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His Needs
When State Trooper Travis Kinslow is injured right before Thanksgiving, the only positive is that for once he won’t be working during the holidays. Since he has no family, Travis was absorbed into his best friend, Joe’s, and he considers them as good as his own. Everyone except Joe’s brother Noah. Travis has been in love with the younger man for much of his life, but he’s always kept his distance.
As an ER nurse, Noah is a caretaker by nature. When his brother’s best friend is hurt, he’s happy to help Travis while he heals. He’s only ever allowed himself to think of Travis as the next best thing to an older brother, but by the light of the Christmas tree, Noah finally sees Travis’s true feelings. And in that moment, everything changes.
When faced with opposition and a Christmas nothing like they imagined, will their hopes for the future be enough to carry them through?
As an ER nurse, Noah is a caretaker by nature. When his brother’s best friend is hurt, he’s happy to help Travis while he heals. He’s only ever allowed himself to think of Travis as the next best thing to an older brother, but by the light of the Christmas tree, Noah finally sees Travis’s true feelings. And in that moment, everything changes.
When faced with opposition and a Christmas nothing like they imagined, will their hopes for the future be enough to carry them through?
113 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 14, 2016
13 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
About the author
Kris T. Bethke
64 books63 followersKris T. Bethke has been a voracious reader for pretty much her entire life and has been writing stories for nearly as long. An avid and prolific daydreamer, she always has a story in her head. She spends most of her free time reading, writing, or knitting/crocheting her latest project. Her biggest desire is to find a way to accomplish all three tasks at one time. A classic muscle car will always turn her head and weekend naps are one of her greatest guilty pleasures. She lives in a converted attic with an aquarium full of tropical fish and the voices in her head. She’ll tell you she thinks that’s a pretty good deal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
December 21, 2016
4 Stars.
Anyone up for some dirty talk?
Short,sexy holiday feel good story.
Friends to lovers.
Hot sex.....when they get going.
Dirty talk at it's best.Noah has a deliciously filthy mouth.
Full Review soon.
Anyone up for some dirty talk?
Short,sexy holiday feel good story.
Friends to lovers.
Hot sex.....when they get going.
Dirty talk at it's best.Noah has a deliciously filthy mouth.
Full Review soon.
December 13, 2016
His Needs is a warm, sexy holiday romance featuring two of my favorite tropes: friends-to-lovers and hurt/comfort.
When Travis, a state trooper, is clipped by a passing vehicle during a routine traffic stop, he ends up in the ER where his best friend's younger brother is a nurse. Violating every HIPAA regulation, Noah immediately calls his mother, who rushes in to watch over Travis.
Travis is an adopted member of Noah's large Italian family. Travis and Joe have been best friends forever, but it's Noah, Joe's younger brother, who makes Travis's heart beat faster.
Noah takes care of Travis during his medical leave, and Travis can barely stand to be so close to his lifelong love and not touch. When Noah finally sees what's been in front of him all along, he jumps in with both feet.
Travis is the first-person narrator of the story, so we see Noah only through his eyes. I would have loved to get Noah's POV as well. Thankfully, Noah is open and honest with Travis, so we do get to know him. Both the MCs are in their 30s (Travis is 35 to Noah's 31), and they actually act like adults.
The author doesn't skimp on the steam (hello, unfulfilled sexual tension!), and the ending overflows with kisses and sweetness.
I should also mention the dirty talk. Oh, yes, there's dirty talk. Noah has quite the mouth on him.
The one thing that didn't work for me is This is the only conflict in the story, and Noah and Travis handle it perfectly.
I also could have done without all the references to Mass and religion. Travis and Noah attend Mass twice, which, come on, the Catholic church is not exactly a bastion of gay rights and forward thinking. But Noah IS Italian, so it's sort of a requirement.
When Travis, a state trooper, is clipped by a passing vehicle during a routine traffic stop, he ends up in the ER where his best friend's younger brother is a nurse. Violating every HIPAA regulation, Noah immediately calls his mother, who rushes in to watch over Travis.
Travis is an adopted member of Noah's large Italian family. Travis and Joe have been best friends forever, but it's Noah, Joe's younger brother, who makes Travis's heart beat faster.
Noah takes care of Travis during his medical leave, and Travis can barely stand to be so close to his lifelong love and not touch. When Noah finally sees what's been in front of him all along, he jumps in with both feet.
Travis is the first-person narrator of the story, so we see Noah only through his eyes. I would have loved to get Noah's POV as well. Thankfully, Noah is open and honest with Travis, so we do get to know him. Both the MCs are in their 30s (Travis is 35 to Noah's 31), and they actually act like adults.
The author doesn't skimp on the steam (hello, unfulfilled sexual tension!), and the ending overflows with kisses and sweetness.
