important topic not only for college kids and college grads today but also for people in general. In this era where everyone is so quick to judge and apply labels to people, this novel takes a deep dive at the damage those labels can cause."
Full review at http://www.jeffandwill.com/2014/08/11...
January 17, 2015
2.5 stars SO all over the place... there was a good book in here somewhere, but it was hidden under hundreds of pages of the same conversation over and over and over, the same indecision over and over and over, and an inconsistent main character who's motives and actions were flakey at best.
I read a lot of reviews who hated Nick, thought he was a womanizing, arrogant ass. Problem is, for the first 100 pages, I didn't know what they were talking about. Yes, he was immature, and had a lot of ex-girlfriends. But despite calling him a man-whore, this book seemed to forget the fact that a lot of people have one-night stands. They say whatever they need to in order to fuck someone, then they ditch them. But despite being afraid of long-term relationships, Nick is actually kind of a serial dater. The main appeal to a relationship may be the easy and frequent sex, but he's not an ass to his girlfriends, he doesn't cheat, it just doesn't fit.
He is a confident and self-assured guy (initially), but then for some reason he is super accommodating to Tara. Why doesn't he dump her? She kinda walks all over him and it doesn't fit with his character, despite being a people pleasure. Another Nick-peeve is that he seemed pretty normal initially. He claimed that he got decent grades in high school until he stopped trying. But part-way through the book he started to seem almost delayed development, Aspergers, or brain injured. That's not an insult, I'm being serious. The at times childish way he spoke and sudden complete obliviousness to social cues and scenarios reminded me of Ethan in Ethan, Who Loved Carter (which I loved by the way, he had a TBI, so it fit).
Nick went back and forth between confident and insecure, arrogant and self-loathing, loving his Easy Street life and saying "I hate my life". With the same long narratives over and over. "Boo hoo, everyone only wants me for sex... hey, why the hell doesn't RC want me for sex?! I must be unattractive. P.S. I'm a hot stud." The whole uh-oh-he's-gonna-hit-on-me hey-why-isn't-he-hitting-on-me was cute for a little while, but then it just became schizophrenic.
Speaking of immature and non-nonsensical... Nick's "friends". They and Nick seemed more high-school aged than college graduates. They were a caricature of the 'mean girl' crowd, and Nick realized that and said he had moved on... and then decided to go to a party at their house and invite RC so he could "meet his friends"? Huh?
And the name of this book... Nick seems the only one pre-occupied with labels. They tried to awkwardly shove it in as some big moral, but again, it didn't fit. He was the only one who cared that he was gay, because the label bothered him. RC had been bullied and labeled, but that was mostly in the past. Except of course when Nick's "friends" wouldn't admit him to parties because he's such a hideous aka: average guy. The main mean girl shows up at the end and Nick had a random and unrelated moral rant about labels, when that's not what the big drama was about
Okay, last rant. RC's big reveal was random, over-the-top, and unnecessary. It just seemed like shock value. And Corey? Is there gonna be a sequel that features Corey? Why else with the sudden drama?
I rated this 2.5 stars because I really liked the first half, and there was a lot that worked. But as I finish my rant I realize that there is a lot to be worked out. Again, there is a good book in here, with good characters. But just, no.
Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
On a side note, this is my second 2 star review for a Wade Kelly book (the audio version of My Roommate's a Jock? Well, Crap! annoyed the ever-loving shit out of me)... so maybe his writing is just not for me. Unfortunately, I was interested in When Love Is Not Enough, but I'm a little gun shy now and figure I should just steer clear.
I read a lot of reviews who hated Nick, thought he was a womanizing, arrogant ass. Problem is, for the first 100 pages, I didn't know what they were talking about. Yes, he was immature, and had a lot of ex-girlfriends. But despite calling him a man-whore, this book seemed to forget the fact that a lot of people have one-night stands. They say whatever they need to in order to fuck someone, then they ditch them. But despite being afraid of long-term relationships, Nick is actually kind of a serial dater. The main appeal to a relationship may be the easy and frequent sex, but he's not an ass to his girlfriends, he doesn't cheat, it just doesn't fit.
He is a confident and self-assured guy (initially), but then for some reason he is super accommodating to Tara. Why doesn't he dump her? She kinda walks all over him and it doesn't fit with his character, despite being a people pleasure. Another Nick-peeve is that he seemed pretty normal initially. He claimed that he got decent grades in high school until he stopped trying. But part-way through the book he started to seem almost delayed development, Aspergers, or brain injured. That's not an insult, I'm being serious. The at times childish way he spoke and sudden complete obliviousness to social cues and scenarios reminded me of Ethan in Ethan, Who Loved Carter (which I loved by the way, he had a TBI, so it fit).
Nick went back and forth between confident and insecure, arrogant and self-loathing, loving his Easy Street life and saying "I hate my life". With the same long narratives over and over. "Boo hoo, everyone only wants me for sex... hey, why the hell doesn't RC want me for sex?! I must be unattractive. P.S. I'm a hot stud." The whole uh-oh-he's-gonna-hit-on-me hey-why-isn't-he-hitting-on-me was cute for a little while, but then it just became schizophrenic.
Speaking of immature and non-nonsensical... Nick's "friends". They and Nick seemed more high-school aged than college graduates. They were a caricature of the 'mean girl' crowd, and Nick realized that and said he had moved on... and then decided to go to a party at their house and invite RC so he could "meet his friends"? Huh?
And the name of this book... Nick seems the only one pre-occupied with labels. They tried to awkwardly shove it in as some big moral, but again, it didn't fit. He was the only one who cared that he was gay, because the label bothered him. RC had been bullied and labeled, but that was mostly in the past. Except of course when Nick's "friends" wouldn't admit him to parties because he's such a hideous aka: average guy. The main mean girl shows up at the end and Nick had a random and unrelated moral rant about labels, when that's not what the big drama was about
Okay, last rant. RC's big reveal was random, over-the-top, and unnecessary. It just seemed like shock value. And Corey? Is there gonna be a sequel that features Corey? Why else with the sudden drama?
