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Welcome to Crash
At first, Damien feels lucky to land a job at an influential art studio, but it soon becomes obvious that something’s not right. His gorgeous boss, John, is interested, and he’d be the perfect man for Damien—if Damien wasn’t already in a relationship. It isn’t long before Damien is at the center of a love triangle, forced to choose between hot, punk John and his secret affair with his professor, Levi. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg, because something impossible is happening to Damien—and it’s having a drastic effect on his health as well as his perception of reality.
Each time Damien goes to work, things grow more bizarre, starting with Sam—an artist who has been dead for years and now somehow… isn’t. Damien’s unusual circumstances also free him from the restrictions of monogamy—or so he thinks. Levi, who cannot believe Damien’s claims, fears for his sanity. John also has strong doubts when Damien reveals knowledge of a catastrophic event looming in John’s future. Whether the men he loves believe his wild claims or not, neither can deny Damien is languishing, and if they cannot save him, he’ll be lost. More importantly, they must convince Damien to save himself.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2017
3 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
October 29, 2017
Book Review
It’s always a gamble when you read a book that might be a bit outside your normal genres, but that wasn’t the case with Lina’s Welcome to Crash. I’ve started reading more in the spec fiction realm, choosing this book based on the cover and a few recommendations from others. I was intrigued by the premise, uncertain how much paranormal, science fiction or fantasy would actually be in it. In the end, that wasn’t the primary point of the story; those elements simply added stronger layers and dimensions to it.
A young guy, Damien, struggles to make a relationship work with his hesitant boyfriend, uncertain if they will end up building something together or splitting apart due to outside circumstances. When he meets a stranger at his job interview, Damien’s thrown off his game, quite smitten, but also confused by John’s style, persona and level of interest. Damien will soon find out as he tries to balance being utterly honest with his boyfriend, Levi, and the growing attraction he has to John.
Just when you think you have it all figured out, the story takes a subtle, then giant, shift away from traditional romance to push you into realizing something different is going on… but readers don’t know at first. Damien suffers from some medical issues, is distant from his family and can’t decide what he wants to do with his life. The book is about his struggle to get through college, become an adult and find love; however, too many forces pull him apart until he has to make a decision about what he really wants for himself and in a potential boyfriend.
This is a psychological book – one where love and desire intermingle with need and reality. Characters are well-drawn; once you know the issues keeping Damien and Levi from truly being together, you recognize why it will be difficult and why Damien looks elsewhere. The writing is direct and clear; dialogue feels realistic and the story keeps you guessing throughout each chapter.
I enjoyed it and will be picking up another of the author’s books to try in the next few weeks.
About Me
For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I’m Jay, an author who lives in NYC. My debut novel, Watching Glass Shatter, can be purchased on Amazon @ http://mybook.to/WGS. I write A LOT. I read A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on Goodreads, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, where you'll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I've visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by. Note: All written content is my original creation and copyrighted to me, but the graphics and images were linked from other sites and belong to them. Many thanks to their original creators.
It’s always a gamble when you read a book that might be a bit outside your normal genres, but that wasn’t the case with Lina’s Welcome to Crash. I’ve started reading more in the spec fiction realm, choosing this book based on the cover and a few recommendations from others. I was intrigued by the premise, uncertain how much paranormal, science fiction or fantasy would actually be in it. In the end, that wasn’t the primary point of the story; those elements simply added stronger layers and dimensions to it.
A young guy, Damien, struggles to make a relationship work with his hesitant boyfriend, uncertain if they will end up building something together or splitting apart due to outside circumstances. When he meets a stranger at his job interview, Damien’s thrown off his game, quite smitten, but also confused by John’s style, persona and level of interest. Damien will soon find out as he tries to balance being utterly honest with his boyfriend, Levi, and the growing attraction he has to John.
Just when you think you have it all figured out, the story takes a subtle, then giant, shift away from traditional romance to push you into realizing something different is going on… but readers don’t know at first. Damien suffers from some medical issues, is distant from his family and can’t decide what he wants to do with his life. The book is about his struggle to get through college, become an adult and find love; however, too many forces pull him apart until he has to make a decision about what he really wants for himself and in a potential boyfriend.
This is a psychological book – one where love and desire intermingle with need and reality. Characters are well-drawn; once you know the issues keeping Damien and Levi from truly being together, you recognize why it will be difficult and why Damien looks elsewhere. The writing is direct and clear; dialogue feels realistic and the story keeps you guessing throughout each chapter.
I enjoyed it and will be picking up another of the author’s books to try in the next few weeks.
About Me
For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I’m Jay, an author who lives in NYC. My debut novel, Watching Glass Shatter, can be purchased on Amazon @ http://mybook.to/WGS. I write A LOT. I read A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on Goodreads, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, where you'll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I've visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by. Note: All written content is my original creation and copyrighted to me, but the graphics and images were linked from other sites and belong to them. Many thanks to their original creators.
September 12, 2017
3.75 Stars
About half way through this book I knew I was going to have a hard time writing a review for this.
The story is extremely well written, and the author wrote it in first person present tense, which is something I've always struggled writing...and yet, the novel unfolded beautifully.
I was also pleasantly surprised at the paranormal vein in this - as I truly wasn't expecting it. And throughout the entire book (until the very end) the reader is left wondering...is it happening, or is it all just a result of the MC's epilepsy? And so again, kudos to the author for weaving a little bit of mystery into the plot.
Now here is where I struggled. I just didn't resonate with any of the characters. That does not mean that they were superficial, or two-dimensional - just the opposite - for me, they weren't likeable. I had a hard time 'caring' for them, in fact, I found both Damien and Levi to be rather distasteful. Damien was immature and quite frankly, not capable of having a relationship, where as his much older boyfriend treated him beyond poorly! Both of them were terrible to each other - and yet the flip flop of emotions that Damien goes through was fantastically explored by the author. In fact, I again have to give her praise because she made me remember what life was like when I was a young 20 something, newly out gay guy, trying to figure out what life meant, how to be an adult, and how to act while in a relationship. Frankly, it was an awkward period in my life that was a large rollercoaster of emotions. It wasn't a fun period. And this was accurately portrayed in this work.
So while I found this story difficult to engage in because it brought me back to a time in my life that was uncomfortable - others will delight in the reminiscent flight of emotions that we all have gone through in our angst ridden twenties.
It just wasn't quite 5 stars for me, because I couldn't grab hold of the characters in the book and run with them through their world - but that's just me. I know there are many others will delight in this time-bending romp.
About half way through this book I knew I was going to have a hard time writing a review for this.
The story is extremely well written, and the author wrote it in first person present tense, which is something I've always struggled writing...and yet, the novel unfolded beautifully.
I was also pleasantly surprised at the paranormal vein in this - as I truly wasn't expecting it. And throughout the entire book (until the very end) the reader is left wondering...is it happening, or is it all just a result of the MC's epilepsy? And so again, kudos to the author for weaving a little bit of mystery into the plot.
Now here is where I struggled. I just didn't resonate with any of the characters. That does not mean that they were superficial, or two-dimensional - just the opposite - for me, they weren't likeable. I had a hard time 'caring' for them, in fact, I found both Damien and Levi to be rather distasteful. Damien was immature and quite frankly, not capable of having a relationship, where as his much older boyfriend treated him beyond poorly! Both of them were terrible to each other - and yet the flip flop of emotions that Damien goes through was fantastically explored by the author. In fact, I again have to give her praise because she made me remember what life was like when I was a young 20 something, newly out gay guy, trying to figure out what life meant, how to be an adult, and how to act while in a relationship. Frankly, it was an awkward period in my life that was a large rollercoaster of emotions. It wasn't a fun period. And this was accurately portrayed in this work.
So while I found this story difficult to engage in because it brought me back to a time in my life that was uncomfortable - others will delight in the reminiscent flight of emotions that we all have gone through in our angst ridden twenties.
