Barrett & Ivan

Something About Him #3

by A.D. Ellis

Despite the curve balls thrown at him throughout his childhood, Barrett Kenner is now a successful musician. The only thing missing is romance.
Ivan Romanov killed a man to save his sister’s life. Although he’s served his time, Ivan’s past left him with baggage far heavier than the meager belongings he carries out of prison.
Barrett clings to the memory of a fervent kiss, a kiss Ivan tries to pretend meant nothing. When the two men finally accept their feelings for each other, life should be smooth sailing, but the past still lurks in the shadows.
Can Barrett and Ivan protect their love and their lives, or will dangers from long ago be more than they can withstand?
Barrett & Ivan is a May/December, friends-to-lovers, second chance romance.
This book was originally published in 2016 under the same title. The story, blurb, and cover have been revised and updated.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, LGBT, Second Chance, Gay, Contemporary Romance

208 pages, ebook

First published August 1, 2016

About the author

Escape into addictive, sexy, emotional M/M romance.
A.D. Ellis is an Indiana girl, born and raised. She spends much of her time in central Indiana as an instructional coach/teacher in the inner city of Indianapolis, being a mom to two amazing teens, and wondering how she and her husband of over two decades haven't driven each other insane yet. A lot of her time is also devoted to phone call avoidance and her hatred of cooking.
She loves chocolate, hot tea, sweet wine with friends, pizza, and naps along with reading and writing romance. These loves don’t leave much time for housework. Who would pick cleaning the house over a nap or a good book? She uses any extra time to increase her fluency in sarcasm.
A.D. uses she/they pronouns.
Sign up at http://www.subscribepage.com/ADEllisN... for a FREE male/male romance book.

A.D. Ellis does not use generative AI to create books or covers.

Reviews

[Eugenia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Superfluff. Don’t mind the blurb, this book is all gooey sweetness. Yes, one of the MC’s spent ten brutal years in prison for murder. Yes, he has nightmares. But truly this was pure fluff with a 26 year old virgin, to boot.

I enjoyed it OK, but it was nothing very special. Lots of declarations of love. HEA. This is the first book I’ve read in this series, but I’m not sure I’ll read any others.

[The Reading's Love Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

RECENSIONE QUI: https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/...


"Barrett & Ivan" è la storia di un amore grande un po’ diverso dal solito. Parte raccontandoci il background doloroso dei nostri tre protagonisti: Barrett è orfano di famiglia, vive con uno zio omofobo e trova nella sua amica Lexi un'anima affine, una famiglia; Lexi è timida e sensibile, costretta a essere invisibile perché figlia di un malavitoso russo, vittima di violenze da parte del fidanzato dopo il trauma dell'ultima violenza le viene strappato il fratello che l'ha cresciuta ed ama; Ivan è cresciuto troppo in fretta, legato anche se marginalmente alla mafia russa, si dedica alla sorella, la ama e la protegge fino ad uccidere per lei. In una notte tutta la loro vita cambia: un omicidio porterà Ivan a scontare dieci anni di prigione. Barret e Lexi dovranno ricostruirsi una vita, nascosti il più possibile, dieci anni in cui si sosterranno e proteggeranno, in cui costruiranno le loro vite, i loro successi personali, dieci anni di ricordi da costruire per condividerli un giorno con Ivan. Ho detto che è una storia diversa dal solito perché nonostante il loro passato e le brutture, la storia vera che inizia proprio dopo dieci anni quella fatidica notte, viene raccontata e vissuta in un'atmosfera quasi surreale, di bellezza dei sentimenti e positività, malinconica nei ricordi di ciò che hanno perso ma positiva verso un presente luminoso ed appagante e con la speranza di un futuro ancora migliore dopo che torneranno ad essere tutti e tre insieme. Credo fermamente che la Ellis abbia creato una storia così dolce e positiva, quasi poco realistica, senza scossoni emotivi negativi proprio per raccontarci la bellezza che può risiedere nelle persone e nella famiglia. Ivan nonostante dieci anni di violenze subite in prigione, di lotta costante per sopravvivere ha l'unico obiettivo di ricostruire la sua vita insieme alla sorella Lexi e a Barrett, l'unico uomo che abbia popolato i suoi sogni ed i suoi desideri. Vuole risorgere a nuova vita, renderli orgogliosi e nonostante i dubbi e gli incubi si apre all'amore incondizionatamente. È un uomo generoso, dolce ed ironico dedito al benessere dei suoi cari e Barrett lo accoglie, lo aiuta e lo consola, dedica tutto se stesso all'uomo che ama fin da ragazzino. È un'anima buona, un artista che si è creato la vita perfetta per sé e Lexi e ha quel lato irriverente da artista che io adoro. Vivono in una bolla dove nessuno li può avvicinare e toccare: la loro casa, il loro lavoro e le loro abitudini sono la perfezione assoluta per essere felici e tutti e tre lavorano in sincronia perfetta per difendere il loro equilibrio, la loro felicità e serenità, aperti al dialogo e alla sincerità ogni azione è dettata dal rispetto reciproco e dall'amore…