I rated this 2.5 stars because I really liked the first half, and there was a lot that worked. But as I finish my rant I realize that there is a lot to be worked out. Again, there is a good book in here, with good characters. But just, no.
Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
On a side note, this is my second 2 star review for a Wade Kelly book (the audio version of My Roommate's a Jock? Well, Crap! annoyed the ever-loving shit out of me)... so maybe his writing is just not for me. Unfortunately, I was interested in When Love Is Not Enough, but I'm a little gun shy now and figure I should just steer clear.
July 16, 2020
3 stars audio
3 stars story. This book read more like a YA. And I Nick fucking irked the shit out of me 80% of the time.
3 stars story. This book read more like a YA. And I Nick fucking irked the shit out of me 80% of the time.
November 9, 2014
4.5 Stars
I'm giving this book 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 for Good Reads, not because it is perfect, but because the story is very powerful. I also am thrilled that this m/m romance does not present picture-perfect, model-like characters, but characters who are real. I really appreciated that the love interest is husky, hairy, and average-looking at best. I liked that the main character was a bone-head who did not know his ass from his elbow.
Isn't that far more realistic than two guys who look like they stepped out of the pages of GQ Magazine whining about how challenging their lives are because they happen to be gay? And in most of these stories the protagonists have lots of money, don't work real jobs, and are oblivious to what real life is all about.
For these reasons, and for the sweet romance that developed gradually and beautifully, blossoming like a springtime bud into a magnificent, beautiful flower, I rated this story highly. I genuinely rooted for this couple throughout the story and was overjoyed that they overcame their challenges and found their HEA.
All of that being said, I did take issue with some editorial oversights. I thought the book desperately needed tightening. Very long, protracted conversations were repeated from one character to the next. (For example, instead of Nick simply stating that he'd had a conversation with another character, he would recount, word-for-word everything that was said even though the reader had already seen the original conversation). And the story was told in the first person narrative, which was fine, but the narrator often used impressive vocabulary that did not jive with the character who supposedly was narrating. Nick was supposed to be a really simple guy, uneducated who relied on his physical beauty, and on more than one occasion he admitted that he didn't understand words or phrases that other people said, then he'd turn around and use even bigger, more obscure words in his narration.
One thing that really surprised me was a section where Nick, out of the blue, begins conversing with a secondary character in a foreign language. Nick wasn't raised in a bilingual household and he didn't seem overly bright. Learning a second language is something that is challenging, often nearly impossible, for highly intelligent people unless they are afforded a chance to immerse themselves. Supposedly he just naturally picked it up from being around immigrants in his neighborhood. That made no sense to me.
Setting those issues aside, I loved Nick. Not at first, though. I almost abandoned the book as I discovered him to be arrogant, conceited, and extremely lazy. But over the course of the story, his character arced in a beautiful way, and much of this was due to self-discovery. When he met and began to fall in love with RC, he took a personal inventory and made the decision to change, to become a better person.
I think I've read three or four books by this author now, and this, by far, is the best.
I'm giving this book 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 for Good Reads, not because it is perfect, but because the story is very powerful. I also am thrilled that this m/m romance does not present picture-perfect, model-like characters, but characters who are real. I really appreciated that the love interest is husky, hairy, and average-looking at best. I liked that the main character was a bone-head who did not know his ass from his elbow.
Isn't that far more realistic than two guys who look like they stepped out of the pages of GQ Magazine whining about how challenging their lives are because they happen to be gay? And in most of these stories the protagonists have lots of money, don't work real jobs, and are oblivious to what real life is all about.
For these reasons, and for the sweet romance that developed gradually and beautifully, blossoming like a springtime bud into a magnificent, beautiful flower, I rated this story highly. I genuinely rooted for this couple throughout the story and was overjoyed that they overcame their challenges and found their HEA.
All of that being said, I did take issue with some editorial oversights. I thought the book desperately needed tightening. Very long, protracted conversations were repeated from one character to the next. (For example, instead of Nick simply stating that he'd had a conversation with another character, he would recount, word-for-word everything that was said even though the reader had already seen the original conversation). And the story was told in the first person narrative, which was fine, but the narrator often used impressive vocabulary that did not jive with the character who supposedly was narrating. Nick was supposed to be a really simple guy, uneducated who relied on his physical beauty, and on more than one occasion he admitted that he didn't understand words or phrases that other people said, then he'd turn around and use even bigger, more obscure words in his narration.
One thing that really surprised me was a section where Nick, out of the blue, begins conversing with a secondary character in a foreign language. Nick wasn't raised in a bilingual household and he didn't seem overly bright. Learning a second language is something that is challenging, often nearly impossible, for highly intelligent people unless they are afforded a chance to immerse themselves. Supposedly he just naturally picked it up from being around immigrants in his neighborhood. That made no sense to me.
Setting those issues aside, I loved Nick. Not at first, though. I almost abandoned the book as I discovered him to be arrogant, conceited, and extremely lazy. But over the course of the story, his character arced in a beautiful way, and much of this was due to self-discovery. When he met and began to fall in love with RC, he took a personal inventory and made the decision to change, to become a better person.
I think I've read three or four books by this author now, and this, by far, is the best.
August 13, 2014
eARC Review: Names Can Never Hurt Me by Wade Kelly
What can I say but: Wade Kelly did it again!
Names Can Never Hurt Me is a title that sets the readers' minds to think. The cover image is disturbing for these are some of the most common and worst mean words to be ever said in disdain and intolerance to anyone. The words on that cover are those that bullies use as punctuation marks and they hurt. So how could someone say they could not be hurt by these?
