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Spectrum Nights #2
See My Words
Successful underwear model Scott Ashworth is lucky—his attack at the hands of an unknown assailant will leave no visible scars. His professional goals are still within reach, and best of all, his stepbrother Rylan Mahoney is back in his life, their teenage infatuation at last getting the chance to deepen into something more.
Thrown together by the circumstances of Scott's injury, Rylan's long-dormant feelings for him are quickly rekindled, though he's haunted by the memory of Scott's disappearance on the night of his eighteenth birthday and the six missing years that followed. Rylan pushes Scott for the truth, a firm believer in the maxim that secrets lose their power once they're shared—but resurrecting old demons almost always comes with a price.
Before Scott knows it, his life is spiraling out of control, his toxic insecurities welling up to threaten the fragile relationship he's building with Rylan. Learning to let go of the past and believe in himself will be Scott's greatest challenge, or else he risks losing Rylan forever this time.
Thrown together by the circumstances of Scott's injury, Rylan's long-dormant feelings for him are quickly rekindled, though he's haunted by the memory of Scott's disappearance on the night of his eighteenth birthday and the six missing years that followed. Rylan pushes Scott for the truth, a firm believer in the maxim that secrets lose their power once they're shared—but resurrecting old demons almost always comes with a price.
Before Scott knows it, his life is spiraling out of control, his toxic insecurities welling up to threaten the fragile relationship he's building with Rylan. Learning to let go of the past and believe in himself will be Scott's greatest challenge, or else he risks losing Rylan forever this time.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 24, 2017
9 people are currently reading
287 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Hansen
10 books750 followersMelanie Hansen has spent time in Texas and Florida prisons…for work. She’s been in a room with a 17-year-old mass murderer who was also one of the most soft-spoken and polite teenagers she’s ever met. After a 13-year career as a court reporter, she can tell many stories both hilarious and heartbreaking.
She grew up with an Air Force dad, and ended up marrying a Navy man. After living and working all over the country, she hopes to bring these rich and varied life experiences to her stories about people finding love amidst real-life struggles.
Melanie left the stressful world of the courtroom behind and now enjoys a rewarding career transcribing for a deaf student. She currently lives in Arizona with her husband and two sons.
She grew up with an Air Force dad, and ended up marrying a Navy man. After living and working all over the country, she hopes to bring these rich and varied life experiences to her stories about people finding love amidst real-life struggles.
Melanie left the stressful world of the courtroom behind and now enjoys a rewarding career transcribing for a deaf student. She currently lives in Arizona with her husband and two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
April 18, 2017
4.5 Stars.
I seriously couldn't wait to read this after reading book one Pieces of Me and it didn't disappoint.I knew that Scott and Rylan still had a long way to go.Their story is extremely emotional and was quite hard to read at times but ultimately it's a love story, a second chance for two men that were,in the end,perfect together
This continues straight after events at the end of book one.Scott,having always relied on his looks and charisma,finds himself in a difficult place.Just as his life seemed to be on track,career wise,he's delt a massive set back.
I found this difficult to read at times.Scott is so emotionally scarred...all he's been shown in his young life was negatively and the insecurities continued into adulthood.When Rylan comes back into his life,he still can't let go of the past and tries over and over to push him away believing he's not good enough for Rylan.
I absolutely loved Rylan.As a reader I always believed in his love and commitment to Scott and he was what made this book so special for me.Yes,at times,I wanted him to walk away but I always believed in him to do the right thing for both of them.
This is about two men finding their way in life,dealing with the past,facing up to the future and while they both had their struggles it was Scott that went on one hell of a journey......and,in the end,he figured it out on his own.
This is emotional,angsty but I always had faith that these two men would make it.
Have to mention one of the best secondary characters I've read about in Minh......I know we kind of got his story/conclusion but I would absolutely love more of his and Chris's story....maybe just a novella??
Highly Recommended series.
An Arc of See My Words was kindly provided to me by Melanie Hansen for a honest review
I seriously couldn't wait to read this after reading book one Pieces of Me and it didn't disappoint.I knew that Scott and Rylan still had a long way to go.Their story is extremely emotional and was quite hard to read at times but ultimately it's a love story, a second chance for two men that were,in the end,perfect together
This continues straight after events at the end of book one.Scott,having always relied on his looks and charisma,finds himself in a difficult place.Just as his life seemed to be on track,career wise,he's delt a massive set back.
I found this difficult to read at times.Scott is so emotionally scarred...all he's been shown in his young life was negatively and the insecurities continued into adulthood.When Rylan comes back into his life,he still can't let go of the past and tries over and over to push him away believing he's not good enough for Rylan.
I absolutely loved Rylan.As a reader I always believed in his love and commitment to Scott and he was what made this book so special for me.Yes,at times,I wanted him to walk away but I always believed in him to do the right thing for both of them.
This is about two men finding their way in life,dealing with the past,facing up to the future and while they both had their struggles it was Scott that went on one hell of a journey......and,in the end,he figured it out on his own.
This is emotional,angsty but I always had faith that these two men would make it.
Have to mention one of the best secondary characters I've read about in Minh......I know we kind of got his story/conclusion but I would absolutely love more of his and Chris's story....maybe just a novella??
Highly Recommended series.
An Arc of See My Words was kindly provided to me by Melanie Hansen for a honest review
This review has been posted on Dirty Books Obsession
April 20, 2017
No one, and I mean no one, is more disappointed to see those three meager hearts up there than I. I don't even have words to explain how excited I was to read this book. I'm actually a bit ashamed of myself having been downright obnoxious about getting to the inbox every time I saw an email from Ninestar. Apologies, corns.
I NEEDZ!
However, I want to make this crystal clear. The reason I didn't LOOOOVE this book is very specific to me and should be taken with a bucket of salt.
As I've said before I work in the mental health field and this book has prominent mental health themes, something I tend to shy away from in my pleasure reads. The disorder Scott struggles with I see often. Even now I'm struggling with myself NOT to lapse into clinical speak. Suffice to say, he has a serious and persistent mental illness that isn't treated and is running his and Rylan's lives.
I do genuinely believe Rylan and Scott are soul mates and there is an HEA. If any two people can make it I wholeheartedly hope it's them. Rylan may be the only one that can truly see Scott's words for what they actually mean. However, their relationship is unhealthy; it's imbalanced, co-dependent and toxic. The more the narrative unfolded the more I found myself reading on eggshells waiting for whatever self-sabotaging tactic Scott was going to deploy next which filled me in equal parts with dread and sorrow. The dramatics are copious but that's part and parcel of the disorder and Hansen's crafting of it is superb. In case it isn't already obvious, I started reading this like a clinician rather than a romance reader. All I saw was the mental illness, all I heard was the mental illness and all I could think about was how much Scott needed help, above and beyond what Rylan's love can provide.
Everything about Scott's characterization is remarkable and Rylan is still as loveable as ever. I'm not sure if Hansen has a mental health background but this story sure reads like it. If not, she did her research. Everything from his background to his actions is on point. Truly, it's a remarkable accomplishment and I tip my hat to her but reading it exhausted me. I need to downshift out of the mental health gig in my off time and I found that to be an impossibility with this read.
This story is very much relationship driven. Scott and Rylan are front and center. They fight and make up again and again and again but when they're good, they're great with the banter and their connection plain to see. I just wish there had been more of that to balance out the read. The unfortunate thing is I can't divorce myself from my job entirely and this felt very long. I think it could've been tightened, but I can't tell if that's me or an actuality.
This sex is frequent, but I found I couldn't enjoy it entirely because I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. A word of caution for those who balk when protags have sex with someone other than their love interest, I wouldn't characterize Scott and Rylan as polyamorous but they both have healthy sexual appetites and embrace their sexualities so when the opportunity to have a threesome presents itself, they go with it.
Minh gives some brief snippets of levity and continued to be a fantastic secondary character. I also liked Chris and the trajectory Rylan's career took. I found the scenes on trans sex workers informative without being preachy and I appreciated the focus being on them having their own voice rather than having their voice be interpreted, and possibly watered down or whitewashed, for the masses. The Native American aspects involving spirituality and connection tothe earth as well as the scenic aspects of Arizona were both were my favorite parts. This will probably sound hokey but go big or go home, right? I was proud of Scott at the end. I know how hard that decision was for him to make but it was the right one and I think it bodes well for he and Rylan.
I've no doubt many will be moved by this read and that's largely due to Hansen's writing style being both evocative and emotive. I think what is most striking and memorable about it for me is how realistic it is from the dialogue to the emotions to the story arc. All of the people as well as their actions and emotions read authentic. However, as much as I respect the writing style and believe what Hansen has done with this conclusion is both brilliant and poignant, I will not be rereading it. Then again, I'll always have Pieces of Me and from now until forever it will be one of my favorite reads.
A review copy was provided.
I NEEDZ!
However, I want to make this crystal clear. The reason I didn't LOOOOVE this book is very specific to me and should be taken with a bucket of salt.
