#Rev

GearShark #2

by Cambria Hebert

Trent Mask puts the REV in revolution.
A line has been drawn.
Indie vs Pro
Here at GearShark, we’re straddling that line to bring you exclusive coverage of what some have dubbed the war of racing.
Every war starts with a spark and ends in revolution.
Drew Forrester was the spark,
but his second-in-command is the REVolution.
What does it take to stand brave in the face of opposition?
Resolve of steel…
Stubborn will…
And a heart that refuses to give up.
It isn’t just the drivers in this war.
The revolution is about more than just racing.
It’s about shattering labels and taking risks.
So we asked Trent Mask: Truth or Dare?
His answer?
Both.

Check out the full feature article inside…

*This is book 2 in the GearShark series.
This book contains french fries, fast cars and two men in love.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Sports, New Adult, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary, LGBT

564 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 27, 2016

About the author

Cambria Hebert is a bestselling novelist of more than fifty titles. She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, couldn’t pick a major, and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair.
Besides writing, Cambria loves a pumpkin spice latte, staying up late, sleeping in, and watching K drama until her eyes won’t stay open. She considers math human torture and has an irrational fear of chickens (yes, chickens). You can often find her running on the treadmill (she’d rather be eating a donut), painting her toenails (because she bites her fingernails), or walking her chihuahuas (the real bosses of the house).
Cambria has written in many genres, including new adult, sports romance, male/male romance, sci-fi, thriller, suspense, contemporary romance, and young adult. Many of her titles have been translated into foreign languages and have been the recipients of multiple awards.

Awards Cambria has received include:

Author of the Year 2016 (UtopiaCon2016)
The Hashtag Series: Best Contemporary Series of 2015 (UtopiaCon 2015)
#Nerd: Best Contemporary Book Cover of 2015 (UtopiaCon 2015)
Romeo from the Hashtag Series: Best Contemporary Lead (UtopiaCon 2015)
#Nerd: Top 50 Summer Reads (Buzzfeed.com 2015)
The Hashtag Series: Best Contemporary Series of 2016 (UtopiaCon 2016)
#NERD Book Trailer: Best Book Trailer of 2016 (UtopiaCon 2016)
#Nerd Book Trailer: Top 50 Most Cinematic Book Trailers of All Time (film-14.com)
#Nerd: Book Most Wanted to be Adapted to Screen: (2018)
Amnesia: Mystery Book of the Year (2018)

Cambria Hebert owns and operates Cambria Hebert Books, LLC.
You can find out more about Cambria and her titles by visiting her website:
http://www.cambriahebert.com

Email: cambriahebert@rocketmail.com
Facebook: http://smarturl.co/CambriaHebertFanpage
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cambriahebert
Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/cambriahebert/p...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cambriahebert
GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/amazoncambria
Newsletter subscription: http://eepurl.com/bUL5_5
Share Squad sign up: http://bit.ly/sharesquad

Reviews

[Elise ✘ a.k.a Ryder's Pet ✘ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Forth re-read: 27.04.2021
When I re-read book one, I had to re-read book two. I love how closer they feel in this book. That said, there's a lot of... I don't know how to explain it but... "deepening within the sentences/paragraphs". Like the author is really... not pushing, but underlining what for example this or that is by using four-five sentences just for that. I don't know how to describe it but I think that you'd notice it when you read it - or re-read it. Especially when you re-read as things might get a bit boring, like... "we get it" sort of thing?..

⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Trew Love Is Beautiful*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱

I wasn’t unable to love; I just needed the right person to give it to.

Third re-read: 08.08.2019
I love the chosen family. I love their closeness and their protectiveness. I love seeing Drew and Trent growing closer and deeper. It's so beautiful. I think their relationship is one of the most beautiful relationships I've ever read. That being said, I wonder who Trent's father is. Maybe that could be an idea for a third book for these two lovers, eh Cambria Hebert? Because I'm serious; two books is not enough for me. I need more Trew.

⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Jealous of their love*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱

Trent would always be my ultimate adrenaline rush. Not even a car or racetrack could beat him. He’d crossed the finish line in my heart a long time ago.

Second re-read: 18.11.2018
I just love these two men. I so damn jealous of their love and bond. I love that they are each others person and I love how much they love each other. You can practically feel it through the pages. I also adore how close the family is. I seriously hope - and pray - that we'll get another book centering Drew and Trent. I will not give up this hope. Ever.

“Even if I lost every single one of those things you just listed, it still wouldn’t add up to the single loss of you.”

⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Had to re-read this one as well*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱

Re-read: 08.08.2018
Sometimes you just can't get enough of certain characters. I hope for the love of everything that Cambria Hebert will write more books about these two amazing characters. I need more of a closure for them.

⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*True love*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
All this time I’d been so focused on telling myself it was wrong to love Drew because he was a man. It wasn’t wrong to love Drew.
What was wrong was the way some people saw that love.
As a perversion. As a twist of the devil.

First read review:
We're back with adrenaline junkie with/off? Cars and race driver, Andrew ‘Drew’ Wayne Forrester (how old?) and his person, the president of Alpha Omega Trent ‘T’ Mask (how old? 22?). I'm really glad we got another book of the two of them, still I wish we had gotten more. More action and whatnot. However, this one wasn't bad. It was adorable and cute and lovely. Trent and Drew are just so goddamn beautiful together and I love how closer they get when people go against them.

