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Who We Are
Since putting his life on hold ten years ago, Oliver Clayton doesn’t know who he is anymore. To his clients at the hair salon, he’s the sassy and confident stylist. To the crowds who come to watch his drag act at the club, he’s the fierce and fabulous Miss Tique. He’s popular. Talented. Out, proud, and self-assured. He’s also a good actor.
Sebastian Day is content with life’s easy, if not a little monotonous, routine. After several failed relationships, he likes the simplicity of being alone in his truck at his job as a heavy goods driver, spending the weekends with his teenage son, and putting the world to rights with his cat, Marv. He’s not lonely. He isn’t hiding. At least…he doesn’t think he is until he meets the mesmerising stranger with the red hair and purple lips.
Can Oliver and Sebastian help each other embrace who they are? Or will a cruel twist of fate end their journey before it’s even begun?
(M/M Romance. Not recommended for readers under 18 years of age due to language and sexual content.)
Sebastian Day is content with life’s easy, if not a little monotonous, routine. After several failed relationships, he likes the simplicity of being alone in his truck at his job as a heavy goods driver, spending the weekends with his teenage son, and putting the world to rights with his cat, Marv. He’s not lonely. He isn’t hiding. At least…he doesn’t think he is until he meets the mesmerising stranger with the red hair and purple lips.
Can Oliver and Sebastian help each other embrace who they are? Or will a cruel twist of fate end their journey before it’s even begun?
(M/M Romance. Not recommended for readers under 18 years of age due to language and sexual content.)
412 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 8, 2017
80 people are currently reading
994 people want to read
About the author
Nicola Haken
22 books1,297 followersRomance Author.
I live in not-so-sunny Rochdale, England (true northern girl!) with my five kids - one of whom many refer to as my husband. I write about life, and love, and all the beauty and angst that come with them.
All in all I'm just an ordinary gal with an addiction to reading, tattoos, and Pepsi Max. I don't like even numbers or metal spoons, and I'm allergic to exercise.
Please note: I don't check in here often. If you would like to contact me, please get in touch via Facebook, Twitter, or email - nicola@nicolahaken.co.uk
I live in not-so-sunny Rochdale, England (true northern girl!) with my five kids - one of whom many refer to as my husband. I write about life, and love, and all the beauty and angst that come with them.
All in all I'm just an ordinary gal with an addiction to reading, tattoos, and Pepsi Max. I don't like even numbers or metal spoons, and I'm allergic to exercise.
Please note: I don't check in here often. If you would like to contact me, please get in touch via Facebook, Twitter, or email - nicola@nicolahaken.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 294 reviews
March 7, 2017
5 Stars.......So good.
Personally the sign of a good book,for me,is if I'm still thinking about it hours after I've finished it.I absolutely loved this.I loved the happiness,the sadness,the hopes and struggles these amazing characters went through.
I've read Broken by this Author so I thought it wouldn't be all sunshine and roses and it wasn't but what it is,is a truly emotional love story.
Oliver has put his life on hold for 10 years,concentating on bringing up his younger half brother after their mother died.He struggles emotionally and finacially,all he wants is to be a good parent to Ty.He works as a hair stylist by day and a drag act at night as the wonderfully flamboyant Miss Tique.He loves his make up and heels and puts on a good act to the outside world.
Seb is a truck driver,one of the good guys.He shares custody of his 15 year son with his ex who he has a fantastic relationship with.In fact,he's got a lot of love and support from all his family.But things haven't been easy for him.He's bi and this is the first book I've read where I came to fully understand that being bi isn't easy.The Author perfectly portrayed the struggles he went through as he and others came to terms with his sexuality.
Oliver and Sebs' story is beautiful.It's far from perfect but they face what life throws at them together.
I'm not going into the story in any detail.I would advise going into this one relatively blind to get the most out of their story...trust me.
Some fascinating secondary characters who all played their part here.
You'll need the tissues here but don't worry,although there are sad tears there are truly happy tears as well.
A huge plus for me is that it's set in the North of England (near me ) and I love that the Author kept it British from the banter to local shop names and the food....who doesn't like beans on toast?.....that really is a British thing!
This is beautiful story that I wouldn't hesitate to highly recommend.
An Arc of Who We Are was kindly provided by the Author to DirtyBooksObsession in exchange for an honest review
This review has been posted on Dirty Books Obsession
"Are you flirting with me?"
"Is it working?"
"Maybe"
Personally the sign of a good book,for me,is if I'm still thinking about it hours after I've finished it.I absolutely loved this.I loved the happiness,the sadness,the hopes and struggles these amazing characters went through.
I've read Broken by this Author so I thought it wouldn't be all sunshine and roses and it wasn't but what it is,is a truly emotional love story.
Oliver has put his life on hold for 10 years,concentating on bringing up his younger half brother after their mother died.He struggles emotionally and finacially,all he wants is to be a good parent to Ty.He works as a hair stylist by day and a drag act at night as the wonderfully flamboyant Miss Tique.He loves his make up and heels and puts on a good act to the outside world.
Seb is a truck driver,one of the good guys.He shares custody of his 15 year son with his ex who he has a fantastic relationship with.In fact,he's got a lot of love and support from all his family.But things haven't been easy for him.He's bi and this is the first book I've read where I came to fully understand that being bi isn't easy.The Author perfectly portrayed the struggles he went through as he and others came to terms with his sexuality.
Oliver and Sebs' story is beautiful.It's far from perfect but they face what life throws at them together.
I'm not going into the story in any detail.I would advise going into this one relatively blind to get the most out of their story...trust me.
Some fascinating secondary characters who all played their part here.
You'll need the tissues here but don't worry,although there are sad tears there are truly happy tears as well.
A huge plus for me is that it's set in the North of England (near me ) and I love that the Author kept it British from the banter to local shop names and the food....who doesn't like beans on toast?.....that really is a British thing!
This is beautiful story that I wouldn't hesitate to highly recommend.
"Are you flirting with me?"
"Is it working?"
"Always"
An Arc of Who We Are was kindly provided by the Author to DirtyBooksObsession in exchange for an honest review
This review has been posted on Dirty Books Obsession
March 16, 2017
This isn't a book I'll soon forget. Some stories stay with you. Who We Are is such a story: beautiful and honest and heartbreaking.
This isn't a story about heroes. It's a story about ordinary people: a hair stylist and part-time drag queen raising his teen brother and barely making ends meet; a bisexual long-haul trucker and father who's about given up on romance.
Oliver and Sebastian are just two lonely men who meet by happenstance (or maybe fate) and mesh seamlessly. Seb can't tear his eyes off Olli. It's the high heels. And purple lips. And ginger hair cut to perfection.
There are no guarantees in life, and this book will remind you of that. But I can promise you two things:
There is no relationship drama in this book.
And it's worth it.
I giggled my way through the first 57 percent (because Nicola Haken writes prose brimming with banter and British humor) and was lulled into a false sense of security.
The sweet, sexy moments Olli and Seb shared, their first date, the selfless way Oliver took care of his brother Tyler (even when Tyler acted like a spoiled twat), Sebastian's little smirk (the one that made Oliver want to kiss him senseless) . . . I couldn't get enough.
But, damn, when the pain hit, it hit hard. I cried. Oh, hell, yes I did. I'm not even embarrassed.
The hardest angst is REAL angst; it's knowing that this could happen to you.
Then we can grasp onto that HEA and say YES, because life isn't fair, but love and family and friendship—those are everything.
Would I have read this book had I known? Absolutely not.
Am I glad I did?Ask me tomorrow. Yes.
This isn't a story about heroes. It's a story about ordinary people: a hair stylist and part-time drag queen raising his teen brother and barely making ends meet; a bisexual long-haul trucker and father who's about given up on romance.
Oliver and Sebastian are just two lonely men who meet by happenstance (or maybe fate) and mesh seamlessly. Seb can't tear his eyes off Olli. It's the high heels. And purple lips. And ginger hair cut to perfection.
There are no guarantees in life, and this book will remind you of that. But I can promise you two things:
There is no relationship drama in this book.
And it's worth it.
"I would rather spend the worst day of my life with you, than the best day with someone else."
I giggled my way through the first 57 percent (because Nicola Haken writes prose brimming with banter and British humor) and was lulled into a false sense of security.
The sweet, sexy moments Olli and Seb shared, their first date, the selfless way Oliver took care of his brother Tyler (even when Tyler acted like a spoiled twat), Sebastian's little smirk (the one that made Oliver want to kiss him senseless) . . . I couldn't get enough.
But, damn, when the pain hit, it hit hard. I cried. Oh, hell, yes I did. I'm not even embarrassed.
The hardest angst is REAL angst; it's knowing that this could happen to you.
Then we can grasp onto that HEA and say YES, because life isn't fair, but love and family and friendship—those are everything.
Would I have read this book had I known? Absolutely not.
Am I glad I did?
April 25, 2017
I absolutely loved this book!
This one really took me through just about every emotion a person can have. I laughed and cried. I was happy then angry. I was sad then hopeful. I wanted to scream and throttle the author for putting me through so much. I was completely unaware of what was about to happen to me when I started this book. Although I was wearing a smile by the end, I was also completely emotionally exhausted. I went into this story a bit blind. I didn't really read the blurb nor did I really pay close attention to the reviews it was getting. I did pay attention to all the high ratings my goodreads peeps was giving it though. That and the cover of the book totally drew me in. I don't know if I will make the mistake of going in blind again. Well, maybe I will considering how fantastic this book ended up being for me.
Oliver and Sebastian meet and sparks fly. So did some glasses LOL. Oliver is working tables trying to earn some extra money so he can send his brother on a school trip and Sebastian is there with his best friend, Benny celebrating Benny's birthday. When the glasses go crashing Sebastian looks up and see's Oliver's purple lips and it's instant attraction. He feels a strong pull towards Oliver and he just knows that he needs to know him.
Oliver Clayton is a pretender. He pretends he knows what he's doing when it comes to raising his younger brother, Tyler. He pretends that he is confident in his looks and doesn't see the sneers he sometimes gets. He pretends he isn't insecure. He pretends he isn't lonely. He pretends that his brother asking him to tone himself down doesn't hurt. He pretends that somewhere along the way of being a hair stylist, a brother, a guardian, a drag queen named Miss Tique he didn't lose himself. But he is lost. He isn't confident. He is insecure. He is lonely. He is a good actor.
