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The Pennymaker Tales #2
Driven Snow
Young Snowden “Snow” Reynaldi is brilliant, beautiful, and alone. Though he’s shy, weird, and tolerated by the NorCal University students because he’s a renowned whiz at chess and helps put the school on the map, that doesn’t keep him from dreaming of the object of his desires: Riley Prince, championship quarterback.
When Riley needs a physics tutor, Snow jumps at the chance, and their relationship heats up—but Riley has to come out of the jock closet to get anywhere. Meanwhile, Snow’s one true friend and mentor, Professor Kingsley, marries a woman who secretly wants the chess tournament glory and money for herself. Soon after, the professor collapses and Snow finds himself underwater—literally. In a car!
Seven frat brothers from Grimm College rescue Snow just in time for his life to get even worse, and Snow discovers the one relationship he always wanted slipping away. With evil looming at every turn, Snow must survive if only to prove he’s the fairest of them all and regain the trust of his handsome prince.
When Riley needs a physics tutor, Snow jumps at the chance, and their relationship heats up—but Riley has to come out of the jock closet to get anywhere. Meanwhile, Snow’s one true friend and mentor, Professor Kingsley, marries a woman who secretly wants the chess tournament glory and money for herself. Soon after, the professor collapses and Snow finds himself underwater—literally. In a car!
Seven frat brothers from Grimm College rescue Snow just in time for his life to get even worse, and Snow discovers the one relationship he always wanted slipping away. With evil looming at every turn, Snow must survive if only to prove he’s the fairest of them all and regain the trust of his handsome prince.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2015
48 people are currently reading
380 people want to read
About the author
Tara Lain
97 books1,388 followersTara Lain believes in happy ever afters - and magic. Same thing. In fact, she says, she doesn't believe, she knows. Tara shares this passion in her stories that star her unique, charismatic heroes and adventurous heroines. Quarterbacks and cops, werewolves and witches, blue collar or billionaires, Tara's characters, readers say, love deeply, resolve seemingly insurmountable differences, and ultimately live their lives authentically. After many years living in southern California, Tara, her soulmate honey and her soulmate dog decided they wanted less cars and more trees, prompting a move to Ashland, Oregon where Tara's creating new stories and loving living in a small town with big culture. Likely a Gryffindor or maybe a Ravensclaw but possessed of Parseltongue, Tara loves animals of all kinds, diversity, open minds, coconut crunch ice cream from Zoeys, and her readers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
November 21, 2015
Sinders and Ash, the first Pennymaker Tales book, was a cute enough read. I am always up for a good Cinderfella, so I didn’t mind the silliness too much.
Driven Snow, unfortunately, didn’t work for me.
Let’s start with the cover, which features a disturbingly underage-looking kid in a come-hither pose. Squick factor: high.
Cover aside, Driven Snow features one-dimensional MCs and a rather nonsensical plot loosely based on Snow White.
Snow is a shy but brilliant college chess champion pining for a hunky football player (and quantum physicist at heart) Riley Prince. Too bad Prince is straight and has a girlfriend. Of course he does. (Most of Lain’s MCs have a girlfriend at some point, until they don’t).
Snow’s chess coach is getting married to a beautiful woman with red hair. Oh, and by the way, she wants to murder Snow, and maybe the kind-hearted coach to boot.
There are also the “seven dwarfs” posing as frat guys with hearts of gold who take care of Snow following a murder attempt that in a stroke of evil genius utilizes peanuts as a weapon.
The, um, non-dwarfs are tolerant and super gay (friendly), and show Snow how to handle a dick by practicing on a pink dildo.
The romance between Snow and Riley is juvenile and absolutely devoid of chemistry.
I found the story to be incredibly frustrating. None of the characters are more than caricatures, and the soap-narrative-cum-serial-melodrama overshadows the (nearly nonexistent) romance.
Even the fairy tale ending couldn’t save this book for me. An unearned HEA for two characters you care nothing about falls flat every time.
I wanted to like this book. I so loved this author's Knight of Ocean Avenue.
My reaction may not be the same as yours, so give this one a try if you loved the first book. Just because it didn't work for me doesn't mean it won't work for you.
~1.5~
Driven Snow, unfortunately, didn’t work for me.
Let’s start with the cover, which features a disturbingly underage-looking kid in a come-hither pose. Squick factor: high.
Cover aside, Driven Snow features one-dimensional MCs and a rather nonsensical plot loosely based on Snow White.
Snow is a shy but brilliant college chess champion pining for a hunky football player (and quantum physicist at heart) Riley Prince. Too bad Prince is straight and has a girlfriend. Of course he does. (Most of Lain’s MCs have a girlfriend at some point, until they don’t).
Snow’s chess coach is getting married to a beautiful woman with red hair. Oh, and by the way, she wants to murder Snow, and maybe the kind-hearted coach to boot.
There are also the “seven dwarfs” posing as frat guys with hearts of gold who take care of Snow following a murder attempt that in a stroke of evil genius utilizes peanuts as a weapon.
The, um, non-dwarfs are tolerant and super gay (friendly), and show Snow how to handle a dick by practicing on a pink dildo.
The romance between Snow and Riley is juvenile and absolutely devoid of chemistry.
I found the story to be incredibly frustrating. None of the characters are more than caricatures, and the soap-narrative-cum-serial-melodrama overshadows the (nearly nonexistent) romance.
Even the fairy tale ending couldn’t save this book for me. An unearned HEA for two characters you care nothing about falls flat every time.
I wanted to like this book. I so loved this author's Knight of Ocean Avenue.
My reaction may not be the same as yours, so give this one a try if you loved the first book. Just because it didn't work for me doesn't mean it won't work for you.
~1.5~
December 13, 2015
I get that this is based on a fairy tale, and that is actually what drew me to it. I loved Truth in the Dark by Amy Lane, and other stories with roots in fairy tales and I love seeing how they are changed and how the morals are woven in. Unfortunately, it didn't work here.
I enjoyed the first half of the book and thought it would be a solid 3 star, maybe rounded up to 3.5 stars. Snow was shy and sweet, I enjoyed seeing his interactions with his mentor, Mr. Kingsley, and watching things begin with Riley. I started noting some inconsistencies, they claimed Snow was so shy to the point where it almost debilitates him, yet he verbally sparred at times. Some of his actions were so odd that you'd believe he had some strange or horrible upbringing , but while sad, it was fairly average . But I wanted to see Riley and Snow together, so I just ignored that.
It all started going downhill with the introduction of the Evil Queen. Like I said, I love contemporary books based on fairly tales, but it should be subtle. This was not subtle. It was so obvious to the point of slapping us in the face, yet of course it goes on for more than half the story and no one does anything until nearly the end. Besides hating black and white villains, I hate stupid people. Snow was the only one who noticed anything off, yet he continued with inaction even when it was time to finally act! And the police work left a lot to be desired It was just all over the place.
That's not even TOUCHING the strange last minute addition of the 7 dwarves, I mean, the random frat from a neighboring school with an allusive and flamboyant benefactor. It was just so random, and so weird. Self defense, fine. But WHY in the midst of a chess championship and murder attempts did Snow need seduction lessons? And the makeover actually seems like it might have hurt his legal case
And to wrap things up the last chapter became a string of stilted speeches and discussions of life lessons about love, life, and family. I really prefer my emotional reveals to be in private, so that 'heart-to-heart' that took place between Riley and Snow with Mrs. Wisham and Mr. P directing their every move felt so strange and forced. All the love I felt in the beginning just sort of petered out under the force of attempts to make this story fit with the Snow White story. In the end it was trying too hard to be something, instead of taking the original story and making it it's own. That's not even mentioning every SINGLE person who meets Snow saying, "wow, you truly are beautiful" or "you're really pretty", who does that?
Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
I enjoyed the first half of the book and thought it would be a solid 3 star, maybe rounded up to 3.5 stars. Snow was shy and sweet, I enjoyed seeing his interactions with his mentor, Mr. Kingsley, and watching things begin with Riley. I started noting some inconsistencies, they claimed Snow was so shy to the point where it almost debilitates him, yet he verbally sparred at times. Some of his actions were so odd that you'd believe he had some strange or horrible upbringing , but while sad, it was fairly average . But I wanted to see Riley and Snow together, so I just ignored that.
It all started going downhill with the introduction of the Evil Queen. Like I said, I love contemporary books based on fairly tales, but it should be subtle. This was not subtle. It was so obvious to the point of slapping us in the face, yet of course it goes on for more than half the story and no one does anything until nearly the end. Besides hating black and white villains, I hate stupid people. Snow was the only one who noticed anything off, yet he continued with inaction even when it was time to finally act! And the police work left a lot to be desired It was just all over the place.