As I've said before I work in the mental health field and this book has prominent mental health themes, something I tend to shy away from in my pleasure reads. The disorder Scott struggles with I see often. Even now I'm struggling with myself NOT to lapse into clinical speak. Suffice to say, he has a serious and persistent mental illness that isn't treated and is running his and Rylan's lives.
I do genuinely believe Rylan and Scott are soul mates and there is an HEA. If any two people can make it I wholeheartedly hope it's them. Rylan may be the only one that can truly see Scott's words for what they actually mean. However, their relationship is unhealthy; it's imbalanced, co-dependent and toxic. The more the narrative unfolded the more I found myself reading on eggshells waiting for whatever self-sabotaging tactic Scott was going to deploy next which filled me in equal parts with dread and sorrow. The dramatics are copious but that's part and parcel of the disorder and Hansen's crafting of it is superb. In case it isn't already obvious, I started reading this like a clinician rather than a romance reader. All I saw was the mental illness, all I heard was the mental illness and all I could think about was how much Scott needed help, above and beyond what Rylan's love can provide.
Everything about Scott's characterization is remarkable and Rylan is still as loveable as ever. I'm not sure if Hansen has a mental health background but this story sure reads like it. If not, she did her research. Everything from his background to his actions is on point. Truly, it's a remarkable accomplishment and I tip my hat to her but reading it exhausted me. I need to downshift out of the mental health gig in my off time and I found that to be an impossibility with this read.
This story is very much relationship driven. Scott and Rylan are front and center. They fight and make up again and again and again but when they're good, they're great with the banter and their connection plain to see. I just wish there had been more of that to balance out the read. The unfortunate thing is I can't divorce myself from my job entirely and this felt very long. I think it could've been tightened, but I can't tell if that's me or an actuality.
This sex is frequent, but I found I couldn't enjoy it entirely because I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. A word of caution for those who balk when protags have sex with someone other than their love interest, I wouldn't characterize Scott and Rylan as polyamorous but they both have healthy sexual appetites and embrace their sexualities so when the opportunity to have a threesome presents itself, they go with it.
Minh gives some brief snippets of levity and continued to be a fantastic secondary character. I also liked Chris and the trajectory Rylan's career took. I found the scenes on trans sex workers informative without being preachy and I appreciated the focus being on them having their own voice rather than having their voice be interpreted, and possibly watered down or whitewashed, for the masses. The Native American aspects involving spirituality and connection tothe earth as well as the scenic aspects of Arizona were both were my favorite parts. This will probably sound hokey but go big or go home, right? I was proud of Scott at the end. I know how hard that decision was for him to make but it was the right one and I think it bodes well for he and Rylan.
I've no doubt many will be moved by this read and that's largely due to Hansen's writing style being both evocative and emotive. I think what is most striking and memorable about it for me is how realistic it is from the dialogue to the emotions to the story arc. All of the people as well as their actions and emotions read authentic. However, as much as I respect the writing style and believe what Hansen has done with this conclusion is both brilliant and poignant, I will not be rereading it. Then again, I'll always have Pieces of Me and from now until forever it will be one of my favorite reads.
A review copy was provided.
May 7, 2017
4.5 Stars
**NOTE: See My Words cannot be read as a stand alone.**
See My Words picks up right where Pieces of Me left off with Scott having just been attacked in the parking lot of Spectrum Nights, which completely derails his commitment to the MC2 underwear campaign.
In many ways, See My Words was more angsty than Pieces of Me was. And there was a period of the book that I didn't particularly enjoy, I admit. Scott and Rylan were stuck in a cycle that wasn't healthy for either of them, but they kept going anyway. It unsettled me more than I like, but I see why the story unfolded the way it did.
Scott is a complicated guy and he would let his insecurities take over and he would try to push Rylan away. Repeatedly. Rylan, though, saw right through him and would call Scott on his bullshit. I loved that about Rylan, but you can't force someone to like themselves. And they would go round and round...I found that unsettling and a little exhausting, even as I recognized that there could be no simple fix.
But a lifetime of conditioning telling you that you've got nothing going for you but your looks and that you're otherwise worthless takes its toll, you know? And the pressures of working at Spectrum Nights and having to be "on" all the time and having to perpetuate a certain (very superficial) image...yeah, not a healthy environment. At all.
So it broke my heart into little bitty pieces when I would see Scott try, time after time, to sabotage his relationship with Rylan, because he didn't feel worth being loved at all and he sure didn't trust it.
I trusted, though, that the author would take these characters where they needed to go in order to find their happy -- and she did. I found the ending more than satisfying and well worth the journey these men took to get there. And yes, the ending was definitely an HEA. A well earned, hard fought, HEA.
See My Words is a story of second chances. And nothing comes easy. Nothing. It's about learning that you do have worth. That you don't have to settle for what someone else tells you. It's about learning how to give as well as take and, above all, your past does not define who you are.
There were two supporting characters I found that I absolutely loved. One of them was Minh, Scott's best friend who is also a drag queen, Ms. Teena Teeze. Minh and Scott have been friends for five years - ever since they met when they were both living on the streets. Minh triggered Scott's protective instincts and they've been together ever since. Teena was a force of nature. She was so happy that Rylan wasn't letting Scott get away with anything.
The other secondary character I loved was Chris, who for a while at least, was interested in Rylan. I didn't want to like Chris, at all. He's older, 41, and a successful photojournalist, like Rylan aspires to be. I didn't want to like him, at all, because he wanted Rylan. But Chris was an immensely likable guy and he won me over.
Another thing I really loved about See My Words was that the story is so sex positive. There is no shaming those who use sex as a means to survive and sex, in general, was treated like a very positive thing. I loved that not everything had to fit into socially acceptable, heteronormative boxes.
I would recommend this series. Angst and all. The writing is amazing, and even when the angst rose to unsettling levels, I still needed to see these boys through to the end.
-------------------
ARC of See My Words was generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
**NOTE: See My Words cannot be read as a stand alone.**
See My Words picks up right where Pieces of Me left off with Scott having just been attacked in the parking lot of Spectrum Nights, which completely derails his commitment to the MC2 underwear campaign.
In many ways, See My Words was more angsty than Pieces of Me was. And there was a period of the book that I didn't particularly enjoy, I admit. Scott and Rylan were stuck in a cycle that wasn't healthy for either of them, but they kept going anyway. It unsettled me more than I like, but I see why the story unfolded the way it did.
Scott is a complicated guy and he would let his insecurities take over and he would try to push Rylan away. Repeatedly. Rylan, though, saw right through him and would call Scott on his bullshit. I loved that about Rylan, but you can't force someone to like themselves. And they would go round and round...I found that unsettling and a little exhausting, even as I recognized that there could be no simple fix.
But a lifetime of conditioning telling you that you've got nothing going for you but your looks and that you're otherwise worthless takes its toll, you know? And the pressures of working at Spectrum Nights and having to be "on" all the time and having to perpetuate a certain (very superficial) image...yeah, not a healthy environment. At all.
So it broke my heart into little bitty pieces when I would see Scott try, time after time, to sabotage his relationship with Rylan, because he didn't feel worth being loved at all and he sure didn't trust it.
I trusted, though, that the author would take these characters where they needed to go in order to find their happy -- and she did. I found the ending more than satisfying and well worth the journey these men took to get there. And yes, the ending was definitely an HEA. A well earned, hard fought, HEA.
See My Words is a story of second chances. And nothing comes easy. Nothing. It's about learning that you do have worth. That you don't have to settle for what someone else tells you. It's about learning how to give as well as take and, above all, your past does not define who you are.
There were two supporting characters I found that I absolutely loved. One of them was Minh, Scott's best friend who is also a drag queen, Ms. Teena Teeze. Minh and Scott have been friends for five years - ever since they met when they were both living on the streets. Minh triggered Scott's protective instincts and they've been together ever since. Teena was a force of nature. She was so happy that Rylan wasn't letting Scott get away with anything.
The other secondary character I loved was Chris, who for a while at least, was interested in Rylan. I didn't want to like Chris, at all. He's older, 41, and a successful photojournalist, like Rylan aspires to be. I didn't want to like him, at all, because he wanted Rylan. But Chris was an immensely likable guy and he won me over.
Another thing I really loved about See My Words was that the story is so sex positive. There is no shaming those who use sex as a means to survive and sex, in general, was treated like a very positive thing. I loved that not everything had to fit into socially acceptable, heteronormative boxes.
I would recommend this series. Angst and all. The writing is amazing, and even when the angst rose to unsettling levels, I still needed to see these boys through to the end.
-------------------
ARC of See My Words was generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
December 8, 2018
***4.5 Stars***
How's the saying? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But the hardest part is seeing through the facade of someone and discern their inner values. Their inner beauty. Equally hard, though, can be finding and accepting your own place in life. Your inner strength.
This book threw me quite into an emotional turmoil and even if the whole back and forth got a bit exhausting at times, I wouldn't want to miss out on it. My heart ached for Scott, for the lonely boy inside, desperately longing for love, but profoundly convinced he doesn't deserve it. Whose insecurities caused him to lash out at everyone who dared to come close to him in order to keep them at bay. Even Rylan, the love of his life. And even if Rylan, almost too good to be true, tried to convince him with everything he had that Scott is worthy of love, it is up to Scott to find a way to accept himself and turn their unhealthy relationship into something permanent.