Sebastian Day is just going through the motions of life. He doesn't go out. He doesn't have many friends. He spends his time working, taking care of his 15 yr old son, Scott and having really hilarious conversations/arguments with his cat, Marvin. He's lonely.
Both men seem to be seeking the same thing. Acceptance and love. They find this in each other and being able to witness the love between them blossom was quite the treat.
Then tragedy strikes and the war to live begins and their relationship is put through many ups and downs. Throughout it all Sebastian stays strong for Oliver.
The world needs more Sebastian's. The strength, love, selflessness, and patience he showed was awe inspiring. He took care of everything and everyone. I LOVED him.
The side characters in this book were really entertaining as well. Especially Marv the cat and Rhys, Oliver's best friend. By the way, I need his book. Him and Benny just can't be left unfinished like that. PLEASE!!!! LOL
I don't want to say much more about the story. All I know is it needs to be read by everyone. It's not a book that should be passed by. So if you are reading this go buy it or download it from Kindle Unlimited and start reading it. You will NOT come away feeling disappointed. If your like me, you'll come away from it feeling drained but extremely happy to have come across such a beautiful story.
Happy reading, dolls! xx
This one really took me through just about every emotion a person can have. I laughed and cried. I was happy then angry. I was sad then hopeful. I wanted to scream and throttle the author for putting me through so much. I was completely unaware of what was about to happen to me when I started this book. Although I was wearing a smile by the end, I was also completely emotionally exhausted. I went into this story a bit blind. I didn't really read the blurb nor did I really pay close attention to the reviews it was getting. I did pay attention to all the high ratings my goodreads peeps was giving it though. That and the cover of the book totally drew me in. I don't know if I will make the mistake of going in blind again. Well, maybe I will considering how fantastic this book ended up being for me.
Oliver and Sebastian meet and sparks fly. So did some glasses LOL. Oliver is working tables trying to earn some extra money so he can send his brother on a school trip and Sebastian is there with his best friend, Benny celebrating Benny's birthday. When the glasses go crashing Sebastian looks up and see's Oliver's purple lips and it's instant attraction. He feels a strong pull towards Oliver and he just knows that he needs to know him.
Oliver Clayton is a pretender. He pretends he knows what he's doing when it comes to raising his younger brother, Tyler. He pretends that he is confident in his looks and doesn't see the sneers he sometimes gets. He pretends he isn't insecure. He pretends he isn't lonely. He pretends that his brother asking him to tone himself down doesn't hurt. He pretends that somewhere along the way of being a hair stylist, a brother, a guardian, a drag queen named Miss Tique he didn't lose himself. But he is lost. He isn't confident. He is insecure. He is lonely. He is a good actor.
Sebastian Day is just going through the motions of life. He doesn't go out. He doesn't have many friends. He spends his time working, taking care of his 15 yr old son, Scott and having really hilarious conversations/arguments with his cat, Marvin. He's lonely.
Both men seem to be seeking the same thing. Acceptance and love. They find this in each other and being able to witness the love between them blossom was quite the treat.
Then tragedy strikes and the war to live begins and their relationship is put through many ups and downs. Throughout it all Sebastian stays strong for Oliver.
The world needs more Sebastian's. The strength, love, selflessness, and patience he showed was awe inspiring. He took care of everything and everyone. I LOVED him.
The side characters in this book were really entertaining as well. Especially Marv the cat and Rhys, Oliver's best friend. By the way, I need his book. Him and Benny just can't be left unfinished like that. PLEASE!!!! LOL
I don't want to say much more about the story. All I know is it needs to be read by everyone. It's not a book that should be passed by. So if you are reading this go buy it or download it from Kindle Unlimited and start reading it. You will NOT come away feeling disappointed. If your like me, you'll come away from it feeling drained but extremely happy to have come across such a beautiful story.
Happy reading, dolls! xx
February 28, 2018
Reread February 2018
I still love this as much if not more than the first time I read it. It's everything I want in a romance. I'm really hoping we'll get a book about Rhys and/or Benny. It seems they both deserve a HEA.
Originally read March 2017
This BOOK…this book deals with love, struggles with sexuality, sickness, death, acceptance…but mainly love. Oliver and Seb were perfect and real. The supporting characters were just as amazing.
I laughed. I cried. I raged…it had it all. But underneath was the message of love and acceptance. Not just of others but of yourself as well.
This book was full of SWOON worthy moments.
It was FUNNY .
It was also HEARTBREAKING .
And it was REAL .
I highlighted the heck out of this book. I could never do this book justice with a review. It was just BEAUTIFUL
I still love this as much if not more than the first time I read it. It's everything I want in a romance. I'm really hoping we'll get a book about Rhys and/or Benny. It seems they both deserve a HEA.
Originally read March 2017
This BOOK…this book deals with love, struggles with sexuality, sickness, death, acceptance…but mainly love. Oliver and Seb were perfect and real. The supporting characters were just as amazing.
I laughed. I cried. I raged…it had it all. But underneath was the message of love and acceptance. Not just of others but of yourself as well.
“You’ve made a huge difference in my world. Because of you I’ve learned that it’s not just okay to be who I am, but to be proud of it. No one’s ever loved and accepted me like you have. You see me, all of me, and you don’t care. Or rather you do care.”
“We are who we are, and that’s okay.”
This book was full of SWOON worthy moments.
”I didn’t come here tonight to gawp at your fancy carpets or watch your impressive fifty-inch plasma. I came here to spend time with you. You. Because when we’re apart I miss you. I miss your smile. I miss your voice. I miss the way you look at me. I miss the way you make me feel like I’m important, how you make me feel like I’m hilarious when you scrunch your nose up and do that high-pitched chuckle, whereas everyone else just thinks I’m an idiot. I didn’t come here because I thought you were loaded, Oliver. I came here because…because I love you.”
It was FUNNY .
“I got what I came for,” Seb said as he climbed back into the front of the cab. “And what was that?” “To feel you up and get you to agree to see me again. And all it took was a bucket of KFC. You’re too easy.”
It was also HEARTBREAKING .
“I’d never considered myself unhappy, or realised just how lonely I actually was until I started spending time with Oliver.”
And it was REAL .
“I’m scared too,” he whispered, kissing my hair. “But I’ve got you, Olli. I’ve got you.”
I highlighted the heck out of this book. I could never do this book justice with a review. It was just BEAUTIFUL
“Are you flirting with me?”
“Is it working?”
“Maybe.”
“Are you flirting with me?”
“Is it working?”
“Always.”
Want to read
January 24, 2017What an interesting title for an MM book that I've never heard before! =P
March 10, 2017
Who We Are by Nicola Haken is the story of Oliver Clayton and Sebastian Day. Oliver has been raising his younger brother since the death of their mother. During the day he's a hairdresser, and at night he performs as the drag queen Miss Tique. He hasn't much time to devote to himself until he meets a tipsy stranger one night who intrigues him. Sebastian is heavy goods driver and a devoted co-parent to his teenage son. He was out one night for his friend's birthday when he catches sight of Oliver. On a whim, he asked him for his number. What ensues is an emotional journey of openness, grief, acceptance, and love.
My highlights:
-The characters. Their backgrounds and personalities were fleshed out, and the characters grew as the story progressed.
-Narration. It's told from alternating POVs.
-The chemistry between Oliver and Sebastian felt realistic despite their feelings growing quickly. It felt very much like "sometimes you just know."
-Angst. This author writes emotional journeys exceptionally. She knows how to kick you in the stomach and make it worth it at the end. I loved how the conflict of the story was handled. It could've become a contrived mess, but instead, it was heartbreaking, genuine, and hopeful.
-The pace of the story was smooth.
-And the end- after crying some ugly tears- the ones at the end were happy ones.
Nicola Haken is becoming an author I keep a look out for new releases. She writes about real life struggles, about people we may know. I like this writer more and more, and I'm looking forward to more stories from her...possibly some side characters we met in this book. 4.5 Stars!
September 20, 2024
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
“I’d rather spend the worst day of my life with you, than the best day with someone else.”
Gosh, I had forgotten how good this book is. It’s an incredible story. Beautiful, heartbreaking and funny. I love how identity is a big part of the story, and how it doesn’t matter if you’re 15, 30 or 34. You’re never too young or too old to figure yourself out. There’s a huge part of the book I can’t talk about without spoiling so much of it (check the content warnings if you’re curious), but even without that very important part, the rest is just a solid love story with two fab main characters. They have amazing chemistry and the banter is top tier. It’s also super British, and I love it.
It’s also sort of single dad x2 with a twist, as one of the MCs is the guardian of his brother. I love single dad stories, but I love it even more when the characters feel complete outside of just being ‘dad’.
I would definitely check the content warnings as it can be pretty rough, but if you’re good with them or don’t have any triggers, I would definitely give this a try. I’m obviously biased as hell, but this story is amazing.
I’m scared… I didn’t think I’d spoken my fear aloud, I certainly hadn’t meant to, until Seb cradled the back of my neck and brought my head down to his shoulder. “I’m scared too,” he whispered, kissing my hair. “But I’ve got you, Olli. I’ve got you.”
Also, this is me through like half of the book, with laughter sprinkled in:
Double also, I love drag queen characters. Miss Tique is fabulous.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Single dads
British setting
Drag queen MC
Strangers to lovers
Life trauma
Bisexual MC
Makeup
Femme MC
Identity discovery
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Death of parent (off page, past, cancer)
MC diagnosed with cancer (leukemia, on page)
MC undergoing cancer treatment on page
MC hospitalized
Detailed treatment and discussions of medication
Severely ill MC
Homophobia and bigotry (SCs)
Themes of biphobia (SCs)
Mild internalized biphobia (mostly past)
Financial insecurity
Alcohol consumption
Brief mention of past hate crime (MC beaten)
Explicit sexual content
Mentions of child losing fingers and toes due to meningitis (past)
Homophobic slurs
SC with terminal cancer (MC’s friend)
Death of friend (off page)
Mention of Vomiting
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile (no switching on page)
Main characters’ age: 30 and 34
Kids’ age: 14 and 15
Series: Standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 412
Happy ending: Yes
Contrary to popular belief, I didn’t want to sleep with everybody, and there weren’t twice as many fish in the sea, because most fish thought I was confused, greedy, unfaithful, trying to be trendy, or afraid to admit I was gay.
