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Bend or Break #7
Hard Candy
How to get over someone? Get under someone else—as soon as possible.
Vincent Lim always assumed his best friend (and occasional hookup) Austin would be waiting for him—that eventually they’d end up together. But now that Austin’s in love with another man, Vinnie is at a loss.
After the world’s most awkward one-night stand with a dance major, Vinnie knows the drill. Minimize the embarrassment by pretending they’ve never met. Yet Bryan’s vibrant spirit and calm center lure Vinnie like a shelter from an emotional storm.
But Vinnie’s thrown off his game by the rest of Bryan’s total package. Vinnie’s a rowing jock with a single-minded focus on living up to his parents’ academic and social expectations. Bryan might as well be outfitted with glittery butterfly wings—with plenty of pride to match. Vinnie’s haphazard attention to a lover won’t cut it this time.
Physically, they can match each other stroke for booty pop. But for the lovers to meet on common ground, they’ll have to find a way to get moving in the same direction.
Warning: Contains one uptight rower, a dancer who can rock a skirt like nobody’s business, yoga lessons, and the benefits of being very bendy.
Vincent Lim always assumed his best friend (and occasional hookup) Austin would be waiting for him—that eventually they’d end up together. But now that Austin’s in love with another man, Vinnie is at a loss.
After the world’s most awkward one-night stand with a dance major, Vinnie knows the drill. Minimize the embarrassment by pretending they’ve never met. Yet Bryan’s vibrant spirit and calm center lure Vinnie like a shelter from an emotional storm.
But Vinnie’s thrown off his game by the rest of Bryan’s total package. Vinnie’s a rowing jock with a single-minded focus on living up to his parents’ academic and social expectations. Bryan might as well be outfitted with glittery butterfly wings—with plenty of pride to match. Vinnie’s haphazard attention to a lover won’t cut it this time.
Physically, they can match each other stroke for booty pop. But for the lovers to meet on common ground, they’ll have to find a way to get moving in the same direction.
Warning: Contains one uptight rower, a dancer who can rock a skirt like nobody’s business, yoga lessons, and the benefits of being very bendy.
131 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 22, 2016
1 person is currently reading
394 people want to read
About the author
Amy Jo Cousins
46 books624 followersTo get updates on Amy Jo's new releases, sign up for her newsletter at http://eepurl.com/YdVW1.
Amy Jo Cousins lives in Chicago, where she writes queer romance, tweets more than she ought, and sometimes runs way too far. She loves her boy and the Cubs, who taught her that being awesome doesn't necessarily have anything to do with winning.
Amy Jo Cousins lives in Chicago, where she writes queer romance, tweets more than she ought, and sometimes runs way too far. She loves her boy and the Cubs, who taught her that being awesome doesn't necessarily have anything to do with winning.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
February 24, 2016
Well, that was a bit of a pleasant surprise.
When I first started reading how Bryan, a Nicky Minaj-lovin' hip hop dancer from Atlanta, was totally okay wearing hot pink booty shorts and a mesh half-shirt to class (in *February* in New England), I immediately thought, "Ummm, okay, this guy's femme is going to be waaaay too over the top for my (relatively plain) personal tastes."
However, although Bryan never "toned it down" (his words,) he actually won me over in the end and no one could be more shocked than I am on that count.
He was pretty irreverent, which I generally found amusing, especially when he was teasing Vinnie and slowly getting him to relax a bit.
“Sweet baby Jesus, Vincent, nobody’s gonna die here. You look like you’re headed for the cross, honey.”Or in other words, Earth to Vinnie:
The story had lots of feels and both Bryan and Austin, while not without their flaws, were generally more mature in their actions than I initially expected from them.
It was refreshing to see how Vinnie, with stick firmly planted up his arse, started to change. And grow. And actually care, which was a big difference from him being "a total prick most of the time" (Rafi's words.)
(Yes, I found Rafi's statement a bit rich after his own dickheaded behavior in book 4, thank you very much.)
I also really enjoyed seeing Austin and Vinnie begin to get back on solid ground as best friends again, after they barely spoke at all during the last book.
This story was a solid 4.25 stars and I really liked the overall message that you do need to listen to your partner and shouldn't listen to anyone else's negative opinions about yourself or the person you love.
In the immortal words of Kimberly "Sweet Brown" Wilkins:
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My ARC copy of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
February 6, 2016
~4.25~
The beginning of this book overlaps with the end of Love Me Like a Rock. Vinnie has just realized that his best friend Austin has fallen head over heels for his new boyfriend Sean, and that the "benefits" part of their friendship is well and truly over.
Austin was half in love with Vinnie, but for Vinnie, it was more about the routine. He loves Austin as a friend, but Austin never really rang his bell.
Vinnie is all pressed shirts and khakis and rigorous study sessions. He's competitive, serious, and generally not aware of other people's feelings. Even having sex with Austin was about getting drunk and letting off steam. Vinnie doesn't do fun.
Bryan, a beautiful, effeminate dancer, wears pink booty shorts, mesh shirts, and high-heeled white boots. He stands out like a peacock in a dessert. But Bryan doesn't let people get close. He's been hurt and abandoned. Men treat him like an exotic animal, exciting for a while, but more trouble than he's worth.
What worked for me about Vinnie and Bryan's relationship was the genuine pleasure they found in each other's company. Austin and Sean love to go at it hard and fast, but that doesn't work for Vinnie and Bryan. For them it's less raw sex and more sensual passion. They both love to touch and kiss and explore.
Doing yoga with Bryan, taking breaks from studying, wanting to caress and make out ... that's the new and improved Vinnie. Like Austin with Sean, Vinnie is different with Bryan, BETTER with Bryan.
Obstacles crop up. There are bullies on campus, and Vinnie's conservative Korean parents, particularly his business tycoon father, do not approve of Bryan, with his glossed lips and tailored black skirt.
Vinnie doesn't want to be ashamed of Bryan, yet deep down inside, he is. But Bryan refuses to "tone it down." He's been stifled enough and refuses to be anyone's discarded party favor.
Despite the lower steam level, I really liked this story. It's sweet and quietly sexy with a hopeful, tentative HEA.
Vinnie has plans, and no one does plans like Vinnie.
The beginning of this book overlaps with the end of Love Me Like a Rock. Vinnie has just realized that his best friend Austin has fallen head over heels for his new boyfriend Sean, and that the "benefits" part of their friendship is well and truly over.
Austin was half in love with Vinnie, but for Vinnie, it was more about the routine. He loves Austin as a friend, but Austin never really rang his bell.
Vinnie is all pressed shirts and khakis and rigorous study sessions. He's competitive, serious, and generally not aware of other people's feelings. Even having sex with Austin was about getting drunk and letting off steam. Vinnie doesn't do fun.
Bryan, a beautiful, effeminate dancer, wears pink booty shorts, mesh shirts, and high-heeled white boots. He stands out like a peacock in a dessert. But Bryan doesn't let people get close. He's been hurt and abandoned. Men treat him like an exotic animal, exciting for a while, but more trouble than he's worth.
