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Finding Orlando
Sometimes, finding the right person changes everything.
“You helped me find what I’d forgotten I wanted.”
Different worlds...
Ethan Parker has his whole life planned out for him -- and it’s a life he doesn’t want. But saying no to his family is too hard, so he buries his dreams and goes through the motions. Being on the swim team at Dalton University is his only escape from the constant pressure to be someone he’s not.
Sexy, mysterious Orlando Nolan seems to be Ethan’s polar opposite. Tall, toned, and tattooed, he looks more like a rugged rock star than an Ivy League student — but with one of the highest GPA's at Dalton, he's guaranteed a job at one of Silicon Valley’s best once he graduates.
“I’m not brave like you. No matter how much I wish I could be.”
Shared secrets...
When Ethan needs help studying, Orlando can’t resist the chance to spend more time with the blond, blue-eyed, all-American boy from his dorm. Neither one expects the bond that forms between them, or how easy they find it to open up to each other. Then Ethan spends Thanksgiving with Orlando and his family … and their unlikely friendship catches fire.
“He doesn’t fix me, he makes me realize that I can fix myself.”
And wrenching choices...
But family disapproval causes unhealed wounds to surface. Orlando doesn't know how long he can wait for someone who's afraid to love him back. But can Ethan sacrifice everything for the one person who makes him feel alive?
Finding Orlando is a steamy stand-alone New Adult MM romance novel. It depicts a first time gay, friends to lovers relationship resulting in a satisfying HEA and no cliffhanger.
“You helped me find what I’d forgotten I wanted.”
Different worlds...
Ethan Parker has his whole life planned out for him -- and it’s a life he doesn’t want. But saying no to his family is too hard, so he buries his dreams and goes through the motions. Being on the swim team at Dalton University is his only escape from the constant pressure to be someone he’s not.
Sexy, mysterious Orlando Nolan seems to be Ethan’s polar opposite. Tall, toned, and tattooed, he looks more like a rugged rock star than an Ivy League student — but with one of the highest GPA's at Dalton, he's guaranteed a job at one of Silicon Valley’s best once he graduates.
“I’m not brave like you. No matter how much I wish I could be.”
Shared secrets...
When Ethan needs help studying, Orlando can’t resist the chance to spend more time with the blond, blue-eyed, all-American boy from his dorm. Neither one expects the bond that forms between them, or how easy they find it to open up to each other. Then Ethan spends Thanksgiving with Orlando and his family … and their unlikely friendship catches fire.
“He doesn’t fix me, he makes me realize that I can fix myself.”
And wrenching choices...
But family disapproval causes unhealed wounds to surface. Orlando doesn't know how long he can wait for someone who's afraid to love him back. But can Ethan sacrifice everything for the one person who makes him feel alive?
Finding Orlando is a steamy stand-alone New Adult MM romance novel. It depicts a first time gay, friends to lovers relationship resulting in a satisfying HEA and no cliffhanger.
193 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 2016
28 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
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Blurb:
Sometimes, finding the right person changes everything.
“You helped me find what I’d forgotten I wanted.”
Different worlds...
Ethan Parker has his whole life planned out for him -- and it’s a life he doesn’t want. But saying no to his family is too hard, so he buries his dreams and goes through the motions. Being on the swim team at Dalton University is his only escape from the constant pressure to be someone he’s not.
Sexy, mysterious Orlando Nolan seems to be Ethan’s polar opposite. Tall, toned, and tattooed, he looks more like a rugged rock star than an Ivy League student — but with one of the highest GPA's at Dalton, he's guaranteed a job at one of Silicon Valley’s best once he graduates.
“I’m not brave like you. No matter how much I wish I could be.”
Shared secrets...
When Ethan needs help studying, Orlando can’t resist the chance to spend more time with the blond, blue-eyed, all-American boy from his dorm. Neither one expects the bond that forms between them, or how easy they find it to open up to each other. Then Ethan spends Thanksgiving with Orlando and his family … and their unlikely friendship catches fire.