Nick is a beautiful man and he knows it. In fact, he is one of those whose attitude may be clearly seen and heard as: God's Gift To Human Kind. Obnoxious really and once I saw this character as the main leading man of Ms Kelly's latest work, let me just say that it was a daunting thought!
Then there is RC - the initial and the name. What do these stand for? Why is RC hiding behind the initials? Yes, he is scruffy and labelled so by one of Nick's friends and yet, how come Nick cannot take his eyes off of him - acne and all? What is it about RC that makes Nick's heart tick the right tock?
This is such a beautiful story of love, companionship, getting to know oneself and maturation. Nick's growing up process was filled with face palm events and I did hurt myself several times doing so but they were ridiculously real! His being an unlikable man made him adorable for some reason and I just found myself rooting for this loveable idiot. (But you need to read the how of this by - well, READING!)
I lost count of how many times Nick irritated me and yet I knew he had redeeming factors and it was a fantastic journey of learning he had to go through. Thanks to RC who quietly made such an impact on his life and a mother whose unconditional love for her son - and patience - was such a delight to read.
As for RC? He started off as an enigma and was very difficult to read as a character. Honestly, I found myself labelling him, too (that was bad of me), but I needed to find out how come he was Nick's choice and would they suit?
For some reason, the two men just suited each other and they were so right for each other - it hurt! These two were beautiful to read and although the process was not very romantic, it still turned out to be one of the best romantic reads I have ever read from Wade Kelly.
Think comedy of errors and the misery of rejection coupled with the sure romance of a happily ever after. No wonder names could never hurt these two - they both had each other for richer, for poorer. Forever.
Thank you Ms Wade! You made me tear up - thanks to the many face palms - and made me laugh out loud at the outrageousness that is Nick.
As for RC?
Well, readers: Beware. You will fall in love with the most unlikeliest of heroes.
And yes, Ms Wade: you wrote a beautiful good book :D Nobody Does It Better. Love ya! -JP
What can I say but: Wade Kelly did it again!
Names Can Never Hurt Me is a title that sets the readers' minds to think. The cover image is disturbing for these are some of the most common and worst mean words to be ever said in disdain and intolerance to anyone. The words on that cover are those that bullies use as punctuation marks and they hurt. So how could someone say they could not be hurt by these?
Nick is a beautiful man and he knows it. In fact, he is one of those whose attitude may be clearly seen and heard as: God's Gift To Human Kind. Obnoxious really and once I saw this character as the main leading man of Ms Kelly's latest work, let me just say that it was a daunting thought!
Then there is RC - the initial and the name. What do these stand for? Why is RC hiding behind the initials? Yes, he is scruffy and labelled so by one of Nick's friends and yet, how come Nick cannot take his eyes off of him - acne and all? What is it about RC that makes Nick's heart tick the right tock?
This is such a beautiful story of love, companionship, getting to know oneself and maturation. Nick's growing up process was filled with face palm events and I did hurt myself several times doing so but they were ridiculously real! His being an unlikable man made him adorable for some reason and I just found myself rooting for this loveable idiot. (But you need to read the how of this by - well, READING!)
I lost count of how many times Nick irritated me and yet I knew he had redeeming factors and it was a fantastic journey of learning he had to go through. Thanks to RC who quietly made such an impact on his life and a mother whose unconditional love for her son - and patience - was such a delight to read.
As for RC? He started off as an enigma and was very difficult to read as a character. Honestly, I found myself labelling him, too (that was bad of me), but I needed to find out how come he was Nick's choice and would they suit?
For some reason, the two men just suited each other and they were so right for each other - it hurt! These two were beautiful to read and although the process was not very romantic, it still turned out to be one of the best romantic reads I have ever read from Wade Kelly.
Think comedy of errors and the misery of rejection coupled with the sure romance of a happily ever after. No wonder names could never hurt these two - they both had each other for richer, for poorer. Forever.
Thank you Ms Wade! You made me tear up - thanks to the many face palms - and made me laugh out loud at the outrageousness that is Nick.
As for RC?
Well, readers: Beware. You will fall in love with the most unlikeliest of heroes.
And yes, Ms Wade: you wrote a beautiful good book :D Nobody Does It Better. Love ya! -JP
August 21, 2014
I vacillated between loving this and being annoyed. I personally believe names can hurt. They have hurt me.
I have trouble with someone not being in touch with who they are...when you have gay sex while pretending to be straight, you really need to understand yourself better. For someone as smart as Nick is about some things, it strikes me as odd that he did not see he was being used as a sex toy by the girls in his clique.
I felt so bad for RC. I can fully understand him, his childhood, school and even in his adulthood. No one can really escape from teasing. Even between people who like each other, teasing has a kernel of truth and deep inside you wonder if it is teasing for fun or maliciousness thinly disguised?
Most scenes presented great material, some were more believable than others and better executed. I think the author knows all these people and when it all seems natural and real, she is spot on. When she gets a little preachy, or maudlin it goes a little south.
I have trouble with someone not being in touch with who they are...when you have gay sex while pretending to be straight, you really need to understand yourself better. For someone as smart as Nick is about some things, it strikes me as odd that he did not see he was being used as a sex toy by the girls in his clique.
I felt so bad for RC. I can fully understand him, his childhood, school and even in his adulthood. No one can really escape from teasing. Even between people who like each other, teasing has a kernel of truth and deep inside you wonder if it is teasing for fun or maliciousness thinly disguised?
Most scenes presented great material, some were more believable than others and better executed. I think the author knows all these people and when it all seems natural and real, she is spot on. When she gets a little preachy, or maudlin it goes a little south.
October 8, 2018
Great story about growing up and changing. I liked Nick. And was happier when he met and fallen in love with RC. This way both of them discovered they are right for each other. Their story developed slowly, which wasn't to slow, simply right.
21/August/2014 - 5 star rating
Wow, this is truly an amazingly written romantic story. I'm impressed by Wade Kelly!