I should also mention the dirty talk. Oh, yes, there's dirty talk. Noah has quite the mouth on him.
The one thing that didn't work for me is This is the only conflict in the story, and Noah and Travis handle it perfectly.
I also could have done without all the references to Mass and religion. Travis and Noah attend Mass twice, which, come on, the Catholic church is not exactly a bastion of gay rights and forward thinking. But Noah IS Italian, so it's sort of a requirement.
December 20, 2016
3.5 Stars
The transition from friends to lovers didn't work for me. I didn't find it very believable that it could happen from one look.
That aside, this one wasn't bad.
The transition from friends to lovers didn't work for me. I didn't find it very believable that it could happen from one look.
That aside, this one wasn't bad.
December 28, 2016
3.75 stars!
This was incredibly sweet, and sexy. Travis/Noah have been friends for years, but Travis has been secretly in love with with him for just as long. Noah discovers this and soon their friendship turns to love.
These two guys were so adorable together, loved their relationship, how much they care for each as friends. But once they were a couple, dam they were hot with off the charts chemistry. Add to this Noah's family who were so great and loved Travis. They had a minor obstacle for a bit and I was kinda surprised by the person's attitude but I was glad that Travis/Noah held strong in their love.
Overall a great quick read with two sexy guys, a big supportive family and of course celebrating the holiday season. ❤
This was incredibly sweet, and sexy. Travis/Noah have been friends for years, but Travis has been secretly in love with with him for just as long. Noah discovers this and soon their friendship turns to love.
These two guys were so adorable together, loved their relationship, how much they care for each as friends. But once they were a couple, dam they were hot with off the charts chemistry. Add to this Noah's family who were so great and loved Travis. They had a minor obstacle for a bit and I was kinda surprised by the person's attitude but I was glad that Travis/Noah held strong in their love.
Overall a great quick read with two sexy guys, a big supportive family and of course celebrating the holiday season. ❤
January 21, 2018
3.5 Stars
Oh how I love the trope of falling for your best friend’s brother, and this started out really really good!
Poor Travis has been hurt on the job and seeing as how his friend's brother Noah is a nurse, he’s the perfect one to help care for Travis as he heals. As much as Travis wants to avoid Noah, he can’t, and he struggles to hide the 20 plus years long torch he’s been holding.
I adored the longing and pining in this, but once the truth is revealed, the progression for me just didn’t come together as well as I wanted. Be reassured plenty of other readers loved this, especially the smexy dirtiness that ensues. I just wanted… more. I definitely could have done without the unnecessary familial dramatics. It also probably didn’t help that Noah’s point of view was sorely missing, and I wanted to know his thoughts and feelings on such a life altering reveal.
Overall, I’ve been recently charmed by Bethke, as she’s a new find for me. Of note, I thoroughly enjoyed Hearts and Hazelnuts, and I look forward to exploring more from this author in the future. This just wasn’t the homerun I was hoping it would be.
Oh how I love the trope of falling for your best friend’s brother, and this started out really really good!
Poor Travis has been hurt on the job and seeing as how his friend's brother Noah is a nurse, he’s the perfect one to help care for Travis as he heals. As much as Travis wants to avoid Noah, he can’t, and he struggles to hide the 20 plus years long torch he’s been holding.
I adored the longing and pining in this, but once the truth is revealed, the progression for me just didn’t come together as well as I wanted. Be reassured plenty of other readers loved this, especially the smexy dirtiness that ensues. I just wanted… more. I definitely could have done without the unnecessary familial dramatics. It also probably didn’t help that Noah’s point of view was sorely missing, and I wanted to know his thoughts and feelings on such a life altering reveal.
Overall, I’ve been recently charmed by Bethke, as she’s a new find for me. Of note, I thoroughly enjoyed Hearts and Hazelnuts, and I look forward to exploring more from this author in the future. This just wasn’t the homerun I was hoping it would be.
October 11, 2018
2.5 Stars
Minority opinion, coming right up.
Unfortunately, this Christmas romance left me feeling a bit flat. For a good portion of the story I was trying to work out why I wasn't connecting to this like many other readers before me. My enjoyment was expected, especially considering the presence of many tropes I go positively gaga over when reading romance, including themes of friends-to-lovers, hurt-comfort, and even falling for your best friend's brother (YUMMY!). The elements were all correct but my reactions came out all wrong.
