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Loving You #2
Don't Twunk with My Heart
Loving Book Two
Kee Smith isn’t sure who he is anymore. He knows who he used to be—the ignored gay son who chose a blue-collar job just because no one expected it, the submissive bottom who enjoyed large, masculine jocks who put him in his place, the sleek, fashionable twink who partied all night. But after his ex-boyfriend hit Kee and called him names, Kee retired from the social scene.
Back after a year’s hiatus, Kee still doesn’t know where he fits. His friends say he’s a twunk—a twink who put on muscle and turned into a hunk—but Kee is searching for somewhere to belong. Instead of going back to his usual type, Kee hooks up with twink Tate Stevens—a fashion-industry professional who works the image hard. It proves to be the best decision he’s ever made, and not just because he’s starting to regain his sexual confidence.
With Tate, Kee can open up about his fears and confusion without ridicule. Tate has his own fears about putting on weight and getting old. It will take work to make a relationship of opposites succeed, but they begin to realize the compromises will be worth it if they can be together.
Kee Smith isn’t sure who he is anymore. He knows who he used to be—the ignored gay son who chose a blue-collar job just because no one expected it, the submissive bottom who enjoyed large, masculine jocks who put him in his place, the sleek, fashionable twink who partied all night. But after his ex-boyfriend hit Kee and called him names, Kee retired from the social scene.
Back after a year’s hiatus, Kee still doesn’t know where he fits. His friends say he’s a twunk—a twink who put on muscle and turned into a hunk—but Kee is searching for somewhere to belong. Instead of going back to his usual type, Kee hooks up with twink Tate Stevens—a fashion-industry professional who works the image hard. It proves to be the best decision he’s ever made, and not just because he’s starting to regain his sexual confidence.
With Tate, Kee can open up about his fears and confusion without ridicule. Tate has his own fears about putting on weight and getting old. It will take work to make a relationship of opposites succeed, but they begin to realize the compromises will be worth it if they can be together.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 26, 2016
33 people are currently reading
430 people want to read
About the author
Renae Kaye
30 books878 followersRenae Kaye is a lover and hoarder of books who thinks libraries are devilish places because they make you give the books back. She consumed her first adult romance book at the tender age of thirteen and hasn’t stopped since. After years – and thousands of stories! – of not having book characters do what she wants, she decided she would write her own novel and found the characters still didn’t do what she wanted. She believes that the world is too complicated for her, so she loses herself in stories. The only thing that keeps her going are her children who are the delight of her life.
Renae lives in Perth, Western Australia. She is a survivor of being the youngest in a large family and believes that laughter (and a good book) can cure anything. Which is why it's a pity laughter is sometimes scarce on the ground.
You can contact her at renaekaye@iinet.net.au.
Renae lives in Perth, Western Australia. She is a survivor of being the youngest in a large family and believes that laughter (and a good book) can cure anything. Which is why it's a pity laughter is sometimes scarce on the ground.
You can contact her at renaekaye@iinet.net.au.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
July 31, 2016
This is very much my kind of story: uncomplicated, sweet, and fluffy for days; low on the angst, high on the humor, with a great cast of secondary characters, including Jay and Liam!
Don't Twunk With My Heart can be read as a standalone, but you'll appreciate Kee's friend Jay (Jamie to his friends) more if you read book one, Loving Jay, first. We get a lot of Jay and Liam here (not that I'm complaining, mind you).
Kee has been in hiding for a year. After his douche of an ex turned violent, Kee hasn't been in the mood for partying. He works hard as a welder, eats enough carbs to fuel his body, and likes to emulate Yanis Marshall moves (high heels and all).
Kee lucks out when his first night out with friends he meets a hot guy wearing all white and rocking the dance floor. The two engage in an impromptu dance-off, and they both win big that night. Luckily, the morning after is all kisses and jokes, with no awkwardness to be found.
The hot guy turns out to be Tate, a marketing guru for a high-end fashion line. Tate is a twink past his prime (not that you'd know it by looking at him) and self-conscious about his weight and age. He doesn't eat gluten or fats or anything really.
This worries Kee, who used to be a skinny, hungry twink but is now a twunk (a twink who put on muscle and turned into a hunk). Hey, don't look at me; the terminology is all Jay.
There is no relationship angst in the story. The men hang out and watch football (Tate is only slightly more interested in the game than Jay who considers any ball that goes high a "good kick"), and Kee allows Tate to dress him up in fancy clothes, which he models without complaint (mostly). Oh, the sacrifices we make for our boyfriends!
When Kee falls ill, Tate takes care of him. Tate even knows how to handle Kee's clueless sister-in-law and high-on-drama mama. I loved the restaurant scene. Tate worked the hell out of what could have been an embarrassing evening.
There's plenty of steam, especially in the first half; indeed, Tate is a bit of an exhibitionist and likes to have sex in public places (it's the thrill of the game, the possibility of getting caught). The last scene in the woods is hella hot.
Some things are dealt with too easily: Tate's disordered eating, for example, or the way Kee gets over his abuse trauma. I wanted more tension, some conflict. But that's not what this book is about.
This is a feel-good story with a sunny HEA. There's nothing extraordinary about these MCs; they're just two guys, seemingly complete opposites, who fit together.
The bonus chapter from Jay's POV was awesome, as was the teaser for Vinny's story. I'll happily read more books in this series.
Don't Twunk With My Heart can be read as a standalone, but you'll appreciate Kee's friend Jay (Jamie to his friends) more if you read book one, Loving Jay, first. We get a lot of Jay and Liam here (not that I'm complaining, mind you).
Kee has been in hiding for a year. After his douche of an ex turned violent, Kee hasn't been in the mood for partying. He works hard as a welder, eats enough carbs to fuel his body, and likes to emulate Yanis Marshall moves (high heels and all).
Kee lucks out when his first night out with friends he meets a hot guy wearing all white and rocking the dance floor. The two engage in an impromptu dance-off, and they both win big that night. Luckily, the morning after is all kisses and jokes, with no awkwardness to be found.
The hot guy turns out to be Tate, a marketing guru for a high-end fashion line. Tate is a twink past his prime (not that you'd know it by looking at him) and self-conscious about his weight and age. He doesn't eat gluten or fats or anything really.
This worries Kee, who used to be a skinny, hungry twink but is now a twunk (a twink who put on muscle and turned into a hunk). Hey, don't look at me; the terminology is all Jay.
There is no relationship angst in the story. The men hang out and watch football (Tate is only slightly more interested in the game than Jay who considers any ball that goes high a "good kick"), and Kee allows Tate to dress him up in fancy clothes, which he models without complaint (mostly). Oh, the sacrifices we make for our boyfriends!
When Kee falls ill, Tate takes care of him. Tate even knows how to handle Kee's clueless sister-in-law and high-on-drama mama. I loved the restaurant scene. Tate worked the hell out of what could have been an embarrassing evening.
There's plenty of steam, especially in the first half; indeed, Tate is a bit of an exhibitionist and likes to have sex in public places (it's the thrill of the game, the possibility of getting caught). The last scene in the woods is hella hot.
Some things are dealt with too easily: Tate's disordered eating, for example, or the way Kee gets over his abuse trauma. I wanted more tension, some conflict. But that's not what this book is about.
This is a feel-good story with a sunny HEA. There's nothing extraordinary about these MCs; they're just two guys, seemingly complete opposites, who fit together.
The bonus chapter from Jay's POV was awesome, as was the teaser for Vinny's story. I'll happily read more books in this series.
January 26, 2020
2.5 stars
I love Renae Kaye’s books, but this story fell short for me.
First, Kee. He is said to be a twunk – a twink who gained weight and turned it into muscle. He is capable to defend himself – in theory. In reality, he can’t. There are
He still considers himself a twink when he meets Tate. He is thinking that taking Tate home is not a good idea ("twink-on-twink didn't always work"), because they both would be insecure and indecisive. I just don’t get how labels and stereotyping can be that accentuated in a gay romance. This whole twink/twunk/twank thing was very annoying.
Kee says he loves submission, still he is always the dominant party in his relationship with Tate (not BDSM type of dominance here, it’s totally vanilla, but he doesn’t feel like submissive or indecisive like he mentioned a twink would be. Of course he is a twunk now, so… maybe that’s why… Oh, stereotyping again… I’m so confused!). Anyway, at the beginning it is mentioned he likes submission, but this line goes nowhere.
Second, Tate. His character is likeable, but his eating disorder is belittled. At first, it appears to be a serious problem, still, it goes nowhere. Somewhere it is mentioned by Kee that he tends to casually offer Tate his own food, and Tate doesn’t even realizes he eats – so, problem solved. Dealing with an eating disorder is not that easy. And why bring it into play as a serious problem then leave it hanging?
But I’m not done. Kee’s mother.
See these two quotes.
Kee and his father decide not to tell his mother that he brings Tate over to her birthday, but on the birthday dinner her mother proves to be the most sensitive and supportive mother ever, who just says the right thing in the perfect way. It’s wonderful, really, but then I don’t get the first quote. (Neither the blurb, by the way: "the ignored gay son"... oh, come on!)
The romance
Slow-build, angst-free, and sweet.
