What do you think?
Rate this book
Bully #1
Grayson
Ten years ago…
-Grayson-
A month and a half ago, I made a choice.
A choice that nearly cost me everything:
my friends, my family, my life.
Who knew that choice would nearly cost me my future?
Ten Years Later…
Grayson Michaels made that fateful decision as a teenager, he’s determined to not let the past define him. Control him. Bind him. Vulnerability is not an option. When his demons surface in the form of Finn Abbott, Grayson learns that everything isn’t as it seems.
Finn Abbott is trying to put his life back together. Divorce, house arrest, and a slew of lovers have only caused his life to spiral out of control. But a job offer comes along and everything seems to be back on track. That is until the ghost of a scorned boy returns in the form of a vengeful man.
Fate is a fickle friend. Questions need answered and debts need repaid. What happens when past and present collide? Can two people destined to be enemies find love instead? As they say, there’s a fine line between love and hate.
-Grayson-
A month and a half ago, I made a choice.
A choice that nearly cost me everything:
my friends, my family, my life.
Who knew that choice would nearly cost me my future?
Ten Years Later…
Grayson Michaels made that fateful decision as a teenager, he’s determined to not let the past define him. Control him. Bind him. Vulnerability is not an option. When his demons surface in the form of Finn Abbott, Grayson learns that everything isn’t as it seems.
Finn Abbott is trying to put his life back together. Divorce, house arrest, and a slew of lovers have only caused his life to spiral out of control. But a job offer comes along and everything seems to be back on track. That is until the ghost of a scorned boy returns in the form of a vengeful man.
Fate is a fickle friend. Questions need answered and debts need repaid. What happens when past and present collide? Can two people destined to be enemies find love instead? As they say, there’s a fine line between love and hate.
306 pages, Paperback
First published December 4, 2016
40 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
May 12, 2017
I want to start by saying that this book made me "ugly cry". Not just a little, but a lot !!!
I started to read the prologue and "BAMM", there were tears and snot and it lasted for hours. This book took me through the wringer and I just want to let everyone know that there are some very sensitive subjects in this book and the author didn't pull any punches.
This story is divided into two parts. It starts in the past, 10 years ago, when Grayson is 16 years old. He's a gay student who's into arts. He only has 2 friends , nobody really pays him much attention. He has recently started chatting with another gay boy, Logan. He has a wonderfull mom and loving aunts and uncles. Life isn't so bad for Grayson. This is all about to change though.....
An art assignment is about to change everything for Grayson. They were assigned to paint someone, that people look up to. Grayson decided to paint someone from his own school, instead of a famous person. He made a painting of "Finn". The high school quarterback whom everyone admired. This turns out to be a huge mistake, because Finn and his croonies, single Grayson out and start bullying him. Every week things get worse and worse for Grayson. It starts with a beating and escalates to extreme violence. It was very hard to read about all this. I cried for 4 hours straight. It comes to a point where everything get's to be too much for Grayson and he starts hurting himself...
Eventually Grayson himself makes an extreme decision, because he just can't go on like this anymore....
Fast forward 10 years to the present. Grayson has changed his name, he's a very succesfull businessman. He has earned his first million at the age of 22 and is the CEO of the major company that he owns. He doesn't paint anymore and he's also firmly in the closet. He doesn't date and he doesn't do hook-ups. He only endulges himself in sex once a year, at a private sexclub.
Finn has recently come out of the closet after his wife caught him with another man. He is now divorced and has a new job that he's very good at. Even though he still has some guilt about his younger years, he's pretty happy with his life. That's when he meets his new boss.....yess you've guessed it right....his new boss is Grayson.
Grayson is extremely upset when he realises his former tormentor is one of his new employees. He wants Finn out, but because of Finn's contract, this isn't a possibility. They fight some and damn ..I was so angry with Finn !! He get's that Grayson is a bit upset with him, but because he doesn't know the full story about what happend to Grayson, he feels like Grayson is overreacting a bit. He himself never stopped thinking about Grayson and has always fantasized about him. He himself couldn't come out, because of his abusive father, so he felt like it was either be the bully or become bullied himself. I hated Finn...part of me still hates Finn.
Now the next part is where the author started to lose me a bit. I will try to explain but most of it, is a big spoiler.
Grayson's feelings for Finn start to grow pretty fast, when they are forced to spend time together and Finn even makes him want to start painting again. If he wants a future with Finn he will have to completely let go of the past. He tries to hang on to his hurt (not very hard), but he just can't. He loves Finn...simple as that.
Now he just has to convince his family and friends to also give Finn a chance....
I wish I could be as forgiving as Grayson. I just couldn't.... Maybe if I read Finn's story, which is next, I will feel different. Right now, I'm still holding a mean grudge towards Finn. I understand that he didn't have it easy growing up himself, but that doesn't excuse his behaviour. That would mean that everyone who has a hard life is allowed to be an asshole. I also know that Finn's friends were the ones taking things too far, but Finn was culprit of it all.
I'm so conflicted about this book, that I just don't know how many stars to rate it. The first 70 % was a 4,5 star read to me, because a book that can make me cry like that....wow.
But the last part, it all felt too rushed to me and I would give that part about 3 stars.
This review has been posted on Dirty Books Obsession
February 27, 2017
This is complicated......there is so much going on.....i don't know where to start.
I just can't tell to much because I don't want to spoil.
It started immediately very strong, dark, heartbreaking really good.
Grayson a young boy with great talents. After showing a very beautiful painting at a school art presentation about his muse this same muse (and his two friends) starts to pick on him bad....very very bad. His life became a living hell.
It destroys him and he destroys himself trying to coop with the abuse, so much he almost wasn't there....
Just saying f******cking hell !!!! Bullies know how to destroy ones life.
Then... next part...ten years later.....
At this point still a good story but somehow less intense.
Grayson is a multimillionaire with a good running business. A great supported family and friend group surround him. They know how he survived the last ten years.