That's not even TOUCHING the strange last minute addition of the 7 dwarves, I mean, the random frat from a neighboring school with an allusive and flamboyant benefactor. It was just so random, and so weird. Self defense, fine. But WHY in the midst of a chess championship and murder attempts did Snow need seduction lessons? And the makeover actually seems like it might have hurt his legal case
And to wrap things up the last chapter became a string of stilted speeches and discussions of life lessons about love, life, and family. I really prefer my emotional reveals to be in private, so that 'heart-to-heart' that took place between Riley and Snow with Mrs. Wisham and Mr. P directing their every move felt so strange and forced. All the love I felt in the beginning just sort of petered out under the force of attempts to make this story fit with the Snow White story. In the end it was trying too hard to be something, instead of taking the original story and making it it's own. That's not even mentioning every SINGLE person who meets Snow saying, "wow, you truly are beautiful" or "you're really pretty", who does that?
Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
November 6, 2015
This book was seriously so cute!
So this author wrote a cute little mix on snow whites story but a lot more um how to say this.. Graphic then snow whites story lol and of course in this book Snow white is really a man named Snowden. Snowden is in collage and is extremely smart and a awesome chess player. Well he has a huge crush on Riley Prince but thinks Riley is straight so there is just no way he would every feel the same about him. Well little did he know Riley is not straight and has feelings for him too.
This book was honestly so funny with the inner dialogue of Snow then there was all the characters you meet in this book. Between the "seven dorm mates" and many other characters who I loved but there were also the evil characters too.
There was steam in this book and angst mixed in with misunderstandings which the way everything went together I thought it was perfect. I also loved the way these two MC's were together especially after for lack of better words Riley pulls his head out.
Now this is the point were I say I 100% loved were this author took this story and the characters she created. Now I hope Romeo will be getting a book. I loved his character too! He was just so Sauvé and the way he came across yea I just hope he will get his HEA too.
So all together I really loved this book!
I would 100% recommend this book!
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads.
So this author wrote a cute little mix on snow whites story but a lot more um how to say this.. Graphic then snow whites story lol and of course in this book Snow white is really a man named Snowden. Snowden is in collage and is extremely smart and a awesome chess player. Well he has a huge crush on Riley Prince but thinks Riley is straight so there is just no way he would every feel the same about him. Well little did he know Riley is not straight and has feelings for him too.
This book was honestly so funny with the inner dialogue of Snow then there was all the characters you meet in this book. Between the "seven dorm mates" and many other characters who I loved but there were also the evil characters too.
There was steam in this book and angst mixed in with misunderstandings which the way everything went together I thought it was perfect. I also loved the way these two MC's were together especially after for lack of better words Riley pulls his head out.
Now this is the point were I say I 100% loved were this author took this story and the characters she created. Now I hope Romeo will be getting a book. I loved his character too! He was just so Sauvé and the way he came across yea I just hope he will get his HEA too.
So all together I really loved this book!
I would 100% recommend this book!
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads.
March 17, 2016
This was another fantastic ready by Tara Lain. She is one of my all time favorites when it comes to m/m romance. She really knows how to suck you into a story and make you feel as if you are a part of it.
This book was so easy to fall in love with the characters. They have so much depth to them. They are not one dimensional characters but have so many characteristics to them that make them seem so real that they practically jump off the page.
The dialogue between the characters is so engaging that you feel as if you are part of the conversation. The descriptions to details are done well and are easy to visualize. I had heart twinges when I read this book. I become emotionally attached to the characters and I hated for their story to end. There was heart ache, heart break, deception, redemption, romance and some pretty hot naughty yum yum bits as well :)
This can be read as a stand alone.
All in all, another great read by Tara.
Would I recommend this book? Absolutely!!!
Would I read more from this author? Absofreakinlutely!
Sassy Beta Reading & Review
www.facebook/com/sassybetareading
This book was so easy to fall in love with the characters. They have so much depth to them. They are not one dimensional characters but have so many characteristics to them that make them seem so real that they practically jump off the page.
The dialogue between the characters is so engaging that you feel as if you are part of the conversation. The descriptions to details are done well and are easy to visualize. I had heart twinges when I read this book. I become emotionally attached to the characters and I hated for their story to end. There was heart ache, heart break, deception, redemption, romance and some pretty hot naughty yum yum bits as well :)
This can be read as a stand alone.
All in all, another great read by Tara.
Would I recommend this book? Absolutely!!!
Would I read more from this author? Absofreakinlutely!
Sassy Beta Reading & Review
www.facebook/com/sassybetareading
November 5, 2015
A great twist on Snow white and the seven dwarfs. A lot of fairytale spinoffs fall short however this was not the case in Ms. Lains version. Her retelling is filled with awesome characters, evil villains and an interesting look at the game of chess. Snow is a beautiful geek, important to the school because he is a genius at chess and keeps them on the map so to speak. He has always been alone and longs for someone to love. Riley is the star quarterback and has secretly wanted Snow from the first time he saw him. Someone is out to destroy Snow, will Riley be the prince snow thinks he is or will he be a tarnished knight. This was a great storyline filled with some colorful characters. Who knew the game of chess could be so cut throat. The characters were well developed, easy to like and I had no problem being caught up in the exciting drama that was unfolding. I liked that even though it had a fairytale base it still touched on the hard choices that gay athletes face by coming out to the public. Riley had some great advice for his team and the readers about what is important in life. I truly enjoy Ms. Lain's stories and would recommend them to anyone who likes the m/m genre.
March 3, 2017
3 stars for the story. Negative stars for that cover.
uhm
October 26, 2015Is Snow underage? 'Cause the kid on a cover sure looks like it...and what's with the infodump in the blurb?
I like me some nerd/jock combo,but not so sure about this one.
Waiting for reviews...
I like me some nerd/jock combo,but not so sure about this one.
Waiting for reviews...
November 4, 2015
Snowden Reynaldi is pure entertainment.... he is now one of my top 5 characters! I love the development of both Snow and Riley. They don't rush into anything... This is a great take on a fairy tale romance! Snow is a geek (physics and a chess master) who has a crush on the football quarterback Riley. Riley who is playing "straight" has a crush on the Chess Master Snow. What a great read, this story has the evil witch and a fairy godmother and fairy godfather Mr Pennymaker. This is one that will go on my re-read list for those times when I just need to giggle!!!!!
January 1, 2016
1.0 Pathetic Star
Wow. This was a spectacular fail for me. First, the cover is all kinds of wrong. A too young (i.e., underage) looking guy striking a provocative pose? Yeah, no. Second, the characters had zero chemistry. Third, the plot was so ridiculous it stretched the bounds of fantasy reason ... and there's nothing stretchier than that!
Bottom line: This book did not work for me. Give it a pass and try Knight of Ocean Avenue.
Wow. This was a spectacular fail for me. First, the cover is all kinds of wrong. A too young (i.e., underage) looking guy striking a provocative pose? Yeah, no. Second, the characters had zero chemistry. Third, the plot was so ridiculous it stretched the bounds of fantasy reason ... and there's nothing stretchier than that!
Bottom line: This book did not work for me. Give it a pass and try Knight of Ocean Avenue.
November 25, 2015
Driven Snow has all of Lain's trademark wonders, the romance, the laughs, the heartache, the misunderstandings and characters that just make you want more!
Welcome to my stop on the Driven Snow blogtour hosted by Enchantress Design & Promo . I am a huge Tara Lain fan, so when I saw that there was a review opportunity for her newest Pennymaker Tales story, I jumped right on it, and I am so happy I did!
My Driven Snow review:
What was really refreshing in Driven Snow was that both Snow and Prince were accepted as gay by their families, and Snow was out on campus as well. Prince, being the star quarterback of the college was only out to his coach, but when he got to know Snow, that is something he wanted to change really fast! This is a re-telling of Snow White different than any others you've ever seen, so original, and filled with tenderness, the story of the chess master and the evil step-mother was so well done!
The writing in Driven Snow is spotless, and the story unfolded beautifully! Strong characters and a solid plot made reading this story a pleasure. Character-driven and with quite a bit of suspense, I was at the edge of my seat as the evil stepmother made her play to become not only the fairest in the country, but also the new master when it came to chess. Because Snow was very smart, she had her work cut out for her, especially because once Mr. Pennymaker showed up, he had more help than he should have needed.