I tried to prevent the future from becoming the past by pushing Drew away. Drew wouldn’t go. Even my family seemed to sense I had one foot out the door.
They rallied around me. Around us.
I accepted Drew’s heart and tucked it right next to mine.
So here I was. Standing in the present, turning my back on the past.
Our revolution began with love.

I also liked the fact that this book started right where the first one ended. Oh and this book made me more curious of the Hashtag Series by Cambria Hebert, specially Romeo... you know I love alpha males and Romeo seems like one. Overall, I enjoyed the book, and I knew I enjoyed it well enough because I kept glancing at how many pages I had left and I didn't like how close I was to the ending. There really should come another book for the two of them. Maybe when they are a couple of years older (even though I still don't know how old they are now) and might want kids?.... One can wish, right?

“What hurts worse right now, your body or your heart?” I asked.
His forehead wrinkled. “What?”
“Your body or your heart?” I asked again.
His shoulders slumped. “I think you know the answer.”
“Well, your heart isn’t hurting from that beating. Your ribs endured a lot to protect what’s beneath it. They cracked under the pressure, but they still held strong. They protected your heart. Seems like the beating they took was for nothing, because for all the sheltering they did, you are pretty fucking intent on pummeling it.”
His face paled.
“You aren’t protecting me right now, Trent. It isn’t my body that needs the safety. Just like you, it’s my heart, and it’s taking a beating right fucking now.” His eyes were stricken when I looked into them. “You’re the one throwing the punches.”
His face paled.
“You aren’t protecting me right now, Trent. It isn’t my body that needs the safety. Just like you, it’s my heart, and it’s taking a beating right fucking now.” His eyes were stricken when I looked into them. “You’re the one throwing the punches.”
It was clear my declaration tormented him. The tone of his voice matched the look in his eyes. “Drew.”

Other Characters:
↦ Braeden ‘B’James Walker and his wife (?), Ivy Forrester, Drew's sister. Nova (almost six-month-old), their daughter and Drew's niece.
↦ Maryland Knights quarterback, Romeo Anderson and his wife (?), Rimmel. Romeo and Braeden were Trent's brothers and fellow former Wolves. The three of them started playing for the college the same semester and they’d played together up until last year when Romeo and B both got drafted (separately) to the NFL. Both couples are from Hashtag Series , I think.
↦ Josephine 'Joey', professional racer and Drew's 'babysitter' of sorts to make him less 'green'/the driver here to school him/mentor him. Ron Gamble's - the richest man in the state and founder of the new race - devision, who is also her dad.
↦ Lorhaven, liar, cheater, bad loser and asshole. He's also rich. His brother, Arrow (19). Both racers and competes against Drew. Though Lorhaven showed another side to himself is this book...

It was the way he put ketchup on his plate so I could eat his fries. The way I automatically pulled the tomatoes off my burgers and slid them onto his plate. It was the fact that I went to him first whenever something happened I wanted to share. And the way we made each other’s coffee exactly as we drank it.
Love is in the details. It’s in the everyday. It’s the way you treat someone when they aren’t even looking and the way they fill your head when you’re apart.
Of course people were going to see it.

Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (New Adult) Contemporary Romance (M/M).
Series: - Series, Book Two.
Love triangle? - No.
Cheating? - No.
HEA? - HFN.
Favorite character? - Andrew ‘Drew’ Wayne Forrester.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Yes.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Yes
Will I read this again in the future? - Who knows.
Rating - 3.5 stars.

[Wendys Wycked Words · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book about Trent and Drew, but this one was even better.

Trent and Drew are best friends turned to lovers. Both of them have some adjusting to do since they haven't been in a relationship with another man before. They want to be together, but both of them are also afraid of what will happen when they come out.

Drew's career is about to take off and he'll be in the spotlights. Trent is still frat president in college, and he's about to turn the reigns over to someone else. Something awful happened at the frathouse in book 1, which makes him even more apprehensive about coming out to his frat brothers.

They also worry about their family...blood and non-blood ones.

All in all these boys don't have it easy, but one thing is for sure. They are very much in love ;)



I loved how they got together and started exploring in book 1 and they sure turned on the heat in book 2 :)

The background story about bigots and true friends was very nicely done (although sometimes a bit unbelievable) I loved the revenge that got served cold !!

Drew and Trent were awesome characters and I would love to read more from this author. Especially about Arrow, he seemed like an interesting character and I would love for him to meet his person !!

4,5 stars from me !!

[Candy M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐ 4 “You know it’s a good one when it has you loudly squealing in public (shame? what’s dat)” stars ⭐

I finally decided to give this one a go after liking the first installment (I LOVED Drew and Trent as a couple from day one, but hated all the racing talk featured there).

It is with great satisfaction, however, that I must declare…


My thoughts on this one. This was a major SUCCESS (for the most part, at least).

**********************

Can you hear the sound of my considerable relief? Usually, I’m a bit reluctant to pick up a continuation of a series with the same couple… because I live in fear that the series will ruin what I appreciated about the romance in the first place. Miscommunication, characters acting out or reverting to the supposed flaws they already overcame in previous books. Yup, the true fuel of every romance reader’s nightmares.

So the fact that not only I enjoyed this sequel, but also found myself even more in love with the characters than before? I was about ready to send Mrs. Cambria a bouquet of flowers for the fantastic feat.

But in order to address what I absolutely adored with a semblance of coherence, let’s do it in parts.

Starting off with…

—The couple. Duh.