It was around the halfway mark when I registered that most of my issues actually stemmed from the writing itself. To me, it was all tell and very little show, which left me feeling disconnected from the story and the characters. I also felt the dialogue was stilted at times. I honestly didn't believe half of what Noah was saying, like his feelings and reactions just came out of nowhere and weren't believable to me personally. I mean, he says he honestly never once considered Travis as a love interest before now just because he thought he couldn't? Is that how feelings work? You feel what you feel, right? I guess I'm of the mind that if you've known someone for 25 years and never had romantic/sexual feelings for them before, then it's unlikely I'm going to buy that you're having those feelings so intensely now, seemingly out of nowhere. When I put it like that I realise that I didn't buy into the romance at all, which clearly wasn't the intended reaction.
I do wonder whether I would have felt differently about this story had we gotten Noah's perspective instead of just Travis' POV, as it may have led me to better insights and understandings had I experienced Noah's feelings for myself and not just through Travis' lens of experience.
What I did enjoy were the hurt-comfort elements in this story. I liked how supportive Noah and all of his family were when Travis was injured; there were some truly lovely and tender moments when Noah was personally caring for Travis that really worked for me.
Okay, so a lot of this sounds quite negative and I truly apologise for that, because I actually believe the issues I had with this story won't be experienced by all, if many, so please take my review with a grain of salt. I also feel like it's my duty as a devoted M/M reader to try my hand at more of Bethke's stories in the future, as this may have simply been a one-off experience for me.
Minority opinion, coming right up.
Unfortunately, this Christmas romance left me feeling a bit flat. For a good portion of the story I was trying to work out why I wasn't connecting to this like many other readers before me. My enjoyment was expected, especially considering the presence of many tropes I go positively gaga over when reading romance, including themes of friends-to-lovers, hurt-comfort, and even falling for your best friend's brother (YUMMY!). The elements were all correct but my reactions came out all wrong.
It was around the halfway mark when I registered that most of my issues actually stemmed from the writing itself. To me, it was all tell and very little show, which left me feeling disconnected from the story and the characters. I also felt the dialogue was stilted at times. I honestly didn't believe half of what Noah was saying, like his feelings and reactions just came out of nowhere and weren't believable to me personally. I mean, he says he honestly never once considered Travis as a love interest before now just because he thought he couldn't? Is that how feelings work? You feel what you feel, right? I guess I'm of the mind that if you've known someone for 25 years and never had romantic/sexual feelings for them before, then it's unlikely I'm going to buy that you're having those feelings so intensely now, seemingly out of nowhere. When I put it like that I realise that I didn't buy into the romance at all, which clearly wasn't the intended reaction.
I do wonder whether I would have felt differently about this story had we gotten Noah's perspective instead of just Travis' POV, as it may have led me to better insights and understandings had I experienced Noah's feelings for myself and not just through Travis' lens of experience.
What I did enjoy were the hurt-comfort elements in this story. I liked how supportive Noah and all of his family were when Travis was injured; there were some truly lovely and tender moments when Noah was personally caring for Travis that really worked for me.
Okay, so a lot of this sounds quite negative and I truly apologise for that, because I actually believe the issues I had with this story won't be experienced by all, if many, so please take my review with a grain of salt. I also feel like it's my duty as a devoted M/M reader to try my hand at more of Bethke's stories in the future, as this may have simply been a one-off experience for me.
July 16, 2021
Travis almost grew up in the Mastriano home and considers them family .... except for the youngest brother, Noah, whom Travis has loved for years. His unrequited love and longing is poignantly described: "He was beautiful and perfect, and I’d been in love with him for nearly twenty years. How could I not be? He had his mother’s grace, a sharp tongue, and a brilliant smile." and "I’d spent the better part of my life making things better for Noah simply because he held my heart."
When State Trooper Travis is injured in the line of duty, ER nurse Noah steps up to help him recuperate at home and before long uncovers Travis' secret. I love their low-angst relationship and how it unfolds as the two men move from friends to lovers. And once they get to bed, dear gawd, Noah is a deliciously dirty talker: “I want to touch, to fuck. I want to get you ready, see my fingers inside you, stretching you. And then I’m going to slide my dick in there and fuck you till we both pop.”
For a fairly short story, I like how the plot focuses on Travis and Noah, while incorporating numerous Mastriano family members who are well-developed in just a few words or phrases. When opposition to their relationship arises, the story lags a bit but the ending is a well-deserved sweet HEA. His Needs is a short novella set around the holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas) with a sweet long-awaited love story - what's not to love?
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
When State Trooper Travis is injured in the line of duty, ER nurse Noah steps up to help him recuperate at home and before long uncovers Travis' secret. I love their low-angst relationship and how it unfolds as the two men move from friends to lovers. And once they get to bed, dear gawd, Noah is a deliciously dirty talker: “I want to touch, to fuck. I want to get you ready, see my fingers inside you, stretching you. And then I’m going to slide my dick in there and fuck you till we both pop.”