But then there is a new member on his working team. When they finally meet after some time, he sees his muse/bully/hell from ten years back.....Finn
This could break him or not....there is a lot of story to tell and a lot of revelation.
They both had to redeem themselves from their hell.
Through this part we get to understand the different point of views. Even if it's sometimes hard to understand but when the story revealed before our eyes we will finally 'get it'
There is no cliff but there will be a continuing story about Finn. I'm not a great fan about followup stories but I think that for this journey it will cover some gaps. Finn his story has to be told!
I did read this book in one breath (with some hours sleep) it kept my attention to the fullest. Sometimes there are parts you have to digest just to understand their feelings.
The story is told from both Grayson and Finn their pov. Very entertaining, emotional, feelings allover and a smooth way of writing!
I think the author did a good job. (a debut novel....?) a really good job !!
*ARC received for a honest review from the author*
I just can't tell to much because I don't want to spoil.
It started immediately very strong, dark, heartbreaking really good.
Grayson a young boy with great talents. After showing a very beautiful painting at a school art presentation about his muse this same muse (and his two friends) starts to pick on him bad....very very bad. His life became a living hell.
It destroys him and he destroys himself trying to coop with the abuse, so much he almost wasn't there....
Just saying f******cking hell !!!! Bullies know how to destroy ones life.
Then... next part...ten years later.....
At this point still a good story but somehow less intense.
Grayson is a multimillionaire with a good running business. A great supported family and friend group surround him. They know how he survived the last ten years.
But then there is a new member on his working team. When they finally meet after some time, he sees his muse/bully/hell from ten years back.....Finn
This could break him or not....there is a lot of story to tell and a lot of revelation.
They both had to redeem themselves from their hell.
Through this part we get to understand the different point of views. Even if it's sometimes hard to understand but when the story revealed before our eyes we will finally 'get it'
There is no cliff but there will be a continuing story about Finn. I'm not a great fan about followup stories but I think that for this journey it will cover some gaps. Finn his story has to be told!
I did read this book in one breath (with some hours sleep) it kept my attention to the fullest. Sometimes there are parts you have to digest just to understand their feelings.
The story is told from both Grayson and Finn their pov. Very entertaining, emotional, feelings allover and a smooth way of writing!
I think the author did a good job. (a debut novel....?) a really good job !!
*ARC received for a honest review from the author*
December 31, 2016
1.5 stars
The book was off to a great start but went downhill around the 40% mark.
After reading this book I hate the word "y'all".
The book was off to a great start but went downhill around the 40% mark.
After reading this book I hate the word "y'all".
June 13, 2017
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.... See highlight: tell me again why Grayson is apologizing? Finn was the BULLY, Finn was the douche and Finn was the one pushing Grayson to kill himself....
So NO, just NO! What a horrible development and a HORRIBLE choice for the characters.
So NO, just NO! What a horrible development and a HORRIBLE choice for the characters.
December 12, 2016
It's sometimes hard to journey with characters that exhibit vile characteristics that you are personally acquainted with which you find abhorrent in any human being and Finn is one such character.His outer shell though beautiful is sick with malice that he takes out daily along with his friends on Cameron the object of his contempt.
You cannot fault the author though for creating this teenage monster in order for his grownup self to eventually redeem himself.The subtle trick is for the writer to build enough sympathy pebble by pebble along a pathway of words so that at journeys end you are also falling in love with this teen demon turned adult angel along with the other main character. In order to come to that exact conclusion as well & find it believable one has to read this book to agree or disagree.
You cannot fault the author though for creating this teenage monster in order for his grownup self to eventually redeem himself.The subtle trick is for the writer to build enough sympathy pebble by pebble along a pathway of words so that at journeys end you are also falling in love with this teen demon turned adult angel along with the other main character. In order to come to that exact conclusion as well & find it believable one has to read this book to agree or disagree.
November 26, 2016
My oh my … 5 stars hands down!
I swear I don't know what to write. It's very difficult to review this book, I want to say so many things but I can't because I don't wanna spoil it for you!
The story starts with Grayson POV and he leads us through his torments his battles to survive. He is 16 years old and gay and nobody notice him except his two friends, until his art assignment turns his life a living hell … the reason of his nightmares? Finn Abbott.
Then 10 years later we are let in in Finn POV. I had to admit I had hard time warming up to him, but the twist of the story ( damn!!!) make us see Finn in new position. Finn is gay, he finally admits to himself (well he didn't admits it, he was caught) but he is tired to live the lies anymore. He can’t forget Gray, he hunts him, than when he thinks that finally he got trough him, life has a different opinion … Gray is his new boss. When he learns the consequences of his teenage actions he is lost. And Finn is there …for him to make him whole again, but he knows that he doesn't deserves Gray. ( I know I know you will not agree with this review after you finish the book because its not doing right to Gray, and I am agree with you, but you know … spoilers …)
I couldn’t put down the book I read till 3.30 A.M. and the first thing I did when I woke up it was to grab my ebook and keep continue till I finished it!
Morgan Campbell you blowned my mind!
****I would like to thank the author for the privilege and opportunity of reading this ARC. My review is an honest opinion of the book****
I swear I don't know what to write. It's very difficult to review this book, I want to say so many things but I can't because I don't wanna spoil it for you!
The story starts with Grayson POV and he leads us through his torments his battles to survive. He is 16 years old and gay and nobody notice him except his two friends, until his art assignment turns his life a living hell … the reason of his nightmares? Finn Abbott.
Then 10 years later we are let in in Finn POV. I had to admit I had hard time warming up to him, but the twist of the story ( damn!!!) make us see Finn in new position. Finn is gay, he finally admits to himself (well he didn't admits it, he was caught) but he is tired to live the lies anymore. He can’t forget Gray, he hunts him, than when he thinks that finally he got trough him, life has a different opinion … Gray is his new boss. When he learns the consequences of his teenage actions he is lost. And Finn is there …for him to make him whole again, but he knows that he doesn't deserves Gray. ( I know I know you will not agree with this review after you finish the book because its not doing right to Gray, and I am agree with you, but you know … spoilers …)
I couldn’t put down the book I read till 3.30 A.M. and the first thing I did when I woke up it was to grab my ebook and keep continue till I finished it!