The writing
Unbalanced: many descriptive parts - I don’t like the kind of narrative that tells instead of shows -, other times it is very engaging, then it goes back being annoying again.
The erotica
Kee and Tate have – not spectacular but - nice chemistry. The sex was always hot, especially the public scenes – except the one between the bushes – though the latter at least was funny.
Jay and Liam
The highlights of this story. I loved them, and I was very happy that they get so many scenes in this book. But maybe it was because the main couple was seriously lacking.
All in all, it was a mixed and very unbalanced reading experience. Once it was enjoyable and fun, other times it was boring. It made me smile but also made me roll my eyes.
Recommended?
Depends on your mood, I guess.
My favorite quotes.
I love Renae Kaye’s books, but this story fell short for me.
First, Kee. He is said to be a twunk – a twink who gained weight and turned it into muscle. He is capable to defend himself – in theory. In reality, he can’t. There are
He still considers himself a twink when he meets Tate. He is thinking that taking Tate home is not a good idea ("twink-on-twink didn't always work"), because they both would be insecure and indecisive. I just don’t get how labels and stereotyping can be that accentuated in a gay romance. This whole twink/twunk/twank thing was very annoying.
Kee says he loves submission, still he is always the dominant party in his relationship with Tate (not BDSM type of dominance here, it’s totally vanilla, but he doesn’t feel like submissive or indecisive like he mentioned a twink would be. Of course he is a twunk now, so… maybe that’s why… Oh, stereotyping again… I’m so confused!). Anyway, at the beginning it is mentioned he likes submission, but this line goes nowhere.
Second, Tate. His character is likeable, but his eating disorder is belittled. At first, it appears to be a serious problem, still, it goes nowhere. Somewhere it is mentioned by Kee that he tends to casually offer Tate his own food, and Tate doesn’t even realizes he eats – so, problem solved. Dealing with an eating disorder is not that easy. And why bring it into play as a serious problem then leave it hanging?
But I’m not done. Kee’s mother.
See these two quotes.
“Can I bring a date?” I asked my father.
“A gay date?” Dad queried.
I rolled my eyes where he couldn’t see. I’d been out to him for nearly six years, and he still asked if my preferred partner was another guy.
“Yeah.”
He paused, which told me he still wasn’t comfortable with the idea that his son took it up the arse. But in the end, he said the politically correct thing. “Of course you can bring whoever you like. Your mother and I will be happy to meet whoever you have in your life.”
But I was under no illusions where my mother was concerned.
“Perhaps it can be a surprise for Mum?” I suggested. “Don’t tell her beforehand.”
If Mum knew I was bringing a gay date to her birthday celebration, she would be on the phone for days before, making a huge drama of it. All of her friends would sympathize and gossip about how terrible it was that she had to have a son who was gay. Oh, how terrible. Oh, what trials Barbara had to go through in her life.
“I saw that nice man who’s gay and his two kids in a magazine yesterday. What’s his name? The one who played Doogie Howser? Oh yes. Neil Patrick Harris. Isn’t he handsome? Oh, I loved him as Doogie. And he has this beautiful house and these two children who are perfectly adorable.”
Right there and then, she showed Jeanette how wrong she was, showed support for her gay son, and did it all without hurling a single insult.
Kee and his father decide not to tell his mother that he brings Tate over to her birthday, but on the birthday dinner her mother proves to be the most sensitive and supportive mother ever, who just says the right thing in the perfect way. It’s wonderful, really, but then I don’t get the first quote. (Neither the blurb, by the way: "the ignored gay son"... oh, come on!)
The romance
Slow-build, angst-free, and sweet.
The writing
Unbalanced: many descriptive parts - I don’t like the kind of narrative that tells instead of shows -, other times it is very engaging, then it goes back being annoying again.
The erotica
Kee and Tate have – not spectacular but - nice chemistry. The sex was always hot, especially the public scenes – except the one between the bushes – though the latter at least was funny.
“Cops?”
“They leave us alone out here. They have more important things to do.”
“Snakes?” I checked the next thing off the list.
“Asleep,” he assured me.
“Spiders?”
“Asleep too.”
“Are you lying?”
“Yes,” he admitted. “But come on? Can’t you brave a couple of spiders for my birthday wish?” he pleaded with me, and my barriers started to crumble.
… I couldn’t see what I was doing and had to go by feel. My wet dick was swinging in the slight breeze, and I tried not to think of spiders and ants.
The things we do for our boyfriends.
Jay and Liam
The highlights of this story. I loved them, and I was very happy that they get so many scenes in this book. But maybe it was because the main couple was seriously lacking.
All in all, it was a mixed and very unbalanced reading experience. Once it was enjoyable and fun, other times it was boring. It made me smile but also made me roll my eyes.
Recommended?
Depends on your mood, I guess.
My favorite quotes.
August 29, 2016
3.5 Stars!
Another middle of the road read for me. *sigh*
I was hesitant to read this one to begin with because well....."Don't Twunk With My Heart" is quite possibly the worst title of a book ever. But I did like book 1 in the series, so there I found myself reading this one.
I don't know, it started out cute enough I suppose but then it just didn't really go anywhere. I found it rather slow and boring honestly.
I never really warmed to either Tate or Kee.
The last 20% turned in to melodrama central and quickly moved in to cheese town. Once the eye rolls started I just skimmed the rest.
Another middle of the road read for me. *sigh*
I was hesitant to read this one to begin with because well....."Don't Twunk With My Heart" is quite possibly the worst title of a book ever. But I did like book 1 in the series, so there I found myself reading this one.
I don't know, it started out cute enough I suppose but then it just didn't really go anywhere. I found it rather slow and boring honestly.
I never really warmed to either Tate or Kee.
The last 20% turned in to melodrama central and quickly moved in to cheese town. Once the eye rolls started I just skimmed the rest.
August 7, 2016
By now, Renae Kaye is a well known name in the gay romance genre. She writes light-hearted romances low on angst that leave her readers smiling and begging for more. To this day, her biggest success seems to be her debut, Loving Jay, a book that won readers over with fantastic characters, gentle and believable romance and just a spoonful of Aussie culture.
When you love characters as much as we’ve all loved Liam and Jay, it’s natural to want to check in with them down the road, peek into the life they’ve made for themselves and hopefully witness them making more decisions and crossing milestones. It can be addictive if you love them enough, but it can also be dangerous for the characters born in their shadow.
Unlike Jay, who was the brightest star from the get-go, Kee takes some warming up and a whole lot of understanding. Having spent a year in solitude after an abusive relationship, he is a bit socially awkward and not really ready to trust. Tate is more outgoing, but set in his ways. He is devoted to his career and suffers from issues that come with a job in fashion industry. The two are such an unlikely pair, but somehow they work, and in Kaye’s usual fashion, their romance progresses smoothly, with only a few bumps along the way.
Their romance would have been pleasant enough were it not for Jay and Liam’s overwhelming presence. They shine brightly even in this book and they steal every chapter in which they are mentioned. I’m sure fans won’t be able to resist revisiting them, but an update on their life is the best thing this book has to offer. Kee and Tate had potential, but they weren’t explored enough or strong enough to get out of Jay’s massive shadow.
Overall, though, this is a very pleasant, sometimes adorable book that has several laugh-out-loud moments. Just try reading it on the beach and see where that gets you. It’s no wonder my neighbors look at me funny.
When you love characters as much as we’ve all loved Liam and Jay, it’s natural to want to check in with them down the road, peek into the life they’ve made for themselves and hopefully witness them making more decisions and crossing milestones. It can be addictive if you love them enough, but it can also be dangerous for the characters born in their shadow.
Unlike Jay, who was the brightest star from the get-go, Kee takes some warming up and a whole lot of understanding. Having spent a year in solitude after an abusive relationship, he is a bit socially awkward and not really ready to trust. Tate is more outgoing, but set in his ways. He is devoted to his career and suffers from issues that come with a job in fashion industry. The two are such an unlikely pair, but somehow they work, and in Kaye’s usual fashion, their romance progresses smoothly, with only a few bumps along the way.
Their romance would have been pleasant enough were it not for Jay and Liam’s overwhelming presence. They shine brightly even in this book and they steal every chapter in which they are mentioned. I’m sure fans won’t be able to resist revisiting them, but an update on their life is the best thing this book has to offer. Kee and Tate had potential, but they weren’t explored enough or strong enough to get out of Jay’s massive shadow.
Overall, though, this is a very pleasant, sometimes adorable book that has several laugh-out-loud moments. Just try reading it on the beach and see where that gets you. It’s no wonder my neighbors look at me funny.
September 22, 2016
4.25 stars
If there is one thing Renae Kaye knows how to do is write likable characters.
Kee was such an awesome character; I loved being in his head. I loved how he used to be a twink and tried to stay skinny, until the awful thing with his ex happened, and he decided to just eat and be happy, instead of skinny and unhappy. He is now a twunk, a twink who is now a hunk (thank you Jay, for clearing that up!).
Kee was used to getting it on with big burly men, until his ex-boyfriend thought it was okay to hit him, and send him to the hospital with a concussion. Now Kee is not sure he is up for the big bears. So when he sees Tate dancing, he is surprised to find himself attracted to the skinny twink. After a night of hot smoking monkey sex, they both decide they want to see more of each other.