What worked for me about Vinnie and Bryan's relationship was the genuine pleasure they found in each other's company. Austin and Sean love to go at it hard and fast, but that doesn't work for Vinnie and Bryan. For them it's less raw sex and more sensual passion. They both love to touch and kiss and explore.
Doing yoga with Bryan, taking breaks from studying, wanting to caress and make out ... that's the new and improved Vinnie. Like Austin with Sean, Vinnie is different with Bryan, BETTER with Bryan.
Obstacles crop up. There are bullies on campus, and Vinnie's conservative Korean parents, particularly his business tycoon father, do not approve of Bryan, with his glossed lips and tailored black skirt.
Vinnie doesn't want to be ashamed of Bryan, yet deep down inside, he is. But Bryan refuses to "tone it down." He's been stifled enough and refuses to be anyone's discarded party favor.
"What's the point of fighting a battle at all if you're going to let them win every day."
Despite the lower steam level, I really liked this story. It's sweet and quietly sexy with a hopeful, tentative HEA.
Vinnie has plans, and no one does plans like Vinnie.
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March 11, 2018Review and rating removed
March 20, 2016
You guys this book was so good! I was hesitant to read this book before Love Like a Rock because the two are tied together and LLaR comes first, but since Samhain only approved me for this one, so I didn't have a choice. LOL Luckily, I didn't feel like I missed out on anything and the plot of LLaR wasn't ruined for me.
This book from my understanding overlaps the end of LLaR. Vinnie now knows that his friends with benefits relationship with Austin has ended. Then he meets Bryan after a night of partying that left Vinnie doing the walk of shame while nursing a terrible hangover. He can't quite piece together the evening's events but knows he's intrigued by Bryan and seeks him out. Despite their opposite personalities and past hurts, they find themselves spending time together.
My highlights:
-Interracial couple. It makes me so happy to read more and more diversity in romance. It's like a breath of fresh air! Keep 'em coming!!!
-Vinnie and Bryan. They complimented each other so well and helped each other grow and heal. They loved just spending time together- it was so much more than sex. Amy Jo Cousins did an excellent job with their relationship.
-I appreciated that they tackled relevant problems. Their problems didn't stem from silly misunderstandings- they derived from issues that are relevant in today's society.
-The story had a great steady place. It never slowed down nor lost my interest.
-The feels. I'll freely admit that I'm a crier. During the sad moments I'll, at least, get choked up- but it's rare for me to cry during the happy moments. The tears were flowing here for both. It just really resonated with me. Even now just thinking about it I find my eyes tearing.
My only criticism would be that it ended abruptly. I wasn't ready for it to end and there's more story to tell. I'm praying that we'll revisit Vinnie and Bryan in the future. I did ask the author and there's hope. :D
All in all, this was a great addition to the Bend or Break Series. Amy Jo Cousins does an outstanding job with New Adult stories. She gives us reality with hope. If you want to read a book, that shows character depth, that is subtlety sexy, and big on the feels give this book and this series a shot! 4.90 Stars!
ARC kindly provided by Samhain Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review. This review is cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
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January 6, 2016The bickering between roommates and BFFs Austin and Vinnie was one of my favorite parts of writing LEVEL HANDS. And the tweets and emails and messages started coming pretty much immediately: "When do we get a book about those two?"
Well, they're coming, but not exactly the way everyone anticipated...
HARD CANDY tells Vinnie's story, LOVE ME LIKE A ROCK tells Austin's story, and BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE is the duology containing both novellas (and the latter will be available in paperback too for those of you who have a collection going!).
Sneak peeks and giveaways of all three books will be happening in my newsletter over the summer. Sign up at http://eepurl.com/YdVW1 if you want in on that goodness!
Well, they're coming, but not exactly the way everyone anticipated...
HARD CANDY tells Vinnie's story, LOVE ME LIKE A ROCK tells Austin's story, and BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE is the duology containing both novellas (and the latter will be available in paperback too for those of you who have a collection going!).
Sneak peeks and giveaways of all three books will be happening in my newsletter over the summer. Sign up at http://eepurl.com/YdVW1 if you want in on that goodness!
March 22, 2016
*3.5 stars*
This book’s events occur right after Love Me Like a Rock ended. Vinnie is sort of reeling from the realisation that there will be no more Austin in a romantic way –Vinnie didn’t care much about the sexual parts of their relationship anyway. So Vinnie wakes up from the hangover from hell in a stranger’s dorm room. The stranger is funny and sarcastic, very generous with the endearments, and very kind to Vinnie. Bryan is also a student at Carlisle, a dancer, and yoga practitioner extraordinaire. And Vinnie is fascinated. Not just because Bryan is effeminate and flaunts it with pride, but because Vinnie didn’t much care for sexascapades and finds himself all of a sudden craving Bryan.
I have to say some themes from Love Me Like a Rock felt a bit repetitive in this book:The fact that Bryan and Vinnie’s interactions took place mainly in Bryan’ dorm room; the fixation on da sex; the fact that they start with a ”we’re only hooking up” attitude which then developed into more. However, the sex scenes are a lot more sensual and sweet. Bryan and Vinnie actually do a lot more relationship stuff together than Sean and Austin did at the beginning of Love Me Like a Rock. I especially loved Vinnie’s introduction to yoga and the fact that he didn’t do it to win points with Bryan but actually embraced it and sought it out as a relaxation strategy himself. I loved how unapologetic Bryan was and that Vinnie did not try to change him one single bit. My complaint is that Vinnie really came off as an @$$hole in Love Me Like a Rock whereas here it was significantly toned down. It felt as if the story did not stay true to the character. If Vinnie was like this in the beginning and mellowed out with Bryan, I would have bought it. But he didn’t come off like that at all –just slightly socially awkward and neurotic.
Nevertheless, I have to say I enjoyed Bryan and Vinnie’s story a lot more than I did Sean and Austin’s. There was more sweetness about it all and I caught myself smiling while reading several times –always a good sign! The little drama towards the end –again, a bit formulaic- wasn’t noteworthy and held the story back somewhat in my opinion. Yes, homophobia obviously very much exists but the way it was portrayed and resolved here was a little OTT.
Recommend!
ARC of Hard Candy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. See this review at Gay Book Reviews.
This book’s events occur right after Love Me Like a Rock ended. Vinnie is sort of reeling from the realisation that there will be no more Austin in a romantic way –Vinnie didn’t care much about the sexual parts of their relationship anyway. So Vinnie wakes up from the hangover from hell in a stranger’s dorm room. The stranger is funny and sarcastic, very generous with the endearments, and very kind to Vinnie. Bryan is also a student at Carlisle, a dancer, and yoga practitioner extraordinaire. And Vinnie is fascinated. Not just because Bryan is effeminate and flaunts it with pride, but because Vinnie didn’t much care for sexascapades and finds himself all of a sudden craving Bryan.
