When being true to yourself means denial is no longer an option.
On the heels of a tragedy, Brandon White shaved his hair, adorned his body with tattoos, and concentrated on his attraction to the opposite sex. Fifteen years later, Brandon is a protective son and a loyal and respected member of the San Francisco Fire Department, bedding anything in a skirt that promises not to stick around afterward.
When his past and present collide in his dreams—including his best friend and fellow fireman, Mason—Brandon knows things are never going to be the same again. He starts to recall that fateful day years before, and the long-forgotten feelings that preceded it. The most important thing he remembers—he’s not as straight as he’d thought.
With help, Brandon learns to accept who he was always meant to be. But when tragedy strikes again, Brandon must reconcile his past and present and deal with his grief if he is to ever be true, not only to himself, but to Mason as well.
**This can be read as a standalone, however it is best enjoyed after reading the first two stories as side characters play a major role.**
I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
3.5 stars
This is book three in the Out of the Blue series and it features play boy Brandon and his best friend Mason. I didn’t really remember the two guys before I started reading this but then I went back and skimmed book two and figured it out. I liked Mason’s character alot, and Brandon was OTT at times for me. What I did enjoy was the communication they established between each other early on when Mason felt like Brandon wanted to experience with his sexuality because he had ran out of women to play with. LOL. I thought it was cute seemingly straight Brandon going over Mason’s house to sleep under the guise of Mason bed being comfortable and a pillow. Yeah because that screams heterosexual male. I also liked the Brandon wasn’t freaking out when his past is reflective of the present. To go out and talk to someone about your feelings, and trying to come to terms was a big thing for anyone. I think the doctor hit the nail on the head about his physical transformation and it reflecting on how he wanted others to perceive him. I didn’t think about that until she said something, and this is where I feel like the author writes the realistic part because it can happen this way. Brandon suffered a traumatic experience in his teenage years that he repressed and when it came out presently he took the initiative to deal with it.
I do feel like the physical side of their relationship was rushed. I know emotions, and feelings were high but I would have liked for them to wait more and see if they are compatible as a couple. Just because you are best friends doesn’t mean they make the best lovers. That’s a entire different ball game. I think the pace was a little fast for me. Seeing Cam and Jake again made me happy. I don’t remember if Jet was this flamboyant, but it was good seeing the twins happy. I look forward to more from R.J. and more out of this series. It was a good read.
Definitely the lightest of the stories in the series as best friends Brandon and Mason get together. I really liked Mason in the last book and liked him just as much here. Brandon, the womanizer, is a bit lost when his dreams start bringing back memories of his best friend from high school, Sean and how Brandon's feelings toward him were more than just friends. Feelings he has suppressed for years and that he realizes are being brought back out by Mason.
There is plenty of self-discovery, jealousy and mixed feelings as these two finally see what others have been seeing all along. It was a quick, sexy read. Problems are solved without too much drama or angst as Brandon throws himself fully into pursuing and convincing Mason that he is the one for him. There are also appearances from the other men in the series and a wedding to cap off yet another enjoyable read in this series.
This was a pretty great friends to lovers installment to the Out of the Blue series. I absolutely loved the relationship and interactions between Brandon and Mason. The way that Brandon, as a supposed straight man, referred to one section of Mason’s bed as “his side”, and the fact that the “pillows were better” in Brandon’s bed was really cute. He really didn’t see anything off with this thought process because Mason was his best friend and there was none, man nor woman, that he loved more. But he also loved being with the ladies (and I am using that term loosely) a lot.
It was no wonder that Mason was confused and didn’t trust Brandon when he decided to take a walk on the gay side. His slut puppy reputation for sleeping with anything in skirt and heels was proof enough to Mason that Brandon was straight, bored maybe, but straight…that and the fact the he would crawl into Mason’s bed “stinking”. But, Brandon has a history that no one besides his mother is aware. When he finally comes to terms with his past, some fifteen years later, his mother is ecstatic, Brandon is confused, and Mason is disbelieving. The history between these two besties required a bit of a heart-to-heart….and maybe a little test or two, before Mason was willing to change his view of the “real” Brandon.