This story was really well written, emotional and full of humor. Some characters were annoying, but acceptable. I really liked Nick, he was an unique self-centered character, but still good-hearted and a true friend. It was awesome to fallow how he had to discover himself and how he fell in love with RC slowly and blindly, not knowing what was actually happening. This story had hard, sad parts too, like RC past, terrible. I'm glad Nick and RC's found their happiness's as a happy coupled pair.
I love their HEA!
GREAT WORK, HIGHLY Recommended story!!
21/August/2014 - 5 star rating
Wow, this is truly an amazingly written romantic story. I'm impressed by Wade Kelly!
This story was really well written, emotional and full of humor. Some characters were annoying, but acceptable. I really liked Nick, he was an unique self-centered character, but still good-hearted and a true friend. It was awesome to fallow how he had to discover himself and how he fell in love with RC slowly and blindly, not knowing what was actually happening. This story had hard, sad parts too, like RC past, terrible. I'm glad Nick and RC's found their happiness's as a happy coupled pair.
I love their HEA!
GREAT WORK, HIGHLY Recommended story!!
January 18, 2016
I really liked this story. At the beginning you think one thing and then you discover something else. Well, that's what happened to me. Nick is our MC and even if he's a big sl*t, he has a huge heart. I don't like spoilers so I won't do it, but Nick finds his HEA with someone that he's always seen... and I'm not talking about his physical features. Thank you for writing this story about something more than a hot body and handsome face. Love is not that.
"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." Margareth Hungerford.
"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." Margareth Hungerford.
February 15, 2015
Loved this book, the characters came alive and jumped off the page. Wade Kelly does it again, never taking the easy road, this author keeps it real and gives you a love story but always, always so much more than that. Loved this story.
November 11, 2016
"Stellar story dampened by just ok narration"
Would you consider the audio edition of Names Can Never Hurt Me to be better than the print version?
Nope. Now, I won't say the narration was horrid, I have listened to worse. But the narration didn't always fit the story and, at times, pulled me out of the story.
What did you like best about this story?
Nick's naivete about life in general. He wasn't some blushing virgin or clueless guy, not at all. But the way he was written, there was this odd innocence about him, about his character that was very endearing.
Did the narration match the pace of the story?
Sometimes yes, but not always. I think what was missing, for me at least, was the emotion I wanted to hear in the narrators voice, especially when warranted within the context of the story.
Who was the most memorable character of Names Can Never Hurt Me and why?
Again, Nick. He grew by leaps and bounds from where he was when the story started and the person he became by the end.
Any additional comments?
I love this Author, she is an auto buy for me. I read this book as an ARC when it first came out and was blown away by the raw reality of the story and the emotions. Some of my favorite little scenes in the book were down played with the way they were voiced. For example, there is a pivotal scene about two thirds of the way through the story when Nick "cries out" and the way Kelly wrote just that one sentence held so much emotion. It was lost in the audio, shouted out like someone that was tripping over a shoe in the middle of the floor.
I won't say I hated this audio, I think perhaps I expected a lot from this narrator and I just don't feel like he lived up to those expectations.
Check out my review of the print version...
Nick Jones life changes after just one kiss. He doesn’t realize it at the time, he’s actually always been gay, but he’s hidden behind a string of girlfriends and that one boyfriend that lights him up like none of the girls can. He refuses to be gay though, in fact, if he had a mantra it would be “I’m not gay!” for as often as he says it. Me thinks thou doth protest too much!
A year later and Nick is just going through the motions in his mundane life. The only bright sparks are his friend and sometimes lover Corey, and the strange man that eats where he works all the time, RC. He’s broken up with another girl, and jumps straight into a relationship with yet another girl, trying to convince himself that getting laid on a regular basis makes him happy. But getting to know RC more with each conversation they have is making Nick take stock, and reconsider some things about himself.
RC is not an easy man to get to know. He is always on guard and doesn’t let anyone close. He has no friends and no social skills to speak of. But there is something about the cute guy that works at the Diner. It takes a lot of effort and time, but the two become friends, best friends in fact. Both men appreciate that they can just be themselves around each other. But as Nick starts to open himself up to the feelings he’s having, he starts to want more from RC than just friendship. RC is adamant that he is not going there! His past is way too painful and Nick is way too much like a lot of the people that made that past painful. Nick is about to find out what he wouldn’t do for the right guy, which is nothing.
This was very a much coming of age and finding yourself story. Not just for Nick who is trying to decide his sexuality, but for RC as well as he’s never actually been in love or been loved. Nick was raised with so much love, and the entire time he’s wrestling with his emotions over what his parents will say when they find out, he doesn’t realize they already know. What Nick has to learn is restraint, patience and unconditional love. So what if RC is a little overweight, and big, and burly. The way he makes him feel safe, protected and loved regardless is what Nick comes to realize are the important things. He fell in love with someone, the wrapping doesn’t matter.
This book was an emotionally charged and endearing story about a very slow building love between two unlikely men. Trust and communication are what is at the root of their relationship, that is built before anything else, and it’s what makes them so strong. At first it looked like this was going to be another ‘gay for you’ story, but as the story played itself out, it wasn’t that at all. And these characters were far from perfect, if anything, they were perfectly flawed. Another thing that only added to the depth of the story. And it was refreshing to read a character that was surrounded by love and acceptance, his demons were the ones he created himself by his actions, and only he can change that.
I devoured this book in one long setting. I was so intrigued by the dynamics of the characters, and the way they bounced off of each other. Sexy, romantic, endearing and realistic are just a few words to describe this book. Definitely a must read.
Would you consider the audio edition of Names Can Never Hurt Me to be better than the print version?
Nope. Now, I won't say the narration was horrid, I have listened to worse. But the narration didn't always fit the story and, at times, pulled me out of the story.
What did you like best about this story?
