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Stained
Blair Clark has reached his breaking point. Forced to leave one job because of sexual harassment, he’s having difficulty finding another. Since no one believes what happened, Blair’s left with a stain on his employment record that he can’t get rid of. He’s had to move back home with his mother. As if that’s not bad enough, he realizes his crush, Travis, is simply using him. His romantic life looks as hopeless as his job search.
Jack Ross is sure he’ll never find anyone who’ll love him for who he is. All anyone sees is the port-wine stain on his left cheek—not the man behind it. Even his mother thinks he should get rid of it. But the procedure is difficult and painful.
When Blair applies for a secretarial position with Jack’s firm, both men learn that beauty is, indeed, in the eye of the beholder. It’ll take a lot of trust to chase away their insecurities, but if they take a chance on one another, love will find a way.
Jack Ross is sure he’ll never find anyone who’ll love him for who he is. All anyone sees is the port-wine stain on his left cheek—not the man behind it. Even his mother thinks he should get rid of it. But the procedure is difficult and painful.
When Blair applies for a secretarial position with Jack’s firm, both men learn that beauty is, indeed, in the eye of the beholder. It’ll take a lot of trust to chase away their insecurities, but if they take a chance on one another, love will find a way.
112 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2016
10 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Chris T. Kat
26 books208 followersChris T. Kat lives in the middle of Europe, together with her husband of many years and their two children. She stumbled upon the M/M genre by luck and was swiftly drawn into it. She divides her time between work, her family—which includes chasing after escaping horses and lugging around huge instruments such as a harp—and writing. She enjoys a variety of genres, such as mystery/suspense, paranormal, and romance. If there's any spare time, she happily reads for hours, listens to audiobooks, or crafts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
February 14, 2019
RECENSIONE QUI: https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/...
3.5 STELLE
Ci sono macchie visibili che deturpano un bel viso, che creano pregiudizi e rendono difficile essere accettati se non si va oltre l'aspetto. Poi ci sono macchie che non si vedono, quelle che sono radicate dentro a causa di vessazioni e insicurezze e che portano a perdere fiducia in se stessi e a sfociare in reazioni psicosomatiche importanti. Questa storia con semplicità e leggerezza ci racconta di due persone macchiate ognuno a suo modo. Blair è un ragazzo che ha affrontato molto in passato e tanto subisce nel presente; è fragile e troppo esile etichettato e vessato come 'femminuccia', è consapevole che la sua vita ha bisogno di una svolta nel trovare un lavoro e nell'allontanarsi da chi gli fa violenza sia psicologica che fisica ma non riesce ad uscire da questa spirale di negatività almeno fino a quando non appare l'opportunità di una vera svolta iniziando a lavorare per Jack nel suo studio d'architettura. Jack è un uomo gentile, forte ed altruista e le sue qualità fanno sparire la macchia che deturpa il suo viso agli occhi di Blair. La storia scorre veloce, il punto di vista unico di Blair ci porta a conoscenza delle sue fragilità, della forza gentile di Jack e di come avvolge e fa sentire al sicuro Blair. Conosciamo personaggi negativi come Travis, l'ex di Blair, la sua cattiveria spregevole ma anche personaggi positivi come la madre di Blair ed il padre di Jack. Ho avvertito poco equilibrio nella caratterizzazione dei protagonisti, il focus è tutto sulle fragilità di Blair facendole risaltare eccessivamente, soprattutto perché poi non vengono realmente affrontati o approfonditi determinati traumi e le conseguenze. Ho sicuramente apprezzato di più il suo lato amorevole e vivace quando non si abbatte e il suo andare oltre le apparenze. Jack è tutto ciò che Blair non ha mai trovato: un gentiluomo, buono e dolce che sa prendersi cura di lui, peccato non averlo potuto conoscere meglio anche sulle difficoltà e sull'avere una voglia che è un marchio che tutti guardano con disprezzo. La storia è molto carina e dolce, con momenti un po' angoscianti solo in superficie che resta sempre permeata di positività…
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/
3.5 STELLE
Ci sono macchie visibili che deturpano un bel viso, che creano pregiudizi e rendono difficile essere accettati se non si va oltre l'aspetto. Poi ci sono macchie che non si vedono, quelle che sono radicate dentro a causa di vessazioni e insicurezze e che portano a perdere fiducia in se stessi e a sfociare in reazioni psicosomatiche importanti. Questa storia con semplicità e leggerezza ci racconta di due persone macchiate ognuno a suo modo. Blair è un ragazzo che ha affrontato molto in passato e tanto subisce nel presente; è fragile e troppo esile etichettato e vessato come 'femminuccia', è consapevole che la sua vita ha bisogno di una svolta nel trovare un lavoro e nell'allontanarsi da chi gli fa violenza sia psicologica che fisica ma non riesce ad uscire da questa spirale di negatività almeno fino a quando non appare l'opportunità di una vera svolta iniziando a lavorare per Jack nel suo studio d'architettura. Jack è un uomo gentile, forte ed altruista e le sue qualità fanno sparire la macchia che deturpa il suo viso agli occhi di Blair. La storia scorre veloce, il punto di vista unico di Blair ci porta a conoscenza delle sue fragilità, della forza gentile di Jack e di come avvolge e fa sentire al sicuro Blair. Conosciamo personaggi negativi come Travis, l'ex di Blair, la sua cattiveria spregevole ma anche personaggi positivi come la madre di Blair ed il padre di Jack. Ho avvertito poco equilibrio nella caratterizzazione dei protagonisti, il focus è tutto sulle fragilità di Blair facendole risaltare eccessivamente, soprattutto perché poi non vengono realmente affrontati o approfonditi determinati traumi e le conseguenze. Ho sicuramente apprezzato di più il suo lato amorevole e vivace quando non si abbatte e il suo andare oltre le apparenze. Jack è tutto ciò che Blair non ha mai trovato: un gentiluomo, buono e dolce che sa prendersi cura di lui, peccato non averlo potuto conoscere meglio anche sulle difficoltà e sull'avere una voglia che è un marchio che tutti guardano con disprezzo. La storia è molto carina e dolce, con momenti un po' angoscianti solo in superficie che resta sempre permeata di positività…
CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/
September 28, 2016
To be honest, this wasn't great.
I had high hopes for this book because I haven't read any books with MCs with a port wine stain. I've read a number of books with characters with severe facial scarring (The Truth About Riley, Butterfly Tattoo, Counterbalance), but nothing with a colored mark. I was intrigued, but this book was a disappointment.
I didn't enjoy the character of Blair. He was mousy, timid, and underdeveloped, and I couldn't (for the life of me) understand why he had such low self-esteem and ended up in such crappy relationships. I get characters that make poor choices and who are flawed, but Blair had an extremely supportive family and many things on his side, so his constant crapping on himself was odd. He also was always the damsel in distress character, claiming he could take care of himself, but then doing dumb things like forgetting his coat in freezing weather and not eating for extended periods of time because he forgot or doesn't like eating. He really irritated me.
The other MC was... okay. The relationship between them moved super-quickly, which was annoying, but Jack was fine overall.
What really got under my skin was the ridiculous villain character of Travis. He was over-the-top and cartoony, and I rolled my eyes with each thing that he did. I didn't even get why Blair had ever been with him, and Travis and his buddies were just too outlandish and bait-ish to be real for me, as a reader.
The story was a quick read, and it wasn't terrible, but I was happy when it was over. Not a strong one.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
I had high hopes for this book because I haven't read any books with MCs with a port wine stain. I've read a number of books with characters with severe facial scarring (The Truth About Riley, Butterfly Tattoo, Counterbalance), but nothing with a colored mark. I was intrigued, but this book was a disappointment.
I didn't enjoy the character of Blair. He was mousy, timid, and underdeveloped, and I couldn't (for the life of me) understand why he had such low self-esteem and ended up in such crappy relationships. I get characters that make poor choices and who are flawed, but Blair had an extremely supportive family and many things on his side, so his constant crapping on himself was odd. He also was always the damsel in distress character, claiming he could take care of himself, but then doing dumb things like forgetting his coat in freezing weather and not eating for extended periods of time because he forgot or doesn't like eating. He really irritated me.