Morgan Campbell you blowned my mind!
****I would like to thank the author for the privilege and opportunity of reading this ARC. My review is an honest opinion of the book****
January 2, 2017
2.5 stars
I'm so disappointed with how this turned out. I loved part one, even though it made me cry, and I really thought I was on to a 4-5 star read. Unfortunately part two went completely downhill for me. And the ending just took the cake. I can't stand when a wronged MC who has been continuously hurt, and then ran from has to do the chasing and the apologising and sucking up.
I can't get on my computer right now to add spoiler tags and write details so I'll leave it at this for now and try and remember to write more tomorrow. I can't recommend and I won't be reading book two. Now, with all that said I seem to be in the minority so go ahead and try if it sounds like something you'd like.
I'm so disappointed with how this turned out. I loved part one, even though it made me cry, and I really thought I was on to a 4-5 star read. Unfortunately part two went completely downhill for me. And the ending just took the cake. I can't stand when a wronged MC who has been continuously hurt, and then ran from has to do the chasing and the apologising and sucking up.
I can't get on my computer right now to add spoiler tags and write details so I'll leave it at this for now and try and remember to write more tomorrow. I can't recommend and I won't be reading book two. Now, with all that said I seem to be in the minority so go ahead and try if it sounds like something you'd like.
January 4, 2017
Emotional read but worth it. These two MCs refuse to leave my head and my heart. Just pick a quiet spot and read it.
I do love the cover.
I do love the cover.
August 29, 2017
DNF 71%
Sophomoric writing, stilted dialogue, unrealistic actions of protagonists, simply unbelievable.
Sophomoric writing, stilted dialogue, unrealistic actions of protagonists, simply unbelievable.
March 15, 2017
***** 5 Cranky Stars *****
Warning!!!! Kleenex is required for this book.
All the love in the world can't stop the hate that brews beneath the surface. Words can hurt or heal. They can save us or damn us. If I could change a word or obliterate it completely, it would be HATE.
Grayson Lee is out and proud. He has never hidden who he was and his love for life beamed in his painting.
One day, one moment, one second, one person was all it took to change his life forever. Grayson will never be the same again. He was introduced to hate is the most cruel way and isn't sure he can survive.
Morgan Campbell did an amazing job with this book. I'm in awe with her ability to suck me into this story and leave me a blubbering mess. This is a story that needed to be told and it was done in the best way possible. This author didn't pull punches and I'm grateful for that. I'll be recommending this to all my fellow readers and look forward to more.
January 2, 2017
This was a 4.5 stars book for me but the second part lost me. I didn t hate Finn which was big seeing what a motherfucker he was to Gray, I understood him and I was rooting for them as a couple even with all their history. What I didn t like was the second part, as soon as they see eachother Gray's depression starts to come back he has dark thoughts again then the next chapter, bam ...they are in love. WTF, I understand forgiveness but you don t put all of that behind you so fast, not when the author made it seem like Gray still wasn t well after all those years. He was nowhere near ok so him just forgeting everything that happened as soon as he confesses to Finn made no sense. Also it annoyed me how after he finds out what his actions did to Gray everything became ab poor Finn. His siblings questioning Gray was ridiculous considering what Finn did, Gray searching for Finn and not the other way around pissed me off. Finn should have maned the fuck up, should have appologized to Gray's family promised to never make their son cry again. In stead we got a pansy Finn crying like a girl although everything happened bc of him, Gray chasing after him and Hud apologizing for sticking up for his friend. Yeah, I m ducking another star
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2016
Grayson by Morgan Campbell
☆☆☆5 stars☆☆☆
Advanced readers copy given by author for an honest review.
My mind is completely blown and my heart is a shattered mess on the floor and I couldn't be happier. What an explosive debut novel by Morgan Campbell!
Grayson always knew he was different and accepted that fact and ran with it. Until the day the bullying and abuse started at school, leaving him a shell of the boy he once was.
Finn and his so -called friends have no clue the devastation they've created by abusing Grayson day after day, and the years of hiding ones true self that occurs afterwards.
Years later, face to face once again, they find out their reality is all too familiar. Secrets and truths are revealed, and the present collides head on with the past.
This story grabbed my heart and did a number on it for sure. Bullying is a sad fact in today's society, and the way we handle it shows our true character. By the end, I can honestly say I didn't want to throat punch Finn anymore, but instead, hug him and thank him for seeing the error in his ways, and fully redeeming himself. Much love for this beautiful story of redemption and true love!
☆☆☆5 stars☆☆☆
Advanced readers copy given by author for an honest review.
My mind is completely blown and my heart is a shattered mess on the floor and I couldn't be happier. What an explosive debut novel by Morgan Campbell!
Grayson always knew he was different and accepted that fact and ran with it. Until the day the bullying and abuse started at school, leaving him a shell of the boy he once was.
Finn and his so -called friends have no clue the devastation they've created by abusing Grayson day after day, and the years of hiding ones true self that occurs afterwards.
Years later, face to face once again, they find out their reality is all too familiar. Secrets and truths are revealed, and the present collides head on with the past.
This story grabbed my heart and did a number on it for sure. Bullying is a sad fact in today's society, and the way we handle it shows our true character. By the end, I can honestly say I didn't want to throat punch Finn anymore, but instead, hug him and thank him for seeing the error in his ways, and fully redeeming himself. Much love for this beautiful story of redemption and true love!
February 28, 2017
When you reach your first big ugly cry within the first five pages that's when you know this book is going to gut you. But what you don't expect is to have it completely blow you away. To gut you, filet your heart wide open and then put it back together piece by piece in such a perfect, beautiful, brutally honest way that you feel.......thankful for having experienced Finn and Gray's story, you feel better for it....because you are. How could you not be? I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 11, 2016
Have you ever had that one moment that you wish you could take back? That one moment that haunts you for the rest of your life? For Finn Abbott and Grayson Lee that moment is every day of their lives.