On one hand you have Trent, the president of a frat house and the definition of a stereotypical jock exterior rounded up with a Huge Teddy Bear interior (Although he will absolutely maul you if you mess with his man, let’s be clear). And then, as his counterpart, you got Drew, (a)typical bad boy with adrenaline junkie tendencies and a possessive streak as wide as the Mississippi. Together these two were, to put it plainly, the reason for the public squealing I referenced above.

(Not my brightest idea to read this while waiting in line to get groceries lol.)

They started book one as best friends with a simmer of attraction that sparked below all the camaraderie, something that was slowly acknowledged and just began to be explored in the original installment. Yet it is in this one where we truly see their romance bloom. You fully understand their intimacy, propelled by the kind of understanding that only previous years of friendship could bring, and a type of epic love you can’t help but be in awe and slightly jealous of.

“Just like that, we transitioned into best friend mode. I loved it. Because though our relationship had many layers, they weren’t separate. Like my feelings for him weren’t kept in a neat little box beside the one where our friendship was.
We swirled together. Like chocolate and vanilla soft serve, like ketchup and mustard on a burger.
Our friendship was better because of our love. Our love was better because it blossomed out of friendship.”

Trent and Drew really said…


And I very much approve. Friends-to-lovers? Get that shit outta here. We support only simultaneous friends AND lovers from now on.

—THE REVENGE ARC.

Without spoiling events for book one, Trent was left in quite the precarious situation where we last left off. So seeing the despicable culprits for the incident not only facing very real consequences, but being toyed with and falling for delicious mind games in the process? It was indeed a highlight for me (I’m vindictive, what can I say?). Together, the MCs were the kind of scheming and conniving I could easily get behind.

Plus, the fact that Drew was the one strategizing the entire downfall of these jerks also helped, giving you an even bigger clue of just how ride or die both of these guys were for each other. Now that's relationship goals, if you ask me.

For example, here you have Drew talking about getting some payback on Trent’s behalf:

“I nodded. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do yet, but I wasn’t going to turn down help. The more painful the revenge, the better.
And if worse came to worse…
I’d have someone to bail me out of jail.”

If your partner ain’t helping you achieve revenge and retribution, then they ain’t worth it.

—The found family trope.

Despite me not having read the original series (I literally only found out this was a spin-off after starting book one), I was still very much charmed by all of Trent and Drew’s friends. They were supportive, loyal to a fault and a perfect example of just how deep platonic bonds can truly run. Even if the context from the original series might’ve given me a better grasp of their backstories, I didn’t need it to sense the current of familial adoration they all felt for each other.



In shortened terms, I inhaled that.


—Therefore, in conclusion:

I could get into the few issues I had with the book. I could refer to the author’s lack of subtlety (Cambria Hebert really likes to hammer in the analogies and can be quite heavy-handed with her delivery), some of the predictable drama that involved Drew’s racing career and his and Trent’s parents reaction to their coming out (Homophobic bunch, because of course), and even the needless paragraph after paragraph detailing character’s outfits and physical appearances…

(Since we really needed to know what kinds of pullovers and jeans they were all wearing in explicit detail, uh? *sarcasm detected*)

Also, what was up with the author mentioning Drew’s love of french fries every two pages or so? I counted more than thirty references to it just now. And even as a french fry aficionado myself (because who isn’t), that’s at least twenty mentions too many.

Yet, at the same time…



I was too consumed by all the good ol’ serotonin I got from this book to really care. Truly, I was otherwise occupied by cheering for the main couple, being entertained by all the side characters, and enjoying all the deliciously smutty scenes we got (the sex wasn’t plentiful, but when the MCs got it on, it was ON), and so it became particularly hard to find the time to pay those few issues more than a passing glance and some minimal eye-rolls.

If that was the price to pay to get to see more of Trent, Drew, and their epic (b)romance...

Then I would gladly pay it again.


*******************

Now, lastly…

Keywords to figure if this book (and series) might be the one for you:

Epic (b)romance. And one of my favorite examples of friends-to-lovers done delectably right. A frat boy and a rebel racer getting it on. Chemistry through the roof. Intimacy and healthy communication. The kind of romance that might give you a toothache with all the sweetness (but hey, some cavities are worth it). Heartwarming use of the found family trope. Homophobic parents *mandatory eye-roll here*. Versatile lovers (big buff guy Trent gets topped too and it’s glorious). Ride or die type of couple. A great side plot about getting revenge to spice things up. Lots of gratuitous comments about french fries. And finally, a realistic HFN that only serves to propel my need to continue the series.

(Because book 6 features Trent and Drew as MCs one last time, and I truly can't get enough of these dorks).


*******************

GearShark series by Cambria Hebert

#Junkie - 3.5 ⭐
#Rev - 4 ⭐
#Swag - TBR.
#Blur - TBR.
#FinishLine - TBR.
#Fate - TBR.
#HEA: Happily Ever After - TBR.

[~Mindy Lynn~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great and disappointing ending. It was great in the aspects of seeing these two together and in so much love. I heart them together so hard. The only disappointment is that it's over. I want more of these two!

This one starts off where the first one ended. I was dreading the angst but it was quickly resolved and I was really relieved cause I did not want to read about these two being apart for even a smidge of a length in this book. So I was happy about that.

I love how much they love each other. It was a beautiful story to read about how these two love so hard and how dedicated they are to each other and the bond they have. It's inspiring to say the least.