I have to say some themes from Love Me Like a Rock felt a bit repetitive in this book:The fact that Bryan and Vinnie’s interactions took place mainly in Bryan’ dorm room; the fixation on da sex; the fact that they start with a ”we’re only hooking up” attitude which then developed into more. However, the sex scenes are a lot more sensual and sweet. Bryan and Vinnie actually do a lot more relationship stuff together than Sean and Austin did at the beginning of Love Me Like a Rock. I especially loved Vinnie’s introduction to yoga and the fact that he didn’t do it to win points with Bryan but actually embraced it and sought it out as a relaxation strategy himself. I loved how unapologetic Bryan was and that Vinnie did not try to change him one single bit. My complaint is that Vinnie really came off as an @$$hole in Love Me Like a Rock whereas here it was significantly toned down. It felt as if the story did not stay true to the character. If Vinnie was like this in the beginning and mellowed out with Bryan, I would have bought it. But he didn’t come off like that at all –just slightly socially awkward and neurotic.
Nevertheless, I have to say I enjoyed Bryan and Vinnie’s story a lot more than I did Sean and Austin’s. There was more sweetness about it all and I caught myself smiling while reading several times –always a good sign! The little drama towards the end –again, a bit formulaic- wasn’t noteworthy and held the story back somewhat in my opinion. Yes, homophobia obviously very much exists but the way it was portrayed and resolved here was a little OTT.
Recommend!
ARC of Hard Candy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. See this review at Gay Book Reviews.
April 1, 2016
*** 4.25 Stars ***
January 29, 2019
Yep, this was good. Loved the audio, loved their relationship - even though there was some back and forth between them - and I loved how all of the rowing team came together to help Bryan combat bashers. I hate how Bryan was treated, but it wasn't unexpected because Bryan is a dancer, he is very femme and dresses in skirts sometimes. I was waiting for this to happen, but I am so happy Vincent didn't make a big deal out of trying to change Bryan.
I keep think as I am listening, why doesn't Bryan tone himself down while at college? Life is hard enough, why add immature jockish assholes on to the college pile hell? I don't have the personality that Bryan does so I wanted to get thru high school as left alone as possible (not very successful); no way would I have added anything to draw even more bully attention. But Bryan wasn't alone, and that makes all the difference. He had people backing him up and liking him just as he was. I'm jealous, but thought it was cool.
I do recommend this; it's short but packs a lot in to it. 4 stars for story, 5 for narration.
I keep think as I am listening, why doesn't Bryan tone himself down while at college? Life is hard enough, why add immature jockish assholes on to the college pile hell? I don't have the personality that Bryan does so I wanted to get thru high school as left alone as possible (not very successful); no way would I have added anything to draw even more bully attention. But Bryan wasn't alone, and that makes all the difference. He had people backing him up and liking him just as he was. I'm jealous, but thought it was cool.
I do recommend this; it's short but packs a lot in to it. 4 stars for story, 5 for narration.
March 22, 2016
Oh, Amy Jo. Do you know what you do to me? My mind wants more, but my heart may not be able to take some of these feelings. The story of Vincent and his journey to finding his happy ending… it’s one filled with a lot of awkward, a whole lot of issues like trust and acceptance, and tons of feelings that burst all over the place and made this reader gobble them up and ask for more, please.
Vinnie. The guy is so ridged that I was scared after reading Austin’s book that I’d not like him. Really. I was so nervous, and I loved Austin’s book so much, how would I like this one? I’ve never really liked him before. I didn't dislike him, I'd just had a hard time getting a good read on Vinnie in previous books. I’d figured some stuff out about him, but it was all surface. We just never got enough of him, and certainly, without his POV, there would really be no way to figure the guy out. I so get Vinnie now. He’s very strict with himself, and I can see why. He’s a great student, right? Well, he’s only a great student because he has to really work at it. He’s got goals. Not always the goals he’d like for himself, but goals all the same. The pressure of pleasing his family, making the right decisions, choosing the appropriate people to date, deciding where he’s going to intern, deciding and choosing every facet of his life. Meticulously. He’s been doing it so long that breaking out of the pattern is challenging. And these are just a few things I know about Vincent Lim.
Vinnie’s attraction to Bryan is steering him in a direction that he’s very unfamiliar with, and it makes him very uncomfortable. Bryan is everything Vinnie is not. He's so different from Vinnie, inside and out, you'd think they would never work. But do they ever. Bryan is so good for Vinnie. He lifts him up, teaches him new habits and loves him for who he is. They're such a perfect pairing. While Bryan helps Vinnie come out of this world he's lived in full of discipline and structure, and pleasing his parents (to his own detriment), Vinnie is also this unbelievable force for Bryan. I felt like Vinnie helped Bryan be even more sure of himself. It felt like sometimes Bryan had a hard time living up to the person he believes himself to be. It's hard to be yourself out there in this huge world. There are so many obstacles, opinions, challenges. But Bryan has such conviction and strength. I think that as he teaches Vinnie more about himself, he's also doing quite a bit of learning. There are moments when Vinnie makes Bryan feel so good, he shines so bright. I swear, if this were a movie, there are moments when everyone in a theater would just be giddy with happiness. Vibrating with so much joy in their hearts, it could fuel the world. As it was, reading it on the page made me feel so unbelievably good.
I don't know how to explain the perfectness of them. I really don't. I've been fretting over this review for weeks and weeks. I knew I wouldn't have the words then, and I don't have them now. Just know this. This book is a must read. I really can't recommend it more. I loved it with all my heart. I don't even know if I'm making sense or just blubbering all over the place. But all these weeks later, I still look back and smile so huge. I think I'm going to read this and Austin's book again today because I could really use the smiles.
Thank you to NetGalley and Samhain for the ARC, in exchange for my honest review.
Vinnie. The guy is so ridged that I was scared after reading Austin’s book that I’d not like him. Really. I was so nervous, and I loved Austin’s book so much, how would I like this one? I’ve never really liked him before. I didn't dislike him, I'd just had a hard time getting a good read on Vinnie in previous books. I’d figured some stuff out about him, but it was all surface. We just never got enough of him, and certainly, without his POV, there would really be no way to figure the guy out. I so get Vinnie now. He’s very strict with himself, and I can see why. He’s a great student, right? Well, he’s only a great student because he has to really work at it. He’s got goals. Not always the goals he’d like for himself, but goals all the same. The pressure of pleasing his family, making the right decisions, choosing the appropriate people to date, deciding where he’s going to intern, deciding and choosing every facet of his life. Meticulously. He’s been doing it so long that breaking out of the pattern is challenging. And these are just a few things I know about Vincent Lim.
