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Behind Closed Doors #1
The Foundation
Throughout high school, Benjamin Alcott had a single goal in mind – to escape a home environment that was anything but loving and supportive. With determination and perseverance, Ben has risen to the top of his class, both academically and athletically. And with careful planning, he has secured scholarships which ensure he has a real chance to see through his goal of becoming a doctor. But beyond that dream, Benjamin also wants a place where he can live freely and openly as the young gay man he is without shame, persecution, or fear.Cord Robinson also has a dream which he has held close to his heart for years, while he patiently waited for Benjamin to grow up and leave home – for Ben to be his. Cord has already gone through the steps of coming to terms with his sexuality and then coming out to his family and friends. And now that college is over for him and his best friend Branden, who is also Benjamin’s brother, Cord is ready to let Ben know that he is interested in a real future with the beautiful young man.But as Ben prepares for his graduation, the violence at home reaches a breaking point and he flees. When Cord realizes what has been going on behind the Alcott’s doors, it’s a race against time for him to find Ben and then open his heart to the one other man he wants to build a life and solid foundation with as Benjamin prepares to finally spread his wings and fly.CONTENT Explicit Sex, References to Childhood Physical Abuse (No Sexual Abuse)
383 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2016
21 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Diana McKinley
8 books74 followersAs a lover of the written word, in all its forms and variations, Diana McKinley is excited to enter the realm of authoring erotic novels. Through years of reading and looking for strong male and female characters alike, across a myriad of genres, she decided that sometimes you have to write the tale in your heart in order to finally see the kind of hero or heroine you've been searching for. She loves humor and a happy ending though sometimes her characters have to go through insurmountable odds together to achieve their bliss. She hopes that there will be something for everyone who relishes a satisfying erotic story in her books. Come along on the journeys and enjoy the ride!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 3, 2016
Why can't we give half stars? Because I would give this book half a star. Without hesitation. This is some of the poorest writing I've ever seen. Right up there with some of my other favorites like the Fifty Shades trilogy, Saving You, Saving Me, Love, Unscripted, and Real (Raw and Ripped).
When I say it's bad, I mean it. Not because of the technical aspects, though McKinley does need some help with commas (she just uses too damn many), and she apparently doesn't know that it's 'camaraderie', not 'comradery'. Oh, there's also the issue of writing things like, "Ben looked up to see Cord's humored expression..."
No, the biggest problem with McKinley's writing is that it's just. So. SMARMY. Not to mention repetitive. So not only do you get the joy of ultimate cheese, it just keeps melting in on itself, over and over again. I'll try and give a basic rundown of the story before I get into why I hated it.
Ben gets beaten up and thrown out by his homophobic father, ends up with his neighbor, Mrs. Lukity, and her nephew, Robert. Ben's older brother, Branden, and Branden's best friend, Cord, show up for Ben's graduation, and after tracking Ben down at Mrs. Lukity's, Cord announces he's always carried a torch for Branden and wants to try for a relationship. Branden similarly decides that after ignoring his younger brother for their entire fucking lives, he and Ben should now have some kind of brotherly relationship. Ben announces he's not going to college in Alabama, but has instead gotten scholarships for the University of Vermont. So Cord, who is of course rich, decides that he's going to help Ben through this, and takes on Mrs. Lukity and Robert, too, because Ben considers them his family. Cord uses his family's private jet to get everyone to Vermont, then Cord's family shows up, there's some house shopping, everyone genuflecting at Ben's feet, some really boring and repetitive sex scenes, and...that's pretty much it.
400+ fucking pages of everyone talking about or thinking about how fucking awesome Ben is. He can do no wrong. He's apparently the fastest runner since Usain Bolt, but no one knew because his parents never let him shine. Cord decides it's totally okay to lock an emotionally and physically abused 18-year-old into a committed relationship, Robert and Branden both act really strangely toward Ben....at one point, Branden gives Ben's cheek an "affectionate caress".
The dynamics of Ben's relationship with...well, pretty much every other male in the story, are just bizarre. Like, creep me out bizarre, and I'm not easily creeped out. Robert, a man I can only assume is in his early to mid twenties and supposedly straight, is constantly up Ben's ass, wanting to know what's wrong, what someone else did to him, what everyone said to him. He continually interferes in Cord and Ben's relationship like some kind of jealous, stalking ex. Branden, after the affectionate caressing of Ben's face, makes some derogatory comments about Ben and Cord's public displays of affection, one of which sends Ben to the bathroom of a club by himself where he is, of course, accosted by three men who won't take "no" for an answer. Because Ben is perfect. Didn't you know? He's sweet and smart and brave and strong and beautiful....Oh, and no one gave a single psychotic fuck about him until he turned 18!