CONTINUA SUL NOSTRO BLOG. VENITE A TROVARCI
https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/

[Coco.V]

🎁 Books 1-3 in the series are FREE on Amazon today (11/2/2019)! 🎁

[Anto64 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stelline e mezzo

[Karlo · Rating 4 out of 5]

diese zweite Uebersetzung kommt fuer mich lange nicht an den ersten Band 'Bryan & Jase' heran,
die Schreibweise ich gut, aber langatmig, ohne viel Spannung,
es fehlt mir das gewisse etwas,
mal schauen, wie die naechsten Uebersetzungen werden

[Miss · Rating 1 out of 5]

WTAF?!

I got this free, thank God, but even if I had been paid to review it I'd still go off like I'm about to do.

!!!BEWARE!!!SPOILERS!!!AHEAD!!!

I love the idea of first, last & only love. I didn't get the chance to have it myself, so maybe that's why it's one of my favorite tropes. There were early elements to this that raised a brow - like Barrett's infatuation with Ivan, the crime that kicked the story off, the worryingly codependent relationship between Lexi & Barrett in the 10 years Ivan's locked up, the magically better independent life Ivan somehow secures for the pair while he's in prison, the fact that he apparently only kissed Barrett in the beginning to be labelled as a gay inmate & segregated in prison because of that & what happened to Ivan in prison were all sketchy, but I was willing to go with it for true love.

Then we get to chapter 8.

If I had had the paperback version of this book, I would have hurled it at the farthest wall from where I was reading. I would have flipped the table if I had been near one at the time.

In earlier chapters, Lexi encouraged Barrett to date, mostly because she thought her brother was straight & Barrett was heading for a heartbreak. I can understand & agree with that, but if a person doesn't want to date then they don't have to. As Lexi certainly wasn't either. The Ivan gets out & he's not 100% straight. He wants Barrett. Lexi is an overjoyed fangirl because she has apparently shipped it even when she was encouraging Barrett to find someone else. Then there's Lexi essentially telling them to go at it & be loud about it because she totally wouldn't be listening like some kind of perv & using all this as inspiration for the gay male romance that she's writing. So the guys have some fun together. The morning after, Lexi now has serious doubts, concerns, reservations, wtf ever, idfc. Barrett is a legal adult now, but Lexi suddenly questions if this thing with Ivan is healthy for the two men, but she had no qualms with 16 year old Barrett fixating on her then 20 year old brother? Not the biggest age gap, but they also mix in facts like Barrett was practically family & had already been crushing on Ivan before age 16. And in the 10 years leading up to Ivan's release, the age thing & power dynamics never entered her thoughts? But now, the guys are together, it's clearly something they both want & so Lexi throws a flag on the field & halts their progress? Because the notion of purity is antiquated & it used to be forced on women to be a virgin on their wedding night & know only their husband's touch until death did they part, but now we say ah hell no to that & Lexi demands a gross swerve in the opposite direction & dictates that Barrett can't be a virgin or untouched by another man when he commits to Ivan, even though Barrett has already made that commitment in his own heart/mind, as is any consenting person's right. So Barrett now has to at least date & kiss someone else as proof that he's ready to be with Ivan? Because Lexi says so & her big brother agrees, but she's not at all concerned about getting her brother help to deal with the rape & abuse he suffered in prison to make sure he's in a good/healthy headspace for a relationship?! Oookay, then.

