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The Den Boys #1
All In
“I learned a long time ago that nothing is free, not even help.” ~ Blaze
Almost getting killed in a gay bashing should have been one of the worst moments of my life, but with everything I've been through, it was just another day, except for the gorgeous man who stepped in to save me. There is something about Galen that draws me in and makes me want know him, and the more time I spend with him, the more I feel free to be myself. Galen doesn't seem to know what he wants, but I'm a man who stays true to himself, and Galen seems to be someone worth taking a chance on.
"Then you happened and all you have to do is touch me and I lose myself." ~ Galen
I never thought I'd stumble on an attempted murder, but that's exactly what happened one night while I was trying to get home. After chasing away the assailants and helping the enigmatic young victim home I tried to put the incident out of my mind, but I couldn't get him out of my head. I might not have ever thought about being with a man before, but the more time I spend with Blaze, the more I learn about who I really am. Blaze has scars that run deep, but as he opens up to me I find myself questioning everything I thought I wanted, and wondering if I'm a good enough man to give him what he needs.
*This is Book 1 of The Den Boys series, but can be read as a standalone - no cliffhangers.
*This book is intended for an 18+ audience and is a story of male/male romance and love. There are graphic depictions of man parts doing naughty and sexy things, so please be sure this is the kind of book for you before reading.
Almost getting killed in a gay bashing should have been one of the worst moments of my life, but with everything I've been through, it was just another day, except for the gorgeous man who stepped in to save me. There is something about Galen that draws me in and makes me want know him, and the more time I spend with him, the more I feel free to be myself. Galen doesn't seem to know what he wants, but I'm a man who stays true to himself, and Galen seems to be someone worth taking a chance on.
"Then you happened and all you have to do is touch me and I lose myself." ~ Galen
I never thought I'd stumble on an attempted murder, but that's exactly what happened one night while I was trying to get home. After chasing away the assailants and helping the enigmatic young victim home I tried to put the incident out of my mind, but I couldn't get him out of my head. I might not have ever thought about being with a man before, but the more time I spend with Blaze, the more I learn about who I really am. Blaze has scars that run deep, but as he opens up to me I find myself questioning everything I thought I wanted, and wondering if I'm a good enough man to give him what he needs.
*This is Book 1 of The Den Boys series, but can be read as a standalone - no cliffhangers.
*This book is intended for an 18+ audience and is a story of male/male romance and love. There are graphic depictions of man parts doing naughty and sexy things, so please be sure this is the kind of book for you before reading.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 11, 2017
About the author
A.T. Brennan
35 books200 followersA.T. Brennan, a native of Ottawa, Canada, has always had her head in a book and a story to tell. A veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces and current entrepreneur and author, she enjoys spending her days working on her many projects and her nights writing and not getting enough sleep. She currently lives on Canada’s East Coast with her kiddo and cat. She enjoys collecting shoes and exploring the different aspects of romance in her works. She also publishes erotica under the name Mandie Mills.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
November 17, 2017
I can't believe I'm saying this but...this book had too much sex 😳. Yes...too much. Hey, I love some hot MM sex scenes just like the next person and I often wonder can there really be too many? Yes, there can be and here is a good example. Don't get me wrong, they were hot and the author knows how to write good scenes but when the sex scenes overshadow the story, it's too much. There was hardly any relationship development. I'm surprised their dicks didn't fall off with all the sex they had. You only have a couple of pages of them interacting with each other or others then they're boinking again 🙄. I found myself eventually skimming the sex scenes just to get to them talking to each other.
At about 85% I think, here we go...some story and some drama. Well, that lasted about 5 pages then it's over in a flash. WTF just happened? The whole book is pretty low-angst and there's an instant connection between the two. It's pretty much gfy/ofy because honestly, I had a hard time believing that Galen was all of a sudden bottoming and topping a guy when he'd never even been attracted to one before. THIS is where more character/relationship development is essential. He can't go from only having sex with women to suddenly bottoming for one guy and it be believable without some kind of development. Where was the struggle? The doubt? And him just "not calling/contacting" Blaze for a few days doesn't count.
The writing was good and I kept reading because underneath it all I knew there was the potential for a good story but...and here I go again can't believe I'm saying this...the sex scenes ruined it for me. Shit! I can't believe I said that. 😰
At about 85% I think, here we go...some story and some drama. Well, that lasted about 5 pages then it's over in a flash. WTF just happened? The whole book is pretty low-angst and there's an instant connection between the two. It's pretty much gfy/ofy because honestly, I had a hard time believing that Galen was all of a sudden bottoming and topping a guy when he'd never even been attracted to one before. THIS is where more character/relationship development is essential. He can't go from only having sex with women to suddenly bottoming for one guy and it be believable without some kind of development. Where was the struggle? The doubt? And him just "not calling/contacting" Blaze for a few days doesn't count.
The writing was good and I kept reading because underneath it all I knew there was the potential for a good story but...and here I go again can't believe I'm saying this...the sex scenes ruined it for me. Shit! I can't believe I said that. 😰
could-not-finish
October 5, 201744% and giving up. Maybe I'll be able to get back to it, but I doubt it.
I was really hoping this was a slow burn since it's gfy, but that turned out not to be the case. The relationship is so rushed, it's hard for me to feel the chemistry between the MCs. It just comes off a bit cheesy.