I don't fucking understand this. I don't know what in the hell it looks like inside Diana McKinley's head, and I'm scared to find out. Mrs. Lukity and Robert knew Ben was being abused, but did nothing. Cord had a thing for Ben, but apparently had very little contact with him in the four years they knew each other. Branden knew his father was abusive, but completely ignored his younger brother who still had to live with the asshole.
These people are awful.
And Ben had to be rescued. All the time. He was constantly on the verge of tears or a goddamn panic attack, and everyone talked about how strong he was while simultaneously treating him like he was made of spun glass, Cord's family took a very strange interest in him, and no one could mind their own fucking business. When Ben's mad at Branden for his comments, the entire fucking household gets in on it. Ben, Branden, and Cord should be the ones discussing what's going on with Branden that makes him such a prick to Ben, but Cord's parents, his younger sister, Mrs. Lukity and Robert (of course because Robert is a strange bloke who is always around) all get in on it. Ben says that it's really between him and Branden, and Cord's father is all, "I disagree!"
Well, good for you, Mr. I Have No Boundaries, but seriously. Fuck off.
This book. Blech. It's worse than a soap opera because at least soap operas have some kind of point to make. Usually. This is just constant repetition about how wonderful Ben is, how much in love Cord and Ben are, how much Ben's been through so no one better hurt him anymore....and again, I can't help but wonder where the fuck these people were when Ben needed them. He's 18 now, he has college scholarships, and he's getting away. He did all of that on his own, and yet now everyone wants to come to his fucking rescue.
I already mentioned that the dialogue is awful. What I haven't yet told you is that almost the entire book is dialogue. So it's just page after page of awkward, stilted, repeated information, people constantly telling each other what's going on in the story for the sake of the reader. Some of the worst dialogue I've ever read. This book offends me with how awful it is.
For your reading pleasure:
"'And you're here, Ben, because no matter what's happened to you, you picked your battles and made a way for yourself, despite it all. You're tenacious, braver than I ever realized, and amazingly smart.'"
"'Do you want to sleep in my arms, take me into your mouth, or talk about your brother?'"
"...he would give Cord and Ben about fifteen minutes alone before he went in search of the two. No way was Cord getting the impression that no one was checking up on Ben. Robert wanted the man on his toes from moment one."
"'Oh, I’m going nowhere, Ben,' he growled. 'Oh, yes you are,' Robert called from the back door."
"Robert grinned in return. 'Oh, yeah. Come on inside, you two, and we’ll all talk about Ben’s upcoming plans and where we go from here. As a family,' he added."
"'He probably heard my outburst and got worried. Robert won't let up until he sees me and knows I'm okay.'"
After several chapters of Cord and Ben telling each other "I love you", Robert says to Ben, "You're falling in love with him, aren't you?" To which Ben replies with a nod and, "I am" Then Robert says, "I'm glad, Ben. Otherwise I'd have to kick his ass and throw him to the curb..."
That's not an overreaction at all, right? Next time one of my friends tells me they're not falling in love with their SO, I'm gonna kick that person's ass for the effrontery. I mean, how fucking dare Cord be so uncouth as to not force Ben to fall in love with him?
Useless sack.
Anyway, what was I saying? Oh yeah...
When I say it's bad, I mean it. Not because of the technical aspects, though McKinley does need some help with commas (she just uses too damn many), and she apparently doesn't know that it's 'camaraderie', not 'comradery'. Oh, there's also the issue of writing things like, "Ben looked up to see Cord's humored expression..."
No, the biggest problem with McKinley's writing is that it's just. So. SMARMY. Not to mention repetitive. So not only do you get the joy of ultimate cheese, it just keeps melting in on itself, over and over again. I'll try and give a basic rundown of the story before I get into why I hated it.
Ben gets beaten up and thrown out by his homophobic father, ends up with his neighbor, Mrs. Lukity, and her nephew, Robert. Ben's older brother, Branden, and Branden's best friend, Cord, show up for Ben's graduation, and after tracking Ben down at Mrs. Lukity's, Cord announces he's always carried a torch for Branden and wants to try for a relationship. Branden similarly decides that after ignoring his younger brother for their entire fucking lives, he and Ben should now have some kind of brotherly relationship. Ben announces he's not going to college in Alabama, but has instead gotten scholarships for the University of Vermont. So Cord, who is of course rich, decides that he's going to help Ben through this, and takes on Mrs. Lukity and Robert, too, because Ben considers them his family. Cord uses his family's private jet to get everyone to Vermont, then Cord's family shows up, there's some house shopping, everyone genuflecting at Ben's feet, some really boring and repetitive sex scenes, and...that's pretty much it.
400+ fucking pages of everyone talking about or thinking about how fucking awesome Ben is. He can do no wrong. He's apparently the fastest runner since Usain Bolt, but no one knew because his parents never let him shine. Cord decides it's totally okay to lock an emotionally and physically abused 18-year-old into a committed relationship, Robert and Branden both act really strangely toward Ben....at one point, Branden gives Ben's cheek an "affectionate caress".