For a fairly short story, I like how the plot focuses on Travis and Noah, while incorporating numerous Mastriano family members who are well-developed in just a few words or phrases. When opposition to their relationship arises, the story lags a bit but the ending is a well-deserved sweet HEA. His Needs is a short novella set around the holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas) with a sweet long-awaited love story - what's not to love?
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
January 15, 2017
Me gusta mucho la premisa con la que empieza el libro, uno de los protagonistas herido por un accidente, que tiene que dejar que le cuide el hermano de su mejor amigo, del que siempre ha estado enamorado, pero al que siempre ha tratado como un hermano.
Pintaba muy bien, parecía tener mucho potencial, pero al final se ha quedado todo en un bluff. La historia se queda a medio gas, muy poca intensidad, la relación de ellos muy forzada, y la autora se entretiene describiendo cosas que no tienen ninguna importancia como un centro comercial, mientras se deja a sus personajes con una relación a medio cuajar. Por si fuera poco, hay momentos en los que se torna aburrido.
No ha sido odioso, pero no lo recomendaría.
Pintaba muy bien, parecía tener mucho potencial, pero al final se ha quedado todo en un bluff. La historia se queda a medio gas, muy poca intensidad, la relación de ellos muy forzada, y la autora se entretiene describiendo cosas que no tienen ninguna importancia como un centro comercial, mientras se deja a sus personajes con una relación a medio cuajar. Por si fuera poco, hay momentos en los que se torna aburrido.
No ha sido odioso, pero no lo recomendaría.
December 18, 2016
Although I enjoyed the story overall, I found the flip from friends to lovers incredibly abrupt and not entirely believable. I mean... Twenty years of hiding how you feel and with one look the object of your affection just KNOWS?! Pffffft! (I'm so jaded)
And, while I appreciate that this story didn't end with everything fully resolved with a neat little bow, I still
And, while I appreciate that this story didn't end with everything fully resolved with a neat little bow, I still
December 28, 2016
A sweet and sexy Christmas story. Dirty talk anyone?? Damn, these guys have a mouth on them and I loved it!!
I'm not sure how to view the reaction of the mother, though. On the one hand, it would have been strange if all the other family members were immediately okay with this new development. On the other hand, I found the mother's behavior a bit out of character and fabricated to create some tension / angst that wasn't necessary.
Overall this was a great friends-to-lovers story with some very sexy times.
I'm not sure how to view the reaction of the mother, though. On the one hand, it would have been strange if all the other family members were immediately okay with this new development. On the other hand, I found the mother's behavior a bit out of character and fabricated to create some tension / angst that wasn't necessary.
Overall this was a great friends-to-lovers story with some very sexy times.
December 18, 2016
Sweet, very light angst that gets cleaned up quickly, and SMOKING HOT sex with unexpected dirty talk...my favorite.
Thank you Gallic Cheesy Elf.....I adored this one!!!!
Thank you Gallic Cheesy Elf.....I adored this one!!!!
December 24, 2016
This was a nice, short "friends to lovers" story.
Travis has been a member of the Mastriano family since he was 10 years old. His own parents were abusive assholes and so his best friend Joe's family, kind of took care of him.
He has also been in love with his best friend's younger brother, Noah for almost 20 years. Problem is, that Noah sees him as a brother and nothing more, so Travis has been suffering in silence...
When Travis is hurt in the line of duty, Noah starts taking care of him, because he is an EMT nurse.
But loving looks are hard to hide and being this close Noah starts figuring things out. He never figured he would stand a chance with Travis, with him being Joe's best friend. Now all bets are off and Noah can't wait to show Travis how good they are together. He's also quite vocal. Damn the man and his dirty mouth :P
These guys get pretty hot and steamy together....
I just wish Noah's mother wouldn't have acted the way she did. I was pretty pissed off. I know she came around a bit in the end, but for me that wasn't good enough...
The ending to me, felt a bit abrupt and even though I liked this story, something was missing. Maybe because it was such a short story and I missed some character development. Maybe it was because Noah figured out Travis was in love with him, with just one look, even though Travis had been giving him looks for almost 20 years. I don't know. I think I would have liked it better if it would have been a longer story. It all felt a bit rushed to me.
Still enjoyed it though, so 3,5 stars. Half a star for dirty talking Noah ;P
January 1, 2017
I enjoyed this novella a lot. Once that Noah realized that Travis was in love with him, his eyes were opened to the fact that a relationship with Travis was actually possible and he was all for it.
Sexy times were hot and drama low. Just how I like it.
I loved Noah's big Italian family.
Recommend.
Sexy times were hot and drama low. Just how I like it.
I loved Noah's big Italian family.
Recommend.