“He doesn’t fix me, he makes me realize that I can fix myself.”
And wrenching choices...
But family disapproval causes unhealed wounds to surface. Orlando doesn't know how long he can wait for someone who's afraid to love him back. But can Ethan sacrifice everything for the one person who makes him feel alive?
Blurb:
Sometimes, finding the right person changes everything.
“You helped me find what I’d forgotten I wanted.”
Different worlds...
Ethan Parker has his whole life planned out for him -- and it’s a life he doesn’t want. But saying no to his family is too hard, so he buries his dreams and goes through the motions. Being on the swim team at Dalton University is his only escape from the constant pressure to be someone he’s not.
Sexy, mysterious Orlando Nolan seems to be Ethan’s polar opposite. Tall, toned, and tattooed, he looks more like a rugged rock star than an Ivy League student — but with one of the highest GPA's at Dalton, he's guaranteed a job at one of Silicon Valley’s best once he graduates.
“I’m not brave like you. No matter how much I wish I could be.”
Shared secrets...
When Ethan needs help studying, Orlando can’t resist the chance to spend more time with the blond, blue-eyed, all-American boy from his dorm. Neither one expects the bond that forms between them, or how easy they find it to open up to each other. Then Ethan spends Thanksgiving with Orlando and his family … and their unlikely friendship catches fire.
“He doesn’t fix me, he makes me realize that I can fix myself.”
And wrenching choices...
But family disapproval causes unhealed wounds to surface. Orlando doesn't know how long he can wait for someone who's afraid to love him back. But can Ethan sacrifice everything for the one person who makes him feel alive?
March 24, 2016
2.5-3 stars
This book is written in the first person, which isn't my favourite, but it's also in alternative due PoV's which I love.
It's a bit simplistic and the characters, whilst likeable, are fairly one dimensional, but it's sweet and easy to read.
The dialogue is a bit cheesy but overall it's an ok effort.
There are quite a few annoying editing issues; dodgy grammar, words missing, wrong words used.
Also several storylines were just dropped with no resolution: , Tag and the poker to name two.
The ending and epilogue were just a bit too cutesy for me. Everything wrapped up perfectly in one big sugary bow.
I believe this is a new author so some of the mistakes can be forgiven and it absolutely has potential so I'll probably read her next offering.
This book is written in the first person, which isn't my favourite, but it's also in alternative due PoV's which I love.
It's a bit simplistic and the characters, whilst likeable, are fairly one dimensional, but it's sweet and easy to read.
The dialogue is a bit cheesy but overall it's an ok effort.
There are quite a few annoying editing issues; dodgy grammar, words missing, wrong words used.
Also several storylines were just dropped with no resolution: , Tag and the poker to name two.
The ending and epilogue were just a bit too cutesy for me. Everything wrapped up perfectly in one big sugary bow.
I believe this is a new author so some of the mistakes can be forgiven and it absolutely has potential so I'll probably read her next offering.
June 6, 2016
Finding Orlando is a book you read when you want to just smile and love life. Sure, there was a little drama but for the most part it was butterflies and kittens.
Orlando is a tattooed and pierced smart guy who is finding himself more and more attracted to his neighbor Ethan. He is fiercely dedicated to his family and finds himself as the provider due to circumstances in his childhood. He is the provider for his family and makes certain sacrifices to keep his mother and sister afloat.
Ethan is from an esteemed family and has never wanted for anything. He has always denied who is truly was, but after seeing his sexy neighbor he finally faces feelings he had been hiding from himself.
Ethan and Orlando were so stinking cute that I just could not even. I found myself smiling, giggling and laughing many times throughout the book. It was short and sweet but totally worth it!
On to the next!