I was really hoping this was a slow burn since it's gfy, but that turned out not to be the case. The relationship is so rushed, it's hard for me to feel the chemistry between the MCs. It just comes off a bit cheesy.
August 8, 2017
Galen and Blaze 5 stars
Owww this is an amazing intense read. Blaze almost gay bashed to death and Galen saving him.
Blaze a bartender and Galen a lawyer. Blaze thinks Galen is way out of reach but Galen is impressed by Blaze his strength. Their attraction is instant.
After he is been saved by Galen they stay in touch. And they are getting closer and closer. Not only physical but also emotional.
Super hot hot story with a lot of excessive sexiness but besides all their sizzling sex there is also a real and good story to follow.
They are amazingly sweet together...honest and open. Galen had never a relationship before and now with Blaze, Galen learns he is absolute gay and head over heels into Blaze. They have vulnerable personalities and you will love them both, because they are charming and sympathetic.
Blaze has a very difficult and hard past, he is a survivor pur sang and somewhat lost...It seems Galen his past is also difficult so there is a bond of understanding.
Galen is very sincere and clear about what he wants.....only....Blaze is afraid he will be the one, left behind, with a broken heart.
Very well and strong written story. Smoothly and steady also. All their conversations were amazing put down and their sexual activities were very steamy. Overall an engaging story and immense enjoyable!!
Kindly received a copy from the author. Thank you!!
Owww this is an amazing intense read. Blaze almost gay bashed to death and Galen saving him.
Blaze a bartender and Galen a lawyer. Blaze thinks Galen is way out of reach but Galen is impressed by Blaze his strength. Their attraction is instant.
After he is been saved by Galen they stay in touch. And they are getting closer and closer. Not only physical but also emotional.
Super hot hot story with a lot of excessive sexiness but besides all their sizzling sex there is also a real and good story to follow.
They are amazingly sweet together...honest and open. Galen had never a relationship before and now with Blaze, Galen learns he is absolute gay and head over heels into Blaze. They have vulnerable personalities and you will love them both, because they are charming and sympathetic.
Blaze has a very difficult and hard past, he is a survivor pur sang and somewhat lost...It seems Galen his past is also difficult so there is a bond of understanding.
Galen is very sincere and clear about what he wants.....only....Blaze is afraid he will be the one, left behind, with a broken heart.
Very well and strong written story. Smoothly and steady also. All their conversations were amazing put down and their sexual activities were very steamy. Overall an engaging story and immense enjoyable!!
Kindly received a copy from the author. Thank you!!
January 14, 2019
** 3.75 stars **
This is my first time reading anything by A.T. Brennan, and frankly speaking I had a hard time rating this book. I liked the MCs separately, I loved the Den boys but Galen and Blaze as a couple not so much. I loved how they met and where it all was going until it screeched to a full halt with their first intimacy. It was dubious at best, and the circumstances preceding it didn't make it the right one. I would have been fine if emotional connection was established. That talk needed snuggling and cuddling not pounding. And it just colored my opinion about them as a couple.
I didn't like the first part of the book. It was way too physical, I didn't feel any bond or emotional attachment between MCs. But the second part where they actually took time to talk mellowed me a little bit towards them. What I really liked were all the Den boys, Owen and Layla, how close they were. They became a real family - they teased, helped and supported each other. There was some mild angst in the end that made the book worth reading. But I had to skip some sex scenes because there were too many for this particular book.
So, it was a nice read but it didn't blow my socks off.
This is my first time reading anything by A.T. Brennan, and frankly speaking I had a hard time rating this book. I liked the MCs separately, I loved the Den boys but Galen and Blaze as a couple not so much. I loved how they met and where it all was going until it screeched to a full halt with their first intimacy. It was dubious at best, and the circumstances preceding it didn't make it the right one. I would have been fine if emotional connection was established. That talk needed snuggling and cuddling not pounding. And it just colored my opinion about them as a couple.
I didn't like the first part of the book. It was way too physical, I didn't feel any bond or emotional attachment between MCs. But the second part where they actually took time to talk mellowed me a little bit towards them. What I really liked were all the Den boys, Owen and Layla, how close they were. They became a real family - they teased, helped and supported each other. There was some mild angst in the end that made the book worth reading. But I had to skip some sex scenes because there were too many for this particular book.
So, it was a nice read but it didn't blow my socks off.
July 11, 2017
I think I need a cold shower after that. All In was HOT. Not only was it hot, it’s an excellent story, written very well with strong characters who are flawed, with complex pasts, and to whom I quickly became attached early on in the story. For a debut M/M novel, A.T. Brennan did an amazing job and I’ve now put her on my list of authors to watch in the genre.
From the moment Blaze and Galen meet, there’s a strong emotional connection between them—it’s obvious and only gets stronger and deeper the more time they spend together. Blaze has been so beaten down in his life and keeps surviving through his sheer strength of will, and Galen wants nothing more than to be there for him…never expecting the powerful attraction that erupts between them. Galen is truly one of the good guys, helping for no other reason than because it is the right thing to do—something Blaze has not really seen for most of his life.