Finn is your typical high school jock....isn't he? He would like you to think so. Only Finn knows the truth.
Grayson is the typical invisible gay art student....until the day he isn't.
This story ran me through every emotion possible. The story line out shined any sexual scenes (in my opinion) and that is saying something. The sex scenes are HOT!!! I'm finding it hard to not give more details about the story, such as my favorite part, but the details are all so delicately interwoven into an amazing read, that I am afraid if i say more I will ruin the story. This book is a MUST READ!!!
Ms. Campbell brought us an amazing story full of characters that grab a hold of you and don't let go. A story line that is so full of twists and turns that you feel as though you've been on a rollercoaster and some of the sweetest, most romantic, heartbreaking moments that you feel broken. I can't wait to see where she goes from here. This debut novel proves that Ms. Campbell is destined for great things! Congratulations Ms. Campbell!
Finn is your typical high school jock....isn't he? He would like you to think so. Only Finn knows the truth.
Grayson is the typical invisible gay art student....until the day he isn't.
This story ran me through every emotion possible. The story line out shined any sexual scenes (in my opinion) and that is saying something. The sex scenes are HOT!!! I'm finding it hard to not give more details about the story, such as my favorite part, but the details are all so delicately interwoven into an amazing read, that I am afraid if i say more I will ruin the story. This book is a MUST READ!!!
Ms. Campbell brought us an amazing story full of characters that grab a hold of you and don't let go. A story line that is so full of twists and turns that you feel as though you've been on a rollercoaster and some of the sweetest, most romantic, heartbreaking moments that you feel broken. I can't wait to see where she goes from here. This debut novel proves that Ms. Campbell is destined for great things! Congratulations Ms. Campbell!
December 7, 2016
I don't know what to say, "Grayson" is one of the best books of 2016. It had me on an emotional rollercoaster, I haven't cried as hard as I did reading the first part of this book in a long time. I felt my heart was being shredded reading what Grayson was going through. I could feel his pain as if it was my own and I could also tell that Finn was in pain too. There's so much I want to say but I don't want to give too much away. What I will say is no matter what your orientation is or how you feel about M/M stories everyone should read this book. I can't wait for Finn's POV. Bravo Ms. Campbell. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
December 31, 2016
If you like angst well this is your book. Some of the books were slow moving for me, the first half especially. I am not sure if it is because if it is because I already knew the outcome (that they would meet 10 years later) from the synopsis but I just kind of wanted the 16 year old's miserableness to end.
The second half, was interesting the way it played out. I wish there had been a bit more foreshadowing that Finn had feelings specifically for Gray rather than just coming off as a self-hating gay guy. The romance seemed a bit quick in the second half. They have a lot of history so maybe it was plausible, who knows. It didn't diminish the enjoyment of the book though.
The second half, was interesting the way it played out. I wish there had been a bit more foreshadowing that Finn had feelings specifically for Gray rather than just coming off as a self-hating gay guy. The romance seemed a bit quick in the second half. They have a lot of history so maybe it was plausible, who knows. It didn't diminish the enjoyment of the book though.
dnf-not-for-me
March 1, 2017I feel it needs a trigger warning.
November 20, 2018
✔ Letto! La vita di Grayson Andrew Lee un piccolo genio, un semplice e comune ragazzo sedicenne gay cambia drasticamente quando nella lezione di arte, in cui gli alluni dovranno rappresentare qualcuno che ammirano e lui ritratta perfettamente Finn Abbott, il quaterback dalla scuola e vieni preso di mira da lui e dai suoi amici, ogni giorno vieni ridicolarizzato, picchiato, insultato, preso di mira da quelli bulli. Tanto che dopo due mesi in cui le sue denunce per gli abusi subiti non sono prese seriamente, Gray decide di togliersi la vita. Dopo un'altra notte in cui ha pianto fino ad addormentarsi e si sveglia poco dopo per l'ennesimo incubo... lui decide che non c'è la fa più a continuare ad avere sempre paura. A dover sempre guardarsi le spalle. A essere piacchiato dagli amici di Finn.
Nel giorno in cui decide di morire, Gray si sveglia e fa la sua solita rottine, indossa il suo abito migliore e ha l'anima e il cuore a pezzi. Tutto sembra andare al rallentatore. È così stanco... di non dormire, di piangere sempre, dei tanti ematomi su per il suo corpo fragile, di non riuscere più ad avere la vita di due mesi fa.
Gray si prepara e dice addio alle sue cose più care, alle foto che ha con i suoi due migliori amici, quella con il suo ragazzo, e quella con l'unica persona che lo ama profondamente, sua mamma. Gray si sdraia, liscia le pieghe dell'abito, prende la lamina e fa un taglio netto nel polso sinistro e poi in quello destro.
È finito il dolore, è finito i mesi di sofferenza e tristezza, essi escono dalle sue vene dandogli sollievo. .. finalmente.
Gray è morto! 😭
Sono solo ai primi capitoli e sto piagendo... tanto! Ho dovuto fermarmi perché chi ha già subito atto di bullismo come me, sa benissimo dei sentimenti che sta provando Grey. Quella lamina poteva essere suo mio polso e quello sangue, il mio. Gli atti di bullismo è qualcosa che nessun riesce a dimenticare.
Continuo a leggere e tornando indietro nei due mesi prima, scopro il quanto il nostro Grayson era un ragazzo normale, sano e con una famiglia strana e meravigliosa alle spalle, figlio di una madre singola e figlio di un soldato morto in guerra quando ancora doveva nascere. Gray un artista che tentava di essere invisibile, metteva tutta la sua passione per la vita nei colori. Era una amico leale, più che figlio e madre erano amici che si confidavano su tutto. Ma tutto cambia quando ha commesso l'errore di dipingere la vera essenza di Finn Abbott. Le sue notte si trasformano in incubi continui e i suoi giorni in terrore assoluto di essere pestato e umiliato ancora e ancora. E comincia a tenere i suoi dolori per sè per non far soffrire quelli che ama.