After the events at the end of the first book, Pieces of Me I just had to know if these guys will find their HEA and the ending was more than just satisfying for me; so much so, that the last 20% or so made me add another half star.
I will leave it at that before my review gets out of hand. Again. And there are already enough amazing reviews like Judith's out there that explain it much better than I ever could. So...just read this book!
"I can tell you you're beautiful, but sometimes you just have to see the words. See what I see."
How's the saying? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But the hardest part is seeing through the facade of someone and discern their inner values. Their inner beauty. Equally hard, though, can be finding and accepting your own place in life. Your inner strength.
This book threw me quite into an emotional turmoil and even if the whole back and forth got a bit exhausting at times, I wouldn't want to miss out on it. My heart ached for Scott, for the lonely boy inside, desperately longing for love, but profoundly convinced he doesn't deserve it. Whose insecurities caused him to lash out at everyone who dared to come close to him in order to keep them at bay. Even Rylan, the love of his life. And even if Rylan, almost too good to be true, tried to convince him with everything he had that Scott is worthy of love, it is up to Scott to find a way to accept himself and turn their unhealthy relationship into something permanent.
After the events at the end of the first book, Pieces of Me I just had to know if these guys will find their HEA and the ending was more than just satisfying for me; so much so, that the last 20% or so made me add another half star.
I will leave it at that before my review gets out of hand. Again. And there are already enough amazing reviews like Judith's out there that explain it much better than I ever could. So...just read this book!
April 23, 2017
See My Words by Melanie Hansen is the companion book to Pieces of Me. It starts off where book one ends. This is an emotional story of second chances, inner strength, and love. It was at times really difficult to read, but the writing is outstanding and the care taken with Rylan and Scott's love story is well worth the pain.
First thing: Can this be read as a standalone? Abosolutely not. You have to read Pieces of Me first.
My highlights:
-The characters. The characters are complex, well developed, and show growth throughout the story. Melanie Hansen exceeds at making us fall in love with flawed characters even when they're driving us crazy with frustration. *coughs*Scott!*coughs*
-The love story. Rylan's devotion to Scott is what romance novels are all about. His love was unwavering, his feelings palpable throughout. This story broke my heart but just like Rylan was there for Scott- as cheesy as it sounds- he was there for me, too.
-The pace. The pace is smooth despite the high anxiety factor of the story.
-The secondary characters. Mihn and Chris were great additions to the story and piqued my interest. I'm hoping we get more of them in the future.
-Angst. Do you like angst that makes your stomach hurt? If you do, this series is definitely for you.
-The end. The way the story was pieced together mended my heart.
My only niggle...I wish this all would've been one book rather than broken up into two. This is a personal preferance.
Would I recommend this series?Yes, I would. As painful as it was at times to read, I still recommend it. Melanie Hansen has become a favorite author of mine. She delivers gripping, raw emotional love strories. Her books are thought provoking and will stay with you. 4.5 Stars.
ARC kindly provided by NineStar Press to Gay Book Reviews for an honest review.
April 26, 2017
After a short interruption, enough to buy this second part of Scott and Rylan’s story, back in the game. Not a standalone : see my words is the continuance of Pieces of Me.
Scott and Rylan are getting closer and closer : let's say it, it’s painful.
Scott has to fight all his insecurities that came back full force to the surface with the reappearance of Rylan and the obviousness of the superficiality and volatility of his life.
Rylan is more than ready to fight for both of them and take as many blows as necessary but it’s unhealthy, it hurts and he has his own future to build.
The path for happiness is full of battles, of ”infuriating” reactions and mistakes and Scott’s armour is tough to crack. But when Scott is finally ready to deal with his past, it’s heart-breaking.
Great characters, fantastic secondary characters, and an angsty journey to find peace from the past and a satisfying HEA.
Scott and Rylan are getting closer and closer : let's say it, it’s painful.
Scott has to fight all his insecurities that came back full force to the surface with the reappearance of Rylan and the obviousness of the superficiality and volatility of his life.
Rylan is more than ready to fight for both of them and take as many blows as necessary but it’s unhealthy, it hurts and he has his own future to build.
The path for happiness is full of battles, of ”infuriating” reactions and mistakes and Scott’s armour is tough to crack. But when Scott is finally ready to deal with his past, it’s heart-breaking.
Great characters, fantastic secondary characters, and an angsty journey to find peace from the past and a satisfying HEA.
May 4, 2017
An Emotional Rollercoaster and painful love
See My Words is book two in Melanie Hansen's contemporary romance series, Spectrum Nights. In this book we are back with the MC from book one - Scott and Rylan. These two captured my heart in Pieces of Me and I was eagerly awaiting the continuation of their story. Scott & Rylan's story picks up with the plot right where book one stopped - which left us on a bit of a cliffhanger. Now we get to find out will these two get their happily ever after or are they just not meant to be? One things for sure and thats Melanie Hansen's ability to write an angst filled romance that will leave you raw and emotional yet completely satisfied.
Throughout this story Scott and Rylan have a very "it's complicated" relationship. Scott is not at his best and acts like a self abosorbed ass throughout a lot of this story. Rylan, he loves Scott - he wants Scott - he would do anything for the man. Watching Rylan put his life on hold and rearrange everything for Scott was a tad annoying and I while I understand he did it because he loved Scott - it was a pretty unhealthy love at this point. Add in Scott's self-destructive behaviors, his self-pitty, and his attempts to push Rylan away because he felt he didn't deserve to be loved. You have an emotional rollercoaster. There were times during this story where I begged Rylan to just get up, walk away, and never look back.
I don't want you to think I didn't enjoy this story, because I did. I just became so emotionally invested in the characters that it hurt to see Rylan allow the cycle of mental and emotional torment to continue. I mean sometimes love isn't enough, right? Self-Respect is a huge thing and neither of these characters seem to have much of it - which made the story all the more emotional.
And this carries on throughout at least 70% of the story...
Finally though there is a turning point and Scott is able to redeem himself while Rylan does some growing as well. Sometimes the journey to happiness is painful and this story is a perfect example.
Overall, 4 stars and I DO recommend this series - Scott and Rylan will leave you with a lasting impression.
Review Copy of See My Words provided by NineStar Press for an honest Review.
See My Words is book two in Melanie Hansen's contemporary romance series, Spectrum Nights. In this book we are back with the MC from book one - Scott and Rylan. These two captured my heart in Pieces of Me and I was eagerly awaiting the continuation of their story. Scott & Rylan's story picks up with the plot right where book one stopped - which left us on a bit of a cliffhanger. Now we get to find out will these two get their happily ever after or are they just not meant to be? One things for sure and thats Melanie Hansen's ability to write an angst filled romance that will leave you raw and emotional yet completely satisfied.
Throughout this story Scott and Rylan have a very "it's complicated" relationship. Scott is not at his best and acts like a self abosorbed ass throughout a lot of this story. Rylan, he loves Scott - he wants Scott - he would do anything for the man. Watching Rylan put his life on hold and rearrange everything for Scott was a tad annoying and I while I understand he did it because he loved Scott - it was a pretty unhealthy love at this point. Add in Scott's self-destructive behaviors, his self-pitty, and his attempts to push Rylan away because he felt he didn't deserve to be loved. You have an emotional rollercoaster. There were times during this story where I begged Rylan to just get up, walk away, and never look back.
I don't want you to think I didn't enjoy this story, because I did. I just became so emotionally invested in the characters that it hurt to see Rylan allow the cycle of mental and emotional torment to continue. I mean sometimes love isn't enough, right? Self-Respect is a huge thing and neither of these characters seem to have much of it - which made the story all the more emotional.
And this carries on throughout at least 70% of the story...
Finally though there is a turning point and Scott is able to redeem himself while Rylan does some growing as well. Sometimes the journey to happiness is painful and this story is a perfect example.
Overall, 4 stars and I DO recommend this series - Scott and Rylan will leave you with a lasting impression.
Review Copy of See My Words provided by NineStar Press for an honest Review.
i-m-a-quitter
July 9, 2017DNF @ 51%
I just can't take it anymore. I shouldn't have read these two books back to back. It's just too much.
Too much self sabotage. Too much anger. Too much of Scott being an asshole.
1.5 books and still no romance in sight. The MCs are no closer to being a couple.
It's partly my fault, I don't care for this much angst.
I just can't take it anymore. I shouldn't have read these two books back to back. It's just too much.
Too much self sabotage. Too much anger. Too much of Scott being an asshole.
1.5 books and still no romance in sight. The MCs are no closer to being a couple.
It's partly my fault, I don't care for this much angst.
April 20, 2017
Wow, this book put me through the wringer.....
I was very excited to start this one, after book 1 left me with that that big cliffhanger.
This book starts up, right were book ended, and I won't be saying anything about the events that took place, since I don' t want to spoiler book 1.
These guys didn't have it easy in book 1, but this second book doesn't pull any punches either. To say that their relationship was rocky, would be putting it mildly.