Orlando is a tattooed and pierced smart guy who is finding himself more and more attracted to his neighbor Ethan. He is fiercely dedicated to his family and finds himself as the provider due to circumstances in his childhood. He is the provider for his family and makes certain sacrifices to keep his mother and sister afloat.
Ethan is from an esteemed family and has never wanted for anything. He has always denied who is truly was, but after seeing his sexy neighbor he finally faces feelings he had been hiding from himself.
Ethan and Orlando were so stinking cute that I just could not even. I found myself smiling, giggling and laughing many times throughout the book. It was short and sweet but totally worth it!
On to the next!
May 24, 2016
Oh my lord ... I'm discovering that the books I left on my "read but have not rated yet" shelf are generally books I just didn't like :-( - not including books I absolutely adored but have yet to mull over their rating. This is NOT one of those books. Thank goodness for book notes to remind me (in vivid clarity mind you) what I didn't like about a book. I was unsure of whether to rate this 1 or 2 stars ... I decided on 1 because this just wasn't for me :-/.
If you're reading this I promise you I'm not on a 1-3 star streak :-P ... I'm just working on rating backlog right now :-P.
If you're reading this I promise you I'm not on a 1-3 star streak :-P ... I'm just working on rating backlog right now :-P.
May 28, 2016
This was a simplistic story line with a just a little angst. There were a couple of areas of tension in the story that never really fully developed. The characters, Ethan and Orlando were likable, although not really more than one dimensional. If your looking for a sweet easy read. With some cheesy, but could be considered romantic dialogue, I'd say this is a good one. The sex is well written and I didn't notice a lot of typos so that's always a plus. 3-3.5 stars
July 17, 2016
Po zapierających dech 'Penny Wishes' Orlando mnie odrobinę rozczarował. Ale tylko ciut ciut. Jedna gwiazdunia mniej za niedokończone wątki.
June 9, 2016
2.5 Meh. That about sums up my feelings. Things were just too easy, there was no depth at all.
September 24, 2017
Well this didn't suck as much as I thought it would. I dare say, it was pretty good. Orlando is in college on scholarship and Ethan is old money and in the closet. I read this a while ago and forgot to review but I think Ethan didn't even consider himself gay. Ethan asks Orlando to help him with one of his classes so they become kind of friends until Ethan gets drunk and kisses him. Things progress then Ethan pulls an asshole move. Typical. Anyways, it was a bit cheesy in parts but overall an easy read.
December 9, 2018
I like the story. But, the book start, and we are told they are attracted to each other, we don't get to see it.
Plus, I don't think the right version of the book was uploaded. There is a missing scene in the middle. Also, there is no ending. The book just stop. They aren't even together by the end. No HEA, no HFN.
And the time line is all fuck up and wrong. The author add several weeks between November and December.
Plus, I don't think the right version of the book was uploaded. There is a missing scene in the middle. Also, there is no ending. The book just stop. They aren't even together by the end. No HEA, no HFN.
And the time line is all fuck up and wrong. The author add several weeks between November and December.
March 14, 2016
A very good effort from a brand new author. Great characters and a solid story line. The story is written in alternating first person point of view and the author manages this very well without falling into that trap of sounding immature (which I often find with 1st person pov). There are quite a few niggly grammar/missing words/extra words errors that a good proof reader should have sorted but as a debut author I will forgive Ms Hawkins...this time.
February 7, 2017
WOW!! What an awesome love story! I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting. The author weaves a beautiful up and down story of love and family (those you are born with and those you choose). Definitely a must read!
September 23, 2018
I’m so sad 😞. As I write this review I try to remind myself it’s Lucy Hawkins first book, and as I know first hand, first books sometimes arn’t your best work. We grow and learn the more we write and create. This is the third book I have read by Lucy Hawkins and I’ve loved them all. This one however I’m at a loss. Don’t get me wrong, I loved it, but it didn’t have an ending. At least not in my opinion. It was going along great. Great storyline, lovable characters, drama, passion. It was building up to be a wonderful HEA and then the story just ends. We don’t know what happens between Ethan and his bigoted father, there is no declarations of I love you’s, no mention if Ethan and Orlando get back together after Christmas break. I’m actually really sad right now. I feel like I didn’t get any closure.