Allora per dare sfogo al suo dolore, il quale devi imparare a tenere per sé per non subirne altri peggiori, Grayson comincia a tagliarsi. Piccoli tagli per far uscire tutto il dolore imprigionato dentro. È dolore vivo che scorre fuori insieme al suo sangue. Perché essere felice fa più male e non gli è più permesso.
Gli abusi da parte della gang di Finn sono brutali. Anche se ci sono testimoni delle aggressioni nessuno ha il coraggio di andare contro di loro. Sono furbi a fare le cose lontani da occhi amichevoli o materni.
Avete mai avuto l'occasione di leggere una letta d'addio? Avete mai avuto l'occasione di leggere una lettera d'addio da parte di un ragazzino di 16 anni alla sua amata madre? Non ve lo auguro. Le esperienze vissute da parte di questo ragazzino sono così crude che mi ha lacerata l'anima. Non.ho.mai.pianto.tanto.per.un.libro in vita mia.
Mi vergogno in questo momento di essere umana. Siamo capaci di crudeltà terribile anche in giovane età.
La seconda parte del libro 10 anni dopo, comincia con una POV di Finn, e confermo i miei sospetti che il figlio di putana era gay e così profondamente nascosto nell'armadio da sposarsi, con una donna. E che dall'età di 5 anni veniva costantemente picchiato dal suo padre ubbriacone, quando questo ha avuto il sospetto che uno dei suoi figli potrebbe essere gay. Ha tentato di stirpare il seme gay a suon di pugni. Ed ecco spiegato tutta quell'odio represso. Finn sapeva di essere gay, sapeva di essere anche innamorato di un ragazzo dagli occhi ambra più belli mai visti... Gray.
Le POV saranno alternate, si perché c'è anche una versione aggiornata di Grayson, una versione in cui non tocca più i suoi amati pennelli. Una versione con delle cicatrice nei polsi, Una versione più alta e muscolosa, una versione multimiliardaria, una versione amata ancora di più dai suoi familiare e amici, una versione sola e senza nessuna prospectiva di voler una relazione con un'altro uomo. Una versione che pratica il BDSM. Il che non mi piace, non è lui...😢 Ma il dolce, amabile, ingenuo e fiducioso Gray non c'è più, è morto quel triste giorno di 10 anni fa.
Il Gray sopravvissuto è stato salvato in extremis dallo instinto più potente del mondo, quello di una madre.
10 anni dopo, Gray ha una delle più grande e famose agenzie di Software del Texas, e chi è il nuovo manager incaricato per le pubblicità e marketing? Si lui... Finn.😲
Volete sapere come finisce? Ahhhh ragazzi questa si è un'altra grande storia.
Per me è ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ➕ un 🔝10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Nel giorno in cui decide di morire, Gray si sveglia e fa la sua solita rottine, indossa il suo abito migliore e ha l'anima e il cuore a pezzi. Tutto sembra andare al rallentatore. È così stanco... di non dormire, di piangere sempre, dei tanti ematomi su per il suo corpo fragile, di non riuscere più ad avere la vita di due mesi fa.
Gray si prepara e dice addio alle sue cose più care, alle foto che ha con i suoi due migliori amici, quella con il suo ragazzo, e quella con l'unica persona che lo ama profondamente, sua mamma. Gray si sdraia, liscia le pieghe dell'abito, prende la lamina e fa un taglio netto nel polso sinistro e poi in quello destro.
È finito il dolore, è finito i mesi di sofferenza e tristezza, essi escono dalle sue vene dandogli sollievo. .. finalmente.
Gray è morto! 😭
Sono solo ai primi capitoli e sto piagendo... tanto! Ho dovuto fermarmi perché chi ha già subito atto di bullismo come me, sa benissimo dei sentimenti che sta provando Grey. Quella lamina poteva essere suo mio polso e quello sangue, il mio. Gli atti di bullismo è qualcosa che nessun riesce a dimenticare.
Continuo a leggere e tornando indietro nei due mesi prima, scopro il quanto il nostro Grayson era un ragazzo normale, sano e con una famiglia strana e meravigliosa alle spalle, figlio di una madre singola e figlio di un soldato morto in guerra quando ancora doveva nascere. Gray un artista che tentava di essere invisibile, metteva tutta la sua passione per la vita nei colori. Era una amico leale, più che figlio e madre erano amici che si confidavano su tutto. Ma tutto cambia quando ha commesso l'errore di dipingere la vera essenza di Finn Abbott. Le sue notte si trasformano in incubi continui e i suoi giorni in terrore assoluto di essere pestato e umiliato ancora e ancora. E comincia a tenere i suoi dolori per sè per non far soffrire quelli che ama.
Allora per dare sfogo al suo dolore, il quale devi imparare a tenere per sé per non subirne altri peggiori, Grayson comincia a tagliarsi. Piccoli tagli per far uscire tutto il dolore imprigionato dentro. È dolore vivo che scorre fuori insieme al suo sangue. Perché essere felice fa più male e non gli è più permesso.
Gli abusi da parte della gang di Finn sono brutali. Anche se ci sono testimoni delle aggressioni nessuno ha il coraggio di andare contro di loro. Sono furbi a fare le cose lontani da occhi amichevoli o materni.
Avete mai avuto l'occasione di leggere una letta d'addio? Avete mai avuto l'occasione di leggere una lettera d'addio da parte di un ragazzino di 16 anni alla sua amata madre? Non ve lo auguro. Le esperienze vissute da parte di questo ragazzino sono così crude che mi ha lacerata l'anima. Non.ho.mai.pianto.tanto.per.un.libro in vita mia.
Mi vergogno in questo momento di essere umana. Siamo capaci di crudeltà terribile anche in giovane età.