There I went again, thinking of relationships. I’d only had one conversation with this man, and even that was accidental. At this rate I’ll have married him by the morning.
Crossing one leg over the other, he leaned forward and rested his chin on his fist. “Are you flirting with me?” “Is it working?” Grinning, he blew a single puff of laughter through his nose. “Show me to your bedroom.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
“I’d rather spend the worst day of my life with you, than the best day with someone else.”
Gosh, I had forgotten how good this book is. It’s an incredible story. Beautiful, heartbreaking and funny. I love how identity is a big part of the story, and how it doesn’t matter if you’re 15, 30 or 34. You’re never too young or too old to figure yourself out. There’s a huge part of the book I can’t talk about without spoiling so much of it (check the content warnings if you’re curious), but even without that very important part, the rest is just a solid love story with two fab main characters. They have amazing chemistry and the banter is top tier. It’s also super British, and I love it.
It’s also sort of single dad x2 with a twist, as one of the MCs is the guardian of his brother. I love single dad stories, but I love it even more when the characters feel complete outside of just being ‘dad’.
I would definitely check the content warnings as it can be pretty rough, but if you’re good with them or don’t have any triggers, I would definitely give this a try. I’m obviously biased as hell, but this story is amazing.
I’m scared… I didn’t think I’d spoken my fear aloud, I certainly hadn’t meant to, until Seb cradled the back of my neck and brought my head down to his shoulder. “I’m scared too,” he whispered, kissing my hair. “But I’ve got you, Olli. I’ve got you.”
Also, this is me through like half of the book, with laughter sprinkled in:
Double also, I love drag queen characters. Miss Tique is fabulous.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Single dads
British setting
Drag queen MC
Strangers to lovers
Life trauma
Bisexual MC
Makeup
Femme MC
Identity discovery
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Death of parent (off page, past, cancer)
MC diagnosed with cancer (leukemia, on page)
MC undergoing cancer treatment on page
MC hospitalized
Detailed treatment and discussions of medication
Severely ill MC
Homophobia and bigotry (SCs)
Themes of biphobia (SCs)
Mild internalized biphobia (mostly past)
Financial insecurity
Alcohol consumption
Brief mention of past hate crime (MC beaten)
Explicit sexual content
Mentions of child losing fingers and toes due to meningitis (past)
Homophobic slurs
SC with terminal cancer (MC’s friend)
Death of friend (off page)
Mention of Vomiting
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile (no switching on page)
Main characters’ age: 30 and 34
Kids’ age: 14 and 15
Series: Standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 412
Happy ending: Yes
Contrary to popular belief, I didn’t want to sleep with everybody, and there weren’t twice as many fish in the sea, because most fish thought I was confused, greedy, unfaithful, trying to be trendy, or afraid to admit I was gay.
There I went again, thinking of relationships. I’d only had one conversation with this man, and even that was accidental. At this rate I’ll have married him by the morning.
Crossing one leg over the other, he leaned forward and rested his chin on his fist. “Are you flirting with me?” “Is it working?” Grinning, he blew a single puff of laughter through his nose. “Show me to your bedroom.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
February 23, 2017
Oh my goodness. I'm not sure the amount of snot I'm having is due to my actual cold or the content of this book. I can't seem to stop my waterworks. I knew from past experience that Nicola Haken had the knack of writing heart wrenching scene, but this one really takes the cake.
Oliver Clayton is the kind of character that instantly attract me from the beginning. I like my m/m character to be a tad feminine. Oliver is a professional stylist and make up artist and had a side job as a drag queen. He sounds really fabulous. But deep down, Oliver life is shitty and he deals with constant turmoil and insecurities. He had been taking care of his little half brother since young and now the said brother turned into a moody sullen teenager. He is living paycheck from paycheck and wondering when he will make a break for himself.
Sebastian Day is a trucker. He shared a teenage son with his ex and live with his cat. Honestly, Sebastian's CV doesn't sounds sexy at all. But his personality really shines. He is such a fun loving guy, I especially enjoy his sarcasm and his every attempt to cheer Oliver up with his crazy sense of humor.
They met each other while Sebastian is on a rare day out at a club and Oliver is working part time as a waiter. I would say is definitely an attraction at first sight and despite Sebastian totally inexperience in flirting, he tried his best to engage with Oliver.
"Are you flirting with me?"
"Is it working?"
"Maybe."
Prior reading this book, I didn't know the possibility that bisexual face such a stigma in their own LBGTQ community. What Sebastian point out seems to make a lot of sense now. Instead of being able to fish in a bigger pool, is actually the opposite. While Oliver who loves his high heels and his blink, he is very withdrawn and tends to hide his Miss Torque facade, the only time he can be free. This book deals a lot of with acceptance. Hearing about the baggage they both have is enough to make me misty eye and I haven't even reach the crucial part of the story yet.
The second part of the book is a game changer. I honestly didn't expect it to get so serious and heart breaking. As someone who didn't actually deal with this issue in real life, even I can imagine toll is taking on the characters. If this story is by any other author, I might be wary of the ending and wondering is the ending worth the painful journey. But considering this is Nicola Haken, I had my faith and decided I will shouldered on. It definitely paid off! I'm glad I read this story of Oliver and Sebastian. I hope we will be getting a story for the side characters soon. They are too interesting to ignore.
Oliver Clayton is the kind of character that instantly attract me from the beginning. I like my m/m character to be a tad feminine. Oliver is a professional stylist and make up artist and had a side job as a drag queen. He sounds really fabulous. But deep down, Oliver life is shitty and he deals with constant turmoil and insecurities. He had been taking care of his little half brother since young and now the said brother turned into a moody sullen teenager. He is living paycheck from paycheck and wondering when he will make a break for himself.
Sebastian Day is a trucker. He shared a teenage son with his ex and live with his cat. Honestly, Sebastian's CV doesn't sounds sexy at all. But his personality really shines. He is such a fun loving guy, I especially enjoy his sarcasm and his every attempt to cheer Oliver up with his crazy sense of humor.
They met each other while Sebastian is on a rare day out at a club and Oliver is working part time as a waiter. I would say is definitely an attraction at first sight and despite Sebastian totally inexperience in flirting, he tried his best to engage with Oliver.
"Are you flirting with me?"
"Is it working?"
"Maybe."
Prior reading this book, I didn't know the possibility that bisexual face such a stigma in their own LBGTQ community. What Sebastian point out seems to make a lot of sense now. Instead of being able to fish in a bigger pool, is actually the opposite. While Oliver who loves his high heels and his blink, he is very withdrawn and tends to hide his Miss Torque facade, the only time he can be free. This book deals a lot of with acceptance. Hearing about the baggage they both have is enough to make me misty eye and I haven't even reach the crucial part of the story yet.
The second part of the book is a game changer. I honestly didn't expect it to get so serious and heart breaking. As someone who didn't actually deal with this issue in real life, even I can imagine toll is taking on the characters. If this story is by any other author, I might be wary of the ending and wondering is the ending worth the painful journey. But considering this is Nicola Haken, I had my faith and decided I will shouldered on. It definitely paid off! I'm glad I read this story of Oliver and Sebastian. I hope we will be getting a story for the side characters soon. They are too interesting to ignore.
March 15, 2017
Lo primero que me viene a la cabeza es que Nicola siempre escribe de temas complejos y siempre parece que sabe de lo que está hablando por el enorme respeto con que lo hace.
Aquí no tenemos millonarios, ejecutivos, estrellas de rock o deportistas, tenemos a dos hombres corrientes, con trabajos corrientes, cada uno con su bagaje, que se enamoran. Y esa parte primera del libro en la que ellos es conocen es maravillosa, parece que le podría pasar a cualquiera, está llena de ternura y de algunos momentos de humor en los que me he reído a carcajada limpia. Están enamorados, y tal y como la autora nos presenta a estos hombres, con esa madurez, parecía complicado que estallara un drama de pareja, y efectivamente no estalla, lo que estalla es la vida. Y nos encontramos con un último 40-35 % en el que la vida ocurre, cosas que podrían pasarnos y nos pasan a cualquiera de nosotros. No me lo esperaba, pero todo está tratado con sensibilidad, delicadeza y sin sensiblería facilona, muy elegante.
Hay momentos demasiado dulzones, creo que algunos necesarios y coherentes con la historia. Hay otros momentos con un tono un poco preach y repetitito, fundamentalmente a discursos referidos a la bisexualidad. Pero, hay muchos momentos llenos de sentimiento, de risa, los protagonistas son absolutamente adorables y está bien escrito.
Los secundarios han sido maravillosos, ojalá que se cumpla ese libro que parece que se promete en el epílogo.
Bonito y triste, bonito y triste, bonito y triste. Quizás de saber lo que iba a pasar no me habría animado a leerlo, no le gustará a todo el mundo, pero me alegro de haberlo hecho.
Aquí no tenemos millonarios, ejecutivos, estrellas de rock o deportistas, tenemos a dos hombres corrientes, con trabajos corrientes, cada uno con su bagaje, que se enamoran. Y esa parte primera del libro en la que ellos es conocen es maravillosa, parece que le podría pasar a cualquiera, está llena de ternura y de algunos momentos de humor en los que me he reído a carcajada limpia. Están enamorados, y tal y como la autora nos presenta a estos hombres, con esa madurez, parecía complicado que estallara un drama de pareja, y efectivamente no estalla, lo que estalla es la vida. Y nos encontramos con un último 40-35 % en el que la vida ocurre, cosas que podrían pasarnos y nos pasan a cualquiera de nosotros. No me lo esperaba, pero todo está tratado con sensibilidad, delicadeza y sin sensiblería facilona, muy elegante.
Hay momentos demasiado dulzones, creo que algunos necesarios y coherentes con la historia. Hay otros momentos con un tono un poco preach y repetitito, fundamentalmente a discursos referidos a la bisexualidad. Pero, hay muchos momentos llenos de sentimiento, de risa, los protagonistas son absolutamente adorables y está bien escrito.
Los secundarios han sido maravillosos, ojalá que se cumpla ese libro que parece que se promete en el epílogo.
Bonito y triste, bonito y triste, bonito y triste. Quizás de saber lo que iba a pasar no me habría animado a leerlo, no le gustará a todo el mundo, pero me alegro de haberlo hecho.
