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Naked Organics #1
Farm Fresh
Jude finds a home where he can put down roots. He never expected it to be a sexually free commune. Hudson finds himself falling for Jude, but all the men in the yellow house are lovers. Coupling-off isn't how their house works.
Jude Garrity visits the farmers market every Saturday. As an environmental engineering student, he's curious about living off the grid and sustainable agriculture. And one particular farmer.
Hudson Oliva has worked hard to support his commune, the only place he's felt at home. When Jude asks pointed questions about living there, Hudson decides to be honest. Few people know what the farm is actually about, but Jude is insistent.
Jude moves in, however his sexual hang-ups left over from past abuse make it hard to adjust. He's living among people who have sex freely and with multiple partners. When Jude finally loosens up, Hudson is flooded with emotions for this reserved man. Falling for Jude wasn't part of Hudson's life plan. But when vindictive rumors about the commune begin to spread, love might be all he has left.
Jude Garrity visits the farmers market every Saturday. As an environmental engineering student, he's curious about living off the grid and sustainable agriculture. And one particular farmer.
Hudson Oliva has worked hard to support his commune, the only place he's felt at home. When Jude asks pointed questions about living there, Hudson decides to be honest. Few people know what the farm is actually about, but Jude is insistent.
Jude moves in, however his sexual hang-ups left over from past abuse make it hard to adjust. He's living among people who have sex freely and with multiple partners. When Jude finally loosens up, Hudson is flooded with emotions for this reserved man. Falling for Jude wasn't part of Hudson's life plan. But when vindictive rumors about the commune begin to spread, love might be all he has left.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 28, 2016
20 people are currently reading
320 people want to read
About the author
Posy Roberts
31 books232 followersPosy Roberts started reading romance when she was young, but textbooks eventually replaced the novels, and she somehow existed without reading for fun. When she finally picked up a romance years later, it was like slipping on a soft hoodie . . . that didn’t quite fit right. She wanted something more.
Now she wanted to read about queer people falling in love. She wanted to explore beyond the happily ever after and watch characters navigate the unpredictability of life as they create their happy homes. So Posy sat down at her keyboard to write the books she wanted to read.
Her stories have been USA Today’s “Happily Ever After” Must-Reads and Rainbow Award finalists. When she’s not writing or editing, she’s spending time with loved ones and doing anything possible to get out of grocery shopping and cooking.
Now she wanted to read about queer people falling in love. She wanted to explore beyond the happily ever after and watch characters navigate the unpredictability of life as they create their happy homes. So Posy sat down at her keyboard to write the books she wanted to read.
Her stories have been USA Today’s “Happily Ever After” Must-Reads and Rainbow Award finalists. When she’s not writing or editing, she’s spending time with loved ones and doing anything possible to get out of grocery shopping and cooking.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
August 19, 2016
My first guest review on Boy Meets Boy Reviews!
3.5 stars
I was rooting for Hudson and Jude from early on. Both of them were obviously lonely, even if Hudson had his commune. There’s a fair amount of angst. Both Jude and Hudson come from homophobic families, though Jude’s abuse was a larger mountain to climb. Whenever he tries to get intimate with other men, Jude can only hear his father shaming him. Despite the frequent sex among the commune members, the romance in ‘Farm Fresh’ is fairly slow-paced.
Jude and Hudson open up to each other bit by bit, learning what makes the other happy. Given Jude’s past and Hudson’s reluctance to let himself love someone, I thought that their relationship development was realistic. Every hesitant kiss and step towards something more kept me reading.
The emotional impact and conflicts were also realistic. As Hudson and Jude work out the kinks in their relationship, they often end up arguing. It’s the result of their pasts experiences influencing how the interact with romantic interests. At times, I wanted to shake the two and tell them to get over themselves, but I can understand why they acted the way they did.
There are a host of secondary characters on the commune, though my favourite by far were Leo and Charlie, the MCs’ housemates and regular lovers. I loved Leo’s patient understanding of Jude’s situation, and how he didn’t mind playing relationship counsellor for Jude and Hudson. And Charlie? Well, if I ever decide to go to Kaleidoscope Gardens, it’ll probably be so that I can get him in bed. The guy just screamed “sex”.
The open relationship aspect of this book is quite different from anything I've read before. I've read books with polyamorous or open relationship characters, but the specifics in ’Farm Fresh’ were very unique. I think the author does a good job of showing how a free love commune could work, if the people involved are mature and express their concerns. So yes there is jealousy and the commune members didn't always get along, but everything was discussed out in the open so that solutions could be found.
And yes, the sex, in all of its different forms, was pretty hot.
However, I’m not so sure about the ending. It just seemed very abrupt. I’m not sure whether the rest of the series will focus on Hudson and Jude, or on other couples. I’d say that there’s a HFN, but it’s a tad tentative. Add in the side stories that had only just gotten interesting near the end, and I was left a bit annoyed. If the series does continue on with Jude and Hudson’s story, book 1 was a solid base.
Overall, I enjoyed ‘Farm Fresh’. It’s a well-written and unique take on open relationships, free love, and the effects that a person’s upbringing can have on their adulthood.
3.5 stars
I was rooting for Hudson and Jude from early on. Both of them were obviously lonely, even if Hudson had his commune. There’s a fair amount of angst. Both Jude and Hudson come from homophobic families, though Jude’s abuse was a larger mountain to climb. Whenever he tries to get intimate with other men, Jude can only hear his father shaming him. Despite the frequent sex among the commune members, the romance in ‘Farm Fresh’ is fairly slow-paced.
Jude and Hudson open up to each other bit by bit, learning what makes the other happy. Given Jude’s past and Hudson’s reluctance to let himself love someone, I thought that their relationship development was realistic. Every hesitant kiss and step towards something more kept me reading.
The emotional impact and conflicts were also realistic. As Hudson and Jude work out the kinks in their relationship, they often end up arguing. It’s the result of their pasts experiences influencing how the interact with romantic interests. At times, I wanted to shake the two and tell them to get over themselves, but I can understand why they acted the way they did.
There are a host of secondary characters on the commune, though my favourite by far were Leo and Charlie, the MCs’ housemates and regular lovers. I loved Leo’s patient understanding of Jude’s situation, and how he didn’t mind playing relationship counsellor for Jude and Hudson. And Charlie? Well, if I ever decide to go to Kaleidoscope Gardens, it’ll probably be so that I can get him in bed. The guy just screamed “sex”.
The open relationship aspect of this book is quite different from anything I've read before. I've read books with polyamorous or open relationship characters, but the specifics in ’Farm Fresh’ were very unique. I think the author does a good job of showing how a free love commune could work, if the people involved are mature and express their concerns. So yes there is jealousy and the commune members didn't always get along, but everything was discussed out in the open so that solutions could be found.
And yes, the sex, in all of its different forms, was pretty hot.
However, I’m not so sure about the ending. It just seemed very abrupt. I’m not sure whether the rest of the series will focus on Hudson and Jude, or on other couples. I’d say that there’s a HFN, but it’s a tad tentative. Add in the side stories that had only just gotten interesting near the end, and I was left a bit annoyed. If the series does continue on with Jude and Hudson’s story, book 1 was a solid base.
Overall, I enjoyed ‘Farm Fresh’. It’s a well-written and unique take on open relationships, free love, and the effects that a person’s upbringing can have on their adulthood.
February 2, 2016
*** 4.25 Stars ***
An original story that challenged me to think critically about my views on sex, love, nudity, and relationships. Very interested to see where this author takes this series.
An original story that challenged me to think critically about my views on sex, love, nudity, and relationships. Very interested to see where this author takes this series.
February 7, 2016
3 Stars
I'm a pretty avid reader, and I'd like to think not there isn't a whole lot out there that would surprise me, especially within the romance genre, yet this book was definitely not what I was expecting. This book was about a world I've not been introduced to, and I've got to say, at first, was difficult for me to wrap my mind around. I think I am such a non-sharing and somewhat jealous kind of spouse that it's hard to understand a life such as this. I did find the beauty in the freedom to be who you truly are and live the life you want to live like they were able to do at Kaleidoscope Farm. I had some issues with misunderstandings that really affected Husdon were left to fester when they could have been easily cleared up and how much they affected him. It was hard to watch him unravel and take so much blame and in turn be blamed, that really got to me. All in all, this book wasn't what I was expecting, it was interesting but I didn't love it.
I'm a pretty avid reader, and I'd like to think not there isn't a whole lot out there that would surprise me, especially within the romance genre, yet this book was definitely not what I was expecting. This book was about a world I've not been introduced to, and I've got to say, at first, was difficult for me to wrap my mind around. I think I am such a non-sharing and somewhat jealous kind of spouse that it's hard to understand a life such as this. I did find the beauty in the freedom to be who you truly are and live the life you want to live like they were able to do at Kaleidoscope Farm. I had some issues with misunderstandings that really affected Husdon were left to fester when they could have been easily cleared up and how much they affected him. It was hard to watch him unravel and take so much blame and in turn be blamed, that really got to me. All in all, this book wasn't what I was expecting, it was interesting but I didn't love it.
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September 6, 2019
2.5 stars.
The polyamory theme of this book was what caught my attention. The concept of completely open relationships and an ideological farming community were quite interesting and the strength of this book. The romance wasn't as strong as I needed it to be, and is why my rating is fairly low even though it's a perfectly good book. It just wasn't for me.
The polyamory theme of this book was what caught my attention. The concept of completely open relationships and an ideological farming community were quite interesting and the strength of this book. The romance wasn't as strong as I needed it to be, and is why my rating is fairly low even though it's a perfectly good book. It just wasn't for me.