They start off with a few hookups that soon develops into something more..
This book was pure comfort. I loved these guys. I loved how Kee used to be unsure of his body until he decided, fuck it, and just started eating. I loved how Kee saw Tate struggling with his body and his image, but respected that that was the way Tate wanted it. Of course Kee did try to get Tate to eat more without Tate even noticing.
I also really loved Kee’s friends. Liam and Jamie were of course awesome, but I loved them all, Shane, Vinnie, Aaron, just everyone.
Such an awesome book.
I would recommend reading Loving Jay before you read this, although this can be read as a stand-alone. Jay and Liam play a very big part in this book, so it’s better to have the background info.
If there is one thing Renae Kaye knows how to do is write likable characters.
Kee was such an awesome character; I loved being in his head. I loved how he used to be a twink and tried to stay skinny, until the awful thing with his ex happened, and he decided to just eat and be happy, instead of skinny and unhappy. He is now a twunk, a twink who is now a hunk (thank you Jay, for clearing that up!).
Kee was used to getting it on with big burly men, until his ex-boyfriend thought it was okay to hit him, and send him to the hospital with a concussion. Now Kee is not sure he is up for the big bears. So when he sees Tate dancing, he is surprised to find himself attracted to the skinny twink. After a night of hot smoking monkey sex, they both decide they want to see more of each other.
They start off with a few hookups that soon develops into something more..
This book was pure comfort. I loved these guys. I loved how Kee used to be unsure of his body until he decided, fuck it, and just started eating. I loved how Kee saw Tate struggling with his body and his image, but respected that that was the way Tate wanted it. Of course Kee did try to get Tate to eat more without Tate even noticing.
I also really loved Kee’s friends. Liam and Jamie were of course awesome, but I loved them all, Shane, Vinnie, Aaron, just everyone.
Such an awesome book.
I would recommend reading Loving Jay before you read this, although this can be read as a stand-alone. Jay and Liam play a very big part in this book, so it’s better to have the background info.
March 12, 2017
meh! Got to 40% then went for a refund, couldn't be bothered to skim on.
Characters have no depth, in fact at 40% all I know about Tate is that he's blond, that's all there is to him. It appears he's going to have eating issues in the second half, but that feels more like being about his stereotype than him as a character.
Kee is confusing in what's him and what's his image or is that former image. Twink, twunk, twank, plank, the book is majorly caught up in labels. If it's not what gay-box they fit in then it's blue-collar or white-collar. It felt very stilted and unnatural, I've never heard anyone in real life introduce themselves 'I'm blue-collar' rather than say 'I'm a welder'...
There's no connection, nothing to say why they keep in touch after the 'porn reel' first night.
Then there's Jamie aka Jay of the first book. There's more of Jay than there is Tate. Jay is fabulous and Jay is OTT and Jay is with Liam who may be too controlling or sweet depending on your pov. And despite seven years of close friendship Kee has never met Jay's sister Jackie or apparently heard anything about her. The whole greeting between Jackie and Liam was an awkward rehash of their first meeting in the previous book. I was waiting for someone to shout 'grow-up'.
Dialogue felt unnatural, the characters too shallow and drawn thinner than my kindle's pages. There was no-one and nothing to care about or connect to. Too much Jay as much as I enjoyed him in the first book and intros to other characters read to much like a line up for future books.
Attempted others and concluded this author isn't for me.
Characters have no depth, in fact at 40% all I know about Tate is that he's blond, that's all there is to him. It appears he's going to have eating issues in the second half, but that feels more like being about his stereotype than him as a character.
Kee is confusing in what's him and what's his image or is that former image. Twink, twunk, twank, plank, the book is majorly caught up in labels. If it's not what gay-box they fit in then it's blue-collar or white-collar. It felt very stilted and unnatural, I've never heard anyone in real life introduce themselves 'I'm blue-collar' rather than say 'I'm a welder'...
There's no connection, nothing to say why they keep in touch after the 'porn reel' first night.
Then there's Jamie aka Jay of the first book. There's more of Jay than there is Tate. Jay is fabulous and Jay is OTT and Jay is with Liam who may be too controlling or sweet depending on your pov. And despite seven years of close friendship Kee has never met Jay's sister Jackie or apparently heard anything about her. The whole greeting between Jackie and Liam was an awkward rehash of their first meeting in the previous book. I was waiting for someone to shout 'grow-up'.
Dialogue felt unnatural, the characters too shallow and drawn thinner than my kindle's pages. There was no-one and nothing to care about or connect to. Too much Jay as much as I enjoyed him in the first book and intros to other characters read to much like a line up for future books.
Attempted others and concluded this author isn't for me.
Read
August 31, 2016DNF 35%
This one started off well, but little things here and there started to get on my nerves. I think my taste has changed and could be this author and I don't mesh anymore. No rating.
This one started off well, but little things here and there started to get on my nerves. I think my taste has changed and could be this author and I don't mesh anymore. No rating.
January 6, 2018
**3.5 Stars**
After leaving an abusive boyfriend, Kee isolates himself from his friends concentrating on his work as a welder. A year later, on one of his friends' birthday, he decides it's time to start living a little. At the club he is mesmerized by a dancer in white and ends up going home with him. The two connect and start seeing each other.
I absolutely LOVED Loving Jay and was hoping this one would reach that level but it just didn't for me. It was cute and funny. I lol'd several times. Plus we are treated to more of Liam and Jay.
I adored Kee. He was scarred from his time with his ex, Matt but he finally came out of his shell and reached out to his friends again. (I do wish there had been some sort of comeuppance for Matt's behavior. He should have been behind bars).
Initially, I loved Tate too. But then I began to feel like he was putting his job before Kee. I understood how important it was, but I needed him to be a little "more" into the relationship than he was. Kee deserved someone to put him about all else. Tate was struggling with his own demons of his age and weight and Kee helped him.
Overall, though, I just felt it was missing that "loving feeling" that Loving Jay had. I liked it, I just didn't love it like Loving Jay.
After leaving an abusive boyfriend, Kee isolates himself from his friends concentrating on his work as a welder. A year later, on one of his friends' birthday, he decides it's time to start living a little. At the club he is mesmerized by a dancer in white and ends up going home with him. The two connect and start seeing each other.
I absolutely LOVED Loving Jay and was hoping this one would reach that level but it just didn't for me. It was cute and funny. I lol'd several times. Plus we are treated to more of Liam and Jay.
I adored Kee. He was scarred from his time with his ex, Matt but he finally came out of his shell and reached out to his friends again. (I do wish there had been some sort of comeuppance for Matt's behavior. He should have been behind bars).
Initially, I loved Tate too. But then I began to feel like he was putting his job before Kee. I understood how important it was, but I needed him to be a little "more" into the relationship than he was. Kee deserved someone to put him about all else. Tate was struggling with his own demons of his age and weight and Kee helped him.
Overall, though, I just felt it was missing that "loving feeling" that Loving Jay had. I liked it, I just didn't love it like Loving Jay.
October 3, 2016
4 hearts
I liked this more than I thought I would, but maybe that’s because I was expecting the worst. A lot of people have been less than favourable with their reviews so far, and I think that would be largely due to everyone else having read the first book in the series, Loving Jay. Due to that being so successful I think it would be hard to do anything other than compare the two. I haven’t read Loving Jay (I know, don’t shoot me) so I could enjoy this book as a standalone. I really did enjoy this a lot, but I found it's not particularly memorable.
Urgent matter to attend to first!!!! I need to rectify the images on the front cover. The one of Tate (the blonde) isn’t too bad, but what is with the picture of Kee?!?!? Hell NO! so here’s my versions of Kee and Tate.
Kee
Tate
Anyway, this story is very simple and very sweet. We have Kee, who was a twink until his boyfriend hit him and he decided to lose himself in his work, which happens to be steel welding. Due to the very heavy physical work, Kee buffs up and finds himself resisting his submissive side in fear he’ll become another victim.
Kee and Tate meet at a nightclub and hit it off straight away. What starts out as a one-night stand progresses into a loving relationship over the period of months. I actually really liked how realistic this relationship progression was. They spent time together, had great sex, fell in love after a few months and reached a HEA.
There was plenty of sex and it was well written. I for one enjoyed reading them ;-) Okay, a lot of you would probably know I like role-playing scenes by now, yeah? Well this book certainly has a role-playing scene, but unfortunately I must say I didn’t find it sexy at all. However it was most certainly hilarious! I am sure I would be exactly like Kee if I ever did role-playing.
Kee and Tate were both sweet characters, but Jay just stole the show. I can see why people liked Loving Jay, Jay was vibrant and the he made every scene he was in come alive. However this book wasn’t about Jay, and yet he was a large part of the story. Even the epilogue was about him and Liam. It just felt a bit like the author was milking what worked well in the past, when the story should have been mainly about Kee and Tate.
There were also a few storylines that just finished rather suddenly, or were tied up way too neatly. Tate has a supposed “eating disorder” that just disappears... He just starts eating and everything is hunky dorey. Kee’s ex-boyfriend Matt was the absolute most OTT villain I have ever read about (and that's saying something because I have read a lot of OTT books) and once again that whole storyline was cleared up with one very short scene. The book also ended quite abruptly. Nothing was left unfinished per se, the ending just sort of crept up on me.