Even though I am happy how it ended for them (even though their parents where shits) I would still love another book with these two. #FingersCrossed ;]

[Nazanin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

All his life, Drew did what his father wanted; he went to university, got a degree, finished his internship and found a decent job just for his father! And rejecting everything he wanted for Drew was the hardest thing! All his life he's been trying to please his father and live up to everything he wanted and being the son he wanted but he can't do that anymore! He can't pretend to be another person especially now that he's with Trent! Of course, Trent’s mother wasn’t better than Drew’s father! This story is about them coming out to their friends and their families!

Ahhh, this one was slower than the first book and I really struggled to finish it! After the 70%, I started skimming and skipping. I'm looking forward to Lorhaven and his brother's stories but I hope they're not as slow as this one! Told in dual POV, 1st person. It's the second installment in the "GearShark" series, with character crossover from "Hashtag" series (but you don't need to read that series first) and it should be read in order. Hope you enjoy it more than me!

[Catarina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Sweet Stars.

This second installment picks up immediately after the end of the first one and Trent’s “hate” attack. And as much as they want to protect each other, they know they can’t keep it a secret much longer. Between Drew’s job, the frat, their families and their lives they know they don’t have an easy road ahead of them, but they will find out that some things are worth the fight.



This second installment was probably even better than the first one. This felt more real especially because the story was all about them coming to terms with their sexual orientation, with who they were and how that would affect their lives and their families. It was an emotional and sweet book and if you’re a fan of MM romance books and NA, you should really read this series. These books are definitely worth your time.


Rating: 4 Stars.
Characters Development: It’s impossible not to fall in love with both Drew and Trent. They’re both so sweet, loyal and protective of each other that you’ll be cheering for them from the first page, especially because not only are they great as a couple, their strong bond of friendship is also fascinating to read. And let’s not forget that they’re sexy as hell, as well. It was nice to see more of the rest of the “family” and how close they all are.
Steam: Hot.
Sensible Subjects: Not really. Just some violence.
Love Triangle: No.
Cheating: No.
HEA: Yes.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

“It was definitely hard to love someone. But with Drew, it was impossible to stop.”

After reading ‘#Junkie’ I had to jump right into #Rev. I couldn’t wait to continue on with Drew and Trents story. I love these boys so much and the love they have for each other. This is such a beautiful friends to lovers romance. It breaks my heart that there are people/parents out there like Drew’s and Trent’s. The parent thing made me sad, but I was happy with how the conflict between the frat was handled. I love Trent and Drew (True ;) ) I’m excited to read more in this series later in the month- I especially can’t wait to listen to Arrow’s story!

October Audible Escape listen #10
Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Romance
Narrators: Luke Itzvic & Guy Locke
Length: 10 hours and 27 minutes

[moonlight ☾ [semi-hiatus] · Rating 5 out of 5]

She laughed lightly. "No," she argued. "The only thing strong enough to chase away pain is love."
"Love is pain," I told her.
"Yes. But some of our greatest pain becomes our greatest strength."

i loved this equally as i loved book one. 😌 in book one, Trent and Drew's transition/realization from friends to lovers was executed so well imo and i loved the longing and tension between them; however, by this book, they were officially together and we see them as a couple, how they fight for each other, and it's my favorite thing. i think the fact that they had such a close friendship first and, through that, they know how the other works, is why their relationship feels so natural to me.

what i loved:
✧ the revenge!!
✧ found family feels between the three couples: Trent/Drew, Romeo/Rimmel and Braeden/Ivy (and bb Nova). i'm definitely more tempted to read Romeo/Rimmel and Braeden/Ivy's books after this. the love and care between this group is just >>>
✧ the way Drew didn't give up on Trent, even when Trent was trying to push him away.
✧ seeing Trent and Drew fight for their relationship... and just be there for each other. 🥺
✧ Trent's granny only had one (kind of) appearance, but she's the mvp in my eyes. <3

what i didn't love:
✧ the homophobic parents in this book. i really had a bit of hope for Drew's parents after how they were described in the beginning...but of course they had to be homophobic. 😐 (but i'm honestly proud of Drew for standing up to his parents, even when all he wanted was for them to accept him)
✧ Conner and all the homophobic assholes.


"I've... I opened up a part of myself that was so private it physically hurt, the deepest place I feel things, the place where my most exposed feelings lie. That cost me a lot, Forrester, and I was scared. You are the biggest risk I'm ever going to take, so when you say you love me, it's the biggest reward I'll ever know."
"Don't ever underestimate the power you have over me, frat boy. I promise you I'm just as powerless when it comes to you."

[Dia · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 emotional and BIG stars for this beautiful story
This is the second book in the "Gear Shark" series, and we get to see Trent and Drew struggle for their love.
At first Drew has to fight for their relationship and convince Trent they need each other, even if Trent wants to let Drew live his life without complications that could destroy his career. It made my heart ache for both of them!!! Their love was huge but so many things were against them.
I liked this book more than the first one #Junkie, if that's possible. This one was different because we really understand and almost feel their fears and feelings, their disappointments, and everything was so much more than I anticipated... their need to protect the other, their deep feeling. Their love was really impressive!
I liked the action, the football game, the revenge, and I loved every scene with"Frat Boy"/T/Trent and Forrester/Drew. They were so sweet and tender!!!
I really like the way Cambria Hebert writes. It is deep and perfect!
It touched my heart!

[Meags · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

#Rev is another easy Hebert high rating for me. She writes stories that completely engage and entertain, effortlessly balancing the drama and the action with all the family feels (by blood and those chosen), and she knows how to write one hell of a memorable and heart-melting romance, regardless of the gender pairing.