There are a lot of truths being shared in Driven Snow, just beyond the surface, we see that judging someone on only one part of who they are could make us miss out on getting to know a great person. And I think the message Lain shares in most of her stories, about solidarity, being open and to not judge is a great part of what makes her writing amazing. She is never preachy, but she still manages to always hit the nail right on the head! If you enjoy heart-warming stories, fairy-tale re-tellings, and a little bit of smexiness as well, you should definitely pick up Driven Snow! It can totally be read as a stand-alone.
You can buy Driven Snow in all these places :
"The Zetas don't want me in their house or at their party." He didn't have the heart to say they didn't want Winston either. The Big-Men-On-Campus jock fraternity did not do nerds. Especially not gay nerds.
H sprang up and started cleaning his pile of papers, extra chess pieces, leftover sandwich crusts, and glasses of tea. Still, no quieting the racing blur of his mind. Why was Riley coming over? Maybe he'd failed and he blamed Snow for it?
Snow nodded. Truth having two forms. Looking like something else.
Driven Snow Giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway
About Tara Lain:
Driven Snow excerpt:
“There are rumors here and there, but I’m a big guy, and nobody says it to my face.”
Snow shrugged. “So why change now? You’re a senior. You can do what you want next year.”
Riley leaned his head back against the couch. “Because it’s chickenshit, like I said. People are always going to give gay guys crap when they don’t know anyone who’s gay. I can change that. A lot of people think they know me. I mean, look at you. Chess champion. Much bigger than I’ll ever be. But you never claim to be anything but gay.”
“I’m so weird, nobody’s surprised.”
“No, you’re not. You show the world that gay guys can be brilliant geniuses and beautiful. I can show them that gay guys can be big and strong and well coordinated. We all have a part to play.” He chuckled. “I have to confess, I practiced that speech, but I’m hoping it’s true.”
Snow’s heart beat so loud he could barely hear. Could this really be happening? “Umm, so you said you have enough experience to teach me.” He stared at his moo shu.
Riley sat up and got a very serious expression. “You see, Mr. Reynaldi, it’s all a matter of physics. Your quantum physics says that electrons can be in two places at the same time.” He leaned forward and pulled Snow across his lap, somehow managing to not spill any Chinese food in the process. “It’s like my tongue can be in my mouth—” He ran his soft tongue across Snow’s barely parted lips. “—and inside your mouth at the same time.” He insinuated inside and kissed Snow slowly and thoroughly. So that’s how it feels. Invasive and completing at once.
Riley pulled his lips back from the kiss but kept them close to Snow’s so his breath warmed Snow’s wet mouth. “And just as particles can be waves and waves particles, so I can feel completely relaxed and completely excited simultaneously.”
Snow grinned. “I knew physics could be fun, but this is far beyond my expectations.”
“You didn’t have enough faith in your subject matter.”
“Clearly.” He smiled and whispered, “What happens now?”
“First, I want to know if you’re interested in me, or am I just living in fantasyland?”
Snow’s eyes widened. “Oh, did I not show enough interest?”
Riley laughed. “Yes, but I don’t want to take anything for granted. You’re too special.”
My, that moo shu is interesting. “I’ve been dreaming about you ever since the first time I saw you. I didn’t think you were gay, so I never even hoped it could be more than a dream.”
Riley caressed Snow’s hair. “Think of all the time we wasted dreaming about each other.”
“In quantum physics, particles in contact become quantumly entangled. Perhaps we simply needed more time for the entangling to occur.” Snow smiled softly. This had to be a dream.
Thanks for stopping by today, and good luck in the giveaway!This review was originally posted on (un)Conventional Bookviews
Welcome to my stop on the Driven Snow blogtour hosted by Enchantress Design & Promo . I am a huge Tara Lain fan, so when I saw that there was a review opportunity for her newest Pennymaker Tales story, I jumped right on it, and I am so happy I did!
My Driven Snow review:
What was really refreshing in Driven Snow was that both Snow and Prince were accepted as gay by their families, and Snow was out on campus as well. Prince, being the star quarterback of the college was only out to his coach, but when he got to know Snow, that is something he wanted to change really fast! This is a re-telling of Snow White different than any others you've ever seen, so original, and filled with tenderness, the story of the chess master and the evil step-mother was so well done!
The writing in Driven Snow is spotless, and the story unfolded beautifully! Strong characters and a solid plot made reading this story a pleasure. Character-driven and with quite a bit of suspense, I was at the edge of my seat as the evil stepmother made her play to become not only the fairest in the country, but also the new master when it came to chess. Because Snow was very smart, she had her work cut out for her, especially because once Mr. Pennymaker showed up, he had more help than he should have needed.
There are a lot of truths being shared in Driven Snow, just beyond the surface, we see that judging someone on only one part of who they are could make us miss out on getting to know a great person. And I think the message Lain shares in most of her stories, about solidarity, being open and to not judge is a great part of what makes her writing amazing. She is never preachy, but she still manages to always hit the nail right on the head! If you enjoy heart-warming stories, fairy-tale re-tellings, and a little bit of smexiness as well, you should definitely pick up Driven Snow! It can totally be read as a stand-alone.
You can buy Driven Snow in all these places :
DreamSpinner ebook | DreamSpinner Paperback | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes | ArE | GooglePlay
"The Zetas don't want me in their house or at their party." He didn't have the heart to say they didn't want Winston either. The Big-Men-On-Campus jock fraternity did not do nerds. Especially not gay nerds.
H sprang up and started cleaning his pile of papers, extra chess pieces, leftover sandwich crusts, and glasses of tea. Still, no quieting the racing blur of his mind. Why was Riley coming over? Maybe he'd failed and he blamed Snow for it?
Snow nodded. Truth having two forms. Looking like something else.
Driven Snow Giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway
About Tara Lain:
Tara Lain writes the Beautiful Boys of Romance in LGBT erotic romance novels that star her unique, charismatic heroes. Her first novel was published in January of 2011 and she’s now somewhere around book 23. Her bestselling novels have garnered awards for Best Series, Best Contemporary Romance, Best Ménage, Best LGBT Romance, Best Gay Characters, and Tara has been named Best Writer of the Year in the LRC Awards. In her other job, Tara owns an advertising and public relations firm. She often does workshops on both author promotion and writing craft. She lives with her soulmate husband and her soulmate dog in Laguna Beach, California, a pretty seaside town where she sets a lot of her books. Passionate about diversity, justice, and new experiences, Tara says on her tombstone it will say “Yes”
Author Links:Website | Blog | FB Author Page | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest
Driven Snow excerpt:
“There are rumors here and there, but I’m a big guy, and nobody says it to my face.”
Snow shrugged. “So why change now? You’re a senior. You can do what you want next year.”
Riley leaned his head back against the couch. “Because it’s chickenshit, like I said. People are always going to give gay guys crap when they don’t know anyone who’s gay. I can change that. A lot of people think they know me. I mean, look at you. Chess champion. Much bigger than I’ll ever be. But you never claim to be anything but gay.”
“I’m so weird, nobody’s surprised.”
“No, you’re not. You show the world that gay guys can be brilliant geniuses and beautiful. I can show them that gay guys can be big and strong and well coordinated. We all have a part to play.” He chuckled. “I have to confess, I practiced that speech, but I’m hoping it’s true.”
Snow’s heart beat so loud he could barely hear. Could this really be happening? “Umm, so you said you have enough experience to teach me.” He stared at his moo shu.
Riley sat up and got a very serious expression. “You see, Mr. Reynaldi, it’s all a matter of physics. Your quantum physics says that electrons can be in two places at the same time.” He leaned forward and pulled Snow across his lap, somehow managing to not spill any Chinese food in the process. “It’s like my tongue can be in my mouth—” He ran his soft tongue across Snow’s barely parted lips. “—and inside your mouth at the same time.” He insinuated inside and kissed Snow slowly and thoroughly. So that’s how it feels. Invasive and completing at once.
Riley pulled his lips back from the kiss but kept them close to Snow’s so his breath warmed Snow’s wet mouth. “And just as particles can be waves and waves particles, so I can feel completely relaxed and completely excited simultaneously.”
Snow grinned. “I knew physics could be fun, but this is far beyond my expectations.”
“You didn’t have enough faith in your subject matter.”
“Clearly.” He smiled and whispered, “What happens now?”
“First, I want to know if you’re interested in me, or am I just living in fantasyland?”
Snow’s eyes widened. “Oh, did I not show enough interest?”
Riley laughed. “Yes, but I don’t want to take anything for granted. You’re too special.”
My, that moo shu is interesting. “I’ve been dreaming about you ever since the first time I saw you. I didn’t think you were gay, so I never even hoped it could be more than a dream.”