July 19, 2016
'Farm Fresh' is actually book #1 in Posy Roberts series 'Naked Organics' in 'Naked Origins, Hudson' we basically got the story of how Hudson came to live at Kaleidoscope Gardens and in 'Farm Fresh' we're given more of his life and the addition of Jude a young man whose past seems to be similar to Hudson's and to whom Hudson has a very strong attraction.
While Hudson was looking to find somewhere that he could be himself and not feel he had to hide his sexuality or be ashamed of it, Jude is struggling to accept himself as a sexual being and to not only be able to express himself sexually but to not be ashamed of his needs and desires.
After months of seeing each other at the local farmer's market, Jude finally works up the courage to ask Hudson about all aspects of life at Kaleidoscope Gardens and what it means to live at the commune. Hudson decides that he needs to give Jude truthful answers. Answers that will either draw him in or scare him away. Jude is drawn in, he feels like maybe this is the place he's been looking for. Someplace where he can safely get himself sorted out.
While Jude and Hudson are very central to this story because of the dynamics of their household so are Leo and Charlie the other two men who share a house with Jude and Hudson and who their actions directly impact the most. However, while they do figure prominently in this story it's in somewhat of an indirect manner and I'm hopeful that there's a story that deals more directly with the past and future of these two men and will be shared with us in the near future..dare I hope?
For me the dynamics of commune life is not something I'm familiar with, however, I was intrigued to read a story that focused on a lifestyle that I knew so little about. How accurately this story portrays this lifestyle I don't know and I would hazard a guess that it would depend very much on the individual commune. But I felt like the author did a rather effective job of making me open my mind to the possibilities offered by this type of lifestyle. I liked all the environmentally friendly aspects of it. It was interesting and different.
While the social structure of the commune was in some ways dramatically different from what I've known, I very much liked the idea of people being accepted for who they are and not having to hide their true self or pretend to be someone they're not until it came to the point where I felt like Jude was being told that he had to participate in all aspects of commune life...wait...so does this mean if he's asexual he won't be accepted? That to me doesn't seem right in a commune where everyone's suppose to be able to be themselves free of judgement and accepted by all and yet, there seems to be a condition on the acceptance. Admittedly this niggled at me and still does. In spite of the fact that I know that this was not the case where Jude was concerned.
Ironically the other issue for me was Hudson. He was so interested in Jude and then once Jude arrives at the commune...charming adorable Hudson kind of turned into a bag of dicks...not cool Hudson, but of course everything wasn't quite that simple. Mostly because Hudson seemed to have some unresolved issues of his own and at times I felt like he was left dangling in the wind with no one to support him in his hour of need so to speak. So for me there was a bit of frustration during this part of the story and I'm ok with all that because I like it when a story gives me a bit of an emotional roller coaster ride. It makes me think and consider options, look at things from a different perspective, sometimes I even change my viewpoint midstream because something clicks into place that I initially miss.
Was this story perfect...no, definitely not but overall I really enjoyed 'Farm Fresh' and I'm looking forward to reading more. The world of Kaleidoscope Gardens is a work in progress but so is my world so I can appreciate what's good and what's still broken and needs fixing.
Sometimes it's the pieces of perfection that we find among the imperfections that can shine the brightest and give the most hope.
While Hudson was looking to find somewhere that he could be himself and not feel he had to hide his sexuality or be ashamed of it, Jude is struggling to accept himself as a sexual being and to not only be able to express himself sexually but to not be ashamed of his needs and desires.
After months of seeing each other at the local farmer's market, Jude finally works up the courage to ask Hudson about all aspects of life at Kaleidoscope Gardens and what it means to live at the commune. Hudson decides that he needs to give Jude truthful answers. Answers that will either draw him in or scare him away. Jude is drawn in, he feels like maybe this is the place he's been looking for. Someplace where he can safely get himself sorted out.
While Jude and Hudson are very central to this story because of the dynamics of their household so are Leo and Charlie the other two men who share a house with Jude and Hudson and who their actions directly impact the most. However, while they do figure prominently in this story it's in somewhat of an indirect manner and I'm hopeful that there's a story that deals more directly with the past and future of these two men and will be shared with us in the near future..dare I hope?
For me the dynamics of commune life is not something I'm familiar with, however, I was intrigued to read a story that focused on a lifestyle that I knew so little about. How accurately this story portrays this lifestyle I don't know and I would hazard a guess that it would depend very much on the individual commune. But I felt like the author did a rather effective job of making me open my mind to the possibilities offered by this type of lifestyle. I liked all the environmentally friendly aspects of it. It was interesting and different.
While the social structure of the commune was in some ways dramatically different from what I've known, I very much liked the idea of people being accepted for who they are and not having to hide their true self or pretend to be someone they're not until it came to the point where I felt like Jude was being told that he had to participate in all aspects of commune life...wait...so does this mean if he's asexual he won't be accepted? That to me doesn't seem right in a commune where everyone's suppose to be able to be themselves free of judgement and accepted by all and yet, there seems to be a condition on the acceptance. Admittedly this niggled at me and still does. In spite of the fact that I know that this was not the case where Jude was concerned.
Ironically the other issue for me was Hudson. He was so interested in Jude and then once Jude arrives at the commune...charming adorable Hudson kind of turned into a bag of dicks...not cool Hudson, but of course everything wasn't quite that simple. Mostly because Hudson seemed to have some unresolved issues of his own and at times I felt like he was left dangling in the wind with no one to support him in his hour of need so to speak. So for me there was a bit of frustration during this part of the story and I'm ok with all that because I like it when a story gives me a bit of an emotional roller coaster ride. It makes me think and consider options, look at things from a different perspective, sometimes I even change my viewpoint midstream because something clicks into place that I initially miss.
Was this story perfect...no, definitely not but overall I really enjoyed 'Farm Fresh' and I'm looking forward to reading more. The world of Kaleidoscope Gardens is a work in progress but so is my world so I can appreciate what's good and what's still broken and needs fixing.
Sometimes it's the pieces of perfection that we find among the imperfections that can shine the brightest and give the most hope.
January 28, 2016
Review originally posted at Sinfully.
I really wasn’t sure what to expect going into a story about life on a commune, but I really liked getting to know the community of Kaleidoscope Gardens and the four men who were the main characters in the book, especially Jude and Hudson. The men in the story are consensually polyamorous, living in a sex postitive community, so if you don’t like romance that is outside of the traditional monogamous coupling this may not be for you. If you’re willing to give it a try it provides a different take on an m/m/m+ relationship that I really enjoyed.
Jude has escaped parents that are part of a religion that sees sex as only for purposes of procreation and, in Jude’s case, took steps to make sure he didn’t so much as masturbate. He ran as soon as he could and is now twenty years old, in college and working toward an environmental engineering degree. Their shaming still rings in his head each time he tries to be sexual with someone or even just alone in his bed. Thus far, his attempts at exploring sex with another person have been misguided and unsuccessful. He does, however, look forward to his trips to the weekly farmer’s market where he gets to see and talk with the sexy Hudson.
Hudson knows what it’s like to grow up in a family steeped in religion and suffered until he ran at eighteen. He has been at the commune since then. Hudson enjoys sex for the sake of pleasure and doesn’t need to have it wrapped in emotion, but he does crave love and hopes someday to find it again. The last man Hudson loved left him five years before, and while his housemates Leo and Charlie include him in sex and give him affection, he still feels left out and lonely when he sees them together. They love him, but it’s not the same as being in love.
When Jude decides to try living at the commune, Hudson couldn’t be happier, but soon emotions run high and misunderstandings threaten everything Hudson loves and counts on. Jude is finally in a place where he is beginning to feel safe and comfortable enough to express himself and fight through the shame, but the one man he hoped to be with seems to push him away at any turn. As Leo and Charlie try to help, things go from bad to worse fast. There is also growing unease about their homophobic neighbor who has been looking to start trouble for years.
The dynamics of the relationship between Hudson, Leo and Charlie were complex to begin with, but when Jude enters the equation, he unintentionally opens up wounds for Hudson that have never healed. Both men have had similar family issues, but they are at different points in dealing with them. Hudson recognizes the mistakes he is making as far as Jude is concerned, but his jealousy and fear of abandonment prevents him from working to fix them.
Aside from the well-developed main characters, the community of Kaleidoscope Gardens is yet another character in the story and is essential in bringing Jude to a place where he can really start to heal. The open love, affection and joy in the physical he finds there has a big impact on him from the moment he arrives.
I thought the book moved along very well and had just the right amounts of angst, emotion and sex. Posy Roberts shows both the ease and complexity the men find in their arrangement and what each individual gets from it. While Hudson and Jude are the main characters, we also get to know a bit about Charlie and Leo and they play an essential part in the story.
While there are storylines that will obviously be continuing, there is a full story here. While Jude and Hudson are just starting their relationship and there are more tests ahead, there is solid ground to build on and everyone is happy at the end. I’m really looking forward to the next book to catch up with Hudson and Jude and to learn more about Leo and Charlie as well.
I really wasn’t sure what to expect going into a story about life on a commune, but I really liked getting to know the community of Kaleidoscope Gardens and the four men who were the main characters in the book, especially Jude and Hudson. The men in the story are consensually polyamorous, living in a sex postitive community, so if you don’t like romance that is outside of the traditional monogamous coupling this may not be for you. If you’re willing to give it a try it provides a different take on an m/m/m+ relationship that I really enjoyed.