In this direct sequel to #Junkie, Trent and Drew are now faced with the realities of their brand new romantic relationship. Telling their families that they’re more than friends and are in love is an overwhelming and nerve-wracking prospect, understandably. Plus, coming out in the racing world also poses potential issues where Drew’s burgeoning indie career is concerned.

All in all, it’s a lot to take in and the potential fallout's of their decision to be together could be heartbreaking, but Trent and Drew are determined to make it work, putting each other above everything and everyone else. They are at least comforted in the knowledge that, whatever happens, being together and owning their own truth and happiness is what matters most.

I really enjoyed this story a great deal and I’m confident that Trent and Drew will be a book couple whose story I’ll revisit time and time again.

[Dalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This installment as well as the first book in this series are both over 500 pages long and I still want more. What can I say, I fell in love with these guys. But damn it. What do I do now that it's over? *stares blankly into space*

#TrewLoveForever

[Gabby · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
"Love is in the details. It's in the everyday. It's the way you treat someone when they aren't even looking and the way they fill your head when you're apart.
Oh my gosh, I might have enjoyed this sequel even more than I enjoyed the first book. Trent and Drew are so fucking CUTE. This book picks up right where the first book left off, and this book is a lot more romance focused than the first book was (and I love that). The first book mostly dealt with Trent and Drew discovering their feelings for each other and learning how to deal with it, but this book deals with them diving head first into a relationship, and coming out to their friends and families, and getting revenge on the people who hurt Trent. And I loved it.

I love how beautifully this book is written. The way Trent and Drew describe their love and passion for each other is so beautiful and inspiring. "Trent would always be my biggest adrenaline rush. Not even a car or a racetrack could beat him. He'd crossed the finish line in my heart a long time ago." And Trent: But kissing Drew was like drinking water from the sea. The more I drank, the thirstier I became. So I kissed him endlessly; I devoured his mouth with relentless appetite. There was no way a woman could withstand the potency of passion between us. We were like two forces of nature crashing together at unmatched speed. But Drew could. Speed was practically his specialty and his strength matched my own." They are just too cute. I highlighted so many adorable passages like these. And the freaking sexual tension between them even after being together for a while was still so intense. I loved it all.

I also liked seeing Drew and Trent become friends with Arrow and learning more about hi character, and even having a truce with Lorhaven. I loved the comedy in this book, there were so many times I burst out laughing. Like this: "Trying to guess someone's reaction to a male-male relationship was like trying to figure out why a dog's farts smelled so bad." Like what the fuck? I was dying of laughter. And I adore Drew's obsession with french fries, we are similar in that way haha. The scenes with them both coming out to their parents were hard to watch. The way Drew's Dad basically disowned him and acted like a complete jerk to him and Trent was so sad. And for Drew to break down on the car ride home, UGH it was devastating. And then Trent's fucking Mom throws a fit and says that is probably why his Dad left him as a kid and all this fucking BULL SHIT I was so upset for them. But Trent's Granny accepted them without the bat of an eye and I really love her for that. At least Trent and Drew have each other but it's sad that they don't have the support of their parents.

I just LOVE this book and #Junkie so much. I adore Trent and Drew so fucking much and I'm sad that there isn't going to be another book from their perspectives, because I enjoy them so much. They are just so insanely cute together, #TrewLove :) I am genuinely surprised by how much I loved this series. Trent and Drew have become one of by favorite OTP's of all time.

[chan ☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

some of the cheesy moments that i ignored in the first book were repeated OVER AND OVER again in this one. i understand that people revel in their love, especially early on in a relationship but the way that these two were mooning over each other was a little nauseating.

and in general i think the lack of true plot/conflict didn't work as well for me. homophobia is certainly conflict but it wasn't enough in this book to drive the entire book idk. still loved drew/trent but the first book was stronger.

[εllε · Rating 3 out of 5]

Half of this book was only Drama Drama Drama, worse than a typical MF book: " we can't be together; I have to protect you; I love you but this can't be" and much more bullshit. I considered not finishing this, but I really wanted to know how their story ended.

*SPOILERS*

First of all I want to say that there were many mistakes in writing, grammatical or not.

Like Drew in the first book, Trent gives an interview for the sports magazine and I have to say that there were some dumb questions asked. Fifth graders could do better.

I know Trent was beaten and he didn't deserve it, but I wouldn't act on that. I like Karma to have the upper hand. I don't like direct revenge in a book. I like the characters to be better than that, but never mind.

This was supposed to be about racing and speed, but I didn't see anything about them in this book. The author says so in her ending note.

These were some of the reasons I'm giving only 2,5-3 stars to this book.

Apart from what I wrote above, the book was quite enjoyable and I liked the parts where Trent and Drew love each other. I love their relationship. So supportive of each other and so loyal, despite their parents' behaviour.

I'm not sure if I'll continue with the other book, since it's a MF novella, but I like the characters, they're intriguing and I want to read Arrow's book so much. I know it's soon, but I hope Sam from the fraternity will be Arrow's other half .... :))
One can hope

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in Cambria Hebert's GearShark Series and we are back with Drew and Trent, if you have not read book one in this series #Junkie you need to make sure you read it first. As we left #Junkie Drew and Trent were at an impasse in their relationship however they knew two things.. 1. They love each other and 2. They love to go fast. Everything else in their life, except for their family was up in the air. I will tell you that in this book we get to see Drew lay down the law and really own his feelings. I loved it! The love between these two men was strong it was the outside forces that were the issue in this part of their story. This book had me on a roller-coaster of emotions - this book made me cry, not many books make me cry. However, for each tear there was ten laughs later and that good feeling in your chest when you just know two characters couldn't be more right for each other.