Riley caressed Snow’s hair. “Think of all the time we wasted dreaming about each other.”
“In quantum physics, particles in contact become quantumly entangled. Perhaps we simply needed more time for the entangling to occur.” Snow smiled softly. This had to be a dream.
Thanks for stopping by today, and good luck in the giveaway!This review was originally posted on (un)Conventional Bookviews
November 16, 2015
Driven Snow is a fun m/m take on an old fairy tale. You have Snow an introverted chess grandmaster and physics major. You have Riley Prince quarterback and closeted gay man who Snow has crushed on and who has crushed on Snow but neither let on till senior year when Prince needed a physics tutor. Not one but 2 fairy grandparents and seven frat brothers from Grimm College. Oh and lets not forget the evil queen in the guise of a professor and her minion.
Tara Lane takes us on a romp through college and a major chess tournament. She takes us through Snow and Riley’s courtship with humor and gentleness. She fills this story with wonderful characters and you won’t want to let them go. Like any good fairy tale this book is filled with lessons gently illustrated and you can’t help but take them to heart. A fantastic read I highly recommend.
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review
Tara Lane takes us on a romp through college and a major chess tournament. She takes us through Snow and Riley’s courtship with humor and gentleness. She fills this story with wonderful characters and you won’t want to let them go. Like any good fairy tale this book is filled with lessons gently illustrated and you can’t help but take them to heart. A fantastic read I highly recommend.
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review
August 25, 2016
This book delivers exactly what you would expect from a Tara Lain story. Wonderful Characters, plenty of problems, interesting relationships, good sex scenes and, in the case of her Pennymaker Tales, a wonderful twist on a traditional fairytale. Snow and Riley really make the book with their wonderful dialogue but I will admit I loved the frat brothers a lot. I hope that Tara intends to use them in future books. But it's this book I am talking bout so let me tell you that if you don't go and read it you will be missing an incredible few hours lost in an M/M romance with action and intrigue aplenty.
December 2, 2015
4.5 out of 5 stars
Description ~
Young Snowden “Snow” Reynaldi is brilliant, beautiful, and alone. Though he’s shy, weird, and tolerated by the NorCal University students because he’s a renowned whiz at chess and helps put the school on the map, that doesn’t keep him from dreaming of the object of his desires: Riley Prince, championship quarterback.
When Riley needs a physics tutor, Snow jumps at the chance, and their relationship heats up—but Riley has to come out of the jock closet to get anywhere. Meanwhile, Snow’s one true friend and mentor, Professor Kingsley, marries a woman who secretly wants the chess tournament glory and money for herself. Soon after, the professor collapses and Snow finds himself underwater—literally. In a car!
Seven frat brothers from Grimm College rescue Snow just in time for his life to get even worse, and Snow discovers the one relationship he always wanted slipping away. With evil looming at every turn, Snow must survive if only to prove he’s the fairest of them all and regain the trust of his handsome prince.
My Review ~
Now I know what you're thinking as you look at the cover..."OMG! He looks SO YOUNG!" Snow is 20, so he's very legal, and very adorable and awkward, and all sorts of things that you'd expect in a New Adult story where the main character is discovering themselves. Now that we have that out of the way... onto the real reason we're here, the story!
Driven Snow is the second in Tara Lain's Pennymaker Tales series and can be read as a standalone.
As you can guess from the title, Driven Snow, is Ms. Lane's very modern twist on the classic tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. In this version of the story, Snow White is a young man, Snowden Reynaldi, who finds his unexpected Prince Charming, in Riley Prince.
These two can't be more different either. Snow is a brilliant, but awkward chess prodigy, and Riley is Mr. All-American football player who needs help with physics. Which is where Snow's brilliant mind comes in.. he ends up tutoring Riley in physics. What Snow doesn't realize is that Riley is also gay, and has been secretly attracted to Snow for a while.
The dynamics between Riley and Snow are well played out, and the two are about as perfect as can be together. They're sweet and yet hot and sexy at the same time, and like typical of their age they allow outside influences to impact their relationship. I also really enjoyed the interaction between Snow and Professor Kingsley, it gave Snow the family connection that he lacked in a way that he needed. It also helped provide the conflict in the storyline. The addition of the Seven Brothers Grim was the icing on the story. Especially Romeo, who you'll swoon over just a bit.
Overall this was another very enjoyable, fairy-tale twist of a story brought to you in typical Tara Lain writing style. A good dose of humor, a little touch of angst, solid well written characters in a story that you'll want to re-read almost immediately. I look forward to many more stories in The Pennymaker Tales.
Description ~
Young Snowden “Snow” Reynaldi is brilliant, beautiful, and alone. Though he’s shy, weird, and tolerated by the NorCal University students because he’s a renowned whiz at chess and helps put the school on the map, that doesn’t keep him from dreaming of the object of his desires: Riley Prince, championship quarterback.
When Riley needs a physics tutor, Snow jumps at the chance, and their relationship heats up—but Riley has to come out of the jock closet to get anywhere. Meanwhile, Snow’s one true friend and mentor, Professor Kingsley, marries a woman who secretly wants the chess tournament glory and money for herself. Soon after, the professor collapses and Snow finds himself underwater—literally. In a car!
Seven frat brothers from Grimm College rescue Snow just in time for his life to get even worse, and Snow discovers the one relationship he always wanted slipping away. With evil looming at every turn, Snow must survive if only to prove he’s the fairest of them all and regain the trust of his handsome prince.
My Review ~
Now I know what you're thinking as you look at the cover..."OMG! He looks SO YOUNG!" Snow is 20, so he's very legal, and very adorable and awkward, and all sorts of things that you'd expect in a New Adult story where the main character is discovering themselves. Now that we have that out of the way... onto the real reason we're here, the story!
Driven Snow is the second in Tara Lain's Pennymaker Tales series and can be read as a standalone.
As you can guess from the title, Driven Snow, is Ms. Lane's very modern twist on the classic tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. In this version of the story, Snow White is a young man, Snowden Reynaldi, who finds his unexpected Prince Charming, in Riley Prince.
These two can't be more different either. Snow is a brilliant, but awkward chess prodigy, and Riley is Mr. All-American football player who needs help with physics. Which is where Snow's brilliant mind comes in.. he ends up tutoring Riley in physics. What Snow doesn't realize is that Riley is also gay, and has been secretly attracted to Snow for a while.
The dynamics between Riley and Snow are well played out, and the two are about as perfect as can be together. They're sweet and yet hot and sexy at the same time, and like typical of their age they allow outside influences to impact their relationship. I also really enjoyed the interaction between Snow and Professor Kingsley, it gave Snow the family connection that he lacked in a way that he needed. It also helped provide the conflict in the storyline. The addition of the Seven Brothers Grim was the icing on the story. Especially Romeo, who you'll swoon over just a bit.
Overall this was another very enjoyable, fairy-tale twist of a story brought to you in typical Tara Lain writing style. A good dose of humor, a little touch of angst, solid well written characters in a story that you'll want to re-read almost immediately. I look forward to many more stories in The Pennymaker Tales.
November 25, 2015
The Blogger Girls
4.5 Stars
I picked up this book because I am a huge fan of this author; and that’s it. The cover didn’t grab me, the blurb didn’t grab me, and I was hard pressed to see how a nerdy chess master and a college football quarterback could breathe new life into the tried and true college athlete vs nerd theme. But I was wrong. There was so much to this story, so much depth and plot and characterization that I was actually hard pressed to even put it down. And I didn’t put it down until I finished it.
The cover and the description of Snow didn’t quite work for me. He’s a cutie, for sure, but the book constantly describes him as being more beautiful than any woman… I disagreed with that assessment and forced myself to picture him differently in my head. That, my friends, was the only bad part of this story for me. Not much of an issue than, huh?
Riley and Snow’s romance is actually incidental to the whole storyline…and what a crazy story it is. We have a psycho trying to discredit and possibly kill Snow, homophobia running rampant on the college campus and especially the football team, Snow being accused of any and everything to ruin his chance at a championship and love. In a way it was over the top, but at the same time, it kept me on my toes wondering what would happen next. I was entertained….highly.
The many secondary characters were just as well rounded and integral as the main guys. The wacky older woman who lived in Riley’s apartment building, the fraternity from the other college that rescues Snow, Snow’s mentor, and especially his mentors lovely lady, Anitra. My head was spinning, but I never lost interest and couldn’t wait to see how the author settled all the drama. Needless to say, it has a happy ending and I highly recommend any book by this author, including this one.