The other MC was... okay. The relationship between them moved super-quickly, which was annoying, but Jack was fine overall.
What really got under my skin was the ridiculous villain character of Travis. He was over-the-top and cartoony, and I rolled my eyes with each thing that he did. I didn't even get why Blair had ever been with him, and Travis and his buddies were just too outlandish and bait-ish to be real for me, as a reader.
The story was a quick read, and it wasn't terrible, but I was happy when it was over. Not a strong one.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
May 13, 2016
2.5 Stars
Blair has been mistreated by schoolmates and people, mostly men, his entire life. Slight and effeminate he's constantly taken advantage of and hurt. He's a bit of a nervous nelly doormat, with good reason.
At his last job his boss sexually harassed him, and the proof he had went missing in police custody. Now without a job and with a black mark on his record Blair's moved back in with his mom and is just trying to find a new job.
Blair loves being a secretary even though his (not so) friend-with-benefits and cronies makes fun and berate him for it. When Blair get a job interview with Jack Ross he almost bungles it, but gets the job with a two year contract.
After Blair's initial discomfiture with Jack's port wine stained face, he quickly stops noticing the birthmark and the two settle into a nice rhythm. Jack immediately takes the slighter man under his wing and when things get ugly with abusive Travis, Jack comes to Blair's rescue.
Personally, I felt like the relationship with Jack seemed to come a little bit out of left field, Blair was a little heavy on the waterworks sometimes, and things got tied up a little too quickly and neatly, but overall this was a quick read and I was happy with Blair and Jack's HEA.
Advanced Review Galley copy of Stained provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Blair has been mistreated by schoolmates and people, mostly men, his entire life. Slight and effeminate he's constantly taken advantage of and hurt. He's a bit of a nervous nelly doormat, with good reason.
At his last job his boss sexually harassed him, and the proof he had went missing in police custody. Now without a job and with a black mark on his record Blair's moved back in with his mom and is just trying to find a new job.
Blair loves being a secretary even though his (not so) friend-with-benefits and cronies makes fun and berate him for it. When Blair get a job interview with Jack Ross he almost bungles it, but gets the job with a two year contract.
After Blair's initial discomfiture with Jack's port wine stained face, he quickly stops noticing the birthmark and the two settle into a nice rhythm. Jack immediately takes the slighter man under his wing and when things get ugly with abusive Travis, Jack comes to Blair's rescue.
Personally, I felt like the relationship with Jack seemed to come a little bit out of left field, Blair was a little heavy on the waterworks sometimes, and things got tied up a little too quickly and neatly, but overall this was a quick read and I was happy with Blair and Jack's HEA.
Advanced Review Galley copy of Stained provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
June 5, 2016
Not very credible main characters :/
And totally abhorrent antagonists!!
2,5*
And totally abhorrent antagonists!!
2,5*
May 24, 2016
This little book is packed full of feels.
Your first feeling is anger and revulsion, maybe even a little Hatred. Hen it turns to apprehension, thrown in with some humor, and a few gut clenching moments, and then acceptance and love.
It starts with Blaire hanging out with his "friends". Travis, the "main friend" and friends- with -not so much- benefits is the ring leader. They do nothing but put Blair down. Blaire, being the smaller effeminate type has been targeted all his life, so this is what he's used to.
While I do feel bad for him, I also do not pity him. I was actually a little annoyed and angry with him. He's the kind of character that I have nothing in common with, so I can't really relate. Except for the side he shows for Jack, or what Jack brings out in him. Which is a caring, sweet man. Maybe even a slight protective streak.
Jack, Blaire's new boss is a big, strong man, but also has his own problems. He's been shunned by people his whole life due to the port stain on his face.
After Blaire's first initial shock at seeing it, we come to learn later on that his reaction isn't because he found it grotesque or off-putting...but more of a memory of another bad time in his life.
I think the title is very fitting. Stained, they have all been stained by past events (and some present) in their lives, but they both overcome all the bad stuff together.
I love Chris's writing and the fact she can put so much into a shorter book. I think I got more out of this book then some of the 300+ pages I've recently read.
All in all I enjoyed this story, it brought out all sorts of emotions for me. I give it a 3.75*
Your first feeling is anger and revulsion, maybe even a little Hatred. Hen it turns to apprehension, thrown in with some humor, and a few gut clenching moments, and then acceptance and love.
It starts with Blaire hanging out with his "friends". Travis, the "main friend" and friends- with -not so much- benefits is the ring leader. They do nothing but put Blair down. Blaire, being the smaller effeminate type has been targeted all his life, so this is what he's used to.
While I do feel bad for him, I also do not pity him. I was actually a little annoyed and angry with him. He's the kind of character that I have nothing in common with, so I can't really relate. Except for the side he shows for Jack, or what Jack brings out in him. Which is a caring, sweet man. Maybe even a slight protective streak.
Jack, Blaire's new boss is a big, strong man, but also has his own problems. He's been shunned by people his whole life due to the port stain on his face.
After Blaire's first initial shock at seeing it, we come to learn later on that his reaction isn't because he found it grotesque or off-putting...but more of a memory of another bad time in his life.
I think the title is very fitting. Stained, they have all been stained by past events (and some present) in their lives, but they both overcome all the bad stuff together.
I love Chris's writing and the fact she can put so much into a shorter book. I think I got more out of this book then some of the 300+ pages I've recently read.
All in all I enjoyed this story, it brought out all sorts of emotions for me. I give it a 3.75*
August 17, 2016
2.75
I love books with less than perfect characters. I like the fact that Jack is not another 'image-ly flawless' MC - sometimes I get really tired of beautiful and perfect main characters. I'd rather the plot didn't revolve around this 'flaw' (which is not a flaw, it is a part of the human make up, we are all different and beauty is far too defined by media and societal standards, though that is an argument for another day), but I do like the fact that he was different than the usually defined standards of beauty. That said, I did like the fact that the reader is able to understand how it feels to be different from an 'accepted' norm. How it affects the way that others actions are perceived and felt. I wanted to shout at Jack that it doesn't matter what the hell he looks like, to be himself, don't over-think others reactions - and I would have been a great big hypocrite, because I have alopecia and won't go out in public without wearing a hat. Only a very, very few see me hatless these days. It's not even that bad in the scheme of things, but I am totally conscious of it so I understood why Jack was how he was, even though part of me hated him for it. Even though most of me wanted to shout "Seriously dude, if they judge you for your looks it's their loss". Freud would have a field day with that, huh. This isn't about me though, it's about the story... and why I only gave it 2.75 stars.
Despite the fact that I loved the blurb and set up, the story didn't quite work for me. I think I wanted something more serious than I got; something more emotional. What I read felt a little too soap opera like for my taste. Characters felt exaggerated and the storyline overly dramatic in a divisive way. It is probably exactly some people's cup of tea, but it wasn't mine.
The problem with accepting requested reviews is that I owe everyone an honest opinion - but opinions are, by their very nature, utterly biased. Biased to the reader's taste, and thoughts, and experiences, and likes and dislikes. If I'd bought the book I'd probably have left a rating on GR (more for my records than anything else) and carried on my merry way. I didn't though, the book was given in exchange for an honest review and my honest opinion is I didn't enjoy it more than 2.75 hearts. The key word being I. It wasn't full of editorial errors or plot-holes, it just didn't float my boat. The 39 4+ GR ratings (at time of writing) show that at least 39 people have a different opinion to me. I'm neither right nor wrong, I'm just giving my view that this book really wasn't for me. seriously, this review could really have just been the central paragraph, because that is what it all boils down to.
Review previously at bmbr.
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.
I love books with less than perfect characters. I like the fact that Jack is not another 'image-ly flawless' MC - sometimes I get really tired of beautiful and perfect main characters. I'd rather the plot didn't revolve around this 'flaw' (which is not a flaw, it is a part of the human make up, we are all different and beauty is far too defined by media and societal standards, though that is an argument for another day), but I do like the fact that he was different than the usually defined standards of beauty. That said, I did like the fact that the reader is able to understand how it feels to be different from an 'accepted' norm. How it affects the way that others actions are perceived and felt. I wanted to shout at Jack that it doesn't matter what the hell he looks like, to be himself, don't over-think others reactions - and I would have been a great big hypocrite, because I have alopecia and won't go out in public without wearing a hat. Only a very, very few see me hatless these days. It's not even that bad in the scheme of things, but I am totally conscious of it so I understood why Jack was how he was, even though part of me hated him for it. Even though most of me wanted to shout "Seriously dude, if they judge you for your looks it's their loss". Freud would have a field day with that, huh. This isn't about me though, it's about the story... and why I only gave it 2.75 stars.
Despite the fact that I loved the blurb and set up, the story didn't quite work for me. I think I wanted something more serious than I got; something more emotional. What I read felt a little too soap opera like for my taste. Characters felt exaggerated and the storyline overly dramatic in a divisive way. It is probably exactly some people's cup of tea, but it wasn't mine.
The problem with accepting requested reviews is that I owe everyone an honest opinion - but opinions are, by their very nature, utterly biased. Biased to the reader's taste, and thoughts, and experiences, and likes and dislikes. If I'd bought the book I'd probably have left a rating on GR (more for my records than anything else) and carried on my merry way. I didn't though, the book was given in exchange for an honest review and my honest opinion is I didn't enjoy it more than 2.75 hearts. The key word being I. It wasn't full of editorial errors or plot-holes, it just didn't float my boat. The 39 4+ GR ratings (at time of writing) show that at least 39 people have a different opinion to me. I'm neither right nor wrong, I'm just giving my view that this book really wasn't for me. seriously, this review could really have just been the central paragraph, because that is what it all boils down to.
Review previously at bmbr.
A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review.
June 2, 2016
‘Stained’ is the perfect title for this story. It is about two men who are each marked – Blair internally because he has been bullied all his life and now due to his unfairly bad employment, and Jack because he has a visible port-wine stain on his cheek. Both men have led difficult lives because of who they are, and it takes them meeting and “banding together” for them to begin healing and maybe even have a chance at a better life.
Blair, who tells the story in first person, is too different from the expected stereotype of macho manliness to fit the norm. He has been taken advantage of, his “boyfriend” is basically abusing him, and when he gets sexually harassed at work, the evidence vanishes mysteriously and leaves him looking like a troublemaker. And while his mother is somewhat protective, and his older sister “only means well”, I found them to be as inconsiderate as everyone else. Blair wants a quiet life, a man to love him whom he can love back, and to be left alone. It doesn’t look like he can do that on his own. He needs a protector - and soon!
Jack is an architect and the owner of a successful firm, but his personal life has never gotten anywhere because of his birthmark. Not even his mother supports him not undergoing the risky and painful procedure to remove it, and most people just stare at him because of it. It’s a good thing Jack is stable and secure enough to deal with that. He is attracted to Blair from the beginning, but he is too decent a guy to take the first step – particularly as he is the boss, and he knows about the sexual harassment Blair suffered at his previous job.
Their relationship changes gradually to being friends, then more, and I loved the slow burn. They’re a great fit, but it takes them a while to develop the trust needed to open up and even longer to realize their insecurities are not what defines them. Blair’s ex tries to make a comeback of the worst kind, and dealing with that is the real test for Blair and Jack’s burgeoning romance.
If you like office romances, if slow-burning relationships between men marked by their past are your thing, and if you’re looking for a gentle love story full of tender moments and a few dramatic events, then you will probably like this heartwarming novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Blair, who tells the story in first person, is too different from the expected stereotype of macho manliness to fit the norm. He has been taken advantage of, his “boyfriend” is basically abusing him, and when he gets sexually harassed at work, the evidence vanishes mysteriously and leaves him looking like a troublemaker. And while his mother is somewhat protective, and his older sister “only means well”, I found them to be as inconsiderate as everyone else. Blair wants a quiet life, a man to love him whom he can love back, and to be left alone. It doesn’t look like he can do that on his own. He needs a protector - and soon!
Jack is an architect and the owner of a successful firm, but his personal life has never gotten anywhere because of his birthmark. Not even his mother supports him not undergoing the risky and painful procedure to remove it, and most people just stare at him because of it. It’s a good thing Jack is stable and secure enough to deal with that. He is attracted to Blair from the beginning, but he is too decent a guy to take the first step – particularly as he is the boss, and he knows about the sexual harassment Blair suffered at his previous job.
Their relationship changes gradually to being friends, then more, and I loved the slow burn. They’re a great fit, but it takes them a while to develop the trust needed to open up and even longer to realize their insecurities are not what defines them. Blair’s ex tries to make a comeback of the worst kind, and dealing with that is the real test for Blair and Jack’s burgeoning romance.
If you like office romances, if slow-burning relationships between men marked by their past are your thing, and if you’re looking for a gentle love story full of tender moments and a few dramatic events, then you will probably like this heartwarming novella.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
June 1, 2016
4,5 stars. This story was exactly what I needed. Review coming soon
I read Stained at the right time, it was exactly what I needed. I’m a huge fun of Chris T Kat, I can always count on her talent when I’m looking for something sweet. This new and unfortunately last novel was no exception. I devoured it.
Blair’s life sucks. He is 25 years old and back to live with his mum after he lost his job. A wonderful mum, loving and funny but most of all always encouraging. Blair is on job hunt as a secretary after a bad work experience where he was sexually harassed. He met Travis in his old job and he fell for him. But the guy is mean, he had no respect for Blair’s ideas and opinions, on the contrary he hurt Blair more than once. During one of these times he literally crashed with a man with a stained face. And the day after, during a job interview the man with the stained face reveals to be the new boss. Jack is an architect, he inherited the firm of his father. He’s tired of people staring at him and calling him bad names. When he met Blair, he is soon attracted to him and being caring is easy.
Stained is a super sweet story, although to me it was never too much. It was well done and easy to read. My only problem? I wanted a little more, especially in the development of the relationship between the MCs. It missed some spice and it would have be perfect. Nonetheless I think the author did great with Blair and Jack, both stained in different way, one physically, the other in the soul. Yes the title was very fitting in this case. I have to say at the beginning it was hard to me to like Blair, seeing him with Travis made me so angry with Blair himself. I wanted him to open his eyes soon and beat the guy. Luckly he fulfilled my wish. And then when he meets Jack and I read about them together I start to love them, because at the end they were perfect for each other.
I feel to recommend this story if you’re looking for something easy, quick and sweet. I was conqueered and satisfied.
The cover art by Bree Archer is a winner, I love it, it’s cute and the models are exactly how I picture Jack and Blair.
I read Stained at the right time, it was exactly what I needed. I’m a huge fun of Chris T Kat, I can always count on her talent when I’m looking for something sweet. This new and unfortunately last novel was no exception. I devoured it.
Blair’s life sucks. He is 25 years old and back to live with his mum after he lost his job. A wonderful mum, loving and funny but most of all always encouraging. Blair is on job hunt as a secretary after a bad work experience where he was sexually harassed. He met Travis in his old job and he fell for him. But the guy is mean, he had no respect for Blair’s ideas and opinions, on the contrary he hurt Blair more than once. During one of these times he literally crashed with a man with a stained face. And the day after, during a job interview the man with the stained face reveals to be the new boss. Jack is an architect, he inherited the firm of his father. He’s tired of people staring at him and calling him bad names. When he met Blair, he is soon attracted to him and being caring is easy.
Stained is a super sweet story, although to me it was never too much. It was well done and easy to read. My only problem? I wanted a little more, especially in the development of the relationship between the MCs. It missed some spice and it would have be perfect. Nonetheless I think the author did great with Blair and Jack, both stained in different way, one physically, the other in the soul. Yes the title was very fitting in this case. I have to say at the beginning it was hard to me to like Blair, seeing him with Travis made me so angry with Blair himself. I wanted him to open his eyes soon and beat the guy. Luckly he fulfilled my wish. And then when he meets Jack and I read about them together I start to love them, because at the end they were perfect for each other.
I feel to recommend this story if you’re looking for something easy, quick and sweet. I was conqueered and satisfied.
The cover art by Bree Archer is a winner, I love it, it’s cute and the models are exactly how I picture Jack and Blair.
July 11, 2016
Stained is the story of two men - Jack has a port-wine birthmark stain on his face, while Blair's reputation is stained by an unfair dismissal from his prior secretarial position. Blair is sweet and somewhat naive, tangled up in a brutal friends-with-benefits situation with Travis, the IT guy from his previous job. Blair is rescued from a disagreement with Travis at the bar by a man with a port-wine stain on his face who (in a twist usually found only in romance novels), turns out to be Jack Ross, the senior partner of the architectural firm Ross & Sons where Blair has a job interview.
Blair is offered the job by Jack Ross and they quickly become lunch buddies and friends. When Blair is bruised and traumatized, then cyberbullied by Travis when he breaks up with him, Jack comes to the rescue. There is little sizzle or steam to their relationship, however, because it moves so rapidly into insta-love with little to no development of Jack's character. The pace of the book is brisk, as the plot quickly moves to a resolution (along with several implausible and/or glossed-over events) and a HEA epilogue four months later.
For a short novella, the story keeps your interest and ties all the loose ends up, albeit a bit too quickly. I would recommend this book with caution (or maybe let's say more of a general "meh") because of a lack of character development and a weak plot, but there is a certain sweetness to Blair and his HEA with Jack.
I received a galley copy from Dreamspinner Press, via Gay Book Reviews, in exchange for an honest review. Review also posted at GayBook Reviews. Check it out!
Blair is offered the job by Jack Ross and they quickly become lunch buddies and friends. When Blair is bruised and traumatized, then cyberbullied by Travis when he breaks up with him, Jack comes to the rescue. There is little sizzle or steam to their relationship, however, because it moves so rapidly into insta-love with little to no development of Jack's character. The pace of the book is brisk, as the plot quickly moves to a resolution (along with several implausible and/or glossed-over events) and a HEA epilogue four months later.
For a short novella, the story keeps your interest and ties all the loose ends up, albeit a bit too quickly. I would recommend this book with caution (or maybe let's say more of a general "meh") because of a lack of character development and a weak plot, but there is a certain sweetness to Blair and his HEA with Jack.
I received a galley copy from Dreamspinner Press, via Gay Book Reviews, in exchange for an honest review. Review also posted at GayBook Reviews. Check it out!
June 30, 2016
Blair has always been slight, as a result, he has a tendency to get pushed around. When he finally stands up for himself at work, they don’t believe him, and he gets fired. Now he’s back living at home and finding it hard to get another job. On the social front, his “friends with benefits” treats him like crap and is beginning to become more “physical” with his abuse.
Jack was born with a port wine stain on a large portion of his face. It’s not been able to be removed easily, and as a result, he’s faced derision and scorn. When Blair stumbles into his life looking for work he sees a similar soul and he reaches out both for help and to support.
Though many things happen that should keep this couple apart, they can’t help but be drawn to one another as they both find strength in the other’s arms.
**
There was much about this story I really liked. The premise: two misfits who find one another. Finding one’s own strength and being willing to stand up for what’s right. Family that supports instead of hurts. Unique characters who aren’t physically perfect.
What I didn’t like. The writing style is very heavy handed. There’s no subtle story telling but a lot of very obvious “telling”. Blair acts very juvenile a lot of the time and is kind of a train wreck. Jack is a little too perfect. The employer/employee relationship thing really should have been a bigger deal than it was. Travis, the evil “friend with benefits” was a little too evil to be believable, especially when he gets caught.
All in all, if you don’t have expectations of a deep or emotionally moving story, this is a sweet love story where all the good guys get what they should and a very HEA. If you want realism, artistry, or subtlety – this isn’t the story for you.
3 of 5 stars
Jack was born with a port wine stain on a large portion of his face. It’s not been able to be removed easily, and as a result, he’s faced derision and scorn. When Blair stumbles into his life looking for work he sees a similar soul and he reaches out both for help and to support.
Though many things happen that should keep this couple apart, they can’t help but be drawn to one another as they both find strength in the other’s arms.
**
There was much about this story I really liked. The premise: two misfits who find one another. Finding one’s own strength and being willing to stand up for what’s right. Family that supports instead of hurts. Unique characters who aren’t physically perfect.
What I didn’t like. The writing style is very heavy handed. There’s no subtle story telling but a lot of very obvious “telling”. Blair acts very juvenile a lot of the time and is kind of a train wreck. Jack is a little too perfect. The employer/employee relationship thing really should have been a bigger deal than it was. Travis, the evil “friend with benefits” was a little too evil to be believable, especially when he gets caught.
All in all, if you don’t have expectations of a deep or emotionally moving story, this is a sweet love story where all the good guys get what they should and a very HEA. If you want realism, artistry, or subtlety – this isn’t the story for you.
3 of 5 stars
November 5, 2018
Nettes Lesefutter.
Blair ist mir einen Ticken zu dick aufgetragen, er könnte etwas mehr Rückrat vertragen,um gut zu lesen zu sein.
Bei Jack stellt sich mir die Frage ob wirklich so gnadenlos viel getuschelt wird nur weil er ein Feuermal hat? Klar im ersten Augenblick stutzt man aber ist das echt so ein Problem?
Kam mir etwas aufgebauscht vor, liegt aber vielleicht auch daran, dass ich auf solche Äußerlichkeiten selbst nicht viel gebe.
Blairs Schwester ist dann schon kurz vor Klamauk und hätte auch gerne wegbleiben können.
Blair ist mir einen Ticken zu dick aufgetragen, er könnte etwas mehr Rückrat vertragen,um gut zu lesen zu sein.
Bei Jack stellt sich mir die Frage ob wirklich so gnadenlos viel getuschelt wird nur weil er ein Feuermal hat? Klar im ersten Augenblick stutzt man aber ist das echt so ein Problem?
Kam mir etwas aufgebauscht vor, liegt aber vielleicht auch daran, dass ich auf solche Äußerlichkeiten selbst nicht viel gebe.
Blairs Schwester ist dann schon kurz vor Klamauk und hätte auch gerne wegbleiben können.
November 2, 2018
Ich mag die Geschichten von Chris T. Kat unheimlich gerne.
Unperfekte Protas, die sich ineinander verlieben und so manches Hindernis meistern müssen.
Unperfekte Protas, die sich ineinander verlieben und so manches Hindernis meistern müssen.
December 19, 2019
✔ Letto! Oggi ho conosciuto dei ragazzi dolcissimi. Prima voglio parlarvi di Blair. Lui è un ragazzo di 25 anni, gay dichiarato e fa il secretario, ama il suo lavoro. Ha bellissimi occhi verdi ereditati dalla sua dolce mamma, è magrolino, piccolo di costituzione e sembra fragile agli occhi di chi lo guarda. Fino adesso questo suo essere così femmineo ha solo attirato su di sé persone che danno il meglio di sé stessi in fatto di arroganza, malvagità e prepotenze. Riesce a tirar fuori il peggio dalle persone. O per meglio dire, le peggiore persone sono attrae da lui, pensando di avere terreno fertile per le sue cattiverie. Blair ha perso in un incendio il suo papà, che per salvarlo ha attraversato tutto il fuoco e lo ha portato fuori, morendo in seguito alle bruciature. Si porta nell'anima questa colpa, anche se non l'ha mai espressa a nessuno, le sue due donne non gli avrebbero permesso.
Jack è un architetto di successo, ha un studio con il nome della sua famiglia scritto sopra. Ed è il nuovo capo di Blair. È bello, forte, alto e ricco. Tutte le cose che Blair non lo è, diresti. Invece i due hanno più in comune di quanto loro stessi credono. Sono stati giudicati, additati, presi di mira, ridicolarizzati, malmenati solo ed esclusivamente per il loro aspetto estetico. Jack porta su una parte del suo bellissimo viso un nevo vinoso, una macchia che lo separa dalle persone che vedono solo lei. Una macchia che crea problemi alle persone che non riescono ad accettarla, come la sua propria madre, e non vedono la persona bellissima, gentile, affettuosa, inteligente e con bellissimi occhi blu dietro a quella macchia.
Loro due sono macchiati, tutti due portano dolore che devono combattere, pregiudizi che devono ignorare, e ignoranza che hanno imparato a non dare peso per la propria sopravvivenza.
Insieme sono una squadra forte, combaciano come pezzi unici e rari di porcellana colorata. Si sentono forte e Invicibili perché così dev'essere. I problemi vanno eliminati e la squadra che gli accompagnano è forte.
Per me è ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤... io l'ho adorato anche se c'era un capitolo verso la fine troppo veloce e zuccheroso.
Jack è un architetto di successo, ha un studio con il nome della sua famiglia scritto sopra. Ed è il nuovo capo di Blair. È bello, forte, alto e ricco. Tutte le cose che Blair non lo è, diresti. Invece i due hanno più in comune di quanto loro stessi credono. Sono stati giudicati, additati, presi di mira, ridicolarizzati, malmenati solo ed esclusivamente per il loro aspetto estetico. Jack porta su una parte del suo bellissimo viso un nevo vinoso, una macchia che lo separa dalle persone che vedono solo lei. Una macchia che crea problemi alle persone che non riescono ad accettarla, come la sua propria madre, e non vedono la persona bellissima, gentile, affettuosa, inteligente e con bellissimi occhi blu dietro a quella macchia.
Loro due sono macchiati, tutti due portano dolore che devono combattere, pregiudizi che devono ignorare, e ignoranza che hanno imparato a non dare peso per la propria sopravvivenza.
Insieme sono una squadra forte, combaciano come pezzi unici e rari di porcellana colorata. Si sentono forte e Invicibili perché così dev'essere. I problemi vanno eliminati e la squadra che gli accompagnano è forte.
Per me è ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤... io l'ho adorato anche se c'era un capitolo verso la fine troppo veloce e zuccheroso.
June 1, 2016
3.5 Stars
I really loved the premise of this story. I liked the lesson to be learned here and I loved how the main characters have as much in common as they do.
Blair Clark has pretty much spent his entire existence being bullied because of his effeminate appearance. Even from so called friends. Not a lot of support and defense for him when it came to the constant attacks against the way he looks. Now, if you’ve never been bullied in your life you may find Blair’s attitude toward it and lack of backbone a bit annoying and frustrating. Keep in mind, we all handle things differently.
Jack Ross, who becomes Blair’s boss has a dark red birthmark adorning one side of his face. He’s not a stranger to odd looks and bullying himself. So when Blair and Jack come face to face you realize how much they can both relate to each other.
Jack is stained on the outside. Blair is stained on the inside. They really do discover so much about who they are with each other. It was rewarding to see them find that sort of love.
The emotions run high in this book. Hate to love and everything in between.
I would have liked this book to slow down in parts. I felt rushed in some situations and I wanted to pause so much to try and absorb the moment but like a sudden breeze the moment was blown away.
Another issue I had was too often I found myself saying “I think this and I think that.” I thought too much so to speak. Many times emotions, or whatnot were unclear. I wasn’t sure if Jack or Blair felt a certain thing or if I was in the right mind frame for a scene. More clarity was needed.
This was a sweet yet emotional book and even humorous at times.
I really loved the premise of this story. I liked the lesson to be learned here and I loved how the main characters have as much in common as they do.
Blair Clark has pretty much spent his entire existence being bullied because of his effeminate appearance. Even from so called friends. Not a lot of support and defense for him when it came to the constant attacks against the way he looks. Now, if you’ve never been bullied in your life you may find Blair’s attitude toward it and lack of backbone a bit annoying and frustrating. Keep in mind, we all handle things differently.
Jack Ross, who becomes Blair’s boss has a dark red birthmark adorning one side of his face. He’s not a stranger to odd looks and bullying himself. So when Blair and Jack come face to face you realize how much they can both relate to each other.
Jack is stained on the outside. Blair is stained on the inside. They really do discover so much about who they are with each other. It was rewarding to see them find that sort of love.
The emotions run high in this book. Hate to love and everything in between.
I would have liked this book to slow down in parts. I felt rushed in some situations and I wanted to pause so much to try and absorb the moment but like a sudden breeze the moment was blown away.
Another issue I had was too often I found myself saying “I think this and I think that.” I thought too much so to speak. Many times emotions, or whatnot were unclear. I wasn’t sure if Jack or Blair felt a certain thing or if I was in the right mind frame for a scene. More clarity was needed.
This was a sweet yet emotional book and even humorous at times.
January 18, 2019
Voto: 2.5 stelle.
È in occasioni come questa che vorrei davvero ci fossero anche le mezze stelline di voto, perché sono stata molto incerta se dare 2 o 3 stelle, dato che il mio parere sta nel mezzo.
Il motivo principale è che ho faticato molto a entrare in sintonia col protagonista principale e non aiuta che la voce narrante e il punto di vista siano proprio il suo: Blair è esile, proprio magrolino, bassino, timido, insicuro cronico, vittima di molestie, bullismo e aggressioni verbali e fisiche praticamente da sempre. Il suo partner attuale è l’emblema dello stronz* puro ed è pure pericoloso, ma anche i precedenti che ha avuto. Lui lo sa, ma ci ricasca ripromettendosi di cambiare, di lasciarlo, di reagire... Mi dispiace, ma mi ha urtato i nervi in un mare di scene. Ho cercato di simpatizzare con lui, dato il suo stato di vittima, ma certi suoi comportamenti non mi hanno davvero convinta e non posso elencarli per non spoilerare la trama.
Di contro, ho amato tutti i personaggi secondari e, soprattutto, il coprotagonista che salva Blair e la storia.
Jack è anche lui una vittima del mondo, perché ha una macchia rossa in faccia che lo rende raccapricciante a prima vista, ma si è rimboccato le maniche e non si dà mai per vinto. Ha un animo sensibile e generoso, è l’emblema del riscatto di chi non si arrende, di chi – proprio perché prova sulla propria pelle il dolore – allunga la mano e aiuta gli altri.
La resa italiana è piacevole e ben fatta. Il mio limite verso questo libro è proprio nella caratterizzazione di Blair, ma vi invito a leggerlo e a farvi una vostra opinione personale.
Merged review:
Voto: 2.5 stelline
È in occasioni come questa che vorrei davvero ci fossero anche le mezze stelline di voto, perché sono stata molto incerta se dare 2 o 3 stelle, dato che il mio parere sta nel mezzo.
Il motivo principale è che ho faticato molto a entrare in sintonia col protagonista principale e non aiuta che la voce narrante e il punto di vista siano proprio il suo: Blair è esile, proprio magrolino, bassino, timido, insicuro cronico, vittima di molestie, bullismo e aggressioni verbali e fisiche praticamente da sempre. Il suo partner attuale è l’emblema dello stronz* puro ed è pure pericoloso, ma anche i precedenti che ha avuto. Lui lo sa, ma ci ricasca ripromettendosi di cambiare, di lasciarlo, di reagire... Mi dispiace, ma mi ha urtato i nervi in un mare di scene. Ho cercato di simpatizzare con lui, dato il suo stato di vittima, ma certi suoi comportamenti non mi hanno davvero convinta e non posso elencarli per non spoilerare la trama.
Di contro, ho amato tutti i personaggi secondari e, soprattutto, il coprotagonista che salva Blair e la storia.
Jack è anche lui una vittima del mondo, perché ha una macchia rossa in faccia che lo rende raccapricciante a prima vista, ma si è rimboccato le maniche e non si dà mai per vinto. Ha un animo sensibile e generoso, è l’emblema del riscatto di chi non si arrende, di chi – proprio perché prova sulla propria pelle il dolore – allunga la mano e aiuta gli altri.
La resa italiana è piacevole e ben fatta. Il mio limite verso questo libro è proprio nella caratterizzazione di Blair, ma vi invito a leggerlo e a farvi una vostra opinione personale.
Merged review:
Voto: 2.5 stelline
June 1, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
There is nothing about Stained I didn’t like. Main characters who have obstacles to overcome before they can be together, some pretty good background characters, some angst, but nothing overwhelming, sweet romance, and hot sex are all combined to make a story I was very happy to read. Blair was so fragile and sweet, and all I wanted to do was scoop him up and love all his pain away. I was able to live vicariously through Jack, thankfully, because that man did exactly that. It���s not that Blair was weak. He’d just had some really bad breaks, and coupled with his small stature (Jack called it willowy, and that is perfect), it made people think he was. Jack warmed my heart. He had decided it didn’t matter how people looked at him and his port wine stain. He was who he was, and if they didn’t like it, tough. It did hurt him that his mother saw him as being less than perfect, and I was sad for him. These men find each other at the exact right time. Their chemistry is off the charts from the beginning, even though they were only boss/employee/friends at first. It took something so utterly horrible to make them act upon their feelings. My jaw dropped when I read what Travis had done, and even though he’s a character in a book, he’s damn lucky to be alive. Jack (and I) wanted to rip him in two, and he totally deserves to have that happen to him.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
There is nothing about Stained I didn’t like. Main characters who have obstacles to overcome before they can be together, some pretty good background characters, some angst, but nothing overwhelming, sweet romance, and hot sex are all combined to make a story I was very happy to read. Blair was so fragile and sweet, and all I wanted to do was scoop him up and love all his pain away. I was able to live vicariously through Jack, thankfully, because that man did exactly that. It���s not that Blair was weak. He’d just had some really bad breaks, and coupled with his small stature (Jack called it willowy, and that is perfect), it made people think he was. Jack warmed my heart. He had decided it didn’t matter how people looked at him and his port wine stain. He was who he was, and if they didn’t like it, tough. It did hurt him that his mother saw him as being less than perfect, and I was sad for him. These men find each other at the exact right time. Their chemistry is off the charts from the beginning, even though they were only boss/employee/friends at first. It took something so utterly horrible to make them act upon their feelings. My jaw dropped when I read what Travis had done, and even though he’s a character in a book, he’s damn lucky to be alive. Jack (and I) wanted to rip him in two, and he totally deserves to have that happen to him.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
June 25, 2016
Both main characters in Stained, Blair and Jack, were well thought out and easy to love. They both had flaws, some more apparent or visible than others, but they were able to work through them together.
The story itself was constructed well, but there were a few parts that felt rushed and would have benefited from being expanded. It was almost as if some of the major plot lines, were stated and then closed quickly... with a few other items added in, instead of pulling out the details. That being said, it was a very good read - a "one sitting read" at that, and I highly recommend it. It was sweet, not very sexy, but the character's chemistry was fantastic.
The story itself was constructed well, but there were a few parts that felt rushed and would have benefited from being expanded. It was almost as if some of the major plot lines, were stated and then closed quickly... with a few other items added in, instead of pulling out the details. That being said, it was a very good read - a "one sitting read" at that, and I highly recommend it. It was sweet, not very sexy, but the character's chemistry was fantastic.
June 3, 2016
3 stars
This story was just what I needed !
This story was just what I needed !
January 11, 2019
E mezza
December 3, 2017
Reviewed on The Blogger Girls
Blair hasn’t had the easiest life in the last few months. Fired from his job after no one believed he was being sexual harassed, he’s had to move back home with his mom and he’s crushing on Travis who won’t give him more time than it takes to get off. No matter how many jobs he applies for, he never gets an offer until he applies for Jack’s firm. He doesn’t think he’ll get the job so he’s quite shocked when he’s offered a position, especially after the way he reacts to the stain on Jack’s cheek. The more Blair and Jack work together, though, the closer they get until Blair finally decides to end things with Travis. Unfortunately, Travis doesn’t take things well and his need to get back at Blair might just cost Jack everything he’s worked for.
It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Chris T. Kat’s writing. I’ve read just about every story by her and I could never get enough. I just love the ‘feels’ in her books and the fact she’s not afraid to write about non-traditional characters. In this one, Jack has a port-wine birthmark on his face which means he’s been ridiculed pretty much all his life and a majority of the time, people react badly to his birthmark when they first meet. In this one, Blair is no different but Jack is used to it. I adored Jack because of how confident he was. He didn’t let everyone’s rudeness and reactions affect how he acted. I really admired that. For Blair, he’s had a raw deal and I felt really sorry for him because of the situation he’s been in. It took guts to complain about a boss sexually harassing him and he had to deal with the consequences of no one believing him.
I have two complaints about this book. For one, I didn’t really pity Blair. I felt really bad for him but, to me, he was always the victim and I felt like he could have stopped being the victim at any time. Instead, he just let things happen and then when they blew up, he could barely function. I just wish we saw more of the backbone he had when he accused his boss of sexual harrassment and would have realized that he could handle things, he just needs to get out of his own head and DEAL with them. Aside from that, I was a little disappointed in how the whole Travis thing was resolved. I would have liked more of an explanation on what will actually happen to him and honestly, I feel like Blair will never get over that part of his life unless he finally confronts Travis and realizes he’s not a victim.
In the end, I still really enjoyed this one. I love that Chris T. Kat always has unique characters and writes about things that some people consider stigmas. I absolutely adored Jack and loved the way he was with Blair. If you’re looking for a sweet story that has a ton of emotions definitely give this one a go!
Blair hasn’t had the easiest life in the last few months. Fired from his job after no one believed he was being sexual harassed, he’s had to move back home with his mom and he’s crushing on Travis who won’t give him more time than it takes to get off. No matter how many jobs he applies for, he never gets an offer until he applies for Jack’s firm. He doesn’t think he’ll get the job so he’s quite shocked when he’s offered a position, especially after the way he reacts to the stain on Jack’s cheek. The more Blair and Jack work together, though, the closer they get until Blair finally decides to end things with Travis. Unfortunately, Travis doesn’t take things well and his need to get back at Blair might just cost Jack everything he’s worked for.
It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Chris T. Kat’s writing. I’ve read just about every story by her and I could never get enough. I just love the ‘feels’ in her books and the fact she’s not afraid to write about non-traditional characters. In this one, Jack has a port-wine birthmark on his face which means he’s been ridiculed pretty much all his life and a majority of the time, people react badly to his birthmark when they first meet. In this one, Blair is no different but Jack is used to it. I adored Jack because of how confident he was. He didn’t let everyone’s rudeness and reactions affect how he acted. I really admired that. For Blair, he’s had a raw deal and I felt really sorry for him because of the situation he’s been in. It took guts to complain about a boss sexually harassing him and he had to deal with the consequences of no one believing him.
I have two complaints about this book. For one, I didn’t really pity Blair. I felt really bad for him but, to me, he was always the victim and I felt like he could have stopped being the victim at any time. Instead, he just let things happen and then when they blew up, he could barely function. I just wish we saw more of the backbone he had when he accused his boss of sexual harrassment and would have realized that he could handle things, he just needs to get out of his own head and DEAL with them. Aside from that, I was a little disappointed in how the whole Travis thing was resolved. I would have liked more of an explanation on what will actually happen to him and honestly, I feel like Blair will never get over that part of his life unless he finally confronts Travis and realizes he’s not a victim.
In the end, I still really enjoyed this one. I love that Chris T. Kat always has unique characters and writes about things that some people consider stigmas. I absolutely adored Jack and loved the way he was with Blair. If you’re looking for a sweet story that has a ton of emotions definitely give this one a go!
January 12, 2019
Recensione a cura di Ilenia. Sul blog il testo completo: https://libriealtridisastri.blogspot....
Quando leggo dei romance MM, dei BEI romanzi, so benissimo cosa aspettarmi: due personalità forti, due uomini decisi, una sessualità prorompente. In "Macchiato" c'è questo e molto altro. Blair è un ragazzo che ha preso una decisione sbagliata, ha una relazione con un amico che lo usa solo per del sesso segreto, non avendo fatto outing... anzi, più e più volte denigra i gay, davanti a Blair che, inevitabilmente, si sente toccato dalle sue parole. Blair viene attaccato soprattutto per la scelta del suo lavoro: il ragazzo, infatti, è un segretario straordinario. Viene discriminato perché fa un lavoro da donna. Non fa incavolare anche a voi questa cosa? Blair ha paura a ribellarsi a queste insinuazioni, soprattutto perché il suo amico di letto è un tipo piuttosto irascibile.
Jack ha una ditta sua, ha un carattere forte, forgiato negli anni: mentre Blair viene vessato per la tipologia di lavoro, Jack viene giudicato dagli altri per via di una macchia sul viso, una malformazione difficile e dolorosa da operare. Jack sa che non è una macchia sul viso a definirlo, ma gli sconosciuti si fermano a quella, non dandogli la possibilità di conoscerlo veramente.
Quando si incontrano la prima volta, anche Blair rimane catturato dalla sua macchia, ma non in senso brutto. Non è il tipo da puntare il dito e bullizzare un uomo che si è comportato gentilmente. Jack se lo ritroverà davanti, essendo il ragazzo un candidato per il posto vacante da segretario, farà una sola domanda, facendo scappare Blair ma, alla fine, gli darà il posto di lavoro.
Inizia così la loro conoscenza e, con essa, i problemi. Ma se la violenza fa capolino nella loro routine, destabilizzando soprattutto Blair, come reagiranno? Scopritelo leggendo il libro!! Non ve ne pentirete, davvero.
Quando leggo dei romance MM, dei BEI romanzi, so benissimo cosa aspettarmi: due personalità forti, due uomini decisi, una sessualità prorompente. In "Macchiato" c'è questo e molto altro. Blair è un ragazzo che ha preso una decisione sbagliata, ha una relazione con un amico che lo usa solo per del sesso segreto, non avendo fatto outing... anzi, più e più volte denigra i gay, davanti a Blair che, inevitabilmente, si sente toccato dalle sue parole. Blair viene attaccato soprattutto per la scelta del suo lavoro: il ragazzo, infatti, è un segretario straordinario. Viene discriminato perché fa un lavoro da donna. Non fa incavolare anche a voi questa cosa? Blair ha paura a ribellarsi a queste insinuazioni, soprattutto perché il suo amico di letto è un tipo piuttosto irascibile.
Jack ha una ditta sua, ha un carattere forte, forgiato negli anni: mentre Blair viene vessato per la tipologia di lavoro, Jack viene giudicato dagli altri per via di una macchia sul viso, una malformazione difficile e dolorosa da operare. Jack sa che non è una macchia sul viso a definirlo, ma gli sconosciuti si fermano a quella, non dandogli la possibilità di conoscerlo veramente.
Quando si incontrano la prima volta, anche Blair rimane catturato dalla sua macchia, ma non in senso brutto. Non è il tipo da puntare il dito e bullizzare un uomo che si è comportato gentilmente. Jack se lo ritroverà davanti, essendo il ragazzo un candidato per il posto vacante da segretario, farà una sola domanda, facendo scappare Blair ma, alla fine, gli darà il posto di lavoro.
Inizia così la loro conoscenza e, con essa, i problemi. Ma se la violenza fa capolino nella loro routine, destabilizzando soprattutto Blair, come reagiranno? Scopritelo leggendo il libro!! Non ve ne pentirete, davvero.
January 24, 2019
Romance and Fantasy for Cosmopolitan Girls
La trama di questo libro mi aveva ispirato parecchio e avevo molte aspettative riguardo questa lettura, ma alcune sono state disattese. Non conoscevo questa autrice quindi, dal punto di vista della scrittura, non sapevo cosa aspettarmi. Si tratta sicuramente di una storia ricca di emozioni, ma, a mio parere, si dilunga troppo in alcuni punti per poi tagliare certe situazioni che sarebbe stato meglio approfondire per capire al meglio i personaggi. L’unico pov affidato a Blair penalizza molto il personaggio di Jack che, con la sua macchia in viso, avrebbe necessitato di maggior spessore psicologico vista la complessità della sua situazione.
Detto ciò il libro si fa leggere, ma non mi ha coinvolto particolarmente. Ho trovato che i personaggi restano piuttosto piatti e statici. Blair stesso trova sì il coraggio di rompere la malsana relazione con Travis, ma senza il sostegno di Jack forse non avrebbe mai cambiato la propria vita capendo quanto in realtà si stesse mortificando con un uomo come Travis.
Avrei preferito sapere qualcosa di più riguardo Jack, i problemi con sua madre e le difficoltà del crescere con un segno così evidente sul viso vengono solo accennati. Viene caratterizzata quasi meglio la madre di Blair che emerge dallo sfondo dei personaggi secondari per rappresentare un’importante punto di riferimento per il figlio.
Insomma, ho trovato Blair un protagonista decisamente sotto tono e Jack quasi relegato a personaggio secondario. Ci sono in ballo molte emozioni, ma non viene spesso dato loro il giusto spazio. La nascita stessa dell’amore tra Jack e Blair è subito lentissima per poi scoppiare in poche pagine verso un fin troppo rapido epilogo. Mi spiace perché le premesse erano davvero buone, ma questo libro non mi ha convinta del tutto.
La trama di questo libro mi aveva ispirato parecchio e avevo molte aspettative riguardo questa lettura, ma alcune sono state disattese. Non conoscevo questa autrice quindi, dal punto di vista della scrittura, non sapevo cosa aspettarmi. Si tratta sicuramente di una storia ricca di emozioni, ma, a mio parere, si dilunga troppo in alcuni punti per poi tagliare certe situazioni che sarebbe stato meglio approfondire per capire al meglio i personaggi. L’unico pov affidato a Blair penalizza molto il personaggio di Jack che, con la sua macchia in viso, avrebbe necessitato di maggior spessore psicologico vista la complessità della sua situazione.
Detto ciò il libro si fa leggere, ma non mi ha coinvolto particolarmente. Ho trovato che i personaggi restano piuttosto piatti e statici. Blair stesso trova sì il coraggio di rompere la malsana relazione con Travis, ma senza il sostegno di Jack forse non avrebbe mai cambiato la propria vita capendo quanto in realtà si stesse mortificando con un uomo come Travis.
Avrei preferito sapere qualcosa di più riguardo Jack, i problemi con sua madre e le difficoltà del crescere con un segno così evidente sul viso vengono solo accennati. Viene caratterizzata quasi meglio la madre di Blair che emerge dallo sfondo dei personaggi secondari per rappresentare un’importante punto di riferimento per il figlio.
Insomma, ho trovato Blair un protagonista decisamente sotto tono e Jack quasi relegato a personaggio secondario. Ci sono in ballo molte emozioni, ma non viene spesso dato loro il giusto spazio. La nascita stessa dell’amore tra Jack e Blair è subito lentissima per poi scoppiare in poche pagine verso un fin troppo rapido epilogo. Mi spiace perché le premesse erano davvero buone, ma questo libro non mi ha convinta del tutto.
February 5, 2019
Blair è un ragazzo minuto e molto bello, lavorava come segretario, ma si licenzia dopo aver accusato il suo capo di molestie. Tutto regolare se non fosse che le prove spariscono misteriosamente e lui non riesce più a trovare lavoro. Nel frattempo si butta in una relazione deleteria con un uomo sposato, Travis, che lo usa solo ed esclusivamente per dei giochetti sessuali a senso unico. Torna a vivere con sua mamma perchè non può permettersi un appartamento. Finalmente un colloquio sblocca la sua vita e lui piano piano inizia a riprendersi e in più si invaghisce del suo capo.
Blair e Jack sono due ragazzi sentimentalmente un po’ insicuri e trovandosi si innamorano subito e si preparano a una nuova vita insieme. Ma Travis non è disposto a lasciare andare il suo giocatolo molto facilmente e prepara una vendetta che metterà a rischio sia lui che tutta la Ross & Son Design.
Il libro è davvero troppo veloce, devo dire che mi ha un pochino lasciato l'amaro in bocca il non aver approfondito certi argomenti, per esempio il lavoro precedente di Blair e la vicenda delle molestie. Leggendo sembra quasi che sia il seguito di una storia precedente.
Per quanto riguarda il colpo di scena, quello su cui dovrebbe centrare tutto il libro, si risolve tutto in fretta.
Anche l'amore tra Blair e Jack ha una piccola pecca, fila sempre tutto liscio Se la storia fosse stata un po’ più approfondita e con più dettagli sarebbe davvero stato un libro meraviglioso.
Buona lettura, a presto.
Whinnie
Blair e Jack sono due ragazzi sentimentalmente un po’ insicuri e trovandosi si innamorano subito e si preparano a una nuova vita insieme. Ma Travis non è disposto a lasciare andare il suo giocatolo molto facilmente e prepara una vendetta che metterà a rischio sia lui che tutta la Ross & Son Design.
Il libro è davvero troppo veloce, devo dire che mi ha un pochino lasciato l'amaro in bocca il non aver approfondito certi argomenti, per esempio il lavoro precedente di Blair e la vicenda delle molestie. Leggendo sembra quasi che sia il seguito di una storia precedente.
Per quanto riguarda il colpo di scena, quello su cui dovrebbe centrare tutto il libro, si risolve tutto in fretta.
Anche l'amore tra Blair e Jack ha una piccola pecca, fila sempre tutto liscio Se la storia fosse stata un po’ più approfondita e con più dettagli sarebbe davvero stato un libro meraviglioso.
Buona lettura, a presto.
Whinnie
March 31, 2020
Questo libro ha decisamente catturato la mia attenzione. Non cambia che si parli di due uomini, di un uomo e una donna o di due donne, quando si parla di violenza, la mia risposta è sempre la stessa: disgusto ed incomprensione.
L’autrice è stata bravissima a far sentire il dolore provocato da una violenza sia psicologica che fisica che dura da sempre nella vita di Blair, e ti fa venir voglia di proteggerlo. Blair è un ragazzo coraggioso, che decide di affrontare, dopo una lunghissima serie di abusi, il suo violentatore, un uomo che rifiuta e non accetta la sua sessualità e per questo punisce chi non ha problemi con la propria.
Quando Finché Blair incontra Jack, il suo nuovo capo, capisce che esistono persone che lo trattano come un essere umano, capisce che con Travis deve finire. Jack è un uomo gentile, capace ed intelligente, con una macchia sulla guancia che non gli ha mai permesso di farsi apprezzare fino in fondo da qualcuno.
Quando i due protagonisti si conoscono, ognuno porta una nota positiva nella vita dell’altro. L’uno capisce di non essere solo un sottomesso, l’altro capisce che esistono persone che lo possono apprezzare per chi è veramente, nonostante l’aspetto.
Questo libro va letto anche tra le righe, perché fa riflettere ed emozionare. Fa capire che è essenziale accettarsi per chi e come si è, sia che si abbiano difetti fisici sia che si ami qualcuno diverso da quello che viene concepito come “normale”.
L’autrice è stata bravissima a far sentire il dolore provocato da una violenza sia psicologica che fisica che dura da sempre nella vita di Blair, e ti fa venir voglia di proteggerlo. Blair è un ragazzo coraggioso, che decide di affrontare, dopo una lunghissima serie di abusi, il suo violentatore, un uomo che rifiuta e non accetta la sua sessualità e per questo punisce chi non ha problemi con la propria.
Quando Finché Blair incontra Jack, il suo nuovo capo, capisce che esistono persone che lo trattano come un essere umano, capisce che con Travis deve finire. Jack è un uomo gentile, capace ed intelligente, con una macchia sulla guancia che non gli ha mai permesso di farsi apprezzare fino in fondo da qualcuno.
Quando i due protagonisti si conoscono, ognuno porta una nota positiva nella vita dell’altro. L’uno capisce di non essere solo un sottomesso, l’altro capisce che esistono persone che lo possono apprezzare per chi è veramente, nonostante l’aspetto.
Questo libro va letto anche tra le righe, perché fa riflettere ed emozionare. Fa capire che è essenziale accettarsi per chi e come si è, sia che si abbiano difetti fisici sia che si ami qualcuno diverso da quello che viene concepito come “normale”.
November 10, 2019
VOTO 3,5 "Macchiato" è la storia di Blair e Jack che nella loro vita hanno subito parecchie discriminazioni e vessazioni a causa del loro aspetto, Blair per la sua fragilità ed esilità e Jack per una macchia sul viso. Il loro incontro, nel momento in cui Blair si presenta presso l'azienda di Jack per un colloquio come segretario, si rivela l'occasione per riscattarsi dal passato e trovare finalmente l'amore.
Il romanzo risulta parecchio scorrevole, i temi più "forti" (le molestie sul posto di lavoro) sono trattati con leggerezza, forse con un po' di superficialità, i momenti critici (ad esempio, i problemi di Blair con un ex violento e invadente) risolti molto velocemente e lo stesso Blair, ragazzo fragile e sensibile, viene tratteggiato con toni a volte eccessivi. Sarebbe stato più interessante se al POV in prima persona di Blair fosse stato affiancato quello di Jack per comprendere meglio la sua prospettiva. Rimane, comunque, una lettura piacevole.
Il romanzo risulta parecchio scorrevole, i temi più "forti" (le molestie sul posto di lavoro) sono trattati con leggerezza, forse con un po' di superficialità, i momenti critici (ad esempio, i problemi di Blair con un ex violento e invadente) risolti molto velocemente e lo stesso Blair, ragazzo fragile e sensibile, viene tratteggiato con toni a volte eccessivi. Sarebbe stato più interessante se al POV in prima persona di Blair fosse stato affiancato quello di Jack per comprendere meglio la sua prospettiva. Rimane, comunque, una lettura piacevole.
August 19, 2020
Nonostante sia una lettura fluente manca di approfondimento, come Blair sia stato trattato e vessato sia in adolescenza che sul lavoro e lo stesso vale per Jack, con la sua voglia sul viso, ed essere additato come un fenomeno da baraccone, ma trovarsi è stato forse il momento migliore fatto di amicizia e tenerezza.
Lo consiglio
Lo consiglio
September 9, 2017
Half of it was good but then I had to skim a lot. It became too boring.
January 15, 2019
Davvero carino e ben scritto. Non un libro epico ma tratta argomenti importanti quindi consiglio di leggerlo
August 8, 2022
RECENSIONE A CURA DI SLANIF
Venite a leggerla sul nostro blog!
Venite a leggerla sul nostro blog!
November 23, 2016
In a word: Maybe read the thing. I really wanted to like this one. The summary got me hooked and I was a bit excited, but even in the first paragraph I realized that I probably wasn’t gonna like this one much. First-person point of view is often very hit and miss for me, and this one was a definite miss. There were some things that I liked about the book, but they were mostly outweighed by all the things I didn’t like. One of the biggest issues I had was that I didn’t like the writing, and that really impacted the way I felt about the story overall because I just couldn’t get away from the writing style. It also didn’t help that I couldn’t really get into the characters. Jack is fine enough, but Blair is way too whiny and needlessly self-deprecating for my tastes. Another thing that irked me is that I didn’t feel like the story I ended up reading was the story I was promised in the book’s summary. We don’t even get anything from Jack’s point of view, and the subplot with Travis got very dramatic very quickly. All in all, this book isn’t awful by any means, and it’s a quick read if you’re looking for something dramatic and soap opera-ish, but I can’t say I liked it all that much.
[read the full review at In A Word]
[read the full review at In A Word]
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