November 15, 2020
Such a beautiful love story. This was really good. It didn’t wreck me the way Broken and Counting Daisies did (both favourites of mine that had me crying ugly tears), but it wasn’t a light read either.
Ollie is an out and proud hair stylist, who loves heels and makeup and does a drag act as Miss Tique. He has been raising his younger brother alone since their mother died, and he has put his love life on hold. Seb is a bisexual trucker who is sharing custody of his teenage son with the kid’s mom, who is one of his best friends.
The two MCs seem like opposites with instant attraction. The start of their relationship was really sweet and cute, but it did feel a bit insta-love. The sex scenes were great, I loved how Ollie took over in bed, it was really hot. I loved the secondary characters, especially the two kids, but also Rhys. I really wanted to see him get his HEA.
I loved their banter, their humour, how they were always able to have fun together even when times were hard. And I loved how it wasn’t overly mushy and sugary sweet.
“Flirting.”
“Ah, is that what you’re doing?”
“Is it working? Or do I need to come back tomorrow and try again?”
Overall a beautiful book. I highly recommend it.
Ollie is an out and proud hair stylist, who loves heels and makeup and does a drag act as Miss Tique. He has been raising his younger brother alone since their mother died, and he has put his love life on hold. Seb is a bisexual trucker who is sharing custody of his teenage son with the kid’s mom, who is one of his best friends.
The two MCs seem like opposites with instant attraction. The start of their relationship was really sweet and cute, but it did feel a bit insta-love. The sex scenes were great, I loved how Ollie took over in bed, it was really hot. I loved the secondary characters, especially the two kids, but also Rhys. I really wanted to see him get his HEA.
I loved their banter, their humour, how they were always able to have fun together even when times were hard. And I loved how it wasn’t overly mushy and sugary sweet.
“Flirting.”
“Ah, is that what you’re doing?”
“Is it working? Or do I need to come back tomorrow and try again?”
Overall a beautiful book. I highly recommend it.
March 11, 2017
To say I loved this is an understatement - all the Haken feels ! Joy, angst, tears, love and did I say tears ? This was beautiful- Ollie is left as a teenager to bring up his 4 yr old brother after their mum passed away from cancer. Over the next 10 years Ollie struggles to make ends meet, goes without - even though he works 2 jobs, but makes sure Ty has what he needs. One chance evening Ollie meets Seb and their journey begins. There are a few issues & challenges in this story and heavens they were well done. No spoilers her because this is a readers journey to feel all the feels rather than waiting for other people's moments.
I loved it ❤
I loved it ❤
March 17, 2017
This is my fourth book by Nicola and once again she has torn my heart into pieces and then managed to put it back together. I think I went through every range of emotion while reading this book. I loved Oliver and Seb so much! The supporting characters are wonderful as well. I highly recommend it.
April 9, 2018
4,25 stars
I really enjoyed this book, but Broken and Counting Daisies are still my favorites from this author.
I can't give this one 5 stars because I ended up wanting much more, but it was a great story.
At first it was extremely sweet and I wondered when things are going to change. I had a feeling it will break my heart at some point, and it did.
The ending was full of hope, sweet moments and almost perfect. I just hope we'll get Rhys' story too.
I really enjoyed this book, but Broken and Counting Daisies are still my favorites from this author.
I can't give this one 5 stars because I ended up wanting much more, but it was a great story.
At first it was extremely sweet and I wondered when things are going to change. I had a feeling it will break my heart at some point, and it did.
The ending was full of hope, sweet moments and almost perfect. I just hope we'll get Rhys' story too.
April 16, 2018
*** So beautifully written -sensitive -loving -you'll love it like I did !
*** Wow ! My vote for best book of the year ! Seriously awesome !
This is an amazing story. It's my first by Nicola Haken, and won't be the last.
This M/M romance, set in England, will impress you.
Oliver/Olli, 30, has been raising his brother
since their Mom died 10 years ago. He works 3 jobs, and keeps hoping he isn't failing at everything. He styles hair, tends bar, and is a drag queen on weekends. Now that Tyler is 14, the teen is a handful. Oliver crashes a tray of drinks, and meets the lovely eyes of a handsome man, Sebastian, who is just as taken with Olli's eyeliner, and purple lips and heels, and wants his phone number.
They sort of begin to date and
Sebastian/Seb, truck driver, 34,
is just so wonderful to Oliver. They get along, make each other laugh and have a unique relationship. Olli and Seb get to have the hot sexiness we love. We get to see them bond, grow more smitten, until it's love, declared and true.
When Olli's life hits the skids, Seb and his son, Scott are there for Olli and Tyler. You will laugh, cry, and watch them cope as questions are answered, and their hearts ache, and are soothed; all because of their love for one another.
We see them learn to ask for help, to lean on each other and friends when they need it most.
* These are amazing men, alone, and together. Their journey is a real page turner, and so loving, smart, and important. I actually feel special that I got to read this marvelous book.
I loved every page !
I'll never forget these characters. I'm going to have a book hangover before I'll be ready to start a new book.
I highly recommend this ! ENJOY !
===========================
*** Wow ! My vote for best book of the year ! Seriously awesome !
This is an amazing story. It's my first by Nicola Haken, and won't be the last.
This M/M romance, set in England, will impress you.
Oliver/Olli, 30, has been raising his brother
since their Mom died 10 years ago. He works 3 jobs, and keeps hoping he isn't failing at everything. He styles hair, tends bar, and is a drag queen on weekends. Now that Tyler is 14, the teen is a handful. Oliver crashes a tray of drinks, and meets the lovely eyes of a handsome man, Sebastian, who is just as taken with Olli's eyeliner, and purple lips and heels, and wants his phone number.
They sort of begin to date and
Sebastian/Seb, truck driver, 34,
is just so wonderful to Oliver. They get along, make each other laugh and have a unique relationship. Olli and Seb get to have the hot sexiness we love. We get to see them bond, grow more smitten, until it's love, declared and true.
When Olli's life hits the skids, Seb and his son, Scott are there for Olli and Tyler. You will laugh, cry, and watch them cope as questions are answered, and their hearts ache, and are soothed; all because of their love for one another.
We see them learn to ask for help, to lean on each other and friends when they need it most.
* These are amazing men, alone, and together. Their journey is a real page turner, and so loving, smart, and important. I actually feel special that I got to read this marvelous book.
I loved every page !
I'll never forget these characters. I'm going to have a book hangover before I'll be ready to start a new book.
I highly recommend this ! ENJOY !
===========================
April 1, 2017
Another wonderful, emotionally intense and stunning book by Nicola Haken.
Not as dark as Broken or Counting Daisies which I both adored, it is not shy on tugging at your heart strings either. There certainly were tears!
Both MCs, Oliver and Seb are as different as can be. One an out-and-proud gay hair dresser, the other a closeted bi-sexual trucker. And yet, when they meet, they just click and find out that they have a lot more in common than you think at the beginning.
Both are infinitely lonely. Both look for a real relationship. Both have family to look after. Both are ready to make a commitment to someone special. And that is what they do. Yes, it all happens very quickly, but sometimes it simply does, even in RL! And their ....
Are you flirting with me?
Is it working?
Maybe.
line was just the cutest thing!
Most of all though, both men have had trouble to be accepted for who they are.
Sebastian for being bi:
Nicola Haken takes a huge stance for bi-sexual people, straightening out a lot of the usual misconceptions and explaining how it feels to be bi.
Contrary to popular belief, I didn't want to sleep with everybody, and there weren't twice as many fish in the sea, because most fish thought I was confused, greedy, unfaithful, trying to be trendy, or afraid to admit I was gay. .....
I was simply attracted to people, I got turned on by the way someone carried themselves, byt heir confidence and by their shyness.
Oliver for being the fem, flamboyant gay man who enjoys wearing make up and heels he is.
I don't always feel like I fit in either. I've been told by guys, gay guys even, that camp men like me are reasons homophobia exists. That I'm what gives the gay community a bad name by parading the 'stereotype' ...
They find acceptance in each other which gives them strength and allows them to be 'who they are'.
That alone would have been a wonderful story line, but Nicola Haken doesn't stop at that. The blow in the second half of the book doesn't come unexpected in hindsight, but hit me like a train truck at the time.
The author does have amazing talent when it comes to describing medical drama and everything about Oliver's illness felt heart-breakingly real. I was thoroughly grateful for the dual POV here, so I could also get what Seb is going through. And boy, it was tough, really tough, and rattled me to the bone.
Of course I was darn relieved that things turned out they did for Oliver in the end, and yes, the boys get their HEA, but we all know that with illnesses like that one, the worry never goes away, and we are also painfully reminded that not everyone is as lucky as Olli!
And this wonderful line just sums it all up beautifully:
I'd rather spend my worst day of my life with you, than my best day with someone else.
Finally I have to add, that I just adore the Britishness of the book, the idioms, the references and the humour. I mean, Nicola Haken's philosophical discourse about the death of a dunking biscuit had me chuckle loudly.
And: I do sincerely hope we do get a book on Rhys and Benny. I loved both characters and hope to hear from them again!
Absolutely brilliant! Read it! Highly recommended!
Not as dark as Broken or Counting Daisies which I both adored, it is not shy on tugging at your heart strings either. There certainly were tears!
Both MCs, Oliver and Seb are as different as can be. One an out-and-proud gay hair dresser, the other a closeted bi-sexual trucker. And yet, when they meet, they just click and find out that they have a lot more in common than you think at the beginning.
Both are infinitely lonely. Both look for a real relationship. Both have family to look after. Both are ready to make a commitment to someone special. And that is what they do. Yes, it all happens very quickly, but sometimes it simply does, even in RL! And their ....
Are you flirting with me?
Is it working?
Maybe.
line was just the cutest thing!
Most of all though, both men have had trouble to be accepted for who they are.
Sebastian for being bi:
Nicola Haken takes a huge stance for bi-sexual people, straightening out a lot of the usual misconceptions and explaining how it feels to be bi.
Contrary to popular belief, I didn't want to sleep with everybody, and there weren't twice as many fish in the sea, because most fish thought I was confused, greedy, unfaithful, trying to be trendy, or afraid to admit I was gay. .....
I was simply attracted to people, I got turned on by the way someone carried themselves, byt heir confidence and by their shyness.
Oliver for being the fem, flamboyant gay man who enjoys wearing make up and heels he is.