4.5 Stars
I picked up this book because I am a huge fan of this author; and that’s it. The cover didn’t grab me, the blurb didn’t grab me, and I was hard pressed to see how a nerdy chess master and a college football quarterback could breathe new life into the tried and true college athlete vs nerd theme. But I was wrong. There was so much to this story, so much depth and plot and characterization that I was actually hard pressed to even put it down. And I didn’t put it down until I finished it.
The cover and the description of Snow didn’t quite work for me. He’s a cutie, for sure, but the book constantly describes him as being more beautiful than any woman… I disagreed with that assessment and forced myself to picture him differently in my head. That, my friends, was the only bad part of this story for me. Not much of an issue than, huh?
Riley and Snow’s romance is actually incidental to the whole storyline…and what a crazy story it is. We have a psycho trying to discredit and possibly kill Snow, homophobia running rampant on the college campus and especially the football team, Snow being accused of any and everything to ruin his chance at a championship and love. In a way it was over the top, but at the same time, it kept me on my toes wondering what would happen next. I was entertained….highly.
The many secondary characters were just as well rounded and integral as the main guys. The wacky older woman who lived in Riley’s apartment building, the fraternity from the other college that rescues Snow, Snow’s mentor, and especially his mentors lovely lady, Anitra. My head was spinning, but I never lost interest and couldn’t wait to see how the author settled all the drama. Needless to say, it has a happy ending and I highly recommend any book by this author, including this one.
November 10, 2015
This book was provided for free by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is book 2 in The Pennymaker Tales series, but it can be read as a standalone. Just like book 1 (Sinders and Ash), it is loosely based on a fairytale. As apparent from the name, it is based on Snow White.
Snowden "Snow" Reynaldi is a chess Grandmaster and a physics whiz. One day at a chess game he notices that Riley Prince, the quarterback of the NorCal championship football team, is watching. He has long had a crush on the hunky quarterback, but knows nothing can be reciprocated since Riley's dating the head cheerleader. When he is asked to tutor Riley in physics, he is initially extremely excited. However, once he is attacked by other members of the football team, he has second thoughts.
I think I liked this better than the first story, but mostly for all the twists and turns. I actually wasn't sure who was the "bad" person at first. And as soon as it became apparent, I really enjoyed the cat and mouse chase that then became the mouse chasing the cat. I also liked how Tara Lain was able to keep the elements from the fairy tale, like the seven frat members (aka dwarfs) who saved Snow. That famous apple also appears, but in an time-appropriate way. And loved the names, like Hunter. (I'll admit it took me a few chapters to figure that out.) Overall, recommended for those who love a low-angst, nerd/jock romance with a twist.
And since I can't think of Snow White without thinking of the adorable animals,
This is book 2 in The Pennymaker Tales series, but it can be read as a standalone. Just like book 1 (Sinders and Ash), it is loosely based on a fairytale. As apparent from the name, it is based on Snow White.
Snowden "Snow" Reynaldi is a chess Grandmaster and a physics whiz. One day at a chess game he notices that Riley Prince, the quarterback of the NorCal championship football team, is watching. He has long had a crush on the hunky quarterback, but knows nothing can be reciprocated since Riley's dating the head cheerleader. When he is asked to tutor Riley in physics, he is initially extremely excited. However, once he is attacked by other members of the football team, he has second thoughts.
I think I liked this better than the first story, but mostly for all the twists and turns. I actually wasn't sure who was the "bad" person at first. And as soon as it became apparent, I really enjoyed the cat and mouse chase that then became the mouse chasing the cat. I also liked how Tara Lain was able to keep the elements from the fairy tale, like the seven frat members (aka dwarfs) who saved Snow. That famous apple also appears, but in an time-appropriate way. And loved the names, like Hunter. (I'll admit it took me a few chapters to figure that out.) Overall, recommended for those who love a low-angst, nerd/jock romance with a twist.
And since I can't think of Snow White without thinking of the adorable animals,
November 8, 2015
Driven Snow (The Pennymaker Tales #2) by Tara Lain
4 stars
I was given this book for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
I was to start by saying that I did not read the previous story in this series.
Snowden was a character that I really enjoyed. He had great inner dialogue and was able to figure himself out with the help of the Iota Pi Fraternity brothers. I really enjoyed those characters and seriously hope they get their own stories.
Then you have NorCal's "golden" football star, Riley. I really liked how he was able to come out to his teammates and despite some not being as accepting, didn't let it phase him too much. But, as most stories go, miscommunication, mistrust and self doubt are your own worst enemies.
The chemistry between Riley and Snowden was somewhat juvenile, but overall, it was decent.
Then you have the wicked witch of the story, Anitra... and her minion, Hunter... they are characters that you simply are made to hate. Lain did a great job at developing their ickiness.
Overall, this was a cute, somewhat predictable, strange fairy tale that includes the HEA.
4 stars
I was given this book for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
I was to start by saying that I did not read the previous story in this series.
Snowden was a character that I really enjoyed. He had great inner dialogue and was able to figure himself out with the help of the Iota Pi Fraternity brothers. I really enjoyed those characters and seriously hope they get their own stories.
Then you have NorCal's "golden" football star, Riley. I really liked how he was able to come out to his teammates and despite some not being as accepting, didn't let it phase him too much. But, as most stories go, miscommunication, mistrust and self doubt are your own worst enemies.
The chemistry between Riley and Snowden was somewhat juvenile, but overall, it was decent.
Then you have the wicked witch of the story, Anitra... and her minion, Hunter... they are characters that you simply are made to hate. Lain did a great job at developing their ickiness.
Overall, this was a cute, somewhat predictable, strange fairy tale that includes the HEA.
November 10, 2015
I love the Pennymaker tales! Snow and Riley were great characters to get absorbed in. From Riley's angst about his decisions and Snow's inner monolog you can't help but love them, Snow a bit more since he never gave up. The IPis omg, they need their own book or novella, I love them all and want to know so much more. This story definitely rates as one of my favorites, not as much as Sinders but its up there. I can't wait for more. There's so much more I want to say but it'd spoil it for everyone who hasn't read it.
November 17, 2015
Tara Lain has quickly become one my favorite m/m authors. She knows how to create characters that draw you in and keep you invested in their story. This is a great twist on the classic Snow White story. This is the second book in the Pennymaker Tale series and I can't wait for more!
September 4, 2020
*Received A Copy To Review From The Author*
This is a fun retelling of Snow White. I liked how things were refitted for the modern setting. Catching the names and connecting the references was a lot of fun. I enjoyed the characters, Snow was interesting (more interesting that his namesake let's be real). The chess angle was a nice change. Prince was a good character for most of the book, until the big misunderstanding which soured most of my good feelings for him. Snow forgave him way too easily if I'm being honest. I don't care that he did a little to make up for it. He had a ways to go for me. The "dwarves" were fun. The villian was a nice and hate-able. But it was so transparent. I wish it would've been a little less obvious. But I mean...it's Snow White. Who doesn't know? So yeah, it is what it is.
This is a fun retelling of Snow White. I liked how things were refitted for the modern setting. Catching the names and connecting the references was a lot of fun. I enjoyed the characters, Snow was interesting (more interesting that his namesake let's be real). The chess angle was a nice change. Prince was a good character for most of the book, until the big misunderstanding which soured most of my good feelings for him. Snow forgave him way too easily if I'm being honest. I don't care that he did a little to make up for it. He had a ways to go for me. The "dwarves" were fun. The villian was a nice and hate-able. But it was so transparent. I wish it would've been a little less obvious. But I mean...it's Snow White. Who doesn't know? So yeah, it is what it is.
November 30, 2015
This is the second story in Tara Lain's fairy-tale series known as "The Pennymaker Tales". The first book was Sinders and Ash which was based on Cinderella and now we have Driven Snow which is a "snow white" style book.
In this book we have Snowden Reynaldi, a college age Grandmaster chess player. Snow is alone in the world and stays to himself, not getting close to anyone except Professor Kingsley is mentor. Riley Prince, star quarterback of Northern Californian University is drawn to Snowden and the two are brought together when Snowden tutors Riley in physics. Snow and Riley quickly fall into a passionate affair however when Snow faces adversity the strength of their bond is tested. The evil queen in this story is Anitra Popescu who has seduced Mr. Kingsley with the hopes of overthrowing Snowden in the Anderson Tournament for Chess.
I enjoyed the parallel writing style that Tara Lain used mirroring the well-known fairy-tale yet making the story unique enough that readers can understand and enjoy even if they have never read the fairy-tale. This was a fun read that I would recommend to those who enjoy lighthearted romance. Although this book is book 2 in a series, you do not have to read these books in order to enjoy them.