The dynamics of Ben's relationship with...well, pretty much every other male in the story, are just bizarre. Like, creep me out bizarre, and I'm not easily creeped out. Robert, a man I can only assume is in his early to mid twenties and supposedly straight, is constantly up Ben's ass, wanting to know what's wrong, what someone else did to him, what everyone said to him. He continually interferes in Cord and Ben's relationship like some kind of jealous, stalking ex. Branden, after the affectionate caressing of Ben's face, makes some derogatory comments about Ben and Cord's public displays of affection, one of which sends Ben to the bathroom of a club by himself where he is, of course, accosted by three men who won't take "no" for an answer. Because Ben is perfect. Didn't you know? He's sweet and smart and brave and strong and beautiful....Oh, and no one gave a single psychotic fuck about him until he turned 18!
I don't fucking understand this. I don't know what in the hell it looks like inside Diana McKinley's head, and I'm scared to find out. Mrs. Lukity and Robert knew Ben was being abused, but did nothing. Cord had a thing for Ben, but apparently had very little contact with him in the four years they knew each other. Branden knew his father was abusive, but completely ignored his younger brother who still had to live with the asshole.
These people are awful.
And Ben had to be rescued. All the time. He was constantly on the verge of tears or a goddamn panic attack, and everyone talked about how strong he was while simultaneously treating him like he was made of spun glass, Cord's family took a very strange interest in him, and no one could mind their own fucking business. When Ben's mad at Branden for his comments, the entire fucking household gets in on it. Ben, Branden, and Cord should be the ones discussing what's going on with Branden that makes him such a prick to Ben, but Cord's parents, his younger sister, Mrs. Lukity and Robert (of course because Robert is a strange bloke who is always around) all get in on it. Ben says that it's really between him and Branden, and Cord's father is all, "I disagree!"
Well, good for you, Mr. I Have No Boundaries, but seriously. Fuck off.
This book. Blech. It's worse than a soap opera because at least soap operas have some kind of point to make. Usually. This is just constant repetition about how wonderful Ben is, how much in love Cord and Ben are, how much Ben's been through so no one better hurt him anymore....and again, I can't help but wonder where the fuck these people were when Ben needed them. He's 18 now, he has college scholarships, and he's getting away. He did all of that on his own, and yet now everyone wants to come to his fucking rescue.
I already mentioned that the dialogue is awful. What I haven't yet told you is that almost the entire book is dialogue. So it's just page after page of awkward, stilted, repeated information, people constantly telling each other what's going on in the story for the sake of the reader. Some of the worst dialogue I've ever read. This book offends me with how awful it is.
For your reading pleasure:
"'And you're here, Ben, because no matter what's happened to you, you picked your battles and made a way for yourself, despite it all. You're tenacious, braver than I ever realized, and amazingly smart.'"
"'Do you want to sleep in my arms, take me into your mouth, or talk about your brother?'"
"...he would give Cord and Ben about fifteen minutes alone before he went in search of the two. No way was Cord getting the impression that no one was checking up on Ben. Robert wanted the man on his toes from moment one."
"'Oh, I’m going nowhere, Ben,' he growled. 'Oh, yes you are,' Robert called from the back door."
"Robert grinned in return. 'Oh, yeah. Come on inside, you two, and we’ll all talk about Ben’s upcoming plans and where we go from here. As a family,' he added."
"'He probably heard my outburst and got worried. Robert won't let up until he sees me and knows I'm okay.'"
After several chapters of Cord and Ben telling each other "I love you", Robert says to Ben, "You're falling in love with him, aren't you?" To which Ben replies with a nod and, "I am" Then Robert says, "I'm glad, Ben. Otherwise I'd have to kick his ass and throw him to the curb..."
That's not an overreaction at all, right? Next time one of my friends tells me they're not falling in love with their SO, I'm gonna kick that person's ass for the effrontery. I mean, how fucking dare Cord be so uncouth as to not force Ben to fall in love with him?
Useless sack.
Anyway, what was I saying? Oh yeah...
April 4, 2016
2.5 stars
This started out great. I was all for the hurt part and thought there would be some amazing comfort coming my way. Little did I know that the rest of this book would be all comfort, from every. Single. Person. In. this. Stupid. Book.
Ben gets beaten up by his dad for being gay (so far so good!).
He runs for his life and ends up at his neighbor’s house. The neighbor declares herself his new mom and her nephew tells Ben he is his new brother. Sure! Of course!
But Ben already has a brother, one who has never paid any attention to him because he wanted to be away from their parents. The brother, Braden, gets told by his best friend that it is time to spend more time with Ben. The best friend, Cord, says this because he has been waiting for Ben to grow up so he can claim him and make him his.
When the guys arrive, they find Ben missing and go out to look for him. When they find him at the neighbor’s house Cord storms in and practically declares his everlasting love right then and there.