Jude has escaped parents that are part of a religion that sees sex as only for purposes of procreation and, in Jude’s case, took steps to make sure he didn’t so much as masturbate. He ran as soon as he could and is now twenty years old, in college and working toward an environmental engineering degree. Their shaming still rings in his head each time he tries to be sexual with someone or even just alone in his bed. Thus far, his attempts at exploring sex with another person have been misguided and unsuccessful. He does, however, look forward to his trips to the weekly farmer’s market where he gets to see and talk with the sexy Hudson.
Hudson knows what it’s like to grow up in a family steeped in religion and suffered until he ran at eighteen. He has been at the commune since then. Hudson enjoys sex for the sake of pleasure and doesn’t need to have it wrapped in emotion, but he does crave love and hopes someday to find it again. The last man Hudson loved left him five years before, and while his housemates Leo and Charlie include him in sex and give him affection, he still feels left out and lonely when he sees them together. They love him, but it’s not the same as being in love.
When Jude decides to try living at the commune, Hudson couldn’t be happier, but soon emotions run high and misunderstandings threaten everything Hudson loves and counts on. Jude is finally in a place where he is beginning to feel safe and comfortable enough to express himself and fight through the shame, but the one man he hoped to be with seems to push him away at any turn. As Leo and Charlie try to help, things go from bad to worse fast. There is also growing unease about their homophobic neighbor who has been looking to start trouble for years.
The dynamics of the relationship between Hudson, Leo and Charlie were complex to begin with, but when Jude enters the equation, he unintentionally opens up wounds for Hudson that have never healed. Both men have had similar family issues, but they are at different points in dealing with them. Hudson recognizes the mistakes he is making as far as Jude is concerned, but his jealousy and fear of abandonment prevents him from working to fix them.
Aside from the well-developed main characters, the community of Kaleidoscope Gardens is yet another character in the story and is essential in bringing Jude to a place where he can really start to heal. The open love, affection and joy in the physical he finds there has a big impact on him from the moment he arrives.
I thought the book moved along very well and had just the right amounts of angst, emotion and sex. Posy Roberts shows both the ease and complexity the men find in their arrangement and what each individual gets from it. While Hudson and Jude are the main characters, we also get to know a bit about Charlie and Leo and they play an essential part in the story.
While there are storylines that will obviously be continuing, there is a full story here. While Jude and Hudson are just starting their relationship and there are more tests ahead, there is solid ground to build on and everyone is happy at the end. I’m really looking forward to the next book to catch up with Hudson and Jude and to learn more about Leo and Charlie as well.
January 1, 2017
A Great Start to a New Series!
By the time I got up to about 30-40%, I knew this was going to be a 5-star read!
I found the two main characters and the supporting characters engaging and I loved the setting on the commune/farm and discussion about environmentally-responsible living and farming--oh yes, and the developing relationship between Jude and Hud was great and their struggles to work through their issues were realistic as well.
I can't wait to read the next book!
Update: Please note there are ménage and also poly sexual situations.
By the time I got up to about 30-40%, I knew this was going to be a 5-star read!
I found the two main characters and the supporting characters engaging and I loved the setting on the commune/farm and discussion about environmentally-responsible living and farming--oh yes, and the developing relationship between Jude and Hud was great and their struggles to work through their issues were realistic as well.
I can't wait to read the next book!
Update: Please note there are ménage and also poly sexual situations.
January 20, 2019
*3,5 stars*
I got this book in a free giveaway recently on a whim to try something different ... and it certainly was.
1. new to me author
2. new to me series (2 books are out and two more in the making)
3. new to me setting: this mainly takes place in a sexually free commune)
4. multiple POV: this doesn't happen often. It mostly works okay here with this being Jude and Hudson's story and them getting most on page time. But we also get to know Leo (who I loved most of them all) and Charlie quite well. There were times, however, when I would have liked certain events told by a different person.
5. poly-amourous relationships and sex scenes: anything between two, three and four guys. So if this isn't your things, stay clear from this book! Saying that, I have to point out that this was all done in a very positive, non-porny way!
What I liked about it:
1. the scenario:
Due to his past Jude has been left with huge issues concerning his sexuality and having sex in general. His journey moving away from guilt and shame towards accepting himself and sexual interactions is quite well told.
2. Leo: the 'leader' of the commune and not one of the 'main' characters here. I couldn't help loving him. His caring and kind nature, coupled with a huge sense of responsibility towards his commune make him the ultimate carer.
3. There is some nice UST going on between Jude and Hudson.
3. commune life: I have no idea how much research the author has done to describe life at the commune and how accurate it is, but I found it all quite fascinating. It certainly isn't my cup of tea.
What I wasn't so keen on:
1. Both, Jude and Hudson (the second MC), behave totally out of character at one point.
2. I struggled with some aspects of Jude's journey to self acceptance. For example: His development moves at 'glacial speed' (Hudson's quote) at first, but at one point he suddenly trades BJs with Leo and Charlie. That seemed to happen out of nowhere.
3. Some sex scenes felt rushed and a bit underdeveloped, rather than passionate and caring.
4. The details on the workings of water irrigation got lost on me totally. Sorry for not caring!
I did care about Leo though, LOL. So maybe I will have to pop back to Kaleidoscope Gardens to see what's going on with him at one point!
I got this book in a free giveaway recently on a whim to try something different ... and it certainly was.
1. new to me author
2. new to me series (2 books are out and two more in the making)
3. new to me setting: this mainly takes place in a sexually free commune)
4. multiple POV: this doesn't happen often. It mostly works okay here with this being Jude and Hudson's story and them getting most on page time. But we also get to know Leo (who I loved most of them all) and Charlie quite well. There were times, however, when I would have liked certain events told by a different person.
5. poly-amourous relationships and sex scenes: anything between two, three and four guys. So if this isn't your things, stay clear from this book! Saying that, I have to point out that this was all done in a very positive, non-porny way!
What I liked about it:
1. the scenario:
Due to his past Jude has been left with huge issues concerning his sexuality and having sex in general. His journey moving away from guilt and shame towards accepting himself and sexual interactions is quite well told.
2. Leo: the 'leader' of the commune and not one of the 'main' characters here. I couldn't help loving him. His caring and kind nature, coupled with a huge sense of responsibility towards his commune make him the ultimate carer.
3. There is some nice UST going on between Jude and Hudson.
3. commune life: I have no idea how much research the author has done to describe life at the commune and how accurate it is, but I found it all quite fascinating. It certainly isn't my cup of tea.
What I wasn't so keen on:
1. Both, Jude and Hudson (the second MC), behave totally out of character at one point.
2. I struggled with some aspects of Jude's journey to self acceptance. For example: His development moves at 'glacial speed' (Hudson's quote) at first, but at one point he suddenly trades BJs with Leo and Charlie. That seemed to happen out of nowhere.
3. Some sex scenes felt rushed and a bit underdeveloped, rather than passionate and caring.
4. The details on the workings of water irrigation got lost on me totally. Sorry for not caring!
I did care about Leo though, LOL. So maybe I will have to pop back to Kaleidoscope Gardens to see what's going on with him at one point!
March 9, 2016
Well, apparently, stories about hippie sex communes aren't really my cuppa.
Until I got about 40% through, it was all I could do to not DNF it. Firstly, and I never thought I'd say this, but there was way too much focus on sex and free love. It wasn't necessarily porny, but it had a very sexual focus. Secondly, hippies really aren't my thing, apparently. Nature is awesome, but I like my city living, technology using self. I'd go out of my ever-loving mind in a commune. But I wanted to read it because it did sound interesting. And parts of it were, but mostly, I was just bored.
Also, the POV changes were confusing. One paragraph would be humming along in Jude's POV, then without any warning or separation at all, it would switch to Hudson. I found it immersion breaking to have to backtrack so much just to keep up with the switches.
Regarding the whole "free love" aspect, I found that ok. I don't require monogamy in my books as long as that is understood and ok with both MC's. Farm Fresh did have some structure for the concept, which I appreciated. For instance, at the start of the book, and continuing through it, Hudson was living with and involved with Leo and Charlie. They didn't engage in sex with other people in the commune. Some did, but they did not. They brought Jude into their house and into their relationship. I'm not going to get too much into that because it'll sound more convoluted than it was.
Both Hudson and Jude have some deep seated issues that make the transition very difficult, though. And a big complaint I have about the book, is that Jude seemed to overcome his way too easily. Yeah, time passed, but it really seemed like one minute, he's filled with shame about what he wants and the next, he is aok. And Hudson started out this nice, sweet guy and then for a good long while was an asshole.
So, sorry, I'm not going to recommend this one, but if you find the blurb interesting, take your chances. Maybe you'll like it better than I.
Until I got about 40% through, it was all I could do to not DNF it. Firstly, and I never thought I'd say this, but there was way too much focus on sex and free love. It wasn't necessarily porny, but it had a very sexual focus. Secondly, hippies really aren't my thing, apparently. Nature is awesome, but I like my city living, technology using self. I'd go out of my ever-loving mind in a commune. But I wanted to read it because it did sound interesting. And parts of it were, but mostly, I was just bored.
Also, the POV changes were confusing. One paragraph would be humming along in Jude's POV, then without any warning or separation at all, it would switch to Hudson. I found it immersion breaking to have to backtrack so much just to keep up with the switches.
Regarding the whole "free love" aspect, I found that ok. I don't require monogamy in my books as long as that is understood and ok with both MC's. Farm Fresh did have some structure for the concept, which I appreciated. For instance, at the start of the book, and continuing through it, Hudson was living with and involved with Leo and Charlie. They didn't engage in sex with other people in the commune. Some did, but they did not. They brought Jude into their house and into their relationship. I'm not going to get too much into that because it'll sound more convoluted than it was.