I don't always feel like I fit in either. I've been told by guys, gay guys even, that camp men like me are reasons homophobia exists. That I'm what gives the gay community a bad name by parading the 'stereotype' ...
They find acceptance in each other which gives them strength and allows them to be 'who they are'.
That alone would have been a wonderful story line, but Nicola Haken doesn't stop at that. The blow in the second half of the book doesn't come unexpected in hindsight, but hit me like a train truck at the time.
The author does have amazing talent when it comes to describing medical drama and everything about Oliver's illness felt heart-breakingly real. I was thoroughly grateful for the dual POV here, so I could also get what Seb is going through. And boy, it was tough, really tough, and rattled me to the bone.
Of course I was darn relieved that things turned out they did for Oliver in the end, and yes, the boys get their HEA, but we all know that with illnesses like that one, the worry never goes away, and we are also painfully reminded that not everyone is as lucky as Olli!
And this wonderful line just sums it all up beautifully:
I'd rather spend my worst day of my life with you, than my best day with someone else.
Finally I have to add, that I just adore the Britishness of the book, the idioms, the references and the humour. I mean, Nicola Haken's philosophical discourse about the death of a dunking biscuit had me chuckle loudly.
And: I do sincerely hope we do get a book on Rhys and Benny. I loved both characters and hope to hear from them again!
Absolutely brilliant! Read it! Highly recommended!
March 8, 2017
"Are you flirting with me?” ...
“Maybe, Is it working?” ...
Who We Are by Nicola Haken is a story about falling in love and riding out the waves of life. Both of our MC Sebastian and Oliver have had more than their share of challenges during life. Yet, when they find each other Oliver is very gunshy about starting anything and Sebastian wants nothing more than to find his HEA. When the reasons for Oliver's hesitancy are revealed and found to not be an issue at all...it is just when these two think they are going to have a peaceful life together that our author rips the rug out from under them.
This was a really good book. Not as emotional as a couple of her previous books...but, still enough feelz and emotion to be a winner! I found myself struggling a bit with this story and it could just be me, but it took me a bit to connect to these characters. Maybe it was just a case of "wrong book, wrong time" but even with the struggles I still think it's a book worth reading and that Sebastian and Oliver are two great characters. Would like to read Benny and Rhys' story now as well - and can't wait to see what our author brings us next!
4 stars
“Maybe, Is it working?” ...
Who We Are by Nicola Haken is a story about falling in love and riding out the waves of life. Both of our MC Sebastian and Oliver have had more than their share of challenges during life. Yet, when they find each other Oliver is very gunshy about starting anything and Sebastian wants nothing more than to find his HEA. When the reasons for Oliver's hesitancy are revealed and found to not be an issue at all...it is just when these two think they are going to have a peaceful life together that our author rips the rug out from under them.
This was a really good book. Not as emotional as a couple of her previous books...but, still enough feelz and emotion to be a winner! I found myself struggling a bit with this story and it could just be me, but it took me a bit to connect to these characters. Maybe it was just a case of "wrong book, wrong time" but even with the struggles I still think it's a book worth reading and that Sebastian and Oliver are two great characters. Would like to read Benny and Rhys' story now as well - and can't wait to see what our author brings us next!
4 stars
March 16, 2017
BR con las sospechosas habituales ^^
Qué bonita es a veces la normalidad, que gente corriente se enamore, gente que se siente tan real *suspiros*. Me han encantado los dos MC, son adorables, además de graciosos, me he reído mucho, el libro tiene todo el rato un tono agradable, acogedor, ha sido una lectura muy relajada y con sonrisa bobalicona hasta la parte final.
Sabía que Haken no es una autora fluffy, mientras leía no paraba de pensar que ALGO tenía que pasar, y dentro de esa relación tan madura y bien llevada, no sabía qué podía ser, y ¡zas! Pues qué queréis que os diga, que no me lo esperaba, sobre todo porque este tipo de tropes no son mis favoritos, y me ha empañado un poco la experiencia.
Ojo, lo hace muy bien, no cae el dramatismos e histerismos, los personajes mantiene su esencia, los secundarios dan la talla y creo que retrata con delicadeza la situación por la que atraviesan. Algún tonillo aleccionador se le escapa, sobre todo con el tema de la bisexualidad, y algún azucarillo también, para mi gusto.
Y termino con una petición: Por favor, libro para Rhys ya, dejad que mi queen favorita consiga su HEA ;)
Qué bonita es a veces la normalidad, que gente corriente se enamore, gente que se siente tan real *suspiros*. Me han encantado los dos MC, son adorables, además de graciosos, me he reído mucho, el libro tiene todo el rato un tono agradable, acogedor, ha sido una lectura muy relajada y con sonrisa bobalicona hasta la parte final.
Sabía que Haken no es una autora fluffy, mientras leía no paraba de pensar que ALGO tenía que pasar, y dentro de esa relación tan madura y bien llevada, no sabía qué podía ser, y ¡zas! Pues qué queréis que os diga, que no me lo esperaba, sobre todo porque este tipo de tropes no son mis favoritos, y me ha empañado un poco la experiencia.
Ojo, lo hace muy bien, no cae el dramatismos e histerismos, los personajes mantiene su esencia, los secundarios dan la talla y creo que retrata con delicadeza la situación por la que atraviesan. Algún tonillo aleccionador se le escapa, sobre todo con el tema de la bisexualidad, y algún azucarillo también, para mi gusto.
Y termino con una petición: Por favor, libro para Rhys ya, dejad que mi queen favorita consiga su HEA ;)
March 26, 2024
✰ 3.75 stars ✰
“We are who we are, and that’s okay.”
When thirty-year old hair stylist, Oliver, and thirty-four year delivery truck driver, Sebastian's paths literally stumble into one another, they're both at that stage where they know who they are in their lives, yet don't know who they want to be with for the rest of their lives. But, what they do know is the instant and irresistible pull they feel for each other. 'We were so different, yet the same. When I looked into his eyes I saw a loneliness there that I’d so often seen in my own.' 😟 Maybe it's because they both became parents at a very young age - now raising two teenage boys who are at that critical stage of adolescence. Maybe it's because they've both faced harsh judgments and prejudice from others for how they choose to proudly live their lives. Or maybe it is how they recognize each other, just how much it means to be the best versions of themselves, no matter what others may think of them - because no one deserves to judge the other for who they choose to be. 💕
“I’m not on a mission to steal all your boyfriends or girlfriends. I just want to find someone who matters.
I want to love whoever I choose without fear of being judged or insulted, you know, like every one of you do.”
I never realized the significance of what it means to be bisexual, until Sebastian gave me a glimpse into the scorn and ridicule he received from others, simply for being bisexual. It may have felt like it was the one thing that defined him, but the fact that so much of his failed attempts at relationships is because his significant other could not trust or believe that he could stay faithful - because of his range of choices - was a harsh eye-opener for me. 😥 But, I appreciated how he explained it - that there is no wrong for feeling an attraction for more than one gender - for knowing that there is no right or wrong for being this way - how he had to fight to justify himself to others - the struggle really is heartbreaking.
What hurt me was how people could be so close-minded and ignorant of that fact - how they could openly debase someone - mocking them for their sexuality and making them feel inferior for how they choose to express themselves in their affections. But the author approached this matter very candidly and honestly - without ever feeling preachy. Sebastian was vocal and expressive in his sentiments and I agreed with him. 👏🏻👏🏻 'Because of you I’ve learned that it’s not just okay to be who I am, but to be proud of it. No one’s ever loved and accepted me like you have. You see me, all of me, and you don’t care.' No one should be made to feel lesser for who they choose to be with - just as no one should be judged for how they choose to be. One should never forget to love yourself as the best version that you are - because that makes you the happiest to be who you are - as you are. 🌈
“That’s your heart, and hearts are filled with love. As long as you feel that little thump, you’ll know that you’re loved, okay?”
Oliver - bless his heart and his courage. 😔 He has been through a lot his whole life, but he never gave up being as firm and brave as he can be. Sebastian made him feel so much freer - to be so much more content in the life that he has - to not wallow in the self-pity wall he had built around himself, caging him in from living life to the fullest. 'I’d missed how his presence made me feel. Lighter, somehow. Almost like, not only had I hit pause on my life ten years ago, but I’d unconsciously held my breath, too.' 🥲 I know it is hard to believe that he had to care for his younger brother at such a young age, but he truly did the best he could for Tyler; even the smallest of financial sacrifices he made for him, so that he could live a better and happier life as a teen clicked with me.
Tyler may have been the rebellious sort or even one who didn't quite understand his brother's flamboyant ways, but through their difficult trials, I'm glad there came a way for them to be more open with each other, for Tyler to realize how special a brother he had. His words wrapped around my heart, squeezing, crushing it. “I’m gonna try my best, Ty. I promise you I’ll try my bloody best.' 😢 It was a chance to strengthen their bond as brothers and remind them how grateful and fortunate they were to have each other. Time is too precious to not let each minute or moment count. 💟💟
“My point is in every relationship I’ve had my sexuality has felt like this big bad burden. I’ve either had to hide it, or I’ve felt guilty about it. I didn’t want to feel like that with you. I enjoyed our time together too much.”
Oliver’s fingers walked up my back, settling on the back of my head. He pulled my face to his, nose to nose, and whispered, “I acknowledge you. I accept you.”
Closing his eyes, he pressed a chaste kiss to my lips. “And I care about you, too. That ache you mentioned?”
He placed his palm flush against my chest. “In here? I feel it. Every time I think of you, I feel it.”
It may have felt a bit too instant for how they fell for each other, but I liked how the author explained why they felt that compulsive if not compelling pull towards each other. Oliver brightened Sebastian's mundane life and Seb - offered Oliver a chance to have a life. And their scenes together felt very genuine, very endearing, very warm - a certain softness to them that was a welcoming balance against the difficult trials ahead of them. 🤍🤍 Even their flirting had a gentleness to it that didn't feel exaggerated or forceful. 'Of course. We’re destiny, right?' I understood that fear of uncertainty of revealing the truest part of themselves - afraid of how they would react, because of their past experiences.