And since we were only on page 68 of 317, I was wondering how the rest of this book would turn out. Would there be angst or some other misunderstanding to fill the pages? I really hoped not.
But boy, was I eventually hoping for some angst…
Because all we got is cheese.
Massive amounts of cheese.
Cheese cheese cheese.
And even though I like a bit of cheesiness in my books, this was just too much.
Everyone treats Ben like he is a wounded little bird. And I mean everyone. His new mom, his new brother, his real brother and of course his now boyfriend, Cord. Wait, I’m forgetting Cord’s parents and his sister. Instant new family!
But what bothered me most of all in this book is the fact that it is way too detailed. We get every single second after the beating took place. There is no room for the relationship between Cord and Ben to grow. The I love yous took place at around 50% and normally that’s okay, but only 2 days had passed in the story! I constantly felt I was reading a very long prologue. Because all these plans are being made for the future, but we don’t get to read about that future.
It was all, ‘Oh, Ben, your brother has issues, he is being mean to you, we need to protect you!’ And then they would talk about that issue for 30 pages. Talk about blowing things up…. Braden was just jealous and afraid of losing his best friend. But the author decided to use these little things as conflict in the story.
And what the heck was with all the crying? Everyone was crying all the time!
I can do cheesy, but this was just too much cheese, I totally lost my appetite….
This started out great. I was all for the hurt part and thought there would be some amazing comfort coming my way. Little did I know that the rest of this book would be all comfort, from every. Single. Person. In. this. Stupid. Book.
Ben gets beaten up by his dad for being gay (so far so good!).
He runs for his life and ends up at his neighbor’s house. The neighbor declares herself his new mom and her nephew tells Ben he is his new brother. Sure! Of course!
But Ben already has a brother, one who has never paid any attention to him because he wanted to be away from their parents. The brother, Braden, gets told by his best friend that it is time to spend more time with Ben. The best friend, Cord, says this because he has been waiting for Ben to grow up so he can claim him and make him his.
When the guys arrive, they find Ben missing and go out to look for him. When they find him at the neighbor’s house Cord storms in and practically declares his everlasting love right then and there.
And since we were only on page 68 of 317, I was wondering how the rest of this book would turn out. Would there be angst or some other misunderstanding to fill the pages? I really hoped not.
But boy, was I eventually hoping for some angst…
Because all we got is cheese.
Massive amounts of cheese.
Cheese cheese cheese.
And even though I like a bit of cheesiness in my books, this was just too much.
Everyone treats Ben like he is a wounded little bird. And I mean everyone. His new mom, his new brother, his real brother and of course his now boyfriend, Cord. Wait, I’m forgetting Cord’s parents and his sister. Instant new family!
But what bothered me most of all in this book is the fact that it is way too detailed. We get every single second after the beating took place. There is no room for the relationship between Cord and Ben to grow. The I love yous took place at around 50% and normally that’s okay, but only 2 days had passed in the story! I constantly felt I was reading a very long prologue. Because all these plans are being made for the future, but we don’t get to read about that future.
It was all, ‘Oh, Ben, your brother has issues, he is being mean to you, we need to protect you!’ And then they would talk about that issue for 30 pages. Talk about blowing things up…. Braden was just jealous and afraid of losing his best friend. But the author decided to use these little things as conflict in the story.
And what the heck was with all the crying? Everyone was crying all the time!
I can do cheesy, but this was just too much cheese, I totally lost my appetite….
May 23, 2016
So much potential, but I couldn't get past how unrealistic and corny the dialogue was. Even for me. The story was unnecessarily long, too. 1.5 Stars.
April 16, 2016
Dena and Sarah have articulated everything very well in their reviews of this book.
Having said that, if you have just read a bunch of intense harrowing books with lots of bad stuff, this is a bit of a relief even as it gets sillier and sillier. And Ben....is just so perfect! And....instant marriage-like relationship in about 4 days!
And lord these people talk. I kept having flashes of them all getting laryngitis and then wondering how the plot would proceed.
I'll read the sequel because I'm so eager to find out what awful things the villain is going to get up to. I'm sure he will be awfully wicked.
Having said that, if you have just read a bunch of intense harrowing books with lots of bad stuff, this is a bit of a relief even as it gets sillier and sillier. And Ben....is just so perfect! And....instant marriage-like relationship in about 4 days!
And lord these people talk. I kept having flashes of them all getting laryngitis and then wondering how the plot would proceed.
I'll read the sequel because I'm so eager to find out what awful things the villain is going to get up to. I'm sure he will be awfully wicked.
April 2, 2016
3.5*
Loved Cord and liked Ben.
This was a very long book and IMO it really needed more diverse characterizations--everyone was perfect except for our two villains--and more conflict other than the constant discussion of feelings and copious amounts of tears from everyone! The romance happened very quickly and I would have preferred a little more time between I've liked you for a couple years to lets buy a million dollar home together even though you are only 18.