Vinnie’s attraction to Bryan is steering him in a direction that he’s very unfamiliar with, and it makes him very uncomfortable. Bryan is everything Vinnie is not. He's so different from Vinnie, inside and out, you'd think they would never work. But do they ever. Bryan is so good for Vinnie. He lifts him up, teaches him new habits and loves him for who he is. They're such a perfect pairing. While Bryan helps Vinnie come out of this world he's lived in full of discipline and structure, and pleasing his parents (to his own detriment), Vinnie is also this unbelievable force for Bryan. I felt like Vinnie helped Bryan be even more sure of himself. It felt like sometimes Bryan had a hard time living up to the person he believes himself to be. It's hard to be yourself out there in this huge world. There are so many obstacles, opinions, challenges. But Bryan has such conviction and strength. I think that as he teaches Vinnie more about himself, he's also doing quite a bit of learning. There are moments when Vinnie makes Bryan feel so good, he shines so bright. I swear, if this were a movie, there are moments when everyone in a theater would just be giddy with happiness. Vibrating with so much joy in their hearts, it could fuel the world. As it was, reading it on the page made me feel so unbelievably good.
I don't know how to explain the perfectness of them. I really don't. I've been fretting over this review for weeks and weeks. I knew I wouldn't have the words then, and I don't have them now. Just know this. This book is a must read. I really can't recommend it more. I loved it with all my heart. I don't even know if I'm making sense or just blubbering all over the place. But all these weeks later, I still look back and smile so huge. I think I'm going to read this and Austin's book again today because I could really use the smiles.
Thank you to NetGalley and Samhain for the ARC, in exchange for my honest review.
February 28, 2016
First off I'm really glad the author is releasing Vinnie and Austin's books at the same time because when Love Me Like a Rock ended I was so happy for Austin and so sad for Vinnie. The scenes in LMLAR where Vinnie realizes what he's lost were very sad. This book overlaps a bit time wise with the other and Vinnie is not in a good place. He's stressed and anxious all of the time and he's lonely and a bit adrift without Austin. Vinnie's never wanted a relationship but he misses their friendship. A drunken one night stand finds him waking up with Bryan who might as well be a mystical creature he's so different from Vinnie. Bryan dances and does cheer, he wears lip gloss and booty shorts and he's carefree and fiercely independent. Despite their differences, or maybe because of their differences, Vinnie finds himself both fascinated with and attracted to Bryan. The two men find themselves slowly building a friendship and then a relationship. I loved Bryan's character. He's a really unique MC and while he had the flamboyant side he was also very centered and very calm. As the book began I wasn't sure how he was going to work for Vinnie but he turned out to be perfect. He was exactly what Vinnie needed. It was a pleasure to watch Vinnie figure himself out and to find solace in Bryan. It was also a pleasure to watch Vinnie step up and be the man that Bryan needs. Vinnie finally learns how to give and not only take. As I said in my review of LMLAR, I went into these books not very happy that Vinnie and Austin weren't ending up together. By the end though I see what the author saw. These two had different destinies and the road to both were great reads for the fans of this series.
*ARC provided by publisher through Netgalley*
*ARC provided by publisher through Netgalley*
April 21, 2021
Loved the audio of this book. Bryan was so wonderful and true to himself, I love how Vinnie and Bryan’s personalities complimented each other ❤️
March 21, 2016
I think this is my new favourite book in this series and I really didn’t expect to be saying that. This novella very much accompanies the previous novella which are both available together in one book.
I wasn’t expecting to like uptight Vinnie or Vincent as I now know him as much as I did in this book, his stiff conservative personality and image were blown right out of the water by the fabulous and flamboyant Bryan. I loved the opening to this book, seeing Vinnie in a way I never expected after he has reacted to Austin finding love elsewhere by going out on a drunken bender and waking up in a strange room to the lip gloss wearing Bryan.
Vinnie reacts in the way we’d expect initially but he can’t get Bryan out of his mind and so decides to see where things go. I loved that though Bryan on the surface could be overly camp his character was really quite guarded and you realise why most of it is a defence he still stood proud. I wasn’t sure how these total opposites were going to mesh together but it worked perfectly in the end though they definitely had issues to work through along the way.
I was happy to see Vinnie and Austin work at salvaging their friendship along with the rowing team coming together to stand up for Vinnie and Bryan. And again happy that this book though it does deal with some tough issues does so in a way that always makes it about the characters.
I have loved this series and will be sad to see it end as I believe this to be the last in the series.
I wasn’t expecting to like uptight Vinnie or Vincent as I now know him as much as I did in this book, his stiff conservative personality and image were blown right out of the water by the fabulous and flamboyant Bryan. I loved the opening to this book, seeing Vinnie in a way I never expected after he has reacted to Austin finding love elsewhere by going out on a drunken bender and waking up in a strange room to the lip gloss wearing Bryan.
Vinnie reacts in the way we’d expect initially but he can’t get Bryan out of his mind and so decides to see where things go. I loved that though Bryan on the surface could be overly camp his character was really quite guarded and you realise why most of it is a defence he still stood proud. I wasn’t sure how these total opposites were going to mesh together but it worked perfectly in the end though they definitely had issues to work through along the way.
I was happy to see Vinnie and Austin work at salvaging their friendship along with the rowing team coming together to stand up for Vinnie and Bryan. And again happy that this book though it does deal with some tough issues does so in a way that always makes it about the characters.
I have loved this series and will be sad to see it end as I believe this to be the last in the series.
March 4, 2016
There is so much to love here. Vinnie has only been described by other people before now. Finally we hear his voice. Get to listen to what he has to say.
There's a lot going on in his head. He is troubled, yet controlled. So in control. But to be in that much control, means there's a tightness and pressing down and a hard-to-breath, and in the end, Vinnie just keeps his head down, sticks to his plan and waits to come out the other end.
*shakes head* Oh Vinnie.
Bryan is the opposite. He is all light, all loose and all bendy (oh my how that boy bends).
But best of all, most important of all, he sees Vinnie. He gets Vinnie, and as long as he isn't pushing Vinnie too much, or too hard, Vinnie lets go. A little.
I loved this pairing. I loved how they made each other better people. How they made each other feel safe. How they worked.
Austin's story is hot. But Vinnie's story is tender.
Both work.
I also received this from Netgalley and recommend it. It also arrives in stores on March 22.
There's a lot going on in his head. He is troubled, yet controlled. So in control. But to be in that much control, means there's a tightness and pressing down and a hard-to-breath, and in the end, Vinnie just keeps his head down, sticks to his plan and waits to come out the other end.
*shakes head* Oh Vinnie.
Bryan is the opposite. He is all light, all loose and all bendy (oh my how that boy bends).
But best of all, most important of all, he sees Vinnie. He gets Vinnie, and as long as he isn't pushing Vinnie too much, or too hard, Vinnie lets go. A little.
I loved this pairing. I loved how they made each other better people. How they made each other feel safe. How they worked.
Austin's story is hot. But Vinnie's story is tender.
Both work.
I also received this from Netgalley and recommend it. It also arrives in stores on March 22.