So Barrett & Ivan negotiate a 5 dates with minimum of 5 kisses agreement that Barrett must fulfill before he can proceed with Ivan or else they're just never going to be more than friends. And Barrett goes on these 5 dates. Each one a double date with Ivan & Lexi there each time Barrett meets one of his dating app matches for the first time. So Ivan is fuming jealous & Lexi's like don't worry, bro, you got this like she isn't the reason for this whole stupid scenario to begin with. And you've got all 5 dates blitzed through a paragraph each from Ivan's perspective in chapter 9, but then for ?reasons? the dates get expanded upon through chapters 10 & 12 before the tests have been passed & it's okay for Ivan & Barrett to have sex now because Barrett went on his 5 dates with random men & kissed each one while in the presence of the man he actually wanted to be with. Cause that was a real valid test of commitment. You're definitely going to know whether another man attracts or tempts you while your best friend, practically a sister & eventually, ideally, your sister-in-law & your boyfriend supervise you.

Can you tell how very much I hate the book at this point? I loathe these characters now. Especially Lexi who thinks she's done something good & important & totally validated this romance. This is not healthy, sis. Nor is the whole thing with her slipping her brother the gay sex scene that she wrote so he could give her feedback for her book but she totally understood if it got him worked up & he needed to go act it out with Barrett. Wtf is wrong with this person?!

I'm running out of characters & there's still a villain, Barrett as the cliche damsel in distress & the obligatory HEA for me to hate on. Spare yourself.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barrett and Ivan . . .

Barrett and Ivan have known each other for many years. When Lexi’s boyfriend almost beat her to death, Ivan protected her and ended up killing the abusive boyfriend. He was sent to prison for 10 years. Ivan always thought he was straight until he kissed Barrett as he was sent away and asked him to watch over his sister, Lexi.

As requested, Barrett Kenner continued staying with Lexi. When Ivan Romanov finally got out of prison, he returned to live with them as well. Both men had thought about the other for some time and were ready to start a relationship. The story line has lots of emotions running through it. Will Barrett and Ivan begin their romance at last?

[Sue Milkovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story. As they wait for Ivan to be released from prison, Barrett and Lexi create a life waiting. Barrett, who is Lexi's best friend was there when Ivan was taken to jail. They were on their own at 16, living in seclusion, basically hiding from the family mobsters. Ivan worried about his little sister all the time but knew Barrett would never let anything happen to her. Now Ivan is coming home. Not knowing what the future holds, not feeling worthy, not expecting anything. This story is about love, friendship and trust. It's a fantastic story. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read by AD Lewis who once again brings strong characters and an interesting story line. She pulled me in from page one and kept me glued to the pages right to the end. She brings all the feels as she weaves a steamy romance between Barrett and Ivan. I loved reading their story.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Feel The Book · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recensione a cura di Raksha per Feel the Book