Chemistry? Just make sure you keep a fire extinguisher handy. You’ll be hard pressed to find two men more right for each other than Galen and Blaze, and that’s never more evident than when things get hot and heavy…again…and again…and…yeah, keep the batteries charged as well. Their intimate scenes are distinctly erotic and while you might think otherwise, they’re actually not necessarily gratuitous as they do demonstrate how deeply the connection between the two men goes, and how it continues to strengthen over time. And it’s not just those scenes that show the development of their relationship—there’s a heck of a lot more to this story than sex (that’s just a really nice bonus).
What Blaze goes through will make your heart hurt for him, and some parts of that might be disturbing for some readers as he does go through a gay bashing, and some portions of his younger years while he was still living at home move past the disturbing point as well. His self esteem is damaged by his past, and it’s Galen who helps him heal. At the same time, Blaze helps Galen realize who he really is inside, and Galen’s strength of character shines once he comes to terms with his true self—especially when it comes to his family.
Filled with a load of emotion that had me not wanting to put this book down, All In was a 5-star read for me, and I highly recommend it to any M/M romance fan. I would put it in the hurt/comfort category, with a bit of coming out as well. This is definitely re-read material for me, and I’m really looking forward to reading more in the series—this author has impressed me with her M/M debut novel, and I’ll be keeping an eye out for more to come. This book is meant strictly for readers 18+ for adult language, explicit erotic sexual content, and some disturbing scenes as mentioned previously.
From the moment Blaze and Galen meet, there’s a strong emotional connection between them—it’s obvious and only gets stronger and deeper the more time they spend together. Blaze has been so beaten down in his life and keeps surviving through his sheer strength of will, and Galen wants nothing more than to be there for him…never expecting the powerful attraction that erupts between them. Galen is truly one of the good guys, helping for no other reason than because it is the right thing to do—something Blaze has not really seen for most of his life.
Chemistry? Just make sure you keep a fire extinguisher handy. You’ll be hard pressed to find two men more right for each other than Galen and Blaze, and that’s never more evident than when things get hot and heavy…again…and again…and…yeah, keep the batteries charged as well. Their intimate scenes are distinctly erotic and while you might think otherwise, they’re actually not necessarily gratuitous as they do demonstrate how deeply the connection between the two men goes, and how it continues to strengthen over time. And it’s not just those scenes that show the development of their relationship—there’s a heck of a lot more to this story than sex (that’s just a really nice bonus).
What Blaze goes through will make your heart hurt for him, and some parts of that might be disturbing for some readers as he does go through a gay bashing, and some portions of his younger years while he was still living at home move past the disturbing point as well. His self esteem is damaged by his past, and it’s Galen who helps him heal. At the same time, Blaze helps Galen realize who he really is inside, and Galen’s strength of character shines once he comes to terms with his true self—especially when it comes to his family.
Filled with a load of emotion that had me not wanting to put this book down, All In was a 5-star read for me, and I highly recommend it to any M/M romance fan. I would put it in the hurt/comfort category, with a bit of coming out as well. This is definitely re-read material for me, and I’m really looking forward to reading more in the series—this author has impressed me with her M/M debut novel, and I’ll be keeping an eye out for more to come. This book is meant strictly for readers 18+ for adult language, explicit erotic sexual content, and some disturbing scenes as mentioned previously.
November 10, 2017
Surprisingly Good
I read this book in anticipation of an upcoming ARC read for book 3 of the series. I didn't have specific expectations other than I wasn't expecting much. There was no concrete foundation for that inkling, but I will try to explain why and then I'll tell you why my instincts were way off.
~~
~~
I know better than to judge a book by its cover, or in this case, its title. I think the title of the series, "The Den Boys" threw me off a little. And I confess, I don't always read the reviews before I decide to read something [shocked face]! Unbelievable! Nah, not so much *wink*. I explained my motivation ^^up there^^ for reading this one, but still.
This author was not known to me and I guess I expected rent-boys or street-wise waifish twinks with saviors or something like that. Let's face it, there are similar series out there with similar titles and I mean, come on, "The Den Boys", right? Wrong.
This was one of the very first quotes in the book. It struck me right between the eyes and turned my assumptions on their figurative heads.
Blaze was right. He absolutely did not need saving; he'd already saved himself. What he needed was someone like Galen to help him see he was worth loving. And yep. That's what I get for making assumptions. While there are degrees of some of that street-wise rent-boy syndrome involved in the story, that's not what it's actually about.
Obviously, I'm glad I didn't let my flawed instinctive response to the title keep me from reading this one. It was really, really good.
When I scrolled through the reviews after I read it I saw a lot of DNFs and that made me sad. There were some valid points in there, i.e., Galen's identity struggles and his past sexual history stuff. I mean, it was pretty obvious to me, too. I get it.
Thankfully for me and unfortunately for anyone who missed out, a little patience paid off when reading this title although when I was reading it, the personal growth aspects of the character-development felt like a natural progression and not like it took too long to get to the epiphanies.
I'm being deliberately vague, because reading this for yourself and finding out along the way is essential to enjoying this story.
Suffice it to say that this title was surprisingly low on angst. There are some gnarly family shenanigans and a little bit of self-doubt and confusion on the part of the MCs, but none of that infuriating miscommunication crap or the ubiquitous misunderstandings that lead to weeks-long separations full of pining. Nope. Thank the book gods. None of that.
What you do get is a little hurt comfort, stellar parallel journeys of self-discovery, and a not-too-sweet love story. And these guys were burning it up in the bedroom, I mean ... fuck me running, they were hot together! And in slightly unexpected ways. Even better.