It just wasn't quite 5 stars for me, because I couldn't grab hold of the characters in the book and run with them through their world - but that's just me. I know there are many others will delight in this time-bending romp.
October 29, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author.
2.5
This was a coming-of-age tale about being in your early twenties, which for some is a confusing and contradictory time, being an adult, but not quite and Damien epitomizes some of the hardest characteristics of being that age—the self absorption, self doubt and lack of personal accountability to name a few. Damien is involved with his former professor, Levi, a man he pursued with all the confidence of an equal, yet once they are together, he is filled with self doubt and believes himself unworthy of Levi’s attention. Levi being older and in a more settled place in his life makes Damien feel lesser and fuels his feelings of inadequacy, which helps keep Damien from expressing his discontent with the relationship because for him “it’s always been so much easier to get a guy to sleep with [him] than it has to get him to stay”. This mindset and his attraction to his new boss, John sets the stage for the unusual love triangle Damien soon finds himself in.
Unfortunately, Damien’s penchant for blaming other people for his bad and often hurtful choices, including blaming Levi for sleeping with John because Levi didn’t commit soon enough, became an ongoing theme until he finally had to face some hard truths from his loved ones. This wasn’t a bad story and Damien isn’t a bad guy. I like going on journeys of growth and development with characters, and I like when those journeys are complicated because that has been my experience with life. Damien’s relationships with his parents and that awkward balance between them letting go and Damien being willing to be fully accountable, Damien struggling with who and what he wants and not being perfect along the way are all great.
My dissatisfaction lies in the fact that there wasn’t much character growth from Damien when all is said and done. While he acknowledges being selfish and forgetting to take into account the feelings of people he loves when he makes choices that can affect them and admits he usually only apologizes just so people won’t be mad, the epilogue takes place only a couple of weeks afterwards so any progress he’s made is new and not necessarily a real change. Thus, his lament of “but what about me…this isn’t fair” smacks of the same old Damien. Even while I understood why he felt that way and commiserated, after being immersed in Damien’s almost constant inability to look beyond himself for 95% of the book, this statement left me doubting his willingness to change rather than leaving me hopeful that he was on the path to learning how to give as much as he took.
2.5
This was a coming-of-age tale about being in your early twenties, which for some is a confusing and contradictory time, being an adult, but not quite and Damien epitomizes some of the hardest characteristics of being that age—the self absorption, self doubt and lack of personal accountability to name a few. Damien is involved with his former professor, Levi, a man he pursued with all the confidence of an equal, yet once they are together, he is filled with self doubt and believes himself unworthy of Levi’s attention. Levi being older and in a more settled place in his life makes Damien feel lesser and fuels his feelings of inadequacy, which helps keep Damien from expressing his discontent with the relationship because for him “it’s always been so much easier to get a guy to sleep with [him] than it has to get him to stay”. This mindset and his attraction to his new boss, John sets the stage for the unusual love triangle Damien soon finds himself in.
Unfortunately, Damien’s penchant for blaming other people for his bad and often hurtful choices, including blaming Levi for sleeping with John because Levi didn’t commit soon enough, became an ongoing theme until he finally had to face some hard truths from his loved ones. This wasn’t a bad story and Damien isn’t a bad guy. I like going on journeys of growth and development with characters, and I like when those journeys are complicated because that has been my experience with life. Damien’s relationships with his parents and that awkward balance between them letting go and Damien being willing to be fully accountable, Damien struggling with who and what he wants and not being perfect along the way are all great.
My dissatisfaction lies in the fact that there wasn’t much character growth from Damien when all is said and done. While he acknowledges being selfish and forgetting to take into account the feelings of people he loves when he makes choices that can affect them and admits he usually only apologizes just so people won’t be mad, the epilogue takes place only a couple of weeks afterwards so any progress he’s made is new and not necessarily a real change. Thus, his lament of “but what about me…this isn’t fair” smacks of the same old Damien. Even while I understood why he felt that way and commiserated, after being immersed in Damien’s almost constant inability to look beyond himself for 95% of the book, this statement left me doubting his willingness to change rather than leaving me hopeful that he was on the path to learning how to give as much as he took.
August 17, 2017
Damien, Levi, John...I love the guys in this story. Lina Langley was able to make me read and enjoy a trope I usually don't like at all--the love triangle. And she accomplishes this by making each and every character unique and alive. I felt like these were very real people on the page in front of me, people that I came to care a lot about. The second key to making me like this book was the plot. It's outstanding. I've rarely read a first time author who doesn't miss a single beat. It's vivid and compelling, and had me quickly turning pages at all the right points. She didn't sacrifice plot for romance, but balanced them damn near perfectly. This is an amazing book that I am so happy to have read early. Go. Buy. This. Book! I am certainly looking forward to the next release from this author!!
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January 17, 2020I rarely DNF a book, but .... reading this book was a struggle. I just didn't care about any of the characters and while I appreciated the twist in the story, it wasn't enough to grab my attention.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
August 24, 2017
I was gifted an ARC of this book for an honest and fair review.
No doubt the M/M romance fascists will get their panties in a knot over this one, featuring as it does a man caught between two lovers, a scenario in which the ending will always be bittersweet.
Yes, hunties, the main character CHEATS on his boyfriend. Get over it and move on, because this is a wondrous treat, an effortless read that I couldn’t wait to get back to. I read it over the course of three evenings, and was immediately in love with the characters. Damien and Levi’s relationship feels so incredibly real. Levi wants to keep their affair discreet because of their tutor/student relationship. His character felt familiar, a dreadlocked, groomed and decent man who has been chased and seduced by the Pan-like Damien, only to see the boy/man begin to crumble.
Damien is of age but eyebrows would still be raised if people found out. He accepts Levi’s insistence on secrecy but grudgingly. At times he seemed fairly young in attitude and speech, and then I realised that was because he hadn’t quite shed the arrogance of youth, and was unable to see the effect his actions would have on others. I liked him, though, because he was willing to accept that he had faults, and grow with them. His vulnerability and sense of guilt made him human, and who are we to throw the first stone?
Photographer John, wavering between gay and straight, is blown away by 21st Century Damien, although he does not know that Damien is out of time. John is suitably grungy, a tortured, grubby artiste fighting for recognition under the dominating wing of his mentor, a man who should be dead, but somehow isn’t.
This book wasn’t all about the love triangle, but about the circumstances around it. And what circumstances! The way the reader finds out what is happening to Damien, via his attempt to tell Levi about John, the time-bending twist; the horrible realisation that everyone around you thinks you are going insane; it was all wonderfully simple to understand but elegantly told. I really wanted all these characters to succeed in getting what they wanted. In less capable hands, a plot like this would be a hot mess, but without giving spoilers, I can safely say I enjoyed it right to the very last word. Definitely an author for those who are looking for romance with a piquant flavour of realist fantasy.
No doubt the M/M romance fascists will get their panties in a knot over this one, featuring as it does a man caught between two lovers, a scenario in which the ending will always be bittersweet.
Yes, hunties, the main character CHEATS on his boyfriend. Get over it and move on, because this is a wondrous treat, an effortless read that I couldn’t wait to get back to. I read it over the course of three evenings, and was immediately in love with the characters. Damien and Levi’s relationship feels so incredibly real. Levi wants to keep their affair discreet because of their tutor/student relationship. His character felt familiar, a dreadlocked, groomed and decent man who has been chased and seduced by the Pan-like Damien, only to see the boy/man begin to crumble.
Damien is of age but eyebrows would still be raised if people found out. He accepts Levi’s insistence on secrecy but grudgingly. At times he seemed fairly young in attitude and speech, and then I realised that was because he hadn’t quite shed the arrogance of youth, and was unable to see the effect his actions would have on others. I liked him, though, because he was willing to accept that he had faults, and grow with them. His vulnerability and sense of guilt made him human, and who are we to throw the first stone?