May 19, 2016
Austin's and Vinnie's stories were both really enjoyable, but one thing I kind of wish we'd seen is a better resolution to the conflict between Austin and Vinnie, particularly once Vinnie starts spending time with Bryan. That felt unresolved. But I like the growth both characters have to go through to get their endings, Vinnie in particular.
March 27, 2016
3.5 I'm rounding up because I didn't dislike either MC. Vinnie redeemed himself and Bryan was awesome. These last two books seemed rushed compared to the long drawn out mess that was Rafi's book. They were sweet and there wasn't wtfery so I'm landing on the positive side though.
April 26, 2017
3.5 stars
Audiobook
One of my favorites in the series!
Audiobook
One of my favorites in the series!
March 30, 2022
Not my favorite.
Brilliant series; HEAs
don't promise perfect.
Brilliant series; HEAs
don't promise perfect.
March 23, 2016
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
4.5 Stars
Hard Candy continues right where Love Me Like a Rock finishes as we watch Vinnie struggle with the realisation that Austin may still be his best friend but he has fallen in love with someone else – not at all what Vinnie expected or planned.
Vinnie is all about the planning! He plans his outfits to stand out and make an impression. He plans his study, oh boy does he plan his study, to the last second and it’s a punishing regime he has set up. With Austin he even planned his sex life – always when he finished a paper and always when he had enough alcohol in his system. His planning makes him rigid, makes his whole life rigid as he strives to be the best but comes off aloof and uncaring and totally unaware.
When he wakes up with a hangover and in bed with another man he panics. The panic turns to mortification when he doesn’t even have the strength to get to the bathroom and barfs into a bin held by the beautiful man that is Bryan.
Let’s talk about Bryan! He may just be a new favourite character of mine. I really like a person, man or woman, who refuses to tone it down just because society thinks that’s what they should do. Bryan is out there with his dancing, his pink booty shorts, his string vests, his skirts, his make-up and his absolute resolution not to give a fuck. He needs to be cared for, loved and accepted for who he is and is just desperate for someone to accept all his different facets. The fact that he is a beautiful person who sees through Vinnie and his rigidness is the icing on the cake. Underneath all that though there is pain and who would have thought that Vinnie of all people would even notice that let alone want to protect the man and take that pain away.
This pair are poles apart yet they click almost immediately and give each other something that they desperately need. Bryan gets Vinnie to cut himself some slack whether through yoga or a simple walk around the library every hour to relax his brain. Vinnie gives Bryan validation – he really sees him, although this takes a bit of work, and loves him for who he is.
It takes Vinnie a while to get comfortable with everything Bryan but baby steps and all that. No one has affected Vinnie like this man who is slowly undoing all plans. They have to deal with bullies, with Vinnie’s parents and Bryan’s fragile heart but deal with it they do as Vinnie slowly starts to relax. The steam level in this book although lower than in the previous books is different in a way that suits both men and is perfect for them both. I really enjoyed seeing Vinnie let down his walls and loved seeing Bryan find the person that he needed.
4.5 Stars
Hard Candy continues right where Love Me Like a Rock finishes as we watch Vinnie struggle with the realisation that Austin may still be his best friend but he has fallen in love with someone else – not at all what Vinnie expected or planned.
Vinnie is all about the planning! He plans his outfits to stand out and make an impression. He plans his study, oh boy does he plan his study, to the last second and it’s a punishing regime he has set up. With Austin he even planned his sex life – always when he finished a paper and always when he had enough alcohol in his system. His planning makes him rigid, makes his whole life rigid as he strives to be the best but comes off aloof and uncaring and totally unaware.
When he wakes up with a hangover and in bed with another man he panics. The panic turns to mortification when he doesn’t even have the strength to get to the bathroom and barfs into a bin held by the beautiful man that is Bryan.
Let’s talk about Bryan! He may just be a new favourite character of mine. I really like a person, man or woman, who refuses to tone it down just because society thinks that’s what they should do. Bryan is out there with his dancing, his pink booty shorts, his string vests, his skirts, his make-up and his absolute resolution not to give a fuck. He needs to be cared for, loved and accepted for who he is and is just desperate for someone to accept all his different facets. The fact that he is a beautiful person who sees through Vinnie and his rigidness is the icing on the cake. Underneath all that though there is pain and who would have thought that Vinnie of all people would even notice that let alone want to protect the man and take that pain away.
This pair are poles apart yet they click almost immediately and give each other something that they desperately need. Bryan gets Vinnie to cut himself some slack whether through yoga or a simple walk around the library every hour to relax his brain. Vinnie gives Bryan validation – he really sees him, although this takes a bit of work, and loves him for who he is.
It takes Vinnie a while to get comfortable with everything Bryan but baby steps and all that. No one has affected Vinnie like this man who is slowly undoing all plans. They have to deal with bullies, with Vinnie’s parents and Bryan’s fragile heart but deal with it they do as Vinnie slowly starts to relax. The steam level in this book although lower than in the previous books is different in a way that suits both men and is perfect for them both. I really enjoyed seeing Vinnie let down his walls and loved seeing Bryan find the person that he needed.
February 16, 2016
I'm not sure whether to be happy or sad that this series is over, I have somewhat mixed feelings. I kind of want to celebrate it's over because it was time to end this and I think this book is a nice strong end to this series.
I though Vinnie and Austin will get their happy ending together, but it wasn't meant to be. I wasn't very disappointed and I'm not sure that's a good thing or not, but I'd like to think I just rolled with the punches. If Vinnie and Austin didn't want to be together, who am I to force them?
Vinnie is this serious guy, all intense and focused in his studies to the point of obsession. He's very proper, all slacks and khakis and button down shirts. Vinnie isn't a very sexual being; in fact, the only times he has sex with Austin is when he's had a lot to drink. Vinnie made me very sad, for him and in general, although I can't figure out the exact reason why. What Vinnie needs is someone who's the exact opposite of him, someone who can shake up his very monotonous life.
The person Vinnie needs is none other than flamboyant, effeminate Bryan, a dancer and yoga advocate. Bryan knows he stands out but doens't give a shit what people think about him. He doesn't like to tone it down, even though Vinie would very much like him to. He wears hot pink shirts and high heeled boots, and if Vinnie is ashamed of him, then he can go to hell. Bryan doesn't like to let other get close to him, because he's been hurt and abandoned by the very people who were supposed to love him unconditionally.
Vinnie and Bryan's relationship is more about enjoying each other's company and genuinely liking to spend time together. They do yoga together, study together, make out and sensually explore each other's bodies. Neither Vinnie nor Bryan are too crazy about penetrative sex, but that works for them and makes them even more perfect for each other. Their sexual relationship is more sensual and intimate rather than steamy and dirty. I prefer a mixture of both, but in this case I though the lack of steam was fitting.
Their relationship isn't perfect, because they have to deal with a homophobic parent and some homophobic douche bags who are students at the same campus. Problems arise, some more dramatic than others, but as long as Vinnie and Bryan focus on what's important and don't lose faith in one another they should be fine.