Barrett e Ivan sono amici da quando erano bambini e hanno entrambi vissuto un’adolescenza che non può essere definita facile.
Quando Ivan viene portato in carcere per aver ucciso il ragazzo violento della sua sorellina, sa che Barrett sarà accanto a lei per aiutarla e sostenerla. Il bacio che Ivan dà a Barrett davanti alle forze dell’ordine pronte a portarlo via, cos’è? Una dimostrazione d’affetto o una mossa da poter sfruttare in carcere?
In un battito di ciglia passano dieci anni e leggiamo la storia di due ragazzi cresciuti, che cercano il loro posto nel mondo, pieni di dubbi e domande.
Barrett sogna quel bacio costantemente e desidera sapere se tra lui e Ivan può esserci qualcosa di più profondo di una semplice amicizia.
Ivan teme che Barrett e sua sorella si siano fatti una vita senza di lui, non è sicuro che gradiscano il suo ritorno e non sa come gestire quel rimescolamento nel cuore che prova quando pensa a Barrett.
La storia, purtroppo, mi è risultata piuttosto monotona.
Tutto gira attorno a questo desiderio che Ivan e Barrett provano l’uno per l’altro, e ai piccoli passi avanti che i due uomini compiono verso un futuro roseo.
Il tentativo di mettere un po’ di pepe, costringendo Barrett a provare uomini nuovi per dimostrare di amare davvero Ivan, non ha stimolato la mia curiosità, vista la fretta con cui questi appuntamenti accadono e appaiono volutamente finti.
Il ritorno alla vita “normale” di Ivan è vagamente accennato, e il subentrare dei vecchi traffici di famiglia, che sembra possano creare un po’ di suspense, scivolano in una risoluzione a mio avviso banale. Ho amato molto gli altri due romanzi della serie e questa piccola caduta è stata per me una delusione.
La scrittura come sempre è molto buona e scorrevole. Quello che mi è mancato, in questo caso, è la trama: una storia più corposa che stimoli maggiormente il coinvolgimento e l’interesse del lettore. I personaggi li ho trovati piatti e non ci sono colpi di scena che lasciano con il fiato sospeso. Tutto va come dovrebbe andare in una favola per bambini, dove i mostri non esistono e l’amore trionfa su tutto.

Editing della recensione a cura di Lilith per Feel the Book

[Twinsie Talk Angie J · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 but rounded up
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Barrett & Ivan by AD Ellis
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
I loved how this book begins!! An “innocent” kiss turn both Barrett and Ivan’s worlds upside down. Then we see the couple plus Ivan’s sister, Lexi, corresponding for the next 10 years while Ivan is in jail for murder.
When the story starts, Ivan is dealing with life out of prison, his feelings for Barrett, his need to provide and protect his sister and can he survive outside of prison. We see Barrett wondering if Ivan will even remember THAT kiss or did it mean nothing to him. We see Lexi hoping to keep her best friend and brother in the house together through this new change in the living dynamic.
I loved Ivan. He is really confused because he shouldn’t feel the way he does about Barrett because he isn’t gay. However, he can’t hide his natural attraction to him either. He also can’t wait to revisit that kiss that help him through 10 years of prison.
Barrett and Ivan have chemistry. Initially it seems a little bit awkward because they BOTH want the other but fear a bit of rejection. When they finally admit their want and desire, Lexi says she is worried that Barrett will regret choosing Ivan since he has never experienced life or dating others. I was cracking up at the dates that they forced Barrett to go on just to prove that Ivan is HIS SOUL MATE. I also loved how Barrett made Ivan suffer through 5 dates of his own to prove to Barrett that Ivan did want him as well. Those chapters were great reading. The jealousy from Ivan cracked me up soooo much!!
As life is settling in for the 3, Ivan’s past resurfaces and there is a major plot twist and a big WHAT moment in the story. It helped Ivan realize that he will do anything for his family and his love Barrett. The epilogue was awesome and I love seeing the endings for the guys and for Lexi as well.

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barrett is an orphan living with his homophobic grandfather. He meets Alexis (Lexi) when they attend the same homeschool group and they become best friends. Ivan is Lexi’s sister and he killed a man to protect her. As Ivan is being taken away by the police he kisses Barrett – much to Barrett’s surprise. During the ten years that Ivan is in prison all Barrett can think about is that kiss; what he doesn’t know is why Ivan kissed him and how much it affected him, too.

Although this book is #3 in the Something About Him series it is a complete story with no cliffhanger. The books in the Something About Him series are connected by theme, not characters or location.

I fell in love with A.D. Ellis’ M/M romance stories after reading Brody & Nick and I jumped at the chance to do a beta read of Barrett & Ivan. While this story is quite different from Brody & Nick the underlying theme is the same: two men who love each other but may not be quite ready to admit it.