Both Hudson and Jude have some deep seated issues that make the transition very difficult, though. And a big complaint I have about the book, is that Jude seemed to overcome his way too easily. Yeah, time passed, but it really seemed like one minute, he's filled with shame about what he wants and the next, he is aok. And Hudson started out this nice, sweet guy and then for a good long while was an asshole.
So, sorry, I'm not going to recommend this one, but if you find the blurb interesting, take your chances. Maybe you'll like it better than I.
Read
January 10, 2016I really loved this bold and beautiful story from Posy.
The characters are perfectly drawn and well-developed, the prose vivid and thoughtful, the pacing spot on. I adored the setting, and the whole concept of the commune.
Watching Jude grow as a character and the development of his relationship with Hudson was wonderful. Yes, there's some angst, but overall this story left me feeling so happy and hopeful. I can't wait to read more of this series. The ending is satisfying, by the way, so don't feel you need to wait for the series to be complete.
Traditional romance readers who require monogamy from their main characters may wish to avoid it. But if you like to read out of your comfort zone, and are interested in the idea of love within an open relationship, this story is really worth taking a chance on.
NB: I was a proofreader for this story, so I haven't given it a rating as I was involved in production.
The characters are perfectly drawn and well-developed, the prose vivid and thoughtful, the pacing spot on. I adored the setting, and the whole concept of the commune.
Watching Jude grow as a character and the development of his relationship with Hudson was wonderful. Yes, there's some angst, but overall this story left me feeling so happy and hopeful. I can't wait to read more of this series. The ending is satisfying, by the way, so don't feel you need to wait for the series to be complete.
Traditional romance readers who require monogamy from their main characters may wish to avoid it. But if you like to read out of your comfort zone, and are interested in the idea of love within an open relationship, this story is really worth taking a chance on.
NB: I was a proofreader for this story, so I haven't given it a rating as I was involved in production.
January 23, 2016
3.5 stars - Rounded up to 4 -- #FarmFresh Virgin gettin' down on the #sexcommune
This was a very unique book and I FLOVED IT!! Jude is an environmental engineering student he is drawn to Hudson who he meets and visits weekly at the farmers market. There is just something about Hudson that Jude can't walk away from and he is finding himself more and more curious as to how Hudson lives and who he lives with. Why you may ask? Well because Hudson lives in a commune. When Jude is asked to come visit the commune, Kaleidoscope Gardens, for a visit he is shocked that not only is it a commune but a place where sex is freely exhibited and clothing is optional. This is a huge change for Jude who grew up in a household that believed the only time sex was acceptable was when one was attempting to procreate, so for a gay man - sex was never acceptable.
After Jude's initial visit and after he passes all his background screening and the interview process, Jude is invited to come live at Kaleidoscope Gardens. Jude accepts and his life slowly changes from one of a repressed, up-tight, introverted, virgin to a free-lovin' gay man who is not afraid to stand up to those who threaten to take away what he holds dearest and who enjoys learning to explore his sexuality with one or more partners. During his time at Kaleidoscope Gardens, Jude's feelings grow for Hudson - but something is keeping Hudson from accepting Jude. It isn't until they are thrown together in a messy situation that the two finally succumb to each other and get down and dirty together on the farm.
This book was a really good read full of free love and hot sex. I honestly can't say that I have ever read a book like it before and now I cannot wait to read the next in the series!
*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by JLoves2Read from Alpha Book Club
and Gay Book Reviews
This was a very unique book and I FLOVED IT!! Jude is an environmental engineering student he is drawn to Hudson who he meets and visits weekly at the farmers market. There is just something about Hudson that Jude can't walk away from and he is finding himself more and more curious as to how Hudson lives and who he lives with. Why you may ask? Well because Hudson lives in a commune. When Jude is asked to come visit the commune, Kaleidoscope Gardens, for a visit he is shocked that not only is it a commune but a place where sex is freely exhibited and clothing is optional. This is a huge change for Jude who grew up in a household that believed the only time sex was acceptable was when one was attempting to procreate, so for a gay man - sex was never acceptable.
After Jude's initial visit and after he passes all his background screening and the interview process, Jude is invited to come live at Kaleidoscope Gardens. Jude accepts and his life slowly changes from one of a repressed, up-tight, introverted, virgin to a free-lovin' gay man who is not afraid to stand up to those who threaten to take away what he holds dearest and who enjoys learning to explore his sexuality with one or more partners. During his time at Kaleidoscope Gardens, Jude's feelings grow for Hudson - but something is keeping Hudson from accepting Jude. It isn't until they are thrown together in a messy situation that the two finally succumb to each other and get down and dirty together on the farm.
This book was a really good read full of free love and hot sex. I honestly can't say that I have ever read a book like it before and now I cannot wait to read the next in the series!
*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by JLoves2Read from Alpha Book Club
and Gay Book Reviews
January 31, 2016
I loved the premise, and the way the story began. Both Hudson and Jude are terrific narrators. The move to the #sexcommune is quick, but that's ok. Jude is in dire need of this type of lifestyle.
I also enjoyed all the other characters, and their range of partnerships and the way the community operated.
But err, towards the end, the two boys display behaviours which are totally in opposition to the community's ideals. Fair enough in Jude, as he has the most awful of backstories, but for Hudson, who has been a part of this place for 12 years.. hmm, well, I found it unrealistic.
But the resolution is highly satisfying (oh explanations! Oh happiness!) and there will be more to follow, and I do want to follow the adventures of everyone here.
I also enjoyed all the other characters, and their range of partnerships and the way the community operated.
But err, towards the end, the two boys display behaviours which are totally in opposition to the community's ideals. Fair enough in Jude, as he has the most awful of backstories, but for Hudson, who has been a part of this place for 12 years.. hmm, well, I found it unrealistic.
But the resolution is highly satisfying (oh explanations! Oh happiness!) and there will be more to follow, and I do want to follow the adventures of everyone here.
May 31, 2017
Wow, well that was a lot of sex. A lot. As in all the time. On every other page. With lots of people. I started skipping over it (yeah, I know, right?). I was just waiting for the damn sex to be over and done with so we could get back to the story. Well, actually, there wasn't much of a story--because of all the sex, you see. A story started and then it just got weighed down and angsty and didn't go anywhere. It's like when you're with someone and you're getting some good foreplay and then the sex comes and you're thinking to yourself, this isn't that exciting, and then it just keeps going and going and you're just wishing your partner would come already so you could do something really exciting. Like go to bed. Ya, it was kinda like that. Annoying and forgettable.
May 17, 2016
So. This story made me very, VERY uncomfortable, but problably not for the reasons you think.
Let me point out at first that I was looking forward to this book very much. A farmer living in a commune and an environmental engineering student with some sexual hang-ups crushing on each other, finally taking a leap? Yes, please! I loved the unique premises of this story, I loved the beginning. Painfully shy Jude struggling with his past, his body, his sexuality and desires. I liked Hudson too, so protective of his commune, an organic farmer to boot, with a big heart and all his insecurities as results of past relationships. I also loved the idea of an LGBTQ commune where everyone lives and loves freely and openly. So I pretty much enjoyed the story until Jude took his first steps on commune ground. It was only then that I had issues, and I had a lot of them. I guess part of them were my own fault, because if I'd paid attention to the blurb, I might have caught on before getting in too deep.
In hindsight, I already felt uncomfortable reading this part of the blurb, just chose to ignore it. Don't ask me why. As it stands, I'm not at all happy with the "uptight virgin" part, because it has a certain ring to it I don't much appreciate. It got worse when I actually learned what Jude's "loosening up" entailed.
Let me be clear: I am not opposed to polyamorous or open relationships. I had one, I enjoyed it, I was freaking happy, I would do it again with the right people at the right time. My first issue was that basically everyone living in an open/poly relationship in this commune had Problems with a capital P, mostly to do with trauma. Which was a little disappointing in the way that not everyone living in "alternative" realtionships does so because they can't have a "normal" monogamous relationship, or because they are dealing with (sexual or other) trauma and this is their way of coping. It felt a little too clichéd for my taste, and I'm concerned that parts of this book might manifest certain prejudices people have regarding open and poly relationships instead of resolving them. A lot of potential wasted, IMHO.
What really got me going though, were the rules the members of the commune had to follow.
If I wanted to get technical or really bitchy, I'd point out that asexual people are part of the 'queer' (the Q in LGBTQ, you know?) community, too. In this book however, there would not have been a place at the table for them. Not cool. Which brings me to the big fucking thing that made me uncomfortable and rage-y as hell. In order to be allowed to stay and live with the commune, Jude had to participate in a sexual act in front of the other members in some kind of ritual.
Pause to let that sink in.
I'm sure you can see and interpret that as a positive, life-infirming way of introducing Jude to the commune, and make him feel welcome.
I felt no such thing.
For me the statement "Fuck with us or you can't stay with us - no matter how much you help our farm or love some of our members." is NOT okay. In fact, I'd go as far as saying: This is COERCION, pure and simple. When you blackmail someone into "willingly" participating in a sexual group act? That's not including, welcoming or ROMANTIC. It is wrong. No matter the context or intention. So, so wrong. And if you want to intercept here to tell me that Jude really wanted it in the end, that it was liberating for him and helped him to grow? That he just needed a little push in the right direction, because he didn't know what he really needed? I'd say that maybe, just maybe, you think about the implications of these statements.
"He/She actually really wanted it, they just didn't know it."
"You didn't mean it when you said 'no'. Your eyes and body said 'yes'."
"I know you think you don't want to, I know you might not be ready, but if you don't do it now, you have to leave."