So, as we know from #Junkie Drew and Trent were going to be starting the new era of racing, indie car racing that rivaled illegal street racing with sponsors and scheduled races for fans to follow. Drew was to be the poster boy for this new racing generation and Trent his manager. However, now that they have admitted they love each other Trent is worried their love will take Drews dreams away. So Trent, being the fixer and selfless man he is - trys to save Drew from all the anticipated pain and walk away. Lets just say, Drew was not having it.

“You broke up with me. I don’t break up with you.” .... “You wanna have it out?” Drew challenged without heat. “We will. And I’ll win. Losing you is not an option.” ... “But all was fair in love and war. If I had to fight dirty to keep him, then I’d be the dirtiest motherfucker there ever was. “So what’s it going to be, Trent?” I pressed. “Are you going to protect my heart and the love it holds for you, or are you going to walk away?”
I mean really, Trent had no chance of walking away from Drew.

There were a lot of things I loved about this story - Drew and Trent are just two amazing characters, they didn't allow others to define them with narrow labels, they didn't allow people not understanding their love to break them apart and they never gave up on each other the emotion between these two was palpable as you read the words. With comments such as

“It was definitely hard to love someone. But with Drew, it was impossible to stop.” or “And though our relationship had many layers, they weren’t separate. Like my feelings for him weren’t kept in a neat little box beside the one where our friendship was. We swirled together. Like chocolate and vanilla soft serve, like ketchup and mustard on a burger. Our friendship was better because of our love. Our love was better because it blossomed out of friendship.” It's no wonder that I was so upset when this amazing story ended and let me tell you, over 500 pages - flew by and I wanted more! I wanted more because I just loved this story not because it wasn't completed or I didn't like how it ended... no I just didn't want it to ever end. It was that type of story.

Cambria Hebert did an excellent job branching into the m/m genre which is not something every author can do. I speak for many fans of m/m romance and one thing we cannot stand is when an author writes a m/f story and simply changes the sex at the end to make it m/m - we can tell.Trust me. We don't like it. Those story-lines just don't flow as well and there is always something missing. I would read more m/m romance from Cambria Herbert and I am even considering reading her other hashtag books even though they are not my genre of choice at the moment :-)

Overall, this was a beautiful story about two men who were more than just each other's boyfriend, they were each other's everything...their person. This book is clearly a passionate story and it is realistic, open, honest.. One of my favorite tropes "best-friends to lovers" and the author wrote it perfectly. It had fast-cars, sexy-men, a cool as hell granny, and an extended family anyone would be lucky to have. I highly recommend this story and the GearShark Series. 5 REVolution Stars!


Review Copy of #REV purchased by the reviewer. Reviewed for Alpha Book Club

[v · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's official. My ass is SO DONE with f/m romances. I don't know why I didn't delve into the realm of m/m fiction sooner, but MY GOODNESS, I am so grateful I've finally taken the plunge.

I'm going to do a combo-review of #Junkie and #Rev, keep ya eyes peeled (I now have a visual of potato peelers and eyeballs - not pleasant).

ALRIGHT. Here we go, I'm going to cheat and just list reasons why I loved this series (don't hate me):
- Friends-to-lovers, YES PLEASE - because a couple having set the foundation of friendship to build a relationship atop is (in my opinion) a strong marker for a successful, balanced relationship, it also contributes to feeling the realism.
- Low-angst - there's little to no drama, what drama there is is necessary to the plot and effectively helps strengthen relationships.
- High-substance - The story deals with "coming out", I felt it was approached in a realistic way, that isn't necessarily drama-free, but is conducive to the story.
- FAMILY - Of thematic significance (in the unconventional sense):

“There was something special about family by choice.
It wasn’t blood that held us all together.
It was loyalty.
Love.”

- College struggles - Addresses the difficulties involved with pursuing post-secondary education: The fact that we do it because it's necessary/expected, and the internal-conflict that follows as you have no idea what the fuck you want to do with your life (also hella relatable).
- Descriptions of social-media/technology - Idk I just like when this stuff is incorporated, because it helps make stories feel more relevant like they're happening NOW, which I can forsee being a struggle for people reading these books like 20 years from now, but I like it, again, contributes to REALISM because who doesn't use social media (... actually ME as of earlier this week, but that's beside the point)?

Overall, these two books were a great read. I'm glad I read them back-to-back because the cliffhanger ending of book 1 would've got me TWISTED.

A few qualms (totally minor): Sometimes I struggled to keep track of Trent and Drew's narrations and sometimes I found their internal monologue-y bits boring. So, all in all, there really wasn't much for me to complain about, which is a totally pleasant surprise.

[Bo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pure perfection! I absolutely loved everything about this book. Trent and Drew are my fave couple from all of this author's books. I loved and hated the realism of it all. Not everybody in their lives were ok with their love, and it was devastating. However, I thought it made it real to life. Trent is still an unforgettable character to me. He's always stood on the periphery of things, but he finally shines! He's so selfless and loving. He's never felt good enough, but now he's found his "person", he shines!

[I~❤️~Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

💗 ✮5 Stars✮ 💗 Loved it!!! 💗

[*J* Too Many Books Too Little Time · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars!

Much like book 1, I liked this one but didn’t love it. While book 1 was full of racing speak, this one had virtually none. And it was just as detailed as the first one which again made it drag.