I think a lot of people will really enjoy this book. It sweet and romantic, it’s a bit silly in places and a bit over the top but overall rather enjoyable.
I liked this more than I thought I would, but maybe that’s because I was expecting the worst. A lot of people have been less than favourable with their reviews so far, and I think that would be largely due to everyone else having read the first book in the series, Loving Jay. Due to that being so successful I think it would be hard to do anything other than compare the two. I haven’t read Loving Jay (I know, don’t shoot me) so I could enjoy this book as a standalone. I really did enjoy this a lot, but I found it's not particularly memorable.
Urgent matter to attend to first!!!! I need to rectify the images on the front cover. The one of Tate (the blonde) isn’t too bad, but what is with the picture of Kee?!?!? Hell NO! so here’s my versions of Kee and Tate.
Kee
Tate
Anyway, this story is very simple and very sweet. We have Kee, who was a twink until his boyfriend hit him and he decided to lose himself in his work, which happens to be steel welding. Due to the very heavy physical work, Kee buffs up and finds himself resisting his submissive side in fear he’ll become another victim.
Kee and Tate meet at a nightclub and hit it off straight away. What starts out as a one-night stand progresses into a loving relationship over the period of months. I actually really liked how realistic this relationship progression was. They spent time together, had great sex, fell in love after a few months and reached a HEA.
There was plenty of sex and it was well written. I for one enjoyed reading them ;-) Okay, a lot of you would probably know I like role-playing scenes by now, yeah? Well this book certainly has a role-playing scene, but unfortunately I must say I didn’t find it sexy at all. However it was most certainly hilarious! I am sure I would be exactly like Kee if I ever did role-playing.
Kee and Tate were both sweet characters, but Jay just stole the show. I can see why people liked Loving Jay, Jay was vibrant and the he made every scene he was in come alive. However this book wasn’t about Jay, and yet he was a large part of the story. Even the epilogue was about him and Liam. It just felt a bit like the author was milking what worked well in the past, when the story should have been mainly about Kee and Tate.
There were also a few storylines that just finished rather suddenly, or were tied up way too neatly. Tate has a supposed “eating disorder” that just disappears... He just starts eating and everything is hunky dorey. Kee’s ex-boyfriend Matt was the absolute most OTT villain I have ever read about (and that's saying something because I have read a lot of OTT books) and once again that whole storyline was cleared up with one very short scene. The book also ended quite abruptly. Nothing was left unfinished per se, the ending just sort of crept up on me.
I think a lot of people will really enjoy this book. It sweet and romantic, it’s a bit silly in places and a bit over the top but overall rather enjoyable.
Read
August 28, 2016No rating.
Comencé este libro porque necesitaba algo sencillo que no requiriera demasiado de mis neuronas y sabía que con Renae lo encontraría, además la primera parte me había gustado mucho. En libros anteriores ya había encontrado comentarios de la autora que no me habían gustado, y así lo puse en las reviews, pero en este he encontrado uno que me ha desagradado especialmente:
"I was about to kill her. I was going to jail and would be Bubba´s cellmate for the next twenty-five to life. And I didn´t know whether being gay in jail would be handy or not. No pun intended"
Este es un pensamiento del protagonista, evidentemente en tono de sorna, pero me ha parecido de un mal gusto increíble, poco elegante, con poca clase, ofensivo... Soy una persona difícil de ofender y esta vez me he sentido así. Quizás debería darle una estrella, pero me ha gustado la pareja protagonista (sin ser la octava maravilla), y más me gustan Jay y Liam que aparecen durante todo el libro, así que al final he decidio no darle rating pero explicar el por qué.
Renae, muchas veces no estás acertada, pero esta vez ha sido demasiado.
Comencé este libro porque necesitaba algo sencillo que no requiriera demasiado de mis neuronas y sabía que con Renae lo encontraría, además la primera parte me había gustado mucho. En libros anteriores ya había encontrado comentarios de la autora que no me habían gustado, y así lo puse en las reviews, pero en este he encontrado uno que me ha desagradado especialmente:
"I was about to kill her. I was going to jail and would be Bubba´s cellmate for the next twenty-five to life. And I didn´t know whether being gay in jail would be handy or not. No pun intended"
Este es un pensamiento del protagonista, evidentemente en tono de sorna, pero me ha parecido de un mal gusto increíble, poco elegante, con poca clase, ofensivo... Soy una persona difícil de ofender y esta vez me he sentido así. Quizás debería darle una estrella, pero me ha gustado la pareja protagonista (sin ser la octava maravilla), y más me gustan Jay y Liam que aparecen durante todo el libro, así que al final he decidio no darle rating pero explicar el por qué.
Renae, muchas veces no estás acertada, pero esta vez ha sido demasiado.
September 4, 2016
BR, with Paul.
*2,5 stars*
I loved all the characters. Even Jamy's verbal diarrhea was funny. But I really didn't enjoy the twink-twunk-twank talk at all. I wonder if it's possible gay men are refering to themselves by those names..
I liked it enough though to read about Aaron and Vinnie's story.
*That's all folks*
August 29, 2016
Halle-lu-jah for Renae Kaye and her humor and her characters. I have been looking forward to this book for quite some time, and it delivered perfectly.
So Kee have been MIA from his friends (Kee's best friend is Jay from book 1) and 'life', since his last boyfriend attacked him after sex a year ago. Kee used to be a twink, starving himself to be the perfect twink-size, and had a definite type i.e. the 'Hulk'.
But after the attack, Kee took a time-out, where he started eating a lot more and bulked up, which turned out to be a pretty good idea, especially for his blue-collar job as a welder.
He realises that he has a pretty good life, but he really wants someone to share it with. Kee doesn't know where he fits in anymore, but he decides to attend his friend Vinnie's birthday party, and slowly join his social circle again.
(And thank you Ms. Kaye for one of the MOST random/fun/crazy explanations of stereotyping ever... Where the hell do you get it from?)
At the club Kee meets Tate at a dance-off for a 'hulk-type-dude' (*giggle* does that really happen?)
Tate is not the type of guy Kee would normally see as a potential hook-up/partner/date, but they end up spending the night together, and their chemistry is explosive.
Tate is this marketing-guy for David Jones. He's a twink with the skinny body, the fashionable, tight clothes and the issues that follow; trying to be perfect/fit a body type. Tate is what Kee was a year and a few months ago.
Even though both have a different type/idea of what they want from a partner, these two fit together!
They talk, they argue and they have quite a few clashing opinions, but they just work. And I think it is fucking AWESOME, that they both try new things. Tate has a kind of 'kink' and even though Kee is not totally on-board he gives it a shot... And fun times follow!
This book was a really nice read. Kee and Tate might not have expected their first hook-up to lead to something serious, but I loved the way they sort of slip into a relationship.
We see them with Kee's friends (among them Jay and Liam), they go to football matches, they have Tate-breaks *giggle*, they eat out, they eat in, they talk and meet each others families.
What is really awesome is that they both struggle with issues (Kee and his ex-bf, Tate and his eating) but they COMMUNICATE. And the way their friends are there for them and each other, was BEAUTIFUL!
I have to say though, that Jay might well be one of my favorite rambling characters ever... This guy *snort*
There is no 'normal crisis' around the 70-80% which I thought was FANTASTIC. This book is low on angst (there is some, what with their respective issues), but what was, is sorted by talking and being there for each other.
I loved all of the characters in this one, and I cannot wait for the next one, this series is becoming a one-click buy for me!
So Kee have been MIA from his friends (Kee's best friend is Jay from book 1) and 'life', since his last boyfriend attacked him after sex a year ago. Kee used to be a twink, starving himself to be the perfect twink-size, and had a definite type i.e. the 'Hulk'.
But after the attack, Kee took a time-out, where he started eating a lot more and bulked up, which turned out to be a pretty good idea, especially for his blue-collar job as a welder.
He realises that he has a pretty good life, but he really wants someone to share it with. Kee doesn't know where he fits in anymore, but he decides to attend his friend Vinnie's birthday party, and slowly join his social circle again.
(And thank you Ms. Kaye for one of the MOST random/fun/crazy explanations of stereotyping ever... Where the hell do you get it from?)
At the club Kee meets Tate at a dance-off for a 'hulk-type-dude' (*giggle* does that really happen?)
Tate is not the type of guy Kee would normally see as a potential hook-up/partner/date, but they end up spending the night together, and their chemistry is explosive.
Tate is this marketing-guy for David Jones. He's a twink with the skinny body, the fashionable, tight clothes and the issues that follow; trying to be perfect/fit a body type. Tate is what Kee was a year and a few months ago.
Even though both have a different type/idea of what they want from a partner, these two fit together!
They talk, they argue and they have quite a few clashing opinions, but they just work. And I think it is fucking AWESOME, that they both try new things. Tate has a kind of 'kink' and even though Kee is not totally on-board he gives it a shot... And fun times follow!
This book was a really nice read. Kee and Tate might not have expected their first hook-up to lead to something serious, but I loved the way they sort of slip into a relationship.