There were times I wanted to slam my Ipad against the wall, because of Scott's behaviour. Then I figured, it would be better to slam Scott into a wall, since I love my Ipad so much.
Now, don't get me wrong...Scott has his reasons for behaving the way he does, but at some point, his whole "woe is me" behavior, started to grate on my nerves.
So why continue reading....well because the story is really good and I love a book that makes me "feel". It kept me on the edge of my seat and Ryan.....Ryan was such an amazing guy. I wanted him to be angry...I wanted him to walk away....But to be honest, that's just not who Ryan is. He is loving and caring and he could see right through Scott.
It takes a long time for Scott to pull his head out of his ass, but I was so thankful when he finally did. The push and pull was driving me insane, but I sooooo wanted my boys to be happy together.
If you don't mind the angst, I would definitely recommend this series....
This review has been posted on Dirty Books Obsession
May 4, 2017
*3.5 stars rounded up for the amazing last 20%*
I'm going to link to Jewel's review because her thoughts reflect mine.
I, however, enjoyed the book less, and that doesn't have to do with Scott. Yes, Scott was the king of self-sabotaging (although I felt there was something deeper right there to be explored), but anyone who read how he acted during these six years of separation, or how he talked about Rylan, or how he growled "mine" during sex, would know he was completeley gone for Rylan. And honestly, in the end Scott was the strong one.
Rylan, on the other hand...I 've said before that I prefer characters to be flawed, and Rylan was a saint. He only showed signs of imperfection one time! Yes, I know Hansen stayed true to his character and, yes, I know it would have the opposite results, but when Scott pulled this incredibly cruel shit on him, I wanted to shake him and tell him to just fight back. Or leave, or yell, or cry FFS. Obviously, he was a better person than I am.
In any case, this is a good, good story, very sex positive, with amazing secondary and diverse characters, and top-notch writing. I just loved the first book way more.
I'm going to link to Jewel's review because her thoughts reflect mine.
I, however, enjoyed the book less, and that doesn't have to do with Scott. Yes, Scott was the king of self-sabotaging (although I felt there was something deeper right there to be explored), but anyone who read how he acted during these six years of separation, or how he talked about Rylan, or how he growled "mine" during sex, would know he was completeley gone for Rylan. And honestly, in the end Scott was the strong one.
Rylan, on the other hand...I 've said before that I prefer characters to be flawed, and Rylan was a saint. He only showed signs of imperfection one time! Yes, I know Hansen stayed true to his character and, yes, I know it would have the opposite results, but when Scott pulled this incredibly cruel shit on him, I wanted to shake him and tell him to just fight back. Or leave, or yell, or cry FFS. Obviously, he was a better person than I am.
In any case, this is a good, good story, very sex positive, with amazing secondary and diverse characters, and top-notch writing. I just loved the first book way more.
May 17, 2018
Wow. This was difficult but rewarding in the end. Scott and Rylan are reunited in the first book and unforeseen circumstances bring them closer together. Scott endures a vicious attack. He needs someone and he can thank his lucky star Rylan is up for the task. Rylan is fighting his own struggles and Scott may not be a knight in shining armor but he can help. He wants to tip the balance a bit back in his favor, he doesn’t like relying on anyone. Life has taught him he can’t count on anyone but himself…and his best friend. Minh is pivotal in Scott’s life. I have mixed feelings when it comes to Minh. I think I lacked any solid connection with Minh and anticipate his story next, so I hope that changes!
Essentially, this part of Scott and Rylan’s story focuses on their fragile relationship. Scott has never had a real relationship before and WANTS this strange new…neediness, unlike anything he has every desired in his life. But he knows himself. He is going to destroy it. So it’s better to walk away before he allows it to go too far. Ha! Doesn’t he understand that was never an option with Rylan? He yearns to feel as though he deserves such a pure and genuine partner, but he can’t see past the blemishes in the mirror. He’s still broken. His pieces haven’t been mended yet. Rylan begs him to…see what he sees. But he can’t. And they are doomed if they continue the path they are currently walking.
Tough decisions must be made.
Tough love is put to the test.
Tough times forge unbreakable bonds.
What's to like: The story continues as if only a breath was needed to finish a sentence. It’s intense from the very first page. I was bombarded with emotions as I read. The most prevalent was my anxiety. I was so nervous for them. They take beating after beating (some self-induced) and though they fly at times, they tend to crash more than they soar. You will have to work for this one, for it’s not easily given. Melanie has trademark angst. I crave her powerful stories but they also warrant preparation and planning. Her words are potent, have kick-back and often end with a hangover. Hurt so good? Yes indeed.
What's to love: Rylan loves Scott SO hard. Almost too hard. He is overcompensating because Scott has been denied love for his entire life. And though he is surrounded by people and fans, they all come with strings attached. Rylan is the first and only person to give something to Scott freely. He does not place any demands. He has no expectations. He simply loves with no limitations. Scott wants Rylan but he suffers from mental disorders that convince him to sabotage his happiness.
I loved Rylan’s project. I loved the Native American influence. I loved Rylan’s confidence in their love. I loved Scott’s growth and healing. And I loved the ending most of all.
Beware of: I believe this could have been stronger with….less. It was nearly double the first book and might have benefited to a similar word count. It felt repetitive at times which only added to the…frustrations of their relationship. There is also a menage scene that wasn’t a favorite of mine. I didn’t feel it’s importance and would have preferred to eliminate it. I just wanted them to be together without so many obstacles.
This book is for: Spectrum Night fans will most definitely want to read this. It’s actually imperative as a follow-up to Pieces of Me. Just don’t expect it to be…easy.
*4 stars*
Book UNfunk
Essentially, this part of Scott and Rylan’s story focuses on their fragile relationship. Scott has never had a real relationship before and WANTS this strange new…neediness, unlike anything he has every desired in his life. But he knows himself. He is going to destroy it. So it’s better to walk away before he allows it to go too far. Ha! Doesn’t he understand that was never an option with Rylan? He yearns to feel as though he deserves such a pure and genuine partner, but he can’t see past the blemishes in the mirror. He’s still broken. His pieces haven’t been mended yet. Rylan begs him to…see what he sees. But he can’t. And they are doomed if they continue the path they are currently walking.
Tough decisions must be made.
Tough love is put to the test.
Tough times forge unbreakable bonds.
What's to like: The story continues as if only a breath was needed to finish a sentence. It’s intense from the very first page. I was bombarded with emotions as I read. The most prevalent was my anxiety. I was so nervous for them. They take beating after beating (some self-induced) and though they fly at times, they tend to crash more than they soar. You will have to work for this one, for it’s not easily given. Melanie has trademark angst. I crave her powerful stories but they also warrant preparation and planning. Her words are potent, have kick-back and often end with a hangover. Hurt so good? Yes indeed.
What's to love: Rylan loves Scott SO hard. Almost too hard. He is overcompensating because Scott has been denied love for his entire life. And though he is surrounded by people and fans, they all come with strings attached. Rylan is the first and only person to give something to Scott freely. He does not place any demands. He has no expectations. He simply loves with no limitations. Scott wants Rylan but he suffers from mental disorders that convince him to sabotage his happiness.
I loved Rylan’s project. I loved the Native American influence. I loved Rylan’s confidence in their love. I loved Scott’s growth and healing. And I loved the ending most of all.
Beware of: I believe this could have been stronger with….less. It was nearly double the first book and might have benefited to a similar word count. It felt repetitive at times which only added to the…frustrations of their relationship. There is also a menage scene that wasn’t a favorite of mine. I didn’t feel it’s importance and would have preferred to eliminate it. I just wanted them to be together without so many obstacles.
This book is for: Spectrum Night fans will most definitely want to read this. It’s actually imperative as a follow-up to Pieces of Me. Just don’t expect it to be…easy.
*4 stars*
Book UNfunk
September 3, 2019
Me ha gustado mucho más el primero, aunque este es una buena continuación.
April 26, 2017
Please note: See My Words is not a stand-alone book. You definitely need to read “Pieces of Me” first. See My Words is a difficult book to read if you are looking for a happy carefree wrap-up of Scott and Rylan’s relationship. You see the result of the horribly dysfunctional relationship between Scott and his mother Heather. When your entire self worth (as well as your financial worth) is based on appearance, how do you develop a healthy mindset? When you feel you don’t deserve anything good in life, what happens when you finally get it?
Scott’s mental state is difficult to embrace; there is irrational jealousy and anger and self sabotage, which basically boils down to Scott trying to make Rylan leave him because Scott doesn’t feel worthy. We get a lot of Rylan placating Scott, Scott becoming jealous, Rylan soothing Scott, Scott pushing Rylan away, etc. and finally there is a HEA in the form of an epilogue. I gotta admit – the ending bothered me. We get a lot of insight into Scott’s psyche, but don’t really get corresponding scenes as it started to turn around. Granted we don’t need to have every “i” dotted or “t” crossed but I personally needed something to counterbalance all the anguish. Also, the eventual reveal of Scott’s mysterious attacker felt rushed and incomplete.
4 stars for See My Words for Rylan and the secondary characters Chris and Minh, and I appreciated the difficult journey that finally led Scott took to overcome his toxic past.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
April 25, 2017
I really enjoyed the first book in this series but this one got on my nerves. A lot.
Scott was exhausting. Really, truly exhausting. I was over him by about the 50% mark of the book. Yes, I get he's had a difficult life but he was a lot like his mother and I lost sympathy for him. He was super unlikable imo.
Rylan was the patron saint for drama lamas and I lost patience with him too. I wanted to shake him till his teeth rattled while yelling "Have some damn self respect!"
The book was too long imo. There was this whole vacation plotline that just didn't work for me. Everything that happened in that part of the book annoyed me. I was not buying any of what the author was selling through that entire part of the story.
The only thing that saved this book from being a 2 star was the author did a very good job redeeming Scott. The last 10% of the book or so was really good.
Very disappointing follow up for me.
Scott was exhausting. Really, truly exhausting. I was over him by about the 50% mark of the book. Yes, I get he's had a difficult life but he was a lot like his mother and I lost sympathy for him. He was super unlikable imo.
Rylan was the patron saint for drama lamas and I lost patience with him too. I wanted to shake him till his teeth rattled while yelling "Have some damn self respect!"
The book was too long imo. There was this whole vacation plotline that just didn't work for me. Everything that happened in that part of the book annoyed me. I was not buying any of what the author was selling through that entire part of the story.
The only thing that saved this book from being a 2 star was the author did a very good job redeeming Scott. The last 10% of the book or so was really good.
Very disappointing follow up for me.
July 14, 2018
Warning: This is not a standalone novel!
March 23, 2017
The second part that makes Rylan and Scott's story whole. Such a pleasure to work with Melanie on this.
March 25, 2018
As much as I loved the first book in the series, this... well, not so much.
All the chemistry captivating me all the way in the first book was gone and I don't know how this happened.
It wasn't intense, some of the stories within the story - unbelievable and I felt lost like I was reading about two other people, not Scott and Rylan from the first book. That made me sad because I wanted more. At some points I even rolled my eyes and that's not what it was supposed to happen.
Rylan was so good that at some point he irrateted me with his greatness. And Scott-I felt so sorry for that man, for his lack of friends, for his loneliness, for everything. I also didn't understand Minh's place in their story. He wasn't suppose to be there and I didn't like him at all.
I'm sorry about this review. The first book became one of my favorites and I'm so angry that the continuation didn't work for me at all :(
All the chemistry captivating me all the way in the first book was gone and I don't know how this happened.
It wasn't intense, some of the stories within the story - unbelievable and I felt lost like I was reading about two other people, not Scott and Rylan from the first book. That made me sad because I wanted more. At some points I even rolled my eyes and that's not what it was supposed to happen.
Rylan was so good that at some point he irrateted me with his greatness. And Scott-I felt so sorry for that man, for his lack of friends, for his loneliness, for everything. I also didn't understand Minh's place in their story. He wasn't suppose to be there and I didn't like him at all.
I'm sorry about this review. The first book became one of my favorites and I'm so angry that the continuation didn't work for me at all :(
May 13, 2017
Read an ARC for JustLove: https://justlovereviews.com/2017/04/2...
April 10, 2017
Through the wringer
Go ahead and grab a tub of ice cream, you’ll likely need some comfort calories for this one. See My Words picks up right from the major cliffhanger ending of Pieces of Me, then proceeded to put me through the emotional wringer. There is zero to minimal backtracking, so certainly not a standalone.
Whereas the first book provided the men’s history as teenagers, the second details the budding relationship between Rylan and Scott once they reunite in Phoenix. The reader also discovers what happened in the 6 years after Scott left Rylan and Florida, which acted as a driving mysterious plot point in Pieces of Me. There is a lot of character growth that occurs over the course of the story; and, as fans of this author would expect, Miss Hansen doesn’t make it easy on either of them. The first part of the book demonstrates Rylan’s strength and loyalty, often forcing himself through Scott’s walls. The sometimes emotionally destructive cycle the men were caught in weighed on my heart. However, the backstory provided in Pieces of Me and the details gleaned in this book ensures it never feels like manufactured angst. Sometimes these up and down romances make me question if the relationship is really worth all the drama, but I didn’t get to that point with this book. Between the descriptions of the battling emotions both face and Rylan’s interpretations of Scott’s reactions, I never questioned why they fought to make things work. Additionally, the emotionally wringing moments are interspersed with fun interactions between Rylan and Scott which prove their chemistry and promise a bright future. I absolutely loved the major catalyst for Scott’s growth and how that enables the relationship to mature and finally stand on solid ground. It ushers in a brilliant conclusion that left me feeling all sorts of relief and happiness for these two.
Honestly, there was so much good to this book, from the dynamic secondary characters Minh and Chris, to the sex positive tone throughout, to the writing that pulled me in and refused to let me go, and that title and what it represented in this romance. For those who missed some heat in the first book, this one makes up for it…in spades. No doubt I’ll have a bit of a hangover after this one, but I flat-out loved seeing the two men finally achieve their happy because they undoubtedly earned it.
Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club
Go ahead and grab a tub of ice cream, you’ll likely need some comfort calories for this one. See My Words picks up right from the major cliffhanger ending of Pieces of Me, then proceeded to put me through the emotional wringer. There is zero to minimal backtracking, so certainly not a standalone.
Whereas the first book provided the men’s history as teenagers, the second details the budding relationship between Rylan and Scott once they reunite in Phoenix. The reader also discovers what happened in the 6 years after Scott left Rylan and Florida, which acted as a driving mysterious plot point in Pieces of Me. There is a lot of character growth that occurs over the course of the story; and, as fans of this author would expect, Miss Hansen doesn’t make it easy on either of them. The first part of the book demonstrates Rylan’s strength and loyalty, often forcing himself through Scott’s walls. The sometimes emotionally destructive cycle the men were caught in weighed on my heart. However, the backstory provided in Pieces of Me and the details gleaned in this book ensures it never feels like manufactured angst. Sometimes these up and down romances make me question if the relationship is really worth all the drama, but I didn’t get to that point with this book. Between the descriptions of the battling emotions both face and Rylan’s interpretations of Scott’s reactions, I never questioned why they fought to make things work. Additionally, the emotionally wringing moments are interspersed with fun interactions between Rylan and Scott which prove their chemistry and promise a bright future. I absolutely loved the major catalyst for Scott’s growth and how that enables the relationship to mature and finally stand on solid ground. It ushers in a brilliant conclusion that left me feeling all sorts of relief and happiness for these two.
Honestly, there was so much good to this book, from the dynamic secondary characters Minh and Chris, to the sex positive tone throughout, to the writing that pulled me in and refused to let me go, and that title and what it represented in this romance. For those who missed some heat in the first book, this one makes up for it…in spades. No doubt I’ll have a bit of a hangover after this one, but I flat-out loved seeing the two men finally achieve their happy because they undoubtedly earned it.
Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club
June 19, 2020
Book 1 : 4 to 5 stars
Book 2 : 4 stars until about 50%: 1 star for the middle part; 3 stars for the ending
I really loved Scott and Rylan- Loved book 1, loved their easy connection and the angst mostly worked for me because it was relatable. Loved it that I'm still rounding it up to 5 despite quite some very obvious flaws.
Book 2 started exactly where book 1 ended with a cliffhanger. It was going pretty good until they went on that freaking unnecessary vacation. I am so angry because it definitely ruined the story for me. EVERYTHING that happened there was UNNECESSARY. I could take Scott being an asshole all the time cos I know people like him- his character was still realistic no matter how much of an asshole he was. Plus as much as I dont justify his actions, I could get where he was coming from. But the happenings in that getaway, seriously?! Plus Rylan wanting what happened with Minh was out of character for me. So then, I just started skimming because I was already lost. Then eventually I just really got tired of everything.
The ending including the epilogue was kind of unsatisfactory, too. I didn't get all the closure that I was hoping for. There were also some unnecessary parts as much as there were some missing parts. Plus I am very angry because I was really wishing and only wanting good things for this couple and book 2 was really draining.
But afterall, I still can't give this story a rating that's less than 3 stars cos the story is really great, I loved the characters- they were realistic, it was well-written. And there were really a lot of things mentioned that are very relatable for me- what doesn't kill you just doesnt kill you...Stuff like that.
But maybe I should have skipped book 2 chapters 7 to 13 or something.
Scotty and Rylan deserve more... Hope to get more of them...
Book 2 : 4 stars until about 50%: 1 star for the middle part; 3 stars for the ending
I really loved Scott and Rylan- Loved book 1, loved their easy connection and the angst mostly worked for me because it was relatable. Loved it that I'm still rounding it up to 5 despite quite some very obvious flaws.
Book 2 started exactly where book 1 ended with a cliffhanger. It was going pretty good until they went on that freaking unnecessary vacation. I am so angry because it definitely ruined the story for me. EVERYTHING that happened there was UNNECESSARY. I could take Scott being an asshole all the time cos I know people like him- his character was still realistic no matter how much of an asshole he was. Plus as much as I dont justify his actions, I could get where he was coming from. But the happenings in that getaway, seriously?! Plus Rylan wanting what happened with Minh was out of character for me. So then, I just started skimming because I was already lost. Then eventually I just really got tired of everything.
