L’ultimissima cosa che Vincent Wade si aspetta è che Carson Cress gli chieda di uscire. Vince è uno studente di biologia scrupoloso e solitario; Carson Cress, al contrario, è una superstar del football, una specie di mito che vive costantemente sotto ai riflettori. È impossibile che tra loro possa funzionare. Ma Vince sta imparando che spesso le persone piombano nella tua vita come una forza inarrestabile e che tutto quello che ti resta da fare è aggrapparti, oppure ritrovarti con il cuore spezzato. Se la loro storia riuscirà a sopravvivere al disastroso incidente che costringe Carson a ripensare tutto il proprio futuro, allora forse Vince potrà finalmente trovare qualcosa in cui credere.
Mary Calmes believes in romance, happily ever afters, and the faith it takes for her characters to get there. She bleeds coffee, thinks chocolate should be its own food group, and currently lives in Kentucky with a six-pound furry ninja that protects her from baby birds, spiders and the neighbor’s dogs. To stay up to date on her ponderings and pandemonium (as well as the adventures of the ninja) follow her on Twitter @MaryCalmes, connect with her on Facebook, and subscribe to her Mary’s Mob newsletter.
Well! If that wasn't the most insane thing I've read in a long long while, then I don't know what is!
I’m laughing and shaking my head because I’m no Calmes novice having read almost 30 of her books, but this is Calmes on a whole other level.
You want whirlwind romance with grand gestures? You want proprietary proclamations after literally 3 conversations and a one night stand? You want a fairytale? Well this is fucking it!
Irresistible oblivious MC that turns straight men crooked + Determined alpha who just won't take “no” for an answer = Lightening fast claiming smexy smex that makes no sense whatsoever and it's lust to love to a promise of wedded bliss and forever and ever in a blink of an eye.
Let me repeat that. In a blink of an eye.
Always ridiculous. Always pretty darn romantic. Just park your higher brain function at the door, nod and grin, and no one has to get hurt.
“I like all of it.” He was firm, taking my face in both hands. “But mostly your eyes are driving me nuts.” My eyes? “What?” “Yeah,” he admitted hoarsely, his voice coming out in halting rasps. “I just… they’re really dark and big and beautiful.”
this was so fucking cute!! 😭 the mcs dynamic reminded me of Rhett and Grayson from hostile (nicole dykes) and Carson felt similar to Grayson at times, which i adored. 🥹 i loved how Carson just knew Vince was who he wanted and didn’t give up pursuing him, despite Vince being wary this might all just be an experiment to Carson. this was purely insta love and a short book so there wasn’t much development or depth but it was still really sweet. some moments had me smiling like a fool. 🥰
one thing i wish is there was a sequel showing their life in Maine and how they adjusted now that they’re officially together (also just me being greedy for more moments of them 🤪).
“It’s gonna be hard for you,” I predicted, even as my eyes fluttered with the sweep of his tongue over my throat. “You’ve been the big man on campus, the guy the world stopped for, and now you’ll become just another guy.” “Won’t I be your guy?”
I have mixed feelings on this one, and even now, I’m still not really sure what to think of it. There was something about this that just worked for me, despite the execution of the story being quite lacklustre and superficial. The writing itself also wasn’t very good. So, really, why did I like this? I don’t know, but I did somehow enjoy it. So… That’s that.
The story itself is about Tyler, a sarcastic and moody biology major, who was shunned by his family for being gay, and is now working 24/7 to pay for college and housing. One night, at work, he meets a pretty athlete, who he has a rather unpleasant encounter with. Turns out, this athlete, Carson, is the most famous football player on campus and has secretly been obsessing over Tyler from afar for over a year. From there on out, everything goes super-fast: Carson confesses his feelings, and Tyler is immediately wary but also recipient of his feelings.
It’s very insta-love, and does not make a ton of sense. Maybe it would have been easier to understand if we had gotten Carson's POV as well, but I guess we’ll never know. The writing was also a bit clunky and could at times be quite hard to follow. Then again, I found most of it to be very entertaining and seeing someone be adored and get completely obsessed over has always been a secret weakness of mine. So yea, make of all that what you will.
I was in the mood for some good OTT, insane insta-love. I think I enjoyed it even more this go round. Books like this are crack to me. I just can't get enough.
Originally read June 2018
Boy was this book fast like a rabbit on crack! Wham, Bam, Thank you ma'am! Of course I didn't care because Mary Calmes is my crack.
Was it just me or did Vince remind anyone of a young *cough* Jory? Because everyone loves him and wants to be with him.
And wait, hear that? That's me pulling out my rusty knives because Carson started to remind me of a young *cough* Fucking Sam Kage...closeted, gay alpha. Luckily I didn't have to pull them all the way out.