It's been nice hanging out with these guys and their significant others, I wish them the best! And I'm certainly looking forward to Amy's future stories, so lets hope we won't have to wait too long.
I though Vinnie and Austin will get their happy ending together, but it wasn't meant to be. I wasn't very disappointed and I'm not sure that's a good thing or not, but I'd like to think I just rolled with the punches. If Vinnie and Austin didn't want to be together, who am I to force them?
Vinnie is this serious guy, all intense and focused in his studies to the point of obsession. He's very proper, all slacks and khakis and button down shirts. Vinnie isn't a very sexual being; in fact, the only times he has sex with Austin is when he's had a lot to drink. Vinnie made me very sad, for him and in general, although I can't figure out the exact reason why. What Vinnie needs is someone who's the exact opposite of him, someone who can shake up his very monotonous life.
The person Vinnie needs is none other than flamboyant, effeminate Bryan, a dancer and yoga advocate. Bryan knows he stands out but doens't give a shit what people think about him. He doesn't like to tone it down, even though Vinie would very much like him to. He wears hot pink shirts and high heeled boots, and if Vinnie is ashamed of him, then he can go to hell. Bryan doesn't like to let other get close to him, because he's been hurt and abandoned by the very people who were supposed to love him unconditionally.
Vinnie and Bryan's relationship is more about enjoying each other's company and genuinely liking to spend time together. They do yoga together, study together, make out and sensually explore each other's bodies. Neither Vinnie nor Bryan are too crazy about penetrative sex, but that works for them and makes them even more perfect for each other. Their sexual relationship is more sensual and intimate rather than steamy and dirty. I prefer a mixture of both, but in this case I though the lack of steam was fitting.
Their relationship isn't perfect, because they have to deal with a homophobic parent and some homophobic douche bags who are students at the same campus. Problems arise, some more dramatic than others, but as long as Vinnie and Bryan focus on what's important and don't lose faith in one another they should be fine.
It's been nice hanging out with these guys and their significant others, I wish them the best! And I'm certainly looking forward to Amy's future stories, so lets hope we won't have to wait too long.
March 23, 2016
This is the 7th book in a larger series and probably best enjoyed after reading LOVE ME LIKE A ROCK (Bend or Break #6).
Vincent Lim is a rower, worry-wort and dedicated student. He's never had time for a boyfriend and only occasionally hooked up with his bestie, Austin, when he had a night to spare getting drunk and laid, in that order. This wasn't enough of a commitment for Austin who found a real boyfriend in LOVE ME LIKE A ROCK. Vinnie's now left out, naturally, and, in one of his weaker moments attempts a drunken hook-up with Bryan, a flamboyant, out-gay, femme dancer in their college. He's a sweet and sassy mix, this Bryan, and he's got an aloofness that intrigues Vinnie.
Vinnie has never pictured himself with anyone who wasn't like himself, really. Sure, he liked Austin, but he truly felt Austin was a bit flaky, I think. Bryan is not a man to be set on the shelf. Vinnie doesn't want to like him, but he is drawn to Bryan's vulnerability, and his steadfastness. Also, they are more of a match than Austin and Vinnie ever were when it comes to sexual compatibility. Vinnie relishes the closeness and sensuality of his experiences with Bryan, which are mutually satisfying without all the "mess" of sex.
I liked how Vinnie continued to challenge himself regarding his fledgling relationship with Bryan. He knows that he has to work at it, and soon finds that it's not actually work at all to spend time with such a compassionate man. They develop an intimacy that is comfortable with companionship. Vinnie has plenty of moments to distance himself from Bryan, and he chooses to step closer, even when it catapults him outside of his comfort zone. Introductions to friends, teammates, and family are riddled with danger, and yet, Vinnie avoids almost all the missteps he'd have made with Austin. His growth as a character was exceptional, and it was clear that Bryan neither expected nor demanded this to occur, though there is a bit of trouble over Bryan's continued harassment at the hands of some homophobic students. Vinnie's commitment to being a real partner to Bryan is what makes this story fantastic.
Also, I really enjoyed the inclusion of different cultures here. Bryan is black and Vincent is Korean-American--the expectations, and acceptance, of their families are very different. That was well-demonstrated here, and, while a bit heartbreaking, was also poignant and real. Great story!
I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
Vincent Lim is a rower, worry-wort and dedicated student. He's never had time for a boyfriend and only occasionally hooked up with his bestie, Austin, when he had a night to spare getting drunk and laid, in that order. This wasn't enough of a commitment for Austin who found a real boyfriend in LOVE ME LIKE A ROCK. Vinnie's now left out, naturally, and, in one of his weaker moments attempts a drunken hook-up with Bryan, a flamboyant, out-gay, femme dancer in their college. He's a sweet and sassy mix, this Bryan, and he's got an aloofness that intrigues Vinnie.
Vinnie has never pictured himself with anyone who wasn't like himself, really. Sure, he liked Austin, but he truly felt Austin was a bit flaky, I think. Bryan is not a man to be set on the shelf. Vinnie doesn't want to like him, but he is drawn to Bryan's vulnerability, and his steadfastness. Also, they are more of a match than Austin and Vinnie ever were when it comes to sexual compatibility. Vinnie relishes the closeness and sensuality of his experiences with Bryan, which are mutually satisfying without all the "mess" of sex.
I liked how Vinnie continued to challenge himself regarding his fledgling relationship with Bryan. He knows that he has to work at it, and soon finds that it's not actually work at all to spend time with such a compassionate man. They develop an intimacy that is comfortable with companionship. Vinnie has plenty of moments to distance himself from Bryan, and he chooses to step closer, even when it catapults him outside of his comfort zone. Introductions to friends, teammates, and family are riddled with danger, and yet, Vinnie avoids almost all the missteps he'd have made with Austin. His growth as a character was exceptional, and it was clear that Bryan neither expected nor demanded this to occur, though there is a bit of trouble over Bryan's continued harassment at the hands of some homophobic students. Vinnie's commitment to being a real partner to Bryan is what makes this story fantastic.
Also, I really enjoyed the inclusion of different cultures here. Bryan is black and Vincent is Korean-American--the expectations, and acceptance, of their families are very different. That was well-demonstrated here, and, while a bit heartbreaking, was also poignant and real. Great story!
I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
March 15, 2017
This is book 7 in the series, but really you only need to read book 6. (The rest of the series is awesome, though, so … ya know…)
We met Vinnie in Book 6 – he was the boy Austen was pining and pining after. Well – after being summarily dumped by Austen, Vinnie goes on a bender and meets Bryan.
Though their first meeting was less than great, both men realize they want to see more of the other – although Vinnie is clearly on probation as he nearly says and does all the wrong things.
Over time – not unlike Austen and Sean – Vinnie is spending more and more time with Bryan, until it’s clear that Bryan means a lot to Vinnie. The problem is Vinnie lacks the ability to say his feelings in a way that doesn’t offend.