Yet, there was a natural ease to them that felt comforting to share each other's company, a bond strengthened when they saw they were even more connected with how they had to learn the growing pains of raising teenage boys. I liked that Sebastian never made Oliver feel sorry or small for how small his life has been - how his life doesn't match up to the rich living of his own - that he isn't attracted to his stature, but his heart. 'His brown eyes were slightly narrowed, oozing sincerity, staring into mine with so much passion, desire…acceptance. He loved me, me, and everything I had to offer…as little as that was.' 🥹 That is something everyone should never forget - that love shouldn't be measured by material worth, but just how much one means to the other.
Their romance may not have been a steamilicious one, but it was one that beautifully captured how it is to love and support someone through the good times and the bad times. It is during the heaviest of hardships, that the strength of how much the other matters to you is truly tested. And the author captured very honestly how these tough challenges affect Sebastian and Oliver in their own respective ways, and how, despite the exchange of harsh words or the loneliness and the guilt of making the other endure these difficult trials - it only proves how much they feel and care for each other. 🥺 'He’d shown me that there was more to life than being content, that life could be fucking amazing when you get to share it with another person, and he’d done it so quickly too.' ❤️🩹❤️🩹 That It is with understanding and not abandoning one another when the chips are down that tests their own limits of how far they're willing to go before the hope for a forever future - makes the struggle to a promise of an after - an even more fulfilling and enriching one for the both of them. I know it sounds like I am the one preaching here, but it is a love story, just one that takes a lot of patience and courage to make it last. 🫂
“Life is wonderful! I might not have been put on this earth to change the world, but it doesn’t mean I can’t make a difference in someone’s world.”
I liked how the author showed Sebastian as a supportive and encouraging shoulder for Tyler - how he helped him accept and understand a part of himself he was having difficulty with. 'It’s okay for that to shift and change throughout your whole life. There are no rules. You feel what you feel and you don’t have to feel it all right now.' Rhys and Benny were two best friends that lent a strong moral support on either side of Oliver and Sebastian that was seriously needed, offering a balance of levity and happiness - a brightness to the more serious and sombre storyline. 😊 I wonder if the author will ever be interested in revisiting Rhys and Benny's story; it certainly felt like there was potential to it, so it is a shame it never came to fruition. I've always appreciated how honestly and sincerely the author writes. 'Live for them. Live for you. No one else.' She approaches tough subjects with a very caring and kind-hearted touch and still delivers a heartwarming emotional story that captures how her characters tackle the difficult choices they have to face. Oliver and Sebastian's story teaches us how important it is to be true to Who We Are - that we should never let how others see ourselves, change how we see ourselves. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
“We are who we are, and that’s okay.”
When thirty-year old hair stylist, Oliver, and thirty-four year delivery truck driver, Sebastian's paths literally stumble into one another, they're both at that stage where they know who they are in their lives, yet don't know who they want to be with for the rest of their lives. But, what they do know is the instant and irresistible pull they feel for each other. 'We were so different, yet the same. When I looked into his eyes I saw a loneliness there that I’d so often seen in my own.' 😟 Maybe it's because they both became parents at a very young age - now raising two teenage boys who are at that critical stage of adolescence. Maybe it's because they've both faced harsh judgments and prejudice from others for how they choose to proudly live their lives. Or maybe it is how they recognize each other, just how much it means to be the best versions of themselves, no matter what others may think of them - because no one deserves to judge the other for who they choose to be. 💕
“I’m not on a mission to steal all your boyfriends or girlfriends. I just want to find someone who matters.
I want to love whoever I choose without fear of being judged or insulted, you know, like every one of you do.”
I never realized the significance of what it means to be bisexual, until Sebastian gave me a glimpse into the scorn and ridicule he received from others, simply for being bisexual. It may have felt like it was the one thing that defined him, but the fact that so much of his failed attempts at relationships is because his significant other could not trust or believe that he could stay faithful - because of his range of choices - was a harsh eye-opener for me. 😥 But, I appreciated how he explained it - that there is no wrong for feeling an attraction for more than one gender - for knowing that there is no right or wrong for being this way - how he had to fight to justify himself to others - the struggle really is heartbreaking.
What hurt me was how people could be so close-minded and ignorant of that fact - how they could openly debase someone - mocking them for their sexuality and making them feel inferior for how they choose to express themselves in their affections. But the author approached this matter very candidly and honestly - without ever feeling preachy. Sebastian was vocal and expressive in his sentiments and I agreed with him. 👏🏻👏🏻 'Because of you I’ve learned that it’s not just okay to be who I am, but to be proud of it. No one’s ever loved and accepted me like you have. You see me, all of me, and you don’t care.' No one should be made to feel lesser for who they choose to be with - just as no one should be judged for how they choose to be. One should never forget to love yourself as the best version that you are - because that makes you the happiest to be who you are - as you are. 🌈
“That’s your heart, and hearts are filled with love. As long as you feel that little thump, you’ll know that you’re loved, okay?”
Oliver - bless his heart and his courage. 😔 He has been through a lot his whole life, but he never gave up being as firm and brave as he can be. Sebastian made him feel so much freer - to be so much more content in the life that he has - to not wallow in the self-pity wall he had built around himself, caging him in from living life to the fullest. 'I’d missed how his presence made me feel. Lighter, somehow. Almost like, not only had I hit pause on my life ten years ago, but I’d unconsciously held my breath, too.' 🥲 I know it is hard to believe that he had to care for his younger brother at such a young age, but he truly did the best he could for Tyler; even the smallest of financial sacrifices he made for him, so that he could live a better and happier life as a teen clicked with me.
Tyler may have been the rebellious sort or even one who didn't quite understand his brother's flamboyant ways, but through their difficult trials, I'm glad there came a way for them to be more open with each other, for Tyler to realize how special a brother he had. His words wrapped around my heart, squeezing, crushing it. “I’m gonna try my best, Ty. I promise you I’ll try my bloody best.' 😢 It was a chance to strengthen their bond as brothers and remind them how grateful and fortunate they were to have each other. Time is too precious to not let each minute or moment count. 💟💟
“My point is in every relationship I’ve had my sexuality has felt like this big bad burden. I’ve either had to hide it, or I’ve felt guilty about it. I didn’t want to feel like that with you. I enjoyed our time together too much.”
Oliver’s fingers walked up my back, settling on the back of my head. He pulled my face to his, nose to nose, and whispered, “I acknowledge you. I accept you.”
Closing his eyes, he pressed a chaste kiss to my lips. “And I care about you, too. That ache you mentioned?”
He placed his palm flush against my chest. “In here? I feel it. Every time I think of you, I feel it.”
It may have felt a bit too instant for how they fell for each other, but I liked how the author explained why they felt that compulsive if not compelling pull towards each other. Oliver brightened Sebastian's mundane life and Seb - offered Oliver a chance to have a life. And their scenes together felt very genuine, very endearing, very warm - a certain softness to them that was a welcoming balance against the difficult trials ahead of them. 🤍🤍 Even their flirting had a gentleness to it that didn't feel exaggerated or forceful. 'Of course. We’re destiny, right?' I understood that fear of uncertainty of revealing the truest part of themselves - afraid of how they would react, because of their past experiences.
Yet, there was a natural ease to them that felt comforting to share each other's company, a bond strengthened when they saw they were even more connected with how they had to learn the growing pains of raising teenage boys. I liked that Sebastian never made Oliver feel sorry or small for how small his life has been - how his life doesn't match up to the rich living of his own - that he isn't attracted to his stature, but his heart. 'His brown eyes were slightly narrowed, oozing sincerity, staring into mine with so much passion, desire…acceptance. He loved me, me, and everything I had to offer…as little as that was.' 🥹 That is something everyone should never forget - that love shouldn't be measured by material worth, but just how much one means to the other.
Their romance may not have been a steamilicious one, but it was one that beautifully captured how it is to love and support someone through the good times and the bad times. It is during the heaviest of hardships, that the strength of how much the other matters to you is truly tested. And the author captured very honestly how these tough challenges affect Sebastian and Oliver in their own respective ways, and how, despite the exchange of harsh words or the loneliness and the guilt of making the other endure these difficult trials - it only proves how much they feel and care for each other. 🥺 'He’d shown me that there was more to life than being content, that life could be fucking amazing when you get to share it with another person, and he’d done it so quickly too.' ❤️🩹❤️🩹 That It is with understanding and not abandoning one another when the chips are down that tests their own limits of how far they're willing to go before the hope for a forever future - makes the struggle to a promise of an after - an even more fulfilling and enriching one for the both of them. I know it sounds like I am the one preaching here, but it is a love story, just one that takes a lot of patience and courage to make it last. 🫂
“Life is wonderful! I might not have been put on this earth to change the world, but it doesn’t mean I can’t make a difference in someone’s world.”
I liked how the author showed Sebastian as a supportive and encouraging shoulder for Tyler - how he helped him accept and understand a part of himself he was having difficulty with. 'It’s okay for that to shift and change throughout your whole life. There are no rules. You feel what you feel and you don’t have to feel it all right now.' Rhys and Benny were two best friends that lent a strong moral support on either side of Oliver and Sebastian that was seriously needed, offering a balance of levity and happiness - a brightness to the more serious and sombre storyline. 😊 I wonder if the author will ever be interested in revisiting Rhys and Benny's story; it certainly felt like there was potential to it, so it is a shame it never came to fruition. I've always appreciated how honestly and sincerely the author writes. 'Live for them. Live for you. No one else.' She approaches tough subjects with a very caring and kind-hearted touch and still delivers a heartwarming emotional story that captures how her characters tackle the difficult choices they have to face. Oliver and Sebastian's story teaches us how important it is to be true to Who We Are - that we should never let how others see ourselves, change how we see ourselves. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
July 12, 2018
*3.5 stars*
I struggled a little bit with my review and rating because I really didn't know what to write and how to rate it.
First of all, the blurb should contain a warning about the content because for some people the topic can be triggering .
I liked the book but I didn't love it. It's well written but I expected something else. There was something missing but I can't point out what exactly, it's just a general feeling. And I know "it's me, not the book" problem.
The first half is insta love and then book take a turn and focuses entirely on Oliver and . Yes, I know life can be a bitch like that but IMO Oliver's and Sebastian's relationship was not fully developed before . They knew each other for a really short time and facing the challenge Sebastian was... too perfect?
I liked how Nicola Haken portrayed bisexuality as an important part of who Sebastian is. And bi-phobia is a real thing :(
I loved secondary characters in Tyler, Scott, and Rhys (hope he'll get his own book)
I don't regret reading "Who we are" but I'm not sure if I'd buy it if I was aware of its content.