But overall I enjoyed it. It's a quick read and insta everything on steroids.
That has got to be the most insta-love M/M romance I've ever read. Seriously, it was insane how quickly their feelings developed. Yet, unsurprisingly (because of Mary's talent with witchcraft), I gobbled it up and read it in one sitting.
Once again, we have an MC who is so damn desirable that his milkshake even brings all the straight boys to the yard. Vince has many admirers, which was kind of funny because he came across as a bit of a dick. In true Mary Calmes style, Vince is oblivious to all the sexual attention he attracts. He's not an idiot, no; he's a super smart college student who is going to solve world hunger. *nods*
Carson Cress is a college football star on the fast track to the NFL. But apparently he's not so straight. He's been eying Vince for over a year - a fact that Vince is completely oblivious of - until one encounter brings forth all his secret desires for the super smart, super desirable, Vince.
Then they are in love. The end.
Seriously, their relationship may have moved at the speed of sound, but I couldn't help being completely charmed by the whole thing. Mary Calmes has got me again, the sneaky sneak.
I don’t know what it is about Mary Calmes’ writing, but she just flat out works for me. Things that would normally make me nuts or cry “foul!” totally work under her magical ways. Take this novella for instance - it moves fast. Seriously. The relationship moves faster than Usain Bolt. It also ends with more of a glimmer of an HEA than actual HEA and I wanted more. Then again with Calmes I always want more. I was hoping since this was edited for re-release that maybe we'd get a longer epilogue, because I’d love to have seen more about them finding their way together, but there aren't that many core changes from the original release.
Single POV, insta-love, contemporary romance with HFN.
Like that first bite of delicious cake just as the rest of the slice is snatched out from under your fork and tossed into the trash.
Negatives: no challenges to speak of, very little development or complications, and NOT ENOUGH WORDS.
Positives: IDK. I'm still too annoyed.
Someone needs to lock Mary Calmes in her room with a bed pan and a nutrient drip and make her write things all the damned time so her addicts don't die of withdrawal.
I'm a sucker for the college age love story, for the geek who's courted by the quarterback, and by decisions made under duress of hurt/comfort that will change our lives. This story pushed my buttons, and Vincent's dour irritability was endearing, much like Carson's wide-eyed belief that somehow, with love, the two of them would be okay.
I stopped reading Mary Calmes's stories because her stories weren't my cup of tea. However, the blurb was intriguing enough that I decided to give it a try.
While it still has Calmes's signature (that I know of), loveable characters, great banters, and sort of fluffy love -- I find it slightly different. Yes, I'm no expert in her stories, but I feel Vince to be slightly edgier, more grumpy, I think. And he doesn't just jump completely in love with Carson, even if the jock steamrolls into his life. Vince says "no" for the first time, he bails on Carson a couple of times, and even in the end, he doesn't immediately says "yes" to the promise of happily ever after. I think if Mary Calmes works on Vince's characters a bit more, rough him up more, he will be very interesting.
Unfortunately, I don't get Carson that much. You might want to read Lisa's review for her insight on Carson's character. However, for me, he feels underdeveloped. Plus, I don't understand his attraction to Vince. Why Vince? Why he decided to make a move on Vince NOW? I don't get enough answer to believe in him.
That was freaking adorable. Don’t sleep on this novella. Packed a whole lot of feels for such a short book. My first Mary Calmes but I’m definitely checking out the backlist now.
Mary Calmes books are my secret obsession. I know exactly what I'm going to get from her and each time I love it and want more!
This story is no different. Vincent is an overworked, stressed gay nineteen year old. He doesn't make the best first impressions and seems to piss people off more than anything. Carson is the number one man on campus, the star football player. He can make anyone do anything for him and he's as straight as can be. Until he meets Vincent. Vincent won't be pushed around no matter how hot Carson is. He makes his own way and he's not willing to jeopardize that just for a man.
I think the reason I love Mary books so much is because there's always that one character that is willing to say 'fuck you' when it comes to breaking promises. Vincent, while he wants to meet up with Carson, decided to keep his promise to cook for a friend's birthday instead. I like that because it shows having a SO isn't going to change him or make him ditch his friends. Another thing I loved is how Vincent and Carson first meet. Talk about intense! Carson gets forceful but Vincent won't back down. But yet, Vincent will melt to Carson when Carson gets intimate. It's sweet in a way. Carson is sexy and possessive and aggressive. And I absolutely loved it especially his long term obsession with Vincent.