**
I loved Bryan and Vincent together. I would really have loved to spend more time in Bryan’s head as he was clearly a very complex and fascinating person and we didn’t get to see nearly enough of him to satisfy.
The fact that these 21 year olds were so great at communicating with one another was a breath of fresh air – especially after all the nonsense between Austen and Vinnie previously.
I was also glad to see that the parents weren’t going to be a big deal.
All in all this was a very sweet and sometimes funny story and a great way for us to see Vinnie all set up and happy.
4.25 of 5 stars
Audio
I’m so glad we get to have Cooper North as the narrator for this series! He absolutely ROCKED this! I love the voice he chose for Bryan and I really felt connected to these characters through his interpretation. He has a great concept of emotion and timing and is very easy to listen to. He’s rapidly becoming one of my favorite narrators! Highly Recommended!
5 of 5 stars
Overall 4.5 of 5 stars
We met Vinnie in Book 6 – he was the boy Austen was pining and pining after. Well – after being summarily dumped by Austen, Vinnie goes on a bender and meets Bryan.
Though their first meeting was less than great, both men realize they want to see more of the other – although Vinnie is clearly on probation as he nearly says and does all the wrong things.
Over time – not unlike Austen and Sean – Vinnie is spending more and more time with Bryan, until it’s clear that Bryan means a lot to Vinnie. The problem is Vinnie lacks the ability to say his feelings in a way that doesn’t offend.
**
I loved Bryan and Vincent together. I would really have loved to spend more time in Bryan’s head as he was clearly a very complex and fascinating person and we didn’t get to see nearly enough of him to satisfy.
The fact that these 21 year olds were so great at communicating with one another was a breath of fresh air – especially after all the nonsense between Austen and Vinnie previously.
I was also glad to see that the parents weren’t going to be a big deal.
All in all this was a very sweet and sometimes funny story and a great way for us to see Vinnie all set up and happy.
4.25 of 5 stars
Audio
I’m so glad we get to have Cooper North as the narrator for this series! He absolutely ROCKED this! I love the voice he chose for Bryan and I really felt connected to these characters through his interpretation. He has a great concept of emotion and timing and is very easy to listen to. He’s rapidly becoming one of my favorite narrators! Highly Recommended!
5 of 5 stars
Overall 4.5 of 5 stars
February 24, 2016
Vincent Lim has had a friends-with-benefits type arrangement with his best friend, Austin, for years but now Austin has found the man that he wants to be with. Vinnie always thought that he and Austin would eventually end up together, so he was shocked to find out that Austin wasn't happy with their arrangement anymore. After a night of heavy drinking he wakes up in bed with a dancer named Bryan. Bryan is like no one he has ever met before. He's out and proud and has a very vibrant, outgoing personality. Vinnie has always put his studies at the top of his priority list but Bryan refuses to let anyone make him feel like he isn't a priority.
I have to say that I was surprised by how much I ended up liking this one! I read Austin's book before this one and Vinnie's personality didn't seem like one I was going to end up liking, but boy, was I wrong! Don't get me wrong, Vinnie is still very driven and awkward....especially at the beginning at the story, but as he starts to open up and try, you start to love him. He came off very stiff and unfeeling in the last book, I think, but he wasn't like that in this one and I loved it. Bryan really helped open him up. I absolutely loved Bryan's character. His outward appearance is very "femme" but he is a very strong person.
** I received an ARC of this title via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. **
I have to say that I was surprised by how much I ended up liking this one! I read Austin's book before this one and Vinnie's personality didn't seem like one I was going to end up liking, but boy, was I wrong! Don't get me wrong, Vinnie is still very driven and awkward....especially at the beginning at the story, but as he starts to open up and try, you start to love him. He came off very stiff and unfeeling in the last book, I think, but he wasn't like that in this one and I loved it. Bryan really helped open him up. I absolutely loved Bryan's character. His outward appearance is very "femme" but he is a very strong person.
** I received an ARC of this title via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. **
April 14, 2016
Amy Jo Cousins once again does an excellent job allowing us into the mind of her main character, in this case Vincent. I liked that Vinnie is this pretty unlikeable guy who's socially inept and often plain rude. His drive and focus leave him no time for social niceties. On the rebound from losing his best friend with benefits Austin, Vinnie discovers that his disaster of a hookup turns out to be exactly who he wants and needs in his life.
While I loved learning all about what makes Vinnie tick and following him on his little journey of self-discovery, I didn't feel that great emotional pull that I always, always get reading an AJ Cousins book. I don't doubt Vinnie's attraction to the fabulous, no-holds-barred Bryan. And I don't doubt that Bryan also came to appreciate how hard Vinnie was trying, and eventually let down his walls. But I couldn't help but feel their story was too neat, maybe a little rushed considering the many personal hangups and external obstacles they faced.
I thought Hard Candy was a nice follow-up to Love Me Like a Rock, but not nearly as satisfying compared to LMLAR or the rest of this incredible series.
While I loved learning all about what makes Vinnie tick and following him on his little journey of self-discovery, I didn't feel that great emotional pull that I always, always get reading an AJ Cousins book. I don't doubt Vinnie's attraction to the fabulous, no-holds-barred Bryan. And I don't doubt that Bryan also came to appreciate how hard Vinnie was trying, and eventually let down his walls. But I couldn't help but feel their story was too neat, maybe a little rushed considering the many personal hangups and external obstacles they faced.
I thought Hard Candy was a nice follow-up to Love Me Like a Rock, but not nearly as satisfying compared to LMLAR or the rest of this incredible series.
May 22, 2016
*3.5 stars*
I was actually really disappointed with book six in this series so it took me longer to get around to Hard Candy than it usually would have. But thankfully, Amy Jo Cousins really brought it back.
The romances in this series are always sweet, sexy and full of drama and miscommunications and Hard Candy was no exceptions. I really enjoyed it. For a novella not far over 100 pages, I felt really connected to Vinnie and Bryan. They were well-developed and I believed in their feelings for each!
As always, I'm hoping for more books in the Bend or Break series!
I was actually really disappointed with book six in this series so it took me longer to get around to Hard Candy than it usually would have. But thankfully, Amy Jo Cousins really brought it back.
The romances in this series are always sweet, sexy and full of drama and miscommunications and Hard Candy was no exceptions. I really enjoyed it. For a novella not far over 100 pages, I felt really connected to Vinnie and Bryan. They were well-developed and I believed in their feelings for each!
As always, I'm hoping for more books in the Bend or Break series!
September 17, 2017
When I realized this book was going to be about Vinnie, the closed-off jerk that used to use Austin for sex in Love Me Like a Rock, I was not excited to continue. Boy was I wrong. I think I like this one even better than Love Me Like a Rock.