Still see no problem? Because holy crap, I do! I could list my problems alphabetically or according to time of occurence, there are so many of them! So, yeah. I hated that part of the book. I hated it with a vengeance. It made me spit fire and venom all over the place, because NOOOOOO. I do not have enough words to express how bad this was for me.
I did try to move on. Mostly because I liked Jude as a character and wanted to see where his story would go. Unfortunately, things didn't get better. After opening up - the marvellous justification for pushing him way beyond his limits - he would have need an even more nurturing, supportive environment, in addition to some very special attention and care from the one he started to fall for. What did he get instead? An abrasive dickhead of a self-centered jerk who treated him like shit. I know Hudson had his own issues. Some of his thoughts made sense to me, I'll give him that. I even understood parts of him, because I didn't hate him as much as I could have. But the things he did and said pissed me of. Some of them were just unforgiveable and I was pretty much done with him after that. I was also done with the book.
Even though I finished it, I didn't really care anymore. Things got ugly, things got tense, things got emotional, but I remained fairly entouched throughout it all. Maybe a blib here or there for Jude and his brother, nothing more though.
All in all, I was not happy with this book. I had high expectations and even bigger hopes for it, but I was bitterly doisappointed with the execution of the whole thing. The notion that coercion is romantic in any form or fashion will never fly with me, so these scenes combined with Hudson's appalling behaviour at times ruined the book for me. 2 stars, one of them is solely and exclusively for Jude, because I really liked him and felt for him as a character.
Let me point out at first that I was looking forward to this book very much. A farmer living in a commune and an environmental engineering student with some sexual hang-ups crushing on each other, finally taking a leap? Yes, please! I loved the unique premises of this story, I loved the beginning. Painfully shy Jude struggling with his past, his body, his sexuality and desires. I liked Hudson too, so protective of his commune, an organic farmer to boot, with a big heart and all his insecurities as results of past relationships. I also loved the idea of an LGBTQ commune where everyone lives and loves freely and openly. So I pretty much enjoyed the story until Jude took his first steps on commune ground. It was only then that I had issues, and I had a lot of them. I guess part of them were my own fault, because if I'd paid attention to the blurb, I might have caught on before getting in too deep.
Jude moves to Kaleidoscope Gardens, however his sexual hang-ups make it hard to adjust. He’s an uptight virgin living among people who have sex freely and with multiple partners. When Jude finally loosens up, Hudson is flooded with emotions.
In hindsight, I already felt uncomfortable reading this part of the blurb, just chose to ignore it. Don't ask me why. As it stands, I'm not at all happy with the "uptight virgin" part, because it has a certain ring to it I don't much appreciate. It got worse when I actually learned what Jude's "loosening up" entailed.
Let me be clear: I am not opposed to polyamorous or open relationships. I had one, I enjoyed it, I was freaking happy, I would do it again with the right people at the right time. My first issue was that basically everyone living in an open/poly relationship in this commune had Problems with a capital P, mostly to do with trauma. Which was a little disappointing in the way that not everyone living in "alternative" realtionships does so because they can't have a "normal" monogamous relationship, or because they are dealing with (sexual or other) trauma and this is their way of coping. It felt a little too clichéd for my taste, and I'm concerned that parts of this book might manifest certain prejudices people have regarding open and poly relationships instead of resolving them. A lot of potential wasted, IMHO.
What really got me going though, were the rules the members of the commune had to follow.
If I wanted to get technical or really bitchy, I'd point out that asexual people are part of the 'queer' (the Q in LGBTQ, you know?) community, too. In this book however, there would not have been a place at the table for them. Not cool. Which brings me to the big fucking thing that made me uncomfortable and rage-y as hell. In order to be allowed to stay and live with the commune, Jude had to participate in a sexual act in front of the other members in some kind of ritual.
Pause to let that sink in.
I'm sure you can see and interpret that as a positive, life-infirming way of introducing Jude to the commune, and make him feel welcome.
I felt no such thing.
For me the statement "Fuck with us or you can't stay with us - no matter how much you help our farm or love some of our members." is NOT okay. In fact, I'd go as far as saying: This is COERCION, pure and simple. When you blackmail someone into "willingly" participating in a sexual group act? That's not including, welcoming or ROMANTIC. It is wrong. No matter the context or intention. So, so wrong. And if you want to intercept here to tell me that Jude really wanted it in the end, that it was liberating for him and helped him to grow? That he just needed a little push in the right direction, because he didn't know what he really needed? I'd say that maybe, just maybe, you think about the implications of these statements.
"He/She actually really wanted it, they just didn't know it."
"You didn't mean it when you said 'no'. Your eyes and body said 'yes'."
"I know you think you don't want to, I know you might not be ready, but if you don't do it now, you have to leave."
Still see no problem? Because holy crap, I do! I could list my problems alphabetically or according to time of occurence, there are so many of them! So, yeah. I hated that part of the book. I hated it with a vengeance. It made me spit fire and venom all over the place, because NOOOOOO. I do not have enough words to express how bad this was for me.
I did try to move on. Mostly because I liked Jude as a character and wanted to see where his story would go. Unfortunately, things didn't get better. After opening up - the marvellous justification for pushing him way beyond his limits - he would have need an even more nurturing, supportive environment, in addition to some very special attention and care from the one he started to fall for. What did he get instead? An abrasive dickhead of a self-centered jerk who treated him like shit. I know Hudson had his own issues. Some of his thoughts made sense to me, I'll give him that. I even understood parts of him, because I didn't hate him as much as I could have. But the things he did and said pissed me of. Some of them were just unforgiveable and I was pretty much done with him after that. I was also done with the book.
Even though I finished it, I didn't really care anymore. Things got ugly, things got tense, things got emotional, but I remained fairly entouched throughout it all. Maybe a blib here or there for Jude and his brother, nothing more though.
All in all, I was not happy with this book. I had high expectations and even bigger hopes for it, but I was bitterly doisappointed with the execution of the whole thing. The notion that coercion is romantic in any form or fashion will never fly with me, so these scenes combined with Hudson's appalling behaviour at times ruined the book for me. 2 stars, one of them is solely and exclusively for Jude, because I really liked him and felt for him as a character.
February 7, 2016
I have things to say but cannot think of how to politely say them. The concept is one I was excited about but the execution left me somewhat miffed. I think the issue I had was three of the four major characters seemed to have deep issues related to sex and their sexuality due to abuse (possibly both psychological & physical) from childhood (I wasn’t sure if Charlie’s was as an adult or child). I wish we could get away from the belief that the majority of people who engage in open relationships or alternative lifestyles (in this case communal living) are most likely working through some issue of abuse.
I also thought during most of the book Hudson’s treatment of Judd was unforgivable. He morphed into a character I didn’t care for. I understood his issues but would have rather he had been a strong support for Jude who needed a safe nurturing environment to work through his issues. Nothing about how all this played out made me feel good about how it could be perceived by people unfamiliar with how non-monogamy might work.
I also thought during most of the book Hudson’s treatment of Judd was unforgivable. He morphed into a character I didn’t care for. I understood his issues but would have rather he had been a strong support for Jude who needed a safe nurturing environment to work through his issues. Nothing about how all this played out made me feel good about how it could be perceived by people unfamiliar with how non-monogamy might work.
March 28, 2016
I found this story very interesting and complex. With some very flawed characters.
The word commune should tell you this is not your run of the mill MM romance. So if you can't handle your MCs having sex with others you may want to reconsider this book. Or how about you try opening up your mind and give this book a chance? You may be surprised by expanded horizons.
Personally I am looking forward to the next book.
The word commune should tell you this is not your run of the mill MM romance. So if you can't handle your MCs having sex with others you may want to reconsider this book. Or how about you try opening up your mind and give this book a chance? You may be surprised by expanded horizons.
Personally I am looking forward to the next book.
February 20, 2016
A beautiful free thinking look at life on a working commune. I can't wait for the next installment. Reading Hudson forst was definitely a plus.
January 28, 2016
Review @Oh My Shelves Blog
This book deals with love & openness in multiple forms and partners, if you aren't comfortable with that then this might not be for you.
Posy Roberts rocks!!! I think she is one of the most realistic fiction authors out here. I don't think I grasped the concept of the story until I was halfway through the book. It's not subject that I've familiar with. I think it was taboo 10 years ago and I would have turned my nose at it. Presently, I'm okay with the social issues surrounding the story as well as the self love, and love among multiple partners in this story. I think people judge what they don't know, or aren't familiar with and I can understand the dialogue better in the story because of it. I swear reading gay romance these last 4 or 5 years have opened my eyes in ways I would have never thought of. The closes things I knew about gardening was my grandma making her grand kids dig her garden up every June, then planting the tomatoes, collard greens, bell peppers, blueberries, cucumbers, peppers. That's all I knew, and I did that because I was made of it. I didn't get in the organic fruits & vegetables until last really. I started going to the farmers market and learned so many things, so this book was a comfort seeing as how they go about producing quality ingredients for their customers.
The idea of me reading about a commune is ironic, seeing as a few weeks ago a friend and I were discussing things and her ideal dream was to do yoga, eat organic food, rescue dogs and live on a commune. Before she could explain it to me I looked it up. The first thing that popped in my mind was orgies and Mormons. Not together, but those were my thoughts. Fast forward to this moment, and I see why people would want to live on a commune. Take away the sex part, let's talk about the peace that everyone has. Each one of these people are living their truth, and are extremely happy. They made me happy, because it was so much love and openness between everyone.