The first at least 30% of the book revolves around one night, the night that book 1 ends on. It was just too much.

I also found this one a bit over the top sweet. But I appreciated that there wasn’t a bunch of relationship angst. I thought the parents reactions to Trent and Drew was a bit OTT as well as all of the frat business.

But the series as a whole was entertaining enough and kept my interest for the most part.

[vee · Rating 2 out of 5]

👀dont look at me like that 👀

”He cares what you think,” I said quietly. “Your opinion matters. So if you aren’t sure how you feel about our relationship or the fact there are two gay guys in your family, walk away. Walk away right now.”
Romeo stared at me level, his blue eyes bouncing between mine.
“He’s already fucked up enough right now. If you can’t offer him the brother he needs tonight, I won’t let you in that room.”
Romeo’s lips curved up into a knowing, almost pleased expression. “He pissed you off so bad you put your hand through a wall and he’s pushing you away, yet here you are, standing guard at the door, protecting him.”

i liked the family

”I didn’t know I came off as a judgmental asshole,” he mused.
“You don’t. But you are a total alpha male and you know it.”
“All the men in this house are,” he retorted.
“Maybe, but I think we both know you’re number one.”
“Have you met my wife? She totally runs me.”
I laughed. It was so true. Rimmel was less than half his size, and he was totally wrapped around her little finger.

aaaand now i wanna read romeo-rimmel’s book(s)

’All this time I’d been so focused on telling myself it was wrong to love Drew because he was a man. It wasn’t wrong to love Drew.
What was wrong was the way some people saw that love.
As a perversion. As a twist of the devil.’

ngl some stuff (especially the quotes) were kinda eye roll worthily repetitive here. i get it but.. im an action over words type of gal (doesnt mean these words were bullshit, i just prefer them not existing and being overused. personal preference. cheesy shit r not my thang)

after book 1 i was excited to start this (immediately pick it up) but idk for me this one got a hell lot boring compared to the first one

[Erth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't think it was possible to love these guys any more but I do. I loved the strength they gave each other while they discovered their true feelings for each other and when it was time to tell their friends and familys. They truly are each others air they need to breath. The crew are amazing as always showing that they will protect their own no matter what, no questions asked and it just goes to show you don't need to be blood related to be family!!

This book also got me thinking about how we can take things for granted and not realise how difficult life can be for some when it comes to love. Life can be hard people can be cruel. Love is love we need to grab it while we can and never let go. It doesn't matter if we are attracted to the opposite or same sex, our person will be our person and thats what matters screw the small minded people.

[Raj · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first book in this series felt a bit dangerous,fresh & took me for a spin,unfortunately this edition barely raised my flags.I felt 'the gay is me,everybody loves me or hates me theme was repeated a bit too much the entire book in every shade of green & grey & some colors in between. It strived a bit too much for acceptance.These men desperately hungered for approval as if it was their ultimate goal in life in between periods of bland sex.

My fraternity brothers hate me?
My second family loves me?
My dad hates me?
His mother hates him?
My granny loves me?
My mother disowned me

It just went on & on & on,there was just too much insecurity on every page.It was like bathing in a cesspool of doubt from both men.There are books that portray male sexuality with a rawness that is spine tingling,a heat that is dirty,it's darkness,it sometimes is affectionate,filthy real.I barely felt anything here,I had to skim over the bed scenes,it just became overwhelmingly gushing & saturated like marshmallows dipped in honey & laced with syrup.

Both characters were drawn so similarly alike that I sometimes got mixed up in their thought patterns & I had to refer back to the chapter title to get more clarity to tell them apart & strangely both men avoided the 'gay label' like a plague to the very end.

This book will definitely please the real romantics at heart but unfortunately or maybe fortunately for me I like a bit more dirt in my love please to keep it real.

[NMmomof4 · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 Stars

Overall Opinion: This was disappointing. It felt like it was a second book for the sake of selling another book. Why? Because nothing really happened. At least not enough to make a second book out of it and couldn’t just add to the first. It was a lot of fluffy inner dialogue that became way too repetitive and pointless. It also had very minimal about the racing aspect to the story, which I found disappointing as well. Overall, I struggled with this and wanted better closure for this couple.

Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Trent and Drew’s story. It takes off where the first book ended. They’re trying to deal with outside obstacles while establishing a relationship. There are some sweet moments, some drama, and some sexy times…and they get a HFN ending.

Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Trent and Drew’s POV.

Overall Pace of Story: Slow. Too repetitive and not much happened.

Instalove: No, but they’re in love when this begins.

H1 (Hero #1) rating: 3.5 stars. Trent. I liked him, but his martyr behavior bugged a little.

H2 (Hero #2) rating: 3.5 stars. Drew. I liked him, just not as much as the first book.

Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed

Push/Pull: Yes The H1 pushes away and I’d say they both pursue the relationship at times

Heat level: Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.

Descriptive sex: Yes

OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: No

Sex scene with OW or OM: No

Cheating: No

Separation: No

Possible Triggers: Yes Violence/assault/disownment (on page)

Closure: This ends abruptly with what I would call a HFN ending. Not enough closure for me at all they’re living together.

Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers

- Does Not have cheating
- Does Not have a descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
- Does have the H1 pushing the H2 away
- Does Not have a separation between the H1 and H2
- Does Not have abuse by mcs
- Does Not have a HEA ending

[*TANYA* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very seldom, in my opinion, is the follow-up better than the first book, this is one of those cases. I got the feels with this series but more so with this book. The bond and loyalty for each other was a very classic, unwavering type of love. I loved how committed Trent and Drew were to each other. No drama, no angst, they both were 100% sure they were each other’s person. Sigh!!