The ending including the epilogue was kind of unsatisfactory, too. I didn't get all the closure that I was hoping for. There were also some unnecessary parts as much as there were some missing parts. Plus I am very angry because I was really wishing and only wanting good things for this couple and book 2 was really draining.
But afterall, I still can't give this story a rating that's less than 3 stars cos the story is really great, I loved the characters- they were realistic, it was well-written. And there were really a lot of things mentioned that are very relatable for me- what doesn't kill you just doesnt kill you...Stuff like that.
But maybe I should have skipped book 2 chapters 7 to 13 or something.
Scotty and Rylan deserve more... Hope to get more of them...
April 26, 2017
This review is for Spectrum Nights book 1-2
3.5 Stars
Pieces of Me and See My Words are part of Spectrum Nights series that told the most defining journey of Scott Ashworth and Rylan Mahoney's life. Melanie Hansen wrote a blend of fun, sweet, touching, and heartrending stories that spanned over six to seven years of the characters's life. These books brought connected stories that need to be read in consecutive order, largely due to the way Pieces of Me ended (if you haven't read the book, be warned: it has a cliffhanger ending.
While I'm not much fan of YA stories (and tbh, I backtrack to read Pieces of Me first, after I realized the opening of See My Words made me feel like plunging into an ongoing narrative), the first book got me hooked from the get-go because of Rylan Mahoney. This shy, awkward, skinny kid was a lion in disguise with his pluck of simply being himself and loyal to his friends. I also loved him for his cheekiness, how he kept positive thought even on harrowing circumstances.
Also, though relationship between step-siblings was not particularly a taboo, it wasn't usually something I'd pick. That they first met on their late teenage years helped a lot.
Both book told the stories from Scott's and Rylan's POV alternately, with Pieces of Me covered their hi-school years and the first time they reunited after years apart. The bulk of the sorrow in this book would have readers understand Scott's insecurities better. Granted, I wasn't too fond of Scott though I feel for him, what's with constant mental abuse from his own nearest and dearest. It saddened me that his mother didn't show any good trait up to the end. At the same time, I'm quite familiar with this sort of toxic behavior which why it gave pretty realistic vibe to the whole account.
I truly enjoyed Scott and Rylan's budding friendship that developed into more in stages. See My Words more than made up for the romance that was only touch the surface of previous books. Plus, with the Spectrum club more prominent in See My Words, this book also had more steamy moments with quite graphic scenes between two or more characters.
I got to give it to this author over the way she played with reader's emotions by throwing ugly facts of life, in between the character's hopeful - and sometimes fun - journey. As book #2 reveal missing pieces of Scott's life, I felt like whisking this boy away from all the added pain he had suffered. I liked when he prove to be equally strong and finally take charge to change his life, even at a cost.
In a nutshell, Spectrum Nights to me is a raw tale of two young men with intertwined fate. If nothing, this series poked on a number of issues we overlooked in real life. It didn't necessarily tied all the loose ends for the characters, but the possibility for brighter future was there. And this what I wish so much for both young men after what they went through in their younger life! :)
Copy of this book is kindly provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 Stars
"It is what it is."These were the mantra that kept been saying back and forth between the two MCs; and proven to be quite a mantra.
"Starts as we mean to go on."
Pieces of Me and See My Words are part of Spectrum Nights series that told the most defining journey of Scott Ashworth and Rylan Mahoney's life. Melanie Hansen wrote a blend of fun, sweet, touching, and heartrending stories that spanned over six to seven years of the characters's life. These books brought connected stories that need to be read in consecutive order, largely due to the way Pieces of Me ended (if you haven't read the book, be warned: it has a cliffhanger ending.
While I'm not much fan of YA stories (and tbh, I backtrack to read Pieces of Me first, after I realized the opening of See My Words made me feel like plunging into an ongoing narrative), the first book got me hooked from the get-go because of Rylan Mahoney. This shy, awkward, skinny kid was a lion in disguise with his pluck of simply being himself and loyal to his friends. I also loved him for his cheekiness, how he kept positive thought even on harrowing circumstances.
Also, though relationship between step-siblings was not particularly a taboo, it wasn't usually something I'd pick. That they first met on their late teenage years helped a lot.
Both book told the stories from Scott's and Rylan's POV alternately, with Pieces of Me covered their hi-school years and the first time they reunited after years apart. The bulk of the sorrow in this book would have readers understand Scott's insecurities better. Granted, I wasn't too fond of Scott though I feel for him, what's with constant mental abuse from his own nearest and dearest. It saddened me that his mother didn't show any good trait up to the end. At the same time, I'm quite familiar with this sort of toxic behavior which why it gave pretty realistic vibe to the whole account.
I truly enjoyed Scott and Rylan's budding friendship that developed into more in stages. See My Words more than made up for the romance that was only touch the surface of previous books. Plus, with the Spectrum club more prominent in See My Words, this book also had more steamy moments with quite graphic scenes between two or more characters.
I got to give it to this author over the way she played with reader's emotions by throwing ugly facts of life, in between the character's hopeful - and sometimes fun - journey. As book #2 reveal missing pieces of Scott's life, I felt like whisking this boy away from all the added pain he had suffered. I liked when he prove to be equally strong and finally take charge to change his life, even at a cost.
In a nutshell, Spectrum Nights to me is a raw tale of two young men with intertwined fate. If nothing, this series poked on a number of issues we overlooked in real life. It didn't necessarily tied all the loose ends for the characters, but the possibility for brighter future was there. And this what I wish so much for both young men after what they went through in their younger life! :)
Copy of this book is kindly provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 24, 2019
2.5 stars
Too much self-sabotaging and being just an asshole.
And I'm talking about you, Scott.
Also, I was bored and skipped most sex scenes.
Too much self-sabotaging and being just an asshole.
And I'm talking about you, Scott.
Also, I was bored and skipped most sex scenes.
Read
April 2, 2021No Rating
Not going to say much about this or rate it, but I didn't like the first book at all and this was only marginally better.
I understand what the author was doing and I get the twisty path she took for Scott and Rylan to end up together. I understand why she made the choices she did regarding Scott's behavior. But that doesn't mean I didn't fking hate it and almost DNFed this book a thousand times. This was clearly not the series for me but I can see why others enjoy it. Just keep in mind that you're in for an angsty, frustrating journey. My favorite part of this book would have to be Minh, hands down.
Series:
Book 1: Pieces of Me → 2 Stars
Book 2: See My Words → read
Not going to say much about this or rate it, but I didn't like the first book at all and this was only marginally better.
I understand what the author was doing and I get the twisty path she took for Scott and Rylan to end up together. I understand why she made the choices she did regarding Scott's behavior. But that doesn't mean I didn't fking hate it and almost DNFed this book a thousand times. This was clearly not the series for me but I can see why others enjoy it. Just keep in mind that you're in for an angsty, frustrating journey. My favorite part of this book would have to be Minh, hands down.
Series:
Book 1: Pieces of Me → 2 Stars
Book 2: See My Words → read
April 24, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.75 stars
See My Words is the second book in the Spectrum Nights series. The book is not intended to be read as a standalone and relies heavily on the events of the book that preceded it, Pieces of Me.
This book picks up right where the previous one left off and offers great continuity to the overall story. While I enjoyed the story in the first book, there were areas that didn’t work as well for me, but the writing here came together much better. Scott and Rylan are both integral characters here, but it reads a little more as Scott’s story as he has the most to overcome. Years of being told that he was worthless have certainly taken their toll on him and even though men and women constantly throw themselves at him and he makes a living off of his looks, he has no self esteem. He wants so much with Rylan in the worst way, but he has no idea how to enjoy any of it as he’s sure Rylan deserves better and doesn’t think Scott has anything to offer.
Scott is determined to sabotage his relationship with Rylan at every turn as that’s the only way he knows how to react. He feels that he should push Rylan away before Rylan decides to walk away for himself. He hurts Rylan and puts him through a lot, but what works here is that Rylan sees right through Scott. So as much as Scott pushes Rylan away, Rylan hangs in and hangs onto Scott and that made it all the more interesting. The author took some chances here with this story line and that made it all the better for me. Their past and their relationship aren’t easy and Hansen didn’t all of a sudden make it simple for them. Scott has a lot of emotional baggage that weighs him down and some readers could view Scott and Rylan’s relationship as co-dependent and unhealthy. But, it appealed to me that Scott worked through things in a less traditional way and the author showed another side to trying to overcome the damage left by the past.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4.75 stars
See My Words is the second book in the Spectrum Nights series. The book is not intended to be read as a standalone and relies heavily on the events of the book that preceded it, Pieces of Me.
This book picks up right where the previous one left off and offers great continuity to the overall story. While I enjoyed the story in the first book, there were areas that didn’t work as well for me, but the writing here came together much better. Scott and Rylan are both integral characters here, but it reads a little more as Scott’s story as he has the most to overcome. Years of being told that he was worthless have certainly taken their toll on him and even though men and women constantly throw themselves at him and he makes a living off of his looks, he has no self esteem. He wants so much with Rylan in the worst way, but he has no idea how to enjoy any of it as he’s sure Rylan deserves better and doesn’t think Scott has anything to offer.