I gave it four stars because of this. I think a couple more characters and better ending would have made this a 5 star book.
With that said, I loved Sugar Daddy and Penny Wishes and I am starting another Lucy Hawkins book now.
I gave it four stars because of this. I think a couple more characters and better ending would have made this a 5 star book.
With that said, I loved Sugar Daddy and Penny Wishes and I am starting another Lucy Hawkins book now.
December 19, 2018
Hmmmm
Well I first need to say I truly loved this book. The way the relationship worked and played was extremely realistic and brought me into the characters life and wanted to know more and live there story.
My issue is that I didn't. It just stopped. It's like the end of the Hunger Games Trilogy when you could tell the author was just done.... That was this. Right in the middle of a very important segment the book ends. No conclusion no elude to a sequel nothing. It just stopped and unfortunately left me completely hanging. So I'm kinda at a toss up on the actual rating and don't feel like I can give it an actual truthful one, bc if there is a sequel coming then a def 4-4.5 otherwise we're between 2.5-3*
When reading and becoming invested in characters lives and stories you want to know what happens and I just don't
Well I first need to say I truly loved this book. The way the relationship worked and played was extremely realistic and brought me into the characters life and wanted to know more and live there story.
My issue is that I didn't. It just stopped. It's like the end of the Hunger Games Trilogy when you could tell the author was just done.... That was this. Right in the middle of a very important segment the book ends. No conclusion no elude to a sequel nothing. It just stopped and unfortunately left me completely hanging. So I'm kinda at a toss up on the actual rating and don't feel like I can give it an actual truthful one, bc if there is a sequel coming then a def 4-4.5 otherwise we're between 2.5-3*
When reading and becoming invested in characters lives and stories you want to know what happens and I just don't
January 17, 2018
This is the second book I have read by this author, and I enjoyed it just as much as the first! Finding Orlando was sexy, and emotional. I loved the chemistry between Orlando and Ethan. And the storyline was different and intense. It kept me turning the pages. The only thing I have to say is that I felt some parts were kinda skipped over, I won’t go into detail as this is just my opinion, but I still really enjoyed it. If your a M/M lover like me I recommend giving it a try!
November 17, 2025
This was a sweet coming of age and finding happiness within yourself type book. Ethan has been afraid to be himself because his father has made it clear he is not to like boys. Orlando has had a rough past but is looking to make things better for his family. The two are seemingly opposites, but they have more in common than they think. I really liked Ethan's journey to finding himself, and I loved Orlando's family. It took a while for me to get to reading it, but I'm glad I found it again.
June 19, 2018
Amazing!!!
This is only my second Lucy Hawkins book, but I'm already a dedicated fan. She has a way of crafting characters that makes you want to know them in real life. To have you rooting for them and their love. It's kind of awesome and totally worth the read.
This is only my second Lucy Hawkins book, but I'm already a dedicated fan. She has a way of crafting characters that makes you want to know them in real life. To have you rooting for them and their love. It's kind of awesome and totally worth the read.
June 6, 2017
Well written characters in a very moving story. I highly recommend this book. Looking forward to reading more by this author.
June 17, 2018
2.5☆
This story was just not for me
This story was just not for me
July 9, 2018
LOVED IT!
I really enjoyed watching Orlando and Ethan fall in love! They were so different. I love Lucy Hawkins books! I can’t wait to read more!
I really enjoyed watching Orlando and Ethan fall in love! They were so different. I love Lucy Hawkins books! I can’t wait to read more!
June 17, 2025
Dnf. Not crazy about the writing and the grammar put me off reading further. I read the epilogue and it was too cheesy for me.
August 2, 2018
Well written romance and believable characters certainly problems we can relate too but the usual good outcome one expects which we all want.