Ivan is so protective of Lexi and he is worried about her when he is sent to prison. Using his connections to the mob, he sets things up so that Barrett can live with her and help watch over her. Barrett and Lexi build a good life as friends while they wait for Ivan’s release.

This book was full of the same depth of emotions that Brody & Nick contained and I loved reading it. Ivan has many challenges he must overcome as a convicted felon. I liked that Ivan didn’t make any excuses for what he’d done; he was protecting his sister and would do it all over again if circumstances warranted.

Barrett is anxious to find out what Ivan meant by that kiss 10 years ago when he was only 16 and Ivan was 20. He has made a successful career out of his music while Ivan was away. Ms. Ellis treatment of Barrett’s insecurities and his new and tentative relationship with Ivan is wonderful.

The Something About Him books are a hit for me and I very much look forward to reading more in this series.

I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

[Felicia Eddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great one from AD Ellis.

Barrett has been in love with Ivan since he was 16 years old. Abandoned by his family he stays with Ivan and his sister Lexi and when Ivan is sent to prison for murdering his sister's abuser Ivan lays a kiss on him he will never forget. Now 10 years later Barrett and Lexi are roommates waiting for the day Ivan gets released from prison. The question for Barrett is what does the kiss mean to Ivan because to Barrett it meant everything.
Ivan just wanted to survive prison that's what the kiss was supposed to have meant but after 10 years away it's all he has been thinking about, helping him survive hell. Now he is getting out and is grateful the Barrett has been there for his sister but TN at all he feels for the beautiful man, or is it?

I love AD Ellis's writing style and it shines again here. Flipping between POVS you feel the angst, nerves and love Barrett and Ivan feel for each other. The dialog between the characters along with the humor is light and fresh in the midst of sometimes drama. If you are fan of Ms Ellis'Ellis's previous books you will enjoy this as well.

[Jennifer Reilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review

What can I say, this is the second book by A.D. Ellis that I have read and loved,

Ivan is 20 hrs old when he is sent to prison for actions in saving his sisters life.

Barrett is Ivan's sister, Lexi, best friend. He is left to care for himself and Lexi while Ivan is away

10 years go by and Ivan returns home to rebuild his life, find love, and build his family

I loved this book. The realization of who you love and how to move on. A little surprise, which I never saw coming, and left to see how the three of them build this family unit.

Again, I loved this book and look forward to more books from this author

[Sarah Strawinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not really a fan of the male/male genre but the way that AD writes it I can't stop reading it. It also makes me rethink not being a fan of the genre. I don't understand a lot of what goes on in the hot scenes but they are really hot scenes that make it hard to put the book down.
I love all of A.D's books and will read anything she writes, that's why I gave the m/m genre a try. I'm going to give this book 5 stars and tell y'all that you really need to give this book and the whole series a try.

[Kathy Boone · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED Barrett & Ivan's story. Barrett after living through a crappy childhood and then living the next 10 years waiting for his "one" Ivan after spending 10 years in prison protecting his sister still has Barrett on his mind. i love the connection of Barrett and Ivan after 10 years apart. there are twists and turns then keep you wondering what is going to happen next. Barrett and Ivan are my favorite.....for now.

[Eleanor · Rating 4 out of 5]

AD Ellis writes easy to read, lovely flowing books and this is no exception. The characters are well formed, their interactions are real and witty. The storyline glides along nicely, a bit of drama peppered in, but no angst or heartache.
Her books always feel 'real' to me, like I'm a fly on the wall.
Enjoyable and recommended.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recensione in Anteprima
.
4.5- Voto
.
"A vent’anni era uno schianto. A trenta era spigoloso, cupo e affascinante. A conti fatti, un sogno erotico vivente. Sesso su due gambe. Su di lui avrebbe funzionato qualsiasi cliché che uno avrebbe potuto inventarsi. Scappare via a prendere la pizza mi aveva aiutato a calmare le mie emozioni. Per quando fui di ritorno con la cena, riuscivo almeno a camminare in modo normale, senza che lo scomodo bozzo fra le gambe tentasse di evadere dalla zip."
.
Per la prima volta dall’inizio di questa serie i protagonisti non fanno parte dell’esercito, in questo Barrett & Ivan incontriamo tre ragazzi che, per un insieme di circostanze, hanno potuto contare solo gli uni sugli altri. Barrett, alla morte improvvisa dei genitori, è stato affidato al nonno, un uomo omofobo che non aveva nessun amore per il nipote, ma che era dispostissimo a usufruire dei soldi del suo mantenimento. La sua vita in quegli anni è allietata solo dall’amicizia con Alexis, una ragazzina che, come lui, fa parte di un gruppo di istruzione domiciliare. I due, negli anni successivi, diventeranno inseparabili e per Barrett è l’occasione di innamorarsi perdutamente di Ivan Romanov, il fratello di Alexis, che lui ha sempre ammirato, ma anche creduto assolutamente etero. Eppure, nel giorno più tragico di tutti, quello in cui Ivan viene arrestato per aver ucciso l’uomo che stava picchiando selvaggiamente la sorella, e sta per essere portato in prigione, c’è un bacio che Barrett non riuscirà più a dimenticare e la richiesta da parte di Ivan di occuparsi di Alexis e andare con lei in un posto sicuro, nell’attesa che lui, scontata la pena, possa tornare da loro. Adesso, finalmente, Ivan sta per tornare, e per Barrett ci sarà la possibilità di chiedere spiegazioni per quel bacio… ma il passato di Ivan e Alexis cela più di un segreto e alcuni di essi stanno per tornare a galla.

È un libro che parla di una grande amicizia e di un amore dolce e tenero, che ha dovuto aspettare molti anni prima di poter essere vissuto. Nella prima parte, avremo modo di conoscere la vita vissuta da Alexis e Barrett nell’attesa che Ivan sconti la sua pena, una vita vissuta in un posto solitario, ma che non impedisce ai due di realizzare i propri sogni. Barrett è diventato un musicista e Alexis una scrittrice di libri, insieme si sono creati un loro piccolo mondo, in cui conservano ricordi felici che intendono condividere con Ivan al suo ritorno: per questo hanno riempito pagine e pagine di album di fotografie. Ora che il momento è arrivato, per Barrett sta anche finendo un’attesa logorante, quel bacio gli ha dato una fragile speranza cui si è aggrappato con tutte le forze, nonostante i moniti di Alexis, che ha sempre creduto suo fratello etero e che spinge Barrett ad avere esperienze con altri uomini.

Neppure Ivan è riuscito a dimenticare quel bacio, nonostante questo avesse uno scopo ben preciso, e negli anni quell’attimo rubato è stato il ricordo più dolce, qualcosa a cui aggrapparsi nei momenti bui vissuti in prigione, dove ha subito violenze e in cui il sesso è sempre stato imposto, freddo e sporco. Ora che si trova insieme alle due persone che contano di più per lui, deve venire a patti con la sua sessualità, ma nonostante provi un grande desiderio per Barrett, l’idea di perdere la sua amicizia, se fra loro non funzionasse, lo terrorizza. E se questo non bastasse qualcuno sembra stare minacciando tutti quelli che ama…

È un libro piacevole, i personaggi sono ben caratterizzati e ci si innamora del dolce Barrett e del suo amore così tenace, della deliziosa Alexis che ha passato un’esperienza terribile e che si sente in colpa per aver permesso che suo fratello diventasse un assassino per salvarla. Ivan, poi, è un uomo difficile da dimenticare, le sue decisioni sono sempre prese nel tentativo di proteggere la sorella, anche dalla prigione è riuscito a provvedere a lei con del denaro, e anche se sarebbe facile per lui avere Barrett, comprende la sua inesperienza e gli darà tempo per decidere. Nell’attesa, tenta di sedare le sue paure e controllare le sue emozioni: quel rimanere costantemente vigile e sobbalzare per ogni rumore, il voler avere sempre un muro alle spalle per non temere un’aggressione, vedere il sesso come una libera scelta e non come un’imposizione, ricordi della prigione che non riesce a dimenticare.

Le scene passionali, che non sono immediate e si fanno giustamente attendere, sono belle e piene di dolcezza e l’ultima parte viene ravvivava dall’azione e dall’introduzione di nuovi sorprendenti personaggi. Nonostante i ricordi della prigione e i suoi strascichi, l’autrice è riuscita a non rendere la lettura pesante, ma anzi ci sono momenti anche divertenti e il tutto rimane abbastanza leggero, permettendoci di passare un pomeriggio senza troppi drammi e, ancora una volta, ci regala un inno all’amore e all’amicizia. Una serie molto interessante e ben fatta, curatissima sia nell’editing che nell’impeccabile traduzione Quixote, che migliora di capitolo in capitolo.
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Lucia63 - per RFS

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve got a say I found the story totally beautiful and I couldn’t put it down once I started it.
The story is about three people you’ve got Ivan who was sent to prison after he killed a man who was trying to be beat his sister Lexi to death. Just before he was taken away by the police he asked her best friend Barret to look after her. He gave him piece of paper with instructions to go and live there and let nobody know where they were and keep a low profile. And then Barret got the shock of his life when Ivan kissed him.
Barret was shocked because he thought Ivan was straight. He’d seen him with women. Barret had told Lexi and Ivan that he was gay when he was 13 and Barret had a massive crush on Ivan since he was a young boy.
They had all communicated with letters and visits for the 10 years that Ivan was in prison. And Barret lived in hope that Ivan had feelings for him. 10 years of dreams and fantasies. But coming out of prison was going to be hard for Ivan could they’ll live together. And what what Ivans real feelings towards the Barret ? What was behind that kiss ??
Do you know what that’s all I’m giving you because you need to read the story for yourself to totally understand the emotions and what these three people went through. Don’t get me wrong the romance is about Ivan and Barret but Lexi plays a huge part in this book. I was totally blown away with how Ivan and Barret behaved when he got out of prison. The way they came together and how they were totally honest about their feelings just make my skin tingle. There were some laugh out loud moments for me and the whole five dates was just heartbreaking because I totally understood where Barret was. But on the other hand I knew what Lexi was trying to do. But the fifth date was comical. There is a little twist towards the end of the book that will make your heart hurt because you just don’t want any trouble for these three but I liked the twist in the end. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it deserves five stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an interesting and entertaining story about love, loss and family. Barrett and Lexi met as kids and became best friends. When Barrett met Lexi's older brother Ivan, he developed a crush for him. When Barrett was 14, Ivan became his fantasy. When he was 16 Ivan kissed him. He was on his way to jail for killing the guy who beat his sister up and put her in the hospital. Ivan asked Barrett to take care of Lexi until he got out of jail, and sent them to a safe place to live, providing them money to survive. 10 years after going away, Ivan is released, and goes home to Barrett and Lexi. Barrett had been waiting the whole time Ivan was away to find out why Ivan had kissed him. Both want a relationship, but both are afraid if what would happen to Lexi if they got together, then broke up. While dealing with this, someone is demanding a meeting with Ivan. Mob ties helped Ivan with Lexi and Barrett, but he didn't want anything more to do with them. All three of them are strong, caring and likable. And the storyline is amazing.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.

[Francesca I. · Rating 4 out of 5]

BARRETT & IVAN troppo teneri.
Una storia che mi ha fatto tenerezza. Ivan salva sua sorella Lexi e finisce in prigione. Lascia al loro amico Barrett il compito di proteggerla. E prima che lo portassero via bacia Barrett. Per 10 anni Barrett sogna quel bacio, sogna Ivan, sogna il momento che uscirà dalla prigione e chiedere spiegazioni di quel bacio. Ivan in quei 10 anni non fa che pensare a Barrett, non si è mai posto la domanda se fosse gay o meno ma arriverà a capirlo subito. Tenera anche l'amicizia di Barrett e Lexi, sono praticamente cresciuti insieme, facendosi forza insieme e si sono realizzati ognuno nel proprio campo, un quadro familiare bellissimo in cui includere anche Ivan. Avrei preferito che ci fossero più approfondimenti specie nei momenti più brutti invece è stato tutto lineare, molto soft. Ho sorriso quando ho letto chi fosse DKR :D Buon per Barrett :D Diciamo che la mafia è moooolto marginale in questa storia, anche per questo è stata una piacevole lettura rilassante.