*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by JLoves2Read from Alpha Book Club
and Gay Book Reviews
In this book we have Snowden Reynaldi, a college age Grandmaster chess player. Snow is alone in the world and stays to himself, not getting close to anyone except Professor Kingsley is mentor. Riley Prince, star quarterback of Northern Californian University is drawn to Snowden and the two are brought together when Snowden tutors Riley in physics. Snow and Riley quickly fall into a passionate affair however when Snow faces adversity the strength of their bond is tested. The evil queen in this story is Anitra Popescu who has seduced Mr. Kingsley with the hopes of overthrowing Snowden in the Anderson Tournament for Chess.
I enjoyed the parallel writing style that Tara Lain used mirroring the well-known fairy-tale yet making the story unique enough that readers can understand and enjoy even if they have never read the fairy-tale. This was a fun read that I would recommend to those who enjoy lighthearted romance. Although this book is book 2 in a series, you do not have to read these books in order to enjoy them.
*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by JLoves2Read from Alpha Book Club
and Gay Book Reviews
December 27, 2015
Snow is a chess Grand Master. He’s lived most of his life alone and making conversations in his head. He’s also a physics genius. He’s the shy, geek, the wallflower.
Riley is a star football player. He’s the golden boy, the jock, the “big man on campus”. He needs Physics to pass in order to stay eligible. He’s also a closeted gay man.
Both Riley and Snow have been crushing on the other… so when the football coach asks for help for his star player, Snow volunteers – despite the fact that he’s got no time for stuff like this.
In the meantime, Snow’s chess coach and best friend and pseudo father-figure, is acting totally out of character by hanging out with the beautiful Anitra, another Chess Wizard. She’s got her claws into him and suddenly he’s married to her! When people start getting hurt, including her now-husband – Snow begins to investigate just what she’s up to.
When push comes to shove, will Riley trust Snow or the smear campaign that paints him as a prostitute? Will he believe Snow when he says Anitra is evil? Or will he go back to his easy life in the closet?
**
Riley – Riley Prince is his full name – is Snow’s Prince, too. He’s practically perfect in every way.
There is a bit of tongue in cheek in this story and a lot of laughter. Snow is hysterical! His inner monologues are too funny and his nerdisms are perfect!
Riley is simply charming and with one notable exception, pure perfection for shy Snow.
The smexy times are pretty dang hot and the feels are wonderful.
If you put aside your “this is real?” doubts, and just take it for what it is – a fun, fantastical tale with a nod toward the old story – you will fully enjoy it! It’s a New Adult title, so steamy, but not over the top.
Tara Lain is a fantastic writer and this was a fun new look at the old fairy tale.
I loved it and highly recommend it.
4.5 of 5 stars
Riley is a star football player. He’s the golden boy, the jock, the “big man on campus”. He needs Physics to pass in order to stay eligible. He’s also a closeted gay man.
Both Riley and Snow have been crushing on the other… so when the football coach asks for help for his star player, Snow volunteers – despite the fact that he’s got no time for stuff like this.
In the meantime, Snow’s chess coach and best friend and pseudo father-figure, is acting totally out of character by hanging out with the beautiful Anitra, another Chess Wizard. She’s got her claws into him and suddenly he’s married to her! When people start getting hurt, including her now-husband – Snow begins to investigate just what she’s up to.
When push comes to shove, will Riley trust Snow or the smear campaign that paints him as a prostitute? Will he believe Snow when he says Anitra is evil? Or will he go back to his easy life in the closet?
**
Riley – Riley Prince is his full name – is Snow’s Prince, too. He’s practically perfect in every way.
There is a bit of tongue in cheek in this story and a lot of laughter. Snow is hysterical! His inner monologues are too funny and his nerdisms are perfect!
Riley is simply charming and with one notable exception, pure perfection for shy Snow.
The smexy times are pretty dang hot and the feels are wonderful.
If you put aside your “this is real?” doubts, and just take it for what it is – a fun, fantastical tale with a nod toward the old story – you will fully enjoy it! It’s a New Adult title, so steamy, but not over the top.
Tara Lain is a fantastic writer and this was a fun new look at the old fairy tale.
I loved it and highly recommend it.
4.5 of 5 stars
November 25, 2015
This story is loosely based on the Snow White fairy tale. Snowden (Snow) is a physics student and chess master. Snow is a sweetheart, and I loved him from the beginning. He's uncomfortable and awkward around most people. He has a massive crush on the star QB of the college football team, Riley Prince, that he thinks will never go anywhere. Riley Prince clearly has a cheerleader girlfriend. Snow lives alone, and he doesn't have much.
Riley shows up at one of Snow's chess matches, and Snow gets distracted enough that he almost loses the match. It turns out that Riley needs a physics tutor or he'll become ineligible for the rest of the football season. Snow thinks that this is the perfect chance to get to know Riley.
What's a fairy tale without the evil witch Queen? She turns up as the surprise fiance of Snow's chess coach, and I disliked her just as much as Snow does on sight. The huntsman and seven dwarfs from the original Snow White story were added in a great way as well. Riley is very sweet and tries to do right by Snow. Once you get under the persona he wore, grew on me as well. But it isn't easy and things go wrong as you can imagine. The arrival of Mr Pennymaker is fun, he's a great character and I can't wait to see where he turns up next.
While I have the first book in this series, I haven't had a chance to read it before starting this one. This book is completely standalone.
*I received this book from the author in exchange for a unbiased, honest review*
Riley shows up at one of Snow's chess matches, and Snow gets distracted enough that he almost loses the match. It turns out that Riley needs a physics tutor or he'll become ineligible for the rest of the football season. Snow thinks that this is the perfect chance to get to know Riley.
What's a fairy tale without the evil witch Queen? She turns up as the surprise fiance of Snow's chess coach, and I disliked her just as much as Snow does on sight. The huntsman and seven dwarfs from the original Snow White story were added in a great way as well. Riley is very sweet and tries to do right by Snow. Once you get under the persona he wore, grew on me as well. But it isn't easy and things go wrong as you can imagine. The arrival of Mr Pennymaker is fun, he's a great character and I can't wait to see where he turns up next.
While I have the first book in this series, I haven't had a chance to read it before starting this one. This book is completely standalone.
*I received this book from the author in exchange for a unbiased, honest review*
November 25, 2015
I love how Tara is transforming a classic fairytale and created a wonderful new story. The scene is set with Snow being trained for a championship chess game. The coach of the football team asks Snow to help Riley Prince learn physics, unknown to him Prince is still in the closet. Snow and Prince connect immediately, but love is never smooth sailing as there is always bumps in the road.
Snow’s professor is like a father to him and marries a wicked woman,who is after the chess title and makes Snow’s life a living hell. However, Snow has 7 frat boys and Mr. Pennymaker along with Prince’s landlady to help him along the way.
First love, revenge, mistrust and forgiveness is all entwined within this story. Tara does a wonderful job changing this story into a fantastic love story as her characters have depth and kept me page turning.
I received a complementary copy of this book, I would recommend this new type of fairytale to anyone who enjoys M/M romance.
Snow’s professor is like a father to him and marries a wicked woman,who is after the chess title and makes Snow’s life a living hell. However, Snow has 7 frat boys and Mr. Pennymaker along with Prince’s landlady to help him along the way.
First love, revenge, mistrust and forgiveness is all entwined within this story. Tara does a wonderful job changing this story into a fantastic love story as her characters have depth and kept me page turning.
I received a complementary copy of this book, I would recommend this new type of fairytale to anyone who enjoys M/M romance.
November 12, 2015
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Let me start by saying, Tara Lain can do no wrong in my book! There hasn't been a Tara Lain book that I don't love! This story is an awesome version of Snow White and the seven Dwarfs. Even though I had moments where I was screaming especially when Riley was so easy to be manipulated by others..I can't help but fall in love with both Snow & Riley. Snow was perfect, perfect, perfect! I know that I would love to have the "seven dwarfs" of my own! Mr Pennymaker was such a character that you can't help but to love him! Definitely a quick but fun read! Looking forward to reading more in the series!
** ARC given by the Author for an honest review **
Let me start by saying, Tara Lain can do no wrong in my book! There hasn't been a Tara Lain book that I don't love! This story is an awesome version of Snow White and the seven Dwarfs. Even though I had moments where I was screaming especially when Riley was so easy to be manipulated by others..I can't help but fall in love with both Snow & Riley. Snow was perfect, perfect, perfect! I know that I would love to have the "seven dwarfs" of my own! Mr Pennymaker was such a character that you can't help but to love him! Definitely a quick but fun read! Looking forward to reading more in the series!