La seconda parte del libro 10 anni dopo, comincia con una POV di Finn, e confermo i miei sospetti che il figlio di putana era gay e così profondamente nascosto nell'armadio da sposarsi, con una donna. E che dall'età di 5 anni veniva costantemente picchiato dal suo padre ubbriacone, quando questo ha avuto il sospetto che uno dei suoi figli potrebbe essere gay. Ha tentato di stirpare il seme gay a suon di pugni. Ed ecco spiegato tutta quell'odio represso. Finn sapeva di essere gay, sapeva di essere anche innamorato di un ragazzo dagli occhi ambra più belli mai visti... Gray.
Le POV saranno alternate, si perché c'è anche una versione aggiornata di Grayson, una versione in cui non tocca più i suoi amati pennelli. Una versione con delle cicatrice nei polsi, Una versione più alta e muscolosa, una versione multimiliardaria, una versione amata ancora di più dai suoi familiare e amici, una versione sola e senza nessuna prospectiva di voler una relazione con un'altro uomo. Una versione che pratica il BDSM. Il che non mi piace, non è lui...😢 Ma il dolce, amabile, ingenuo e fiducioso Gray non c'è più, è morto quel triste giorno di 10 anni fa.
Il Gray sopravvissuto è stato salvato in extremis dallo instinto più potente del mondo, quello di una madre.
10 anni dopo, Gray ha una delle più grande e famose agenzie di Software del Texas, e chi è il nuovo manager incaricato per le pubblicità e marketing? Si lui... Finn.😲
Volete sapere come finisce? Ahhhh ragazzi questa si è un'altra grande storia.
Per me è ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ➕ un 🔝10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
March 3, 2017
This was an interesting read on a thought-provoking couple of subjects. With some sexy times thrown in for good measure. I never went through the bullying in school, so I don't know how it would affect a person, personally. The way that the cutting is described is accurate, though sped up dramatically. And there's a different psychology from cutting cutting to suicide, but maybe that part came from the bullying? I wasn't able to grasp much besides a general whining. Not that bullying isn't terrible and doesn't happen. Or doesn't have an impact. It just didn't resonate emotionally here. There was still an emotional distance. Maybe because it was told from the perspective of a past narrative?
I did like the newer, romance, part better, but there was still emotional distance. It's like there's plexiglass between the reader and the characters. Overall, a good read.
***STOP THE BULLYING***
I did like the newer, romance, part better, but there was still emotional distance. It's like there's plexiglass between the reader and the characters. Overall, a good read.
***STOP THE BULLYING***
April 23, 2017
Honestly, am not even sure where to start with this review. Part One of this story, had me in tears, I mean full on ugly crying. Yes, at some points, it's hard to read. But am so glad I pushed through it all.... because this story is quite amazing. Between the storyline being so raw, gritty, and emotional. You truly will find yourself lost in this book, or at least I did. The characters felt real, and the support system Grayson has is just awe inspiring. Gray goes through so much, and I just found myself wanting to jump in this book and do something. It's not an easy read in the beginning, but as a reader sometimes you need some bad, to truly appreciate the good or the HEA.
It looks like this is Author Morgan Campbell's first book. Which is just mind blowing! I will be reading Finn's side next. There is always two sides to a story, and I am defiantly intrigued to know his!
It looks like this is Author Morgan Campbell's first book. Which is just mind blowing! I will be reading Finn's side next. There is always two sides to a story, and I am defiantly intrigued to know his!
March 9, 2017
I usually try to stay away from frenemies stories since I feel characters don’t show enough remorse. That being said I really enjoyed this story.
The book is told in two parts, the past and present, with ten years between. Readers start off with the bare bones of Grayson making a major decision about the direction of his life and acting on it. The first part was hard to read because of the subject matter, the bullying and how far it went and Grayson’s mental state really hit home. It packed a punch and boy did my sinuses burn from holding back the tears. I can’t say I particularly hated Finn or liked him. I don’t blame him for all that Grayson went through but I do blame him for being the catalysis that broke the camels back. Bullying is never a really easy subject to tackle well and I feel the author did a great job.
That being said what readers do know about Finn’s situation didn’t really excuse him for how Grayson’s life kind of snowballed out of control. In the second part of the book I was a little resentful that he felt he was getting his life on track after destroying his marriage and everything was coming up rosebuds. I really anticipated the cliché meeting between him and Grayson but when it did happen it was a bit anti-climactic for me. Moving pass that I feel Finn was remorseful enough and I liked how it turned out. I would have liked some groveling but that’s my preference as a reader.
Gray’s emotional state when Hudson chased Finn off was a bit disconcerting considering the reunion between Finn and himself didn’t seem particularly long. I know that attraction and chemistry was simmering under there all along but I felt it may have been a bit rushed. I’m looking forward to giving Finn’s book a read to see his side of the story and how everything is progressing between him and Grayson.
I did find some minor errors but I was reading a review copy so it is possible those issues were addressed before the final print. I will add in toward the latter half of the book I got a bit more confused with which POV I was reading from. Grayson and Finn’s voices were kind of meshing. Also the execution style of writing was a bit detached making it hard to really get invested in either characters.
The book is told in two parts, the past and present, with ten years between. Readers start off with the bare bones of Grayson making a major decision about the direction of his life and acting on it. The first part was hard to read because of the subject matter, the bullying and how far it went and Grayson’s mental state really hit home. It packed a punch and boy did my sinuses burn from holding back the tears. I can’t say I particularly hated Finn or liked him. I don’t blame him for all that Grayson went through but I do blame him for being the catalysis that broke the camels back. Bullying is never a really easy subject to tackle well and I feel the author did a great job.
That being said what readers do know about Finn’s situation didn’t really excuse him for how Grayson’s life kind of snowballed out of control. In the second part of the book I was a little resentful that he felt he was getting his life on track after destroying his marriage and everything was coming up rosebuds. I really anticipated the cliché meeting between him and Grayson but when it did happen it was a bit anti-climactic for me. Moving pass that I feel Finn was remorseful enough and I liked how it turned out. I would have liked some groveling but that’s my preference as a reader.