The author was clever about introducing Blaze's friends, or his chosen family, as it were. They're fleshed out as people with personalities, but nothing so overt that the mystery is gone. You can tell they're likely going to get their own stories, but there aren't any preconceived notions about how they're going to pair up, who they're going to pair up with, or even how any of their individual plotlines might play out.
I really liked that aspect of the story. It makes me want to continue the series to see what happens. Lucky happenstance since I need to read it anyway, but I'm glad I'm looking forward to it and not anticipating a slog. I'll confess to being a little bummed that there was no follow-through on the bad guys in the opening scene.
Don't get me wrong! I didn't want it to turn into a police procedural or a court case or anything like that, but I would have expected the assholes to make a reappearance at some point. Maybe that happens later in the series, maybe not. People like those tend to continue what they're doing until they get caught so ... I thought that was a little bit of a lost opportunity, but was simultaneously glad that nothing external took the focus off the MCs because I lurrrved their story.
I loved this book. I loved the fact that the themes present didn't drive the plot into Captain Obvious-Land. I loved the characters, I believed their chemistry, I believed the romance, and I believed that they could have been real people in real life if such things were possible.
This read was sweet with an edge. Not Lucy Lennox sappy, not Mary Calmes endearing, or Stella Starling heartwarming or anything overtly like that. There was just enough grit to make it interesting but not so much angst that it was exhausting to read. In other words, it was just right.
I'm looking forward to continuing the series and this author is now on my mental BOLO list. I highly recommend it for someone looking for a stress-free read with some good one-handed moments, believable romance, engaging characters, and a plot devoid of crazy drama or gratuitous OTT-ness.
Other reviews by NeRdyWYRM can be read here.
Images (if present) may be subject to copyright
I read this book in anticipation of an upcoming ARC read for book 3 of the series. I didn't have specific expectations other than I wasn't expecting much. There was no concrete foundation for that inkling, but I will try to explain why and then I'll tell you why my instincts were way off.
~~
~~I know better than to judge a book by its cover, or in this case, its title. I think the title of the series, "The Den Boys" threw me off a little. And I confess, I don't always read the reviews before I decide to read something [shocked face]! Unbelievable! Nah, not so much *wink*. I explained my motivation ^^up there^^ for reading this one, but still.
This author was not known to me and I guess I expected rent-boys or street-wise waifish twinks with saviors or something like that. Let's face it, there are similar series out there with similar titles and I mean, come on, "The Den Boys", right? Wrong.
This was one of the very first quotes in the book. It struck me right between the eyes and turned my assumptions on their figurative heads.
"So you've got a savior complex going on?"
"No." I ignored his attempt to deflect the conversation and pulled his shirt down so his side was covered again. "I just want to help you. Not save you."
"That's good, because I'm beyond saving."
Blaze was right. He absolutely did not need saving; he'd already saved himself. What he needed was someone like Galen to help him see he was worth loving. And yep. That's what I get for making assumptions. While there are degrees of some of that street-wise rent-boy syndrome involved in the story, that's not what it's actually about.
Obviously, I'm glad I didn't let my flawed instinctive response to the title keep me from reading this one. It was really, really good.
When I scrolled through the reviews after I read it I saw a lot of DNFs and that made me sad. There were some valid points in there, i.e., Galen's identity struggles and his past sexual history stuff. I mean, it was pretty obvious to me, too. I get it.
Thankfully for me and unfortunately for anyone who missed out, a little patience paid off when reading this title although when I was reading it, the personal growth aspects of the character-development felt like a natural progression and not like it took too long to get to the epiphanies.
I'm being deliberately vague, because reading this for yourself and finding out along the way is essential to enjoying this story.
Suffice it to say that this title was surprisingly low on angst. There are some gnarly family shenanigans and a little bit of self-doubt and confusion on the part of the MCs, but none of that infuriating miscommunication crap or the ubiquitous misunderstandings that lead to weeks-long separations full of pining. Nope. Thank the book gods. None of that.
What you do get is a little hurt comfort, stellar parallel journeys of self-discovery, and a not-too-sweet love story. And these guys were burning it up in the bedroom, I mean ... fuck me running, they were hot together! And in slightly unexpected ways. Even better.
The author was clever about introducing Blaze's friends, or his chosen family, as it were. They're fleshed out as people with personalities, but nothing so overt that the mystery is gone. You can tell they're likely going to get their own stories, but there aren't any preconceived notions about how they're going to pair up, who they're going to pair up with, or even how any of their individual plotlines might play out.
I really liked that aspect of the story. It makes me want to continue the series to see what happens. Lucky happenstance since I need to read it anyway, but I'm glad I'm looking forward to it and not anticipating a slog. I'll confess to being a little bummed that there was no follow-through on the bad guys in the opening scene.
Don't get me wrong! I didn't want it to turn into a police procedural or a court case or anything like that, but I would have expected the assholes to make a reappearance at some point. Maybe that happens later in the series, maybe not. People like those tend to continue what they're doing until they get caught so ... I thought that was a little bit of a lost opportunity, but was simultaneously glad that nothing external took the focus off the MCs because I lurrrved their story.