November 24, 2021
4.5 stars
December 28, 2016
It's not you, it's me. Nah, it's you actually. I tried, I really did. Everything was too weird. Unrequited love for over 20 years and poof! We're a couple! We're like brothers this entire time - that's a lot of family get togethers, and again poof! We're a couple. The big happy-go-lucky Italian family is all accepting but for the stereotypical matriarch. What a load of hooey. Nana will set her straight, you'll see. So that storyboard was completely wasted on me, a lady who celebrated another meatless meal on Christmas Eve.
No one, and I mean no one, can hold a candle to Moonstruck. If you haven't seen it, check it out. They get it right the first time. Lots of covers over the years and most can't begin to compare.
I also thought the dirty talk was weird and that it didn't fit. Toward the end, which I could not wait for, it just made me laugh. I'm sure that's not what the author was going for.
I liked the cover. That was nice.
No one, and I mean no one, can hold a candle to Moonstruck. If you haven't seen it, check it out. They get it right the first time. Lots of covers over the years and most can't begin to compare.
I also thought the dirty talk was weird and that it didn't fit. Toward the end, which I could not wait for, it just made me laugh. I'm sure that's not what the author was going for.
I liked the cover. That was nice.
February 6, 2017
3,5* Awww this one is supersweet!!!
The plot is so simple and is not a big action in it , but is so cute and perfect comfort reading!
Travis is injured and need to let Noah, his best friend´s brother (who actually is a nurse) helps him in through these recovery days ... He loved Noah since forever but he knows he couldn´t do nothing about it cause noah see him like a brother.
Buuuuut they started to spend more time together and you know ♥
The plot is so simple and is not a big action in it , but is so cute and perfect comfort reading!
Travis is injured and need to let Noah, his best friend´s brother (who actually is a nurse) helps him in through these recovery days ... He loved Noah since forever but he knows he couldn´t do nothing about it cause noah see him like a brother.
Buuuuut they started to spend more time together and you know ♥
December 9, 2016
“His Needs” is a feel good, minimal to none angst, holiday romance novella with a very sweet HEA. It starts with “unrequited love” which gradually converts to love/feelings on both sides as our couple is compelled to spend time with each other due to an unfortunate (read very, very fortunate) accident.
When state trooper Travis Kinslow is injured in an accident just before Thanksgiving, the entire Mastriano family takes it upon themselves to care for him. Travis has always considered his best friend, Joe’s family as his own and thus he can’t refuse the order of mama Mastriano to let Joe’s baby brother, Noah, an ER nurse to help him heal and recuperate. Travis has been in love with the youngest Mastriano for decades but he never vocalized his feelings. But when he has to spend more than usual hours in close proximity with the object of his desire, it is not long before his “secret” is out.
Travis’ desire for Noah is expressed very vividly and with full of longing in the first half of the book. Noah was clueless about Travis’ feelings for him and I loved the anticipation from the start. The couple get together at about 50% of the story but the “unrequited” part was not drawn out unnecessarily. The romance is relatively no-angst with a little bit of tension at the end but there was a hint that everything will be ok for the couple eventually.
We get the story completely from Travis’ POV and it was very effectively used to describe the depth of feelings that he harbored for Noah. Once Noah finally realizes Travis’ love for him, he turns into a passionate, dirty-talking hellcat in bed! The couple’s chemistry exploded after that and I had a swell time enjoying the story.
All the secondary characters add beautifully to the romance. In a short amount of pages the relationship of Travis with each member of the Mastriano clan is described very nicely. Through their interactions we could easily understand how much Travis was loved and accepted by Noah’s family.
Overall, this book has everything for a short and sweet holiday novella. From long-awaited love to friendship to family and then finally to the sweetest HEA, this story had it all.
*This review has been cross posted at GayBookReviews*
When state trooper Travis Kinslow is injured in an accident just before Thanksgiving, the entire Mastriano family takes it upon themselves to care for him. Travis has always considered his best friend, Joe’s family as his own and thus he can’t refuse the order of mama Mastriano to let Joe’s baby brother, Noah, an ER nurse to help him heal and recuperate. Travis has been in love with the youngest Mastriano for decades but he never vocalized his feelings. But when he has to spend more than usual hours in close proximity with the object of his desire, it is not long before his “secret” is out.
Travis’ desire for Noah is expressed very vividly and with full of longing in the first half of the book. Noah was clueless about Travis’ feelings for him and I loved the anticipation from the start. The couple get together at about 50% of the story but the “unrequited” part was not drawn out unnecessarily. The romance is relatively no-angst with a little bit of tension at the end but there was a hint that everything will be ok for the couple eventually.