This story is really well written. The characters are well developed. The plot was carefully constructed, the situations were believable, and the themes ranged from angsty to humorous…and everything in between. I really enjoyed reconnecting with all the boys from the first two books, especially Cam and Jake. Cam is still recovering from his PTSD, and Jake is still his solid wall of strength, but they are in a good place now. One of the things I enjoyed about this story was the Andy character. He was a side character but he was a decent man who saw the writing on the wall and removed himself from the equation. It was nice to see an easy resolution to a situation that could have easily turned hurtful and ugly.
I am not sure if the series ends here, or if another book is planned, but either way, it’s a great series, a great book, and highly recommended. I would, however, like to know if Brandon ever grows out his hair. I think Mason would love something to grab onto.
Not sure what to make of this one. Yes, I liked Brandon and Mason, and it was nice catching up with the characters from the other books in the series, and of course we attended Cam and Jake's wedding, but the story needed more depth as far as I'm concerned. We needed more info on Brandon's boyhood friend Sean...just saying he was gay and then having him killed off in a hate crime was far too quick, and Mason's background was also lacking in detail. Um, 3.5 stars from me. Hope it works for other readers.
Love this series and all the characters. This mm contemporary story is awesome. Updates on characters from the other books. This story continues in the firefighter world, with Brandon and Mason as the main characters. Off to read book 4.
Review by: multitaskingmomma My Rating: 4 of 5 Stars
This is a friends to lovers story but it's not cut from the same mold as the others. In short, although the blurb makes this story sound formulaic, it is definitely not.
Brandon was young when he lost his best friend to a gay bashing. The trauma was enough to send him on a path of denial his psyche shut down and compensated. From a young, thin boy with long hair, Brandon became the opposite of what people generally think young gay men appear. Shaved head, bulging muscles and tattoos later, he is Brandon the hunky straight fireman.
Mase is openly gay and is Brandon, the man's, best friend. He has no idea of Brandon's past and has no clue that Brandon does not know himself. What Mase knows is Brandon displaying jealousy when Andy, Mase's potential boyfriend, is around. To make matters worse, people are beginning to talk and Mase cannot figure out what's wrong with Brandon.
Things come to a head when Brandon finally faces his past and comes to a realization Mase means more to him than he was thinking or feeling. The only drawback is, the realization may just be a bit too late.
I've read this twice now and still love how the whole story unfolded.This is a feel good read and very romantic so is one for the read over and over again shelf. No, this is not a perfect book, hence the rating, but the overall impact makes this a beautiful installment to the series and I could not recommend it more.
Note: eARC provided by author as part of a blog tour and an honest review.
Man, I really am a sucker for a best friends-to-more story. Now add in a man a bit confused about his feelings for that male best friend when he's been...well...straight? It's a recipe for drama and is sure to play emotional havoc with the characters. And after the author kept hinting around in the previous books in the series about Brandon and Mason, getting their story here in True Blue was a real relief!
One thing I've been really happy about with this series is the cast of characters. They are all written with plenty of depth and come across as real people with real issues, and all the real emotions that go along with it. Brandon, our straight-well-maybe-not-quite guy, he's got feelings popping up that he doesn't know what to do with. Thankfully for us readers, he's brave enough to take a chance...and take that chance again and again until his best friend Mason realizes Brandon really is serious.
Most of the angst in this story comes from Brandon's journey of self-discovery and how it affects not just him but Mason as well. I like that he willingly seeks out help and advice from not just family and friends, but also professionally-it speaks to his strength and his commitment to Mason.
I loved the returning cast of characters from the series, I feel so comfortable with all of them now that they all feel like family. They are all so supportive of each other, and continue to add depth to each and every story in the series.
True Blue put a smile on my face, a blush on my cheeks, and in the end had me reaching for my 5-star, top recommendation rating once again. If you are a fan of M/M romance, True Blue and the rest of the books in the series are a definite must for your library. While it could be read as a standalone, I honestly think readers will enjoy the story more by reading it as part of the series--it will give you a better appreciation of the entire cast of characters and really enhance your enjoyment of all the stories. Recommended for those readers 18+ for adult language and M/M sexual content.
Oh, and can we please have Jet's story? Pretty please? He's just too wonderful not to get his own happy!
I really enjoy this authors writing style. I’ve noticed that I gravitate towards the more painful story lines. I don’t know why this is but that’s just what I seem to like. With this author, she’s able to take really horrific things, make them significant without drowning the story in sorrow plus add lighthearted sweet things all at the same time. It’s just a really good balance of gut wrenching and heartwarming…and I enjoy how it all plays out.
Subconsciously, Brandon detached from a part of himself after witnessing his best friend die tragically at a very young age. Never wanting to seem helpless and weak he works his body relentlessly and becomes a firefighter. A ladies man he’s very confused about the attraction that is arising towards his best friend, Mason.
Mason has always been attracted to Brandon but knowing he’s straight he’s kept his distance but lately Brandon been getting more physical and he’s finding it hard to keep his hands to himself.
When Brandon opens that part of himself that’s been locked away his relationship with Mason progresses fairly quick, these guys know how to communicate with each other so miscommunications are very infrequent. There’s bottled up sexual tension so it’s pretty hot and explosive when it’s released.
There’s no real super angsty situations, these guys communicate pretty well, like I mentioned. Once they are in, they are ALL in and they don’t beat around the bush with their feelings.
This was a great addition to the series. I truly love these characters and these stories. I’m looking forward to book 4…
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True Blue is one more great book from this series that I really Love – Out of the Blue!!!
Now we get to see Brandon and Mason's story and I confess that Brandon surprised me in a great way in this book.
Even if Mason never denied his sexual preferences, he always considered Brandon his best friend, his STRAIGHT best friend… so, when Brandon started to send him mixed signals, he was really torn about what to think… was this a phase? Brandon was bored? Wanted to try something new? Would Mason dare and put his heart on line to find out?
After facing a tragedy, Brandon unconsciously found ways of dealing with his grief, of protecting himself and the ones he loved, so that he wouldn’t have to face that kind of pain again… But all that went down the drain when he realized he was attracted to Mason…
What I loved most about Brandon is that once he realized who had his heart, he didn’t even bat an eyelash to change his life drastically and follow it… The hard part, was to prove to Mason that he really meant it.
I had such a great time reading this book… the banters between Brandon and Mason had me chuckling during the story… lol… (I specially loved Brandon trying for the romantic gift and finding a substitute for flowers and chocolates… hehehe)
These two best friends becoming lovers will grab you from the start, and they are really hot together! So, don’t miss this great book from RJ Jones, you’ll love it!
***I got an ARC in exchange of an honest and unbiased review**
Loved this sequel of the series.. Probably my favorite. The story line was well written and the characters were enchanting and amazing...well developed. This novel was primarily about Brandon and Mason, both firefighters on Cameron's team. Brandon has always taking women out to fu@k especially after a bad shift. But his past with his best friend, Sean, has kept him from realizing who he really is. Sean died years ago in his arms after being beaten by bullies and Brandon has always blamed himself for it. Mason has been his best friend for 2 years as well as colleague and he is gay, but the two have always been there for each other. Brandon is realizing he is having sexual feelings toward Mason and doesn't know what to do. He often goes to Mason's apartment and gets in bed with him because he feels comfortable there. Until one night he really starts kissing Mason. When it gets deep, Mason kicks him out of bed and his apartment, very confused and furious. The two have a hard time seeing or talking to each other. This is a struggle for both. Mason coming to grips with the fact that Brandon is either Bi or gay and Brandon understanding the fact that Mason is who is wants. This is a beautiful story of these two men. Two men who mean so much to each other and find so much more...Tragedy almost splits them apart, but love holds their bond together. Loved this story.....
This was a relatively sweet and fluffy read. Tragedy when he was a teen caused Brandon to suppress one side of his sexuality for years. While I can understand that, I did feel as if his epiphany was somewhat sudden. One of my favorite things about RJ Jones, is that she does include a therapist as a part in her characters progress. It's not just about the power of love and a magic penis. I do like that there are bi characters, but I kind of disliked that it's implied that men are a preference for both the characters. It should only be about the emotional preference happening to be male. Just my opinion.
The love story was quite sweet and Brandon held nothing back when he and Mason finally got together. Seriously though, how does a straight guy, or the gay guy, not know what's going to happen, when one sneaks in during the night to take "his" side of the bed and has his own pillow? As I said, sweet and fluffy. Minor angst and a crisis provided more bonding within our group of firefighters. Cam and Jake get married, but I'll never like Jakes character.
I don't know if there will be or who might be included in another book, but I'll look forward to it.
4.5 stars - I love this series. And this cover - phew, hot! Brandon and Mason have been best friends for a while, and unfortunately for Mason, he's also been in love with his best friend for a while now. There is something extra added to a relationship when the connections include such a level of friendship. But there is also a little more trepidation about changing the status quo. So, there's the conflict, and it doesn't help that Brandon has bad coping habits and a repressed tragedy to further complicate matters. But they work so well as a couple, you just know it has to work out in the end. And what an end it is! That final scene at the wedding is funny-sweet and perfect for this group.
Loved this book hard! I was a mess of tears like nine percent in book & they kept coming throughout whole book plus I had two mega cries at a few hard parts in book( so freaking hard & emotional) . A bit of angst, I had a few laughs in between as well plus some happy tears(YAY) & got to read more on the other characters & a wedding! I love Mason & Jake, so happy they got their HEA they deserve. Their Soulmates( Swoon...) Now, can you please bring on Jets HEA? ;)
I love this series and this was one of those books that I knew from the start I was going to love. Brandon's inner monologues are funny, sweet, and when it came to Sean, sad. His banter with Morgan is what makes this story for me. That and I love visiting with the guys from the previous books, especially Jet! The most beautiful scene is the cemetery scene. Mason was so brilliant. Brandon's mom is wonderful. I can't wait for the next book!!
This is one of the best series out there. RJ Jones is a very talented author who brings the reader so thoroughly into the lives of her characters you feel you know them personally. There are more books coming in this engrossing series and I can't wait to find out how these wonderful men continue to find their HEA. Well done!
Well I loved this one also, book 3 was special because B is 'straight' so the back and forth between him and Mason was special. I loved the banter and jealousy between them, it was obvious they loved each other, but they finally woke up and realised what they'd lose if they couldn't work it out. On to book 4
This is such a great series...and I loved this book. Ahhhhh B and Mason...falling in love with your best friend and working through tragedy...I loved how this played out...It was so well written and the feels were just perfect! I'm anxiously awaiting the next book. I hope we get Jet's story!!
Brandon's realisation that he may not be straight is followed closely by the fact that he may just be in love with his best friend Mason. Follow their beautiful story as Brandon finds out and accepts himself as he is. Another great, sexy, and sweet m/m romance by R.J. Jones!
5 'I am loving this series and there was something about Brandon and Mason that just tipped it over to the 5 for me. Right from the beginning I just couldn't help but smile at the complete obliviousness of Brandon at the same time as aching for Mason and just how difficult it was for him. I adored the progression of their best friends to lovers journey. Also loved the way we get so much of the other characters sprinkled in. Cam and Jake, Kris and Gray and Jet. Oh Jet is so fucking cool' stars.