I loved this book. I loved the fact that the themes present didn't drive the plot into Captain Obvious-Land. I loved the characters, I believed their chemistry, I believed the romance, and I believed that they could have been real people in real life if such things were possible.
This read was sweet with an edge. Not Lucy Lennox sappy, not Mary Calmes endearing, or Stella Starling heartwarming or anything overtly like that. There was just enough grit to make it interesting but not so much angst that it was exhausting to read. In other words, it was just right.
I'm looking forward to continuing the series and this author is now on my mental BOLO list. I highly recommend it for someone looking for a stress-free read with some good one-handed moments, believable romance, engaging characters, and a plot devoid of crazy drama or gratuitous OTT-ness.
Other reviews by NeRdyWYRM can be read here.
Images (if present) may be subject to copyright
October 7, 2017
Dnf 30%
July 25, 2017
✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ FOUR & 1/2 - STAR ✩ REVIEW ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩
> > Judging a Book by it's Cover < <
Cover composition was not very eye-catching to me, only the blue title color and font caught my attention. The synopsis interested me. I've not yet read anything from this author so I am anxious to discover another new to-me writer.
> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> Alternating first-person POVs. Clearly defined. Easy to follow.
"He was educated, successful and in a league I couldn't even see, let alone be a part of.
I was a castoff with a mismatched family I'd made after my own had abandoned me."
On his way home from a club late one night, Blaze is jumped by three men with fatal intentions. Only by chance does Galen witness and stop the crime, saving Blaze's life.
The two men, a straight lawyer and a gay bartender, couldn't be more different... right?
It would seem they have much more in common than either ever would think though.
Wow, loved this cast of characters! The leads were great, the Den staff was supportive and interesting. And even the dislikeable families provided just enough outside conflict to create some additional dynamics. The chemistry was hot, sweet, and everything in between. They balanced one another nicely. The dialogue was believable. Interactions felt natural. The plot was engrossing and the story flowed very well. There was only mild predictability, but nothing that really took away from the story. The conclusion was solid.
This is the first book that I've read by this author and am salivating for HEALING HIM to release! I need more!
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.4 ~ Stars: 4, 4.5 if I could!
Triggers: Hate crime, gay bashing. Scenes of past mental, verbal, physical and substance abuse.
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I won a copy of this eBook from Sinfully Gay Romance Book Reviews and am voluntarily leaving unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
> > Judging a Book by it's Cover < <
Cover composition was not very eye-catching to me, only the blue title color and font caught my attention. The synopsis interested me. I've not yet read anything from this author so I am anxious to discover another new to-me writer.
> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> Alternating first-person POVs. Clearly defined. Easy to follow.
"He was educated, successful and in a league I couldn't even see, let alone be a part of.
I was a castoff with a mismatched family I'd made after my own had abandoned me."
On his way home from a club late one night, Blaze is jumped by three men with fatal intentions. Only by chance does Galen witness and stop the crime, saving Blaze's life.
The two men, a straight lawyer and a gay bartender, couldn't be more different... right?
It would seem they have much more in common than either ever would think though.
Wow, loved this cast of characters! The leads were great, the Den staff was supportive and interesting. And even the dislikeable families provided just enough outside conflict to create some additional dynamics. The chemistry was hot, sweet, and everything in between. They balanced one another nicely. The dialogue was believable. Interactions felt natural. The plot was engrossing and the story flowed very well. There was only mild predictability, but nothing that really took away from the story. The conclusion was solid.
This is the first book that I've read by this author and am salivating for HEALING HIM to release! I need more!
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.4 ~ Stars: 4, 4.5 if I could!
Triggers: Hate crime, gay bashing. Scenes of past mental, verbal, physical and substance abuse.
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I won a copy of this eBook from Sinfully Gay Romance Book Reviews and am voluntarily leaving unbiased and unsolicited feedback. I was not asked, encouraged, or required to leave a review - nor was I compensated in any way. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising". ***** ⭐ ⭐
October 31, 2017
I read my personal copy for Wicked Reads
Loved this book. First book I have read by this author but it will not be the last. Once I started this book I could not put it down. I just loved Galen and Blaze. LOVED them. Galen was a true knight in shining armor and I loved how he just rolled with things and was so open. Blaze was just as wonderful. As soon as I finished this book I had to start the second. This book hit all the right buttons for me and it will be in my re-read pile for sure!!!
Loved this book. First book I have read by this author but it will not be the last. Once I started this book I could not put it down. I just loved Galen and Blaze. LOVED them. Galen was a true knight in shining armor and I loved how he just rolled with things and was so open. Blaze was just as wonderful. As soon as I finished this book I had to start the second. This book hit all the right buttons for me and it will be in my re-read pile for sure!!!
August 11, 2017
So, I’m a bit torn on this one…there was good and bad. I’m just going to throw down my thoughts about the book so it won’t be a normal review.
I understand that Blaze had a hard life. I get that he’s suffered. After damn near dying in an attack which he only survived because Galen interfered, his lack of reaction did not work for me.
Galen just learned about Blaze’s past and he all but raped him without prep or lube, which incidentally was Galen’s first time with a man. Fortunately he realized what was going on before it ended and corrected it but that was really hard to read.
I did like that they got their histories out in the open early and we didn’t have too much drama from that.
There was a lot of time spent on the casual side of things but when Galen decides he’s ‘all in’ the book is almost on fast forward. And the direction of their future was told through Blaze thinking back about it. I would have liked to read about that real time.
The angst with Galen’s parents was pretty predictable but I am glad it wasn’t drawn out and Galen settled it quickly.
We meet who I’m assuming are the characters for the rest of the series. The next book appears to be a triad and the synopsis seems like one I’ve read time and again. I’m not sure whether or not I’ll stick with the series.
I understand that Blaze had a hard life. I get that he’s suffered. After damn near dying in an attack which he only survived because Galen interfered, his lack of reaction did not work for me.
Galen just learned about Blaze’s past and he all but raped him without prep or lube, which incidentally was Galen’s first time with a man. Fortunately he realized what was going on before it ended and corrected it but that was really hard to read.
I did like that they got their histories out in the open early and we didn’t have too much drama from that.
There was a lot of time spent on the casual side of things but when Galen decides he’s ‘all in’ the book is almost on fast forward. And the direction of their future was told through Blaze thinking back about it. I would have liked to read about that real time.
The angst with Galen’s parents was pretty predictable but I am glad it wasn’t drawn out and Galen settled it quickly.
We meet who I’m assuming are the characters for the rest of the series. The next book appears to be a triad and the synopsis seems like one I’ve read time and again. I’m not sure whether or not I’ll stick with the series.
July 2, 2018
I'm so glad I found out about this series and I loved this book from the start. I loved Blaze and how he managed to get himself together after all he faced in life and I absolutely lived Galen and how he never had any doubts about claiming the man he wanted... even if at the time he was not gay.
I'm totally diving into book 2
I'm totally diving into book 2
Did Not Finish
November 22, 2017DNF at 28%. Too much sex, too little substance. The circumstances under which the first sex scene occurred were highly questionable. And instead of an honest and frank discussion about it when they next got together, we got...more sex.
July 25, 2017
I really liked this one! But, I won't be reading the next book because it's a trio. I'm bummed.
I LOVED Blaze!
I LOVED Blaze!
August 28, 2017
I began reading this story having no real idea of what was going to happen, or what it was really about. The blurb let me know that our two main characters were going to meet through a gay bashing, but that was pretty much it. Vague blurbs can go either way for me. Sometimes I prefer to know more about the book I’m about to get into, and sometimes I like to discover everything along the way. I guess it was lucky that I was in the mood for a bit of blind discovery, because I totally enjoyed reading this story.
Plot wise, this isn’t the most eventful tale that I’ve read lately. Aside from the gay bashing, the story isn’t so much about what is happening around our main characters, but what is happening between them. And that worked for this book. The author spends time getting into the heads of Blaze and Galen, and building a relationship that the reader can believe in.
The Den – the title of this series – is a bar where Blaze works as a bartender. It’s home to a crowd of LGBT young adults, who have been rescued from bad circumstances by the bar’s owner. They’ve formed themselves a family of sorts, and I adore these series that stick their characters into this sort of setting. I love having a close-knit group that we can follow through several books.
The focus of the story is Galen and Blaze dealing with their issues to form a relationship. Blaze has a plethora of problems to work through. He doesn’t think that he’s good enough for Galen, because he’s done a lot of things that he’s ashamed of. He has no idea how to be anyone’s boyfriend, and the fact that Galen took him on his first ever date was just too damn cute. Galen, while seemingly having his shit together is also a bit of a mess. Before meeting Blaze he thought he was straight, though only because that’s what was “normal” and he’d never considered any other option. I think my favourite thing about this story was the way that discovering his “gayness” wasn’t an issue for Galen. It didn’t freak him out and he never tried to deny it, he just had an Ah ha! moment and happily went with it. But again, Galen had no idea how to be in a relationship, and I enjoyed watching these two muddle through it together.
Now, the sex. There was a lot of it. A lot. And it was damn hot. I’m not a fan of a lot of sex in whatever book I’m reading. I often feel like it’s a frustrating time-out from the story. But somehow it worked here, although I still felt like I shouldn’t enjoy it if only because I usually don’t. I appreciated that Galen had never had anal sex before, and really stuffed it up. And it was great that the author used these scenes to help show the way the relationship between the two was evolving. I know that most readers love themselves some steamy sex scenes, and I can assure you that this story definitely ticks that box.
I’m very interested in reading the rest of this series. The second book is releasing only days after I’ve written this review, and I intend to be waiting in line when it becomes available. The second book is a ménage, but if that’s not your thing, no worries, this first book is a complete story and doesn’t need a sequel.
Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2017/08/2...
Plot wise, this isn’t the most eventful tale that I’ve read lately. Aside from the gay bashing, the story isn’t so much about what is happening around our main characters, but what is happening between them. And that worked for this book. The author spends time getting into the heads of Blaze and Galen, and building a relationship that the reader can believe in.
The Den – the title of this series – is a bar where Blaze works as a bartender. It’s home to a crowd of LGBT young adults, who have been rescued from bad circumstances by the bar’s owner. They’ve formed themselves a family of sorts, and I adore these series that stick their characters into this sort of setting. I love having a close-knit group that we can follow through several books.
The focus of the story is Galen and Blaze dealing with their issues to form a relationship. Blaze has a plethora of problems to work through. He doesn’t think that he’s good enough for Galen, because he’s done a lot of things that he’s ashamed of. He has no idea how to be anyone’s boyfriend, and the fact that Galen took him on his first ever date was just too damn cute. Galen, while seemingly having his shit together is also a bit of a mess. Before meeting Blaze he thought he was straight, though only because that’s what was “normal” and he’d never considered any other option. I think my favourite thing about this story was the way that discovering his “gayness” wasn’t an issue for Galen. It didn’t freak him out and he never tried to deny it, he just had an Ah ha! moment and happily went with it. But again, Galen had no idea how to be in a relationship, and I enjoyed watching these two muddle through it together.
Now, the sex. There was a lot of it. A lot. And it was damn hot. I’m not a fan of a lot of sex in whatever book I’m reading. I often feel like it’s a frustrating time-out from the story. But somehow it worked here, although I still felt like I shouldn’t enjoy it if only because I usually don’t. I appreciated that Galen had never had anal sex before, and really stuffed it up. And it was great that the author used these scenes to help show the way the relationship between the two was evolving. I know that most readers love themselves some steamy sex scenes, and I can assure you that this story definitely ticks that box.
I’m very interested in reading the rest of this series. The second book is releasing only days after I’ve written this review, and I intend to be waiting in line when it becomes available. The second book is a ménage, but if that’s not your thing, no worries, this first book is a complete story and doesn’t need a sequel.
Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2017/08/2...
July 12, 2017
Un roman très addictif que j'ai eu beaucoup de mal à lâcher une fois commencé !
Blaze s'est rendu dans un club gay connu pour ses pratiques extrêmes en espérant trouver le partenaire anonyme idéal pour le prendre avec toute la violence qu'il recherche. Mais rien ne fonctionne selon ses désirs. Dépité, il décide de rentrer chez lui à pieds. Cependant, en chemin, il se fait très violemment agressé par trois hommes qui ne cherchent qu'à taper du gay. Et il ne doit la vie sauve qu'à un bon samaritain qui passait par là et, non seulement fait fuir ses agresseurs, mais le raccompagne chez lui et le soigne. Ce chevalier à l'armure étincelante s'appelle Galen et c'est l'homme le plus beau qu'il ait jamais vu, mais aussi le plus gentil. Jamais il n'a connu quelqu'un d'aussi désintéressé et d'aussi altruiste par simple bonté d'âme. Et il était persuadé ne plus jamais le revoir après cela. Jusqu'à ce que Blaze se fasse arrêter sans raison devant le bar gay où il travaille et qu'en désespoir de cause, il appelle Galen, avocat de son état, pour le sortir de là. Débute après entre eux une relation torride et passionnée comme ils n'en ont jamais connu mais aussi d'une incroyable tendresse. Une relation à laquelle tous deux ont bien du mal à croire....
Dès le début du roman, l'auteure prévient de la présence de scène assez insoutenable et effectivement, elles sont bien présentes. A tout juste 23 ans, Blaze a vécu une vie incroyablement dure. Chassé de chez lui à 15 ans par des parents intégristes catholiques (qui l'ont auparavant obligé à se rendre dans des camps catholiques pour le rééduquer où il a vécu l'enfer), il n'a eu d'autres solutions pour survivre que de se prostituer et de sombrer dans l'alcool et les drogues. Il n'est clean que depuis deux ans et a trouvé une véritable famille d'adoption au Den, le bar dans lequel il travaille. Il est persuadé que son passé le rattrapera toujours, qu'il n'est clairement pas assez bien pour Galen et que ce dernier s'en rendra compte tôt ou tard et le l'abandonnera.
Face à lui, Galen semble le garçon parfait en tout point de vue. Beau, riche, gentil, avocat, il a été persuadé toute sa vie d'être hétéro même si les femmes ne l'ont jamais vraiment fait frémir. Tout simplement parce que c'est ce qu'on attendait de lui. Jusqu'à sa rencontre avec Blaze. Jamais quelqu'un ne l'a attiré comme lui. Avec lui, toutes ses certitudes s'effondrent. Et avec la gentillesse et l'enthousiasme qui le caractérisent, il se lance à fond dans cette nouvelle relation qu'il n'ose pas encore nommer, prêt à tout découvrir, à tout expérimenter.
Et de fait, les scènes de sexe sont extrêmement nombreuses et torrides. C'est une véritable découverte, tant pour Galen que pour Blaze. Et elles sont très belles !
Très vite également, on s'attache à Cody, le collègue de Blaze qui a vécu des choses analogues et qui est persuadé ne pas avoir droit au bonheur non plus. On espère donc que le prochain tome se centrera sur lui et, effectivement, à la fin du roman, l'auteur nous offre le 1er chapitre du prochain tome et il sera bien sur Cody ! Yeah !!!!
Bref, un romance que j'ai adoré !