I struggled a little bit with my review and rating because I really didn't know what to write and how to rate it.
First of all, the blurb should contain a warning about the content because for some people the topic can be triggering .
I liked the book but I didn't love it. It's well written but I expected something else. There was something missing but I can't point out what exactly, it's just a general feeling. And I know "it's me, not the book" problem.
The first half is insta love and then book take a turn and focuses entirely on Oliver and . Yes, I know life can be a bitch like that but IMO Oliver's and Sebastian's relationship was not fully developed before . They knew each other for a really short time and facing the challenge Sebastian was... too perfect?
I liked how Nicola Haken portrayed bisexuality as an important part of who Sebastian is. And bi-phobia is a real thing :(
I loved secondary characters in Tyler, Scott, and Rhys (hope he'll get his own book)
I don't regret reading "Who we are" but I'm not sure if I'd buy it if I was aware of its content.
March 16, 2017
All the stars, every single one of them
Nicola Haken does it again with this perfectly crafted story of two men whose lives randomly collide and who then go on to build a future together.
On the way there are trials, and please read this without spoilering yourselves because it truly does need to he discovered piece by piece.
Oliver and Seb are wonderfully expressed characters, so different from each other but with an abiding sense of rightness as a pair. Life hasn't been easy for either of them but in the fairly low level way of how things can just sometimes be tough.
Their romance is gentle, it creeps slowly with an overwhelming feeling of love and support and it's needed and tested to a degree most people thankfully will never have to endure.
The setting is fabulously British, Manchester's Canal Street is somewhere I know quite well and the language is Northern English vernacular, hilarious and harsh, bred from an industrial heritage and a sense of pride of place.
The research, as always with this author, is impeccable, and it's hard to read at times but oh so very worth it. This is a book about flirting, about family, about love, hope and joy, but also about fear and pain, hopelessness and worry.
Ultimately though, it's about life and all the unique experiences it brings if people are willing to open their eyes and their hearts.
Nicola Haken does it again with this perfectly crafted story of two men whose lives randomly collide and who then go on to build a future together.
On the way there are trials, and please read this without spoilering yourselves because it truly does need to he discovered piece by piece.
Oliver and Seb are wonderfully expressed characters, so different from each other but with an abiding sense of rightness as a pair. Life hasn't been easy for either of them but in the fairly low level way of how things can just sometimes be tough.
Their romance is gentle, it creeps slowly with an overwhelming feeling of love and support and it's needed and tested to a degree most people thankfully will never have to endure.
The setting is fabulously British, Manchester's Canal Street is somewhere I know quite well and the language is Northern English vernacular, hilarious and harsh, bred from an industrial heritage and a sense of pride of place.
The research, as always with this author, is impeccable, and it's hard to read at times but oh so very worth it. This is a book about flirting, about family, about love, hope and joy, but also about fear and pain, hopelessness and worry.
Ultimately though, it's about life and all the unique experiences it brings if people are willing to open their eyes and their hearts.
May 4, 2017
A solid read.
I liked this book. Did I love it? No, and I'm not sure exactly why. There was something missing here. Maybe it was due to the fact that the story focused on what happened after the insta-love, while I prefer stories with serious build up and UST. We began hot and heavy on the love, and then things took a somewhat unexpected turn.
I loved Haken's previous book, Broken. And while this one was not as dark, it did contend with a very serious issue (no spoilers) which threw a wrench in the budding relationship of Oliver and Sebastian, the MCs. Fear not, reader, you do get an HEA here.
I really liked Oliver's character, but felt like Sebastian was a little too perfect. Things are quite bleak for a time, but he powers on through with only one small break down. I didn't quite buy his almost perfect behavior for the situation he found himself in.
Haken's secondary characters were intriguing and I'm currently to see if any stories will develop from them, specifically Benny and Rhys.
I must commend Haken's wonderful portrayal and explanation bisexuality here since it wasn't necessarily depicted as a best of both worlds sexual identity.
I liked this book. Did I love it? No, and I'm not sure exactly why. There was something missing here. Maybe it was due to the fact that the story focused on what happened after the insta-love, while I prefer stories with serious build up and UST. We began hot and heavy on the love, and then things took a somewhat unexpected turn.
I loved Haken's previous book, Broken. And while this one was not as dark, it did contend with a very serious issue (no spoilers) which threw a wrench in the budding relationship of Oliver and Sebastian, the MCs. Fear not, reader, you do get an HEA here.
I really liked Oliver's character, but felt like Sebastian was a little too perfect. Things are quite bleak for a time, but he powers on through with only one small break down. I didn't quite buy his almost perfect behavior for the situation he found himself in.
Haken's secondary characters were intriguing and I'm currently to see if any stories will develop from them, specifically Benny and Rhys.
I must commend Haken's wonderful portrayal and explanation bisexuality here since it wasn't necessarily depicted as a best of both worlds sexual identity.
September 30, 2017
4.5 stars
That was really lovely.
Best discussions of bisexuality I've ever read. Haken truly gets it, at least gets what I've experienced my whole life, complete with having people tell me to my face, "just pick already" and "there's no such thing as bisexual". Just being attracted to a person, regardless of gender, and not having to be scrutinized or judged for it - yeah, that's it.
I really loved the roles the kids played it this one, their characters were so beautifully developed it was incredible to see them grow over the course of the story.
This was an emotional journey but totally worth it!
That was really lovely.
Best discussions of bisexuality I've ever read. Haken truly gets it, at least gets what I've experienced my whole life, complete with having people tell me to my face, "just pick already" and "there's no such thing as bisexual". Just being attracted to a person, regardless of gender, and not having to be scrutinized or judged for it - yeah, that's it.
I really loved the roles the kids played it this one, their characters were so beautifully developed it was incredible to see them grow over the course of the story.
This was an emotional journey but totally worth it!
March 14, 2017
BR con Elsa y Mado. ¡Gracias chicas! <3
Una pareja protagonista monísima, unos secundarios geniales (Libros de Rhys y de Ty, please!) y puntos verdaderamente graciosos, he echado unas cuántas carcajadas.
Pero…
Me temo que el romance entre Olly y Seb no me ha llegado al corazón, y la parte final se me ha hecho aburrida y un tanto moñas por momentos, menos mal que con el epílogo ha mejorado la cosa (¡ese Rhys!)
Una buena lectura que, en mi caso, no ha hecho click.
¡Ah! Y minipunto para la Haken
Una pareja protagonista monísima, unos secundarios geniales (Libros de Rhys y de Ty, please!) y puntos verdaderamente graciosos, he echado unas cuántas carcajadas.
Pero…
Me temo que el romance entre Olly y Seb no me ha llegado al corazón, y la parte final se me ha hecho aburrida y un tanto moñas por momentos, menos mal que con el epílogo ha mejorado la cosa (¡ese Rhys!)
Una buena lectura que, en mi caso, no ha hecho click.
¡Ah! Y minipunto para la Haken
May 3, 2022
Epic and heartbreaking
March 11, 2017
4.5 stars
I was a wreck after reading this. No scratch that I was a hot ass mess while reading this, and up until I finish. I mean, it's a HFN in the contents of a realistic fiction. This was my second Nicola Haken book, and I'm rethinking why I haven't read anything else by her. I love British stories, the humor, love, tears and the feelings that I'm able to convey with these characters. Can I say I'm not an animal lover at all, but I loved Marvin Daye. Oh my goodness it left me in tears every interaction between Sebastian & Marvin. The humor was such a great aspect to this love story.
I like being able to relate to characters I read about. In any way, shape or form it's nice to see some comparisons between fiction and real life. I think Nicola has the perfect antidote on writing realistic fiction. Her characters can be you, your family, spouse, and friends. Its the same reactions through all the tears, joys, love and laughs. I knew next to nothing about this book when I requested it. I saw the cover and a little of the blurb and wanted to read it. Did I expect the read it in one sitting? Absolutely not, but I did. I might not have the best words to describe the story, but I really thought it was a love story between two guys who were each hiding something about themselves to the world. Sebastian has seem to given up on love when we meet him. He's sure of himself and being bi-sexual but none of the past partners or future to him were able to be okay with it. It has left him cynical and not really looking for love. Oliver hasn't been himself in years, his love life sucks. His personal life doesn't seem to be much better. Left custody of his younger brother at a young age himself hasn't left Olli time to experiment with dating and love. Every little minute is left is dedicated to his brother Tyler who is at the age when he's a little shit. Oliver's only freedom is when he's able to turn into Miss Tique, his drag persona who he evolves into, and lets all his inhibitions a loose while performing. A chance meeting between these two guys turns into something magical. The physical attraction is right their on the page and its not hard to see the love grow & blossom. I love both of these guys for all their faults & flaws. Both guys are hesitant to tell each other about the children in their lives. For different reasons they are scared to show each other their true selves.
I really didn't expect this book to pack so many emotions. I couldn't believe where it went with the plot, it was times in the story that I had to stop because the tears were following so heavy. I fell in love more and more with Olli & Seb. I think people will appreciate Haken's canny sense of realism. I thought the pacing, the length and gradual increases of tone were perfect for the tone of the story. I think fans of the M/M Genre will be surprised by how great this is. I think you should give it a try, and great job Nicola. I so look forward to more of your work. A definite recommend from me!
I did not expect this amount of emotions
Nicola!!!! Goodness, warn us! Would you??
I was a wreck after reading this. No scratch that I was a hot ass mess while reading this, and up until I finish. I mean, it's a HFN in the contents of a realistic fiction. This was my second Nicola Haken book, and I'm rethinking why I haven't read anything else by her. I love British stories, the humor, love, tears and the feelings that I'm able to convey with these characters. Can I say I'm not an animal lover at all, but I loved Marvin Daye. Oh my goodness it left me in tears every interaction between Sebastian & Marvin. The humor was such a great aspect to this love story.
I like being able to relate to characters I read about. In any way, shape or form it's nice to see some comparisons between fiction and real life. I think Nicola has the perfect antidote on writing realistic fiction. Her characters can be you, your family, spouse, and friends. Its the same reactions through all the tears, joys, love and laughs. I knew next to nothing about this book when I requested it. I saw the cover and a little of the blurb and wanted to read it. Did I expect the read it in one sitting? Absolutely not, but I did. I might not have the best words to describe the story, but I really thought it was a love story between two guys who were each hiding something about themselves to the world. Sebastian has seem to given up on love when we meet him. He's sure of himself and being bi-sexual but none of the past partners or future to him were able to be okay with it. It has left him cynical and not really looking for love. Oliver hasn't been himself in years, his love life sucks. His personal life doesn't seem to be much better. Left custody of his younger brother at a young age himself hasn't left Olli time to experiment with dating and love. Every little minute is left is dedicated to his brother Tyler who is at the age when he's a little shit. Oliver's only freedom is when he's able to turn into Miss Tique, his drag persona who he evolves into, and lets all his inhibitions a loose while performing. A chance meeting between these two guys turns into something magical. The physical attraction is right their on the page and its not hard to see the love grow & blossom. I love both of these guys for all their faults & flaws. Both guys are hesitant to tell each other about the children in their lives. For different reasons they are scared to show each other their true selves.
I really didn't expect this book to pack so many emotions. I couldn't believe where it went with the plot, it was times in the story that I had to stop because the tears were following so heavy. I fell in love more and more with Olli & Seb. I think people will appreciate Haken's canny sense of realism. I thought the pacing, the length and gradual increases of tone were perfect for the tone of the story. I think fans of the M/M Genre will be surprised by how great this is. I think you should give it a try, and great job Nicola. I so look forward to more of your work. A definite recommend from me!
April 18, 2017
What an amazing read! I found this book here on the update feed from one of my goodreads friends and I am so happy I decided to give it a try!
Oliver is a hair stylist and in his free time a drag performer in a local gay bar.
For 10 years he has been raising his younger brother, who now at 14 becomes quite a difficult teen, giving Oliver more than one headache.
To earn some extra cash Oliver waits at a bar and there meets Sebastian. After some texting they go on a date and click almost immediately.
Seb is a bisexual truck driver with a 14 year old son, but little experience in relationships.
The book had me hooked from the beginning. It felt genuine, not like that usual romance sort, which is often fun to read but you are just aware that it's a made up story.
Here everything felt right and I was really hoping that the author would avoid that usual stupid gay romance drama of misunderstandings or miscommunication etc.
Fortunately none of that happened. I mean there was quite a bit of drama, it was almost too much to bear, but still this was so good and so funny and so sad, I loved every page of it!
And honestly I probably cried through half of the book!
This is definitely one of the best stories I read this year and one of the few books I can easily give 5 stars without hesitation. I will also check out more of Nicola Haken, probably I found a new author to follow! Absolutely recommended!
Oliver is a hair stylist and in his free time a drag performer in a local gay bar.
For 10 years he has been raising his younger brother, who now at 14 becomes quite a difficult teen, giving Oliver more than one headache.
To earn some extra cash Oliver waits at a bar and there meets Sebastian. After some texting they go on a date and click almost immediately.
Seb is a bisexual truck driver with a 14 year old son, but little experience in relationships.
The book had me hooked from the beginning. It felt genuine, not like that usual romance sort, which is often fun to read but you are just aware that it's a made up story.
Here everything felt right and I was really hoping that the author would avoid that usual stupid gay romance drama of misunderstandings or miscommunication etc.
Fortunately none of that happened. I mean there was quite a bit of drama, it was almost too much to bear, but still this was so good and so funny and so sad, I loved every page of it!
And honestly I probably cried through half of the book!
This is definitely one of the best stories I read this year and one of the few books I can easily give 5 stars without hesitation. I will also check out more of Nicola Haken, probably I found a new author to follow! Absolutely recommended!
September 12, 2021
=》4.25 stars
To the point - Gorgeous. Nickola Haken knows exactly what I want, what I actually need. She is my author. So far, I have read two books by her.( Broken and Who we are) Both of them are *hands down* emotional, beautiful and so close to my heart. It felt like they were reflecting my hidden thoughts, mirroring my inner conflicts and giving me those warm hugs I always crave for. Broken is now one of my favourite books ever and I also really loved Who we are.
Who we are is the story of two lost soul and how they find comfort and love in each other's arms. It's not a traditional romance. Instead it's a brutally honest portrayal of life. It reminds us we are- who we are.
It's an amazing work of fiction. Loved the story. Loved the characters. Loved the family dynamic. Loved how wonderfully the author has handled various tough and heavy topics. And the representations in this book, are spectacular. All of them. But I want tospecifically mention the bisexual representation. It was the best I have ever seen in any book so far.
➡️ Note : The cover is hideous. Hate the cover. But as the saying goes, never judge a book by its cover. I am a person who has a weak spot for pretty books. Lesson learned.
To the point - Gorgeous. Nickola Haken knows exactly what I want, what I actually need. She is my author. So far, I have read two books by her.( Broken and Who we are) Both of them are *hands down* emotional, beautiful and so close to my heart. It felt like they were reflecting my hidden thoughts, mirroring my inner conflicts and giving me those warm hugs I always crave for. Broken is now one of my favourite books ever and I also really loved Who we are.
Who we are is the story of two lost soul and how they find comfort and love in each other's arms. It's not a traditional romance. Instead it's a brutally honest portrayal of life. It reminds us we are- who we are.
It's an amazing work of fiction. Loved the story. Loved the characters. Loved the family dynamic. Loved how wonderfully the author has handled various tough and heavy topics. And the representations in this book, are spectacular. All of them. But I want tospecifically mention the bisexual representation. It was the best I have ever seen in any book so far.
➡️ Note : The cover is hideous. Hate the cover. But as the saying goes, never judge a book by its cover. I am a person who has a weak spot for pretty books. Lesson learned.
April 19, 2017
Please tell me Rhys gets his story!!!!
July 28, 2018
Oliver Clayton may seem like he has it all together but it's all in the details. Killing it on Saturday nights as his alter ego drag queen persona Miss Tique, sought after for his awesome hair skills at Hair Design By Clair salon, few realize the heartaches he's had to endure so far during his lifetime.
Child of a single mother, Oliver gained guardianship of his four year old brother at age 20 after his mum died forcing him to give up his personal aspirations to raise his brother. Ten years later Oliver is highly cognizant that being a gay brother to a teenager comes with responsibilities including toning down his gayness, but what happens when Oliver meets a guy who just might be the one man who completes him .....
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New to me author who was recommended by a friend who gushed about this book. Just had to see for myself if it was all that and more.
This is a story about two blue collar working class men who meet up and have a connection that evolves into a relationship with the 'baggage' of being responsible for teenagers. The one overwhelming feeling I had is that the author successfully provided a simple romance story about love with the added caveat that the love is between two men. Normal working class men who have nothing special about them but are special to each other. Totally realistic and on point pulling in the stigma of being 'different' from social norms as the two dealt with all the typical day to day issues any LGBTQIA would. The wonder of it all, for me, is that the author was able to do this in such an amazing way that I never got bored or felt the story drifted too far into dealing with issues that were nonessential or political. It was a simple story about two fictional characters finding love and doing whatever it takes to support each other because their love was real and unconditional.
My one takeaway about this story is that it brought out the whole spectrum of emotions from me. Name an emotion and you'll probably feel it at some point of the story - that includes tears. I'm a reader who hates tearjerker stories because in my real life I'm exposed to situations that could fill buckets with the tears shed. That means I avoid those types of stories. Ok, moving forward. At one portion of this story I cried and cried needing to stop reading about every two paragraphs. Totally devastated me that the author could include content that emotional and devastating. Yet, it's a part of life some may benefit from reading about and experiencing in a fictional capacity. Just want to put that out there for an with similar triggers.
For fans of contemporary m-m erotic romance, this is a book to definitely check out and grab if interested in drag queen characters and how they're able to find their special someone and make a relationship work. It's not for fans who can't deal with the fallout of the challenges one might encounter in life and the degree of emotions that will result because of those challenges.
ps. Rhys & Benni. Totally not cool author. Totally ruined me
Just sayin'
Child of a single mother, Oliver gained guardianship of his four year old brother at age 20 after his mum died forcing him to give up his personal aspirations to raise his brother. Ten years later Oliver is highly cognizant that being a gay brother to a teenager comes with responsibilities including toning down his gayness, but what happens when Oliver meets a guy who just might be the one man who completes him .....
* * * * *
New to me author who was recommended by a friend who gushed about this book. Just had to see for myself if it was all that and more.
This is a story about two blue collar working class men who meet up and have a connection that evolves into a relationship with the 'baggage' of being responsible for teenagers. The one overwhelming feeling I had is that the author successfully provided a simple romance story about love with the added caveat that the love is between two men. Normal working class men who have nothing special about them but are special to each other. Totally realistic and on point pulling in the stigma of being 'different' from social norms as the two dealt with all the typical day to day issues any LGBTQIA would. The wonder of it all, for me, is that the author was able to do this in such an amazing way that I never got bored or felt the story drifted too far into dealing with issues that were nonessential or political. It was a simple story about two fictional characters finding love and doing whatever it takes to support each other because their love was real and unconditional.
My one takeaway about this story is that it brought out the whole spectrum of emotions from me. Name an emotion and you'll probably feel it at some point of the story - that includes tears. I'm a reader who hates tearjerker stories because in my real life I'm exposed to situations that could fill buckets with the tears shed. That means I avoid those types of stories. Ok, moving forward. At one portion of this story I cried and cried needing to stop reading about every two paragraphs. Totally devastated me that the author could include content that emotional and devastating. Yet, it's a part of life some may benefit from reading about and experiencing in a fictional capacity. Just want to put that out there for an with similar triggers.
For fans of contemporary m-m erotic romance, this is a book to definitely check out and grab if interested in drag queen characters and how they're able to find their special someone and make a relationship work. It's not for fans who can't deal with the fallout of the challenges one might encounter in life and the degree of emotions that will result because of those challenges.
ps. Rhys & Benni. Totally not cool author. Totally ruined me
Just sayin'
December 7, 2020
This is one of those books everyone loved so much, but not me. And I even don't know why. Not that Oliver and Sebastian didn't have chemistry, they had, but I just couldn't found chemistry with the book. There were a lot of inner monologues which usually kills my mojo. Up to 60% I had really mixed feelings, than last 40% of story just dragged on.
My first book by Nicola Haken was Broken and I really loved it. So with this one I was a little disappointed, maybe I had too high expectations.
My first book by Nicola Haken was Broken and I really loved it. So with this one I was a little disappointed, maybe I had too high expectations.
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