We see them with Kee's friends (among them Jay and Liam), they go to football matches, they have Tate-breaks *giggle*, they eat out, they eat in, they talk and meet each others families.
What is really awesome is that they both struggle with issues (Kee and his ex-bf, Tate and his eating) but they COMMUNICATE. And the way their friends are there for them and each other, was BEAUTIFUL!
I have to say though, that Jay might well be one of my favorite rambling characters ever... This guy *snort*
There is no 'normal crisis' around the 70-80% which I thought was FANTASTIC. This book is low on angst (there is some, what with their respective issues), but what was, is sorted by talking and being there for each other.
I loved all of the characters in this one, and I cannot wait for the next one, this series is becoming a one-click buy for me!
February 16, 2017
Boy, I am on such a streak with enjoyable audios!
I liked a lot of elements of the story, like the slow relationship build while still getting hot sexy times, and getting to spend time with Liam and Jamie (who we first met in Loving Jay), but I really loved Joel's narration.
Joel Leslie brings this story to life! His character voices, the pacing, timing, and voice-over were all absolutely lovely. I adored his voice for Jamie so, SO, much!!
I'm consistently impressed with Joel's voice performances, and this is no exception. His Aussie accents just keep getting better!
Told entirely from Kee's POV, Don't Twunk With My Heart can be read as a standalone. This is a pleasant romance with low angst, passionate encounters, some humor, and a sweet HEA.
Audio copy of Don't Twunk With My Heart provided in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
February 20, 2017
I'm pretty sure I'm going to be in the minority here, but this didn't work for me. Renae Kaye has become one of my go-to authors for low angst reads, so it really saddens me that this didn't work. I struggled to connect with either MC. I enjoyed them, but I didn't really feel anything for either of them. It was fun to see Liam and Jay from book 1, but they had a bit too much page time IMO. Finally, there were some things that happened that basically ruined any positive feelings I might have had. This has quite a few positive reviews, so it's obviously a case of "it's not you. it's me."
September 8, 2016
Kee Smith has spent the last year hiding away from his friends, working hard, living quietly, and living with his fear surrounding the bad breakup with his ex. The upside in his self-imposed year of banishment is he no longer worries about counting every calorie, eats what he wants, and works it off naturally between his very physically demanding welding job and his love of copying Yanis Marshall dance moves, heels and all. As a result he now has a buff body and a new attitude about life.
When Kee accepts an invitation to celebrate his friend's birthday he's pleasantly surprised to enjoy his night out at a club with all his old friends and even ends up hooking up with a guy who is totally not his normal type. At first Kee and Tate figure it's just a night of fun, but they exchange numbers and soon begin seeing one another, slowly building a relationship.
Kee and Tate have loads in common, including a love of dancing in heels, and they take their relationship at a slow pace. This isn't an insta-love story. Though the sex is plentiful and Kee's convinced at first that's all that's between them, the more time they spend with each other the more they realize it's true love.
Sure, the guys have issues and pasts to work through, but with the help of their friends (Jay and Liam from Loving Jay feature heavily), the boys navigate their new relationship through to their very sweet HEA.
I liked elements of the story, like the slow relationship build while still getting hot sexy times, and getting to spend time with Liam and Jay, but I'll admit it took me a long time to warm up to Kee, and because the story is solely from Kee's perspective I didn't really warm up to Tate for a while either. That coupled with the slower pacing of the story and...it's just that I have certain expectations of a Renae Kaye story and, while this was pleasant and enjoyable overall, and there certainly wasn't anything too negative, it just didn't WOW me.
Bottom Line, this is a pleasant romance with low angst, passionate encounters, some humor, a sweet HEA, and a bonus chapter from Jay. It also gives a glimpse at the next story in the series, which I'm looking forward to getting my hands on, featuring Jay and Kee's friend Vinnie.
Advanced Review Galley copy of Don't Twunk With My Heart provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
When Kee accepts an invitation to celebrate his friend's birthday he's pleasantly surprised to enjoy his night out at a club with all his old friends and even ends up hooking up with a guy who is totally not his normal type. At first Kee and Tate figure it's just a night of fun, but they exchange numbers and soon begin seeing one another, slowly building a relationship.
Kee and Tate have loads in common, including a love of dancing in heels, and they take their relationship at a slow pace. This isn't an insta-love story. Though the sex is plentiful and Kee's convinced at first that's all that's between them, the more time they spend with each other the more they realize it's true love.
I loved him and knew, in that moment, that any other love I thought I had for anyone else was just me fooling myself. Our love was a hundred times bigger. It was elemental, it came without conscious thought, and it was more than purely physical. It would not wane and die. I wanted Tate for eternity.
Sure, the guys have issues and pasts to work through, but with the help of their friends (Jay and Liam from Loving Jay feature heavily), the boys navigate their new relationship through to their very sweet HEA.
I liked elements of the story, like the slow relationship build while still getting hot sexy times, and getting to spend time with Liam and Jay, but I'll admit it took me a long time to warm up to Kee, and because the story is solely from Kee's perspective I didn't really warm up to Tate for a while either. That coupled with the slower pacing of the story and...it's just that I have certain expectations of a Renae Kaye story and, while this was pleasant and enjoyable overall, and there certainly wasn't anything too negative, it just didn't WOW me.
Bottom Line, this is a pleasant romance with low angst, passionate encounters, some humor, a sweet HEA, and a bonus chapter from Jay. It also gives a glimpse at the next story in the series, which I'm looking forward to getting my hands on, featuring Jay and Kee's friend Vinnie.
Advanced Review Galley copy of Don't Twunk With My Heart provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
March 15, 2020
3.5 stars
I didn't like this one as much as the first book, but it was still good.
Why did guys keep picking on Kee though? Got a bit ridiculous.
I didn't like this one as much as the first book, but it was still good.
Why did guys keep picking on Kee though? Got a bit ridiculous.
March 15, 2020
3.5 stars
I didn't like this one as much as the first book, but it was still good.
Why did guys keep picking on Kee though? Got a bit ridiculous.
I didn't like this one as much as the first book, but it was still good.
Why did guys keep picking on Kee though? Got a bit ridiculous.
August 28, 2016
This book is FUNNY !! I had a smile in my face almost all of the book ♥
Kee and Tate are really cute characters but MUST confess that I love that Liam and Jay appear A LOT because they are totally adorable!!! (I still prefer the book one, is one of my favs!!)
ALSO I'm SUPER excited with the BOOK 3 !!! I was suspecting something while I was reading… Yes, Renae so clever… I WANT IT NOW! When ? when? ;_;
Kee and Tate are really cute characters but MUST confess that I love that Liam and Jay appear A LOT because they are totally adorable!!! (I still prefer the book one, is one of my favs!!)
ALSO I'm SUPER excited with the BOOK 3 !!! I was suspecting something while I was reading… Yes, Renae so clever… I WANT IT NOW! When ? when? ;_;
August 29, 2016
Very cute story, and I plan to go both forward and backward, reading the book that came first and the one that will be coming soon.
September 1, 2018
Ein Jahr hat Kee Smith die Gay-Szene, Clubs und somit auch seine Freunde gemieden. Doch die Einladung zu einer Geburtstagsfeier kann er dann doch nicht ausschlagen. Ein Jahr ist vergangen und Kee hat sich dabei sehr stark verändert. Aus dem Twink ist ein Twunk geworden. Zumindest nach Jay’s Definition. Aber Jay ist ja ein wenig verrückt und man muss nicht alles verstehen, was er so von sich gibt. Aber Jay ist ein Freund und sorgt sich um Kee, den ein Vorfall mit seinem Ex völlig aus der Bahn geworfen hat. Wirklich verarbeitet hat Kee es nicht. Doch er hat sich körperlich verändert und wirkt nun wie ein Top.
So fällt er auch Tate auf. Sie kommen sich näher und landen auch rasch zusammen im Bett. Tate und Kee trennen Welten. Während Kee Arbeiter ist und als Schweißer seinen Lebensunterhalt verdient, tummelt sich Tate unter den Schönen, Designern und Models. Das hat auch zur Folge, dass auch Tate sehr modebewusst ist und auf sich achtet. Doch trotz ihrer unterschiedlichen Leben, finden sie sich und entwickeln Gefühle füreinander. Rasch wird Tat in Kee’s Freundeskreis um Jay integriert. Doch sie haben ihre kleinen Geheimnisse voreinander, die die aufkeimende Beziehung durchaus belasten.
Lange hat es gedauert, bis Loving Jay einen Folgeband bekommen hat. Und mit Kee und Tate konnte die Autorin absolut überzeugen. Obwohl man die Protagonisten mit Jay und Liam nicht vergleichen kann, knüpft Renae Kaye nahtlos an Loving Jay an. Humorvoll und mit viel Augenzwinkern bringt sie dem Leser Kee und Tate näher. Lässt ihn teilhaben an ihrer stürmischen Affäre, ihren kleinen und grösseren Dramen und an dem verrückt-liebenswert Freundeskreis um Jay. Jay bekommt auch in dieser Geschichte wieder viel Platz um seinen Irrsinn zu verbreiten. Aber Jay ist einfach liebenswert. Man MUSS ihn einfach lieben. Und auch alle anderen Protagonisten wachsen dem Leser sehr schnell ans Herz.