The cuteness level was off the charts!!

[MaDoReader · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quizás un 2,5, pero esperaba bastante más de este libro.

Esta vez no hay carreras, cosa que agradezco, pero la pareja me ha dejado fría, una pena, porque quería que me gustase...

[hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love is in the details. It’s in the everyday. It’s the way you treat someone when they aren’t even looking and the way they fill your head when you’re apart.

This quote is exactly them 🥺 The little things they did for each other, the little obsessions they had about each other, and how they were constantly thinking about how to protect one another. They were each other’s top priority and I loved how Drew put Trent above absolutely everything. If it meant having to hide Trent because of his racing career then he didn’t want it. Racing is Drew’s whole being, it’s what makes him feel happy and free. So for him to pick Trent with no hesitation made my heart melt, the pure devotion 😭They both took some major risks and constantly put themselves way out of their comfort zone so they could be together. They fought for each other, and they fought hard when everything was against them.

This will have some slight spoilers but I’m not going to discuss the main events of this book but there is a spoiler from the ending of last book though.

“I’ve… I opened up a part of myself that was so private it physically hurt, the deepest place I feel things, the place where my most exposed feelings lie. That cost me a lot, Forrester, and I was scared. You are the biggest risk I’m ever going to take, so when you say you love me, it’s the biggest reward I’ll ever know.”

The amount of homophobia these two had to face was absolutely devastating. They were in a constant battle no matter where they turned but they stayed true to their feelings and worked through everything together, as a couple. And I just loved it 🥺 From reading the first book we know how much Trent loves Drew and the fact that he wanted to separate from each other to protect Drew broke my heart. I could feel how hard it was for him to do that 💔 But these two always put each other first no matter what, so I did understand why Trent wanted to do it. But then how Drew fought for Trent? I couldn’t have been happier as I was when I was reading that.

“You would choose him over your career?” he asked, speculation in his tone.
“I already did.” I yanked my gaze from the older man and looked at Trent. “There’s no choice.”

Drew had zero hesitation about his love for Trent. I love reading about characters that would do whatever it takes to be with their person. So you definitely get two characters who are deeply devoted to each other and throw in some protectiveness and possessives and *chefs kiss*

I see that Trent and Drew’s story continues in #Fate so I was wondering if I could just read that without having to read the other books in the series. I’m not to interested in the other couples. I was kinda excited for Hopper and Arrow but it has the dead lovers trope and it’s not something I like to read 😬 Maybe I will, I’m not sure yet.

But anyway…#TrewLove everyone <33

[Vini · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 'I Miss you like Fries misses Ketchup' Stars

#TeamTrewForever

Love is easy and hard. Falling in love with someone is easy, but keeping and fighting for that love is hard, at its best.
But when one find a love worth fighting for, all the obstacles look like a pebble in the sea. Those obstacles will sink like the pebble and love will conquer everything, even the Us against the world kind of thing.

Trent and Drew's story continues right where it was left to be continued in #Junkie. Where they knew that accepting what they felt was not something good in the mind of some.

Trent even beaten up, with cracked ribs could only think of protecting the man he loves.
He has always been the quiet one, an observer, a shoulder to cry on, the listener, the guy who puts a smile on everyone's face, made everyone feel better by just being present has never known whats it like being a part of a family.

I always knew there was more to the charmer than we were let on in #Hashtag series and in #Junkie. But i never knew he has been a loner all his life and had everything hurtful stashed deep, deep inside him. This selfless guy stole my heart in #Junkie and i just fell more for him.

Drew is seething.. Well who wouldn't when they find their love in condition where he isn't able to walk. And he's hell bent on the idea of revenge..
But not as important as being with Trent. {I'm spoiling it, aren't I?}

Well i couldn't help I'm speechless as well as I can go on and on about them.

I still have this lump in my throat while writing this review, cause i can't stop thinking about what happened with them and that makes me cry.

The thing with Drew felt all too real and it just happened to be something one can easily relate to....
I've cried a bucket over Trew and not the pretty sobs, once it started i just couldn't stop the tears.

It literally felt like I've been through a wringer. Like I've been sucked in an emotional cyclone being thrown like a sac here and there. One second I was balling my eyes out and the next i couldn't help but chuckle at their antics.

Love is in the details. It's in the everyday. It's the way you treat someone when they aren't even looking and the way they fill your head when you're apart.

It was beyond beautiful. A story about Unconditional Love that held me captive from the start and still does. Again Cambria your writing is AMAZING!!
It just sucked me in and didn't let me out until i felt emotionally exhausted.

#Trew I 'HEART' YOU SO MUCH IT HURTS!

I pretty much accepted that I'd become a #Junkie for #Trew before. But the #Rev has just begun and it's not going to stop until it leaves an impact on everybody.

I highly recommend it to everyone who just want to read #TrewLove

[~Kristin~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

[Anyta Sunday]

Junkie (GearShark, #1) was my fave. I highly recommend that story. Unfortunately it ended in a cliffhanger, which lead me to this one. I'm happy I got the resolution I was reading for, but this story felt more... rote.

Mostly I came away after reading this one really wanting to read Arrow's story. I really hope this talented author will craft a story for him!

:D

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot wait! I want this now!!! ❤


I was so into this book I couldn't put it down. took me less than 24 hrs to read