Loved Cord and liked Ben.
This was a very long book and IMO it really needed more diverse characterizations--everyone was perfect except for our two villains--and more conflict other than the constant discussion of feelings and copious amounts of tears from everyone! The romance happened very quickly and I would have preferred a little more time between I've liked you for a couple years to lets buy a million dollar home together even though you are only 18.
dnf
May 1, 2016Well.. Nothing happens.. just smooth sailing here. Main characters are too perfect; they never makes mistakes, no jealousy or emotional struggles. Everybody loves them to bits and ready for doing anything for them. It's unrealistic. It's too easy. Unbalanced.
Compare to the author's other book, Have a Little Faith, it was a huge disappointment.
Compare to the author's other book, Have a Little Faith, it was a huge disappointment.
April 27, 2016
I think this has been said in a couple of the other reviews: Started out great then just went blah.
By 70% I was so over "Team Ben". Everything centered around Ben and his feelings, which wouldn't have been so bad if it didn't drag on and on.
So I really enjoyed the beginning, could have done without most of the middle, and the end was a nice little HEA.
By 70% I was so over "Team Ben". Everything centered around Ben and his feelings, which wouldn't have been so bad if it didn't drag on and on.
So I really enjoyed the beginning, could have done without most of the middle, and the end was a nice little HEA.
November 13, 2019
I have to say I did not finish this book. I stopped about 48% in. I could not deal with that pace and with talking about all the little things. What my biggest issue was -- that it was SO unrealistic! Okay, they might have met each other a couple of times and talked, but seriously?? Deciding to go steady on the first day, talking about love on the third day and Cord buying apartments in Vermont right away when they don't know how it's gonna go at all??? I mean, seriously???? That was just too much for me. Those were some big steps.
I also just waited and waited for some actual interesting story line. Only the beginning caught my attention.
I am quite unhappy.
I also just waited and waited for some actual interesting story line. Only the beginning caught my attention.
I am quite unhappy.
March 1, 2023
The first 2 chapters were okay,then it just became ridiculous. The writing didn't match the story, the pacing was all wrong, the dialog stilted, just weird interactions all over. I skipped to the last chapter, and it turned out that
Ugh, annoyingly bad.
Ugh, annoyingly bad.
February 20, 2022
DNF @ 27%
I just couldn't keep reading. Lost interest after 20% but kept trying but it just bored me. Really wanted to like this book.
I just couldn't keep reading. Lost interest after 20% but kept trying but it just bored me. Really wanted to like this book.
June 30, 2016
This story takes off from the night Benjamin gets beat up by his father for the worst and last time. He runs to his neighbors for protection and there he begins to build his new chosen family.
Cord is the best friend of Ben’s brother – he’s 4 years older and has been pining for Ben for years. Ben has also been crushing on Cord but doesn’t think there’s anything there between them. Ben’s brother is a straight guy so Ben assumes Cord is as well.
Ben’s brother has been avoiding going home and Ben for years because of his father, but he’s ended up hurting Ben in the process.
The bulk of the story is moving Ben up to New Hampshire for College where he has an athletic and academic scholarships and a desire to research cancer.
**
This reads like the most elaborate Cinderella story ever. The poor abused Ben finds a new family who drops everything – literally – to move with him out of state to be his support structure. Ben’s brother sees the light and moves with them as well. Cord, newly graduated and – by the way – super rich – not only moves them all but buys them a new – huge! – house so they can all live there and gives the brother a job!
Not only is Ben super smart but he’s also an Olympic candidate for running – but has been underdeveloped thanks to dear old dad.
So… on the one hand this is a story full of preposterous actions – BUT – man it was fun! Everything was totally over the top and super sappy and sweet and I just loved it!
It’s very, very long and most of it could be edited out (what I strongly recommend is a good editor!) but it’s full of tender moments and triumphs for the under dog and loads and loads of feels.
4 of 5 stars
Cord is the best friend of Ben’s brother – he’s 4 years older and has been pining for Ben for years. Ben has also been crushing on Cord but doesn’t think there’s anything there between them. Ben’s brother is a straight guy so Ben assumes Cord is as well.
Ben’s brother has been avoiding going home and Ben for years because of his father, but he’s ended up hurting Ben in the process.
The bulk of the story is moving Ben up to New Hampshire for College where he has an athletic and academic scholarships and a desire to research cancer.
**
This reads like the most elaborate Cinderella story ever. The poor abused Ben finds a new family who drops everything – literally – to move with him out of state to be his support structure. Ben’s brother sees the light and moves with them as well. Cord, newly graduated and – by the way – super rich – not only moves them all but buys them a new – huge! – house so they can all live there and gives the brother a job!
Not only is Ben super smart but he’s also an Olympic candidate for running – but has been underdeveloped thanks to dear old dad.
So… on the one hand this is a story full of preposterous actions – BUT – man it was fun! Everything was totally over the top and super sappy and sweet and I just loved it!
It’s very, very long and most of it could be edited out (what I strongly recommend is a good editor!) but it’s full of tender moments and triumphs for the under dog and loads and loads of feels.
4 of 5 stars
December 30, 2016
Fixing what's broken
That's basically what this book is about - fixing what's broken.
Ben has the potential to be an amazing runner. He's already an amazing person. Too bad his own father can't see this. Uptight dad only sees his son as g-a-y, and no son of his will be gay. Even if he has to beat the gay out of Ben. He tried, oh did he try. And During the course of the final beating Ben just about let his dad win. But Ben's will to survive kicked in, and when he saw an opportunity he fled. Running to his sanctuary - neighbors Aunt B and Robert. To Ben they are his family. Unconditional love and support - with no blood ties.
And so the journey begins. To fix broken Ben.
The book was a bit long for the story being told, but it was still an emotional read. Fixing someone who is broken takes reconditioning. Being told the same thing over and over, and then backing that up with action. That may be the biggest challenge while reading the story. You'll think "yeah, yeah, we've covered this before." But you have to get in the head of Ben and then you'll see the strand lights slowly come one, one at a time.
I wanted more story after the final page. Maybe there will be a book 2? His college years, his father, Robert & Sam. I could have done with more implied intimacy than descriptive. (That's just my taste). 3.4 - only because I wanted something slightly different than what was written.
That's basically what this book is about - fixing what's broken.
Ben has the potential to be an amazing runner. He's already an amazing person. Too bad his own father can't see this. Uptight dad only sees his son as g-a-y, and no son of his will be gay. Even if he has to beat the gay out of Ben. He tried, oh did he try. And During the course of the final beating Ben just about let his dad win. But Ben's will to survive kicked in, and when he saw an opportunity he fled. Running to his sanctuary - neighbors Aunt B and Robert. To Ben they are his family. Unconditional love and support - with no blood ties.
And so the journey begins. To fix broken Ben.
The book was a bit long for the story being told, but it was still an emotional read. Fixing someone who is broken takes reconditioning. Being told the same thing over and over, and then backing that up with action. That may be the biggest challenge while reading the story. You'll think "yeah, yeah, we've covered this before." But you have to get in the head of Ben and then you'll see the strand lights slowly come one, one at a time.
I wanted more story after the final page. Maybe there will be a book 2? His college years, his father, Robert & Sam. I could have done with more implied intimacy than descriptive. (That's just my taste). 3.4 - only because I wanted something slightly different than what was written.
April 17, 2016
Flash flood... Then not so much.
I'll go along with the review script. I gave this book a four star rating because I liked it, just enough for four stars.
Now let me tell you why. I was really into this story for the first few chapters. The story is intense and gut wrenching. If you don't shed a tear for the main character then your tear ducts need some work. But then the story, the writing takes a nose dive. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed the book and I will purchase the next book in the series when it comes out... but. I had a problem with some of the characters and the way the author constantly (or nearly) had then repeating the same thing over and over. I got it... he loves him. I got it... he's spreading his wings.
I do want to see what happens to these characters. Do the main two actually make it work. Will their siblings make a go of it. Will one of their brothers actually be the mess I think he is or am I totally wrong. Yep, four stars because the writing style irks me... but also four stars because I love the characters and their lives
Over all I will say give it a try, like I did.
I'll go along with the review script. I gave this book a four star rating because I liked it, just enough for four stars.
Now let me tell you why. I was really into this story for the first few chapters. The story is intense and gut wrenching. If you don't shed a tear for the main character then your tear ducts need some work. But then the story, the writing takes a nose dive. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed the book and I will purchase the next book in the series when it comes out... but. I had a problem with some of the characters and the way the author constantly (or nearly) had then repeating the same thing over and over. I got it... he loves him. I got it... he's spreading his wings.
I do want to see what happens to these characters. Do the main two actually make it work. Will their siblings make a go of it. Will one of their brothers actually be the mess I think he is or am I totally wrong. Yep, four stars because the writing style irks me... but also four stars because I love the characters and their lives
Over all I will say give it a try, like I did.
May 9, 2016
Somewhat of a fairy tale
Cord and Ben have known each other for years. Cord is Ben' brother's roommate at college and brings him back to his home during vacations and holidays. What Brandon doesn't realize is that when he's at college Ben is being physically and mentally abused by his parents. The night before Ben's high school graduation, Ben's father sees him kissing one of his classmates and the results are catastrophic. Ben ends up running away and finds release by going to his neighbor's home. In the meantime his brother and Cord finds him and make plans to keep him safe.
It was during this part of the book that I began to have a hard time with the storytelling. As a gay male, I feel that I am familiar with the way most males talk with other gay males. This didn't seem to meet that code. In addition, the verbiage just seemed to go on and on. This didn't ruin the book, but it also didn't help the story!
Cord and Ben have known each other for years. Cord is Ben' brother's roommate at college and brings him back to his home during vacations and holidays. What Brandon doesn't realize is that when he's at college Ben is being physically and mentally abused by his parents. The night before Ben's high school graduation, Ben's father sees him kissing one of his classmates and the results are catastrophic. Ben ends up running away and finds release by going to his neighbor's home. In the meantime his brother and Cord finds him and make plans to keep him safe.
It was during this part of the book that I began to have a hard time with the storytelling. As a gay male, I feel that I am familiar with the way most males talk with other gay males. This didn't seem to meet that code. In addition, the verbiage just seemed to go on and on. This didn't ruin the book, but it also didn't help the story!
April 4, 2016
I loved have a little faith, but this one just didn't to it for me. Ben annoyed the crap out of me. He was always the victim, the drama the author created between him and his brother was exagerated. I'm so hurt pity me, feel sorry for me...
Got to be to much, I feel that this was the crux of my issues, we are supposed to sympathize and love Ben, but I liked Branden more. I could sympathize more with him, he felt natural and he never got sympathy. It's easier for me to relate to the fear of being alone, he is losing his best friend to his brother, he won't see Cord family anymore if they have a falling out. He has nobody else. While his brother knows he has people in his life that have all but guaranteed they will never leave him.
At the end there was nothing that endeared me to Ben, the rest of the characters felt to perfect. Dissapointed.
Got to be to much, I feel that this was the crux of my issues, we are supposed to sympathize and love Ben, but I liked Branden more. I could sympathize more with him, he felt natural and he never got sympathy. It's easier for me to relate to the fear of being alone, he is losing his best friend to his brother, he won't see Cord family anymore if they have a falling out. He has nobody else. While his brother knows he has people in his life that have all but guaranteed they will never leave him.
At the end there was nothing that endeared me to Ben, the rest of the characters felt to perfect. Dissapointed.
April 10, 2016
Loved
I have found a new autobuy author. I cannot wait for book two in this series and I would especially like to thank the author for ending book one in such a way that you know there are more books coming but you don't have to have an anxiety attack while waiting for it. This story was a gorgeous story of love, not just between Ben and Cord, but their family too (not Ben's biological parents, they are terrible). Ben is so strong and very mature for his age, which makes sense given the years of abuse he went through. Cord is also very strong and so supportive. I am excited to see where this story goes with Ben and Cord and all the supporting characters that are amazing.
I have found a new autobuy author. I cannot wait for book two in this series and I would especially like to thank the author for ending book one in such a way that you know there are more books coming but you don't have to have an anxiety attack while waiting for it. This story was a gorgeous story of love, not just between Ben and Cord, but their family too (not Ben's biological parents, they are terrible). Ben is so strong and very mature for his age, which makes sense given the years of abuse he went through. Cord is also very strong and so supportive. I am excited to see where this story goes with Ben and Cord and all the supporting characters that are amazing.
July 28, 2025
A most excellent read. :)
The writing is well-paced and enfolds a wonderful story involving an abused young man, his brother and many friends who help him achieve his goals.
I await the sequel and really hope we get to see Gary (Ben's father) get his comeuppance ... in spades!
2022.08.14 update:
I just visited the author's site and the second book of this series has a title (The Fire), a cover, "cover blurb" and is it's labelled "coming soon"!
2025.04.24: I’ve now read this book five times and I’m still waiting for the promised sequel. Her website: (https://dianamckinley.com/books/the-b...) remains unchanged. :(
The writing is well-paced and enfolds a wonderful story involving an abused young man, his brother and many friends who help him achieve his goals.
I await the sequel and really hope we get to see Gary (Ben's father) get his comeuppance ... in spades!
2022.08.14 update:
I just visited the author's site and the second book of this series has a title (The Fire), a cover, "cover blurb" and is it's labelled "coming soon"!
2025.04.24: I’ve now read this book five times and I’m still waiting for the promised sequel. Her website: (https://dianamckinley.com/books/the-b...) remains unchanged. :(
April 6, 2016
Wow!
I was so amazed and impressed by this book! I didn't think that I could read another book about abuse, not sexual, that would come close to raising the level of emotions that this book did. I am sure there will be many readers that would say it was all too good to be true, but things like this really do happen. I won't go into any details to spoil things. Suffice to say, I adored each person, minus the parents. I really hope for a sequel, just so I know how Ben and Cord progressed.
Beautiful work and I really hope the authour writes more!
I was so amazed and impressed by this book! I didn't think that I could read another book about abuse, not sexual, that would come close to raising the level of emotions that this book did. I am sure there will be many readers that would say it was all too good to be true, but things like this really do happen. I won't go into any details to spoil things. Suffice to say, I adored each person, minus the parents. I really hope for a sequel, just so I know how Ben and Cord progressed.