Jude & Hudson equally frustrated me at times. Both have horrendous past that they need to overcome. I still say need, because it's not something that they have overcome. They are both dealing with religious zealots for parents. Hudson is still punishing himself for his actions. He has abandonment issues that could have caused Jude to never open up to him. Jude's abuse at the hands of his parents make all the sense in the world by his actions. He's wrapped up in his thoughts, and past that it takes him a long time to accept his sexuality. This story has alot of sweet parts too it, and the sexual parts were equally beautiful. I don't think I've ever looked at sex their way, but I get it.
I didn't want it to end, I wanted to know what happened next with Jude and his family. I wanted to see Leo counsel Hudson. I happy with what we got. They deserve each other and I was so happy to see them stop fighting themselves.
**Special thanks to Posy Roberts for giving me this book in exchange for an honest review**
This book deals with love & openness in multiple forms and partners, if you aren't comfortable with that then this might not be for you.
Posy Roberts rocks!!! I think she is one of the most realistic fiction authors out here. I don't think I grasped the concept of the story until I was halfway through the book. It's not subject that I've familiar with. I think it was taboo 10 years ago and I would have turned my nose at it. Presently, I'm okay with the social issues surrounding the story as well as the self love, and love among multiple partners in this story. I think people judge what they don't know, or aren't familiar with and I can understand the dialogue better in the story because of it. I swear reading gay romance these last 4 or 5 years have opened my eyes in ways I would have never thought of. The closes things I knew about gardening was my grandma making her grand kids dig her garden up every June, then planting the tomatoes, collard greens, bell peppers, blueberries, cucumbers, peppers. That's all I knew, and I did that because I was made of it. I didn't get in the organic fruits & vegetables until last really. I started going to the farmers market and learned so many things, so this book was a comfort seeing as how they go about producing quality ingredients for their customers.
The idea of me reading about a commune is ironic, seeing as a few weeks ago a friend and I were discussing things and her ideal dream was to do yoga, eat organic food, rescue dogs and live on a commune. Before she could explain it to me I looked it up. The first thing that popped in my mind was orgies and Mormons. Not together, but those were my thoughts. Fast forward to this moment, and I see why people would want to live on a commune. Take away the sex part, let's talk about the peace that everyone has. Each one of these people are living their truth, and are extremely happy. They made me happy, because it was so much love and openness between everyone.
Jude & Hudson equally frustrated me at times. Both have horrendous past that they need to overcome. I still say need, because it's not something that they have overcome. They are both dealing with religious zealots for parents. Hudson is still punishing himself for his actions. He has abandonment issues that could have caused Jude to never open up to him. Jude's abuse at the hands of his parents make all the sense in the world by his actions. He's wrapped up in his thoughts, and past that it takes him a long time to accept his sexuality. This story has alot of sweet parts too it, and the sexual parts were equally beautiful. I don't think I've ever looked at sex their way, but I get it.
I didn't want it to end, I wanted to know what happened next with Jude and his family. I wanted to see Leo counsel Hudson. I happy with what we got. They deserve each other and I was so happy to see them stop fighting themselves.
**Special thanks to Posy Roberts for giving me this book in exchange for an honest review**
January 29, 2016
WOW! This was breathtaking, amazing, thrilling, freeing! I’m trying to think of all the words to describe it but It will fall flat. If this book is any indication, this will be one heck of a series.
This story takes place mostly on a commune, Kaleidoscope Gardens. They are people who live free in every way. They live, love, and breathe. It’s so refreshing. Now, for someone like me it would be terrifying. I truly connected with Jude in how he saw everything the first time. I loved how we followed the tour of the place with him and really felt the shock and yes even the terror of living with people who live open. When I say open I mean sexually.
The story is told MOSTLY in Hudson and Jude’s POV but you also get Charlie and Leo’s POV’s too. Normally, that would irritate me because I don’t like many POV’s in one story. However, this did no such thing. It made complete sense. It perfected the story. Because Charlie, Leo, Jude, and Hudson are like one organism in a sense. They share a house… and everything in it.
Jude’s past is horrifying and heartbreaking. It’s no wonder he has so many mental hang ups over sex. And Hudson doesn’t have it that easy either. So many of these people in this commune have suffered a past that has left them scarred. Coming to Kaleidoscope Garden’s is a salve for them.
This it truly and outstanding story. I carried my kindle everywhere with me…. All day. I refused to do anything until I finished. And then, I wanted more. More of these fascinating characters and this amazing place.
Posy Roberts has created a world of brilliance. I can’t wait to read more of this series. This is a must read! A huge bravo to Posy!!!
This story takes place mostly on a commune, Kaleidoscope Gardens. They are people who live free in every way. They live, love, and breathe. It’s so refreshing. Now, for someone like me it would be terrifying. I truly connected with Jude in how he saw everything the first time. I loved how we followed the tour of the place with him and really felt the shock and yes even the terror of living with people who live open. When I say open I mean sexually.
The story is told MOSTLY in Hudson and Jude’s POV but you also get Charlie and Leo’s POV’s too. Normally, that would irritate me because I don’t like many POV’s in one story. However, this did no such thing. It made complete sense. It perfected the story. Because Charlie, Leo, Jude, and Hudson are like one organism in a sense. They share a house… and everything in it.
Jude’s past is horrifying and heartbreaking. It’s no wonder he has so many mental hang ups over sex. And Hudson doesn’t have it that easy either. So many of these people in this commune have suffered a past that has left them scarred. Coming to Kaleidoscope Garden’s is a salve for them.
This it truly and outstanding story. I carried my kindle everywhere with me…. All day. I refused to do anything until I finished. And then, I wanted more. More of these fascinating characters and this amazing place.
Posy Roberts has created a world of brilliance. I can’t wait to read more of this series. This is a must read! A huge bravo to Posy!!!
January 9, 2016
This book, more than any I have read, took me right out of my comfort zone; not just my reading comfort zone, but my life comfort zone in general.
To my delight, I loved it!
This is a story filled with relationships and emotional connections that are above and beyond what most people experience in their life. Intimate friendships, both sexual and otherwise, that create a harmonious, comfortable, if non-traditional living environment. The commune in this book isn't without issues for me, but in all honesty, those issues are more to do with my own hang ups and insecurities than with the place itself. (I only wish I had the courage to live that way.)
This book is packed with engaging, likeable characters (except for the nasty neighbour), the story is a fascinating look into a lifestyle that both appealed to me and made me a little uncomfortable at the same time. (More appeal than discomfort by the end). I am looking forward to reading more books in this series, meeting other characters from this story in more depth, and I hope learning more about Jude and Hudson's tentative yet beautiful relationship.
A must read, particularly if you think maybe this kind of story isn't for you.......
Reviewed for divinemagazine.net
To my delight, I loved it!
This is a story filled with relationships and emotional connections that are above and beyond what most people experience in their life. Intimate friendships, both sexual and otherwise, that create a harmonious, comfortable, if non-traditional living environment. The commune in this book isn't without issues for me, but in all honesty, those issues are more to do with my own hang ups and insecurities than with the place itself. (I only wish I had the courage to live that way.)
This book is packed with engaging, likeable characters (except for the nasty neighbour), the story is a fascinating look into a lifestyle that both appealed to me and made me a little uncomfortable at the same time. (More appeal than discomfort by the end). I am looking forward to reading more books in this series, meeting other characters from this story in more depth, and I hope learning more about Jude and Hudson's tentative yet beautiful relationship.
A must read, particularly if you think maybe this kind of story isn't for you.......
Reviewed for divinemagazine.net
January 25, 2016
For my honest and true view of this book, please read …MORE
Goodreads TOS-compliant review (I think, let me know when they tell us what the rules are):
"The book I just read is about two (or three) lovely people, written in beautiful language, by a very good and prolific author. I liked it very, very much.
It is for sale on Amazon.”
DISCLAIMER: My reviews now all have this pretty face, so that all and everyone on Goodreads can stay happy and beatific. I’ll let you know if I change my mind. See the real review above for my thoughts on this book.
Goodreads TOS-compliant review (I think, let me know when they tell us what the rules are):
"The book I just read is about two (or three) lovely people, written in beautiful language, by a very good and prolific author. I liked it very, very much.
It is for sale on Amazon.”
DISCLAIMER: My reviews now all have this pretty face, so that all and everyone on Goodreads can stay happy and beatific. I’ll let you know if I change my mind. See the real review above for my thoughts on this book.
April 10, 2016
Very interesting premise, and it made me look in a whole new way at sex and sexuality and love.
I loved the concept of the commune and all the people there.
And I really, really, really love that gorgeous cover.
I loved the concept of the commune and all the people there.
And I really, really, really love that gorgeous cover.
August 18, 2016
Loved the guys. Thx for another entertaining read. :)
June 23, 2016
So this is my first read by this author, and the first time I've read a story that goes beyond the traditional M/F, M/M, F/F and menage pairings. Surprisingly (or maybe not), I found it relatively easy to adapt to reading a story with this unconventional lifestyle setting which hearkens back to the days you'd hear tales of hippie sex communes. But with the Naked Organics series, it is not just a bunch of "free love" types having sex all the time-these characters have a legitimate organic farm based on sustainable agriculture that is also central to the story along with the relationship that ultimately forms between Hudson and Jude.
Both of them have had turbulent, sometimes downright abusive pasts with their families (primarily their parents), giving them similar pasts-though Jude's was far more restrictive and damaging both mentally and physically. His move to the commune starts his journey of healing, with Hudson, Leo and Charlie being central to his path...but especially Hudson. But Hudson has his own difficulties from his past that get in the way and hamper his and Jude's relationship, and his attitude during this time did get a little frustrating at some points. This is mostly because the way the characters are written, I became quickly invested in their lives and happiness. There's a lot of depth to them, and that's what really pulled me in to this story.
