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Spectrum Nights #1
Pieces of Me
Deep in the heart of the Florida Panhandle, Scott Ashworth’s bleak life stretches out before him with not much hope for the future. His hardscrabble days are brightened by the arrival of a new stepbrother, Rylan Mahoney, who quickly becomes the friend Scott so desperately needs. Their relationship has just started to deepen into more, when during the course of one terrible night, what Scott overhears sends him fleeing from his home, never to return.
Flash forward six years, and Scott is now the hottest club host on the Phoenix gay scene. He takes what he wants, does what he wants, and does whom he wants. It’s a good life, but the journey to local popularity and fame wasn’t an easy one. For all that Scott’s looks are a blessing, at the same time they’re a curse—the source of his alcoholic mother’s inexplicable hatred.
Rylan dreams of photojournalistic glory. He’s in Phoenix looking for the story of a lifetime, but the project isn’t coming to fruition. Needing rent money, he accepts a gig at Phoenix Pride hawking lewd lollipops and edible condoms…all while wearing gold lamé hot pants and a matching bow tie. When Rylan’s house keys and street clothes go missing after his shift, he’s desperate, until a stranger in a convertible stops to help.
The man is absolute sex on legs, and Rylan is jolted when he recognizes him—his stepbrother Scott Ashworth, long missing but suddenly larger than life. Reunited after six years apart, Scott and Rylan are determined to put their past behind them, but fate intervenes and leaves their future in jeopardy once again.
Flash forward six years, and Scott is now the hottest club host on the Phoenix gay scene. He takes what he wants, does what he wants, and does whom he wants. It’s a good life, but the journey to local popularity and fame wasn’t an easy one. For all that Scott’s looks are a blessing, at the same time they’re a curse—the source of his alcoholic mother’s inexplicable hatred.
Rylan dreams of photojournalistic glory. He’s in Phoenix looking for the story of a lifetime, but the project isn’t coming to fruition. Needing rent money, he accepts a gig at Phoenix Pride hawking lewd lollipops and edible condoms…all while wearing gold lamé hot pants and a matching bow tie. When Rylan’s house keys and street clothes go missing after his shift, he’s desperate, until a stranger in a convertible stops to help.
The man is absolute sex on legs, and Rylan is jolted when he recognizes him—his stepbrother Scott Ashworth, long missing but suddenly larger than life. Reunited after six years apart, Scott and Rylan are determined to put their past behind them, but fate intervenes and leaves their future in jeopardy once again.
154 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 16, 2017
9 people are currently reading
892 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Hansen
10 books750 followersMelanie Hansen has spent time in Texas and Florida prisons…for work. She’s been in a room with a 17-year-old mass murderer who was also one of the most soft-spoken and polite teenagers she’s ever met. After a 13-year career as a court reporter, she can tell many stories both hilarious and heartbreaking.
She grew up with an Air Force dad, and ended up marrying a Navy man. After living and working all over the country, she hopes to bring these rich and varied life experiences to her stories about people finding love amidst real-life struggles.
Melanie left the stressful world of the courtroom behind and now enjoys a rewarding career transcribing for a deaf student. She currently lives in Arizona with her husband and two sons.
She grew up with an Air Force dad, and ended up marrying a Navy man. After living and working all over the country, she hopes to bring these rich and varied life experiences to her stories about people finding love amidst real-life struggles.
Melanie left the stressful world of the courtroom behind and now enjoys a rewarding career transcribing for a deaf student. She currently lives in Arizona with her husband and two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
February 7, 2017
"I remember everything about you,Ry.You're my best memory."
The start of Scott and Rylan's story that had me captivated.I absolutely loved it.
They meet when they are 17 when Rylans father marries Scotts mother.Rylan has been brought up well by his father unlike Scott who had been shown nothing but contempt from his mother.She became pregnant with him at a young age and blames him for the life she now has......living in a run down trailer,she spends her time drinking too much and whoring herself about.This treatment from his mother has a profound effect on his life.
Scott is stunningly beautiful and thinks his looks are all he has.Ridiculed at school for being poor and having an alcoholic,slut for a mother he puts on a good front.
Rylan is gay and starting a new school he really doesn't want to hide his sexuality.In fact he embraces it.....dying his hair,wearing earings and standing up to the school bullies.For a young boy he showed such strength of character.
Rylan is instantly captivated by Scott's good looks but he also sees past his beauty and tries to convince Scott that he can do something with his life.They are thrown together when they have to share a room.They become friends and start to look out for each other.Things change,though,when Scott kisses Rylan and their sexual adventure begins.For a short time they explore each other,nights spent together in Scotts bed with Rylan dreaming of a future for them.
But life is cruel and when a family secret is revealed,everything changes....
Part One concentrates on their young life and I actually liked this the best.Very surprisingly because YA isn't really my thing but the writing and the characters completely drew me into the story.
Part Two takes place six years later.This is one of my absolute favourite things....I love a story that spans over years.
Rylan is trying to fulfil his ambition of becoming a Photojournalist when he meets Scott again,but he's finding it such a struggle.Scott,on the other hand,is doing well.Working in an up market gay club he's built up a high profile reputation as one of the hottest hosts at the club.
Scott is kind of a lost soul in some ways.Always using his deverstating good looks to get what he wants but,deep down,he craves much more.Rylan still finds him irresistible but is determined to be a friend to Scott.
I loved everything about this book.It's not a fluffy story at all.The characters go through a lot and it's not pretty at times but I've got high hopes that this is going to be an epic love story.
This review has been posted on Dirty Books Obsession
February 7, 2017
Start as you mean to go on.
Every once in awhile a book comes along that sucks me right in and that is the greatest feeling for me as a reader. I sunk down into Pieces of Me like a good bubble bath with Jacuzzi jets. I connected right away with both Scott and Rylan and I've bought a ticket on their ship. God, please don't let it turn into the Titanic.
It starts off with them as teens having met after their parents unexpectedly married. I was caught off guard by half the book being YA, but it was a smart move on Hansen's part. She captured that youthful innocence and quality that allows kids to bond quickly whereas adults tend to be more cynical and wary.
They soon become allies and best friends all of which felt natural. Rylan is openly gay and Scott begins to recognize he's bi. Their forays into exploring their sexuality were both sweet and titillating with very little teen angst. Thank all the things for that.
I've come to realize that I'm not the greatest judge of whether or not a read is "heavy", so I'll just lay out some facts. Scott's mother Heather is verbally abusive, neglectful and an alcoholic who regularly tells Scott how much she hates him for ruining her life. They are poor and live in a trailer so there is some taunting by classmates both due to their socioeconomic status as well as Rylan being openly gay. Also, Rylan's first school friend is G who's trans, bullied some though most of it happens off page and has religious zealots for parents. I had some feels but my face never leaked, if that helps. It doesn't read like a downer. I even chuckled at some of the conversations and Rylan's ballsyness.
Both of these characters are nuanced and complex but at the same time I felt like I knew them both right away. Honestly, I could go on and on about them but the fact of the matter is I loved them both. I think they give each other what the other needs without those needs being voiced. They're soul mates. The trust they feel towards one another is clear in the dialogue.
Hansen paid attention to the characterization details like accents and speech patterns and even changed them when we meet up with Scott again 6 yrs later in Phoenix. But what resonated the most with me was the layers she gave all of these characters, not making them caricaturishly black or white but somewhere in the grayscale. I find that believable. There wasn't a character in this book that I didn't at one point or another feel sympathetic towards because they all have their own story and don't easily fit into a specific label.
There is still much to be discovered about both Rylan and Scott and the last 6 yrs and I want a front row seat. It's clear their feelings for each other haven't changed and are on the verge of rekindling, but first Rylan's got to help Scott knit the pieces of himself together into a whole and complete person capable of loving Rylan the way he deserves as well as loving himself.
The drag queens at Spectrum provide most of the levity and Teena can get directly into my pocket without passing 'Go' or collecting $200. I'm curious about the project Rylan is working on with trans women sex workers and I want to better understand what the story is. So... generally addicted to the whole kit and kaboodle is a fair assessment of my feels.
Word of caution- it does end on a cliff. The blurb does not lie.
One last thing, I LOVE the cover. Finally! My cover love paid off.
I cannot recommend this enough. I would put it on a billboard but that seems like overkill.
A review copy was provided.
Every once in awhile a book comes along that sucks me right in and that is the greatest feeling for me as a reader. I sunk down into Pieces of Me like a good bubble bath with Jacuzzi jets. I connected right away with both Scott and Rylan and I've bought a ticket on their ship. God, please don't let it turn into the Titanic.
It starts off with them as teens having met after their parents unexpectedly married. I was caught off guard by half the book being YA, but it was a smart move on Hansen's part. She captured that youthful innocence and quality that allows kids to bond quickly whereas adults tend to be more cynical and wary.
They soon become allies and best friends all of which felt natural. Rylan is openly gay and Scott begins to recognize he's bi. Their forays into exploring their sexuality were both sweet and titillating with very little teen angst. Thank all the things for that.
I've come to realize that I'm not the greatest judge of whether or not a read is "heavy", so I'll just lay out some facts. Scott's mother Heather is verbally abusive, neglectful and an alcoholic who regularly tells Scott how much she hates him for ruining her life. They are poor and live in a trailer so there is some taunting by classmates both due to their socioeconomic status as well as Rylan being openly gay. Also, Rylan's first school friend is G who's trans, bullied some though most of it happens off page and has religious zealots for parents. I had some feels but my face never leaked, if that helps. It doesn't read like a downer. I even chuckled at some of the conversations and Rylan's ballsyness.
Both of these characters are nuanced and complex but at the same time I felt like I knew them both right away. Honestly, I could go on and on about them but the fact of the matter is I loved them both. I think they give each other what the other needs without those needs being voiced. They're soul mates. The trust they feel towards one another is clear in the dialogue.
Hansen paid attention to the characterization details like accents and speech patterns and even changed them when we meet up with Scott again 6 yrs later in Phoenix. But what resonated the most with me was the layers she gave all of these characters, not making them caricaturishly black or white but somewhere in the grayscale. I find that believable. There wasn't a character in this book that I didn't at one point or another feel sympathetic towards because they all have their own story and don't easily fit into a specific label.
There is still much to be discovered about both Rylan and Scott and the last 6 yrs and I want a front row seat. It's clear their feelings for each other haven't changed and are on the verge of rekindling, but first Rylan's got to help Scott knit the pieces of himself together into a whole and complete person capable of loving Rylan the way he deserves as well as loving himself.
The drag queens at Spectrum provide most of the levity and Teena can get directly into my pocket without passing 'Go' or collecting $200. I'm curious about the project Rylan is working on with trans women sex workers and I want to better understand what the story is. So... generally addicted to the whole kit and kaboodle is a fair assessment of my feels.
Word of caution- it does end on a cliff. The blurb does not lie.
One last thing, I LOVE the cover. Finally! My cover love paid off.
I cannot recommend this enough. I would put it on a billboard but that seems like overkill.
A review copy was provided.
February 7, 2017
Scott Ashworth and Rylan Mahoney meet when they are 17 when Rylan's father, Bob, who is a long distance truck driver, rather impulsively marries Scott's mother, Heather. Pieces of Me is the beginning of Scott and Rylan's story. The first half of the book covers a few months of their senior year in high school and the second half covers just a couple of days six years later, and we do get a cliffhanger.
Pieces of Me is not a light story. There is on page verbal abuse and Scott gets put down by everyone because of his mother, and many assume he is just like her. It's not really an easy read. Scott's mother is an abusive alcoholic who blames Scott for ruining her life because she got pregnant when she was 16. Yeah, clearly Scott's fault. Scott also looks just like his father, whom Heather also hates for getting her pregnant (it wasn't rape, but she refuses to take any responsibility, at all). Heather is bitter and has the reputation (well earned) of being a drunk and a slut who will sleep with pretty much anyone. She has 4 other children younger than Scott, all by different fathers. It seems that Scott is the only one she actually hates, though.
When Rylan moves in, he and Scott have to share a room. Awkward for 2 teenage boys, to be sure, but there is no real alternative. They don't share a bed, though, at least not at first. No, they become friends first, with Rylan the only one that sees behind the mask that Scott projects. And, later, as Scott admits to himself and then to Rylan, that he's attracted to boys as well as girls, they explore something more, together.
I really admired Rylan throughout Pieces of Me. Showing up to a new school, determined to be out. Befriending another outcast (not talking about Scott, here), showing everyone that he isn't afraid to be himself. And even when the bullies decided to try to take him down, he still stood tall and refused to let them get to him. Rylan is tenacious as hell. And Scott, looks out for him, too, showing that maybe he does care, after all.
Scott tries to come off as aloof and uncaring and most people don't bother looking past his beautiful outer shell, anyway, and he's been told over and over for his whole life that his looks are all he has. That he has literally nothing else going for him. And predictably, he believes it. Scott is more vulnerable than he lets on, though. He may act like the words don't cut, but they do and he bleeds. But Scott still hangs around with the very people that think he's nothing. He knows they are using him and he uses them, in return. Scott's entire existence just broke my heart over and over again. And what little self-worth he managed to build up because of Rylan's unwavering faith, comes crashing down the night of Scott's 18th birthday, when Heather decides to crush him even more, causing Scott to leave and he never comes back.
Fast forward six years. Rylan has graduated college with a photojournalism degree and he's working on a project that means a lot to him. It's turning out to be more difficult than he anticipated, though, and he is forced to look for temporary employment when his money runs out. Little did he know that the temporary employment at a vendor booth at Pride would lead him back to Scott.
Scott, while definitely more successful, still feels like he has nothing to offer anyone except sex and his looks. He works at a high end gay club in Phoenix where he hosts VIP's and has a huge following on Instagram, but still, no one knows him. Not really. That mask Scott used to wear is now so practiced, he can't seem to take it off at all, even for Rylan. But Rylan is still perceptive and when Scott tries to put the moves on Rylan, rather than just getting to know him again, Rylan pushes him away, telling Scott that they should be friends. And Scott, who knows he still cannot hide anything from Rylan, wants to try. Rylan was the only one who ever understood him and was the only one really even tried.
Do they make it past their past? Do we find out how Scott ended up in Phoenix? We'll just have to wait and see (hopefully, not too long...).
--------------------
ARC of Pieces of Me was generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
Pieces of Me is not a light story. There is on page verbal abuse and Scott gets put down by everyone because of his mother, and many assume he is just like her. It's not really an easy read. Scott's mother is an abusive alcoholic who blames Scott for ruining her life because she got pregnant when she was 16. Yeah, clearly Scott's fault. Scott also looks just like his father, whom Heather also hates for getting her pregnant (it wasn't rape, but she refuses to take any responsibility, at all). Heather is bitter and has the reputation (well earned) of being a drunk and a slut who will sleep with pretty much anyone. She has 4 other children younger than Scott, all by different fathers. It seems that Scott is the only one she actually hates, though.
When Rylan moves in, he and Scott have to share a room. Awkward for 2 teenage boys, to be sure, but there is no real alternative. They don't share a bed, though, at least not at first. No, they become friends first, with Rylan the only one that sees behind the mask that Scott projects. And, later, as Scott admits to himself and then to Rylan, that he's attracted to boys as well as girls, they explore something more, together.
I really admired Rylan throughout Pieces of Me. Showing up to a new school, determined to be out. Befriending another outcast (not talking about Scott, here), showing everyone that he isn't afraid to be himself. And even when the bullies decided to try to take him down, he still stood tall and refused to let them get to him. Rylan is tenacious as hell. And Scott, looks out for him, too, showing that maybe he does care, after all.
Scott tries to come off as aloof and uncaring and most people don't bother looking past his beautiful outer shell, anyway, and he's been told over and over for his whole life that his looks are all he has. That he has literally nothing else going for him. And predictably, he believes it. Scott is more vulnerable than he lets on, though. He may act like the words don't cut, but they do and he bleeds. But Scott still hangs around with the very people that think he's nothing. He knows they are using him and he uses them, in return. Scott's entire existence just broke my heart over and over again. And what little self-worth he managed to build up because of Rylan's unwavering faith, comes crashing down the night of Scott's 18th birthday, when Heather decides to crush him even more, causing Scott to leave and he never comes back.
Fast forward six years. Rylan has graduated college with a photojournalism degree and he's working on a project that means a lot to him. It's turning out to be more difficult than he anticipated, though, and he is forced to look for temporary employment when his money runs out. Little did he know that the temporary employment at a vendor booth at Pride would lead him back to Scott.
Scott, while definitely more successful, still feels like he has nothing to offer anyone except sex and his looks. He works at a high end gay club in Phoenix where he hosts VIP's and has a huge following on Instagram, but still, no one knows him. Not really. That mask Scott used to wear is now so practiced, he can't seem to take it off at all, even for Rylan. But Rylan is still perceptive and when Scott tries to put the moves on Rylan, rather than just getting to know him again, Rylan pushes him away, telling Scott that they should be friends. And Scott, who knows he still cannot hide anything from Rylan, wants to try. Rylan was the only one who ever understood him and was the only one really even tried.
Do they make it past their past? Do we find out how Scott ended up in Phoenix? We'll just have to wait and see (hopefully, not too long...).
--------------------
ARC of Pieces of Me was generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
April 7, 2017
This story is divided into two parts.
Part one starts, when these guys meet at age 17, when Scotts mother marries Rylan's father.
Scott never knew who his father was, only that he looks exactly like him. Which is also the reason his mother hates his guts. Scott is absolutely beautiful and his mother really despises him. She blames Scott for how her life turned out, but to be honest....she herself decided to act like the town slut/drunk. Damn but I hated that woman.
Being dead poor and living in a trailer with all his siblings, having a drunk slut for a mother, Scott doesn't have much going for himself....except his good looks, which he relies on a great deal.
Rylan's mother left some time ago and his father never really got over this. He attached himself to the first person, that showed him real interest and married her on the spot. Rylan wants his dad to be happy again, but he soon finds out that his new stepmom is not as wonderful as he thought she would be.
Rylan is gay and has decided to be out and proud at his new high school. I admired him, for not wanting to hide who he was. He is also extremely attracted to his new and very hot stepbrother.
The both of them have to start sharing a room and soon Rylan learns that Scott is so much more than just a beautiful guy. The two become close....very close ;)
But pretty soon everything falls apart, leaving Rylan with a broken heart and a messed up family.
Fast forward 6 years and we get to part 2.
Both men are adults now. Rylan is trying to make ends meets as a photographer and Scott is a sex-icon at a famous club. Scott is quite the manwhore and I was very dissapointed in how he turned out. He was not my favorite character. I understood the why, but he just lost a lot of respect from me.
Rylan however is still wonderful. I wished he would have been a bit more angry with Scott, but... if wishes were fishes we'd all swim in riches.
Scott is still exploiting his good looks, thinking that's all he is good for, but Rylan still sees the man underneath the beauty and tries to be his friend.
And then.......cliffhanger !!!!!!
Thankfully I won't have to wait too long for book 2 ...I am so curious to see what will happen next ;)
Part one starts, when these guys meet at age 17, when Scotts mother marries Rylan's father.
Scott never knew who his father was, only that he looks exactly like him. Which is also the reason his mother hates his guts. Scott is absolutely beautiful and his mother really despises him. She blames Scott for how her life turned out, but to be honest....she herself decided to act like the town slut/drunk. Damn but I hated that woman.
Being dead poor and living in a trailer with all his siblings, having a drunk slut for a mother, Scott doesn't have much going for himself....except his good looks, which he relies on a great deal.
Rylan's mother left some time ago and his father never really got over this. He attached himself to the first person, that showed him real interest and married her on the spot. Rylan wants his dad to be happy again, but he soon finds out that his new stepmom is not as wonderful as he thought she would be.
Rylan is gay and has decided to be out and proud at his new high school. I admired him, for not wanting to hide who he was. He is also extremely attracted to his new and very hot stepbrother.
The both of them have to start sharing a room and soon Rylan learns that Scott is so much more than just a beautiful guy. The two become close....very close ;)
But pretty soon everything falls apart, leaving Rylan with a broken heart and a messed up family.
Fast forward 6 years and we get to part 2.
Both men are adults now. Rylan is trying to make ends meets as a photographer and Scott is a sex-icon at a famous club. Scott is quite the manwhore and I was very dissapointed in how he turned out. He was not my favorite character. I understood the why, but he just lost a lot of respect from me.
Rylan however is still wonderful. I wished he would have been a bit more angry with Scott, but... if wishes were fishes we'd all swim in riches.
Scott is still exploiting his good looks, thinking that's all he is good for, but Rylan still sees the man underneath the beauty and tries to be his friend.
And then.......cliffhanger !!!!!!
Thankfully I won't have to wait too long for book 2 ...I am so curious to see what will happen next ;)
May 14, 2018
This was the most unromantic love story I’ve read in a long time. If you are looking for swoon, you won’t find it here. However, if you are looking for a heartbreaking tale of two young adults finding their soul mate in the most unlikely and unconventional place…this is it. If I had paid closer attention to the blurb I would have definitely skipped this one, which would have been most unfortunate. One of my harsh triggers is incest. I run fast and far away from incest stories. Step-siblings can share a parent, but thankfully for me, this pair of step-brothers do not share any DNA. They share many other things, including their hearts, but Hansen clearly portrays loving someone is not enough to save them.
Scott’s mother has a surprise for him, he has a new step-father and this union brings another addition to the family, a new step-brother. When Rylan walks into Scott’s life he does something no one has ever done for Scott before. He offers Scott stability, comfort, and friendship. Scott is dirt poor. Not only is he denied material things but he’s poverty-stricken when it comes to love. His mother is abusive. She has her own sad story but she passes along her demons to her children. Scott is the eldest of her brood and attempts to shield his siblings by taking the brunt of her assaults. But his armor has weakened and he is drained. He suffered pains that no child should ever have to face. And I hate her for the damage she caused in her selfish wake. It’s not often that I can claim hatred for a character but this is one of those rare times. Heather Ashworth is a horrid human.
Scott doesn’t have much going for him but the one thing he can always count on is his looks. He is absolutely gorgeous. He discovered early on that a pretty face and smooth talking has endless benefits. He takes full advantage of this asset and painfully discovers what desperation will do to a man. In the end, some choices aren’t really choices at all.
***Fast Forward***
Scott and Rylan are all grown up and cross paths again. Could a second chance possibly allow them an opportunity to have what they were denied before? Scott is successful in countless ways now but he’s still his biggest enemy when it comes to forgiveness and love. How can you love someone else when you don’t love yourself? You can’t.
What's to like: Pristine storyline execution. There is a great deal going on. From the beginning to the end (or more like intermission) details and pieces come together beautifully. I always enjoy it when an author is able to feed me a feast of information but with such clarity that I’m not overwhelmed or confused.
What's to love: I love Rylan. I felt like this was more Scott’s story but Rylan made it shine for me. That is simply because Rylan makes Scott shine. True inner beauty radiates from the sexy model when Rylan is in his life. I adored how Rylan handled Scott. Charms and bribes are ineffective with Rylan. His patience is epic and luckily for Scott, he is also steadily determined. Scott has forged a barricade around his heart but he gave a piece of it to Rylan years ago. Rylan has cherished and protected it and now that he has found the man again, he’s going to do the same for the stubborn broken man he never gave up on.
Beware of: Epic cliffhanger! It was brutal and if I wasn’t holding the second book in the wings of my Kindle, I would have been seriously grumpy. This should be treated as part one and I would advise you to plan on having part two ready.
This book is for: As I mentioned earlier, this is an amazing love story but it’s a far cry from romance. It’s choked full of deep emotions and pain but most of all, hope.
*4 stars*
Book UNfunk
Scott’s mother has a surprise for him, he has a new step-father and this union brings another addition to the family, a new step-brother. When Rylan walks into Scott’s life he does something no one has ever done for Scott before. He offers Scott stability, comfort, and friendship. Scott is dirt poor. Not only is he denied material things but he’s poverty-stricken when it comes to love. His mother is abusive. She has her own sad story but she passes along her demons to her children. Scott is the eldest of her brood and attempts to shield his siblings by taking the brunt of her assaults. But his armor has weakened and he is drained. He suffered pains that no child should ever have to face. And I hate her for the damage she caused in her selfish wake. It’s not often that I can claim hatred for a character but this is one of those rare times. Heather Ashworth is a horrid human.
Scott doesn’t have much going for him but the one thing he can always count on is his looks. He is absolutely gorgeous. He discovered early on that a pretty face and smooth talking has endless benefits. He takes full advantage of this asset and painfully discovers what desperation will do to a man. In the end, some choices aren’t really choices at all.
***Fast Forward***
Scott and Rylan are all grown up and cross paths again. Could a second chance possibly allow them an opportunity to have what they were denied before? Scott is successful in countless ways now but he’s still his biggest enemy when it comes to forgiveness and love. How can you love someone else when you don’t love yourself? You can’t.
What's to like: Pristine storyline execution. There is a great deal going on. From the beginning to the end (or more like intermission) details and pieces come together beautifully. I always enjoy it when an author is able to feed me a feast of information but with such clarity that I’m not overwhelmed or confused.
What's to love: I love Rylan. I felt like this was more Scott’s story but Rylan made it shine for me. That is simply because Rylan makes Scott shine. True inner beauty radiates from the sexy model when Rylan is in his life. I adored how Rylan handled Scott. Charms and bribes are ineffective with Rylan. His patience is epic and luckily for Scott, he is also steadily determined. Scott has forged a barricade around his heart but he gave a piece of it to Rylan years ago. Rylan has cherished and protected it and now that he has found the man again, he’s going to do the same for the stubborn broken man he never gave up on.
Beware of: Epic cliffhanger! It was brutal and if I wasn’t holding the second book in the wings of my Kindle, I would have been seriously grumpy. This should be treated as part one and I would advise you to plan on having part two ready.
This book is for: As I mentioned earlier, this is an amazing love story but it’s a far cry from romance. It’s choked full of deep emotions and pain but most of all, hope.
*4 stars*
Book UNfunk
February 20, 2018
***4.5 Stars***
Nooooooooooo, it can't end here!!!!! 😭😭😭
Something more resembling a review might come sometime later... 😩
Nooooooooooo, it can't end here!!!!! 😭😭😭
Something more resembling a review might come sometime later... 😩
February 6, 2017
Scott Ashworth grew up poor, as in double-wide trailer trash, drunken welfare mom, four stepsibs, flat broke, dirt poor. But what Scott has in abundance is sexual currency, with his startling green eyes coupled with dimples, broad shoulders and midnight black hair. Or as Scott says: “People wantin’ to look at me, and objectify me, is pretty much all I got goin’ for me.” When Scott is 17, his mother Heather marries long-hauler trucker Bob Mahoney who brings his son Rylan into the extended family. Rylan is the first person who offers Scott unconditional friendship and the stepbrothers grow very close in what is perhaps the first honest relationship Scott has ever had. But the night of Scott's 18th birthday, an overheard conversation changes everything and Scott abruptly leaves.
Six years later, Scott and Rylan again meet in Phoenix. Rylan has graduated from college and is working towards becoming a photojournalist while Scott is the hottest club host in the hottest gay club in town. But Scott realizes that with all his success, Rylan is the one person who had ever really known him:
Yes, this story ends in a cliffhanger ... but there is a blurb for the second book at the end of Book #1 that gives you a fairly good idea of what's going on, so don't let that discourage you from diving into this book. The plot grabs your interest as Hansen doles out bits of information about what Scott did after leaving home, and I can't wait to read Spectrum Nights Book #2!\
I received an ARC from NineStar Press in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
Six years later, Scott and Rylan again meet in Phoenix. Rylan has graduated from college and is working towards becoming a photojournalist while Scott is the hottest club host in the hottest gay club in town. But Scott realizes that with all his success, Rylan is the one person who had ever really known him:
Oh God, Scott wanted that. He wanted it so badly the need rose up and choked him with it, a strangled sob escaping from between his lips to echo in the empty kitchen. A friend, someone who’d seen the worst in him yet somehow still managed to suss out the best, someone whose kindness and compassion was bone-deep - not an act, not a front - just someone who’d once cared about Scott in the way he so desperately needed to be cared about. Unconditionally, with no judgment…The strength of Pieces of Me is how well Melanie Hansen develops her characters. Just when you think you know everything about Heather, Scott's horrific mother, Hansen unveils another layer and you find yourself in tears. Scott could very easily be a cardboard sex god, but his yearning for Rylan, and to be treated as something other than a commodity, will tear at your heart. Rylan's quiet understanding of his own mother and his compassion for Heather shows his integrity and compassion.
Yes, this story ends in a cliffhanger ... but there is a blurb for the second book at the end of Book #1 that gives you a fairly good idea of what's going on, so don't let that discourage you from diving into this book. The plot grabs your interest as Hansen doles out bits of information about what Scott did after leaving home, and I can't wait to read Spectrum Nights Book #2!\
I received an ARC from NineStar Press in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
April 26, 2017
Festival de angst, pero de los que a mi me gustan. No quiero contar nada de la historia de Scott y Rylan, es mejor que el lector lo haga poco a poco, tan solo comentar que hay muchos sentimientos, de todo tipo, amor, amistad, desesperanza, inseguridad, soledad... La autora sabe moverse muy bien en este campo, ya lo hizo excepcionalmente en Unquiet. No es una lectura fácil, pero es adictivo,mantiene la tensión durante todas las páginas, y desde el principio no puedes hacer más que desear que todo les vaya bien.
Los MC están muy bien dibujados, aunque a veces la carga de angst parece demasiada y sacada de un telefilm, pero Melanie consigue que se te olvide, hay muchísima ternura entre los dos. Entiendo que es fácil querer a Rylan, dulce, comprensivo, generoso, Scott es más complicado. A veces, encontramos gente en nuestras vidas con comportamientos que parecen inexcusables, en muchas ocasiones esas actitudes son consecuencia de algo y están en nosotros intentar empatizar y comprender el por qué de ello. No creo que Rylan se rebaje ante Scott, creo que Rylan es capaz de empatizar con él y lo que ha vivido, ver más allá, y eso no le convierte en alguien débil, al contrio, le convierte en alguien generoso y fundamentalmente, fuerte. A veces confundimos la compasión y el amor con la debilidad.
Quizás por cuestiones formales le daría cuatro estrella, pero el libro me ha despertado muchos sentimientos y eso es lo fundamental para mi cuando leo, así que le doy 5.
Los MC están muy bien dibujados, aunque a veces la carga de angst parece demasiada y sacada de un telefilm, pero Melanie consigue que se te olvide, hay muchísima ternura entre los dos. Entiendo que es fácil querer a Rylan, dulce, comprensivo, generoso, Scott es más complicado. A veces, encontramos gente en nuestras vidas con comportamientos que parecen inexcusables, en muchas ocasiones esas actitudes son consecuencia de algo y están en nosotros intentar empatizar y comprender el por qué de ello. No creo que Rylan se rebaje ante Scott, creo que Rylan es capaz de empatizar con él y lo que ha vivido, ver más allá, y eso no le convierte en alguien débil, al contrio, le convierte en alguien generoso y fundamentalmente, fuerte. A veces confundimos la compasión y el amor con la debilidad.
Quizás por cuestiones formales le daría cuatro estrella, pero el libro me ha despertado muchos sentimientos y eso es lo fundamental para mi cuando leo, así que le doy 5.
February 6, 2017
Pieces of Me by Melanie Hansen is the story of two step brothers who fall in love: Rylan and Scott. Rylan’s dad marries Scott’s alcoholic mom. They became friends, and from that friendship, deeper feelings grew. Life at home wasn’t easy-, especially for Scott. His mom was mentally and physically abusive. This story broke my heart.
My highlights:
-The plot and set up. I love that we’re getting their complete story. This first book is broken down into two sections- the first half takes place in high school and the second half takes place six years down the road.
-The angst. Melanie Hansen is giving Amy Lane a run for her money as the Queen of Angst. This book is not for the faint of heart. There were some instances I had to put my iPad down and catch my breath.
-The characters were well fleshed out.
-The pace of the story was smooth.
-Relationship development. Though we mainly only got half their love story -it was written realistically. The progression from step brothers, friends, hormonal teenagers, to more. And in the second half of the book- we see the beginning of what’s to come…
Now the end. The blurb informs us that it ends in a cliffhanger. I am normally not a fan of cliffhangers- at all. I took the plunge because it’s Melanie Hansen and she’s been on my Top 10 List the past two years. I also heard the second book is already written so the wait shouldn’t be long. Thank god!
Do I recommend it? Yes. Melanie Hansen has again given us two beautiful complex characters and laid the groundwork for what I’m sure will be an unforgettable love story.
May 2, 2019
Ahh, this book is difficult to rate. The description of this book is kind of misleading. This book is divided into two parts: when Scott and Rylan are 18 and younger and then the second half of the book takes place 6 years later when they are 24. The two parts of this book felt like two completely different books. I say this is difficult to rate because the first part of this book I would easily give a 5/5, I loved it so much. But the second half of this book I would probably give 2/5. I did not enjoy the second half of this book when Rylan and Scott are adults nearly as much as I enjoyed the first half.
The first half of this book is amazing. Scott is living in Florida in a trailer park with his abusive Mother and his four siblings, when Scott's Mom marries this new guy who has a son named Rylan who is his age. Rylan and his Dad move into their trailer and now they are one big happy family.. except things are a lot more complicated than that. Scott's Mom is known s the town "slut" and nobody thinks their marriage will last, Scott's Mom treats Scott like shit because he looks exactly like his Father who abandoned them, and Rylan is openly gay and shares a room with Scott. I absolutely loved seeing Scott and Rylan getting to know each other, and slowly falling for each other. It was the cutest shit ever and I shipped it so fucking hard. It kind of reminded me of one of my favorite books, Forbidden with the way they are sort of siblings and they re always forced to take care of their other siblings and act as parents to them, and their romance is forbidden in the sense that they are "family" even if they aren't related by blood. I just loved it so much and Rylan is easily a new all time favorite character of mine. He's so kind and caring and sweet and he honestly deserves better.
As much as I LOVED the first half of this book, I can't ignore the fact that I really DISLIKED the second half of this book. Also, the way the book jumps time periods from when they were 18 to when they are 24 felt so choppy and the characters didn't feel or sound the same. I know they are 6 years older, but they didn't even seem like they were the same people. The story seemed to focus way more on the gay club scene than it did on Scott and Rylan's relationship which was frustrating because I fell in love with the innocent romance between Scott and Rylan and then there wasn't hardly any of it at the end. Then the story ends on some ratchet cliff hanger that doesn't fit the mood of the rest of the story and it left me feeling confused...
It's such a shame because this book definitely had the potential to be a new all time favorite of mine. The beginning was SO SO SO GOOD. I can't emphasize enough how much I enjoyed reading about Rylan and Scott as teenagers, but everything went downhill after the time jump for me.
The first half of this book is amazing. Scott is living in Florida in a trailer park with his abusive Mother and his four siblings, when Scott's Mom marries this new guy who has a son named Rylan who is his age. Rylan and his Dad move into their trailer and now they are one big happy family.. except things are a lot more complicated than that. Scott's Mom is known s the town "slut" and nobody thinks their marriage will last, Scott's Mom treats Scott like shit because he looks exactly like his Father who abandoned them, and Rylan is openly gay and shares a room with Scott. I absolutely loved seeing Scott and Rylan getting to know each other, and slowly falling for each other. It was the cutest shit ever and I shipped it so fucking hard. It kind of reminded me of one of my favorite books, Forbidden with the way they are sort of siblings and they re always forced to take care of their other siblings and act as parents to them, and their romance is forbidden in the sense that they are "family" even if they aren't related by blood. I just loved it so much and Rylan is easily a new all time favorite character of mine. He's so kind and caring and sweet and he honestly deserves better.
As much as I LOVED the first half of this book, I can't ignore the fact that I really DISLIKED the second half of this book. Also, the way the book jumps time periods from when they were 18 to when they are 24 felt so choppy and the characters didn't feel or sound the same. I know they are 6 years older, but they didn't even seem like they were the same people. The story seemed to focus way more on the gay club scene than it did on Scott and Rylan's relationship which was frustrating because I fell in love with the innocent romance between Scott and Rylan and then there wasn't hardly any of it at the end. Then the story ends on some ratchet cliff hanger that doesn't fit the mood of the rest of the story and it left me feeling confused...
It's such a shame because this book definitely had the potential to be a new all time favorite of mine. The beginning was SO SO SO GOOD. I can't emphasize enough how much I enjoyed reading about Rylan and Scott as teenagers, but everything went downhill after the time jump for me.
February 6, 2017
Warning: Underage sexual interaction, mentions of abuse, cliffhanger ending. - As mentioned on publisher's website.
Review:
Pieces of Me is Book one in Melanie Hansen's new series Spectrum Nights. The MC are Scott Ashworth and his stepbrother Rylan Mahoney.
Scott has always been thought of as a beautiful man, adored for his looks and shunned for his poor upbringing. Rylan Mahoney, he had a family. Until his mom disappeared. Then one day his dad remarries and now he has a drunk stepmom, 4 younger stepsiblings and Scott - the hottie as a slightly older stepbrother.
In the beginning, these two are brought together, their senior year of high school when Rylans dad marries the town tramp, Scott's mom. Their relationship is one of being thrown together and making the best of it while surviving the drunkenness and physical/mental abuse of Scott's mom, who only acts halfway decent to Scott when her new husband is home. Since Rylans dad is a long haul trucker, Scott and Rylan lean on each other to survive along with their younger step siblings.
These two are friends first and Scott sticks up for Rylan at school when Rylan decides he wants to be out at his new school. It's during those crazy nights, in a double wide trailer located in small town Florida that Scott first let's his desires show. Having only slept with girls thus far, Scott accepts his attraction to guys as well.
To sum it up.
They are friends - New stepbrother's.
They are young. They are horny.
They explore together. Feelings grow.
When family secrets are revealed it is too much for Scott to deal. On the night of his 18th bday he leaves. Taking Rylans heart.
Fast forward six years...
Scott Ashworth the beautiful man is monopolizing on his looks while working at a premier gay club in Arizona. He has kept his heart hardened and hooks up with any man or woman that is willing. During Pride, he is driving home and sees a man walking down the street in tiny gold briefs and a crop top. This man is heading straight towards trouble, so Scott pulls his car over to help. The man walking down the street, is Rylan.
What is Rylan doing in Arizona?
After these two catch up - Scott attempts to pursue hooking up with Rylan. However, Rylan puts the breaks on.
Will these two get back to the budding relationship they had before Scott left? Well, we are left wondering because as the warning stated this is a cliffhanger. But its okay because its in a good spot. I am hoping now that the ground work is laid we can get to the nitty gritty of the story in book 2. I really can't wait to see what happens between these two.
Overall - 4 Stars for part one of Scott and Rylans story.
Review Copy of Pieces of Me provided by NineStar Press for an honest Review.
Review:
Pieces of Me is Book one in Melanie Hansen's new series Spectrum Nights. The MC are Scott Ashworth and his stepbrother Rylan Mahoney.
Scott has always been thought of as a beautiful man, adored for his looks and shunned for his poor upbringing. Rylan Mahoney, he had a family. Until his mom disappeared. Then one day his dad remarries and now he has a drunk stepmom, 4 younger stepsiblings and Scott - the hottie as a slightly older stepbrother.
In the beginning, these two are brought together, their senior year of high school when Rylans dad marries the town tramp, Scott's mom. Their relationship is one of being thrown together and making the best of it while surviving the drunkenness and physical/mental abuse of Scott's mom, who only acts halfway decent to Scott when her new husband is home. Since Rylans dad is a long haul trucker, Scott and Rylan lean on each other to survive along with their younger step siblings.
These two are friends first and Scott sticks up for Rylan at school when Rylan decides he wants to be out at his new school. It's during those crazy nights, in a double wide trailer located in small town Florida that Scott first let's his desires show. Having only slept with girls thus far, Scott accepts his attraction to guys as well.
To sum it up.
They are friends - New stepbrother's.
They are young. They are horny.
They explore together. Feelings grow.
When family secrets are revealed it is too much for Scott to deal. On the night of his 18th bday he leaves. Taking Rylans heart.
Fast forward six years...
Scott Ashworth the beautiful man is monopolizing on his looks while working at a premier gay club in Arizona. He has kept his heart hardened and hooks up with any man or woman that is willing. During Pride, he is driving home and sees a man walking down the street in tiny gold briefs and a crop top. This man is heading straight towards trouble, so Scott pulls his car over to help. The man walking down the street, is Rylan.
What is Rylan doing in Arizona?
After these two catch up - Scott attempts to pursue hooking up with Rylan. However, Rylan puts the breaks on.
Will these two get back to the budding relationship they had before Scott left? Well, we are left wondering because as the warning stated this is a cliffhanger. But its okay because its in a good spot. I am hoping now that the ground work is laid we can get to the nitty gritty of the story in book 2. I really can't wait to see what happens between these two.
Overall - 4 Stars for part one of Scott and Rylans story.
Review Copy of Pieces of Me provided by NineStar Press for an honest Review.
July 9, 2017
3.5 Stars!
This series started out as a 5 star series. I loved when Scott and Rylan met as step brothers. How their friendship developed. How they became to mean more to each other.
It was still hard to read at times. And then things take a turn. And I found myself losing my connection. No doubt Scott had a shitty home life. But gah he was such an ass to Rylan.
This was not an easy read. It was angsty. It was heavy. And there really isn't any romance to be found in this first book.
Let's not forget that ending. It sucked.
I waited to read this series until both books were out. But I think that might've been a mistake....reading them back to back was just too much.
This series started out as a 5 star series. I loved when Scott and Rylan met as step brothers. How their friendship developed. How they became to mean more to each other.
It was still hard to read at times. And then things take a turn. And I found myself losing my connection. No doubt Scott had a shitty home life. But gah he was such an ass to Rylan.
This was not an easy read. It was angsty. It was heavy. And there really isn't any romance to be found in this first book.
Let's not forget that ending. It sucked.
I waited to read this series until both books were out. But I think that might've been a mistake....reading them back to back was just too much.
April 2, 2017
*** 4.5 Stars ***
"I remember everything about you, Ry. You're my best memory."
I'll be honest, I prefer my romance novels to have sex in them. How much sex and the type of sex depends on my mood, but I always want at least a little. I also hate cliffhangers - especially when I'm not expecting them. I want to feel like I'm getting a complete story for my money and cliffhangers, by their very definition, leave readers with a hell of a lot of loose ends.
This book had no sex and one hell of a cliffhanger.
Now ask me if I care.
I don't. Not even a little bit.
What this book did have - in spades - was an intensity of feeling and fantastic, flawed, three-dimensional characters that dragged me into their life, gripped me by the throat, and didn't let go for 242 pages. I cared about what happened to these characters. I felt their pain, their loss, their struggle for hope, and their acceptance that sometimes life just 'is what it is.' I reveled in Rylan's sweetness, his down to the bone kindness, but I understood Scott's shaky sense of self-worth and jaded views on life and love.
These are characters that will stay with me. They've burrowed into my heart and I'm invested now. Both men have some serious work to do in the next book if they are going to end up together and happy, but I believe in them.
"I remember everything about you, Ry. You're my best memory."
I'll be honest, I prefer my romance novels to have sex in them. How much sex and the type of sex depends on my mood, but I always want at least a little. I also hate cliffhangers - especially when I'm not expecting them. I want to feel like I'm getting a complete story for my money and cliffhangers, by their very definition, leave readers with a hell of a lot of loose ends.
This book had no sex and one hell of a cliffhanger.
Now ask me if I care.
I don't. Not even a little bit.
What this book did have - in spades - was an intensity of feeling and fantastic, flawed, three-dimensional characters that dragged me into their life, gripped me by the throat, and didn't let go for 242 pages. I cared about what happened to these characters. I felt their pain, their loss, their struggle for hope, and their acceptance that sometimes life just 'is what it is.' I reveled in Rylan's sweetness, his down to the bone kindness, but I understood Scott's shaky sense of self-worth and jaded views on life and love.
These are characters that will stay with me. They've burrowed into my heart and I'm invested now. Both men have some serious work to do in the next book if they are going to end up together and happy, but I believe in them.
April 26, 2017
First part of Scott and Rylan’s story. These 2 met at an early age and had to live together when Rylan’s father married Scott’s mother and lived together in a trailer. Not an easy life.
Scott’s mother is an alcoholic, a slut and lives mainly on welfare, with four children. Not the Mom of the year at all. She resents Scott and abuses him verbally on a regular basis. Not only has Scott to deal with that, with a lot of insecurities and rage bubbling inside him, but also with the disparaging comments from the others. However, Scott has one weapon : his astounding looks. And he uses them to go through life, like a coat of armour.
Rylan, on the contrary, is just the average guy, but he’s strong, very strong : not hiding he’s gay, ready to befriend Gabriel, outcasted because she/he’s different, and also Scott, caring for the others even if it can hurt him.
For a short time, they learned to know each other and see beyond the obvious, but then, all fall apart and Scott leaves.
A few years later, Rylan stumbled on Scott. Scott is no more poor but still relies on his looks for a living but deep inside him, still believes he’s trash. As for Rylan, he’s trying to build a career as a photojournalist.
The relationship they starting building together when young resumes, quite on shaky grounds but still…it’s there.
And, and, and,….BAM : end of the first part. This story has been cut into 2 books. So glad I waited the release of book 2 or I would have been very, very mad for the interruption. No way I agree to go through so much angst if there is no reward at the end.
Full review once I have finished See My Words. So far, I give 4 stars. Let’s see if it keeps being good.
Scott’s mother is an alcoholic, a slut and lives mainly on welfare, with four children. Not the Mom of the year at all. She resents Scott and abuses him verbally on a regular basis. Not only has Scott to deal with that, with a lot of insecurities and rage bubbling inside him, but also with the disparaging comments from the others. However, Scott has one weapon : his astounding looks. And he uses them to go through life, like a coat of armour.
Rylan, on the contrary, is just the average guy, but he’s strong, very strong : not hiding he’s gay, ready to befriend Gabriel, outcasted because she/he’s different, and also Scott, caring for the others even if it can hurt him.
For a short time, they learned to know each other and see beyond the obvious, but then, all fall apart and Scott leaves.
A few years later, Rylan stumbled on Scott. Scott is no more poor but still relies on his looks for a living but deep inside him, still believes he’s trash. As for Rylan, he’s trying to build a career as a photojournalist.
The relationship they starting building together when young resumes, quite on shaky grounds but still…it’s there.
And, and, and,….BAM : end of the first part. This story has been cut into 2 books. So glad I waited the release of book 2 or I would have been very, very mad for the interruption. No way I agree to go through so much angst if there is no reward at the end.
Full review once I have finished See My Words. So far, I give 4 stars. Let’s see if it keeps being good.
April 24, 2017
I've been circling this book for awhile now. I like this author a lot and I liked the overall plot of the blurb but I'm adamantly against stepbrother books. Not at all my jam. BUT.....a GR friend I trust said I needed to give it a try so off I went. I'm happy I did because I ended up really liking this book. The first half is when they're teenagers and we see how they meet and the course of their friendship. While their parents do marry it's a short lived thing. In the course of their parent's crazy the two guys become close friends and then begin falling in love with each other.
Things happen. Bad things. And then the story jumps to 6 years down the road when they meet again. They're in a weird place. They know each other so well and yet not at all. And while life has been pretty decent to Ryland, Scott can't necessarily say the thing. The story ends in a bit of a cliffhanger so I'm glad I already have the second one on deck.
I ended up liking this a lot. It was full of feelz. Lot's of hurt/comfort which is my favorite.
(It was pretty hot too tbh and I had to push from my mind that they were only teenagers so I wouldn't feel like a total perv.)
Things happen. Bad things. And then the story jumps to 6 years down the road when they meet again. They're in a weird place. They know each other so well and yet not at all. And while life has been pretty decent to Ryland, Scott can't necessarily say the thing. The story ends in a bit of a cliffhanger so I'm glad I already have the second one on deck.
I ended up liking this a lot. It was full of feelz. Lot's of hurt/comfort which is my favorite.
(It was pretty hot too tbh and I had to push from my mind that they were only teenagers so I wouldn't feel like a total perv.)
May 14, 2021
⭐️ 4.25 ⭐️
This is not a romance. But it is a love story in progress, and it is romantic (imo). I love Hansen’s writing and the way she builds the MCs.
Scott and Rylan’s story continuing in the next book ⭐️
This is not a romance. But it is a love story in progress, and it is romantic (imo). I love Hansen’s writing and the way she builds the MCs.
Scott and Rylan’s story continuing in the next book ⭐️
August 18, 2018
I don’t know if i love it or hate it I mean this was tiresome.
Scott is the big brother of 5, he’s 17 years old, too young to be a father and a mother in the same time but he's struggling hard.
Rylan is the son of the new stepdad who married Scott’s mother in secret while they only known each other for few days.
Quickly these two boys became close. Same age, same school, same bedroom. They shared everything. Especially the parenting role that Scott’s mother doesn’t handle and Rylan’s father either because he’s a truck driver so he’s never there.
I really love the first part of this book because these two boys was interesting.
Scott is like an orphan. I mean he never had a father and his mother is kind of awful. Even after reading her story I did not forgive her anything. Her children did not deserved that. And there is no point in making children if we can not take care of them . It's just cruel. I hated this woman so much. Selfish, egocentric, the world revolves around her suffering. What about her children’s suffering? She just didn’t care. She is resting on her older son which is ignoble. And the worst? She an ungrateful b****. She lowers her child, who does it serious? She has created a child who has no confidence in his abilities, who thinks that only his beauty and his body count. Scott never had a father and his mother did not stop mistreating him. School is not easy and home is worse. This boy is amazing and I liked him a lot in the first part until he left.
Rylan, who has always been an only child, quickly became a big part of the house. He became Scott's backer and took a lot of the house's loads on his shoulders. He has developed an incredible friendship with "G", one of his friends in high school. I really love this two! They were fun and what Rylan did to help "G" was unforgettable. One of the best thing i’ve ever seen.
As the weeks went by, Scott and Rylan became close. Friendship has given way to a mutual attraction. Sharing the same room, some desires were quickly satiated. Until Scott left.
It was the turning point of this book for me because I did not like the rest .
My first question was: who will take care of the children?. I know it's not Scott's role but it's not Rylan's either. To leave knowing that everything would rest on Rylan, well it annoyed me. For weeks Rylan has been alone in this house with siblings who fell on him without a warning. Who wasn't his blood but he didn't give up and took care of them.
A few years later we find our two boys in Phoenix. Scott using his body as usual. At the same time, that's all he’s learned to do.
And Rylan who became a photographer as he always wanted. Rylan is broke so he took a small job to pay the rent. He met Scott and he proposed him a permanent job. Seing each other everyday revived feelings but the way to find each other is still very long.
This book ended on a cliffhanger. I definitely did not expected it haha. But it was predictable with Scott's way of life, that's one of the questions I asked myself when I knew about his job. I want to see them rebuild everything. I hope that I will regain the love I had for Scott (i love him! but less than the beginning) even if on one hand I understood his choice, on the other I asked myself all along this book "where are your brothers and sisters?" And the fact that it was up to Rylan to give you news of everyone, to take care of your brothers and sisters, irritated me a little. Leave your ignorant mom ok but your brothers and sisters without even call back to get news of their lives? No. If he hadn't accidentally re-crossed Rylan he would have lived his life alone without trying to reconnect? That's really what bothered me in this part.
But this book is great! I would read more of them;)
Scott is the big brother of 5, he’s 17 years old, too young to be a father and a mother in the same time but he's struggling hard.
Rylan is the son of the new stepdad who married Scott’s mother in secret while they only known each other for few days.
Quickly these two boys became close. Same age, same school, same bedroom. They shared everything. Especially the parenting role that Scott’s mother doesn’t handle and Rylan’s father either because he’s a truck driver so he’s never there.
I really love the first part of this book because these two boys was interesting.
Scott is like an orphan. I mean he never had a father and his mother is kind of awful. Even after reading her story I did not forgive her anything. Her children did not deserved that. And there is no point in making children if we can not take care of them . It's just cruel. I hated this woman so much. Selfish, egocentric, the world revolves around her suffering. What about her children’s suffering? She just didn’t care. She is resting on her older son which is ignoble. And the worst? She an ungrateful b****. She lowers her child, who does it serious? She has created a child who has no confidence in his abilities, who thinks that only his beauty and his body count. Scott never had a father and his mother did not stop mistreating him. School is not easy and home is worse. This boy is amazing and I liked him a lot in the first part until he left.
Rylan, who has always been an only child, quickly became a big part of the house. He became Scott's backer and took a lot of the house's loads on his shoulders. He has developed an incredible friendship with "G", one of his friends in high school. I really love this two! They were fun and what Rylan did to help "G" was unforgettable. One of the best thing i’ve ever seen.
As the weeks went by, Scott and Rylan became close. Friendship has given way to a mutual attraction. Sharing the same room, some desires were quickly satiated. Until Scott left.
It was the turning point of this book for me because I did not like the rest .
My first question was: who will take care of the children?. I know it's not Scott's role but it's not Rylan's either. To leave knowing that everything would rest on Rylan, well it annoyed me. For weeks Rylan has been alone in this house with siblings who fell on him without a warning. Who wasn't his blood but he didn't give up and took care of them.
A few years later we find our two boys in Phoenix. Scott using his body as usual. At the same time, that's all he’s learned to do.
And Rylan who became a photographer as he always wanted. Rylan is broke so he took a small job to pay the rent. He met Scott and he proposed him a permanent job. Seing each other everyday revived feelings but the way to find each other is still very long.
This book ended on a cliffhanger. I definitely did not expected it haha. But it was predictable with Scott's way of life, that's one of the questions I asked myself when I knew about his job. I want to see them rebuild everything. I hope that I will regain the love I had for Scott (i love him! but less than the beginning) even if on one hand I understood his choice, on the other I asked myself all along this book "where are your brothers and sisters?" And the fact that it was up to Rylan to give you news of everyone, to take care of your brothers and sisters, irritated me a little. Leave your ignorant mom ok but your brothers and sisters without even call back to get news of their lives? No. If he hadn't accidentally re-crossed Rylan he would have lived his life alone without trying to reconnect? That's really what bothered me in this part.
But this book is great! I would read more of them;)
April 2, 2021
2 Stars
That was not what I expected 😖 I assume it has to be me and not the book based on how much everyone else loved this.
I have read all of Hansen's books and loved them all...except for this series. To say I'm floored is an understatement. I'm struggling to pinpoint why, other than the fact that the writing style didn't feel the same at all. When I think of Hansen's books, I think of great character development, slow burn, emotion, and angst. This lacked all of that IMO.
Although I definitely preferred the first half of the book to the second half, neither one amazed me. In the first half, the pacing was off, the sexual relationship seemed to come out of nowhere, there wasn't enough emotion attached to Scott's horrible mother/absent father until the end of the first half, and I didn't feel the connection between Scott and Rylan. Then the second half came and it felt like an entirely different book with entirely different characters. I realize that it was six years later and they both obviously grew up, but they didn't even feel like the same people. I understand that is intentional for Scott's character (as I'm sure that will be explored in book two and he will be redeemed), but there was nothing redeeming about him here. In fact, he was really just an asshole. On top of that, the way they found each other was laughably unrealistic but I digress.
I feel like I was never given a reason to care about Scott and Rylan. Obviously, their family history/trauma is sad but it didn't have the emotional impact that it should have. I would also like to know if Scott ever thought about his younger half-siblings again after Honestly, the best part of this book, in my opinion, was Gabriel, a trans boy in high school that Rylan became best friends with and helped survive the transphobia of Gabriel's parents and bullies at school.
I'm going to finish the series but I'm not optimistic about it, sadly.
Series:
Book 1: Pieces of Me → 2 Stars
Book 2: See My Words → read
That was not what I expected 😖 I assume it has to be me and not the book based on how much everyone else loved this.
I have read all of Hansen's books and loved them all...except for this series. To say I'm floored is an understatement. I'm struggling to pinpoint why, other than the fact that the writing style didn't feel the same at all. When I think of Hansen's books, I think of great character development, slow burn, emotion, and angst. This lacked all of that IMO.
Although I definitely preferred the first half of the book to the second half, neither one amazed me. In the first half, the pacing was off, the sexual relationship seemed to come out of nowhere, there wasn't enough emotion attached to Scott's horrible mother/absent father until the end of the first half, and I didn't feel the connection between Scott and Rylan. Then the second half came and it felt like an entirely different book with entirely different characters. I realize that it was six years later and they both obviously grew up, but they didn't even feel like the same people. I understand that is intentional for Scott's character (as I'm sure that will be explored in book two and he will be redeemed), but there was nothing redeeming about him here. In fact, he was really just an asshole. On top of that, the way they found each other was laughably unrealistic but I digress.
I feel like I was never given a reason to care about Scott and Rylan. Obviously, their family history/trauma is sad but it didn't have the emotional impact that it should have. I would also like to know if Scott ever thought about his younger half-siblings again after Honestly, the best part of this book, in my opinion, was Gabriel, a trans boy in high school that Rylan became best friends with and helped survive the transphobia of Gabriel's parents and bullies at school.
I'm going to finish the series but I'm not optimistic about it, sadly.
Series:
Book 1: Pieces of Me → 2 Stars
Book 2: See My Words → read
February 7, 2017
I read the blurb for this, and thought it would be, if not different exactly, maybe not as good ? I don't know if that even makes sense ? but this was a lovely, emotional read - a kind of coming of age self discovery tale of 3 boys. Step brothers Scott and Ryland, and Ryland's friend G.
Fast forward 8 years and Scott and Ryland reconnect and start to rebuild their relationship.
It's part of a series, and ends with a cliff hanger (which is so not my thing) and had I known that I probably wouldn't have read it, so I'm glad I didn't because its a lovely book.
Looking forward to the next one !
Fast forward 8 years and Scott and Ryland reconnect and start to rebuild their relationship.
It's part of a series, and ends with a cliff hanger (which is so not my thing) and had I known that I probably wouldn't have read it, so I'm glad I didn't because its a lovely book.
Looking forward to the next one !
February 7, 2017
3.5 stars
From the blurb itself, I didn't expect half the book to be focusing on the early days when Scott and Rylan spent a short time living together as step siblings at the trailer park. I don't mind reading about coming of age story focusing on barely legal teenage boys, but Scott's childhood is seriously depressing. His mum hates him and make his life hell, the only thing Scott had going for him is his pretty face, which he is using it to all his advantage.
Sweet and naive Rylan came into Scott's life when his dad got married with Scott's alcoholic mother. As oppose to Scott's jaded view on life, Rylan still possess the naivety and purity in him. Rylan is not only courageous to be out as gay but possess the goodness to help others in need. We got to witness how Scott and Rylan's start developing a fragile bond between them due to their problematic family problems.
I'm one of those readers who prefer to focus on the now and knowing that Scott and Rylan will be separated and reunite again in their adulthood, I prefer not to dwell too much reading on their past. By half way mark, I finally got to the part whereby Scott is now the social media celebrity, hosting parties and basically very successful and glamorous on the surface. Meanwhile, Rylan is down on his luck, trying to make ends meet and working on his career as a photojournalist.
Their reunion is pretty much lukewarm as expected because is not as if they are long lost lovers. They no longer the lost teenage boys huddle up together anymore. However, is a second chance for Scott and Rylan to explore their feelings once again. Will Scott finally realize what he needs in his life is someone who see beneath his pretty face?
Honestly, there isn't much of a romance development in this book 1, which is the main reason I didn't rate this much higher. I felt like too much ground work had been lay, but I'm not hook yet. Hopefully the sequel will be much better for me.
From the blurb itself, I didn't expect half the book to be focusing on the early days when Scott and Rylan spent a short time living together as step siblings at the trailer park. I don't mind reading about coming of age story focusing on barely legal teenage boys, but Scott's childhood is seriously depressing. His mum hates him and make his life hell, the only thing Scott had going for him is his pretty face, which he is using it to all his advantage.
Sweet and naive Rylan came into Scott's life when his dad got married with Scott's alcoholic mother. As oppose to Scott's jaded view on life, Rylan still possess the naivety and purity in him. Rylan is not only courageous to be out as gay but possess the goodness to help others in need. We got to witness how Scott and Rylan's start developing a fragile bond between them due to their problematic family problems.
I'm one of those readers who prefer to focus on the now and knowing that Scott and Rylan will be separated and reunite again in their adulthood, I prefer not to dwell too much reading on their past. By half way mark, I finally got to the part whereby Scott is now the social media celebrity, hosting parties and basically very successful and glamorous on the surface. Meanwhile, Rylan is down on his luck, trying to make ends meet and working on his career as a photojournalist.
Their reunion is pretty much lukewarm as expected because is not as if they are long lost lovers. They no longer the lost teenage boys huddle up together anymore. However, is a second chance for Scott and Rylan to explore their feelings once again. Will Scott finally realize what he needs in his life is someone who see beneath his pretty face?
Honestly, there isn't much of a romance development in this book 1, which is the main reason I didn't rate this much higher. I felt like too much ground work had been lay, but I'm not hook yet. Hopefully the sequel will be much better for me.
April 24, 2017
4.5 STARS I have been waiting to read this book for so long, but I am the type of reader that the cliffhanger would make me crazy. I read this book in one day, I just could not put it down. It's definitely not a light story, both M/C's especially Scott had lots of issues to deal with. This is the first book in a two part series and I have yet to finish book two, I am so invested in their story. This first book is broken into two parts the teen years then when Rylan & Scott meet up by chance again six years later. Everything about them is quite different from the start yet they share common upbringing. From appearance one would think Scott- the perfect one would be self assured & secure, when it was actually the opposite. Rylan melts my heart in both this book and from what I have read of book two, he is always true to who himself, he finds looks for the good in everyone, brings out the best in people. He is strong for those around him. I could not put this book down - on to finish book two.
April 4, 2017
***This is the first of a new series by the Author, and does end on a cliffie, so if they’re not your thing, I’d suggest you wait until at least book 2, See my Words, which hopefully is out in April 2017. I certainly wasn’t expecting the abrupt ending, but this woman’s writing is so damn good, I’ve forgiven her already ;) This is also a YA/NA story***
Toxic doesn’t even begin to describe Scott Ashworth’s life as trailer trash in Florida, but luckily for him, he had the looks of a film star, could bed anyone he chose (male or female) and talk his way out of potentially difficult situations. His mother Heather, the town slut and a pretty good drunk too, spews her vitriol at him every chance she gets. She blames him for ruining her life; she was tricked into giving up her virginity by his ‘Navy pilot’ of a sperm donor when she was just 16, and he made sure that everyone knew she’d finally given it up…good Christian girl that she was. She was thrown out by her religious harridan of a mother, and has been left to her own devices ever since. Who could blame Scott for being shallow, not trusting anyone and building walls around himself with her as a role model?? In her early 30’s, she’s had more kids by different men and spends her days smoking like a chimney, drinking like a fish and bedding as many men as she can…until one day when Scott is 17, a guy turns up with his teenage son Rylan in tow, and Scott is gobsmacked to learn that Heather and the guy Bob are married and Rylan is his new, younger stepbrother.
Rylan....I loved him from the get-go. He was kind, caring, brave, and trustworthy and wanted to be Scott’s friend…cos Scott was in dire need of true friends. Truth be told, Scott was fascinated by Rylan (and vice versa, Scott was Rylan’s first everything...almost), and they desperately needed each other. They grew closer and that all imploded when….well, I’ll leave you to discover what happens when they meet unexpectedly 6 years later in Phoenix, Arizona....but I will say drag queens are involved and I absolutely LOVED this story!!
December 20, 2016
I'll add the cover to this after the official cover reveal, and probably write something a bit more, but for now.
Let me just tell you...
Melanie brings it in all aspects. She's a pleasure to work with and her writing is fab. Heat, dashes of angst, awesomeness... the usual for her, I've heard ;)
Edit
I know some people are wary of the cliffhanger, but just a note for you:
- The blurb for book 2 is at the end of book 1. If you read the blurb, it should help with any anxiety from the cliffhanger.
- Book 2 is already written and will follow this one shortly after :)
Let me just tell you...
Melanie brings it in all aspects. She's a pleasure to work with and her writing is fab. Heat, dashes of angst, awesomeness... the usual for her, I've heard ;)
Edit
I know some people are wary of the cliffhanger, but just a note for you:
- The blurb for book 2 is at the end of book 1. If you read the blurb, it should help with any anxiety from the cliffhanger.
- Book 2 is already written and will follow this one shortly after :)
September 29, 2019
No, just no, I kinda hated this book. The first half was sort of cute, it had potential. Then they “grow up” and it goes downhill from there.
February 6, 2017
5 + Stars!!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ****
Scott Ashworth lives in a small town on the Florida Panhandle with his half siblings and their alcoholic mother, who is also the town whore. Scott is beautiful and discovered at a young age that his beauty could work to his advantage, except for where his mother is concerned. Scott is the spitting image of his father, who abandoned them before he was ever born. All his mother sees when she looks at Scott is his father and for this reason alone she hates Scott, and she doesn't keep her feelings a secret from anyone, including Scott. Scott comes home from school one day to discover he suddenly has not only new stepfather, but a stepbrother, as well.
Rylan Mahoney grew up in a completely different environment than Scott. He had two parents who loved and supported him, until his mother suddenly disappeared from their lives. Rylan and his father are both devastated by his mother leaving, but his father feels he's finally found happiness again with Scott's mother. As time passes Scott and Rylan become closer, eventually becoming friends as well as confidants. Slowly, their feelings begin to deepen and turn into much more than friendship. But when secrets are revealed, Scott runs away, leaving Rylan on his own. Six years later they are shocked to stumble into one another, both of them now living on the other side of the country.
I wish I could give this book more than 5 Stars, because I think it deserves so much more. There are moments when you close a book after reading it, and you know the words you put in your review will never do justice to the words you just read. Closing Pieces of Me was one of those moments, but I'll give this review my best shot.
I'm always astonished when I read something by Melanie Hansen, and realize she's only been writing for a few short years. She is such a gifted storyteller and always manages to pull me into her characters' lives and make me feel. I felt the hurt, sadness, frustration, anguish, anger and love that Scott and Rylan felt.
This book is so well-written and I loved that I got to know Scott and Rylan as teenagers and witness what they experienced. Most authors give you a prologue, some flashbacks or maybe just tell you what happened in the past, but there is nothing like getting to see it first hand. The first half of this book is written during Scott and Rylan's teenage years, before we move to the present. I loved watching Scott and Rylan's relationship grow and change. As teenagers and as adults, when they finally meet up again and get reacquainted with one another, the chemistry between them is undeniable. They had a bond and trust with each other that they shared with no one else. These two young men were damaged in different, yet similar ways. Scott and Rylan find comfort in each other's arms and it's a beautiful, yet heartbreaking thing to watch.
I loved the storyline and the book flowed well. The characters are both likable, even though Scott came off as a twat, you know it's out of hurt and fear of being hurt further. We are told that the book ends in a cliffhanger, so that was no surprise, I just really hope Ms. Hansen is typing fast, because I need to see where Scott and Rylan's journey will lead them. Hopefully to a HEA. I can't recommend this book enough. Go one-click it. You won't regret it!!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ****
Scott Ashworth lives in a small town on the Florida Panhandle with his half siblings and their alcoholic mother, who is also the town whore. Scott is beautiful and discovered at a young age that his beauty could work to his advantage, except for where his mother is concerned. Scott is the spitting image of his father, who abandoned them before he was ever born. All his mother sees when she looks at Scott is his father and for this reason alone she hates Scott, and she doesn't keep her feelings a secret from anyone, including Scott. Scott comes home from school one day to discover he suddenly has not only new stepfather, but a stepbrother, as well.
Rylan Mahoney grew up in a completely different environment than Scott. He had two parents who loved and supported him, until his mother suddenly disappeared from their lives. Rylan and his father are both devastated by his mother leaving, but his father feels he's finally found happiness again with Scott's mother. As time passes Scott and Rylan become closer, eventually becoming friends as well as confidants. Slowly, their feelings begin to deepen and turn into much more than friendship. But when secrets are revealed, Scott runs away, leaving Rylan on his own. Six years later they are shocked to stumble into one another, both of them now living on the other side of the country.
I wish I could give this book more than 5 Stars, because I think it deserves so much more. There are moments when you close a book after reading it, and you know the words you put in your review will never do justice to the words you just read. Closing Pieces of Me was one of those moments, but I'll give this review my best shot.
I'm always astonished when I read something by Melanie Hansen, and realize she's only been writing for a few short years. She is such a gifted storyteller and always manages to pull me into her characters' lives and make me feel. I felt the hurt, sadness, frustration, anguish, anger and love that Scott and Rylan felt.
This book is so well-written and I loved that I got to know Scott and Rylan as teenagers and witness what they experienced. Most authors give you a prologue, some flashbacks or maybe just tell you what happened in the past, but there is nothing like getting to see it first hand. The first half of this book is written during Scott and Rylan's teenage years, before we move to the present. I loved watching Scott and Rylan's relationship grow and change. As teenagers and as adults, when they finally meet up again and get reacquainted with one another, the chemistry between them is undeniable. They had a bond and trust with each other that they shared with no one else. These two young men were damaged in different, yet similar ways. Scott and Rylan find comfort in each other's arms and it's a beautiful, yet heartbreaking thing to watch.
I loved the storyline and the book flowed well. The characters are both likable, even though Scott came off as a twat, you know it's out of hurt and fear of being hurt further. We are told that the book ends in a cliffhanger, so that was no surprise, I just really hope Ms. Hansen is typing fast, because I need to see where Scott and Rylan's journey will lead them. Hopefully to a HEA. I can't recommend this book enough. Go one-click it. You won't regret it!!
February 19, 2017
This was so well written. It broke my heart into pieces.. Damn that cliffhanger.. now i have to wait for the 2nd book
Want to read
March 5, 2017$3.25, 50% off at smashwords now! https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
June 24, 2017
I have loved every book Melanie Hansen has written and this joins the list. Scott and Rylan are fascinating characters, moreso Scott. He was frequently an utter jerk but how could he help it? Yet he had tenderness and empathy for anyone out of the norm and looked down on for it. Rylan is far more cerebral and has a core of inner strength that he desperately needed. His Dad was kind of an idiot but I think Rylan inherited his giving heart, if not the rose colored glasses. It did have alternating POV's, which is ideal for this tale of two such disparate characters.
Of course, I'm anxious to learn more of Scott's survival over those intervening six years. Of course there's the big cliffhanger too. Is it Lance? One of his multitude of admirers? Thank goodness I waited till after the second book came out. I'm hoping too, that we'll find out what happened to the other kids. I thought it strange that Scott never even asked Rylan about them.
Onward to book two...
Of course, I'm anxious to learn more of Scott's survival over those intervening six years. Of course there's the big cliffhanger too. Is it Lance? One of his multitude of admirers? Thank goodness I waited till after the second book came out. I'm hoping too, that we'll find out what happened to the other kids. I thought it strange that Scott never even asked Rylan about them.
Onward to book two...
March 23, 2017
Pieces of me got me out of my book hole and I was in pretty deep! I love love love books that provide history between the MC's. Add to the fact that the boys are stepbrothers brings in a taboo factor but it didn't feel taboo...it actually all felt very organic.
Scott was a character that depicted loneliness while in a room full of friends. He never had any real relationships with those around him other than Rylan. He was in constant search for validation and meaning but never really found it. Rylan was truly the only person he could be himself with.
Rylan is the kind of person you can call on and never doubt that he will be there. He is loyal and true and he loves Scott. Scott betrayed him when they were in Highschool and yet, six years later he can only recall the good times they had. Sure, he holds resentment but he realizes that Scott is one of the only people that he can trust with his secrets - and he loves him for that.
I'm mad at myself for waiting so long to read this but I'm glad I finally did. There is low steam, but this isn't really about that. It's about history, relationships and trust! I can't wait for book 2! (This ends on a cliffhanger)
On to the next!
Scott was a character that depicted loneliness while in a room full of friends. He never had any real relationships with those around him other than Rylan. He was in constant search for validation and meaning but never really found it. Rylan was truly the only person he could be himself with.
Rylan is the kind of person you can call on and never doubt that he will be there. He is loyal and true and he loves Scott. Scott betrayed him when they were in Highschool and yet, six years later he can only recall the good times they had. Sure, he holds resentment but he realizes that Scott is one of the only people that he can trust with his secrets - and he loves him for that.
I'm mad at myself for waiting so long to read this but I'm glad I finally did. There is low steam, but this isn't really about that. It's about history, relationships and trust! I can't wait for book 2! (This ends on a cliffhanger)
On to the next!
February 6, 2017
4 Stars
To be honest, I waffled about what rating I would give this book as I read it. What tipped it from a 3.75 was that I could not put it down, particularly when we go forward six years and Scott and Rylan have a chance encounter and meet again. By the time the book finished, I literally yelled No! in a crowded public space. I could not believe it ended there! Of course, it might have helped had I realized this was part of a series about the same characters – I’ve become used to series that are about different sets of characters in the same universe so to speak. Despite the agony of impending wait, I am so glad these characters and this story are getting more than one book. There would be no way to do justice to these men, their history, their futures, and their complicated selves in one book.
The part I had the hardest time with was the first half when Scott is seventeen and Rylan has just come to live with them. I am not sure why, because I recognize that there is absolute truth to the situation Scott lives in: many children live in similarly abusive and toxic homes. Sometimes in this book though, it was being like hit by a 2×4 of tropes. That they felt like tropes at times (and less organic) affected the way I viewed Scott’s home life.
What really kept me going during the first half was Rylan. I do not have enough words for this amazing boy; his kindness and patience. His bravery, his capacity for forgiveness. What a gem of a character, and written so well! The initial chemistry between him and Scott was completely believable, and set the tone so well for their interactions as adults. The whole second half of the book I sat in breathless anticipation. Hansen gave us just enough to satisfy but also maintained a chemistry and desire that will keep readers wanting to read the next book, searching for that ultimate connection.
I love when authors can reveal the character traits of one character through another’s observation by showing rather than telling. Scott’s self perception is very skewed and formed by a history of survival through any means. Rylan’s POV shows us so much about Scott’s tenderness and sweetness, his giving nature, and in many cases, his willingness to do what is right by others even though it may come at a cost.
Also, I was excited to see that this series includes a trans character but that his introduction didn’t feel inorganic, or like he was being thrown in for diversity. I cannot wait to get more of G in the future books.
To be honest, I waffled about what rating I would give this book as I read it. What tipped it from a 3.75 was that I could not put it down, particularly when we go forward six years and Scott and Rylan have a chance encounter and meet again. By the time the book finished, I literally yelled No! in a crowded public space. I could not believe it ended there! Of course, it might have helped had I realized this was part of a series about the same characters – I’ve become used to series that are about different sets of characters in the same universe so to speak. Despite the agony of impending wait, I am so glad these characters and this story are getting more than one book. There would be no way to do justice to these men, their history, their futures, and their complicated selves in one book.
The part I had the hardest time with was the first half when Scott is seventeen and Rylan has just come to live with them. I am not sure why, because I recognize that there is absolute truth to the situation Scott lives in: many children live in similarly abusive and toxic homes. Sometimes in this book though, it was being like hit by a 2×4 of tropes. That they felt like tropes at times (and less organic) affected the way I viewed Scott’s home life.
What really kept me going during the first half was Rylan. I do not have enough words for this amazing boy; his kindness and patience. His bravery, his capacity for forgiveness. What a gem of a character, and written so well! The initial chemistry between him and Scott was completely believable, and set the tone so well for their interactions as adults. The whole second half of the book I sat in breathless anticipation. Hansen gave us just enough to satisfy but also maintained a chemistry and desire that will keep readers wanting to read the next book, searching for that ultimate connection.
I love when authors can reveal the character traits of one character through another’s observation by showing rather than telling. Scott’s self perception is very skewed and formed by a history of survival through any means. Rylan’s POV shows us so much about Scott’s tenderness and sweetness, his giving nature, and in many cases, his willingness to do what is right by others even though it may come at a cost.
Also, I was excited to see that this series includes a trans character but that his introduction didn’t feel inorganic, or like he was being thrown in for diversity. I cannot wait to get more of G in the future books.
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