October 27, 2016
Ethan is old money and he lives amongst his kind in shared housing at Dalton University. He’s on the swim and he seems to be well-liked. He’s also deep in the closet and has no plans for coming out anytime soon–his father locked that door and threw away the key. Living across the hall from him is Orlando. Orlando’s family is poor and it’s thanks to the scholarship he’s on that he’s rooming in the same house as Ethan. To help his mother and sister out, he plays poker after hours and sends them the winnings, but he never tells them the truth about where it’s coming from. Orlando is not in the closet, not that he’s taking out full spreads in the paper, but he’s not doing anything in particular to conceal the fact that he’s gay. Even though there’s only a hallway between them, Ethan and Orlando are merely acquaintances. But one day, after running into Orlando, Ethan asks him if he can help him out with his Economics studies, Orlando being at the top of the class and all.
One study date turns into several and they grow beyond simply being housemates, but they aren’t exactly friends yet. Ethan, who’s constantly struggling with what’s expected of him, falls a part just a little when he finds out that Orlando is gay. They both have their own circumstances to consider and getting cozy with someone doesn’t really fit at the moment, but that doesn’t stop either of them from thinking about it.
[Mild spoilers removed; read the full review here.]
I don't know (or remember) what their majors were or which year they were even in, but for Ethan's sake, I kind of wanted him to wait until he finished his education so that it was paid for before coming out--to his dad, at least--because his dad certainly was not going to pay for his gay son to continue his higher learning on his dime. I know that's putting things off, but it's strategic. I'd hate to see him left in the lurch. Especially since his passion is art, though I know that's not his major. I just wish they could be practical. On the other hand, I know the weight of a secret can do terrible things to a person and living without being able to be yourself can break you, so I'd hate for him to suffer needlessly. So, I don't know, I like them, so, whatever it takes, I just want them to be happy.
And of course they were. Ethan came out to his mother and her side of the family first. It was unexpected and adorable. I'm pretty certain that they have a chance at a real happily ever after.
However, as much as I liked the story, there were two things that bothered me. First, I will forever think just a little less of any book that includes "I let out a breath that I don't realize I've been holding" or variations there of.
And second... This notion of wanting a "gay best friend"--a comment made by Orlando's friend--I hate it. When I read stuff like this, I can't help but wonder what the author was thinking. If it's going to be in the story, I need it to be addressed and resolved--some other character needs to say that it's not okay. When that failure is not rectified, it's a problem. Unless someone having that kind of mindset is integral to the narrative, it should not be included. And this is definitely not that kind of story. Can we stop treating marginalized folks like accessories or like they can fill a slot in someone's Pokédex. Enough with the tokenism.
So, if it wasn't for those things, I'd say this was a rather good story. And it is, but these things sour the experience. I think the worse thing about both parts, but especially the latter issue, is that you can remove them and nothing about the story would be lost. They were completely unnecessary.
One study date turns into several and they grow beyond simply being housemates, but they aren’t exactly friends yet. Ethan, who’s constantly struggling with what’s expected of him, falls a part just a little when he finds out that Orlando is gay. They both have their own circumstances to consider and getting cozy with someone doesn’t really fit at the moment, but that doesn’t stop either of them from thinking about it.
[Mild spoilers removed; read the full review here.]
I don't know (or remember) what their majors were or which year they were even in, but for Ethan's sake, I kind of wanted him to wait until he finished his education so that it was paid for before coming out--to his dad, at least--because his dad certainly was not going to pay for his gay son to continue his higher learning on his dime. I know that's putting things off, but it's strategic. I'd hate to see him left in the lurch. Especially since his passion is art, though I know that's not his major. I just wish they could be practical. On the other hand, I know the weight of a secret can do terrible things to a person and living without being able to be yourself can break you, so I'd hate for him to suffer needlessly. So, I don't know, I like them, so, whatever it takes, I just want them to be happy.