We get the story completely from Travis’ POV and it was very effectively used to describe the depth of feelings that he harbored for Noah. Once Noah finally realizes Travis’ love for him, he turns into a passionate, dirty-talking hellcat in bed! The couple’s chemistry exploded after that and I had a swell time enjoying the story.
All the secondary characters add beautifully to the romance. In a short amount of pages the relationship of Travis with each member of the Mastriano clan is described very nicely. Through their interactions we could easily understand how much Travis was loved and accepted by Noah’s family.
Overall, this book has everything for a short and sweet holiday novella. From long-awaited love to friendship to family and then finally to the sweetest HEA, this story had it all.
*This review has been cross posted at GayBookReviews*
December 12, 2016
I've been on a Holiday high lately. It's only being Holiday reads with the exception of the Warden's newest book. I usually have a major issue with first person narrating, but surprisingly I was okay with this one. I think it was because it was telling a story regardless of the page count. It's how I perceived it. Travis gets the man of his dreams and I like seeing them buildup towards something. I'm a little shocked at how long it's taken Noah to realize that Travis has been in love with him for a long time. I questioned it, but I guess Travis was able to put aside him wants and desires to maintain a platonic friendship for all these years.
Travis didn't bet on getting injured and being invalid for up to 6 weeks, but when his surrogate mother barges into the room and dictates his well care then he knows its all over. Travis is sent home in the care of the family that took care of him when his family decided they didn't care enough for a kid. I wouldn't say care enough, more like his mother was a drunk and his father was an abusive prick. Travis is not to surprised when Noah shows up to care and check up on him. He is after all a ER Nurse and its his job. I enjoyed seeing Travis trying really hard to not let his unrequited love show through to Noah. He's been in love with Noah since he was 17, and he thinks Noah doesn't like him back in the same capacity. In fact Travis has grown up with Noah's family since he was a kid so he's treated like a brother & son of the family.
Noah is the baby of a big family, and knowing that he's the baby he can possibly get his way. He convinces his mom that he can take care of Travis. Noah realizes that Travis is in love with him, and he's super happy about. He gets to have a lover and his best friend. I do think the phsyical side went a little fast, but that's only my take. I can see why it did, they've only be knowing and lusting each other their whole life.
I thought this was a cute holiday read. Both guys deserved some happiness. I did love the big family setting, and found myself smiling and laughing at times. This is so recommendable folks.
December 15, 2016
I was immediately intrigued by the blurb for this book, not to mention this sweet and cuddly cover. Unrequited love stories are fabulous… especially when it ends in an HEA.
The author created a story about a man, Travis, who experienced so much bad in his life and also, so much good. His best friend’s family pretty much take Travis in at the age of ten and through his life he’s considered himself a part of the Mastriano family. Of course with that he has also fallen in love with his BF’s little brother…. And he’s loved him for many many MANY years!
I loved how the story started. Travis in an accident and Joe (his Best friend’s) mom sitting there with him. I loved how the author just BAM put you right into the thick of it. Watching it evolve from there was beyond beautiful and it tugged at my heart often.
Now, there was a little sadness, ever so short but what’s a story without some drama? Though I was a little miffed by it I was also left no choice but to accept it and too often in our real lives that is something we deal with.
This is absolutely a holiday story in the best sense of the word (s). I never read this author before today and I must say, without a doubt, I will be reading more from this talented writer.
Grab this book and you won’t be sorry!
The author created a story about a man, Travis, who experienced so much bad in his life and also, so much good. His best friend’s family pretty much take Travis in at the age of ten and through his life he’s considered himself a part of the Mastriano family. Of course with that he has also fallen in love with his BF’s little brother…. And he’s loved him for many many MANY years!
I loved how the story started. Travis in an accident and Joe (his Best friend’s) mom sitting there with him. I loved how the author just BAM put you right into the thick of it. Watching it evolve from there was beyond beautiful and it tugged at my heart often.
Now, there was a little sadness, ever so short but what’s a story without some drama? Though I was a little miffed by it I was also left no choice but to accept it and too often in our real lives that is something we deal with.
This is absolutely a holiday story in the best sense of the word (s). I never read this author before today and I must say, without a doubt, I will be reading more from this talented writer.
Grab this book and you won’t be sorry!
January 11, 2017
*2.5 stars*
September 8, 2018
It was a little weird reading a Christmas novel at the beginning of September, but I really enjoyed it! It's the perfect sweet and lovely book to read during the Christmas time 😊
Recommended!
Recommended!
December 10, 2016
Cute romance with dirty talk in the sexy times! I was very glad the non-communication didn't last long, especially as it was starting to get annoying, and I liked that Travis and Noah's relationship was natural and realistic.