Nick's naivete about life in general. He wasn't some blushing virgin or clueless guy, not at all. But the way he was written, there was this odd innocence about him, about his character that was very endearing.
Did the narration match the pace of the story?
Sometimes yes, but not always. I think what was missing, for me at least, was the emotion I wanted to hear in the narrators voice, especially when warranted within the context of the story.
Who was the most memorable character of Names Can Never Hurt Me and why?
Again, Nick. He grew by leaps and bounds from where he was when the story started and the person he became by the end.
Any additional comments?
I love this Author, she is an auto buy for me. I read this book as an ARC when it first came out and was blown away by the raw reality of the story and the emotions. Some of my favorite little scenes in the book were down played with the way they were voiced. For example, there is a pivotal scene about two thirds of the way through the story when Nick "cries out" and the way Kelly wrote just that one sentence held so much emotion. It was lost in the audio, shouted out like someone that was tripping over a shoe in the middle of the floor.
I won't say I hated this audio, I think perhaps I expected a lot from this narrator and I just don't feel like he lived up to those expectations.
Check out my review of the print version...
Nick Jones life changes after just one kiss. He doesn’t realize it at the time, he’s actually always been gay, but he’s hidden behind a string of girlfriends and that one boyfriend that lights him up like none of the girls can. He refuses to be gay though, in fact, if he had a mantra it would be “I’m not gay!” for as often as he says it. Me thinks thou doth protest too much!
A year later and Nick is just going through the motions in his mundane life. The only bright sparks are his friend and sometimes lover Corey, and the strange man that eats where he works all the time, RC. He’s broken up with another girl, and jumps straight into a relationship with yet another girl, trying to convince himself that getting laid on a regular basis makes him happy. But getting to know RC more with each conversation they have is making Nick take stock, and reconsider some things about himself.
RC is not an easy man to get to know. He is always on guard and doesn’t let anyone close. He has no friends and no social skills to speak of. But there is something about the cute guy that works at the Diner. It takes a lot of effort and time, but the two become friends, best friends in fact. Both men appreciate that they can just be themselves around each other. But as Nick starts to open himself up to the feelings he’s having, he starts to want more from RC than just friendship. RC is adamant that he is not going there! His past is way too painful and Nick is way too much like a lot of the people that made that past painful. Nick is about to find out what he wouldn’t do for the right guy, which is nothing.
This was very a much coming of age and finding yourself story. Not just for Nick who is trying to decide his sexuality, but for RC as well as he’s never actually been in love or been loved. Nick was raised with so much love, and the entire time he’s wrestling with his emotions over what his parents will say when they find out, he doesn’t realize they already know. What Nick has to learn is restraint, patience and unconditional love. So what if RC is a little overweight, and big, and burly. The way he makes him feel safe, protected and loved regardless is what Nick comes to realize are the important things. He fell in love with someone, the wrapping doesn’t matter.
This book was an emotionally charged and endearing story about a very slow building love between two unlikely men. Trust and communication are what is at the root of their relationship, that is built before anything else, and it’s what makes them so strong. At first it looked like this was going to be another ‘gay for you’ story, but as the story played itself out, it wasn’t that at all. And these characters were far from perfect, if anything, they were perfectly flawed. Another thing that only added to the depth of the story. And it was refreshing to read a character that was surrounded by love and acceptance, his demons were the ones he created himself by his actions, and only he can change that.
I devoured this book in one long setting. I was so intrigued by the dynamics of the characters, and the way they bounced off of each other. Sexy, romantic, endearing and realistic are just a few words to describe this book. Definitely a must read.
August 26, 2014
After reading the blurb for Names Can Never Hurt Me, I knew that I had to read it. I am already a HUGE Wade Kelly fan, and this seemed to be something kinda new from her. I have read her funny and heartwarming work, and her heartbreaking work, so I couldn’t wait to see what was in store for us next. What I found was a very well written, personal journey from a young man’s point of view that you just might find difficult to like.
Nick Jones was not someone I would want to associate with when he is first introduced in the book. He’s gorgeous and he knows it. He seems to be trying to bed every willing female in town, and he doesn’t ever make personal attachments. While attending another party with his rich friends Nick, is dared to kiss Corey Parrish and WOW, he really liked it. This leads to Nick spending some quality horizontal time with Corey, as well as still sleeping around with women. He and Corey are just friends with benefits, until Nick gets himself a girlfriend and that is fine with both of them.
One day a new customer comes into the restaurant where Nick works, and he realizes that he may have been doing things wrong all along. RC, Raffael Coppola, is scruffy, overweight and sweaty. This is not what Nick would usually classify as his type, but what the hell does he know? After a few starts and stops, Nick and RC begin a super cute, comfortable friendship. They eat together a few times a week, and they don’t even speak much sometimes. Their silences together are usually more comfortable than any interactions Nick has with his other friends.
As far as the journey I mentioned before, that belonged to Nick. Not too long after he begins his friendship with RC, it becomes clear that Nick’s so called friends are shallow and sometimes just downright mean. Nick also begins to see himself through RC’s eyes, and he isn’t loving that image too much either.
RC has never had a healthy relationship, and his trust has been broken horribly in the past so he makes Nick take it slow with him. Nick has trouble being platonic friends with RC but close to the end of the book he realizes why it had to be that way, and he is so happy that it led them to a great place together.
Wade Kelly did a fabulous job with this story, and I loved most of the characters by the end of the book. The ones I didn’t like weren’t meant to be liked, and I loved how she made these characters unlikable but realistic. Once Nick realized which friends were good for him and which ones were leading him down the wrong road, he had a decision to make and some serious soul searching to do. I completely believed the struggle he went through, and I believe he is well on his way to redemption. I don’t think he has finished his journey, but for this story I believe he did all he could.
Out of all the secondary characters in this book, Corey Parrish was my absolute fave. I will just be devastated if Ms. Kelly doesn’t give Corey his very own HEA. If anyone earned one in this book, it was Corey.
I would highly recommend this book, and I double dare you not to love it!
Nick Jones was not someone I would want to associate with when he is first introduced in the book. He’s gorgeous and he knows it. He seems to be trying to bed every willing female in town, and he doesn’t ever make personal attachments. While attending another party with his rich friends Nick, is dared to kiss Corey Parrish and WOW, he really liked it. This leads to Nick spending some quality horizontal time with Corey, as well as still sleeping around with women. He and Corey are just friends with benefits, until Nick gets himself a girlfriend and that is fine with both of them.
One day a new customer comes into the restaurant where Nick works, and he realizes that he may have been doing things wrong all along. RC, Raffael Coppola, is scruffy, overweight and sweaty. This is not what Nick would usually classify as his type, but what the hell does he know? After a few starts and stops, Nick and RC begin a super cute, comfortable friendship. They eat together a few times a week, and they don’t even speak much sometimes. Their silences together are usually more comfortable than any interactions Nick has with his other friends.
As far as the journey I mentioned before, that belonged to Nick. Not too long after he begins his friendship with RC, it becomes clear that Nick’s so called friends are shallow and sometimes just downright mean. Nick also begins to see himself through RC’s eyes, and he isn’t loving that image too much either.
RC has never had a healthy relationship, and his trust has been broken horribly in the past so he makes Nick take it slow with him. Nick has trouble being platonic friends with RC but close to the end of the book he realizes why it had to be that way, and he is so happy that it led them to a great place together.
Wade Kelly did a fabulous job with this story, and I loved most of the characters by the end of the book. The ones I didn’t like weren’t meant to be liked, and I loved how she made these characters unlikable but realistic. Once Nick realized which friends were good for him and which ones were leading him down the wrong road, he had a decision to make and some serious soul searching to do. I completely believed the struggle he went through, and I believe he is well on his way to redemption. I don’t think he has finished his journey, but for this story I believe he did all he could.
Out of all the secondary characters in this book, Corey Parrish was my absolute fave. I will just be devastated if Ms. Kelly doesn’t give Corey his very own HEA. If anyone earned one in this book, it was Corey.
I would highly recommend this book, and I double dare you not to love it!
August 14, 2014
Wade Kelly is an auto-buy author for me and her latest, “Names Can Never Hurt Me” is another great addition to her line-up; truly a Wade Kelly Special! For those of you who read and follow the Author via her blog or on Facebook, you know we have been anxiously awaiting this release. “Names” was definitely worth waiting for. In “Names”, we meet Nick, and get to experience a slice of his world and see how he conquers life in his inimitable way. Nick is a popular, pampered, fairly egotistical, good looking guy who is seemingly successful with the ladies. He is kind, however, and is capable of being thoughtful, but generally he’s had a lucky life and things seem to go his way most of the time, to where he doesn’t really even think twice about that fact. Nick lives on Planet Nick and it is a charmed planet. I wanted to strangle him a number of times throughout this book because of that fact.
Some of Nick’s friends featured in this book include Corey, a gorgeously flamboyant guy; Paul, a co-worker who’s a regular guy’s guy, numerous girlfriends of Nick, and of course, RC, a customer at the pizza parlor where Nick works. RC is intriguing to Nick because at first glance, he’s the opposite of anyone Nick would have ever considered hanging around. Yet Nick is drawn to him, he sees something in RC that he doesn’t understand but wants to figure out. I felt the slow burn between Nick and RC become hotter and hotter as the book unfolded, and it was a wonderful feeling!
This book is sweet and loving, but not overbearingly so. The Author has a way with writing her characters so carefully and realistically, that you become very engrossed in their lives, and you love how they relate to each other. The title of the book, “Names Can Never Hurt Me” is thought provoking and relevant to this story. At one point in the story, when Nick and RC were getting to know each other as friends, RC shares his insights into what labels mean to him personally. I loved this scene because it made me think about my own friends, and stereotyping, and how so many of us tend to view people differently based upon their “label” and how that label may not even be accurate… this phrase is apropos of how Wade’s book made me feel: “Never judge someone until you have walked a mile in their shoes.” It’s a good reminder and a concept I have been working on, and will continue to work on.
I certainly enjoyed this book and am so in love with both characters but especially RC. He deserved someone really special and he found him, in finding and finally accepting Nick. Nick experienced personal growth during the course of the book and became true to himself in the end, which was a pleasure and a relief to read. The author has hinted that perhaps (??!!??!!) there is a story for Corey in the future, and I will certainly be keeping my fingers crossed for that …. Corey has a story to tell and I look forward to hearing more from him.
Grab this book and read it now; you won’t be disappointed! Recommended read for sure!
Some of Nick’s friends featured in this book include Corey, a gorgeously flamboyant guy; Paul, a co-worker who’s a regular guy’s guy, numerous girlfriends of Nick, and of course, RC, a customer at the pizza parlor where Nick works. RC is intriguing to Nick because at first glance, he’s the opposite of anyone Nick would have ever considered hanging around. Yet Nick is drawn to him, he sees something in RC that he doesn’t understand but wants to figure out. I felt the slow burn between Nick and RC become hotter and hotter as the book unfolded, and it was a wonderful feeling!
This book is sweet and loving, but not overbearingly so. The Author has a way with writing her characters so carefully and realistically, that you become very engrossed in their lives, and you love how they relate to each other. The title of the book, “Names Can Never Hurt Me” is thought provoking and relevant to this story. At one point in the story, when Nick and RC were getting to know each other as friends, RC shares his insights into what labels mean to him personally. I loved this scene because it made me think about my own friends, and stereotyping, and how so many of us tend to view people differently based upon their “label” and how that label may not even be accurate… this phrase is apropos of how Wade’s book made me feel: “Never judge someone until you have walked a mile in their shoes.” It’s a good reminder and a concept I have been working on, and will continue to work on.
I certainly enjoyed this book and am so in love with both characters but especially RC. He deserved someone really special and he found him, in finding and finally accepting Nick. Nick experienced personal growth during the course of the book and became true to himself in the end, which was a pleasure and a relief to read. The author has hinted that perhaps (??!!??!!) there is a story for Corey in the future, and I will certainly be keeping my fingers crossed for that …. Corey has a story to tell and I look forward to hearing more from him.
Grab this book and read it now; you won’t be disappointed! Recommended read for sure!
December 8, 2015
Nick Jones is a bit of a "himbo." Generally the most attractive guy in any crowd, but never the brightest, Nick cruised through high-school as a part of the attractive but vacuous crowd. Now in his mid twenties, he's always had all the sexual satisfaction that he could handle with a string of attractive girls who want to add him to their score cards. But when two girls dare him to kiss a boy cause they think it's hot, surprisingly, so does he. And when it's followed minutes later by the best blow job he's ever had..."
Even weirder is his attraction to a guy that he and his co-workers have nick-named "scruffy guy". Scruffy guy is a bit chunky with a scraggly beard, and a bit of a skin condition and yet, Nick finds himself drawn to the guy.
Initially it's kinda hard to empathize with this "too good looking" man-tramp. But as the story goes on and we begin to understand the semi-clueless guy underneath the pretty exterior he does become more endearing.
Though Nick is firmly convinced he's straight at the book's outset, this is NOT really a coming out story. Most of the traditional problems encountered in that story arc just don't apply to our charmed MC here. What this is, and what makes it a worthwhile read, is it's a story of one clueless guy's growing up and becoming a worthwhile adult.
*** Note: I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest and impartial review ***
Even weirder is his attraction to a guy that he and his co-workers have nick-named "scruffy guy". Scruffy guy is a bit chunky with a scraggly beard, and a bit of a skin condition and yet, Nick finds himself drawn to the guy.
Initially it's kinda hard to empathize with this "too good looking" man-tramp. But as the story goes on and we begin to understand the semi-clueless guy underneath the pretty exterior he does become more endearing.
Though Nick is firmly convinced he's straight at the book's outset, this is NOT really a coming out story. Most of the traditional problems encountered in that story arc just don't apply to our charmed MC here. What this is, and what makes it a worthwhile read, is it's a story of one clueless guy's growing up and becoming a worthwhile adult.
*** Note: I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest and impartial review ***
August 14, 2014
A few quips first... there were times where Nick turned awfully girly. I would suggest to any female author of M/M books to go back after the flood of creative writing and double check areas where the guys kind of slip into a female voice/mannerisms. Typically the emotional scenes and the sex scenes are common places where this happens. So, if you picture yourself exactly in this scene, then it's probably too girly. lol I know he was growing as a person, but it went too far for me.
Okay, that aside... Wade Kelly has a great knack of writing dialogue that just flows well. You don't have to fight to figure out who is speaking or struggle through any strange phrasing. Great sense of humor, making me laugh out loud in places. RC's character was great. Nick's friends were horrifying. Great story.
If she wanted to really make her readers say "OMG, what happens next???" then the Corey call could have happened as the very last thing in the story with a "to be continued in book 2" tacked on. I'm evil, lol
Okay, that aside... Wade Kelly has a great knack of writing dialogue that just flows well. You don't have to fight to figure out who is speaking or struggle through any strange phrasing. Great sense of humor, making me laugh out loud in places. RC's character was great. Nick's friends were horrifying. Great story.
If she wanted to really make her readers say "OMG, what happens next???" then the Corey call could have happened as the very last thing in the story with a "to be continued in book 2" tacked on. I'm evil, lol
October 27, 2014
Names Can Never Hurt Me (here-after referred to as NCNHM) was a very good novel.
I fell in love with Wade Kelly's novels and picante writing style when I picked up My Roommate Is a Jock, and I haven't been disappointed since.
Nick, the main character, has a bit of an ego, but don't judge him based on that alone. He's a sweet guy who has the tendency to be a bit dense which causes him to make bad decisions at times...but then don't we all?
RC, ugh, he was the breakout character. He is the perfect embodiment of what years of abuse and cruelty can turn someone into. It's hard to explain exactly but the author did a brilliant job.
The only critique I have is I wish Corey was around more. I won't go into spoilers but it felt as though he was a minor character which suddenly gets bumped to a major spot. I would have loved him to be more of a presence.
otherwise the novel was great. Couldn't put it down. Sometimes I wanted to give Nick a hug, other times I wanted to smack him on the head with a rolled up newspaper. But he's cute. :P
Loved it.
I fell in love with Wade Kelly's novels and picante writing style when I picked up My Roommate Is a Jock, and I haven't been disappointed since.
Nick, the main character, has a bit of an ego, but don't judge him based on that alone. He's a sweet guy who has the tendency to be a bit dense which causes him to make bad decisions at times...but then don't we all?
RC, ugh, he was the breakout character. He is the perfect embodiment of what years of abuse and cruelty can turn someone into. It's hard to explain exactly but the author did a brilliant job.
The only critique I have is I wish Corey was around more. I won't go into spoilers but it felt as though he was a minor character which suddenly gets bumped to a major spot. I would have loved him to be more of a presence.
otherwise the novel was great. Couldn't put it down. Sometimes I wanted to give Nick a hug, other times I wanted to smack him on the head with a rolled up newspaper. But he's cute. :P
Loved it.
December 15, 2015
I had a hard time with the beginning of this book. The main character was so vain and egotistical I had a hard time liking him at all! He had such a struggle with his sexuality, but why? His parents were great and understanding, and he still had a hard time. Maybe I just don't know what being a 23yr old boy is like? And I do mean boy. He gets closer to being a man later. My heart broke and cheered for RC aka scruffy dude. Overall I enjoyed the story, but the MC still rubbed me wrong throughout the book. I hope Corey gets his own story. I really liked him!
January 3, 2015
Lu cette nuit jusqu'à 3 heures, incapable de le poser. j'ai vraiment adoré !
je lui met 4 étoiles et non 5 à cause des répétitions, de certaines réactions de Nick (à claquer parfois avec son "je suis tellement magnifique que tout le monde veut coucher avec moi et je les comprend") et du passé de RC qui est un poil tout much...
une lecture vraiment addictive et un page turner ♡
je lui met 4 étoiles et non 5 à cause des répétitions, de certaines réactions de Nick (à claquer parfois avec son "je suis tellement magnifique que tout le monde veut coucher avec moi et je les comprend") et du passé de RC qui est un poil tout much...
une lecture vraiment addictive et un page turner ♡
January 28, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the slow build up and watching Nick and RC overcome their pasts and troubles, and slowly coming together. They helped each other in their own unique ways. This was a beautifully written story. I whole heartily recommend this book.
August 24, 2014
so good. this is is going to be a reread.. often.
December 21, 2014
I loved this book. No instalove, great descriptions and a well established love story.
November 26, 2014
5 star review by Dan
This is by far my favorite Wade Kelly book so far. I loved the story, and I loved the way she wrote Nick as the story’s narrator. Many times when Nick’s thoughts were described I let out a bray of laughter. It took great talent for Ms. Kelly to write a character that is that clueless. Really “pretty”, but dumber than a box of rocks. I think we’ve all met a “Nick” a time or two, be they male or female. She wrote the character perfectly!
The story starts at a party several years prior, where someone dares Nick, who is a huge slut of a man whore with women, to kiss a gay guy. Nick had just been standing across the room admiring Corey’s lips and wondering why he was admiring them, so when he was challenged he agreed. Little did he know that he would enjoy kissing Corey so much, or that he would end up out behind the garage for the best blowjob of his entire life…from another guy!
The story then jumps to the present day. Nick has survived the teasing about Corey and the fact that he will have sex with anyone. Corey is still the only guy he has ever slept with, but Nick has been through almost every available woman in their group, some of them multiple times.
Then a scruffy dude, with greasy hair, a scraggly beard and acne comes to the pizza restaurant where Nick works. He comes back a few times and one of the girls thinks he is staring at Nick. When the man overhears that coworker calling him fat, Nick goes over and apologizes. There begins the tale of Nick and RC.
The plot kind of had an “ugly duckling” or “beauty and the beast” theme running through it. When RC is first described we get an image of someone very far from attractive. But as the story proceeds, by changing jobs, his acne and greasy sweaty appearance changes and he starts to get pretty darn hot. At the same time Nick’s perceptions are changing. Nick comes to realize he isn’t attracted to the beautiful people he has always been friends with but to a big hairy bear of guy called RC. Since Nick’s friends continue to look down on RC, I’m thinking the change is more of a perception and maturity on Nick’s part, rather than purely physical.
The book carries you along through their story. Along the way we deal with spiteful girlfriends, drug dealers, RC’s extremely sad and troubled past, and the unwillingness on both their parts to recognize their mutual attraction. I highly recommend you get this book today. You will enjoy every page. One word of caution, it is exactly the right length which means some folks might find it a bit long. It is long because it is a complete story. Yes there is sex, but this book isn’t a loosely veiled work of pornography like a lot of books in this genre. This one is the real thing. A true M/M Romance. Keep up the fantastic work Ms. Kelly!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
This is by far my favorite Wade Kelly book so far. I loved the story, and I loved the way she wrote Nick as the story’s narrator. Many times when Nick’s thoughts were described I let out a bray of laughter. It took great talent for Ms. Kelly to write a character that is that clueless. Really “pretty”, but dumber than a box of rocks. I think we’ve all met a “Nick” a time or two, be they male or female. She wrote the character perfectly!
The story starts at a party several years prior, where someone dares Nick, who is a huge slut of a man whore with women, to kiss a gay guy. Nick had just been standing across the room admiring Corey’s lips and wondering why he was admiring them, so when he was challenged he agreed. Little did he know that he would enjoy kissing Corey so much, or that he would end up out behind the garage for the best blowjob of his entire life…from another guy!
The story then jumps to the present day. Nick has survived the teasing about Corey and the fact that he will have sex with anyone. Corey is still the only guy he has ever slept with, but Nick has been through almost every available woman in their group, some of them multiple times.
Then a scruffy dude, with greasy hair, a scraggly beard and acne comes to the pizza restaurant where Nick works. He comes back a few times and one of the girls thinks he is staring at Nick. When the man overhears that coworker calling him fat, Nick goes over and apologizes. There begins the tale of Nick and RC.
The plot kind of had an “ugly duckling” or “beauty and the beast” theme running through it. When RC is first described we get an image of someone very far from attractive. But as the story proceeds, by changing jobs, his acne and greasy sweaty appearance changes and he starts to get pretty darn hot. At the same time Nick’s perceptions are changing. Nick comes to realize he isn’t attracted to the beautiful people he has always been friends with but to a big hairy bear of guy called RC. Since Nick’s friends continue to look down on RC, I’m thinking the change is more of a perception and maturity on Nick’s part, rather than purely physical.
The book carries you along through their story. Along the way we deal with spiteful girlfriends, drug dealers, RC’s extremely sad and troubled past, and the unwillingness on both their parts to recognize their mutual attraction. I highly recommend you get this book today. You will enjoy every page. One word of caution, it is exactly the right length which means some folks might find it a bit long. It is long because it is a complete story. Yes there is sex, but this book isn’t a loosely veiled work of pornography like a lot of books in this genre. This one is the real thing. A true M/M Romance. Keep up the fantastic work Ms. Kelly!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
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