College is one theme I love to read about because they're so young and the choices they make have a huge impact on their lives. With this story, my only problem was with the lack of anything after the final decision. I sincerely hope there's a sequel to come because Vincent made a huge decision but after that there's no epilogue to show the repercussions of that decision. I would really love to see life after the ending! The book was too short, damnit!
All in all, I absolutely loved it. I'm already tempted to re-read it because it's just so darn cute. I loved the characters and their chemistry. Definitely recommended to those who love Mary Calmes books.
Some of the most romantic words uttered in romance books are not a direct "I love you," but are indirect ones. Like the one in this book.
I really like reading this book. It bears all Ms. Calmes' signature. - Rapid dialogues? Check - A character that is loved by everyone? Check - A competent character who falls for dominant, macho guy? Check - family and friendship that last forever? Check - Romantic story? Check - Some insta-love? Check
It doesn't mean her books are all the same, though. If I remember correctly, this is the first time I read Ms. Calmes' story that is about college students with college setting. Usually hers is about adult men with family or work setting (although Dylan of the Warders series is a college student, the story is never about him in college beyond some passing discussions).
The story is simple. Vincent Wade, the beloved-by-everyone competent guy, met Carson Crass the jock when the latter came to his store.
Our eyes met and locked.
The book is not without flaw.
The usual rapidness of the dialogues is even expanded to the rapid speed of the relationship. Vincent felt he was steamrolled by it. Hence, the title. When the situation required him to decide at a whim, he had to look at his heart. Could he decide what he want in such short time, and answer the question?
I swallowed hard around the lump in my throat. "Yes, he does."
This was a beautiful love story and I could just eat Carson up! Loved him! Vince was lucky to have him:-) Mary Calmes is one of my favorite M/M authors. She can make you fall in love with the people in her book! She will always be an auto buy for me. Loved it!!
11/25/16 Rereading. I loved this book in 2012 and I want a comfort read and Mary always is one... ****Still loved it after all these years****
Just add INSTA-LUST®!!! The magical ingredient that will make YOUR characters LESS THAN HALF AS BELIEVABLE as other authors'.
"I read this book in amazement," said one reviewer. "I couldn't believe my eyes when Carson and Vince met. There was ZERO chemistry. But then Mary Calmes added lots of INSTA-LUST® and suddenly they were talking marriage after one night."
INSTA-LUST® - reduce YOUR characters' credibility - fast!!
Overall book rating: 4 Audio Book: Joshua Macrae - 4 Book Cover: 3.5
Was it FAST PACE? Why yes, yes it was. Did I care at all? No. No I didn't.
Normally the pace and the, let’s face it "non-realistic" factor of this book, would have put me of with a huge stop sign. Only, it really didn't.
I about melted into a puddle when Vince and Carson got their first EVERYTHING!
I loved that even though it was a short read, we got so much of Vince's way of thinking and ticking and I would have loved to have more of Carson's as well.
May I take the time and do this?
Mrs Cress! You are a woman of steel and I salute you. Great job girl!
And Mr and Mrs Matt's-Parrents! You guys are the things legends are made of!
Though I don't mind one bit that I read this, and though I enjoyed it so so much, I feel cheated out of a in depth story about these two. I think it would have been EPIC!!!!! Really really had fun.
In a surprising and statistically random turn of events, this is the second book I’ve read this week featuring a nerd and a jock, where the jock has secretly pined for the nerd for ages.
I have to say, this is the superior book. Even though we only get Vince’s POV, it still feels complete—his background and inner thoughts really paint the whole picture.
And let’s talk about insta-love: this might be the most insta-love story I’ve ever read. The timeline from their first real conversation to the HEA is maybe two weeks, and yet somehow, it’s still believable!
I especially loved how Carson was completely obsessed with Vince and didn’t even try to play it cool. I would have loved more of them, but I’m happy with how it wrapped up.
I can’t wait to read more from this author, I think she might just become a new favourite!
I don't what it is with Mary Calmes' writing but for me, I find it very addictive. Her stories are comfort reads that I go to and enjoy the hell out of each and every time.
In this one, we have Vincent Wade, a young student struggling to make ends meet and Carson Cress, football star and big man on campus. Vincent is working hard to a future he's very sure of while Carson is feeling the weight of expectations both from his family and the public.
There is wonderful chemistry here between the MC's and one thing that absolutely love with all Calmes' books are her secondary characters. Vince's adopted family and Carson's mother are pretty wonderful.
This is a novella, 95 pages only, so the story moves very fast. While it works for these characters, I can't help but want more. I want more about these guys finding their place in the world and more of them finding it together. What we do get is a meet cute, a scorching one night, and a very intense next meet that lays the foundation for the future.
I would have love another short with these guys down the road, not because this didn't have a satisfying conclusion but more because I'd love to see where they are in 10 years or so. I can imagine it but what can I say, I'm an addict.
If you've never read a Mary Calmes before expect sweet, snarky characters who form strong, loving relationships with secondary characters. This is about opposites feeling that electric, irresitible pull and finding that someone who compliments them and makes them stronger. They seem like two very different men who, in the end, turn out to be not that different and really want the same thing from the world and each other.
What I love about Mary Calmes’ writing is how intense it is. I love how the characters crave someone with their whole body and love with their whole heart. Yes, there is so much insta-love here it was ridiculous, but I still bought it.
Vince is trying to manage college and have a fulltime job to pay for his tiny apartment. He doesn’t understand the school’s star quarterback suddenly having an interest in him. But Carson, the quarterback does. He’s had a massive crush on Vince for over a year and he is now ready to act on it. But first he has to convince Vince of his feelings.
We got a super smart, insecure, but feisty, college guy, and a closeted, muscled jock, ready to jump out of said closet for the love of his life. These guys were just adorable together. I loved how Carson had to convince Vince of his intentions.
And these guys burned up the sheets!
If you like Mary Calmes and college guys, you will love this.
“I like all of you.” He was firm, taking my face in both hands. “But mostly your eyes are driving me nuts.” My eyes? “What?” “Yeah,” he said, his voice coming out in halting rasps. “I just… they’re really dark and big and beautiful.” “Baby,” I whispered. “I think you like boys.” “I like you.” His voice bottomed out.“ There is no doubt about that.”
Loved the dialogue and the cantankerous Vince! It was refreshing that the jock character wasn't afraid to come out of the closet and knew exactly what he wanted. A sweet & sexy read, which is what I needed after reading a few "gritty" books.
As much as this may sound like a complete oxymoron, I like my Cinderella stories to be grounded. Nothing is believable or palatable or interesting even without the nuances of reality that add depth, scope, character and flavour. We all say we want perfection, but in all truth, perfection is rather bland and uneventful.
This book borders on such. Yes, I know, we all know what we're getting when we pick up a Calmes book: a lovely escape. But unless it's sici-fi/fantasy then the world still ought to be governed by the laws that preside over the one in which we actually do live. Everything is just so muted and easily resolved here. It's all beige and my little pony land. It trips along at such a fast and even pace that even the conflicts are coated in yellow glitter. I've seen more engagement with real life on Sesame Street.
Taken apart, all the issues around which the story line is built had potential. But under Calmes pen it all falls flat, merging into a sticky, gooey mess of unrewarding, blinding sunshine. I am not asking for angst. I am just...you know what, I'm just bored and upset I spent time reading another of this author's books especially when this one was even more hurried and unrealistic than the rest.
I love Mary's books on a lot of levels. The dialogue and the subject matter is always intelligent, there's (and I admit I'm stealing this description from a friend) a certain witty tartness to her stories, and a perfect balance of sweet and sexy. Some are more emotional, some are darker, but you always can expect a quality story and that's nice to have in an author. Steamroller was on the light side, and I liked that. A shorter read, about a not so often scenario wherein a jock has a longstanding crush on a nerdy guy, and when they finally come together it's like fireworks. I read it in an afternoon at the end of a stressful day, and it was just the thing to take the edge off. Really sweet and wonderful, and highly recommended.
Steamroller is right , especially towards the end of this short book .
However , having read Mary Calmes before I knew to unwind and just let the crazy wash over me .
There is something a bit addictive about her books , I always relax when I realise which of the main characters is the universally loved ( Jory ) one .
Maybe I’m overrating this story slightly, but it kept me smiling more or less the whole time, as well as creating a warm, feelgood feeling in my chest, so can’t really give less.
It was a bit difficult for me in the beginning. There were a lot of commas in the text, the conversations were going here, there and everywhere, and it was this understated drama that took a while to get used to However, once those mini-issues were absorbed and the romance picked up a bit, I was enthralled…. The build-up of the romance and the chemistry between Vince and Carson was exactly the kind I like!
Ok, the story was not perfect, and I had some “huh??”-moments.
But as mentioned, the romance was great ( I guess I kind of like those “famous person” falls for “ordinary person” stories) and the steam factor was high. And it was all so uncomplicated. There were friends who didn’t mind someone being gay (in fact, there were some moments there that could have been a M/M romance story all on their own), and there were friends being there for each other also after a long time of no real contact, because, yeah family. I was also very entertained by the things going on at Vince’s job:-).
Oh and this book had me googling . Never read a book with this happening before,…maybe I’ve lived in a sheltered romance reality, so interesting with some new stuff.