I absolutely love the friends to lovers trope and this captured the worry and stress of trying to navigate a new romantic relationship without losing the old friendship. Bethke captures a lot of the humor, passion, and sweetness between Travis and Noah and makes this a sweet holiday read.
Galley copy of His Needs provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
I absolutely love the friends to lovers trope and this captured the worry and stress of trying to navigate a new romantic relationship without losing the old friendship. Bethke captures a lot of the humor, passion, and sweetness between Travis and Noah and makes this a sweet holiday read.
Galley copy of His Needs provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
January 11, 2017
This was a cute childhood friends-to-lovers story that warmed my heart. The fact that Travis was recovering from an accident made it all the better since Noah was a nurse ;)
I loved that they were both mature and had real conversations - no misunderstandings here! And Noah, holy hell did he have a mouth on him!! This was exactly what I needed to read!
On to the next!
December 31, 2022
2+
Do pewnego momentu było okej. Ale scena, w której Noah orientuje się, że Travis go kocha, była co najmniej dziwna. Tak mało wiarygodna, że nieco gałki wytrzeszczyłam - zarówno na moment, jak i na reakcję Noah. W skrócie i parafrazując: "Jak długo mnie kochasz? Po wyrazie Twojej twarzy teraz się domyśliłem." 👀 "Jak miałam 13 lat dzięki Tobie zorientowałem się, że jestem gejem. Ale byłeś najlepszym przyjacielem mojego starszego brata, to uznałem to za niemożliwe, schowałem głęboko gdzieś tam w umyśle i zapomniałem. Ale skoro mnie kochasz, to hej! czemu nie spróbować" 👀 I od tej pory było już tylko staczanie się po równi pochyłej - skąd nagle te uczucia Noah? Trudno było w to wszystko uwierzyć...
Do tego Angela. Miała robić za typową włoską mammę - wściekle kochającą, zagorzale broniącą, karmiącą na potęgę, otaczającą swoimi opiekuńczymi skrzydłami wszelkie swoje potomstwo - czy ono chce czy nie, mającą szacunek i posłuch taki, że nikt nie odważy się nawet jej sprzeciwić w najmniejszym stopniu, nie mówiąc o kłóceniu się. Ale kilka jej reakcji było zdecydowanie ott - choćby, kiedy się uparła, że Travis ma przyjść na Święto Dziękczynienia i siedzieć tam dobrych kilka godzin - 6 dni po tym, jak został potrącony podczas służby, gdzie można było powiedzieć, że niemalże całe jego ciało było jednym wielkim bolącym sińcem, gdzie ledwo się ruszał i jedyne, co chciał, to leżeć w spokoju. Albo jej reakcja na to, że Travis i Noah są parą - dla niej to było jedno wielkie NIE. Nie mogą, bo są braćmi. No jednak zdecydowanie nie są - Travis został w pewien sposób przez nią wychowany, może tak nieoficjalnie adoptowany - bo uznawała go za swojego, ale nic poza tym. Nie było w tym nawet ciut kontrowersji. Ale nie - trzeba było zrobić wielkie show, że jej się to nie podoba, bo oni są braćmi. No mamma Angela strasznie mi nie siadła...
Do pewnego momentu było okej. Ale scena, w której Noah orientuje się, że Travis go kocha, była co najmniej dziwna. Tak mało wiarygodna, że nieco gałki wytrzeszczyłam - zarówno na moment, jak i na reakcję Noah. W skrócie i parafrazując: "Jak długo mnie kochasz? Po wyrazie Twojej twarzy teraz się domyśliłem." 👀 "Jak miałam 13 lat dzięki Tobie zorientowałem się, że jestem gejem. Ale byłeś najlepszym przyjacielem mojego starszego brata, to uznałem to za niemożliwe, schowałem głęboko gdzieś tam w umyśle i zapomniałem. Ale skoro mnie kochasz, to hej! czemu nie spróbować" 👀 I od tej pory było już tylko staczanie się po równi pochyłej - skąd nagle te uczucia Noah? Trudno było w to wszystko uwierzyć...
Do tego Angela. Miała robić za typową włoską mammę - wściekle kochającą, zagorzale broniącą, karmiącą na potęgę, otaczającą swoimi opiekuńczymi skrzydłami wszelkie swoje potomstwo - czy ono chce czy nie, mającą szacunek i posłuch taki, że nikt nie odważy się nawet jej sprzeciwić w najmniejszym stopniu, nie mówiąc o kłóceniu się. Ale kilka jej reakcji było zdecydowanie ott - choćby, kiedy się uparła, że Travis ma przyjść na Święto Dziękczynienia i siedzieć tam dobrych kilka godzin - 6 dni po tym, jak został potrącony podczas służby, gdzie można było powiedzieć, że niemalże całe jego ciało było jednym wielkim bolącym sińcem, gdzie ledwo się ruszał i jedyne, co chciał, to leżeć w spokoju. Albo jej reakcja na to, że Travis i Noah są parą - dla niej to było jedno wielkie NIE. Nie mogą, bo są braćmi. No jednak zdecydowanie nie są - Travis został w pewien sposób przez nią wychowany, może tak nieoficjalnie adoptowany - bo uznawała go za swojego, ale nic poza tym. Nie było w tym nawet ciut kontrowersji. Ale nie - trzeba było zrobić wielkie show, że jej się to nie podoba, bo oni są braćmi. No mamma Angela strasznie mi nie siadła...