Scott is determined to sabotage his relationship with Rylan at every turn as that’s the only way he knows how to react. He feels that he should push Rylan away before Rylan decides to walk away for himself. He hurts Rylan and puts him through a lot, but what works here is that Rylan sees right through Scott. So as much as Scott pushes Rylan away, Rylan hangs in and hangs onto Scott and that made it all the more interesting. The author took some chances here with this story line and that made it all the better for me. Their past and their relationship aren’t easy and Hansen didn’t all of a sudden make it simple for them. Scott has a lot of emotional baggage that weighs him down and some readers could view Scott and Rylan’s relationship as co-dependent and unhealthy. But, it appealed to me that Scott worked through things in a less traditional way and the author showed another side to trying to overcome the damage left by the past.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
January 4, 2019
“Love you.”
<...>
Scott leaned down to kiss him gently. “You are the only one in my life who’s ever backed up those words with your actions. That means something to me, okay?”
A big let down after the first book, but not a bad one on its own (can't be read as a stand alone however). Angstier than the first one, sexier and in my humble opinion, long winded. I know that Scott's issues were serious and needed lots and lots of time -and professional help perhaps- to overcome. But this is romance, not a documentary; I feel that the author should have tightened things up a bit. We didn't have to see every time Scott screwed up. We didn't have to see them having pages and pages of similar make up sex scenes afterwards. The trip to Sedona took way more time than I believe it warranted . The handling of Rylan's project was uneven: it either should have taken more stage time, or taken off completely. As it was, it seemed that sometimes it really mattered to him, but sometimes it didn't cross his mind for weeks in a row. At one point they begin to discuss exclusivity, but while they both say what they used to do in their previous relationships, they don't reach an agreement on what they'll do from now on . The epilogue was good, but while it gave some good vibes overall, it also left questions for me unanswered
Not that I doubt that those two are soul mates and will work it out. Their love, their commitment to each other was never questioned in my mind. When those two were together and they were well, I loved it, but mostly I felt it. When those two hurt, I hurt with them. Which is why after the 60% mark, this back and forth became too much for me and I needed a longer epilogue with a very solid HEA to make it up for all the bad times they went through.
In short, excellent writing, lots of drama, lots of sex, lots of feels, in need of a tighter editing.
<...>
Scott leaned down to kiss him gently. “You are the only one in my life who’s ever backed up those words with your actions. That means something to me, okay?”
A big let down after the first book, but not a bad one on its own (can't be read as a stand alone however). Angstier than the first one, sexier and in my humble opinion, long winded. I know that Scott's issues were serious and needed lots and lots of time -and professional help perhaps- to overcome. But this is romance, not a documentary; I feel that the author should have tightened things up a bit. We didn't have to see every time Scott screwed up. We didn't have to see them having pages and pages of similar make up sex scenes afterwards. The trip to Sedona took way more time than I believe it warranted . The handling of Rylan's project was uneven: it either should have taken more stage time, or taken off completely. As it was, it seemed that sometimes it really mattered to him, but sometimes it didn't cross his mind for weeks in a row. At one point they begin to discuss exclusivity, but while they both say what they used to do in their previous relationships, they don't reach an agreement on what they'll do from now on . The epilogue was good, but while it gave some good vibes overall, it also left questions for me unanswered
Not that I doubt that those two are soul mates and will work it out. Their love, their commitment to each other was never questioned in my mind. When those two were together and they were well, I loved it, but mostly I felt it. When those two hurt, I hurt with them. Which is why after the 60% mark, this back and forth became too much for me and I needed a longer epilogue with a very solid HEA to make it up for all the bad times they went through.
In short, excellent writing, lots of drama, lots of sex, lots of feels, in need of a tighter editing.
August 26, 2018
This is a very positive rating. I really liked the first book, yes it was angsty, but I read it in record time and the cliffhanger wasn't too bad as I had book #2 already on my kindle.
Well, the second book was a let down. It was another good read until about 50% but then it totally lost me. The whole part with their weekend getaway was hare brained and somehow I couldn't get into my reading fun again. No idea why other reviewers liked the final 10% - I found the final chapter and especially the epilogue unsatisfying.
Because I really liked the first book and at least half of the second one - 3 stars.
Well, the second book was a let down. It was another good read until about 50% but then it totally lost me. The whole part with their weekend getaway was hare brained and somehow I couldn't get into my reading fun again. No idea why other reviewers liked the final 10% - I found the final chapter and especially the epilogue unsatisfying.
Because I really liked the first book and at least half of the second one - 3 stars.
April 26, 2017
I was lucky enough to have read the first book, Pieces of Me, and am glad I read that one because this is not a book that can be read as a stand-alone, not at all. Without having read the first book, this one wouldn’t have had the same impact—not to mention this story picks up right where the cliffhanger in Pieces of Me leaves off.
The focus in this book goes in a different direction than the first. The first gave more background to the two individuals, and how they came to be where they are in life, and why they behave the way they do while only starting to form their relationship. This one is about the relationship and all the obstacles it faces because of their pasts. There is plenty of angst and drama all over the place, but this time there was a little bit more lightness sprinkled throughout, by a very specific character, to keep it from becoming too overwhelming for me.
Scott—sigh—is such a mess, emotionally, mentally, and (initially) physically. In his mind his entire worth is on his looks and the image he portrays. Though beautiful on the outside, he doesn’t feel he has anything else to offer and—though I am not a mental health specialist—I wouldn’t be surprised if some mental illness exists based on his behavior and thought processes. Because he feels his only worth is in his looks, he has a difficult time grasping exactly why Rylan cares for him. He clings to Rylan, at times with desperation and neediness, but believes Rylan deserves more, leading to some pretty poor behavioral choices and a constant tension between the two. His lifestyle and environment were not good for him as an individual. He’s surrounded by people who only care about his pretty face and body, and how it could benefit them, other than Minh. It seemed to only solidify Scott’s belief that his physical attraction was his only redeeming quality.
I absolutely adore Rylan. He is self-aware and calls Scott on his BS when he needs to. He tries to show Scott how he feels with actions and words, and is so dang patient. Seriously, there were times, if it had been me, that I don’t know if I could have been as understanding as Rylan was. That is not to say he is perfection. He has his own hang-ups, dreams and hopes and pressure on himself to make something of his project. Without realizing it, in some ways he creates problems because he is always just so there all the time for Scott, being Scott’s “white knight” without really realizing he is doing it. Constantly trying to rescue him from whatever problems he has going on. He sometimes pushes too hard to do what he thinks is best for Scott.
Ultimately, their relationship has a lot of unhealthy qualities, and despite Rylan’s persistence and patience, a cycle was forming and it was taking its toll on both of them. Things had to give and, eventually, they do. Just not in a way I was expecting.
If I was let down anywhere, it was the plot point that was a result from the previous book’s cliffhanger. Granted, it picked up right where the previous book left off, but then after the first chapter or so, something that I feel was sort of a big deal just fades into the background until much later, sort of resurfacing with an equally lackluster reaction. Scott and Rylan’s behavior, and lack of response afterwards, just seemed a little weird to me, I guess. I expected more depth to the situation than there ended up being.
I got my wish from when I finished the first book, though, and that was more information on what happened during the guys’ years of separation. Wow, it explains so much about Scott’s behavior through this book. Though some of Scott’s past was expected, it was the feeling of depth and self-loathing that came through loud and clear, and my heart broke for the naïve kid who made a choice one night that led him down that path.
There are happy moments sprinkled through, courtesy of Minh. Minh is a ray of sunshine through this book, not holding back on telling Scott or Rylan what he thought of things, and breaking up the tension with a joke or just plain being Minh. I can’t even tell you what a wonderfully crafted secondary character he turned out to be.
I don’t know if there is another book planned for Scott & Rylan; this one ended in a way that wraps things up nicely as they stand, or could go on for another book. If there is another one, count me in! I really enjoyed this rollercoaster of a journey with them and, despite the emotional upheaval I went through, when I read the last word, I had a smile on my face and a happy heart.
Reviewed by Lindsey for The Novel Approach
The focus in this book goes in a different direction than the first. The first gave more background to the two individuals, and how they came to be where they are in life, and why they behave the way they do while only starting to form their relationship. This one is about the relationship and all the obstacles it faces because of their pasts. There is plenty of angst and drama all over the place, but this time there was a little bit more lightness sprinkled throughout, by a very specific character, to keep it from becoming too overwhelming for me.
Scott—sigh—is such a mess, emotionally, mentally, and (initially) physically. In his mind his entire worth is on his looks and the image he portrays. Though beautiful on the outside, he doesn’t feel he has anything else to offer and—though I am not a mental health specialist—I wouldn’t be surprised if some mental illness exists based on his behavior and thought processes. Because he feels his only worth is in his looks, he has a difficult time grasping exactly why Rylan cares for him. He clings to Rylan, at times with desperation and neediness, but believes Rylan deserves more, leading to some pretty poor behavioral choices and a constant tension between the two. His lifestyle and environment were not good for him as an individual. He’s surrounded by people who only care about his pretty face and body, and how it could benefit them, other than Minh. It seemed to only solidify Scott’s belief that his physical attraction was his only redeeming quality.