** ARC given by the Author for an honest review **
December 2, 2015
3 to 4 stars. I wavered on this one but ended on the generous side but dang it I'm in the holiday spirit :) I liked the beginning; didn't like the middle and it came around a bit in the end. Yes it was a fairytale but it had too much crazy plot going on at times. I did like Snow though:) there was more sexiness to it than I expected so there's that?! I'm not sure I could have forgiven Riley (aka the Prince) for being a non believer in Snow when the sh## really hit the fan!!! Oh well, it was light, had some humor and kind of what I needed in the moment!
October 5, 2019
3.5 Stars
As an adaptation of Snow White this was cute in how it handled the different elements, but some of it was a little too extreme for believability. Sure you hate the "wicked witch" but her desperation to win a chess match doesn't seem like all that much of a reason to try to kill Snow.
I liked Snow a lot. Riley could have been a little stronger of a character for me. His doubting Snow seemed out of character for him in the moment even though he got past it relatively quickly.
Of course once the boys from Grimm College came in, well our seven were amusing and of course I love Mr. Pennywise. I wish he was a bigger part of this story. Still it was a fun read and I'll look forward to the next one.
As an adaptation of Snow White this was cute in how it handled the different elements, but some of it was a little too extreme for believability. Sure you hate the "wicked witch" but her desperation to win a chess match doesn't seem like all that much of a reason to try to kill Snow.
I liked Snow a lot. Riley could have been a little stronger of a character for me. His doubting Snow seemed out of character for him in the moment even though he got past it relatively quickly.
Of course once the boys from Grimm College came in, well our seven were amusing and of course I love Mr. Pennywise. I wish he was a bigger part of this story. Still it was a fun read and I'll look forward to the next one.
December 6, 2015
4.5 STARS
As soon as I read the blurb for this book I just had to add it to my review list. I love when authors rewrite and modernize fairytales, though to be honest, the results often leave me cringing in horror. Not so with this story, which Tara Lain has successfully taken, twisted and sexed up for our reading pleasure.
Snowden Reynaldi (I just love saying that name out loud) is NorCal’s chess playing prodigy, a surprisingly respected position that gives him celebrity status and some protection from homophobic fratboy jocks. He goes about life with his head down, eyes on the ground, quite content to shut himself away in his unfurnished apartment with his chest sets for company. Only two people are truly able to draw his attention – his best friend/father figure, Professor Kingsley and the drool worthy, much-worshipped quarterback, Riley Prince. Little does innocent Snow realize that Prince has been looking right back at him for many months.
There was a lot to love about this story. Firstly, although it has plenty of fairytale references, to go with the Snow White storyline, nothing feels forced and uncomfortable about it. Instead of poisoned apples the author compromises with apple martinis, instead of Prince waking Snow with a kiss, he uses an epi-pen. The key elements are all there but well woven into the modern setting.
Oddly enough, what I appreciated most about this story were the sex scenes, which, if you’ve read enough of my reviews, you’ll know are usually my least favourite part of a book. For most of the story the author sticks with the assumed stereotypes, virginal Snow and confident Prince, so I guess I expected to end up in the bedroom with a shy, awkward Snow and Riley (Prince) tenderly showing him the ropes. Nah ah! Yes, the awkward thrill of first time sex is there, and it was conveyed very well, but what came as an exciting twist was the change in the two men once they hit the sheets. Snow turned into a rather vocal toppy top, and Riley became a screaming bottom and although it seems like it shouldn’t have worked, it totally did. Tara Lain impressed the heck out of me with that bit of writing.
Some parts are a little worthy of an eye roll or two. Like, how can the villains be so obvious and get away with it for so long, but I think that’s something I’m willing to excuse as “part of the fairytale”. The villains have to be over the top bad and the good guys have to be a little clueless and after I accepted that it really didn’t bother me anymore.
This is the second Pennymaker Tale, Pennymaker referring to a secondary character who sweeps in like a fairy godfather to help out our heroes. I haven’t read the first story yet. Driven Snow is definitely a standalone but I guarantee that if you haven’t read that first book, this will leave you curious enough about the almost magical little man that you’ll want to go check it out.
Recommended for lovers of cuteness. If you don’t do cute then you may not enjoy this so much. Me, I loved it!
Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2015/12/0...
As soon as I read the blurb for this book I just had to add it to my review list. I love when authors rewrite and modernize fairytales, though to be honest, the results often leave me cringing in horror. Not so with this story, which Tara Lain has successfully taken, twisted and sexed up for our reading pleasure.
Snowden Reynaldi (I just love saying that name out loud) is NorCal’s chess playing prodigy, a surprisingly respected position that gives him celebrity status and some protection from homophobic fratboy jocks. He goes about life with his head down, eyes on the ground, quite content to shut himself away in his unfurnished apartment with his chest sets for company. Only two people are truly able to draw his attention – his best friend/father figure, Professor Kingsley and the drool worthy, much-worshipped quarterback, Riley Prince. Little does innocent Snow realize that Prince has been looking right back at him for many months.
There was a lot to love about this story. Firstly, although it has plenty of fairytale references, to go with the Snow White storyline, nothing feels forced and uncomfortable about it. Instead of poisoned apples the author compromises with apple martinis, instead of Prince waking Snow with a kiss, he uses an epi-pen. The key elements are all there but well woven into the modern setting.
Oddly enough, what I appreciated most about this story were the sex scenes, which, if you’ve read enough of my reviews, you’ll know are usually my least favourite part of a book. For most of the story the author sticks with the assumed stereotypes, virginal Snow and confident Prince, so I guess I expected to end up in the bedroom with a shy, awkward Snow and Riley (Prince) tenderly showing him the ropes. Nah ah! Yes, the awkward thrill of first time sex is there, and it was conveyed very well, but what came as an exciting twist was the change in the two men once they hit the sheets. Snow turned into a rather vocal toppy top, and Riley became a screaming bottom and although it seems like it shouldn’t have worked, it totally did. Tara Lain impressed the heck out of me with that bit of writing.
Some parts are a little worthy of an eye roll or two. Like, how can the villains be so obvious and get away with it for so long, but I think that’s something I’m willing to excuse as “part of the fairytale”. The villains have to be over the top bad and the good guys have to be a little clueless and after I accepted that it really didn’t bother me anymore.
This is the second Pennymaker Tale, Pennymaker referring to a secondary character who sweeps in like a fairy godfather to help out our heroes. I haven’t read the first story yet. Driven Snow is definitely a standalone but I guarantee that if you haven’t read that first book, this will leave you curious enough about the almost magical little man that you’ll want to go check it out.
Recommended for lovers of cuteness. If you don’t do cute then you may not enjoy this so much. Me, I loved it!
Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2015/12/0...
November 27, 2015
This was a cute and sweet romance between Riley and Snow. What I liked the most though was the growth these two went through. They both had a path to forge through and some was done together but some needed to be done apart so that they could understand and appreciate what they are to each other.
Riley is the football that is the golden boy. He is smart and pretty. He is popular and kind. He also harbours a secret crush on Snow. Not only this but due to being a athlete he has hidden in the closet except to his coach. Now he is getting the chance to be with his crush as Snow will be his Physics tutor. This prompts Riley to gain courage and let Snow know his feelings and he also is determined to come out so he can be deserving of Snow. He didn’t want to hide Snow.
Snow is the shy physics major who is a grand chessmaster. He has lost all his family and the Professor who is his mentor is a father figure for him. Snow is a sweet guy but he has this overwhelming feeling of being lonely and all alone. This is where he grows the most when he is apart from Riley due to something that confuses riley but is needed for them both. Snow has had a crush on Riley as well. When riley lets him know his feelings they move forward and a great friendship and relationship is forged.
Along the way danger is put in their way. Snow’s life is threatened as a international chess tournament is around the corner. The reasons for the threat will astound. I never knew that chess was a cuttrhoat sport. Snow makes new friends that help him when he feels he has no one to turn to when his life is turned upside down and Riley is lost in confusion.
This is where the growth occurs. For Snow he learns that he is in control of himself. It isn’t the desire to have family or friends. Or even a lover for he can have these things but they do not control his loneliness or happiness he does. He needed to find comfort with himself and that is all that is needed for the loneliness to subside. The rest was a gift. He also learned that you love who you love no matter what.
Riley with the help of the wonderful and precious Miss Wishus realizes that he made a mistake and must find his way to learn to trust and have faith in the one he loves. He learns that this is needed to build a relationship and that not everything is always as it seems. He helps Snow get back his life in terms of academics and the Professor but also in love. Snow has found a family with Mr. Pennymaker and the IPis who are there to help him learn about himself and get through the hard times.
In the end these two boys find love and happiness but also a sense of pride in who they are and use this to show others they cannot be taken down or hurt. They find their way back to each other and to what they are for each other-strength, courage, friends, family and lovers.
A fun entertaining sweet romance that you curl up to and smile the whole way through.
Riley is the football that is the golden boy. He is smart and pretty. He is popular and kind. He also harbours a secret crush on Snow. Not only this but due to being a athlete he has hidden in the closet except to his coach. Now he is getting the chance to be with his crush as Snow will be his Physics tutor. This prompts Riley to gain courage and let Snow know his feelings and he also is determined to come out so he can be deserving of Snow. He didn’t want to hide Snow.
Snow is the shy physics major who is a grand chessmaster. He has lost all his family and the Professor who is his mentor is a father figure for him. Snow is a sweet guy but he has this overwhelming feeling of being lonely and all alone. This is where he grows the most when he is apart from Riley due to something that confuses riley but is needed for them both. Snow has had a crush on Riley as well. When riley lets him know his feelings they move forward and a great friendship and relationship is forged.
Along the way danger is put in their way. Snow’s life is threatened as a international chess tournament is around the corner. The reasons for the threat will astound. I never knew that chess was a cuttrhoat sport. Snow makes new friends that help him when he feels he has no one to turn to when his life is turned upside down and Riley is lost in confusion.
This is where the growth occurs. For Snow he learns that he is in control of himself. It isn’t the desire to have family or friends. Or even a lover for he can have these things but they do not control his loneliness or happiness he does. He needed to find comfort with himself and that is all that is needed for the loneliness to subside. The rest was a gift. He also learned that you love who you love no matter what.
Riley with the help of the wonderful and precious Miss Wishus realizes that he made a mistake and must find his way to learn to trust and have faith in the one he loves. He learns that this is needed to build a relationship and that not everything is always as it seems. He helps Snow get back his life in terms of academics and the Professor but also in love. Snow has found a family with Mr. Pennymaker and the IPis who are there to help him learn about himself and get through the hard times.
In the end these two boys find love and happiness but also a sense of pride in who they are and use this to show others they cannot be taken down or hurt. They find their way back to each other and to what they are for each other-strength, courage, friends, family and lovers.
A fun entertaining sweet romance that you curl up to and smile the whole way through.
December 7, 2015
ARC provided by the publisher through Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words in exchange for an impartial review.
Another fairy tale for grownups featuring the elfin Mr Pennymaker who returns in this one dressed just as flamboyantly as the last time.
First and foremost, this must be treated as a fairytale, otherwise much of what happens will not make sense. There’s no logic here, just magically occurring coincidences and happy endings.
Snowden “Snow” Reynaldi is a physics major at NorCal. He’s also a world champion master at chess and is set to compete in a world championship in several weeks. When Riley Prince, gorgeous, blond and built, and star quarterback for the football team needs a tutor, Snow volunteers to help. All other attempts at teaching him have failed, yet Snow knows that Riley is capable of learning—after all, Snow has seen him apply the principles of quantum physics while quarterbacking a game, so it might just be a matter of how he’s taught.
Snow’s tutoring works, and when Riley outs himself to Snow and tells him how much he admires not only his beauty, but his brains, Snow is astounded. The two begin a relationship, and Riley decides he’s going to come out to his football team so that he can take Snow to the Homecoming Dance. In the meantime, Snow’s chess coach, Professor Kingsley, has fallen head-over-heels for a woman who scares Snow. She’s beautiful and smart, but strikes Snow as being devious and deceptive, and when the professor becomes ill and is hospitalized, Snow sets out to find out why.
There’s much intrigue in this story, including Snow’s bare miss from being killed and his heartbreaking loss of Riley’s love and support due to a deception manufactured by Kingsley’s fiancé, Anitra. I kept wondering what the poor guy would have to face next, but little did I know even greater disaster was awaiting him.
I enjoyed this story despite how crazy unbelievable it was, mostly because of the characters and their (sometimes loose) parallel to the original tale. The group who were my favorite characters were the seven frat brothers who saved Snow’s life and then later helped Mr. Pennymaker prepare him for his chess tournament. And, of course, Mr. Pennymaker was as wild and crazy and adorably elfin as he was in the previous story, Sinders and Ash. Add to that, Riley’s landlady Mrs. Wishus, and the nasty witch-like character of Anitra and we have a host of well-known characters come to life in 2015.
I remember watching a show called Fractured Fairytales with my kids, and that’s the best term I can think of to describe this story. It’s loosely based on a fairytale and is complex and sweet and crazy at times but ultimately leads to Snow and his prince getting their happily ever after.
November 29, 2015
This book is a contemporary M/M romance loosely-based on the Snow White fairy tale. It's the second in the Pennymaker tales series, but has no connection to the previous book, Sinders And Ash.
3.5 Stars.
Snowden is a college senior and a Grandmaster chess champion. He's been working toward competing in a major international tournament at which he's the favorite to win. He's held a longstanding crush on the resident BMOC, quarterback Riley Prince, who's a fan of Snow's, too.
Riley needs tutoring, and Snow's the right man for that job. Through their interactions, Riley admits that he's a closeted gay man with a beard instead of a girlfriend. Riley wants to come out, so he can date Snow openly, but there's a whole lotta drama in doing so.
Meanwhile, Snow's coach and closest confidante, Prof. Kingsley reveals a rapid courtship and shotgun marriage to a suspicious woman, Anitra. Anitra is a chess champion in her own right, and the decisions she's making--to withdraw Snow from the chess championships--are bizarre. Snow's afraid he'll lose his last parental figure in his life, and he's in worse trouble, especially when Anitra enlists Hunter her well-endowed *wink wink* "cousin" Hunter to keep Snow from competing...by any means necessary.
As Snow and Riley explore their potential scandal tears through Snow's world, and he's even more friendless than he'd ever been. There's a bit of contortion to bring Pennymaker back to this tale. It felt more contrived than organic, especially as Eudora seemed a capable fairy godmother for this story. That said, I never had a question about who was behind the tragic events of the book. I was pretty peeved that the homophobic football players were barely even reprimanded, let alone punished for their nastiness.
This book, being based on the darker tale of Snow White was much darker than the other modern fairytale. I thought it would build more depth in the characters, but I didn't feel the tension. There were a lot of plot arcs, and Snow was a pretty sympathetic character, but I didn't really sense his agency. He seemed to be a victim for so much of the book, and Riley was a wishy-washy love interest. The ending was a bit convenient, even for a fairytale. I liked the sexytimes, because they showed a good amount of sensitivity and vulnerability. I get that these are young men--barely 21 in fact, but they sometimes read as juvenile, to me.
3.5 Stars.
Snowden is a college senior and a Grandmaster chess champion. He's been working toward competing in a major international tournament at which he's the favorite to win. He's held a longstanding crush on the resident BMOC, quarterback Riley Prince, who's a fan of Snow's, too.
Riley needs tutoring, and Snow's the right man for that job. Through their interactions, Riley admits that he's a closeted gay man with a beard instead of a girlfriend. Riley wants to come out, so he can date Snow openly, but there's a whole lotta drama in doing so.
Meanwhile, Snow's coach and closest confidante, Prof. Kingsley reveals a rapid courtship and shotgun marriage to a suspicious woman, Anitra. Anitra is a chess champion in her own right, and the decisions she's making--to withdraw Snow from the chess championships--are bizarre. Snow's afraid he'll lose his last parental figure in his life, and he's in worse trouble, especially when Anitra enlists Hunter her well-endowed *wink wink* "cousin" Hunter to keep Snow from competing...by any means necessary.
As Snow and Riley explore their potential scandal tears through Snow's world, and he's even more friendless than he'd ever been. There's a bit of contortion to bring Pennymaker back to this tale. It felt more contrived than organic, especially as Eudora seemed a capable fairy godmother for this story. That said, I never had a question about who was behind the tragic events of the book. I was pretty peeved that the homophobic football players were barely even reprimanded, let alone punished for their nastiness.
This book, being based on the darker tale of Snow White was much darker than the other modern fairytale. I thought it would build more depth in the characters, but I didn't feel the tension. There were a lot of plot arcs, and Snow was a pretty sympathetic character, but I didn't really sense his agency. He seemed to be a victim for so much of the book, and Riley was a wishy-washy love interest. The ending was a bit convenient, even for a fairytale. I liked the sexytimes, because they showed a good amount of sensitivity and vulnerability. I get that these are young men--barely 21 in fact, but they sometimes read as juvenile, to me.
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