Beautiful work and I really hope the authour writes more!
April 7, 2016
Through adversity. . . .
I loved this story. The depictions of [nonsexual] physical abuse were indeed tough to read through. But they added a greater impact on the personality of Ben. He is a trooper, through and through. His family is wondrous to behold. Anyone should consider themselves lucky if they have a fraction of the family support these character have. This book reminded me of one of my favorite anime quotes, "Don't stop. Through adversity, move forward." (D. Gray-man) Kudos to Ms. McKinley :)
I loved this story. The depictions of [nonsexual] physical abuse were indeed tough to read through. But they added a greater impact on the personality of Ben. He is a trooper, through and through. His family is wondrous to behold. Anyone should consider themselves lucky if they have a fraction of the family support these character have. This book reminded me of one of my favorite anime quotes, "Don't stop. Through adversity, move forward." (D. Gray-man) Kudos to Ms. McKinley :)
May 31, 2016
So Ben endures years of physical and verbal abuse from his father. He's abandoned by his brother and on the eve of his high school graduation leaves his home and takes sanctuary with his adoptive mother and brother.
Cord, Ben's bio brothers best friend, is in love with Ben. He and Ben share this instant connection. It was insta love but at the same time they had known each other for years and each harbored a crush on the other.
This story is about how Ben escapes his past and builds a solid foundation of a relationship.
Cord, Ben's bio brothers best friend, is in love with Ben. He and Ben share this instant connection. It was insta love but at the same time they had known each other for years and each harbored a crush on the other.
This story is about how Ben escapes his past and builds a solid foundation of a relationship.
April 15, 2016
3.5 stars. This book was pretty long, and I felt that it started to drag the last 6 chapters. I really enjoyed the first half, but towards the end, I just wanted to be finished. Ben has been abused by his father for years. He's finally graduating and has plans to leave and never return. Cord has been waiting for Ben to grow up and graduate, so he can finally make Ben his. I really loved Cord's determination and his love for Ben.
May 21, 2016
This book was meh. I actually had to stop reading it because if I read the phrase 'Sound like a plan' one more time I would have felt the urge to scream and never stop. This book was the same conversation over and over and over for way too long and the same phrases were used repeatedly. It had the potential to be a great book and I kept reading it for as long as I did because I kept hoping it would get better but alas...no. So basically I want my money back.
April 11, 2016
Wasn't a bad book, but very repetitive (them being honest, faithful, all the ily) and while the book itself was slow, most of it takes place over a week or two, then falling in love and saying it to each other was too fast... And some of the words and phrases the author used does not represent what a 23 yr old would say...
April 16, 2016
This book had great potential but the character development just wasn't there. They went from acquaintances who barely saw each other to madly in love and planning happily ever after in a week. There was no buildup to them getting together which is really too bad because the first chapter started out so promising.
July 8, 2016
Not what I was expecting
When this book started out it was really an adrenaline rush as to what was happening to Ben . But as the book continues it was just really hard for me to keep up with that. I love a good romance but this just got so sappy right away and just continued like that. It just didn't seem anything like reality . I found it really a struggle to finish this .
When this book started out it was really an adrenaline rush as to what was happening to Ben . But as the book continues it was just really hard for me to keep up with that. I love a good romance but this just got so sappy right away and just continued like that. It just didn't seem anything like reality . I found it really a struggle to finish this .
April 13, 2016
Too unrealistic
The main concept of this novel was excellent, however, the relationship that forms between the two main characters is just so unrealistic and to be quite honest, rather farfetched
The main concept of this novel was excellent, however, the relationship that forms between the two main characters is just so unrealistic and to be quite honest, rather farfetched
April 21, 2016
Behind Closed Doors:The Foundation is a really great book
The abundance of love freely given to Ben's by his new family is the real love story. The love scenes between Ben and Cord were awesome.
The abundance of love freely given to Ben's by his new family is the real love story. The love scenes between Ben and Cord were awesome.
April 23, 2016
A truly great read
A really thought provoking story of a boys love for another man & his families brutal rejection of their son. I really loved reading it & hope there is a follow up to this book
A really thought provoking story of a boys love for another man & his families brutal rejection of their son. I really loved reading it & hope there is a follow up to this book
April 27, 2016
This book really disappointed me. I got it because I loved the premise, and the basic story was good, however the writing was...well...awful. Far to much telling and not enough showing. And the vocabulary was off. It just did not work for me at all.
May 15, 2016
DNF at 44%. Just can't keep at this one. It's gotten borderline brainwash-y and creepy how these two are professing love after being together for a day, talking about how he's wanted Ben since Ben was 13... idk. Everything is so over-the-top, reality-suspendingly silly. Not for me.
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