I absolutely adore Rylan. He is self-aware and calls Scott on his BS when he needs to. He tries to show Scott how he feels with actions and words, and is so dang patient. Seriously, there were times, if it had been me, that I don’t know if I could have been as understanding as Rylan was. That is not to say he is perfection. He has his own hang-ups, dreams and hopes and pressure on himself to make something of his project. Without realizing it, in some ways he creates problems because he is always just so there all the time for Scott, being Scott’s “white knight” without really realizing he is doing it. Constantly trying to rescue him from whatever problems he has going on. He sometimes pushes too hard to do what he thinks is best for Scott.
Ultimately, their relationship has a lot of unhealthy qualities, and despite Rylan’s persistence and patience, a cycle was forming and it was taking its toll on both of them. Things had to give and, eventually, they do. Just not in a way I was expecting.
If I was let down anywhere, it was the plot point that was a result from the previous book’s cliffhanger. Granted, it picked up right where the previous book left off, but then after the first chapter or so, something that I feel was sort of a big deal just fades into the background until much later, sort of resurfacing with an equally lackluster reaction. Scott and Rylan’s behavior, and lack of response afterwards, just seemed a little weird to me, I guess. I expected more depth to the situation than there ended up being.
I got my wish from when I finished the first book, though, and that was more information on what happened during the guys’ years of separation. Wow, it explains so much about Scott’s behavior through this book. Though some of Scott’s past was expected, it was the feeling of depth and self-loathing that came through loud and clear, and my heart broke for the naïve kid who made a choice one night that led him down that path.
There are happy moments sprinkled through, courtesy of Minh. Minh is a ray of sunshine through this book, not holding back on telling Scott or Rylan what he thought of things, and breaking up the tension with a joke or just plain being Minh. I can’t even tell you what a wonderfully crafted secondary character he turned out to be.
I don’t know if there is another book planned for Scott & Rylan; this one ended in a way that wraps things up nicely as they stand, or could go on for another book. If there is another one, count me in! I really enjoyed this rollercoaster of a journey with them and, despite the emotional upheaval I went through, when I read the last word, I had a smile on my face and a happy heart.
Reviewed by Lindsey for The Novel Approach
April 22, 2017
After the shocking cliffhanger in book 1, I was really looking forward to this book. Rylan and Scott’s relationship gets more complicated and more intense in this conclusion and even though I wanted to bash Scott’s head in a thousand times, I could not help but still love him till the end.
Till now Scott and Rylan’s journey has not been easy and it does not get any better in this book. They had to fight tooth and nail for their HEA and it was so, so satisfying. Getting Scott to finally realize that he deserves love was like taking one step forward and then again retreating five whole steps. Not at all easy, let me tell you. But Rylan held on and so did I and the result was so rewarding and amazing, that I cried (they were happy tears!)
The push and pull drove me crazy but I had faith that they will pull through anything if they are together.
The story provides backtracks to the time eight years ago when Scott left home and we get proper details of what all happened to him before he finally landed in Phoenix. His story was a bitter pill to swallow. My heart broke for him time and again. Scott was full of self-loathing and always trying to push people away coz he was afraid of being rejected and left behind. He was a man everyone wanted but no one truly knew. He was lonely, living in a fake world where all people wanted were his good looks and never once the genuine person behind it.
I loved Rylan here like crazy. He was like a knight in shining armor for Scott, rescuing him from his fears and insecurities and finally giving him the confidence, trust and unconditional love to set himself free of all the bad things in his life. Sometimes I really wanted Rylan to just leave Scott and let him get a taste of his own medicine but then again I trusted him to always do the right thing by Scott. He was like an unshakable rock in his affections and true understanding of Scott.
The heat factor here just exploded. Rylan and Scott’s chemistry was on fire. They were making up for lost time and some heavy regrets and they did it with boiling heat. There is also a bonus threesome which though unexpected was completely HOT!!!
Along with our golden couple, there is another HEA in this story which was equally pleasing. We get a closer and deeper look in Minh’s character and what all he endured along with Scott while on the streets. I am so thankful to the author to give him such a sweet ending as well.
So all in all, this was a total win for me. Angsty, emotional, healing and passionate, this series just had everything. Loved it and I would definitely recommend it!!!
*This review has been cross posted at GayBookReviews*
Till now Scott and Rylan’s journey has not been easy and it does not get any better in this book. They had to fight tooth and nail for their HEA and it was so, so satisfying. Getting Scott to finally realize that he deserves love was like taking one step forward and then again retreating five whole steps. Not at all easy, let me tell you. But Rylan held on and so did I and the result was so rewarding and amazing, that I cried (they were happy tears!)
“Don’t shut me out, Scott. I’m on your side, remember? Let me be your friend.” ~ Rylan
The push and pull drove me crazy but I had faith that they will pull through anything if they are together.
The story provides backtracks to the time eight years ago when Scott left home and we get proper details of what all happened to him before he finally landed in Phoenix. His story was a bitter pill to swallow. My heart broke for him time and again. Scott was full of self-loathing and always trying to push people away coz he was afraid of being rejected and left behind. He was a man everyone wanted but no one truly knew. He was lonely, living in a fake world where all people wanted were his good looks and never once the genuine person behind it.
“It’s not his job to be my white knight, to save me from myself. I need to learn how to do that, not rely on him to make it better. I don’t want to be his emotional burden…. I want to be his partner.” ~ Scott
I loved Rylan here like crazy. He was like a knight in shining armor for Scott, rescuing him from his fears and insecurities and finally giving him the confidence, trust and unconditional love to set himself free of all the bad things in his life. Sometimes I really wanted Rylan to just leave Scott and let him get a taste of his own medicine but then again I trusted him to always do the right thing by Scott. He was like an unshakable rock in his affections and true understanding of Scott.
The heat factor here just exploded. Rylan and Scott’s chemistry was on fire. They were making up for lost time and some heavy regrets and they did it with boiling heat. There is also a bonus threesome which though unexpected was completely HOT!!!
Along with our golden couple, there is another HEA in this story which was equally pleasing. We get a closer and deeper look in Minh’s character and what all he endured along with Scott while on the streets. I am so thankful to the author to give him such a sweet ending as well.
So all in all, this was a total win for me. Angsty, emotional, healing and passionate, this series just had everything. Loved it and I would definitely recommend it!!!
*This review has been cross posted at GayBookReviews*
April 28, 2017
This series should have never been a series. It should have been one biig book. Or maybe I should have waited for the second book to be published first before reading the first book.
As, it is a direct continuation, it does not come as effective as it could be at the start since you are not under the afterglow of Scott and Rylan's childhood and reunion.
However, once you get into the mood, and start the remember the dynamics in the first book, it all comes together.
Beautiful and daring. Let me go fangirl~!
How many writers you see out there that are this open and sensible? A threesome? Possibility of a semi open relationship? Just the fact that they can talk about this. Rylan, trying to "do good" till he is shut down by Nun Beej? How awesome was that! What about Scott and his so called 'friends'?
You don't see much of these in romance books. Usually it is all a sterilized version of real world. It does not feel real. Either because it is just OTT or too fluffy and rainbows and unicorns.
Scott, his troubles, his demons.. and his resolution. This is not a "get better with magic dick" story. And Rylan.. Shy yet brave. Insecure yet confident. I just loved how he made the same mistake as Scott, assuming he knows best.
I am well aware that Scott needs more help than Rylan can offer if you look at it realistically. But I am ok with it, because at the end he is not portrayed as he is over all of his demons. He is just starting. At least that is the feeling I get.
As, it is a direct continuation, it does not come as effective as it could be at the start since you are not under the afterglow of Scott and Rylan's childhood and reunion.
However, once you get into the mood, and start the remember the dynamics in the first book, it all comes together.
Beautiful and daring. Let me go fangirl~!
How many writers you see out there that are this open and sensible? A threesome? Possibility of a semi open relationship? Just the fact that they can talk about this. Rylan, trying to "do good" till he is shut down by Nun Beej? How awesome was that! What about Scott and his so called 'friends'?
You don't see much of these in romance books. Usually it is all a sterilized version of real world. It does not feel real. Either because it is just OTT or too fluffy and rainbows and unicorns.
Scott, his troubles, his demons.. and his resolution. This is not a "get better with magic dick" story. And Rylan.. Shy yet brave. Insecure yet confident. I just loved how he made the same mistake as Scott, assuming he knows best.
I am well aware that Scott needs more help than Rylan can offer if you look at it realistically. But I am ok with it, because at the end he is not portrayed as he is over all of his demons. He is just starting. At least that is the feeling I get.
May 29, 2017
My heart. My heart..it's so full of emotions. This is an incredible story, and it compliments the first installment so well. I adored reading it, even though at times Melanie Hansen handed me my heart on a plate. This is a beautiful series, and I highly recommend it to everyone!
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