It was rather satisfying watching Jude's awakening, which was not just sexual. Even though the farm is continually referred to as a sex commune and residents are free to express their love and desires openly both behind closed doors as well as in the open anywhere on the farm, these types of scenes do not overwhelm the story at all. The scenes we are shown do help further the story by demonstrating the journey the characters (again, primarily Jude) go through during their voyage of self discovery.
I was pleasantly surprised with Farm Fresh, and overall it was a 4.5-star read for me. I'm eager to get started on the next book in the series, and hope we get to hear more about the other characters' stories as well. Recommended for M/M romance fans who are comfortable with menage scenes as well...definitely for those 18+ only due to adult language/situations and explicit sexual content.
Both of them have had turbulent, sometimes downright abusive pasts with their families (primarily their parents), giving them similar pasts-though Jude's was far more restrictive and damaging both mentally and physically. His move to the commune starts his journey of healing, with Hudson, Leo and Charlie being central to his path...but especially Hudson. But Hudson has his own difficulties from his past that get in the way and hamper his and Jude's relationship, and his attitude during this time did get a little frustrating at some points. This is mostly because the way the characters are written, I became quickly invested in their lives and happiness. There's a lot of depth to them, and that's what really pulled me in to this story.
It was rather satisfying watching Jude's awakening, which was not just sexual. Even though the farm is continually referred to as a sex commune and residents are free to express their love and desires openly both behind closed doors as well as in the open anywhere on the farm, these types of scenes do not overwhelm the story at all. The scenes we are shown do help further the story by demonstrating the journey the characters (again, primarily Jude) go through during their voyage of self discovery.
I was pleasantly surprised with Farm Fresh, and overall it was a 4.5-star read for me. I'm eager to get started on the next book in the series, and hope we get to hear more about the other characters' stories as well. Recommended for M/M romance fans who are comfortable with menage scenes as well...definitely for those 18+ only due to adult language/situations and explicit sexual content.
March 7, 2016
Reviewed for From Top to Bottom Reviews.
4.5 stars
This story is quite interesting and the relationships between each of the characters are fascinating. It was so refreshing to see a story that embraces the sexuality of everyone. Doesn't matter if they're gay, bi, lesbian or straight. They were all welcome in this commune. It took only a few pages to get into the story and I really enjoyed finding out more about all of the characters.
It was really easy for me to connect with Jude because he was new to all this. Just like me, as the reader, he had never been in a commune before.
I loved how we saw everything for the first time along with Jude. The way he was shocked and scarred but also fascinated by everything.
I LOVED how we see Jude grow within this story. Because of his upbringing and family life it's not easy for him to be open and he feels ashamed that he has those "unnatural" desires. But with the help of Hudson, Leo and Charlie he learns, slowly but surely, to open up and embrace his sexuality.
The things he did by the end of the book, like walking around naked and not caring about it, would have never happened at the beginning of the story.
While I could never live in a commune like Kaleidoscope Garden myself, Posy Roberts managed to make me see the appeal it has for the characters and I found the dynamics of the different relationships really captivating.
The writing flows easily and pulls you in, while at the same time confronting you to question your views critically. Kaleidoscope Garden and the residents really come to life and you feel like you've known these people forever. Ms. Roberts makes the readers feel like they're part of that world and that's something I really enjoyed.
I would have liked to have a bit more of Jude and Hudson together, but maybe we'll get that in the second book.
This story made for a perfect introduction into this world and into this series and I'm eagerly awaiting the release of the next book!
If you're open to try new things, then I really recommend you to read Farm Fresh.
4.5 stars
This story is quite interesting and the relationships between each of the characters are fascinating. It was so refreshing to see a story that embraces the sexuality of everyone. Doesn't matter if they're gay, bi, lesbian or straight. They were all welcome in this commune. It took only a few pages to get into the story and I really enjoyed finding out more about all of the characters.
It was really easy for me to connect with Jude because he was new to all this. Just like me, as the reader, he had never been in a commune before.
I loved how we saw everything for the first time along with Jude. The way he was shocked and scarred but also fascinated by everything.
I LOVED how we see Jude grow within this story. Because of his upbringing and family life it's not easy for him to be open and he feels ashamed that he has those "unnatural" desires. But with the help of Hudson, Leo and Charlie he learns, slowly but surely, to open up and embrace his sexuality.
The things he did by the end of the book, like walking around naked and not caring about it, would have never happened at the beginning of the story.
While I could never live in a commune like Kaleidoscope Garden myself, Posy Roberts managed to make me see the appeal it has for the characters and I found the dynamics of the different relationships really captivating.
The writing flows easily and pulls you in, while at the same time confronting you to question your views critically. Kaleidoscope Garden and the residents really come to life and you feel like you've known these people forever. Ms. Roberts makes the readers feel like they're part of that world and that's something I really enjoyed.
I would have liked to have a bit more of Jude and Hudson together, but maybe we'll get that in the second book.
This story made for a perfect introduction into this world and into this series and I'm eagerly awaiting the release of the next book!
If you're open to try new things, then I really recommend you to read Farm Fresh.
February 9, 2016
I wanted to like this more. But I dragged a bit at the end.
Also, I was very interested in the communal living, but found that for me there were too many characters. As a consequence I found it hard to connect with any. I would have liked the focus to be just on the guys in the yellow house. But I appreciate that then the commune part of the story is underplayed.
Also, I was very interested in the communal living, but found that for me there were too many characters. As a consequence I found it hard to connect with any. I would have liked the focus to be just on the guys in the yellow house. But I appreciate that then the commune part of the story is underplayed.
January 20, 2016
A commune as defined in a dictionary is a group of people living together and sharing possessions and responsibilities. My only knowledge of one is a local religious commune with a bad reputation, so I was interested to read a story with a commune as its setting.
Posy takes this ideal of communal living and portrays a well-established GLBT community that has become a sanctuary for its inhabitants. It’s a safe place where same sex and poly relationships flourish. The members celebrate their sexuality by practising consensual sex out in the open, with plenty of hugging and kissing from everyone. “Our Utopia” as Leo (one of the founding members) describes it. It’s not an out-and-out orgy 24/7, but everyone is free to express their sexuality and nakedness without embarrassment or condemnation.
The purpose of the commune is not only about sex. It's a farm, focusing on sustainable agriculture, renewable energy and conservation. The members grow crops to feed themselves, as well as to sell to make a living. And that’s how Jude meets Hudson at the local farmers market. Although still a virgin, Jude is fascinated by the idea of communal living and hopes it provides an opportunity to overcome his sexual hang-ups.
Jude is coming to the end of his environmental engineering degree and is eager to apply what he’s learned. He’s a problem-solver, a doer, and does his best to improve their facilities and save them money. He’s inquisitive, a trait his parents had tried to tamp down, and shows himself to be capable of taking charge of projects. Being able to apply his theoretical studies to the problems encountered by the commune helps boost his confidence and standing within the community.
Hudson shares a house with Leo and Charlie, and they regularly have sex together and separately. He loves them, but he’s not in love. The three men are in an open relationship and together they discover new pleasures and meet each other’s sexual needs. Jude moves in with them, but he takes time to adjust to the way of life.
Jude had suffered emotional torment and abuse at home from his supposedly Christian parents. They were no more than monsters because of the guilt and anguish they imposed on their children. Jude’s been seeking his first sexual experience since leaving home, but each time has backed down. He has a lot of unhealthy issues regarding sex to work through and hopes living in a sexually active commune can help him.
Jude’s initial reaction and reservations to the commune are understandable given his background and upbringing. He takes slow steps and moves forward with help from other members of the commune, especially Leo and Charlie. They encourage him to participate in the open communal lifestyle, even if he still isn’t ready to have penetrative sex. He sees and hears sex going on around him, within his house and within the community. He finds it harder to relax with Hudson than the other two men because Hudson means more to him. But Jude is scared to say how much he wants Hudson.
During the course of the story, Jude gradually overcomes the shame he associates with sex and masturbation. His parents had told him he’d burn in hell for sins of the flesh and that sex was solely for procreation. Memories of his father’s words continue to haunt him for many months. He eventually manages to separate himself from those teachings and the guilt, realizing he needs to partake or leave the commune. Through shared experiences with his housemates, his reserve gradually falls away.
Hudson has his own issues because a past lover deserted him. They surface again in his interaction with Jude and the new dynamic with his housemates. He fears being abandoned again. Hudson and Jude are attracted to each other, but things are often awkward between them and it takes time for them to sort out their various issues. They don’t really spend the time getting to know each other properly before problems set in and Hudson comes to feels he’s gotten in the way of Jude finding himself.
Throughout the story, Hudson yearns for Jude, but he holds back from telling Jude how he feels. He knows he has to be patient with Jude as he overcomes his fear of sex, but his feelings for Jude get in the way and their relationship falls by the wayside for a time. Hudson eventually admits he selfishly pushed Jude away because he felt Jude pushed him away first.
Although his motives are more clearly explained later, I became increasingly frustrated with Hudson’s behaviour. He acted like a spoilt child during much of the book, albeit overcome with jealousy, hurt and insecurity. His response to Jude blows hot and cold and his reactions are a bit of a roller coaster. Even after they finally make love for the first time, his response is bewildering. He realizes he’s not cared for Jude properly afterwards, but still does little to make amends. He doesn’t talk through the problems and becomes insular and cold. At the start of the story, he was warm and open, always with a smile, but he eventually makes Jude feel unwelcome and that results in Jude thinking he’s messed up the dynamics in their house.