Gray’s emotional state when Hudson chased Finn off was a bit disconcerting considering the reunion between Finn and himself didn’t seem particularly long. I know that attraction and chemistry was simmering under there all along but I felt it may have been a bit rushed. I’m looking forward to giving Finn’s book a read to see his side of the story and how everything is progressing between him and Grayson.
I did find some minor errors but I was reading a review copy so it is possible those issues were addressed before the final print. I will add in toward the latter half of the book I got a bit more confused with which POV I was reading from. Grayson and Finn’s voices were kind of meshing. Also the execution style of writing was a bit detached making it hard to really get invested in either characters.
March 10, 2017
I found that Grayson was a very touching story. The first 20% of it, had me sobbing. It was so heartbreaking to read about what he went through. It opened a lot of old wounds for me as well, being a bully survivor. I hadn't been prepared for how emotional this story was going to make me. But it was really well done, and I loved it.
The two of them 10 years later was a wonderful outcome. Grayson and Finn made me laugh a few times with their banter, but they also made me cry because of their pain from the past. Sure there were times it was hard to like Finn, but luckily, just as with Grayson he finds a way into our hearts. A lovely read.
Thank you for writing this story, it has made its way deep into my heart.
The two of them 10 years later was a wonderful outcome. Grayson and Finn made me laugh a few times with their banter, but they also made me cry because of their pain from the past. Sure there were times it was hard to like Finn, but luckily, just as with Grayson he finds a way into our hearts. A lovely read.
Thank you for writing this story, it has made its way deep into my heart.
March 3, 2017
Oh wow what an emotional journey this book will take you on. From the first word to the last you will be captivated. I have laughed and cried throughout this book and enjoyed every moment of it. Grayson spends his young life being bullied by the guy he crushes on and his friends. Ten years later and Grayson has done well but he's not ready when he meets Finn again. Finn hasn't had it easy but he's not prepared for the guilt he feels when he sees Grayson again. The book is an amazing read and I can't wait for the next book in the series.
March 14, 2017
review to follow. need to sort out my thoughts for this book review.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Wow this book packs an incredible punch. I really enjoyed this book. I don't want to spoil this book for other readers so I won't mention much in this review.
Grayson is the main POV through this book he is incredibly brave strong and wounded. Then there is Finn who is also broken brave and strong. To start with Finn is a man to dislike but that changes towards the end.
A well written book. I've the way this book was written and how the storytellers.
A really good book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Wow this book packs an incredible punch. I really enjoyed this book. I don't want to spoil this book for other readers so I won't mention much in this review.
Grayson is the main POV through this book he is incredibly brave strong and wounded. Then there is Finn who is also broken brave and strong. To start with Finn is a man to dislike but that changes towards the end.
A well written book. I've the way this book was written and how the storytellers.
A really good book.
December 2, 2016
This is a great read but be warned the first 25% is a difficult read!
Grayson is openly gay at 16, has a great relationship with his mother and a new boyfriend. It all sounds perfect but he makes a grave mistake in art class that causes him to become bullied - I mean bullied in a physical and mentally until he can not take it anymore.
10 years later.
Griffin is finally out of the closet, divorced and trying to get on his feet again. When he lands a dream job he thinks it all is coming together that is until he meets the CEO , Grayson, the boy he did awful things to at school.
The two men clash, well Gray does with Fin, but luckily for Fin his job is safe for now. The two of them seem to have similar hobbies and they have no choice but to work together and they appear to hate each other but love and hate have a thin line between them.
Luckily there is some heavy snow in the book and they pair of them get snowed in, so this gives them time to talk things through and do other things to keep them warm.
I found Finns back story sad, but did it really excuse his behaviour, I'm still not sure BUT the pair of them go together so well.
Then you have the issue of telling your family your dating the bully from school.....
When push comes to shove the fact that they resolved their issues personally, means I'm happy with the conclusion and there is also the thought that what happened at school maybe made him the successful man he is today.
This is a sexy read with good characthers the back stories of both characthers are difficult and I am happy we get a happy ending.
ARC REVIEW
Grayson is openly gay at 16, has a great relationship with his mother and a new boyfriend. It all sounds perfect but he makes a grave mistake in art class that causes him to become bullied - I mean bullied in a physical and mentally until he can not take it anymore.
10 years later.
Griffin is finally out of the closet, divorced and trying to get on his feet again. When he lands a dream job he thinks it all is coming together that is until he meets the CEO , Grayson, the boy he did awful things to at school.
The two men clash, well Gray does with Fin, but luckily for Fin his job is safe for now. The two of them seem to have similar hobbies and they have no choice but to work together and they appear to hate each other but love and hate have a thin line between them.
Luckily there is some heavy snow in the book and they pair of them get snowed in, so this gives them time to talk things through and do other things to keep them warm.
I found Finns back story sad, but did it really excuse his behaviour, I'm still not sure BUT the pair of them go together so well.
Then you have the issue of telling your family your dating the bully from school.....
When push comes to shove the fact that they resolved their issues personally, means I'm happy with the conclusion and there is also the thought that what happened at school maybe made him the successful man he is today.
This is a sexy read with good characthers the back stories of both characthers are difficult and I am happy we get a happy ending.
ARC REVIEW
November 26, 2016
Where do I start? This book gripped my heart from the very beginning. You feel like you are right there with Grayson, feeling everything he feels, suffering right along with him. Grayson is a gay 16 year old. His friends and family know and accept him. When he shows a painting of Finn... his life goes to shambles. The bullying he goes through, no person should ever have to endure. To be driven to wanting to kill yourself is just heartbreaking, but you find yourself understanding how he feels. 10 years later he comes face to face with the one person he never wanted to see again, Finn. This book takes you on a journey with Grayson and Finn. You’re right beside both of them, feeling what they feel. You don't know whether to scream or say yes, to both of them. I really don't want to give this amazing story away, but I must say it is a definite read. It will make you look at things in a completely different way. And to the ; at the end.... yes I suffer from depression and self harm in a totally different way, and I am stating this right now. I will be adding that tattoo. So, thank you Morgan for a wonderful book that is just more about bullying. it's also about forgiveness, surviving, and overcoming some of the most horrific things anyone should never have to go through. It was a real eye opener in so many aspects.