June 3, 2017
Dirty talker fans out there - hold out until about 50% and you're in for a real treat with this book. But as hot as the sex was, it's not believable that all of a sudden, after knowing each other most of their lives, Noah sees the way Travis looks at him and knows Travis is in love with him. What? And the drama with Noah's mom - just weird. So it's a like but not a love for this book.
January 4, 2017
So in 20 years Noah never noticed Travis look at him and Noah put Travis in a box and never looked at him? Doubtful. Especially since everyone in Noah's family knew.
I hated the way Angela treated Travis. Eff her and her "knit-worthy" list.
I actually hate meddling parents and friends and I thought Angela was too "in your face". Give the boy some breathing room! Maybe that's why I moved 600 miles away from my family, because I hate feeling smothered.
I liked Travis and Joe's relationship and that's about it. I didn't feel the romance/love between Noah and Travis, but maybe that's because I didn't believe it when it happened?
Overall, this was just a "meh" read for me.
I hated the way Angela treated Travis. Eff her and her "knit-worthy" list.
I actually hate meddling parents and friends and I thought Angela was too "in your face". Give the boy some breathing room! Maybe that's why I moved 600 miles away from my family, because I hate feeling smothered.
I liked Travis and Joe's relationship and that's about it. I didn't feel the romance/love between Noah and Travis, but maybe that's because I didn't believe it when it happened?
Overall, this was just a "meh" read for me.
December 13, 2016
Yum! Friends to lovers, unrequited love and hurt/comfort all in one story!
Noah and Travis are friends, having met through Noah’s brother Joe. Travis is an essentially “adopted” brother to Noah and Joe’s family because, as a kid, his own family wasn’t there for him.
Now they are all adults and though both Noah and Travis know the other is gay, they haven’t allowed themselves to think outside the “friends zone”. Until Travis gets hurt.
Now, with the help of some narcotics, Travis can’t keep his feelings to himself. Luckily, Noah is ready!
**
What I loved about this: once the cat was out of the bag, there’s very little angst between Noah and Travis. Joe, the BFF and brother, doesn’t cause a ruckus, THE DIRTY TALK (ooo la la -Noah has a mouth on him!), the very sweet and sentimental way Travis thinks about Noah, the HEA.
What didn’t work as well: the situation with Noah and Joe’s mom. I didn’t get her response and it made me sad because I really, really loved her in the beginning.
This is a great holiday short story for fans of dirty talk, friends to lovers and hurt comfort. It’s really well written and though not very long, I felt like it was very satisfying.
Highly Recommended
4.5 of 5 stars
Noah and Travis are friends, having met through Noah’s brother Joe. Travis is an essentially “adopted” brother to Noah and Joe’s family because, as a kid, his own family wasn’t there for him.
Now they are all adults and though both Noah and Travis know the other is gay, they haven’t allowed themselves to think outside the “friends zone”. Until Travis gets hurt.
Now, with the help of some narcotics, Travis can’t keep his feelings to himself. Luckily, Noah is ready!
**
What I loved about this: once the cat was out of the bag, there’s very little angst between Noah and Travis. Joe, the BFF and brother, doesn’t cause a ruckus, THE DIRTY TALK (ooo la la -Noah has a mouth on him!), the very sweet and sentimental way Travis thinks about Noah, the HEA.
What didn’t work as well: the situation with Noah and Joe’s mom. I didn’t get her response and it made me sad because I really, really loved her in the beginning.
This is a great holiday short story for fans of dirty talk, friends to lovers and hurt comfort. It’s really well written and though not very long, I felt like it was very satisfying.
Highly Recommended
4.5 of 5 stars
December 23, 2016
This book was just okay. The relationship development was abrupt and not very believable. The mother's reaction was strange and seemed out of character. Finally, the dirty talk. I LOVE dirty talk, but it just felt weird in this book. I did not find it very sexy.
December 19, 2016
Sweet friends to lovers story. No over the top drama. Just the realization they were meant to be together :-)
December 29, 2016
Nice rewarding holiday romance.
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