Kee’s Verwandlung vom Twink zum Twunk ist ein wenig verwirrend. Ob sich ein Bottom wirklich in einen Top verwandeln kann, vermag ich jetzt nicht zu beurteilen. Aber es gibt ja einige Wendungen in der Geschichte und an Tate ist mehr als nur ein hübscher, modebewusster Kerl, der ein kleines Problem mit seinem Alter hat. In dieser Geschichte gibt es viel Sex und auch ein wenig Kink. Aber zu diesem Paar passt es gut und wirkt auch nie nervig.
Renae Kaye schafft es auch hier wieder den Leser zu fesseln, ihn zu amüsieren und zum Lachen zu bringen. Aber Kee und Tate sind sehr interessante Protagonisten, deren Geschichte und Vergangenheit durchaus Tiefe haben und alles andere als oberflächlich sind.
Edit:
Wieder hat mir hier die Übersetzung sehr gut gefallen. Ich kenne das Buch ja auch im Original und fand es jetzt genauso schön wie beim ersten Mal. Tatsächlich ist mir erst beim Re-Read bewusst geworden, dass es vielleicht nicht geschadet hätte, wenn auf den Mißbrauch bzw. die Essstörung ein wenig mehr eingegangen wäre. Dennoch lässt mich auch diese Geschichte zufrieden zurück.
So fällt er auch Tate auf. Sie kommen sich näher und landen auch rasch zusammen im Bett. Tate und Kee trennen Welten. Während Kee Arbeiter ist und als Schweißer seinen Lebensunterhalt verdient, tummelt sich Tate unter den Schönen, Designern und Models. Das hat auch zur Folge, dass auch Tate sehr modebewusst ist und auf sich achtet. Doch trotz ihrer unterschiedlichen Leben, finden sie sich und entwickeln Gefühle füreinander. Rasch wird Tat in Kee’s Freundeskreis um Jay integriert. Doch sie haben ihre kleinen Geheimnisse voreinander, die die aufkeimende Beziehung durchaus belasten.
Lange hat es gedauert, bis Loving Jay einen Folgeband bekommen hat. Und mit Kee und Tate konnte die Autorin absolut überzeugen. Obwohl man die Protagonisten mit Jay und Liam nicht vergleichen kann, knüpft Renae Kaye nahtlos an Loving Jay an. Humorvoll und mit viel Augenzwinkern bringt sie dem Leser Kee und Tate näher. Lässt ihn teilhaben an ihrer stürmischen Affäre, ihren kleinen und grösseren Dramen und an dem verrückt-liebenswert Freundeskreis um Jay. Jay bekommt auch in dieser Geschichte wieder viel Platz um seinen Irrsinn zu verbreiten. Aber Jay ist einfach liebenswert. Man MUSS ihn einfach lieben. Und auch alle anderen Protagonisten wachsen dem Leser sehr schnell ans Herz.
Kee’s Verwandlung vom Twink zum Twunk ist ein wenig verwirrend. Ob sich ein Bottom wirklich in einen Top verwandeln kann, vermag ich jetzt nicht zu beurteilen. Aber es gibt ja einige Wendungen in der Geschichte und an Tate ist mehr als nur ein hübscher, modebewusster Kerl, der ein kleines Problem mit seinem Alter hat. In dieser Geschichte gibt es viel Sex und auch ein wenig Kink. Aber zu diesem Paar passt es gut und wirkt auch nie nervig.
Renae Kaye schafft es auch hier wieder den Leser zu fesseln, ihn zu amüsieren und zum Lachen zu bringen. Aber Kee und Tate sind sehr interessante Protagonisten, deren Geschichte und Vergangenheit durchaus Tiefe haben und alles andere als oberflächlich sind.
Edit:
Wieder hat mir hier die Übersetzung sehr gut gefallen. Ich kenne das Buch ja auch im Original und fand es jetzt genauso schön wie beim ersten Mal. Tatsächlich ist mir erst beim Re-Read bewusst geworden, dass es vielleicht nicht geschadet hätte, wenn auf den Mißbrauch bzw. die Essstörung ein wenig mehr eingegangen wäre. Dennoch lässt mich auch diese Geschichte zufrieden zurück.
Read
November 24, 2016Darum geht’s:
Nach einem schlimmen Erlebnis mit seinem damaligen Freund hat sich Kee für ein Jahr zurückgezogen. Jetzt fühlt er sich wieder in der Lage, seine Freunde zu treffen und Party zu machen – doch er hat sich in diesem Jahr auch körperlich verändert und passt nicht mehr in die Rolle des süßen Twink, die er früher so gerne spielte. Und selbst seinen bevorzugen Typ Mann überdenkt er, als er statt mit dem üblichen muskelbepackten, einfach gestrickten Riesen diesmal mit dem modebewussten und niedlichen Tate nach hause geht.
So fand ich’s:
Kee ist ein guter Freund von Jamie alias Jay aus „Loving Jay“. Er hatte sich für einige Zeit aus der Partyszene zurückgezogen und an seinem ersten Abend zurück auf der Piste gabelt er direkt Tate auf, der eigentlich so gar nicht in sein Beuteschema fällt. Doch die beiden eigentlich sehr unterschiedlichen Männer fühlen sich vom ersten Moment an miteinander wohl und schnell wird aus dem One-Night-Stand mehr.
Tate wird in Kees Freundeskreis aufgenommen und so gibt es reichlich Gelegenheit für ein Wiedersehen mit Jay und Liam, Jays verrückte Schwester und Liams Bruder, die ebenfalls ein Paar sind und auch der Rest der bunten Clique sorgt für gute, humorvolle Unterhaltung. Auch wenn Tate so seine Problemchen damit hat, älter zu werden und mit den jungen Leuten aus der Modebranche, in der er arbeitet, nicht mehr mithalten zu können und auch Kee das Gewalt-Erlebnis mit seinem Exfreund noch nicht ganz überwunden hat, segelt diese Geschichte ziemlich glatt bei schönem Wetter dahin und die vorbeiziehenden Wölkchen sind nicht wirklich besorgniserregend. „Don’t twunk with my heart“ zeigt zwei Männer, die ohne weltbewegende Dramen doch ihre Sorgen und Nöte haben, damit absolut realistisch umgehen und versuchen, die schönen Seiten des Leben zu genießen. Es macht Spaß, die „Jungs von nebenan“ eine Weile zu begleiten und zuzusehen, wie aus Kee und Tate ein Paar wird.
Neben der Lovestory zwischen Kee und Tate habe ich mich fast mehr daüber gefreut, Liam und Jay wiederzusehen und mitzubekommen, wie ihre Beziehung solide geworden ist und jeder mit den Macken des anderen lebt. Besonders wie Liam seinen Jay im Griff hat, ohne seine flatterhafte Persönlichkeit einzuschränken, ist schön mitzuerleben. Die beiden sind einfach ein tolles Paar – und haben manchmal Kee und Tate fast ein bisschen die Show gestohlen. Obwohl mir diese Fortsetzung gut gefallen und mich toll unterhalten hat, kommt sie nicht ganz an mein Lieblingsbuch „Loving Jay“ heran.
Demnächst geht es weiter, denn „The Straight Boyfriend“, das sich ebenfalls in der Clique um Tate, Kee, Liam und Jamie bewegt, ist am 21. November erschienen. Und ich freue mich darauf!
Nach einem schlimmen Erlebnis mit seinem damaligen Freund hat sich Kee für ein Jahr zurückgezogen. Jetzt fühlt er sich wieder in der Lage, seine Freunde zu treffen und Party zu machen – doch er hat sich in diesem Jahr auch körperlich verändert und passt nicht mehr in die Rolle des süßen Twink, die er früher so gerne spielte. Und selbst seinen bevorzugen Typ Mann überdenkt er, als er statt mit dem üblichen muskelbepackten, einfach gestrickten Riesen diesmal mit dem modebewussten und niedlichen Tate nach hause geht.
So fand ich’s:
Kee ist ein guter Freund von Jamie alias Jay aus „Loving Jay“. Er hatte sich für einige Zeit aus der Partyszene zurückgezogen und an seinem ersten Abend zurück auf der Piste gabelt er direkt Tate auf, der eigentlich so gar nicht in sein Beuteschema fällt. Doch die beiden eigentlich sehr unterschiedlichen Männer fühlen sich vom ersten Moment an miteinander wohl und schnell wird aus dem One-Night-Stand mehr.
Tate wird in Kees Freundeskreis aufgenommen und so gibt es reichlich Gelegenheit für ein Wiedersehen mit Jay und Liam, Jays verrückte Schwester und Liams Bruder, die ebenfalls ein Paar sind und auch der Rest der bunten Clique sorgt für gute, humorvolle Unterhaltung. Auch wenn Tate so seine Problemchen damit hat, älter zu werden und mit den jungen Leuten aus der Modebranche, in der er arbeitet, nicht mehr mithalten zu können und auch Kee das Gewalt-Erlebnis mit seinem Exfreund noch nicht ganz überwunden hat, segelt diese Geschichte ziemlich glatt bei schönem Wetter dahin und die vorbeiziehenden Wölkchen sind nicht wirklich besorgniserregend. „Don’t twunk with my heart“ zeigt zwei Männer, die ohne weltbewegende Dramen doch ihre Sorgen und Nöte haben, damit absolut realistisch umgehen und versuchen, die schönen Seiten des Leben zu genießen. Es macht Spaß, die „Jungs von nebenan“ eine Weile zu begleiten und zuzusehen, wie aus Kee und Tate ein Paar wird.
Neben der Lovestory zwischen Kee und Tate habe ich mich fast mehr daüber gefreut, Liam und Jay wiederzusehen und mitzubekommen, wie ihre Beziehung solide geworden ist und jeder mit den Macken des anderen lebt. Besonders wie Liam seinen Jay im Griff hat, ohne seine flatterhafte Persönlichkeit einzuschränken, ist schön mitzuerleben. Die beiden sind einfach ein tolles Paar – und haben manchmal Kee und Tate fast ein bisschen die Show gestohlen. Obwohl mir diese Fortsetzung gut gefallen und mich toll unterhalten hat, kommt sie nicht ganz an mein Lieblingsbuch „Loving Jay“ heran.
Demnächst geht es weiter, denn „The Straight Boyfriend“, das sich ebenfalls in der Clique um Tate, Kee, Liam und Jamie bewegt, ist am 21. November erschienen. Und ich freue mich darauf!
August 23, 2016
This is my impressed face. A few things first, it didn't have the romanticism that Loving Jay did. I was looking for it and didn't see it anywhere. Don't be alarmed, it was still very much good. Besides the abrupt ending which perturbed me alot, and the little update from Jamie I thought it was solid. I do hope that because the information about Liam & Jay was written that we do get some follow-up novella about their situation. Don't want to spoil it. I am looking forward to book three's couple.
When I first read Loving Jay, I was so amazed at the story. I loved every single minute of it. I haven't had the same luck with Kaye's books so I was super super hesitant to request this book. I was scared that it wasn't going to live up to the hype of the first in the series. Well I'm disappointed at all. I liked this book for very different reasons.
I love Kee. I like everything he stands for, and his voice at 24 is far more maturer then I think I really was. I liked how he portrayed himself, and yeah I kept looking at the cover to see who was who. LMAO. I'm pretty sure, I know which guys is which now. I do like the age-gap element of the story. It showed Tate in a different lite. I really enjoyed the humor, the comradery, the love, and the realistic feeling of the story. I like that Kaye showed their relationship blossoming at a steady pace. From the meeting of friends & families, to the adventurous sex. I like seeing the spiciness that we do as a beginning couple. I enjoyed seeing the difference between the two guys. I think they were able to learn from each other, and expand and grow as well. The one thing that I would have enjoyed more was Tate's eating issues. I felt like they were introduced, but maybe not spoken or touched on in further detail. I think if it was more in his pov then it would have felt more real I guess.
Between Tate's eating issues, and yeah he explained why, and Kee's past abuse I felt like it was just enough angst regarding it. I loved the pace of the story. I think it was well written and nicely flowing. Again, I would have like to see more after the I love you and then the ending. The ending was told matter of factly and it messed up my thoughts. All in all, I truly enjoyed this story, definitely low angst, realistic fiction, and a good telling of the evolution of a relationship. I thought these two were perfect for one another. It's definitely renewed my thoughts on Renae Kaye, I might go back to read the books that I skipped.
November 8, 2017
New words invention by Jamie Bell !
I know, I know, this is Kee and Tate's story, but I can't help myself when Renae Kaye put my Jay in the picture and he's still as hilarious with his motor mouth and awesome as he ever be !
If you haven't read Jay and Liam's story, well, read them, like right now ! Go ! Shoo !
Okay. So Kee is Jay's friend and he'd been missing for a whole year after things with his a**hole ex.
But now, he's ready and the first day of his social life is Jamie *freakin' Bell in the picture.
And Tate, the dancing guy ! Yup, there's a lot of dancing (with heels!) and steamy and funny.
It's a low angst , feel good and lots and lots of fun between Kee and Tate. And finding who you really are what your really want in your life.
And you'll find the new invention of the word twink.
Twunk = when you're an ex-twink and you're a hunk now.
Twank = when you're not a twink any longer, you know, you can't be a twink after 30, right?
This book gave me lot of fun and makes me smile and happy.
Tate and Kee are awesome together, and there's a bonus chapter, Jamie Bell's POV!
What's not to love?
This book can be read as stand alone of course, but I suggest you to read Loving Jay first to get to know Jay and Liam, they're awesome !
Recommended !
* ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Lilly from Lelyana's Book Blog. *
I know, I know, this is Kee and Tate's story, but I can't help myself when Renae Kaye put my Jay in the picture and he's still as hilarious with his motor mouth and awesome as he ever be !
If you haven't read Jay and Liam's story, well, read them, like right now ! Go ! Shoo !
Okay. So Kee is Jay's friend and he'd been missing for a whole year after things with his a**hole ex.
But now, he's ready and the first day of his social life is Jamie *freakin' Bell in the picture.
And Tate, the dancing guy ! Yup, there's a lot of dancing (with heels!) and steamy and funny.
It's a low angst , feel good and lots and lots of fun between Kee and Tate. And finding who you really are what your really want in your life.
And you'll find the new invention of the word twink.
Twunk = when you're an ex-twink and you're a hunk now.
Twank = when you're not a twink any longer, you know, you can't be a twink after 30, right?
This book gave me lot of fun and makes me smile and happy.
Tate and Kee are awesome together, and there's a bonus chapter, Jamie Bell's POV!
What's not to love?
This book can be read as stand alone of course, but I suggest you to read Loving Jay first to get to know Jay and Liam, they're awesome !
Recommended !
* ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Lilly from Lelyana's Book Blog. *
September 16, 2016
****Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance®****
4.5 Stars - I loved Loving Jay and so when I say the next book out in the Loving You series, I wanted to read it too. I wasn’t disappointed! I loved the sense of place. I could tell I was in Australia with the speech and descriptions.
Kee and Tate were perfect together. The boys were different from each other but they worked. Both had issues in their lives they needed to overcome. From Tate’s eating habits to Kee’s fear of fists, we are given things that make the characters seem real. There isn’t any huge drama but a sweet story of how the two met and fell in love.
I enjoyed seeing Jamie (Jay) and Liam again, as well as getting to know their other friends a little better. There is a bonus chapter that I hope is expanded in the next book. I am looking forward to Vinnie’s story.
Highly recommend for light heartfelt reading.
4.5 Stars - I loved Loving Jay and so when I say the next book out in the Loving You series, I wanted to read it too. I wasn’t disappointed! I loved the sense of place. I could tell I was in Australia with the speech and descriptions.
Kee and Tate were perfect together. The boys were different from each other but they worked. Both had issues in their lives they needed to overcome. From Tate’s eating habits to Kee’s fear of fists, we are given things that make the characters seem real. There isn’t any huge drama but a sweet story of how the two met and fell in love.
I enjoyed seeing Jamie (Jay) and Liam again, as well as getting to know their other friends a little better. There is a bonus chapter that I hope is expanded in the next book. I am looking forward to Vinnie’s story.
Highly recommend for light heartfelt reading.
August 29, 2016
I adore Renae Kaye's books and have read The Shearing Gun so many times. And Loving Jay is another favorite of mine. In fact, seeing so much of Liam and Jay in this book was one of my favorite things about it. That might be part of the problem with this story though... Kee and Tate didn't completely gel for me. I just didn't feel their connection and so many issues were addressed and then brushed aside (Kee's friends were so much more involved in his dealing with the trauma from Matt than Tate was, it seemed). Or other things came out of nowhere and did not seem to fit (like Liam lying about the bar thing) or the random in the bush.
What I loved about the story was the beginning/how they met. (I need to look up Yanis on YouTube.). Their chemistry was a force in the first half of the book. I also loved how close the friendships were and how we got a lot of time with prior characters in this universe. The message of self acceptance leading to happiness was a "yes!" message for me but it felt like Kee and Tate talked past each other a little bit.
The next book looks like it will be interesting for sure. Looking forward to it!
What I loved about the story was the beginning/how they met. (I need to look up Yanis on YouTube.). Their chemistry was a force in the first half of the book. I also loved how close the friendships were and how we got a lot of time with prior characters in this universe. The message of self acceptance leading to happiness was a "yes!" message for me but it felt like Kee and Tate talked past each other a little bit.
The next book looks like it will be interesting for sure. Looking forward to it!
July 28, 2021
Kee is back in the scene after a year hiatus because of domestic violence. First night back at a club...he found Tate as his first hook up even though Tate is totally not his type. A big part of the story is about Kee getting back and spending time with his friends and meeting and dating Tate. I wa s surprised that Tate was so open about his worries about age and weight. He was sometimes over the top conscious about himself and Kee's minor PTSD. The issues may sound heavy. The book was both amusing and romantic with Tate being a bit kinky about almost everything and with Kee being like a fish out of water most of the time. He did give the story a sometimes-comical flavor. I think they’ll be good for one another. Kee deserves some peace after “Matt the Rat”, his ex and abusive boyfriend. I still have to wonder... is ‘twunk” even an actual word????