Photographer John, wavering between gay and straight, is blown away by 21st Century Damien, although he does not know that Damien is out of time. John is suitably grungy, a tortured, grubby artiste fighting for recognition under the dominating wing of his mentor, a man who should be dead, but somehow isn’t.
This book wasn’t all about the love triangle, but about the circumstances around it. And what circumstances! The way the reader finds out what is happening to Damien, via his attempt to tell Levi about John, the time-bending twist; the horrible realisation that everyone around you thinks you are going insane; it was all wonderfully simple to understand but elegantly told. I really wanted all these characters to succeed in getting what they wanted. In less capable hands, a plot like this would be a hot mess, but without giving spoilers, I can safely say I enjoyed it right to the very last word. Definitely an author for those who are looking for romance with a piquant flavour of realist fantasy.
May 25, 2021
Even though this novel is labeled as a work of science fiction by the publisher – which is one of the reasons I was interested - it is by no means immediately obvious why and how this story is part of that genre. I kept looking for hints, and soon discovered a few “abnormalities”, but it took me a lot longer to begin to understand what in the world was going on. The strangeness permeates most of the story, and I found the whole setup and the slow reveal fascinating. As for the characters: they are complicated, fascinating, sometimes annoying, and kept me guessing (especially Damien) as to whether they would ever learn from their experiences.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
September 12, 2017
Reviewed for Just Love
JOHN 4EVA!
Well this was a pleasant surprise. I was intrigued when I first read the blurb but I didn’t know what to expect since Langley is a new-to-me author. I really liked the premise of this novel and I’m in love with that cover. I found it to be unique and fresh but…not a romance. The romantic in me kept looking for signs of who protagonist Damien was going to choose but this book isn’t really about that.
Damien is a young man who doesn’t quite know what he wants from life yet. What he does know is that he wants his steady hookup, Levi, to commit to a relationship and that getting a job at Crash, a prestigious art studio, is a pretty big deal, but accepting the job turns his whole world on it’s side.
Levi is Damien’s professor and the way they interact made me think that I was meant to see that they weren’t a good fit. Then Damien meets his new boss John and the chemistry was palpable. Whenever Damien would go home from work I would count the minutes until he went back. That said, I think this book is paced at a pretty steady clip so there was never a moment where I was bored. I wouldn’t classify it as a mystery but Langely’s storytelling is so engaging that, between the events that were unfolding, and the intense connection between Damien and John, I just couldn’t put it down.
Since Damien can’t seem to make up his mind I’ll warn you now that there is cheating, if that’s a big NO for you in your books. It’s something that I was able to overlook at first but when he continues down his destructive path I started to become both worried and frustrated with him. I do think that Langley does a good job of getting inside the mind of a twenty-year-old. He really reads as someone who thinks they have it all figured out when that truly isn’t the case. So aside from my frustrations, I just had to know how this would all end…
Up to about 95% I was absolutely loving this story but then the epilogue happened and I wasn’t a happy camper. I don’t want to spoil it for you but let’s just say that I always like there to be a message in my books, something the MC learns – especially when they’re so young, but instead I got the feeling that Damien hasn’t learned much. I didn’t feel confident that he would change his ways so it bothered me to leave him. I wanted more. I wanted to know that he was going to be okay. Alas, these are the lessons we learn in life. Damien only ages a few weeks throughout the book so it kind of makes sense that even after the ordeal he’s been through, he still has a lot of growing up to do.
All in all, I really liked this book to the point that I would buy the paperback to display on my shelf and read again. I definitely recommend it.
I received an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review.
JOHN 4EVA!
Well this was a pleasant surprise. I was intrigued when I first read the blurb but I didn’t know what to expect since Langley is a new-to-me author. I really liked the premise of this novel and I’m in love with that cover. I found it to be unique and fresh but…not a romance. The romantic in me kept looking for signs of who protagonist Damien was going to choose but this book isn’t really about that.
Damien is a young man who doesn’t quite know what he wants from life yet. What he does know is that he wants his steady hookup, Levi, to commit to a relationship and that getting a job at Crash, a prestigious art studio, is a pretty big deal, but accepting the job turns his whole world on it’s side.
Levi is Damien’s professor and the way they interact made me think that I was meant to see that they weren’t a good fit. Then Damien meets his new boss John and the chemistry was palpable. Whenever Damien would go home from work I would count the minutes until he went back. That said, I think this book is paced at a pretty steady clip so there was never a moment where I was bored. I wouldn’t classify it as a mystery but Langely’s storytelling is so engaging that, between the events that were unfolding, and the intense connection between Damien and John, I just couldn’t put it down.
Since Damien can’t seem to make up his mind I’ll warn you now that there is cheating, if that’s a big NO for you in your books. It’s something that I was able to overlook at first but when he continues down his destructive path I started to become both worried and frustrated with him. I do think that Langley does a good job of getting inside the mind of a twenty-year-old. He really reads as someone who thinks they have it all figured out when that truly isn’t the case. So aside from my frustrations, I just had to know how this would all end…
Up to about 95% I was absolutely loving this story but then the epilogue happened and I wasn’t a happy camper. I don’t want to spoil it for you but let’s just say that I always like there to be a message in my books, something the MC learns – especially when they’re so young, but instead I got the feeling that Damien hasn’t learned much. I didn’t feel confident that he would change his ways so it bothered me to leave him. I wanted more. I wanted to know that he was going to be okay. Alas, these are the lessons we learn in life. Damien only ages a few weeks throughout the book so it kind of makes sense that even after the ordeal he’s been through, he still has a lot of growing up to do.
All in all, I really liked this book to the point that I would buy the paperback to display on my shelf and read again. I definitely recommend it.
I received an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 23, 2017
It's hard to give a description of a book and it's storyline, when it's based on twists and turns and to do so would certainly spoil the plot, but I'll give it a shot. This is a strange love triangle, and Damien is in the centre of it. He is young so I suppose for that reason you can excuse his bad behaviour, but not all of it. Crash is a place, not a person, and that's where Damien meets John, a straight man, and his boss, Levi is hiding his relationship from the world because he is Damiens professor, but just when Levi decides he wants more, Damien meets John, and that where things go belly up. I like how the author throws in a little subterfuge to keep you guessing if things are really happening, I'm a little disappointed that we don't really get the explanations as how things actually do happen, I think we have to guess a little especially because of what happens in the gallery at the end of the book. I really like the secondary main characters, they were both great for their own reasons and we're both patient with Damien, especially Levi. I liked the romance aspect, and I wouldn't really call the book sci-fi, but it has that feel. I enjoyed it and I would read this author again.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author.
September 7, 2017
3.5 stars - I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
So - I kinda like that it took me way too long to figure out what was going on in this book. At the
start, the pieces were intriguing - Damien is an art student who lands an amazing job at a famous studio. He is already in a secretive relationship of sorts with his professor and he has a pretty serious medical condition that he doesn’t mention until it’s a bit late. As bizarre and confusing as Damien’s life seems, I enjoyed my confusion and I enjoyed teasing apart the puzzle of his life.
It took a while (and far too many clues) before I actually understood what was going on. However, with so much happening in the story, I think that the main characters end up disappointingly underdeveloped. John and Levi are blurry and not fully dynamic characters. As a person, even Damien remains a bit of a mystery. We follow his adventures but I’m not sure I understood his motivations or his emotions.
I usually expect romance from Dreamspinner Press but this isn’t really a romance. Traditional romance fans will be upset with Damien cheating on his boyfriend. And while the story tracks Damien’s relationships with both Levi and John, neither relationship is terribly romantic and the book doesn’t provide a traditional HEA or even an HFN. I personally enjoy writing that plays with traditional romance norms but this really won’t suit everyone. Similarly, the paranormal elements of this story won’t work for every reader but they did keep my interest.
I’m still not sure whether I enjoyed this book or not. It caught my attention and my imagination. I enjoyed the puzzle of Damien’s life. I do wish more time had been spent developing characters and relationships that felt a little bit more real.