[Georgette B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love this story. The characters were thoughtful written and it also had a great storyline.

I have been a faithful fan of this series and once again I was pleased with the way this author weaved the story of friendship, love, and redemption. Barrett has know and loved Ivan since he was teenager. After Ivan goes to prison for killing his sister Alexia’s abusive boyfriend, Barrett and Alexis go into hiding depending on each other while waiting for Ivan to come home.

Once home, Ivan battles the demons of being in prison for 10 years. His love for Barrett and the unwavering support Barrett and Alexis give Ivan help with the readjustment.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start of by mentioning that I have read and listened to a fair amount of books by this author. However I have mixed feelings about this book. I enjoyed the general storyline of how Barrett & Ivan got together after a longtime. However I had a bit of a problem with the part about Barrett having to date some people and over involvement of Lexi in that part. And there where some other parts where I did not sit quite right for me.
The reintegration of Ivan in society, after having been in jail for so long, read believable.
I however liked the main story and it was good to see that Barrett & Ivan, in the end got their hea/ hfn.
This book is an updated version of the book that was released I few years ago.
Trigger might apply: non -con forced mentioned.

[Sara Sigler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barrett hung out with Lexie a lot because his grandfather didn’t like he was gay and Ivan her brother was there too. He had a crush on Ivan, Ivan kissed him before he left for prison when Barrett was 16. Because Ivan killed a man to keep his sister alive. Barrett and Lexie lived together while he was there, Lexie became an author and Barrett was a musician and singer he did different things for people like jingles. Finally Ivan got out and found out the the various things they did to keep their spirits up plus he really wanted to be with Barrett. Lexie and Ivan got a surprise visitor. Great book! Pulled me in and had to keep reading!

[DC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet and heartwarming. I really loved Ivan. In spite of what horrible things life threw at him, he still comes out a loveable darling of a man. For some reason, it took me a little bit to warm up to Barrett, not quite sure why, but I eventually got there. I thought the revelation and resolution to the big DKR drama was curious and I’m not sure it really added anything. Nicely done epilogue wraps things up on a promising HEA.
If the author were to consider a 7th book to this series or a spinoff, I would like to see Jarod’s story told and give him his HEA.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivan spent 10 years in prison, Barrett waited for him for years. One in denial, one ready to start living. Will Ivan be able to overcome his ghosts? Will Barrett get everything he has always wanted?

Have to say these two pulled my heart strings. Ivan went through so much to protect those he loved and I loved seeing him come into his true self and accept the love presented to him. While naive, I loved how Barrett accepted those around him and proved to Ivan he was worth it. Absolutely loved these two!

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing story, just a couple of things that bugged me, this " Go on dates with other men and then come back to me", I found rather daft at first but it did end up making a few comical situations. Also some extended and repeadative conversations. All Minor things really when the whole thing was an amazing achievement, a wonderful read. Other than the beating up a young girl, the murder, the long prison term, it was a sweet tale as Ivan tries to readjust after life in jail.

[J.J. Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and intricate

This story was sweet and intricate in the way it dealt with the psychological issues caused by Ivan's past. The characters were multi level and easy to fall in love with. And the plot was just off sides enough to keep me reading. I really enjoyed this installment of the series.

[Jamie Plume · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. This book was great cause it wasn't the typical boy meets boy and falls in love book. I loved that they had a history with one another and in some ways had saved their love for one another over coming bad decisions and family honors. Can't wait to see what other great stories A.D. has for us in the future.

[Janet Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivan goes to prison for ten years for beating up his sister's boyfriend. Barrett is Lexi's best friend and stays with her while her brother is away. When Ivan comes back, they reconnect. The story has love and hope. I really liked it! It is really well written, highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.