Vinnie was one wound up, tensed, and overly stressed guy. He felt he was just an average student but had to get above average grades because that was what was expected of him by his parents. The hamster-on-a-wheel part of his brain was overworked about everything. His schedule was managed down to the minute. No wonder everything stressed him out. Which was why waking up in a strange guy's room, hung over beyond imagination was one of the best things to happen to Vinnie because that strange guy was Bryan.
Oh, Bryan. From the minute he appeared on the page, you could just feel the compassion he wasn't afraid to show people. Upfront and honest, he lived his life as he wanted to, even if that meant pink booty shorts and heeled boots. Bryan was apologetic to no one, but at the same time, he was straight forward and didn't play games. No wonder he was like a beacon to Vinnie, who had serious deficiencies in social situations and relationship. Vinnie knew exactly where he stood with Bryan and didn't have to stress out about getting something wrong in their interactions. Bryan could read Vinnie like a book and helped him navigate his life to live less stressfully, and it was fun watching that happen. Vinnie grew to be a character that I just loved shortly after the two of them started to get together.
Vinnie was one wound up, tensed, and overly stressed guy. He felt he was just an average student but had to get above average grades because that was what was expected of him by his parents. The hamster-on-a-wheel part of his brain was overworked about everything. His schedule was managed down to the minute. No wonder everything stressed him out. Which was why waking up in a strange guy's room, hung over beyond imagination was one of the best things to happen to Vinnie because that strange guy was Bryan.
Oh, Bryan. From the minute he appeared on the page, you could just feel the compassion he wasn't afraid to show people. Upfront and honest, he lived his life as he wanted to, even if that meant pink booty shorts and heeled boots. Bryan was apologetic to no one, but at the same time, he was straight forward and didn't play games. No wonder he was like a beacon to Vinnie, who had serious deficiencies in social situations and relationship. Vinnie knew exactly where he stood with Bryan and didn't have to stress out about getting something wrong in their interactions. Bryan could read Vinnie like a book and helped him navigate his life to live less stressfully, and it was fun watching that happen. Vinnie grew to be a character that I just loved shortly after the two of them started to get together.
November 1, 2016
I stayed up late and rose from bed early in order to finish "Hard Candy," by Amy Jo Cousins, because I couldn’t bear to put the book down. And now I have to rush to ready myself for work because after the story was finished, I found myself going back and reading parts over again, savoring the words like a seldom-encountered but favorite sweet.
I loved the characters Cousins’ crafted for this story, and as I've come to expect from her talent, they are well drawn and dimensional in ways that surprise. With Vincent—and I do prefer to call him that, with a lingering lick of my tongue, just as Bryan did—we are treated to an entirely believable coming-of-age moment when Vincent becomes self-aware in an encounter that is so real it is painful to witness. He has a moment of epiphany so profound and life changing, an instant of growth that, as a parent and grandparent I can only pray my kids experience the same. It's necessary, that brief pain of realization that maybe you haven't been the best ... friend, person, lover ... so you can then develop differently, and BECOME who you are meant to be.
I appreciated the time allowed for me to watch Vincent evolve, undergoing an important emotional conversion. Adored experiencing the mindful maturing moments he had. Making conscious, selfless decisions as he looked ahead and lived, and loved. Thank you, Amy Jo, this is a rare gift you have, to provide such a timeless compass.
I loved the characters Cousins’ crafted for this story, and as I've come to expect from her talent, they are well drawn and dimensional in ways that surprise. With Vincent—and I do prefer to call him that, with a lingering lick of my tongue, just as Bryan did—we are treated to an entirely believable coming-of-age moment when Vincent becomes self-aware in an encounter that is so real it is painful to witness. He has a moment of epiphany so profound and life changing, an instant of growth that, as a parent and grandparent I can only pray my kids experience the same. It's necessary, that brief pain of realization that maybe you haven't been the best ... friend, person, lover ... so you can then develop differently, and BECOME who you are meant to be.
I appreciated the time allowed for me to watch Vincent evolve, undergoing an important emotional conversion. Adored experiencing the mindful maturing moments he had. Making conscious, selfless decisions as he looked ahead and lived, and loved. Thank you, Amy Jo, this is a rare gift you have, to provide such a timeless compass.
April 9, 2018
Look, I don't fuck with stories where one person is expected to do all the changing and the other person is 100% not bending. That's not romance, that's toxic as fuck.
I don't care that Bryan was 100% authentically himself and that Vinnie was a depressed hot mess who didn't understand how to relax. Their relationship was utterly not balanced and it pissed me off.
Gender non-conforming life choices are genuinely not a big deal to me and NB people can totally get down with their bad selves, but I'm sorry, a character rolling up to a deeply conservative restaurant to meet his new ~whatever's~ deeply conservative parents in a skirt knowing that his boy is going to get shit for it later is deeply fucked up behavior, especially when said character is clearly doing it as a challenge and to somehow score points on their partner. FUCKED. UP.
Maybe Bryan eventually has to figure out how to compromise too but I'll never know because I stopped reading at that point.
I don't care that Bryan was 100% authentically himself and that Vinnie was a depressed hot mess who didn't understand how to relax. Their relationship was utterly not balanced and it pissed me off.
Gender non-conforming life choices are genuinely not a big deal to me and NB people can totally get down with their bad selves, but I'm sorry, a character rolling up to a deeply conservative restaurant to meet his new ~whatever's~ deeply conservative parents in a skirt knowing that his boy is going to get shit for it later is deeply fucked up behavior, especially when said character is clearly doing it as a challenge and to somehow score points on their partner. FUCKED. UP.
Maybe Bryan eventually has to figure out how to compromise too but I'll never know because I stopped reading at that point.
February 16, 2017
I am officially madly in love with Bryan - what a fascinating person! He stays true to himself and is not ready to "tone it down" for the sake of others; he is gentle and caring, dances, does yoga (at times in the middle of the night on a campus green!), and I am soooo delighted that HE of all people at Carlisle is the one that uptight and rather weird Vincent falls for. Bryan makes Vincent want to be a better person - which is what love should be like, right? BTW: I also love that Bryan does not call him Vinnie (I hate that abbreviation with a vengeance!) All in all this was a lovely story, on the quietly sexy side, and Bryan is one of my new favourite heros of all time. The only thing I actually missed was his POV ...
July 25, 2017
This was not what I expected at all, but it was excellent! Getting to see Vinnie's POV was fascinating, and the issues dealt with in this book--anxiety, internalized homophobia, to name a few--were really played out really well. I liked his relationship with Bryan so much, and I liked how good Vinnie was deep down. Seeing him try to do the right thing, especially when it was scary and hard for him was so satisfying.
My only complaint is I would have liked to see more of Bryan working with Vinnie on his issues, aside from the yoga (which I loved!). It felt a tad uneven in terms of compromise, even though it did make sense from a narrative point of view.
My only complaint is I would have liked to see more of Bryan working with Vinnie on his issues, aside from the yoga (which I loved!). It felt a tad uneven in terms of compromise, even though it did make sense from a narrative point of view.
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