So - I kinda like that it took me way too long to figure out what was going on in this book. At the
start, the pieces were intriguing - Damien is an art student who lands an amazing job at a famous studio. He is already in a secretive relationship of sorts with his professor and he has a pretty serious medical condition that he doesn’t mention until it’s a bit late. As bizarre and confusing as Damien’s life seems, I enjoyed my confusion and I enjoyed teasing apart the puzzle of his life.
It took a while (and far too many clues) before I actually understood what was going on. However, with so much happening in the story, I think that the main characters end up disappointingly underdeveloped. John and Levi are blurry and not fully dynamic characters. As a person, even Damien remains a bit of a mystery. We follow his adventures but I’m not sure I understood his motivations or his emotions.
I usually expect romance from Dreamspinner Press but this isn’t really a romance. Traditional romance fans will be upset with Damien cheating on his boyfriend. And while the story tracks Damien’s relationships with both Levi and John, neither relationship is terribly romantic and the book doesn’t provide a traditional HEA or even an HFN. I personally enjoy writing that plays with traditional romance norms but this really won’t suit everyone. Similarly, the paranormal elements of this story won’t work for every reader but they did keep my interest.
I’m still not sure whether I enjoyed this book or not. It caught my attention and my imagination. I enjoyed the puzzle of Damien’s life. I do wish more time had been spent developing characters and relationships that felt a little bit more real.
September 14, 2017
What an intriguing read this was, I was captured from the start. It's a book best enjoyed without knowing too much about it so the twists and turns of the story can unfold. I really liked the main characters Damien, John and Levi, they were all very different and I enjoyed getting to know them as they gradually revealed their vulnerabilities, I became quite invested in them.
I kept changing my mind about which way I wanted the story to go but I was very happy with the final outcome.
I kept changing my mind about which way I wanted the story to go but I was very happy with the final outcome.
July 31, 2017
I loved this book - and you will too! I'm going to keep this review vague because I don't want to spoiler anything but I just got sucked into Damien's life, and couldn't put it down. I've read many a love triangle in my day (and lived a few!) but this one was unique, real, and sexy!
September 25, 2017
3.5 Stars
Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher. This has not influenced my review.*
*Note: If you're one of those people who likes going into books completely blind, maybe don't read this. Otherwise, I've hidden all the things that are actual spoilers.*
I'm gonna keep this review simple and go with some lists. You can't go wrong with lists.
Things I Liked:
- The premise was intriguing. I normally avoid time travel books, but this one just sounded good, and my favorite thing for a while was just the way Damien and John were both constantly so confused by each other (things like technology, style, people being alive or dead, slang, etc.) since neither one realized they were from different times. The author did a really good job with that aspect. But even once Damien figured out what was going on, the time travel was still intriguing for the ways it was impacting Damien's life and relationships.
- The relationship between Damien and Levi was interesting too. First it was just because of the student-professor thing and seeing the way they had to hide it and the effect it had on the two of them and their relationship. But further into the book, it was because, with the other things happening in the plot, their relationship and its problems became more complex.
- The romance was not the same old, predictable thing. Even though the love triangle mentioned is pretty much the focus, this is not a romance in the sense that it won't fulfill all the tropes and expectations.
- There was disability representation! I didn't even know when I picked up this book that the main character had epilepsy. It was somewhat related to the sci-fi aspect of the book, but in a way that still seemed like good rep. (Although I have to say, I do not have or know much about epilepsy to be able to say whether the portrayal was realistic. I can only say it seemed like it was.)
- I felt bad for Damien when his friends and family didn't believe him, and the way Damien felt and reacted as well as the way everyone else felt and reacted was complex and realistic.
Things I Disliked:
- The 1st person, present tense POV did not work for me.
- The writing had a lot of telling and not a lot of showing. And a lot of it was unnecessary, like all of MCs feelings and thoughts about little things that weren't important, or things that could've easily been showed and inferred. It read more like a diary or like he was explaining a story to a friend even though there wasn't much (or maybe any) direct breaking of the fourth wall that I noticed.
- Levi and John (the two love interests) were inconsistent in the beginning (but they eventually evened out).
- Damien was not particularly likeable. *SPOILER* *END SPOILER* I was hesitant to put this in the dislike section though because selfishness is a realistic personality trait, especially for a late teen or early twenty-something. (I'm not saying everyone that age is selfish, but I know I was more selfish in some ways at that age without always even realizing it while I was still experiencing a lot of new things relationship-wise and kinda figuring things out. I'm not saying I did what he did or that his actions were ok, just that his actions were believable.) And it wasn't like his selfishness was excused---he recognized it and felt guilty, and everyone else was angry and hurt and telling him off for his behavior, so there were consequences.
- I had one little niggle with the time travel. *SPOILER* *END SPOILER* But that's precisely why I avoid time travel books, I almost always have issues with them. Other people might not mind this.
So overall, I didn't love all the telling in the writing, but I thought the premise was intriguing and the romance interesting and unpredictable!
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes time travel, flawed MCs, and unpredictable, atypical romance.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Review:
*I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher. This has not influenced my review.*
*Note: If you're one of those people who likes going into books completely blind, maybe don't read this. Otherwise, I've hidden all the things that are actual spoilers.*
I'm gonna keep this review simple and go with some lists. You can't go wrong with lists.
Things I Liked:
- The premise was intriguing. I normally avoid time travel books, but this one just sounded good, and my favorite thing for a while was just the way Damien and John were both constantly so confused by each other (things like technology, style, people being alive or dead, slang, etc.) since neither one realized they were from different times. The author did a really good job with that aspect. But even once Damien figured out what was going on, the time travel was still intriguing for the ways it was impacting Damien's life and relationships.
- The relationship between Damien and Levi was interesting too. First it was just because of the student-professor thing and seeing the way they had to hide it and the effect it had on the two of them and their relationship. But further into the book, it was because, with the other things happening in the plot, their relationship and its problems became more complex.
- The romance was not the same old, predictable thing. Even though the love triangle mentioned is pretty much the focus, this is not a romance in the sense that it won't fulfill all the tropes and expectations.
- There was disability representation! I didn't even know when I picked up this book that the main character had epilepsy. It was somewhat related to the sci-fi aspect of the book, but in a way that still seemed like good rep. (Although I have to say, I do not have or know much about epilepsy to be able to say whether the portrayal was realistic. I can only say it seemed like it was.)
- I felt bad for Damien when his friends and family didn't believe him, and the way Damien felt and reacted as well as the way everyone else felt and reacted was complex and realistic.
Things I Disliked:
- The 1st person, present tense POV did not work for me.
- The writing had a lot of telling and not a lot of showing. And a lot of it was unnecessary, like all of MCs feelings and thoughts about little things that weren't important, or things that could've easily been showed and inferred. It read more like a diary or like he was explaining a story to a friend even though there wasn't much (or maybe any) direct breaking of the fourth wall that I noticed.
- Levi and John (the two love interests) were inconsistent in the beginning (but they eventually evened out).
- Damien was not particularly likeable. *SPOILER* *END SPOILER* I was hesitant to put this in the dislike section though because selfishness is a realistic personality trait, especially for a late teen or early twenty-something. (I'm not saying everyone that age is selfish, but I know I was more selfish in some ways at that age without always even realizing it while I was still experiencing a lot of new things relationship-wise and kinda figuring things out. I'm not saying I did what he did or that his actions were ok, just that his actions were believable.) And it wasn't like his selfishness was excused---he recognized it and felt guilty, and everyone else was angry and hurt and telling him off for his behavior, so there were consequences.
- I had one little niggle with the time travel. *SPOILER* *END SPOILER* But that's precisely why I avoid time travel books, I almost always have issues with them. Other people might not mind this.
So overall, I didn't love all the telling in the writing, but I thought the premise was intriguing and the romance interesting and unpredictable!
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes time travel, flawed MCs, and unpredictable, atypical romance.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
September 18, 2017
~ 3.5 Stars ~
Welcome to Crash is the intriguing coming-of-age tale of a twenty-something, Damien. I can appreciate the realness of Damien’s character, and overall, he was exceptionally well-written. I liked him, but at the same time he drove me crazy because he was just dang self-absorbed. I won’t lie, there were times it got on my nerves, and I wanted to yell at him for being such a jerk. I totally disagreed with his decisions and choices on many occasions, which were made irresponsibly and selfishly, but I couldn’t help but see the good in him too. He didn’t like to hurt those around him, he tried to stay honest with Levi and John, and reacted emotionally when he disappointed those he cared about. He was just… immature. I think that is why, to me, he came of as a genuine character. I can recall making many a dumb decision at that phase in my own life—legally an adult but not quite mentally one. Looking back at that super confusing time, I can say I still had so much left to learn, as does Damien. So, when it is all said and done, Damien was realistic and somewhat relatable. Not a bad person, just had a lot of growing up to do.
This story involves a of love triangle, and yes, there is cheating. I’ll admit I am not a fan of books where that is a central part of the plot, and although I don’t really like that it was one of the focuses in this book, it was done in such a way that though it’s not okay, I understood how it came to pass. It’s interesting because it is clear there are deep feelings for both Levi and John, and the connection Damien has with each of them is completely different. The complexity of the relationships Damien has with each, and the subsequent effects on them all, held my attention.
As Damien’s health declines, the reader gets to see both Levi’s and John’s clear caring for Damien, and their fear for him makes it that much harder to dislike either one. Honestly, it’s difficult to dislike any character in this story. They are each flawed, Damien especially so, but at the same time they are essentially good people. Sometimes they make bad decisions, or react poorly to situations, and other times they make the only decision they think they can, given the situation. Each one—from Damien to his family members to his friends and his lovers—react in understandable ways as everything starts crumbling apart. Despite the underlying plot twist, everything else was portrayed in a way I could see happening to anyone.
The twist added just the right amount of unique to the situation and created that additional obstacle, making it difficult to predict how it would all play out. The resolution, in the end, I think happened the only way it could despite the fact it was bittersweet. There is hope there yet still an unknown factor on what will come to pass since Damien and everyone else surrounding him had been put through the wringer and needed time to come to terms with everything.
I did have a personal issue in that I wish I could have seen more character growth in Damien, if not throughout the story then during the epilogue. Granted, towards the end Damien seems to start comprehending his actions, his selfishness and their destructive path which affected so many of those around him. But, it wasn’t really a concrete change, more like an “aha” moment where he realizes he needs to do something different. Since the epilogue takes place within weeks after everything goes down, it isn’t accurate to have him change so much in such a short amount of time. So, there were only small indicators he was growing as a character. I understand why there wasn’t a huge amount of progress for him, but it doesn’t mean I didn’t want to see it happen.
This story isn’t necessarily a feel-good book, and that isn’t a bad thing. I found it to be a rather thought-provoking coming-of-age journey with Damien, one that left me feeling pleased in some ways, melancholy in others, but with a feeling of hope for what is in store for Damien.
Reviewed by Lindsey for The Novel Approach
Welcome to Crash is the intriguing coming-of-age tale of a twenty-something, Damien. I can appreciate the realness of Damien’s character, and overall, he was exceptionally well-written. I liked him, but at the same time he drove me crazy because he was just dang self-absorbed. I won’t lie, there were times it got on my nerves, and I wanted to yell at him for being such a jerk. I totally disagreed with his decisions and choices on many occasions, which were made irresponsibly and selfishly, but I couldn’t help but see the good in him too. He didn’t like to hurt those around him, he tried to stay honest with Levi and John, and reacted emotionally when he disappointed those he cared about. He was just… immature. I think that is why, to me, he came of as a genuine character. I can recall making many a dumb decision at that phase in my own life—legally an adult but not quite mentally one. Looking back at that super confusing time, I can say I still had so much left to learn, as does Damien. So, when it is all said and done, Damien was realistic and somewhat relatable. Not a bad person, just had a lot of growing up to do.
This story involves a of love triangle, and yes, there is cheating. I’ll admit I am not a fan of books where that is a central part of the plot, and although I don’t really like that it was one of the focuses in this book, it was done in such a way that though it’s not okay, I understood how it came to pass. It’s interesting because it is clear there are deep feelings for both Levi and John, and the connection Damien has with each of them is completely different. The complexity of the relationships Damien has with each, and the subsequent effects on them all, held my attention.
As Damien’s health declines, the reader gets to see both Levi’s and John’s clear caring for Damien, and their fear for him makes it that much harder to dislike either one. Honestly, it’s difficult to dislike any character in this story. They are each flawed, Damien especially so, but at the same time they are essentially good people. Sometimes they make bad decisions, or react poorly to situations, and other times they make the only decision they think they can, given the situation. Each one—from Damien to his family members to his friends and his lovers—react in understandable ways as everything starts crumbling apart. Despite the underlying plot twist, everything else was portrayed in a way I could see happening to anyone.
The twist added just the right amount of unique to the situation and created that additional obstacle, making it difficult to predict how it would all play out. The resolution, in the end, I think happened the only way it could despite the fact it was bittersweet. There is hope there yet still an unknown factor on what will come to pass since Damien and everyone else surrounding him had been put through the wringer and needed time to come to terms with everything.
I did have a personal issue in that I wish I could have seen more character growth in Damien, if not throughout the story then during the epilogue. Granted, towards the end Damien seems to start comprehending his actions, his selfishness and their destructive path which affected so many of those around him. But, it wasn’t really a concrete change, more like an “aha” moment where he realizes he needs to do something different. Since the epilogue takes place within weeks after everything goes down, it isn’t accurate to have him change so much in such a short amount of time. So, there were only small indicators he was growing as a character. I understand why there wasn’t a huge amount of progress for him, but it doesn’t mean I didn’t want to see it happen.
This story isn’t necessarily a feel-good book, and that isn’t a bad thing. I found it to be a rather thought-provoking coming-of-age journey with Damien, one that left me feeling pleased in some ways, melancholy in others, but with a feeling of hope for what is in store for Damien.
Reviewed by Lindsey for The Novel Approach
September 27, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Wow. This is a really hard book to review because there is so much spoilerific stuff here, I am having a hard time talking about it without ruining the suspense of what is really going on. So I am going to keep this review spoiler free and get at the meat of things without revealing too much.
Ok, so first off, I will admit things start off slow here. The story is told in first person, present tense POV, which I think is absolutely the right choice for this book. We are all about what is happening to Damien here and so being in his head as we follow along with him is essential. It gives an immediacy and an urgency to the story that works really well. However, at the start of the book, Damien is really confused about what is going on and the story reflects that feeling of things not all fitting together. Which means as readers, we are also confused about what is going on and I was a bit overwhelmed at first trying to get grounded into the story. But at about the 25% mark, I started to get glimmers of what was really happening, and from that point forward, I sailed through the story and couldn’t put it down. So if you try this one, I’d tell you to at least read through Part 1 before giving up if you find yourself struggling.
The reveal about what is really happening here is done so well. Even as I started to figure it out, the pieces came into place so nicely. I could look back with some “aha” moments as I thought about things with my new perspective. Langley does a nice job keeping us just a little off balance along with Damien. Even when we know what is happening, the tiniest part of me still wondered if just maybe he is in fact losing it. If maybe his friends and family are right. And even if they aren’t, how Damien is possibly going to undo the muddle things have become. I found the story takes on a really emotional, poignant tone toward the end, and like I said, I found myself really engrossed in how things would all play out.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Wow. This is a really hard book to review because there is so much spoilerific stuff here, I am having a hard time talking about it without ruining the suspense of what is really going on. So I am going to keep this review spoiler free and get at the meat of things without revealing too much.
Ok, so first off, I will admit things start off slow here. The story is told in first person, present tense POV, which I think is absolutely the right choice for this book. We are all about what is happening to Damien here and so being in his head as we follow along with him is essential. It gives an immediacy and an urgency to the story that works really well. However, at the start of the book, Damien is really confused about what is going on and the story reflects that feeling of things not all fitting together. Which means as readers, we are also confused about what is going on and I was a bit overwhelmed at first trying to get grounded into the story. But at about the 25% mark, I started to get glimmers of what was really happening, and from that point forward, I sailed through the story and couldn’t put it down. So if you try this one, I’d tell you to at least read through Part 1 before giving up if you find yourself struggling.
The reveal about what is really happening here is done so well. Even as I started to figure it out, the pieces came into place so nicely. I could look back with some “aha” moments as I thought about things with my new perspective. Langley does a nice job keeping us just a little off balance along with Damien. Even when we know what is happening, the tiniest part of me still wondered if just maybe he is in fact losing it. If maybe his friends and family are right. And even if they aren’t, how Damien is possibly going to undo the muddle things have become. I found the story takes on a really emotional, poignant tone toward the end, and like I said, I found myself really engrossed in how things would all play out.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
not-deserve-my-time-my-money
June 28, 2018
September 12, 2017
Full review at :
https://optimumm.blog/2017/09/12/review-welcome-to-crash-by-lina-langley/
Damien is a student in art looking for a summer job. He’s hired to Crash one of the most famous art studios in the city. He’s also in a complicated relationship with his professor Levi.
At his first day, he meets John, his boss. Stunning, sexy man. Damien, even if he’s in a relationship with Levi, is attracted to John.
Damien suspected something was wrong with his job and his boss, and more, when he realised he works for Sam Riordan, THE Sam Riordan, a great artist…dead in 2006.
Between Levi thinking he’s crazy and John who’s laughing at him, Damien is completely lost and doesn’t know what to do and where to go.
The book was good, the plot was captivating and the story interesting, but I have to admit something, I hate Damien.
He’s the worst character ever, he is a detestable selfish, immature asshole and a cheater. Everything he did, everything that’s happened to him, isn’t his fault, nope, it’s always someone else fault.
John is the pure tortured artist, he tries to understand Damien and what’s happened, but most of all, he tries to accept who he is. He lives in an époque where being who we want isn’t easy. But Damien’s visit helps him, and at least he tries to help Damien in return.
Levi is Damien’s professor. He’s older, so he can’t at first, just came out, with his students, the consequences for him and his career is too much. But when Damien’s in trouble, sick, and really needs him, Levi is there, he doesn’t fly out, he just stays, admitting his love and the future he wants with Damien. I love him, I really do love Levi, he’s so faithful, strong, kind and adorable.
I’m torn about this book. In one hand, I love the story and the plot, it’s interesting and captivating, the writing is fluid, and I read it easily. In another hand, Damien is an obnoxious character, and he spoils the book for me.
I can’t say I hate the book, but I can’t say I love it either.
So for me, it’s 4 OptimuMM’s, because despite Damien, like I said, the book by itself is good.
***The ARC was provided by DSP Publications. My review is an honest opinion of the book***
https://optimumm.blog/2017/09/12/review-welcome-to-crash-by-lina-langley/
Damien is a student in art looking for a summer job. He’s hired to Crash one of the most famous art studios in the city. He’s also in a complicated relationship with his professor Levi.
At his first day, he meets John, his boss. Stunning, sexy man. Damien, even if he’s in a relationship with Levi, is attracted to John.
Damien suspected something was wrong with his job and his boss, and more, when he realised he works for Sam Riordan, THE Sam Riordan, a great artist…dead in 2006.
Between Levi thinking he’s crazy and John who’s laughing at him, Damien is completely lost and doesn’t know what to do and where to go.
The book was good, the plot was captivating and the story interesting, but I have to admit something, I hate Damien.
He’s the worst character ever, he is a detestable selfish, immature asshole and a cheater. Everything he did, everything that’s happened to him, isn’t his fault, nope, it’s always someone else fault.
John is the pure tortured artist, he tries to understand Damien and what’s happened, but most of all, he tries to accept who he is. He lives in an époque where being who we want isn’t easy. But Damien’s visit helps him, and at least he tries to help Damien in return.
Levi is Damien’s professor. He’s older, so he can’t at first, just came out, with his students, the consequences for him and his career is too much. But when Damien’s in trouble, sick, and really needs him, Levi is there, he doesn’t fly out, he just stays, admitting his love and the future he wants with Damien. I love him, I really do love Levi, he’s so faithful, strong, kind and adorable.
I’m torn about this book. In one hand, I love the story and the plot, it’s interesting and captivating, the writing is fluid, and I read it easily. In another hand, Damien is an obnoxious character, and he spoils the book for me.
I can’t say I hate the book, but I can’t say I love it either.
So for me, it’s 4 OptimuMM’s, because despite Damien, like I said, the book by itself is good.
***The ARC was provided by DSP Publications. My review is an honest opinion of the book***
September 15, 2017
Once again, Ms. Langley brings us an engaging and fully realized character. His voice brings life to what might be considered hum drum things, but there isn't any hum drum here. You're instantly thrust into Damien and his life, and his partner, Levi. It seemed many people didn't have a team, but I was Team Levi until the actual end
.. but I won't spoil that. Levi is exactly what he needs; someone stable and level headed enough to balance his often groan-worthy internal monologues. That element wasn't a problem for me. It actually showed the full stream-of-consciousness, bringing you deep into his perspective, and thus connected to his story. I very seldom read any kind of romance, but the relatability works wonders, and it never hits the level of untrustworthy narrator. We are as shocked as Damien is as things unfold.
I also enjoyed the element of back and forth that the story presents. It's an absolute perfect metaphor for what Damien is going through internally, deciding between future and past, passion or security. That's the reality of life for anyone, but especially as a twenty-something.
It didn't necesarily end with great growth, or even a happy ending, but again, that's reality. Sudden and never-ending at the same time. I look forward to more from this author.
.. but I won't spoil that. Levi is exactly what he needs; someone stable and level headed enough to balance his often groan-worthy internal monologues. That element wasn't a problem for me. It actually showed the full stream-of-consciousness, bringing you deep into his perspective, and thus connected to his story. I very seldom read any kind of romance, but the relatability works wonders, and it never hits the level of untrustworthy narrator. We are as shocked as Damien is as things unfold.
I also enjoyed the element of back and forth that the story presents. It's an absolute perfect metaphor for what Damien is going through internally, deciding between future and past, passion or security. That's the reality of life for anyone, but especially as a twenty-something.
It didn't necesarily end with great growth, or even a happy ending, but again, that's reality. Sudden and never-ending at the same time. I look forward to more from this author.
September 9, 2017
I hate to say this because I was so looking forward to reading this book but in being honest, I really did not enjoy this book as much as I had hoped too. The first half of the book was ok. I did not have any issues with anything going on but then the book took a turn for the weird side. It really through me off the way the book suddenly shifted in a different direction and then I just could not get my groove of reading it back on again.
Damien reminds me of one of those people that always goes after the man that is almost impossible to catch and keep. First he is a forbidden relationship with Levi who turns out to be his former professor. But the relationship is very much one sided because of the fact that Levi wants it all to happen behind closed doors where no one knows about them except the two of them. Levi fears the repercussions of his job if any one was to find out.
Then there is John who is attracted to him but at the same time denies even being attracted to Damien because I guess John is from the 1980's era where being gay is still not widely acceptable. So again Damien is into a man that cannot commit to him because of his beliefs.
So instead of moving on with either one or the other Damien finds himself in a love triangle and in my opinion is happy to have his cake and eat it too.
Like I said I was okay with the book until Lina started jumping around with time travel which really through me in being able to stay into the book like I had originally hoped I would be able too. I believe others will enjoy this book much better then I did but again it is a person preference sort of thing.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Damien reminds me of one of those people that always goes after the man that is almost impossible to catch and keep. First he is a forbidden relationship with Levi who turns out to be his former professor. But the relationship is very much one sided because of the fact that Levi wants it all to happen behind closed doors where no one knows about them except the two of them. Levi fears the repercussions of his job if any one was to find out.
Then there is John who is attracted to him but at the same time denies even being attracted to Damien because I guess John is from the 1980's era where being gay is still not widely acceptable. So again Damien is into a man that cannot commit to him because of his beliefs.
So instead of moving on with either one or the other Damien finds himself in a love triangle and in my opinion is happy to have his cake and eat it too.
Like I said I was okay with the book until Lina started jumping around with time travel which really through me in being able to stay into the book like I had originally hoped I would be able too. I believe others will enjoy this book much better then I did but again it is a person preference sort of thing.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
September 10, 2017
An enjoyable and compelling read. It’s more romance (or love triangle) than sci fi, but that was fine with me. I prefer sci fi/fantasy like this book that focuses more on characters’ reactions to unusual situations, and less on the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of the unusual situation. The writing was confident, well-observed and often funny. I had to stop reading to run an errand at one point, and I was keen to get back to it to see how it ended. The characters were believable and interesting, and the ending felt satisfying.
It’s written in the present tense, which always feels a bit unnatural to me (so I tend to avoid it) but which may not bother other readers. The other thing that threw me was the occasional use of American English in a story set in Newcastle, England. I’m pretty sure it’s Newcastle because the Tyne River is mentioned, though none of the characters speak like Geordies, and the English narrator sometimes uses American English, such as saying ‘faucet’ (instead of ‘tap’) and calling his mother ‘Mom’ (a native of Newcastle would call his mother ‘Mum’ or ‘Mam’, but never ‘Mom’). For me, the book lacked a strong sense of place, and these switches to American English really threw me whenever they occurred. If you speak American English, of course, you might not notice, and most of the book feels English enough, if not especially evocative of Tyneside.
I don’t think I’d re-read this book (that’s one of the gold standards for me when I judge a book), but nonetheless it was an entertaining one-time read.
It’s written in the present tense, which always feels a bit unnatural to me (so I tend to avoid it) but which may not bother other readers. The other thing that threw me was the occasional use of American English in a story set in Newcastle, England. I’m pretty sure it’s Newcastle because the Tyne River is mentioned, though none of the characters speak like Geordies, and the English narrator sometimes uses American English, such as saying ‘faucet’ (instead of ‘tap’) and calling his mother ‘Mom’ (a native of Newcastle would call his mother ‘Mum’ or ‘Mam’, but never ‘Mom’). For me, the book lacked a strong sense of place, and these switches to American English really threw me whenever they occurred. If you speak American English, of course, you might not notice, and most of the book feels English enough, if not especially evocative of Tyneside.
I don’t think I’d re-read this book (that’s one of the gold standards for me when I judge a book), but nonetheless it was an entertaining one-time read.
September 12, 2017
3.5 / 5 Stars
Well, this is going to be a difficult book to review. For starters, I liked it some parts and kept reading because I wanted to know what was really going on. I can't say exactly what because that would spoil the story but it was the most interesting thing. On the other hand, as much as I liked that line of plot, I didn't really care about the characters (Levi and John) as we barely get to know them and although Damien shows a lot of himself, he wasn't my favorite character either.
My main problem was Damien. Just because he was "young" he acted like a kid too much, blaming everyone and making up excuses of why he did certain things. Yes, I get it because we all do that, especially when we are young, but making the same mistakes over and over again is your own fault. And truth be told, Damien's ways drove me crazy half the time.
This is not your traditional romance with the common HEA/HFN. There's not a lot or enough romance going on. The relationship between the main characters is left wide open and we are only invited to take a glimpse at what they have. It's also has cheating, which is not everyone's cup of tea. If you don't enjoy these things, you may choose something else to read.
Well, this is going to be a difficult book to review. For starters, I liked it some parts and kept reading because I wanted to know what was really going on. I can't say exactly what because that would spoil the story but it was the most interesting thing. On the other hand, as much as I liked that line of plot, I didn't really care about the characters (Levi and John) as we barely get to know them and although Damien shows a lot of himself, he wasn't my favorite character either.
My main problem was Damien. Just because he was "young" he acted like a kid too much, blaming everyone and making up excuses of why he did certain things. Yes, I get it because we all do that, especially when we are young, but making the same mistakes over and over again is your own fault. And truth be told, Damien's ways drove me crazy half the time.
This is not your traditional romance with the common HEA/HFN. There's not a lot or enough romance going on. The relationship between the main characters is left wide open and we are only invited to take a glimpse at what they have. It's also has cheating, which is not everyone's cup of tea. If you don't enjoy these things, you may choose something else to read.
September 8, 2017
Really 3.5 stars
I’m still not sure how I feel about this book, don’t know if I liked it or not. It wasn’t a traditional romance for me, it barely rates as a romance in my opinion. It took me more chapters than I feel it should have for me to be invested in the story. It’s also a trope, cheating or caught in the middle of a love triangle, that I don’t enjoy reading. That being said, how much it’s cheating is open to debate since I was never sure that Damien and Levi had ever set boundaries or rules for their relationship.
There were times I liked Damien and others where I felt his immaturity was too evident. He seems to always blame others for his actions. He does develop some as the story progresses.
There is a strange dynamic to the relationship between Damien and Levi. Levi is Damien’s old college professor. And Levi wants to keep their relationship on the downlow until after Damien graduates. And then there is the fact that Levi seems to get ‘turned on’ when Damien confesses things about John. John was my least favorite of the characters, maybe because I couldn’t get a real grasp on him. He likes women, but then sometimes he likes men. He’s a tormented artist and more.
Then there are the other things that happen, which would be spoilers if I said anything. I will say that the author did a masterful job of weaving the plot together. The ending was not what I would have wished for, since it kind of leaves things open. It’s not a HEA, but not really a HFN either. You are left guessing.
I received and ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I’m still not sure how I feel about this book, don’t know if I liked it or not. It wasn’t a traditional romance for me, it barely rates as a romance in my opinion. It took me more chapters than I feel it should have for me to be invested in the story. It’s also a trope, cheating or caught in the middle of a love triangle, that I don’t enjoy reading. That being said, how much it’s cheating is open to debate since I was never sure that Damien and Levi had ever set boundaries or rules for their relationship.
There were times I liked Damien and others where I felt his immaturity was too evident. He seems to always blame others for his actions. He does develop some as the story progresses.
There is a strange dynamic to the relationship between Damien and Levi. Levi is Damien’s old college professor. And Levi wants to keep their relationship on the downlow until after Damien graduates. And then there is the fact that Levi seems to get ‘turned on’ when Damien confesses things about John. John was my least favorite of the characters, maybe because I couldn’t get a real grasp on him. He likes women, but then sometimes he likes men. He’s a tormented artist and more.
Then there are the other things that happen, which would be spoilers if I said anything. I will say that the author did a masterful job of weaving the plot together. The ending was not what I would have wished for, since it kind of leaves things open. It’s not a HEA, but not really a HFN either. You are left guessing.
I received and ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 19, 2017
I did not know anything about the book other than it was M/M, so I had no expectation whatsoever. Wow! What a ride. I generally like to have a clear understanding of characters motivations when I read. That being said, there was No way I knew what was going to happen next. It kept me engaged and guessing. I really liked the story even though it did not have what I consider a HEA. it was more of a HFN ending. I enjoyed the book and recommend it.