Hudson craves love and ownership, and so finds it difficult when he has to share Jude with Leo and Charlie. He wants Jude to himself and this conflicts with the commune’s ideals. When he decides to woo him, he still holds back and their relationship stagnates. He fears Jude will shut him out and believes Leo and Charlie have also rejected him at one point. There’s tension and they end up avoiding each other for a time. Hudson withdraws from nearly everyone in the community, but he’s been sending out bad vibes for months. His reactions are confusing to Jude and to me as a reader at times.
Thankfully, Jude takes charge in the end and it’s exactly what Hudson needs. By this time, Jude is comfortable in his own skin and not embarrassed by his own nakedness.
There were several steamy sexy scenes involving two, three and foursome sex. Jude and Hudson’s scene in the greenhouse was smoking hot and just what they both needed.
Farm Fresh has a well-paced and balanced storyline, not focusing solely on sexual scenes, but the development of the commune and those within it. There’s conflict and angst, but it’s resolved positively. I particularly liked Leo and Charlie's characters and their supporting roles in the story.
Although the first in a series of books, this story ends happily with no major cliffhanger, but has the potential to explore other characters and their relationships. I’m glad Hudson and Jude’s story finishes the way that it does. It suits their characters, with the two of them very much in love and supported by the others in the commune.
Overall, an enjoyable read in a unique setting, with different character dynamics compared to most m/m romance stories. Recommended if you accept or are willing to read non-traditional pairings and intimacy outside of a committed relationship.
***I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review***
Posy takes this ideal of communal living and portrays a well-established GLBT community that has become a sanctuary for its inhabitants. It’s a safe place where same sex and poly relationships flourish. The members celebrate their sexuality by practising consensual sex out in the open, with plenty of hugging and kissing from everyone. “Our Utopia” as Leo (one of the founding members) describes it. It’s not an out-and-out orgy 24/7, but everyone is free to express their sexuality and nakedness without embarrassment or condemnation.
The purpose of the commune is not only about sex. It's a farm, focusing on sustainable agriculture, renewable energy and conservation. The members grow crops to feed themselves, as well as to sell to make a living. And that’s how Jude meets Hudson at the local farmers market. Although still a virgin, Jude is fascinated by the idea of communal living and hopes it provides an opportunity to overcome his sexual hang-ups.
Jude is coming to the end of his environmental engineering degree and is eager to apply what he’s learned. He’s a problem-solver, a doer, and does his best to improve their facilities and save them money. He’s inquisitive, a trait his parents had tried to tamp down, and shows himself to be capable of taking charge of projects. Being able to apply his theoretical studies to the problems encountered by the commune helps boost his confidence and standing within the community.
Hudson shares a house with Leo and Charlie, and they regularly have sex together and separately. He loves them, but he’s not in love. The three men are in an open relationship and together they discover new pleasures and meet each other’s sexual needs. Jude moves in with them, but he takes time to adjust to the way of life.
Jude had suffered emotional torment and abuse at home from his supposedly Christian parents. They were no more than monsters because of the guilt and anguish they imposed on their children. Jude’s been seeking his first sexual experience since leaving home, but each time has backed down. He has a lot of unhealthy issues regarding sex to work through and hopes living in a sexually active commune can help him.
Jude’s initial reaction and reservations to the commune are understandable given his background and upbringing. He takes slow steps and moves forward with help from other members of the commune, especially Leo and Charlie. They encourage him to participate in the open communal lifestyle, even if he still isn’t ready to have penetrative sex. He sees and hears sex going on around him, within his house and within the community. He finds it harder to relax with Hudson than the other two men because Hudson means more to him. But Jude is scared to say how much he wants Hudson.
During the course of the story, Jude gradually overcomes the shame he associates with sex and masturbation. His parents had told him he’d burn in hell for sins of the flesh and that sex was solely for procreation. Memories of his father’s words continue to haunt him for many months. He eventually manages to separate himself from those teachings and the guilt, realizing he needs to partake or leave the commune. Through shared experiences with his housemates, his reserve gradually falls away.
Hudson has his own issues because a past lover deserted him. They surface again in his interaction with Jude and the new dynamic with his housemates. He fears being abandoned again. Hudson and Jude are attracted to each other, but things are often awkward between them and it takes time for them to sort out their various issues. They don’t really spend the time getting to know each other properly before problems set in and Hudson comes to feels he’s gotten in the way of Jude finding himself.
Throughout the story, Hudson yearns for Jude, but he holds back from telling Jude how he feels. He knows he has to be patient with Jude as he overcomes his fear of sex, but his feelings for Jude get in the way and their relationship falls by the wayside for a time. Hudson eventually admits he selfishly pushed Jude away because he felt Jude pushed him away first.
Although his motives are more clearly explained later, I became increasingly frustrated with Hudson’s behaviour. He acted like a spoilt child during much of the book, albeit overcome with jealousy, hurt and insecurity. His response to Jude blows hot and cold and his reactions are a bit of a roller coaster. Even after they finally make love for the first time, his response is bewildering. He realizes he’s not cared for Jude properly afterwards, but still does little to make amends. He doesn’t talk through the problems and becomes insular and cold. At the start of the story, he was warm and open, always with a smile, but he eventually makes Jude feel unwelcome and that results in Jude thinking he’s messed up the dynamics in their house.
Hudson craves love and ownership, and so finds it difficult when he has to share Jude with Leo and Charlie. He wants Jude to himself and this conflicts with the commune’s ideals. When he decides to woo him, he still holds back and their relationship stagnates. He fears Jude will shut him out and believes Leo and Charlie have also rejected him at one point. There’s tension and they end up avoiding each other for a time. Hudson withdraws from nearly everyone in the community, but he’s been sending out bad vibes for months. His reactions are confusing to Jude and to me as a reader at times.
Thankfully, Jude takes charge in the end and it’s exactly what Hudson needs. By this time, Jude is comfortable in his own skin and not embarrassed by his own nakedness.
There were several steamy sexy scenes involving two, three and foursome sex. Jude and Hudson’s scene in the greenhouse was smoking hot and just what they both needed.
Farm Fresh has a well-paced and balanced storyline, not focusing solely on sexual scenes, but the development of the commune and those within it. There’s conflict and angst, but it’s resolved positively. I particularly liked Leo and Charlie's characters and their supporting roles in the story.
Although the first in a series of books, this story ends happily with no major cliffhanger, but has the potential to explore other characters and their relationships. I’m glad Hudson and Jude’s story finishes the way that it does. It suits their characters, with the two of them very much in love and supported by the others in the commune.
Overall, an enjoyable read in a unique setting, with different character dynamics compared to most m/m romance stories. Recommended if you accept or are willing to read non-traditional pairings and intimacy outside of a committed relationship.
***I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review***
February 7, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
Farm Fresh by Posy Roberts is a daring novel that takes on both ménage and the polyamory lifestyle and a wealth of other thoughtful ideas about just what it means to love and nurture another person. Be prepared, this is not your traditional monogamous m/m romance. In fact, it is not strictly m/m. Farm Fresh has almost every combination of lovers under the sun and it handles each one with care, compassion, and an almost wide-eyed wonder.
I was stunned by the depth of care taken in every chapter of this book. This was a work of love from an author whose only hope is that in the reading of her imaginative story, we the spectators would find some comfort ourselves—some hope that despite our own hang ups, our own possible woundedness, we would find comfort. While I am by no means a fan of ménage or multiple partnering, I found myself drawn into this story, emotionally captured, and left smiling at the turn of the last page.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
5 stars
Farm Fresh by Posy Roberts is a daring novel that takes on both ménage and the polyamory lifestyle and a wealth of other thoughtful ideas about just what it means to love and nurture another person. Be prepared, this is not your traditional monogamous m/m romance. In fact, it is not strictly m/m. Farm Fresh has almost every combination of lovers under the sun and it handles each one with care, compassion, and an almost wide-eyed wonder.
I was stunned by the depth of care taken in every chapter of this book. This was a work of love from an author whose only hope is that in the reading of her imaginative story, we the spectators would find some comfort ourselves—some hope that despite our own hang ups, our own possible woundedness, we would find comfort. While I am by no means a fan of ménage or multiple partnering, I found myself drawn into this story, emotionally captured, and left smiling at the turn of the last page.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
January 9, 2016
So let me start of this review by saying I thought the author did a really good job with the subject that is handled in this book, which is open relationships.. Now I will be the first to admit I have not really been a fan of open relationships in romance books before. But after reading this book I really got why some would be okay with this kind of relationship even though it would not be something I would ever be comfortable with personally.
Jude has gone through a lot in his life so living in this community has really helped him. While Jude is adjusting Hudson is going through his own feelings which are growing for Jude and causing jealously.
I really liked how the author wrote this story and these characters. The way Jude and Hudson work through everything and grow closer together was really sweet. So I will leave this review with... I really liked this book!
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads.
Jude has gone through a lot in his life so living in this community has really helped him. While Jude is adjusting Hudson is going through his own feelings which are growing for Jude and causing jealously.
I really liked how the author wrote this story and these characters. The way Jude and Hudson work through everything and grow closer together was really sweet. So I will leave this review with... I really liked this book!
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads.
February 21, 2016
Was pleasantly surprised with this book; a solid 3.5 stars which I rounded up. Loved the whole idea-- the environmentally conscious aspect, the simple lifestyle, and the open minded attitude of the community. Easy to like MCs and interesting auxiliary characters. Leo was a favorite of mine; his gentle encouragement and support for the other characters was touching. Lots of sex, but I never really felt it was gratuitous. It was in keeping with plot advancement, and was important to the emotional growth of the characters. The polyamory aspect of the story was well presented, IMHO. But I felt the greatest focus was on learning to let go of the past, in order to discover what the future may hold.
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