And of course they were. Ethan came out to his mother and her side of the family first. It was unexpected and adorable. I'm pretty certain that they have a chance at a real happily ever after.
However, as much as I liked the story, there were two things that bothered me. First, I will forever think just a little less of any book that includes "I let out a breath that I don't realize I've been holding" or variations there of.
And second... This notion of wanting a "gay best friend"--a comment made by Orlando's friend--I hate it. When I read stuff like this, I can't help but wonder what the author was thinking. If it's going to be in the story, I need it to be addressed and resolved--some other character needs to say that it's not okay. When that failure is not rectified, it's a problem. Unless someone having that kind of mindset is integral to the narrative, it should not be included. And this is definitely not that kind of story. Can we stop treating marginalized folks like accessories or like they can fill a slot in someone's Pokédex. Enough with the tokenism.
So, if it wasn't for those things, I'd say this was a rather good story. And it is, but these things sour the experience. I think the worse thing about both parts, but especially the latter issue, is that you can remove them and nothing about the story would be lost. They were completely unnecessary.
February 19, 2017
4 'I enjoyed this sugar overload, bit of angst on the road to an even sweeter HEA. Just what I felt like reading' stars.
April 11, 2016
Ethan Parker had toed the line that his rich and powerful father had laid out for him for his entire life. He was in college, on the swim team, and only created his art in secret. He was no closer to getting out from under his father's heavy, bigoted, narrow-minded thumb than he had ever been, when he meets the reason why that all might change.
At first glance, tattooed, pierced and athletic looking Orlandon Nolan does not bring to mind straight A's and good behavior, but in actuality he lived up to his own personal high standards for himself. His past home life had been violent and he had not responded well to that, immersing himself in drugs and bad choices. Then one day he looked at his mother and realised that he owed her so much more than that. So he cleaned up his act, went to college and was sending money home weekly that he won playing poker in an illegal game in order to assist his mother with raising his 12 year old sister, Astrid. Everything was fine, evenything was normal...until he met Ethan.
He knew that Ethan, who was in the same dorm as he was, was rich, entitled and most likely straight. He also knew that he had no chance, but he could not seem to get him off of his mind. He had no idea that Ethan might be thinking the same thing.
The story that unfolds will make the reader smile and root for love, though the writer crafts it in such a way that the reader is not subjected to "insta-love" and overly unrealistic fiction. What she creates is a coming of age story that seems like it might happen to anyone...if they are lucky.
At first glance, tattooed, pierced and athletic looking Orlandon Nolan does not bring to mind straight A's and good behavior, but in actuality he lived up to his own personal high standards for himself. His past home life had been violent and he had not responded well to that, immersing himself in drugs and bad choices. Then one day he looked at his mother and realised that he owed her so much more than that. So he cleaned up his act, went to college and was sending money home weekly that he won playing poker in an illegal game in order to assist his mother with raising his 12 year old sister, Astrid. Everything was fine, evenything was normal...until he met Ethan.
He knew that Ethan, who was in the same dorm as he was, was rich, entitled and most likely straight. He also knew that he had no chance, but he could not seem to get him off of his mind. He had no idea that Ethan might be thinking the same thing.
The story that unfolds will make the reader smile and root for love, though the writer crafts it in such a way that the reader is not subjected to "insta-love" and overly unrealistic fiction. What she creates is a coming of age story that seems like it might happen to anyone...if they are lucky.
April 14, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. The story of two college seniors living across the hall from each other who come from very different worlds. Orlando's family is poor and he plays poker to win money to help his mother and sister out. Orlando is openly gay, but is so focused on school and his plans to get a good paying job to help his family, that he has no time for relationships. Ethan comes from money. His homophobic father scared him to deeply bury his early teenage gay feelings that he has himself convinced he is straight. His father also expects him to go into the family insurance business after graduation, but Ethan really wants to be an artist. They are both attracted to each other, but deny their feelings to keep their worlds running smoothly. But they can't deny the attraction forever and they begin a tentative relationship. Ethan's father comes to see him in a swim meet the day after Ethan finally gives himself fully to Orlando. His father starts ranting about his gay brother and how disgusting it is that he is going to marry a man. Ethan gets scared again and breaks things off with Orlando, breaking both of their hearts. Can Ethan overcome his fears and become the person he was born to be? And will Orlando take him back after their breakup?
The book shifts from each boy's POV chapter by chapter. This gives the narrative a good look into the hearts and minds of each boy, and propels the emotional journey of the characters. I enjoyed this one so much, it will be on my re-read list in the near future. Find Orlando yourself and enjoy!
The book shifts from each boy's POV chapter by chapter. This gives the narrative a good look into the hearts and minds of each boy, and propels the emotional journey of the characters. I enjoyed this one so much, it will be on my re-read list in the near future. Find Orlando yourself and enjoy!
April 12, 2016
It didn’t take long for me to be charmed by Ethan and Orlando, there’s a sweetness in the way they fall for each other that appealed to me. That sweetness is tempered by Ethan’s frustration with the daunting amount of pressure his father smothers him under and his own efforts to convince himself he fits that mold though. His illusions of being straight falter in the face of his growing attraction to Orlando however, especially after a weekend with Orlando’s boisterous family gives him a taste of everything he didn’t know he was missing. Proving the notion that opposites attract, the dynamic between these two characters as they explore their new relationship is playful and sexy, which made it all the more bittersweet and frustrating for me when the couple is tested. When Ethan realizes that he has to find himself, so that he can keep Orlando, I melted for them both. I really enjoyed this, and look forward to reading more by this author.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 5, 2016
Two and half stars. Like so many books I've read lately, the opening led me to believe that this was going to be quite a lot better than it is. But once I got beyond the polished beginning it devolved into m/m college romance paint by numbers. The writing is simplistic and the dialogue boring and on the nose. Most of the time characters simply repeat to each other what they had just thought about in the previous chapter, even going so as to regurgitate events they had just thought about almost verbatim.
There isn't much of a plot and the problems posed for each character are either never resolved - Orlando's risky way of making money, or dealt with a boring summary fashion that left me wondering why one earth the author even bothered to make it an issue - Ethan's coming out. I didn't find much to hold my interest and had to force myself to finish mostly because I hate not reading books, I've purchased. The ending was cloying and unnecessary.
There isn't much of a plot and the problems posed for each character are either never resolved - Orlando's risky way of making money, or dealt with a boring summary fashion that left me wondering why one earth the author even bothered to make it an issue - Ethan's coming out. I didn't find much to hold my interest and had to force myself to finish mostly because I hate not reading books, I've purchased. The ending was cloying and unnecessary.
September 22, 2016
I have now read all three of Lucy Hawkins books. They are good, really good. They each have a great story. The only problem I have is with the story line. I'm not going to give spoilers away but they each have the same story arc. The main reason I read MM instead of FM romance is because the authors don't use the same story arc / time line in each of their books. I got sick of reading the same story over and over. My favorite FM romance author went with the first 20% they meet, next 25% they dance around each other, at exactly 50% they have sex, at 75% they break up, and at 85% they get back together. I stopped reading her books. They became redundant very quickly. I hope Lucy Hawkins can change up her story arc, because she has some great book ideas.
April 14, 2016
In several respects this was much better than most mm books you'll find out there. The characters are likable, the premise is good, and the writing is engaging. And best of all the story has the two main characters spending significant time together. We don't usually see that for some reason. But despite all that I didn't feel emotionally invested. I also felt that the overall plot was sacrificed and tied up into too neat a bow. Yes we need to see time spent together, but we still need a story around them. One can't be sacrificed for the other. I was tempted to give this four stars because of what it got right, but I have to go with my heart and give it three.
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