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January 7, 2019What a rollercoaster. This is a story that you really feel the grasp of. It holds you down and leaves you there. Then you start to like it. It lets you stay the night, then leaves you in the rain. In the end, you're exaughsted, confused, hopeful, and somehow content. When gazing at this world through the terribly stressed eyes of an over-worked intern and his complex love-life, you feel every bump down the road. From the first two pages you will be hooked, and even if you feel like looking away, you won't. It will be hard to read through some of the more distressing scenes if you're uncomfortable with depressing material, but once you pull through you'll be left wanting more. You'll forget about the past, and contemplate the future. All through the lense of, perhaps, a Polaroid Spectra Onyx, and to the rockin' tunes The Jam. Just don't get too excited because by the end you'll be seeing flashing lights, and you won't want to miss a thing.
October 28, 2017
Great book. I have read several of this artist books and I have enjoyed all of them. I still don't know about the time traveling at first but after a while it started to make since to me. I looking forward to her next book.
September 11, 2017
Ok not so good at reviews, but how hard is to say how much you like a book, lol so here I go. Do I think you should read this book hell yeah do you like time travel romance the this is the book i love Damien, I think you will to. Not going to give away the book but this is a must read.
August 3, 2017
4.5 stars
This one is so hard to review because almost anything I say about the story will be a spoiler but I'm going to try.
I really liked this book but had a hard time getting into this story at the beginning because first, it's written in present tense which is probably my least favorite of the tenses and second, the writing style took some getting used to. I'm glad I stuck with it though because the story was excellent.
Damien, the main character of the story, is a college student who's dating a man, Levi, who used to be his professor, but since he's still enrolled in the university they keep their relationship on the down low. Damien wants more of a regular relationship with Levi but it doesn't seem likely to happen until he's out of school and there's no risk to Levi's job.
Enter John. He's Damien's boss, he's hot, he's not gay...or is he? Well, he's surely not straight and after a heated kiss, Damien is thrown into a spiral thinking he's messed up his relationship with Levi. Turns out Levi is only turned on by the thought of Damien lusting over another man (a little weird but okay I know it's a thing).
A bunch of stuff happens that I can't tell you without spoiling the plot but man oh man, the second half of the book was totally a 5 star read because I couldn't put it down. I'm not in love with the ending because I picked a team and it didn't win but overall, I think it was the best thing for Damien.
If you like a story with a good twist, Welcome to Crash is for you.
*I received an ARC copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This one is so hard to review because almost anything I say about the story will be a spoiler but I'm going to try.
I really liked this book but had a hard time getting into this story at the beginning because first, it's written in present tense which is probably my least favorite of the tenses and second, the writing style took some getting used to. I'm glad I stuck with it though because the story was excellent.
Damien, the main character of the story, is a college student who's dating a man, Levi, who used to be his professor, but since he's still enrolled in the university they keep their relationship on the down low. Damien wants more of a regular relationship with Levi but it doesn't seem likely to happen until he's out of school and there's no risk to Levi's job.
Enter John. He's Damien's boss, he's hot, he's not gay...or is he? Well, he's surely not straight and after a heated kiss, Damien is thrown into a spiral thinking he's messed up his relationship with Levi. Turns out Levi is only turned on by the thought of Damien lusting over another man (a little weird but okay I know it's a thing).
A bunch of stuff happens that I can't tell you without spoiling the plot but man oh man, the second half of the book was totally a 5 star read because I couldn't put it down. I'm not in love with the ending because I picked a team and it didn't win but overall, I think it was the best thing for Damien.
If you like a story with a good twist, Welcome to Crash is for you.
*I received an ARC copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 31, 2017
At first I was very frustrated with the lead. I thought he was selfish and immature.
I read the book in one night. Less then half way through, when I realized I'd been completely taken in by this world, I also realized that the lead Damien is wonderful because he's human. He's wonderfully human and exactly what he is. A twenty-something learning the ways of adulthood (in a very unconventional way). His scenes of lust and love are sexy but also sincere. Because he is a kid, basically. And he is figuring out who he likes and what he wants, which makes the catharsis of this story all the better. I'd go beyond saying it's a solid LGBT romance and say it is a solid romance, or alternatively, an amazingly realistic study of a young man in love (with all of those complexities and confusion included). He grew on me as did everyone around him and I was thoroughly rooting for our leads by, no, not the end, but the middle. And yes, I did squeal at the end. What can I say. I'm a sucker for emotional pay off. If you're looking for an unconventional and honest to god romantic lgbt romp, this story is 100% for you. And even if you aren't, I would argue that it's completely worth a try because of the concept. I give it five stars.
I read the book in one night. Less then half way through, when I realized I'd been completely taken in by this world, I also realized that the lead Damien is wonderful because he's human. He's wonderfully human and exactly what he is. A twenty-something learning the ways of adulthood (in a very unconventional way). His scenes of lust and love are sexy but also sincere. Because he is a kid, basically. And he is figuring out who he likes and what he wants, which makes the catharsis of this story all the better. I'd go beyond saying it's a solid LGBT romance and say it is a solid romance, or alternatively, an amazingly realistic study of a young man in love (with all of those complexities and confusion included). He grew on me as did everyone around him and I was thoroughly rooting for our leads by, no, not the end, but the middle. And yes, I did squeal at the end. What can I say. I'm a sucker for emotional pay off. If you're looking for an unconventional and honest to god romantic lgbt romp, this story is 100% for you. And even if you aren't, I would argue that it's completely worth a try because of the concept. I give it five stars.
August 25, 2017
I want to hack a star off this because I don't want to like the ending or the fact that Langley sucked me into a love triangle. But I can't, because I enjoyed the shit out of this and it's just amazing storytelling. I've never read anything this long in 1st present, but it worked. It couldn't be any other POV, and Damien's voice is so earnest and real and young and stupidly unaware of himself or his place in the world. I love it. I probably over-identified with Damien (a la a younger me who had a lot of the same thoughts, if not the same experiences), but that's not a bad thing at all. Makes it feel a little uncanny valley.
The settings, scenery, worldbuilding were all very gritty and visceral--owing to Damien's uniquely flavored observations. The people around him are peripheral at first, coming into sharp, solid focus along with his self-awareness.
I wouldn't call this a romance. I'd call it romantic, for sure. But this is spec-fic coming of age--New Adult in a series of gut punches with a hopeful finish.
The title has several layers to it, too, suiting the story perfectly.
John was my favorite character. Manic punky dream boy.
Couldn't put this down except when I had to.
(I was provided with an ARC by the author.)
The settings, scenery, worldbuilding were all very gritty and visceral--owing to Damien's uniquely flavored observations. The people around him are peripheral at first, coming into sharp, solid focus along with his self-awareness.
I wouldn't call this a romance. I'd call it romantic, for sure. But this is spec-fic coming of age--New Adult in a series of gut punches with a hopeful finish.
The title has several layers to it, too, suiting the story perfectly.
John was my favorite character. Manic punky dream boy.
Couldn't put this down except when I had to.
(I was provided with an ARC by the author.)
August 23, 2017
This unique story is hard to review without giving spoilers away. It is a love triangle but not of the regular kind and under unusual circumstances. The plot was superb. The writing smooth and flowing and it kept me turning the pages. There are lots of surprising elements with twist and turns. They are bizarre and not quite real and at the same time, they are completely normal.
The characters had to grow on me. Damien and Levi are an unlikely couple and I didn’t really understand how they could be together. Bringing in John in the equation was cleverly done and changed all of their lives. It is more than a love story. It is all about growing up, learning the ways of adulthood, how to love, who to love and coping with illness.
I was totally taken by surprise by the ending. The one I was hoping for didn’t come to pass but this one is completely in line with the story.
A truly unconventional romance story that is a must read. Highly recommended.
The characters had to grow on me. Damien and Levi are an unlikely couple and I didn’t really understand how they could be together. Bringing in John in the equation was cleverly done and changed all of their lives. It is more than a love story. It is all about growing up, learning the ways of adulthood, how to love, who to love and coping with illness.
I was totally taken by surprise by the ending. The one I was hoping for didn’t come to pass but this one is completely in line with the story.
A truly unconventional romance story that is a must read. Highly recommended.
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