August 29, 2016
I really enjoyed the second book in the series. I loved Kee and Tate. I loved seeing all the friends and loved that we got to see a lot of Jamie and Liam. I'm looking forward to the third book in the series. I had a feeling it would be about that particular couple.
September 4, 2018
Die "Loving You"-Serie von Renae Kaye mochte ich schon im Original sehr gern und deshalb nutze ich die Gelegenheit, dass nun die Übersetzungen unter dem Seriennamen "Zum Mitnehmen" erscheinen, dazu, die ganze schöne Reihe nochmal zu lesen.
Darum geht's:
Nach einem schlimmen Erlebnis mit seinem damaligen Freund hat sich Kee für ein Jahr zurückgezogen. Jetzt fühlt er sich wieder in der Lage, seine Freunde zu treffen und Party zu machen – doch er hat sich in diesem Jahr auch körperlich verändert und passt nicht mehr in die Rolle des süßen Twink, die er früher so gerne spielte. Und selbst seinen bevorzugten Typ Mann überdenkt er, als er statt mit dem üblichen muskelbepackten, einfach gestrickten Riesen diesmal mit dem modebewussten und niedlichen Tate nach Hause geht.
So fand ich's:
Kee ist ein guter Freund von Jamie alias Jay aus "Herz zum Mitnehmen". Er hatte sich für einige Zeit aus der Partyszene zurückgezogen und an seinem ersten Abend zurück auf der Piste gabelt er direkt Tate auf, der eigentlich so gar nicht in sein Beuteschema fällt. Doch die beiden Männer fühlen sich vom ersten Moment an miteinander wohl und schnell wird aus dem One-Night-Stand mehr.
Kee hat sich in seinem Jahr Abwesenheit optisch verändert. Er arbeitet körperlich schwer und hat darauf verzichtet, sich wie früher für die skinny Jeans schlank zu hungern. Dadurch hat er Muskelmasse aufgebaut und ist nicht mehr der süße Twink, sondern irgendetwas zwischen Twink und Muskelprotz - wie Jamie es nennt: ein Twunk :-) . Das Gewalt-Erlebnis mit seinem Exfreund hat er noch nicht ganz überwunden und hat sich vorgenommen, es langsam angehen zu lassen. Auch Tate hat so seine Probleme, denn er arbeitet in der Modebranche und fürchtet sich davor, älter zu werden und mit den jungen Leuten nicht mehr mithalten zu können.
Tate wird in Kees Freundeskreis aufgenommen und so gibt es reichlich Gelegenheit für ein Wiedersehen mit Jay und Liam, Jays verrückte Schwester und Liams Bruder, die ebenfalls ein Paar sind und auch der Rest der bunten Clique sorgt für gute, humorvolle Unterhaltung. Das Buch zeigt zwei Männer, die ohne weltbewegende Dramen doch ihre Sorgen und Nöte haben, damit absolut realistisch umgehen und versuchen, die schönen Seiten des Lebens zu genießen. Es macht Spaß, die “Jungs von nebenan” eine Weile zu begleiten und zuzusehen, wie aus Kee und Tate ein Paar wird. Und man erfährt auch, was sich der flippige Tate unter einer "Tate-Pause" während seines Jobs so vorstellt.
Neben der Lovestory zwischen Kee und Tate erleben wir auch das Paar Liam und Jay aus Band 1 und man erfährt, wie ihre Beziehung solide geworden ist und jeder mit den Macken des anderen lebt. Besonders wie Liam seinen Jay im Griff hat, ohne seine flatterhafte Persönlichkeit einzuschränken, ist schön mitzuerleben. Die beiden sind einfach ein tolles Paar – und haben manchmal Kee und Tate fast ein bisschen die Show gestohlen.
Dieser zweite Band ist fluffig und unterhaltsam zu lesen, humorvoll und ein bisschen kinky - deshalb gibt's von mir eine warmherzige Leseempfehlung.
Darum geht's:
Nach einem schlimmen Erlebnis mit seinem damaligen Freund hat sich Kee für ein Jahr zurückgezogen. Jetzt fühlt er sich wieder in der Lage, seine Freunde zu treffen und Party zu machen – doch er hat sich in diesem Jahr auch körperlich verändert und passt nicht mehr in die Rolle des süßen Twink, die er früher so gerne spielte. Und selbst seinen bevorzugten Typ Mann überdenkt er, als er statt mit dem üblichen muskelbepackten, einfach gestrickten Riesen diesmal mit dem modebewussten und niedlichen Tate nach Hause geht.
So fand ich's:
Kee ist ein guter Freund von Jamie alias Jay aus "Herz zum Mitnehmen". Er hatte sich für einige Zeit aus der Partyszene zurückgezogen und an seinem ersten Abend zurück auf der Piste gabelt er direkt Tate auf, der eigentlich so gar nicht in sein Beuteschema fällt. Doch die beiden Männer fühlen sich vom ersten Moment an miteinander wohl und schnell wird aus dem One-Night-Stand mehr.
Kee hat sich in seinem Jahr Abwesenheit optisch verändert. Er arbeitet körperlich schwer und hat darauf verzichtet, sich wie früher für die skinny Jeans schlank zu hungern. Dadurch hat er Muskelmasse aufgebaut und ist nicht mehr der süße Twink, sondern irgendetwas zwischen Twink und Muskelprotz - wie Jamie es nennt: ein Twunk :-) . Das Gewalt-Erlebnis mit seinem Exfreund hat er noch nicht ganz überwunden und hat sich vorgenommen, es langsam angehen zu lassen. Auch Tate hat so seine Probleme, denn er arbeitet in der Modebranche und fürchtet sich davor, älter zu werden und mit den jungen Leuten nicht mehr mithalten zu können.
Tate wird in Kees Freundeskreis aufgenommen und so gibt es reichlich Gelegenheit für ein Wiedersehen mit Jay und Liam, Jays verrückte Schwester und Liams Bruder, die ebenfalls ein Paar sind und auch der Rest der bunten Clique sorgt für gute, humorvolle Unterhaltung. Das Buch zeigt zwei Männer, die ohne weltbewegende Dramen doch ihre Sorgen und Nöte haben, damit absolut realistisch umgehen und versuchen, die schönen Seiten des Lebens zu genießen. Es macht Spaß, die “Jungs von nebenan” eine Weile zu begleiten und zuzusehen, wie aus Kee und Tate ein Paar wird. Und man erfährt auch, was sich der flippige Tate unter einer "Tate-Pause" während seines Jobs so vorstellt.
Neben der Lovestory zwischen Kee und Tate erleben wir auch das Paar Liam und Jay aus Band 1 und man erfährt, wie ihre Beziehung solide geworden ist und jeder mit den Macken des anderen lebt. Besonders wie Liam seinen Jay im Griff hat, ohne seine flatterhafte Persönlichkeit einzuschränken, ist schön mitzuerleben. Die beiden sind einfach ein tolles Paar – und haben manchmal Kee und Tate fast ein bisschen die Show gestohlen.
Dieser zweite Band ist fluffig und unterhaltsam zu lesen, humorvoll und ein bisschen kinky - deshalb gibt's von mir eine warmherzige Leseempfehlung.
May 2, 2020
I absolutely adore Loving Jay and after a recent reread, I decided that I'm going to read the rest of the series. Don't Twunk with My Heart feels a bit different due to the presence of all the friends, but just as entertaining. Be warned that Jay and Liam are everywhere, not that I'm complaining but one needs to read their story first to fully appreciate their presence here. Jay and his bunch of friends are really an interesting bunch and I'm pretty sure it was not something plan by the author because in Loving Jay, there is no mentioned of them at all.
Anyway, I digress, this is the story of Kee who is back in the scene after a year long hiatus because of domestic violence. First night back at a club, he found Tate as his first hook up eventhough Tate is totally not his type. I was a bit worried they might be two bottoms in the bedroom, but it turns out they are verse.
A big part of the story is about Kee getting back and spending time with his friends (mostly Jay and Liam) and dating Tate. Not much drama between them beside of Tate being age and weight conscious about himself and Kee's minor PTSD towards aggressive guy. The issues may sound heavy, but was handled in a low key way.
The highlight of the book for me is Jay & Liam! and Tate's propensity for public sex. Tate is kinky and Kee is like a fish out of water and it was hilarious. But seriously though, this feels like an extended short for Jay and Liam and I can't get enough of these two. Gah!
Anyway, I digress, this is the story of Kee who is back in the scene after a year long hiatus because of domestic violence. First night back at a club, he found Tate as his first hook up eventhough Tate is totally not his type. I was a bit worried they might be two bottoms in the bedroom, but it turns out they are verse.
A big part of the story is about Kee getting back and spending time with his friends (mostly Jay and Liam) and dating Tate. Not much drama between them beside of Tate being age and weight conscious about himself and Kee's minor PTSD towards aggressive guy. The issues may sound heavy, but was handled in a low key way.
The highlight of the book for me is Jay & Liam! and Tate's propensity for public sex. Tate is kinky and Kee is like a fish out of water and it was hilarious. But seriously though, this feels like an extended short for Jay and Liam and I can't get enough of these two. Gah!
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