January 6, 2017
This was a heavy intense ride. And did I ride this bad boy? Hell Yes!
This novels is like a perverted seamstress, stringing one emotion so long and deep that you'd wish to just let it be over with. Because it was overwhelming and some. Part 1 was not too beautiful and not a grinch's math. It was the perfect layout for the story to come. It layed everything in perfect sync and I thought I might get weary of it, but I didn't.
Part 2 was fast and gritty at start. A kind of revamp to the whole writing style and we find both the characters equally spoiled and successful. And the meeting is what you'd like (only the fucking wasn't, dissapointed-sigh). And the way they take to each other is somewhat understandable.
But the novel lost its vigour for me when I reached the last 10%. It's like I couldn't be more uninterested the way the whole thing turned out. The way the ending is written just rubbed the wrong way. Neither anti nor climatic for me. And the way the whole beach thing turned out was sadistic for a reader and Gray (must have been). Why would any logical loving family member do that? Why would any guy do that to the person he loves? (Even after he'd come to his senses) Gosh!
I don't think I'm interested enough to read Finn's story. Maybe!
( But I can lick that cover crazy!)
This novels is like a perverted seamstress, stringing one emotion so long and deep that you'd wish to just let it be over with. Because it was overwhelming and some. Part 1 was not too beautiful and not a grinch's math. It was the perfect layout for the story to come. It layed everything in perfect sync and I thought I might get weary of it, but I didn't.
Part 2 was fast and gritty at start. A kind of revamp to the whole writing style and we find both the characters equally spoiled and successful. And the meeting is what you'd like (only the fucking wasn't, dissapointed-sigh). And the way they take to each other is somewhat understandable.
But the novel lost its vigour for me when I reached the last 10%. It's like I couldn't be more uninterested the way the whole thing turned out. The way the ending is written just rubbed the wrong way. Neither anti nor climatic for me. And the way the whole beach thing turned out was sadistic for a reader and Gray (must have been). Why would any logical loving family member do that? Why would any guy do that to the person he loves? (Even after he'd come to his senses) Gosh!
I don't think I'm interested enough to read Finn's story. Maybe!
( But I can lick that cover crazy!)
February 14, 2017
4.5 This book was heart-wrenching and heart warming in turn. Don't start it it late at night if you have work the next day....I couldn't put it down. Rounded down due to some proofing issues needing correction, but not a ton and well worth the read.
November 28, 2016
This is one of those books that, breaks your heart to pieces rips you up, and some how sews you up, little by little, and leaves you not quite the same as you were before you start it. And I absolutely loved it more than what probably my words can convey.
This was given as a ARC for review, and my honest thoughts. Well I think my first words pretty much sum that up!
The story of a young Grayson begins with an onslaught of heart breaking bullying at the hands of a one Finn and his buddies and the beautifully woven lines of characters that will fill the pages. My heart stopped at the end of the first act. And what followed was a truly stunning balance of weaving the past with the present day. Layer after layers of the men we come to see years later and the picture that is painted are unraveled and like a torn up tattered quilt are carefully sewn together and some mismatched but still start to feel more whole as the squares come together. Morgan Cambell's Grayson is by far the best work I have read this year, and I have loved many a books. This was a class it's own. I cannot wait to read the future chapters of the wonderful pained story of two men who have been bullied yet find how to love.
This was given as a ARC for review, and my honest thoughts. Well I think my first words pretty much sum that up!
The story of a young Grayson begins with an onslaught of heart breaking bullying at the hands of a one Finn and his buddies and the beautifully woven lines of characters that will fill the pages. My heart stopped at the end of the first act. And what followed was a truly stunning balance of weaving the past with the present day. Layer after layers of the men we come to see years later and the picture that is painted are unraveled and like a torn up tattered quilt are carefully sewn together and some mismatched but still start to feel more whole as the squares come together. Morgan Cambell's Grayson is by far the best work I have read this year, and I have loved many a books. This was a class it's own. I cannot wait to read the future chapters of the wonderful pained story of two men who have been bullied yet find how to love.
December 16, 2016
Grayson : A Bully Novel ( Bully series book 1 ) - Morgan Campbell
Usually when I write my book reviews I write up my own synopsis before I give my opinion on how the book was , but with Grayson I decided ,for me that in that process I would give things away. I really wanted the book to speak on it's own ,because it is a masterpiece coming from a debut author..
This is a book that all you have to do is read Grayson's story and you feel the emotional turmoil and scars pouring off the pages. It will definitely resonate with anyone that has been bullied in school , no matter the reasoning .
I loved how the author turns everything inside out and to the point of no return for Grayson and manages years later to bring him and his bully Finn together again to learn the reasons Why ?
Ultimately bringing them full circle , not everyone's story turns out like this one in books and in real life .
Love is Love no matter what and I enjoyed reading every page of their story.
Usually when I write my book reviews I write up my own synopsis before I give my opinion on how the book was , but with Grayson I decided ,for me that in that process I would give things away. I really wanted the book to speak on it's own ,because it is a masterpiece coming from a debut author..
This is a book that all you have to do is read Grayson's story and you feel the emotional turmoil and scars pouring off the pages. It will definitely resonate with anyone that has been bullied in school , no matter the reasoning .
I loved how the author turns everything inside out and to the point of no return for Grayson and manages years later to bring him and his bully Finn together again to learn the reasons Why ?
Ultimately bringing them full circle , not everyone's story turns out like this one in books and in real life .
Love is Love no matter what and I enjoyed reading every page of their story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews