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Unforgiven
Would you live a lie to hold onto the one you love?
Dean and Jason are best friends, like brothers since boyhood, now architecture students and college roommates. They’ve always had each other’s back, but when one walks in on the other with another man, everything changes. How do you explain to your best friend that he’s the one you’ve always wanted, that until now your life has been a lie?
Desperation and shame are two dirty words that run through Jason’s veins. He carries the scars from a wayward priest who stole his innocence and left him shattered. Meanwhile for years he’s watched Dean pursuing woman after woman, as his own heart slowly breaks.
When their world blows apart, they learn the powerful bond between them has more fire than either understood. Can two broken souls find the light in their darkness and come together to make a whole, or will sins of the past be forever unforgiven?
***This standalone is a M/M love story with graphic sex. Trigger warning.
Dean and Jason are best friends, like brothers since boyhood, now architecture students and college roommates. They’ve always had each other’s back, but when one walks in on the other with another man, everything changes. How do you explain to your best friend that he’s the one you’ve always wanted, that until now your life has been a lie?
Desperation and shame are two dirty words that run through Jason’s veins. He carries the scars from a wayward priest who stole his innocence and left him shattered. Meanwhile for years he’s watched Dean pursuing woman after woman, as his own heart slowly breaks.
When their world blows apart, they learn the powerful bond between them has more fire than either understood. Can two broken souls find the light in their darkness and come together to make a whole, or will sins of the past be forever unforgiven?
***This standalone is a M/M love story with graphic sex. Trigger warning.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 9, 2017
270 people are currently reading
1278 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Clampett
23 books519 followersRuth Clampett is a 21st century woman, aspiring to be Wonder Woman…now if she could only find her cape and magic lasso. Meanwhile she’s juggling motherhood, a full-time job running her own art business, and writing romance late at night. Travel is her second obsession after writing, and it’s enabled her to meet reader and writer friends all over the world. She’s happily frazzled, and wouldn’t change a thing about her crazy life.
The rooms in her home are all painted different colors and her books are equally varied, infusing humor, drama, and passion into the romantic lives of strong heroines and heroes and their worthy and determined counterparts.
Ruth has published eight books: Animate Me, Mr. 365, the Work of Art Trilogy, WET, BURN and Unforgiven. She grew up and still happily resides in Los Angeles, and is heavily supervised by her teenage daughter, lovingly referred to as Snarky, who loves traveling with her mom with a sketchbook in hand.
Connect with Ruth:
RuthClampettWrites.com
https://twitter.com/RuthyWrites
For book stuff:
https://www.facebook.com/RuthClampett...
For a more general stuff:
https://www.facebook.com/RuthClampett
The rooms in her home are all painted different colors and her books are equally varied, infusing humor, drama, and passion into the romantic lives of strong heroines and heroes and their worthy and determined counterparts.
Ruth has published eight books: Animate Me, Mr. 365, the Work of Art Trilogy, WET, BURN and Unforgiven. She grew up and still happily resides in Los Angeles, and is heavily supervised by her teenage daughter, lovingly referred to as Snarky, who loves traveling with her mom with a sketchbook in hand.
Connect with Ruth:
RuthClampettWrites.com
https://twitter.com/RuthyWrites
For book stuff:
https://www.facebook.com/RuthClampett...
For a more general stuff:
https://www.facebook.com/RuthClampett
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 358 reviews
September 17, 2017
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2! Unforgiven (stand-alone). Best friends cope with sexuality, secret attractions & confusing feelings!
“I’m pretty sure I could still be attracted to women when not being distracted by Jason, but what if I’m not?”
Unforgiven (stand-alone) follows architect students and best friendsJason Sorentino, JJ and Dean Whitley after Jason admits to being gay and having feelings for his friend.
After the shock settles Dean's life is thrown into a tailspin of conflicting feelings, disappointment, anger, frustration, curiosity and... sexual attraction.
The story follows them in and out of the bedroom as they both must cope with their attraction to each other while addressing jealousies, secrets, prejudices and the fact that Dean is not gay...
Five words to describe Dean Whitley: Conflicted, selfish, confused, protective and possessive.
Five words to describe Jason Sorentino, JJ: Conflicted, strong, determined, progressive and lonely.
Unforgiven, told from dual POVs, is a journey questioning sexuality, boundaries, friendship, abuse, stigmas, prejudices and ultimately truths, understanding, forgiveness and the healing power of love.
***
Dean: ★★★★
Jason: ★★★★
Plot: ★★★★
Storytelling: ★★★★1/2
Sexual tension: ★★★★1/2
Sex scenes: ★★★★1/2
Story ending: ★★★★
******************************************
OVERALL RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Angst: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Darkness: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Humor: | LOW FOCUS |
Kink: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Romance: | HIGH FOCUS |
Sex frequency: | HIGH FOCUS |
Suspense: | LOW FOCUS |
December 14, 2017
This is not supposed to called MM book and I needed a trigger warning that there were MF sex scenes ON PAGE outnumbered the MM sex scenes !
DNF at 50% mark.
I just... CAN'T...
When the book offered to me to read and it labeled as MM romance book, I didn't expect that some on page MF sex crowding until 40 percent mark of this book.
I didn't mind the trigger with the priest in the past, but what made me having a vertigo while reading, were the sex scenes! This was not an MM I used to read.
The sex between the two MC also 'unbelievable'.
The MCs are both stupid, Jason is a doormat and Dean is an homophobic cheating asshole!
This book made me angry. The author should be doing some MORE research about MM book.
Research, research, research or NEVER write about MM romance ever again!
There's so much I need to say, but, I think that's it for now.
I might be back later. Or not.
You'll probably FLOVED this book.
Not me though. You can blame my reading preferences. It's just not my cuppa.
And I have every rights to write my review! Fair trade for my vertigo.
I need to quote Baba for this one (I'm stealing Baba's on point quotes, thanks Baba)...
*ARC provided for an honest review. No high rating required upon the receiving of this copy.*
DNF at 50% mark.
I just... CAN'T...
When the book offered to me to read and it labeled as MM romance book, I didn't expect that some on page MF sex crowding until 40 percent mark of this book.
I didn't mind the trigger with the priest in the past, but what made me having a vertigo while reading, were the sex scenes! This was not an MM I used to read.
The sex between the two MC also 'unbelievable'.
The MCs are both stupid, Jason is a doormat and Dean is an homophobic cheating asshole!
This book made me angry. The author should be doing some MORE research about MM book.
Research, research, research or NEVER write about MM romance ever again!
There's so much I need to say, but, I think that's it for now.
I might be back later. Or not.
You'll probably FLOVED this book.
Not me though. You can blame my reading preferences. It's just not my cuppa.
And I have every rights to write my review! Fair trade for my vertigo.
I need to quote Baba for this one (I'm stealing Baba's on point quotes, thanks Baba)...
*ARC provided for an honest review. No high rating required upon the receiving of this copy.*
March 11, 2017
. . . . Words have kind of left me. My heart is so full of hurt, sadness, anger and of course, love, so much love. I fought with the rating on this, but in the end, I am a total mess, all the feels, good, bad and downright ugly and still floating around and leaving me in a bit of a funk, therefore, this deserves nothing less than 5 stars.
When I saw the teaser for this come across my blog, I was like "YES! I need this!" and somehow convinced my bestie, Ang from PNR Book Lover Reviews to buddy read with me (she will be thinking twice next time lol).
Dual POV normally aren't my fav, it's so easy to get lost and forget whose head you are in if it's not written well. This was not an issue, Ruth's writing style is incredible. You feel every little (or big) emotion these men go through.
Jason (JJ) and Dean have been best friends pretty much forever, only Jason's feelings have always been more than just friendship, he has been secretly in love with Dean all along.
Ashamed and damaged from things from his past that has truly fucked with his head and his attraction to men, Jason tries hiding his true self and his true desires by acting like the biggest playboy going around. That's until one night at a party Dean walks in on him and Roman (aka douchebag.)
Dean is straight, like an arrow straight and assumed Jason is just as straight as he is. Walking in on a guy giving JJ head leaves Dean confused, jealous, angry and more worrying to himself, turned on.
While these two explore their new found feelings, and boy does their exploring get hot enough to melt your kindle and leave you heading for a cold shower, they also tackle some really hard subjects and obstacles. This story takes on a Very angsty, bumpy and brutally heartbreaking real and raw road that will leave you crying, from both gut-wrenching sadness to over the moon happiness, cursing, falling in love to growling at your kindle, and that rollercoaster of feels is totally on repeat.
Without giving too much away, this story will take you on a journey that you won't be forgetting in a hurry. Jason and Dean are both strong, courageous, real characters that show you, no, makes you feel that Love is Love is Love and love will always have your back.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
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February 27, 2017
This is a hard story to review without giving anything away. There are few authors that have me hanging on every word. But, there are even fewer authors that make me believe I am actually living in every word. It's real, it's raw, it's simply perfection. One of the most emotionally consuming, intense, passionate books I have read. There just aren't words in the human language to express the feelings I am currently experiencing. And, this is absolutely an experience. Ruth Clampett, your writing is brilliant.
August 3, 2017
1.5 stars
I had a big long rant planned out for this book, but I realise I can't actually be bothered and would like to just forget about it and move on. This absolutely did not work for me, so I'll just pinpoint a few major reasons why without to much detail. Beware though these would likely be seen by some as spoilers, but for me they are tags I would have preferred to know before going in as then I could have avoided this book. So continue at your own risk.
I could go on, but this has apparently turned in to a rant after all. This book was terrible, the second half was better but not enough to make up for the first especially with the non communication crap. Ok I'm done, absolutely cannot recommend. Apparently I might be the only one with this opinion though going by the reviews so maybe ignore me.
I had a big long rant planned out for this book, but I realise I can't actually be bothered and would like to just forget about it and move on. This absolutely did not work for me, so I'll just pinpoint a few major reasons why without to much detail. Beware though these would likely be seen by some as spoilers, but for me they are tags I would have preferred to know before going in as then I could have avoided this book. So continue at your own risk.
I could go on, but this has apparently turned in to a rant after all. This book was terrible, the second half was better but not enough to make up for the first especially with the non communication crap. Ok I'm done, absolutely cannot recommend. Apparently I might be the only one with this opinion though going by the reviews so maybe ignore me.
March 4, 2017
3 stars
This was very mediocre. The writing was average at best, and Dean annoyed me in the beginning, and James annoyed be after 50% mark.
Complete review to come.
This was very mediocre. The writing was average at best, and Dean annoyed me in the beginning, and James annoyed be after 50% mark.
Complete review to come.
March 5, 2017
2.5 stars
Best friends to lovers trope are one of my favorites and I never pass on any story based on them so needless to say I was looking forward to this book. But I really did not like how the story progressed or concluded. My main problem was with Dean’s character. His contradictory attitude most of the time towards ‘gay’ people really put me off. I know I am in the minority here with my ratings but I seriously don’t know how to love a character if he spouts ‘stereotypical, offensive homophobic BS’ like this:
Or something like this
Dean is shown loathing his attraction to Jason in one moment and then ready to tackle Jason in bed and make out in the next. He was Jason’s best friend so I kind of hoped for a little more consideration and understanding from him. Dean with his contradictory behavior towards the whole concept of being ‘gay’ just plain irritated me to no end.
There are several instances where I wanted to give up on the story and they were all coz of Dean. Few examples:
1)
2)
3)
4)
Oh boy! It was never-ending.
You may think that he will change after acknowledging his true feelings for his best friend but that does not happen. His transition from an angry/jealous friend who did not wanted to be gay to a loving BF was completely missing. He supports Jason, yes but he then thinks holding hands with Jason in public will make him gay, I mean is he for real?
His shitty attitude really grated on my nerves. He keeps having sex with Jason but when he watches gay porn, he wants to bleach his eyes out. Hypocrite, much?
So yeah I really did not like him. Problem was this kept on happening even when he is almost going steady with Jason. It’s a confusing process to suddenly acknowledge that you are bi so there should be some discussion or talks where Dean tries to understand it but nope there is absolutely nothing about it in the story.
All the chapters have some form of sex going on either with girls or boys without any actual, meaningful conversation. Almost at the 80% mark when Dean stops saying or thinking stuff like he is not gay, is when I actually liked the story.
The plot here is actually very good and well-thought with a much tormented MC who has an abusive past and a best friend he has been pining after for all his life. I would have loved it if Dean’s transition process was handled properly.
I cannot recommend this book.
*This review has been cross posted at GayBookReviews*
Best friends to lovers trope are one of my favorites and I never pass on any story based on them so needless to say I was looking forward to this book. But I really did not like how the story progressed or concluded. My main problem was with Dean’s character. His contradictory attitude most of the time towards ‘gay’ people really put me off. I know I am in the minority here with my ratings but I seriously don’t know how to love a character if he spouts ‘stereotypical, offensive homophobic BS’ like this:
"I find Jason in the living room, sitting slack on the couch with his legs stretched out wide and a beer in his hand. He’s watching wrestling.
Of course he’s watching wrestling . . . the gayest sport there is."
Or something like this
“What the fuck? Of course I can handle it. Let me guess, it was that guy, Phillip. He always seemed to have a thing for you. Is that who made you gay?”
Dean is shown loathing his attraction to Jason in one moment and then ready to tackle Jason in bed and make out in the next. He was Jason’s best friend so I kind of hoped for a little more consideration and understanding from him. Dean with his contradictory behavior towards the whole concept of being ‘gay’ just plain irritated me to no end.
There are several instances where I wanted to give up on the story and they were all coz of Dean. Few examples:
1)
"While this research is going on I may be hard, but I’m trying not to pay attention to that, because that would really be gay."(This was when Dean was watching Gay porn for “research”)
2)
"Of course, Jason’s situation is different since he is gay, but that doesn’t mean he’d want me to be in his bed forever. He’ll eventually want a guy who’s really gay . . . not situationally gay like me."
3)
Earlier when he asked me to take him out tonight, we joked about it being a date, and I bristled inside. Taking another man on what feels like a girly ‘date’ is way too gay for me. But I can swallow that down tonight and go along with it. He needs me and I’m going to come through for him."
4)
"If he wants to blow me in a dark movie theater I’ll consider it, but holding hands . . . no way."
Oh boy! It was never-ending.
You may think that he will change after acknowledging his true feelings for his best friend but that does not happen. His transition from an angry/jealous friend who did not wanted to be gay to a loving BF was completely missing. He supports Jason, yes but he then thinks holding hands with Jason in public will make him gay, I mean is he for real?
His shitty attitude really grated on my nerves. He keeps having sex with Jason but when he watches gay porn, he wants to bleach his eyes out. Hypocrite, much?
So yeah I really did not like him. Problem was this kept on happening even when he is almost going steady with Jason. It’s a confusing process to suddenly acknowledge that you are bi so there should be some discussion or talks where Dean tries to understand it but nope there is absolutely nothing about it in the story.
All the chapters have some form of sex going on either with girls or boys without any actual, meaningful conversation. Almost at the 80% mark when Dean stops saying or thinking stuff like he is not gay, is when I actually liked the story.
The plot here is actually very good and well-thought with a much tormented MC who has an abusive past and a best friend he has been pining after for all his life. I would have loved it if Dean’s transition process was handled properly.
I cannot recommend this book.
*This review has been cross posted at GayBookReviews*
December 13, 2018
Jason and Dean have been best friends since they were little boys growing up on the same street in Boise, Idaho.
Now they're in their last year of college - they want to run their own architect firm afterwards.
But suddenly everything is different.
What do you do when your best friend - who you always thought was the biggest ladies man ever - turns out to be gay? And not only that...he's kind of in lust/love with you?
And you're straight.
But suddenly all those erotic moments where you spied on your best friend fooling around with the hot quarterback are turning you on like nothing ever has???
What do you do???
Give being gay or bi a chance?
Or risk losing your best friend forever????
And what if I'm falling in love with him too? What then?
What if you suddenly don't have to keep being gay a secret from your best friend/room mate who you've been in love with forever?
What if he's suddenly interested in experimenting? Will all that leave you horribly hurt in the end because he's just not that gay??
And what about your stupid PTSD from what happened when you were a teenager?
How will you ever live a happy life with the man of your dreams???
What will happen with those two??
Will we get a happily ever after??
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT! ☺
══════════════════
Phew, that was hot!
What is it with us girls and man-on-man erotica??? Weird. ☺
But I looove those stories!
This book was seriously HOT! Other books start out slowly and mayyyybe towards the middle we get to see some naked skin. But here - we get lots of male parts in the beginning already!!!!
It's all more of a peeping-tom thing at first, but soon Dean is kind of getting with the gay thing! ☺
But of course both boys are still so very confused and scared .... but also verrry horny!
I really enjoyed this book!
Lots of sexy times. Lots of verrry serious times too.
This book really has everything a great EROTICA DRAMANCE needs!
Sometimes you want to hit Dean over the head for his slightly homophobic tendencies - or rather for the way he so carelessly goes about things with JJ. It seems like he's not really thinking about Jason's feelings at all! That poor boy has been in love with him forever and Dean just wants to experiment for a while - have some fun! Grrr.
And poor Jason, with all he's been through, it's totally understandable, but he could've stood up for himself a bit more here and there...
And then we have this typical romance book thing that happens in almost every book towards the end. It's either a lie, a misunderstanding, but mostly it's just a TALK THE EFF TO EACH OTHER thing. All this unnecessary drama wouldn't happen if people would just talk and confront each other! And I don't know why authors don't try to be a tiny bit more creative when it comes to that part of a story. BUT I still loved it - it got cleared up pretty fast in this case! ☺
I was also a bit unsure about the writing. This is my first RC book and I had the feeling that the sentences were somehow cut off. No....cut off is not really what I mean....rather like when you would read a list of things...bam bam bam. But, don't worry, it's probably just me. I still loved the book!
It was an amazing erotic dramance that doesn't just make the reader really hot and horny - it also makes you think and hate and love and ... just read it please!
UNFORGIVEN was a very erotic & lovely & moving romance about two boys fighting for their place in life & love! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Dean & Jason - these two are MINE!!!
...another thing that bothers me - not about the book - but about things in the book - and you might stop reading if you don't want to know about what happened to Jason when he was a kid - although it's already mentioned in the blurb, so it might not spoil at all!
I HATE RELIGION!
Can we just now declare to wipe out all religion from this planet?
All those sick fu*ks hiding behind their religious shit!!! In this book it's the priest but also Jason's mom. I just can't understand how such people can still exist in this time and age!
Without religion this planet would be so much more peaceful and happy and sane!
Rant over!
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October 27, 2023-Note to self: Couldn’t get past chapter 6 on audiobook due to how shitty this is. This is supposed to be MM best friends to lovers but there has been so many MF sex scenes with one of our main characters. That character is a total homophobe asshole and his inner monologue when he found out his bff was gay infuriated me. YUCK.
Found out while reading reviews that this is a MF author’s attempt at writing MM and apparently it didn’t go well by looking at the reviews.
Don’t pick this up again!
Found out while reading reviews that this is a MF author’s attempt at writing MM and apparently it didn’t go well by looking at the reviews.
Don’t pick this up again!
April 8, 2020
5 stelle piene. Un percorso difficile quello di Jason e Dean, costellato di cadute e rimpianti, ma la solida base della loro amicizia è ciò che li spinge a rialzarsi sempre. Molto realistico per ciò che riguarda la vita e gli eccessi di due ragazzi del college.
October 17, 2023
This was like a landfill of outdated mindsets, unhealthy dynamics, toxicity, melodrama, and edge. Are Colleen Hoover’s characters just a tad well-adjusted for your tastes?— try giving this author a spin! 😂
The first third was unbearable. My least favorite trope of a gay guy in love with his straight best friend doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker, but here, all of the elements that make this my most hated trope are on full display in possibly the most obnoxious way I’ve ever seen! It’s unbelievable!
Both characters were very annoying: Jason (the gay one) is a codependent mess so desperate to keep his awful ‘friend’ that he shoves himself back into the closet in a ridiculously over-the-top way, even though the beginning of the story was literally his friend Dean discovering him being given head by another guy. And Dean (the straight one), is TOTALLY not homophobic, even as he dismisses Jason’s indiscretion with the other guy as just some phase that he must help his ‘confused’ buddy overcome… by scrutinizing any remotely ‘gay thing’ Jason wears and forcing him to go to parties to flirt with a chick or two 🙄. Eventually, it becomes impossible for Jason to lie about it anymore after Dean confronts him with the ‘evidence’ he’s gathered while snooping through Jason’s computer and stalking him as he leaves the house to hook up with the same guy. Dean literally hides in the bushes and watches Jason & that guy have sex, it’s creepy as hell!
So, another aspect that’s sometimes thrown into this trope is the gay guy trying to get his straight friend to cave, and ‘try something’… a.k.a experimentation. If it’s there, it’s possibly my least favorite part of the entire story, and of the entire trope. The reason I hate it so much may come down to personal preference—if I’m gonna suffer through this trope before we get to the good fluff, I’d strongly prefer it if the straight dude was the instigator, and the gay dude was the resistant one. Well, that was definitely not the case here…🫠 Jason literally cries and begs on his knees to give Dean a BJ, and he won’t take no for a damn answer!! I don’t like it when the gay guy propositions because authors usually execute it in a way that makes me cringe in second-hand embarrassment. It chips away that character’s dignity even if they have very little to begin with. Jason wasn’t just being undignified here, it was downright pathetic. Maybe you’d connect with this book more if you could relate to Jason’s struggles with trauma & PTSD., but be warned, there are graphic flashbacks of childhood abuse by a priest, and time spent at a conversion camp. I hope you don’t feel insulted by the fact that it reduces Jason to a person who constantly needs to be rescued by his new boyfriend. Yes, he & Dean do eventually get together, and it wasn’t pretty in the slightest—it all came down to Dean’s extreme jealousy and the fact that he couldn’t revenge f**k some woman without feeling guilty. Anyways, Jason’s constant need to be rescued made the budding relationship feel extremely unbalanced, it would be less bothersome if their established bond through lifelong friendship felt organic in the beginning, but instead the best friend element was a lot of tell and not show. It could’ve been very sweet, seeing Dean being a supportive rock as all this crap with Jason started to unravel. But of course with these two it had to feel like straight up codependence most of the time.
We’re supposed to root for this pairing but all I felt was that none of these people, especially Jason, should’ve entered a relationship at this point in their lives.
The first third was unbearable. My least favorite trope of a gay guy in love with his straight best friend doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker, but here, all of the elements that make this my most hated trope are on full display in possibly the most obnoxious way I’ve ever seen! It’s unbelievable!
Both characters were very annoying: Jason (the gay one) is a codependent mess so desperate to keep his awful ‘friend’ that he shoves himself back into the closet in a ridiculously over-the-top way, even though the beginning of the story was literally his friend Dean discovering him being given head by another guy. And Dean (the straight one), is TOTALLY not homophobic, even as he dismisses Jason’s indiscretion with the other guy as just some phase that he must help his ‘confused’ buddy overcome… by scrutinizing any remotely ‘gay thing’ Jason wears and forcing him to go to parties to flirt with a chick or two 🙄. Eventually, it becomes impossible for Jason to lie about it anymore after Dean confronts him with the ‘evidence’ he’s gathered while snooping through Jason’s computer and stalking him as he leaves the house to hook up with the same guy. Dean literally hides in the bushes and watches Jason & that guy have sex, it’s creepy as hell!
So, another aspect that’s sometimes thrown into this trope is the gay guy trying to get his straight friend to cave, and ‘try something’… a.k.a experimentation. If it’s there, it’s possibly my least favorite part of the entire story, and of the entire trope. The reason I hate it so much may come down to personal preference—if I’m gonna suffer through this trope before we get to the good fluff, I’d strongly prefer it if the straight dude was the instigator, and the gay dude was the resistant one. Well, that was definitely not the case here…🫠 Jason literally cries and begs on his knees to give Dean a BJ, and he won’t take no for a damn answer!! I don’t like it when the gay guy propositions because authors usually execute it in a way that makes me cringe in second-hand embarrassment. It chips away that character’s dignity even if they have very little to begin with. Jason wasn’t just being undignified here, it was downright pathetic. Maybe you’d connect with this book more if you could relate to Jason’s struggles with trauma & PTSD., but be warned, there are graphic flashbacks of childhood abuse by a priest, and time spent at a conversion camp. I hope you don’t feel insulted by the fact that it reduces Jason to a person who constantly needs to be rescued by his new boyfriend. Yes, he & Dean do eventually get together, and it wasn’t pretty in the slightest—it all came down to Dean’s extreme jealousy and the fact that he couldn’t revenge f**k some woman without feeling guilty. Anyways, Jason’s constant need to be rescued made the budding relationship feel extremely unbalanced, it would be less bothersome if their established bond through lifelong friendship felt organic in the beginning, but instead the best friend element was a lot of tell and not show. It could’ve been very sweet, seeing Dean being a supportive rock as all this crap with Jason started to unravel. But of course with these two it had to feel like straight up codependence most of the time.
We’re supposed to root for this pairing but all I felt was that none of these people, especially Jason, should’ve entered a relationship at this point in their lives.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2020
L'ho iniziato titubante e non pienamente convinta e mi sono trovata a divorare ogni pagina, parola e istante. Realistico nel raccontare la vita di due giovani universitari, profondo nelle emozioni sia belle che brutte, bellissimo nei sentimenti, delicato ma reale nelle tematiche sugli abusi. Tenero e passionale da far sciogliere il cuore.
Mi è piaciuto tantissimo ❤️
RECENSIONE completa: https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/...
Mi è piaciuto tantissimo ❤️
RECENSIONE completa: https://thereadingslove.blogspot.com/...
March 13, 2017
5 Be-still-my-bleeding-heart Stars!
Unforgiven is the first book I've read by Ruth Clampett. I'd read the blurb and it promised quite the emotional, sometimes graphic read with one of the MCs being the victim of sexual abuse by his parish priest. In all things emotional and heart-wrenching, this author did not disappoint and I'll definitely look into the other books she's written.
Jason and Dean are seniors in college, majoring in architecture. Best friends since grade school, they do everything together, however, a big part of Jason's scarred psyche is his biggest kept secret, even from his best friend. That, and the fact that he hasn't come out of the closet...to anyone. When a night out with a school football player pal leads to a little man-on-man groping, Jason is quick to realize this is something he can no longer keep a secret....especially from Dean. How he will respond is the big question.
One thing I really loved about this friends-to-lovers trope is that the author truly took her time and realistically brought the characters to the realization of their mutual attraction. It wasn't an overnight ah-ha moment where they're suddenly plastering rainbow bumper stickers all over their windows. In fact, Dean fought every ounce of attraction he initially felt towards his buddy. Denial was forefront yet she built his inner conflicted feelings perfectly. She didn't make it easy on Dean nor did she overdramatize it for effect.
Jason... oh poor Jason. There's trigger warnings for this book and I'd seriously heed them if sexual abuse, especially amongst clergy disinterests you. It's clear the author did her research of victims of sexual violence and it was truly heartbreaking to experience through these pages. Feelings of guilt, shame, blame, all wrapped up in a giant ball of self hate that only the best of therapists can muddle through. Can Dean come to terms with his own sexuality yet also be everything Jason needs amongst years of repressed psychological damage?
This book isn't all emotional tug of war. Rest assured it is hot hot hot. In fact, at first I felt the steam outweighed the story but the second half flips and my heart was fully invested. I truly enjoyed this gay for you romance and look forward to checking out more from Ruth Clampett.
April 16, 2017
DNF at 22%
I know I probably didn't give this book enough of a chance but WTF did I just read?? One of the MC's is homophobic, has anger issues, is an asshole and is self centred and that's just up to chapter 15. Sorry but I can't believe this is an MM romance book. Some of the scenes were unbelievable. I don't usually add reviews, let alone bad ones, but this book made me so angry. From the MC's ignorant point of view, to the MF scenes and let's not forget all the stereotyping that was added in such a short time.
Annnndd I'm done. Never again!
I know I probably didn't give this book enough of a chance but WTF did I just read?? One of the MC's is homophobic, has anger issues, is an asshole and is self centred and that's just up to chapter 15. Sorry but I can't believe this is an MM romance book. Some of the scenes were unbelievable. I don't usually add reviews, let alone bad ones, but this book made me so angry. From the MC's ignorant point of view, to the MF scenes and let's not forget all the stereotyping that was added in such a short time.
Annnndd I'm done. Never again!
March 10, 2017
‘I’m not sure that I can be strong enough for the both of us, but if he can find strength, together we may have a chance.’
When we heard Ruth Clampett was writing an MM story we jumped at the chance to read it as we’ve enjoyed previous books by this Author and love our MM books. We loved that she ventured into a new genre and the synopsis sounded fabulous.
‘There’s a part of me that wants to give up. I’m so tired of Earth’s gravity pulling me down when all I want to do is fly far away.’
Once again the writing was beautiful and the characters lovable and real. We have to say that this book is a story of two halves for us. The first half was a tad too sex oriented so early on, we felt that the emotional build up and character connection played second fiddle to nookie which is a bit of a contention for us, a personal pet peeve if you will. However what we did love about the first half was the way in which we felt Dean’s character and reactions to his discovery of Jason’s sexuality felt real and non-apologetic. Was his stereotypical behaviour correct, no! However, we very much feel that this came across as an instantaneous reactive portrayal in the sense of his hesitation, confusion and problematic acceptance of hidden secrets in a friendship that began in childhood. It may have made us angry and gotten our backs up, but it felt realistic. It also made our hearts bleed for Jason’s difficulty in making sense of himself and his place in this friendship.
‘Maybe this is the only man I’ll ever feel this way about, but I know it’s built on years of being best friends. That closeness allowed us to be vulnerable with each other and explore something I never would’ve imagined. I don’t need to overthink it and try to force myself into some kind of box just so society can pigeonhole me. We are simply Jason and Dean…best friends that got physical, and fell in love.’
Then came the real nitty gritty story and from about halfway we became completely engrossed and invested and admit to crying a few times as it all became so bloody sad and traumatic. Unforgiven completely turned around for us and became so much more than what it initially was. We fell in love, we felt a strong connection to the characters, their back story, their friendship and we just couldn’t put it down for love nor money.
Click here for full review at TBB
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March 15, 2017
***FULL REVIEW***
5 COMPLETE PACKAGE CROWNS
My mind has been blown away by Ruth Clampett's first MM novel. It was a beautiful and tragic romance between two best friends who finally realize there is more for them with each other.
Jason and Dean owned my heart and soul, and I broke for them and rejoiced in their happiness. What makes this story different than other books that I have read in this genre is Jason's back story. Jason is incredibly damaged, and he has been damaged by people he should have been able to trust. People who should have been protecting him. Seeing how he is affected now shatters readers. Every time he spirals or expresses uncertainty, readers' hearts will ache for this man, and more than anything, they will desire his HEA with the man he loves because he deserves it. Oh, God, does Jason deserve all the happiness in the world, and Ruth Clampett provides the best HEA possible.
Dean is also an interesting character, because, unlike Jason, Dean has never had feelings for the same gender, but upon stumbling on Jason with another, he is sent spiraling. Dean has to confront a lot of his feelings, and sometimes it is hard. Dean says and does things that aren't nice and are hurtful to Jason, but he is confused by his new feelings and desires. Once Dean comes to terms with his sexuality, though, he becomes a man so worthy of Jason. The support and protection he provides to Jason makes up for everything that happens in the beginning, and I love Dean for loving Jason so fiercely.
Here is what I ultimately love about MM novels, they, more than anything, show that love is love. These two men want nothing more than to be together, to be able to spend their days together, to be able to express their love emotionally and physically, and to have their relationship be accepted. They want to be recognized as normal, because they are! Jason and Dean's story is about so much more than an MM relationship. Their relationship is about epitomizing what everyone should be striving for. Everyone, no matter their gender, sexual preference, race, etc. deserves what these two men have. It is an absolutely beautiful tale.
This is my second novel by Ruth Clampett, and I'm in love with her stories. Her characters are fantastic and unique, her stories are emotional and pure, and her stories make me feel. I love them, and I adore Jason and Dean's story most of all. This will be a top read of 2017 for me!
----------------
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews and other book news, check out Musings of the Modern Belle at www.modernbellebooks.com.
5 COMPLETE PACKAGE CROWNS
My mind has been blown away by Ruth Clampett's first MM novel. It was a beautiful and tragic romance between two best friends who finally realize there is more for them with each other.
Jason and Dean owned my heart and soul, and I broke for them and rejoiced in their happiness. What makes this story different than other books that I have read in this genre is Jason's back story. Jason is incredibly damaged, and he has been damaged by people he should have been able to trust. People who should have been protecting him. Seeing how he is affected now shatters readers. Every time he spirals or expresses uncertainty, readers' hearts will ache for this man, and more than anything, they will desire his HEA with the man he loves because he deserves it. Oh, God, does Jason deserve all the happiness in the world, and Ruth Clampett provides the best HEA possible.
Dean is also an interesting character, because, unlike Jason, Dean has never had feelings for the same gender, but upon stumbling on Jason with another, he is sent spiraling. Dean has to confront a lot of his feelings, and sometimes it is hard. Dean says and does things that aren't nice and are hurtful to Jason, but he is confused by his new feelings and desires. Once Dean comes to terms with his sexuality, though, he becomes a man so worthy of Jason. The support and protection he provides to Jason makes up for everything that happens in the beginning, and I love Dean for loving Jason so fiercely.
Here is what I ultimately love about MM novels, they, more than anything, show that love is love. These two men want nothing more than to be together, to be able to spend their days together, to be able to express their love emotionally and physically, and to have their relationship be accepted. They want to be recognized as normal, because they are! Jason and Dean's story is about so much more than an MM relationship. Their relationship is about epitomizing what everyone should be striving for. Everyone, no matter their gender, sexual preference, race, etc. deserves what these two men have. It is an absolutely beautiful tale.
This is my second novel by Ruth Clampett, and I'm in love with her stories. Her characters are fantastic and unique, her stories are emotional and pure, and her stories make me feel. I love them, and I adore Jason and Dean's story most of all. This will be a top read of 2017 for me!
----------------
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews and other book news, check out Musings of the Modern Belle at www.modernbellebooks.com.
March 28, 2017
Had to force myself to finish this because a lot of it was so problematic and cringeworthy. Slightly improved near the end, but not enough for me to care.
i-give-up
August 7, 2017Nope. I can overlook one M/F scene (even if I skim that part) in my M/M, but 3? No thanks. I'm out.
dnf-or-hated
July 28, 2017DNF @ 30% - No rating.
I'm tapping out of listening to more of this, not because of the narration, but the story.
It's not my cup of tea.
And knowing there are more than 7 hours left? Nope. I'm putting this back in the TBR pile as a someday/maybe.
However for those who wanted to know about the narration? Both Eric London and Iggy Toma were doing a good job of it. Their tones of voice are similar enough that the dual narration (each taking a POV chapter and doing all the voices in that chapter), rather than duet, is not too distracting. It's actually quite pleasant overall.
I still wish authors/publishers would stop doing this and stick to a single narrator if you cannot afford duet narration (where a.voice actor narrates only certain parts/voices regardless of whose POV).
But the story itself had characters I'm not connecting with and too much miscommunication at this point for me to carry on.
I'm tapping out of listening to more of this, not because of the narration, but the story.
It's not my cup of tea.
And knowing there are more than 7 hours left? Nope. I'm putting this back in the TBR pile as a someday/maybe.
However for those who wanted to know about the narration? Both Eric London and Iggy Toma were doing a good job of it. Their tones of voice are similar enough that the dual narration (each taking a POV chapter and doing all the voices in that chapter), rather than duet, is not too distracting. It's actually quite pleasant overall.
I still wish authors/publishers would stop doing this and stick to a single narrator if you cannot afford duet narration (where a.voice actor narrates only certain parts/voices regardless of whose POV).
But the story itself had characters I'm not connecting with and too much miscommunication at this point for me to carry on.
March 9, 2017
‘I’m not sure that I can be strong enough for the both of us, but if he can find strength, together we may have a chance.’
When we heard Ruth Clampett was writing an MM story we jumped at the chance to read it as we’ve enjoyed previous books by this Author and love our MM books. We loved that she ventured into a new genre and the synopsis sounded fabulous.
‘There’s a part of me that wants to give up. I’m so tired of Earth’s gravity pulling me down when all I want to do is fly far away.’
Once again the writing was beautiful and the characters lovable and real. We have to say that this book is a story of two halves for us. The first half was a tad too sex oriented so early on, we felt that the emotional build up and character connection played second fiddle to nookie which is a bit of a contention for us, a personal pet peeve if you will. However what we did love about the first half was the way in which we felt Dean’s character and reactions to his discovery of Jason’s sexuality felt real and non-apologetic. Was his stereotypical behaviour correct, no! However, we very much feel that this came across as an instantaneous reactive portrayal in the sense of his hesitation, confusion and problematic acceptance of hidden secrets in a friendship that began in childhood. It may have made us angry and gotten our backs up, but it felt realistic. It also made our hearts bleed for Jason’s difficulty in making sense of himself and his place in this friendship.
‘Maybe this is the only man I’ll ever feel this way about, but I know it’s built on years of being best friends. That closeness allowed us to be vulnerable with each other and explore something I never would’ve imagined. I don’t need to overthink it and try to force myself into some kind of box just so society can pigeonhole me. We are simply Jason and Dean…best friends that got physical, and fell in love.’
Then came the real nitty gritty story and from about halfway we became completely engrossed and invested and admit to crying a few times as it all became so bloody sad and traumatic. Unforgiven completely turned around for us and became so much more than what it initially was. We fell in love, we felt a strong connection to the characters, their back story, their friendship and we just couldn’t put it down for love nor money.
‘There was never a reason to question anything about who we were to each other…we just were.’
The topics in Unforgiven broke our hearts, but the lads made us smile and laugh despite the ‘ugly cry’ tears. It felt real and we know it actually is, sadly. The dual POV worked well in ensuring we connected and understood where Dean and Jason were coming from and it made Jason’s past much more tangible which ultimately is why our hearts broke. Dean was a powerhouse of compassion, strength and protection despite having the rug completely pulled out from underneath him. There was one scene in particular that broke us and had us reaching for copious tissues.
“I feel like I’m going crazy, Dean. What if I’m never going to be okay?”
As far as gay for you stories go this one was a great read despite the fact that we initially thought it had too much sex and ‘sex talk’, which overshadowed the emotional aspect of the story at times. It was real, raw and very passionate. We felt the friendship and the intense bond between Dean and Jason. The world is still an un-accepting place full of obstacles, prejudices and hatred. But it is getting better, Love Is Love and hopefully one day soon everyone will accept that as a fact and a truth.
“Sometimes our minds and hearts wait until we’re ready.”
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March 5, 2017
3.5 to 4 stars
This is a best-friends-to-lovers-to-love story, but it is not an easy one. Dean and Jason have been best friends since they were kids, but Jason has been harboring secrets. When Dean stumbles upon Jason in a compromising position with a football player, he begins to question everything about Jason, their friendship, and even himself. He thought he knew everything about Jason, but now feels lied to. And the more troubling for Dean is the fact that even though he has always been with women, he is now having unexpected urges and feelings about Jason himself.
The entire dynamic for their friendship is changed. Feelings of guilt, shame, jealousy, fear, anger, and mistrust begin to interfere with their previously easy-going rapport. They both question everything while being more and more drawn together, but also become more confused and anxious about what it could mean for their friendship and future plans.
Jason is not only struggling with his feelings for his best friend, but is also haunted by another secret that has scarred and hurt him. And there are unresolved family issues as well.
This is a raw and angsty story of friendship taking an unexpected turn and the men coming to terms with the ramifications it has on their lives.
I did have some issues. I found some of it hard to read due to the events that transpired and some of the dialogue and thought processes could be considered offensive to some. There are a lot of things that could be triggers for some readers . Some of the ways that Dean tried to rationalize things made me roll my eyes such as him being "situationally gay." I kept wondering if my gay male blog partner would be offended by some of the perceptions or terms used when discussing Jason being gay (or maybe I was just oversensitive to it). But at the same time I could see these were college aged men dealing with rapid life changes and their own sexuality, and trying to come to terms with it.
This is quite a roller coaster of emotional turmoil and drama. But it is really Jason and Dean's journey of figuring out what they needed and what they truly cared about, and then trying to deal with everything else around them. And also Jason's need to open up, heal, and deal with his past. It was told in dual points of view and did not pull any punches. It was emotional, raw, dramatic, and intense.
Jason will have to come to terms with his past in order to fight for his future and to have a chance at truly moving forward. And everything that Dean believes to be true about himself and Jason will be challenged and will have to be rebuilt. But it was obvious these two had a connection, chemistry, and and strong bond. They definitely grew on me more as the story went on and by the end I was invested in them trying to find their happiness.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Follow Me: Reviews by Tammy & Kim | Facebook | Twitter
This is a best-friends-to-lovers-to-love story, but it is not an easy one. Dean and Jason have been best friends since they were kids, but Jason has been harboring secrets. When Dean stumbles upon Jason in a compromising position with a football player, he begins to question everything about Jason, their friendship, and even himself. He thought he knew everything about Jason, but now feels lied to. And the more troubling for Dean is the fact that even though he has always been with women, he is now having unexpected urges and feelings about Jason himself.
The entire dynamic for their friendship is changed. Feelings of guilt, shame, jealousy, fear, anger, and mistrust begin to interfere with their previously easy-going rapport. They both question everything while being more and more drawn together, but also become more confused and anxious about what it could mean for their friendship and future plans.
Jason is not only struggling with his feelings for his best friend, but is also haunted by another secret that has scarred and hurt him. And there are unresolved family issues as well.
This is a raw and angsty story of friendship taking an unexpected turn and the men coming to terms with the ramifications it has on their lives.
I did have some issues. I found some of it hard to read due to the events that transpired and some of the dialogue and thought processes could be considered offensive to some. There are a lot of things that could be triggers for some readers . Some of the ways that Dean tried to rationalize things made me roll my eyes such as him being "situationally gay." I kept wondering if my gay male blog partner would be offended by some of the perceptions or terms used when discussing Jason being gay (or maybe I was just oversensitive to it). But at the same time I could see these were college aged men dealing with rapid life changes and their own sexuality, and trying to come to terms with it.
This is quite a roller coaster of emotional turmoil and drama. But it is really Jason and Dean's journey of figuring out what they needed and what they truly cared about, and then trying to deal with everything else around them. And also Jason's need to open up, heal, and deal with his past. It was told in dual points of view and did not pull any punches. It was emotional, raw, dramatic, and intense.
Jason will have to come to terms with his past in order to fight for his future and to have a chance at truly moving forward. And everything that Dean believes to be true about himself and Jason will be challenged and will have to be rebuilt. But it was obvious these two had a connection, chemistry, and and strong bond. They definitely grew on me more as the story went on and by the end I was invested in them trying to find their happiness.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Follow Me: Reviews by Tammy & Kim | Facebook | Twitter
November 19, 2023
If, "we came, we saw, we conquer," was a couple.
March 12, 2017
2.5 STARS. this was my first book from this author and the story had great basis but for me did not go there. First there were so many issues to deal with- real ones all compounding making the whole situation convoluted. Also a bit over the top. Next was the writing - again this was for me it was a bit too harsh & rubbed me wrong. Personally no issues w M/F or M/M mixed so that did not detract from the book. Lastly I needed more of a real connection together not separate
February 26, 2017
Okay. I kind of feel like this should come with a reward, a high five for getting through. Not because it was bad, not at all. It's because it was hard, really, really hard to read this. But bad things happen in life to good people and you can't look away just because it's hard to see it. And once I began to know Jason I felt like I owed it to him to see him to the end of his story no matter how hard it was. And I did, without stopping. I couldn't. I had to see the end. And though it was one of the hardest books I've ever read, it was so very much worth that difficult journey. I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 1, 2018
First Half: 2.5 Stars
Second Half: 4.25 Stars
Average: 3.4 Stars
Kind of a hot mess, but...Iggy Toma's half of the narration and wanting to figure out how the whole deal either fell apart or worked itself out are what kept me listening, though. Also, kudos to the author for tackling that subject and not pulling any punches against the Catholic Church and the priests they protect even when there's evidence of abuse.
Couldn't stand Dean until he grew up and matured, was really there for Jason and stopped with the internalized homophobia...and about that time I started to not like Jason. Plus, I wasn't happy with how the sex club & it's patrons were kind of painted with some derision even though it was Jason and his friend that came in drunk & drugged.
Second Half: 4.25 Stars
Average: 3.4 Stars
Kind of a hot mess, but...Iggy Toma's half of the narration and wanting to figure out how the whole deal either fell apart or worked itself out are what kept me listening, though. Also, kudos to the author for tackling that subject and not pulling any punches against the Catholic Church and the priests they protect even when there's evidence of abuse.
Couldn't stand Dean until he grew up and matured, was really there for Jason and stopped with the internalized homophobia...and about that time I started to not like Jason. Plus, I wasn't happy with how the sex club & it's patrons were kind of painted with some derision even though it was Jason and his friend that came in drunk & drugged.
May 11, 2023
DNF at 30%
Omg, what homophobic story on steroids is this...
It's infused with misogyny, homophobia, slut shaming, childhood trauma/rape, and all that you can imagine as abusive.
Just can't ...
Omg, what homophobic story on steroids is this...
It's infused with misogyny, homophobia, slut shaming, childhood trauma/rape, and all that you can imagine as abusive.
Just can't ...
March 4, 2017
Book Review - Unforgiven by Ruth Clampett - 3 ‘Where’s the Depth’ Stars
As a long time lover of M/M love stories and a huge advocate of UK mass signings, I was happy to read a new to me author who will be in London next year, on her first foray into writing M/M.
Unfortunately, a high proportion of this review is going to be saying what didn’t work for me as well as what did.
Firstly I will say, and this will work either way depending on what you like, there is a huge proportion of sex in this story. Great for some who love erotica, but I like a story with my sex and at times there was none at all. We go straight into it, and stay there for quite some time and I’m thinking, hang on, where is the emotion, where is my backstory about the guys - where is the CONNECTION that shows how the actions of one can and do affect the other?
My second issue ranged around the dialect which didn’t ring true for me - we are told they hear ‘rude sounds’ for instance. It seems an odd turn of phrase especially for a young male. I hear groaning maybe, I hear a noise and see my best friend being sucked off. And then you have the flip side where they sound like brainless jocks incapable of holding a decent conversation. I mean I know were are talking young men, and they tend to have a way of speaking around each other, ripping the piss and winding the other one up. But on the flip side, these are meant to be seriously bright kids with defined plans for their futures, but we don’t ever see them discussing design concepts etc/sketching/all of the stuff that they would need to do to keep on top of that dream and ambition.
M/M purists will give the book a swerve due to the M/F scenes within here. I’m an equal opportunities reader so it doesn’t affect me personally, however, I am aware of this issue with a portion of the M/M reading community, so this is something that the author should probably note should she want to write anything further in the genre and expand her audience.
So far, so negative right? Well a little and I’m sorry for that. I hate writing negative reviews but I also pride myself on giving my honest opinion of what I’ve read.
I’m pleased to say that for me the second half of the book worked much better than the first. The story started to flow more naturally and my investment in the characters and their future grew. I started to cheer for the guys to sort everything out and get their happy ending. We had proper flow and connection and you started to believe in them, in the people they were trying to become and the steps that they needed to take to get there.
Would I read more books by Ruth in future - at this moment in time I’m unsure. I’d need to do some research into her writing style and see if it was just this one that didn’t work for me or if her general style wouldn’t be to my taste.
As a long time lover of M/M love stories and a huge advocate of UK mass signings, I was happy to read a new to me author who will be in London next year, on her first foray into writing M/M.
Unfortunately, a high proportion of this review is going to be saying what didn’t work for me as well as what did.
Firstly I will say, and this will work either way depending on what you like, there is a huge proportion of sex in this story. Great for some who love erotica, but I like a story with my sex and at times there was none at all. We go straight into it, and stay there for quite some time and I’m thinking, hang on, where is the emotion, where is my backstory about the guys - where is the CONNECTION that shows how the actions of one can and do affect the other?
My second issue ranged around the dialect which didn’t ring true for me - we are told they hear ‘rude sounds’ for instance. It seems an odd turn of phrase especially for a young male. I hear groaning maybe, I hear a noise and see my best friend being sucked off. And then you have the flip side where they sound like brainless jocks incapable of holding a decent conversation. I mean I know were are talking young men, and they tend to have a way of speaking around each other, ripping the piss and winding the other one up. But on the flip side, these are meant to be seriously bright kids with defined plans for their futures, but we don’t ever see them discussing design concepts etc/sketching/all of the stuff that they would need to do to keep on top of that dream and ambition.
M/M purists will give the book a swerve due to the M/F scenes within here. I’m an equal opportunities reader so it doesn’t affect me personally, however, I am aware of this issue with a portion of the M/M reading community, so this is something that the author should probably note should she want to write anything further in the genre and expand her audience.
So far, so negative right? Well a little and I’m sorry for that. I hate writing negative reviews but I also pride myself on giving my honest opinion of what I’ve read.
I’m pleased to say that for me the second half of the book worked much better than the first. The story started to flow more naturally and my investment in the characters and their future grew. I started to cheer for the guys to sort everything out and get their happy ending. We had proper flow and connection and you started to believe in them, in the people they were trying to become and the steps that they needed to take to get there.
Would I read more books by Ruth in future - at this moment in time I’m unsure. I’d need to do some research into her writing style and see if it was just this one that didn’t work for me or if her general style wouldn’t be to my taste.
June 30, 2020
Il libro in generale mi è piaciuto, e lo consiglio. All'interno forse ho trovato dei modi di dire, dei luoghi comuni, che personalmente non condivido e apprezzo, però in generale è una bella storia che va letta!
May 13, 2020
✔ Letto! Ho visto la copertina e lei mi chiamava a sé. Si, sono una di quelle che ama le belle copertine.
E cosi ho conosciuto Ruth Clampett e lei mi racconta di due dei suoi ragazzi. Jason Sorentino e Dean Whitley.
Comincia a parlarmi di Jason, filho di una madre cattolica osservante e... fanatica, cresciuto praticamente dentro a una chiesa, frequentava anche una scuola cattolica. Era felice, viveva con la sua mamma, senza il suo papà, ma a modo loro Jason era felice. Finché era "cresciuto" e a 12 anni ha conosciuto padre Ryan. E per due anni, il mostro lo ha soggiogatto, abusato, manipolato e ricattato.Gli ha fa fatto credere nelle sue bugie e manipolazioni. Trasformandolo in una persona fragile che trovava sollievo alla sua pena, solo quando stava con il suo miglior amico Dean.
Dean era l'unico che inconsapevole di quello che stava passando il suo miglior amico, gli serviva come ancora. Lo teneva fermo a terra e gli faceva vivere una vita normale, come un normale adolescente, si divertivano e scoprivano il mondo insieme.
Il Jason ventenne è più che mai innamorato del suo miglior amico. Ma per i sensi di colpa verso ciò che padre Ryan gli ha fatto credere di essere, negava se stesso. Si rifiutava di essere gay, aveva paura che lasciandosi andare qualcuno potrebbe pensare che l'abuso subito dal prete gli fossero piaciuti.
Fino al giorno in cui Dean lo vedi con Ramon, in una notte in cui si permette di lasciarsi andare e tutto cambia. Dean comincia a mettersi in discussione, loro cominciano a sperimentare e Jason si ritrova nel mondo giusto, in quello che doveva essere, senza lo spettro di padre Ryan nella sua vita... ma poi, il mostro ritorna e non è solo, una ex molto prepotente rivuole Dean indietro. E la vulnerabilità e insicurezza, compagni inseparabili di Jason tornano gridando vendetta per il periodo in cui Jason si è permesso di pensare a un futuro senza di loro.
Ho avuto paura per questo storia. Ero tentata di andare a leggere l'ultimo capitolo e saltare la sofferenza che Jason e Dean stavano andando incontro. Non volevo ritrovarmi con un morto da seppellire. E non ha aiutato per niente un booktrailler che ho visto... Ma ho resistito e mi sono fatta coraggio per loro. Volevo condividere la loro sofferenza e sperare in un futuro migliore.... ne è valsa la pena.
Hanno sofferto, hanno perso delle persone importante per loro. Ma la coalizione tra Jason e Dean era lotta, resistenza e fede. Fede in loro insieme e in quello che potevano costruire per rendere il mondo un posto migliore.
Bello, affronta temi seri e delicati. Ci fa andare incontro ai mostri nascosto dietro una toga, alle persone cattive che hanno paura del diverso. Ma ci fa anche incontrare persone come la famiglia Whitley... che non hanno paura di essere chi sono e sforna fuori figli come Dean... un eroi!.
Per me è ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
E cosi ho conosciuto Ruth Clampett e lei mi racconta di due dei suoi ragazzi. Jason Sorentino e Dean Whitley.
Comincia a parlarmi di Jason, filho di una madre cattolica osservante e... fanatica, cresciuto praticamente dentro a una chiesa, frequentava anche una scuola cattolica. Era felice, viveva con la sua mamma, senza il suo papà, ma a modo loro Jason era felice. Finché era "cresciuto" e a 12 anni ha conosciuto padre Ryan. E per due anni, il mostro lo ha soggiogatto, abusato, manipolato e ricattato.Gli ha fa fatto credere nelle sue bugie e manipolazioni. Trasformandolo in una persona fragile che trovava sollievo alla sua pena, solo quando stava con il suo miglior amico Dean.
Dean era l'unico che inconsapevole di quello che stava passando il suo miglior amico, gli serviva come ancora. Lo teneva fermo a terra e gli faceva vivere una vita normale, come un normale adolescente, si divertivano e scoprivano il mondo insieme.
Il Jason ventenne è più che mai innamorato del suo miglior amico. Ma per i sensi di colpa verso ciò che padre Ryan gli ha fatto credere di essere, negava se stesso. Si rifiutava di essere gay, aveva paura che lasciandosi andare qualcuno potrebbe pensare che l'abuso subito dal prete gli fossero piaciuti.
Fino al giorno in cui Dean lo vedi con Ramon, in una notte in cui si permette di lasciarsi andare e tutto cambia. Dean comincia a mettersi in discussione, loro cominciano a sperimentare e Jason si ritrova nel mondo giusto, in quello che doveva essere, senza lo spettro di padre Ryan nella sua vita... ma poi, il mostro ritorna e non è solo, una ex molto prepotente rivuole Dean indietro. E la vulnerabilità e insicurezza, compagni inseparabili di Jason tornano gridando vendetta per il periodo in cui Jason si è permesso di pensare a un futuro senza di loro.
Ho avuto paura per questo storia. Ero tentata di andare a leggere l'ultimo capitolo e saltare la sofferenza che Jason e Dean stavano andando incontro. Non volevo ritrovarmi con un morto da seppellire. E non ha aiutato per niente un booktrailler che ho visto... Ma ho resistito e mi sono fatta coraggio per loro. Volevo condividere la loro sofferenza e sperare in un futuro migliore.... ne è valsa la pena.
Hanno sofferto, hanno perso delle persone importante per loro. Ma la coalizione tra Jason e Dean era lotta, resistenza e fede. Fede in loro insieme e in quello che potevano costruire per rendere il mondo un posto migliore.
Bello, affronta temi seri e delicati. Ci fa andare incontro ai mostri nascosto dietro una toga, alle persone cattive che hanno paura del diverso. Ma ci fa anche incontrare persone come la famiglia Whitley... che non hanno paura di essere chi sono e sforna fuori figli come Dean... un eroi!.
Per me è ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
February 21, 2017
I just finished this book and I'm in a total book hangover. Ruth has blown me away yet again. I totally fell in love with Jason and Dean, almost from the first. I say almost from the first because for a few chapters, I was so annoyed with Dean...in my head, I was yelling at him!
It's always desired, but rare that a book takes you on the journey that this one takes you on. Your heart hurts, you bleed a little, you soar, laugh and want to cry at times with both joy and heartache. Jason's strength is amazing, Dean's support is incredible.
I was literally talking to the characters as I was reading this book...full sentences..out loud! I tried to read through my fingers at one point, but that didn't work so well so I moved the hand, took a deep breath and carried on. It was well worth it :).
This book is so, so good! I highly recommend you put this on your radar and get it as soon as it releases!
It's always desired, but rare that a book takes you on the journey that this one takes you on. Your heart hurts, you bleed a little, you soar, laugh and want to cry at times with both joy and heartache. Jason's strength is amazing, Dean's support is incredible.
I was literally talking to the characters as I was reading this book...full sentences..out loud! I tried to read through my fingers at one point, but that didn't work so well so I moved the hand, took a deep breath and carried on. It was well worth it :).
This book is so, so good! I highly recommend you put this on your radar and get it as soon as it releases!
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