Blaze s'est rendu dans un club gay connu pour ses pratiques extrêmes en espérant trouver le partenaire anonyme idéal pour le prendre avec toute la violence qu'il recherche. Mais rien ne fonctionne selon ses désirs. Dépité, il décide de rentrer chez lui à pieds. Cependant, en chemin, il se fait très violemment agressé par trois hommes qui ne cherchent qu'à taper du gay. Et il ne doit la vie sauve qu'à un bon samaritain qui passait par là et, non seulement fait fuir ses agresseurs, mais le raccompagne chez lui et le soigne. Ce chevalier à l'armure étincelante s'appelle Galen et c'est l'homme le plus beau qu'il ait jamais vu, mais aussi le plus gentil. Jamais il n'a connu quelqu'un d'aussi désintéressé et d'aussi altruiste par simple bonté d'âme. Et il était persuadé ne plus jamais le revoir après cela. Jusqu'à ce que Blaze se fasse arrêter sans raison devant le bar gay où il travaille et qu'en désespoir de cause, il appelle Galen, avocat de son état, pour le sortir de là. Débute après entre eux une relation torride et passionnée comme ils n'en ont jamais connu mais aussi d'une incroyable tendresse. Une relation à laquelle tous deux ont bien du mal à croire....
Dès le début du roman, l'auteure prévient de la présence de scène assez insoutenable et effectivement, elles sont bien présentes. A tout juste 23 ans, Blaze a vécu une vie incroyablement dure. Chassé de chez lui à 15 ans par des parents intégristes catholiques (qui l'ont auparavant obligé à se rendre dans des camps catholiques pour le rééduquer où il a vécu l'enfer), il n'a eu d'autres solutions pour survivre que de se prostituer et de sombrer dans l'alcool et les drogues. Il n'est clean que depuis deux ans et a trouvé une véritable famille d'adoption au Den, le bar dans lequel il travaille. Il est persuadé que son passé le rattrapera toujours, qu'il n'est clairement pas assez bien pour Galen et que ce dernier s'en rendra compte tôt ou tard et le l'abandonnera.
Face à lui, Galen semble le garçon parfait en tout point de vue. Beau, riche, gentil, avocat, il a été persuadé toute sa vie d'être hétéro même si les femmes ne l'ont jamais vraiment fait frémir. Tout simplement parce que c'est ce qu'on attendait de lui. Jusqu'à sa rencontre avec Blaze. Jamais quelqu'un ne l'a attiré comme lui. Avec lui, toutes ses certitudes s'effondrent. Et avec la gentillesse et l'enthousiasme qui le caractérisent, il se lance à fond dans cette nouvelle relation qu'il n'ose pas encore nommer, prêt à tout découvrir, à tout expérimenter.
Et de fait, les scènes de sexe sont extrêmement nombreuses et torrides. C'est une véritable découverte, tant pour Galen que pour Blaze. Et elles sont très belles !
Très vite également, on s'attache à Cody, le collègue de Blaze qui a vécu des choses analogues et qui est persuadé ne pas avoir droit au bonheur non plus. On espère donc que le prochain tome se centrera sur lui et, effectivement, à la fin du roman, l'auteur nous offre le 1er chapitre du prochain tome et il sera bien sur Cody ! Yeah !!!!
Bref, un romance que j'ai adoré !
July 12, 2017
Hey hot cover!
I’m not going to tell you that I don’t judge books by their covers, because I very much, do. This one, paired with that blurb that you knew was going to be heartbreaking… I didn’t want to pass this one up. I’m so glad I didn’t. Blaze… I just wanted to hug him. Maybe just follow him around all day and hug him every time he looked sad….which would be often, the dude had a lot to be sad about. Everyone, except for his work family, treated him like crap. He had the worst parents and family who not only done him so much harm, but they cast him out when he was only 15. He spent years on the street, doing what he had to, to survive. We don’t see those years, but he talks about them some…
Getting into some trouble one night leaving a club has him running into Galen. (how hot is that name), Galen saves his life, point blank, he saves him from a gay bashing… He’s gorgeous, but straight, so Blaze lets him help him back to his place, but that’s all that happens. Galen does something nice for someone and Blaze has a hard time accepting it, but he does. Then he spends the next three weeks thinking about him. Another problem has Blaze calling Galen again, needing his help. Galen helps, but I wanted to throat punch him for the way he treated Blaze afterward! The man just bared his soul and… it was just all wrong from beginning to end.
It was a bit of a back and forth after that… Galen because he’d never been in a relationship before, not just with a man, but not at all. His family was all about appearances and everyone was so cold and calculated, he just didn’t have much reason for personal relationships. It made it hard in the beginning for him and Blaze, but he learned quickly and he was so incredibly sweet.
Blaze was used to getting the crap ends in life. He was constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop because they always did for him. He had incredibly low self-esteem and almost no self-worth. He thought himself tainted because of what he had to do in order to survive, being a kid on the streets. I hated the way people treated him, even police and I hated that he just kind of seemed to take all the bad in his life and keep going. I mean, I guess there was no other choice was there, but I hated that he got treated so unfairly and he seemed to just be okay with that. Like it was inevitable. My heart broke for him time after time and I was so glad that he got his happily ever after. I’m going to love this series, I can already tell because I’m already looking forward to Cody’s story. It’s going to be another heart breaker…..and I can’t wait for it.
I do wish that these people who ended up being terrible people would’ve gotten their karmic justice… I hate when bad people get away with being bad people… but I guess in this instance, I was just glad Blaze and Galen came out happy and in love and together.
4 stars from me!
*I received this story from its publisher with the promise of an honest and unbiased review*
I’m not going to tell you that I don’t judge books by their covers, because I very much, do. This one, paired with that blurb that you knew was going to be heartbreaking… I didn’t want to pass this one up. I’m so glad I didn’t. Blaze… I just wanted to hug him. Maybe just follow him around all day and hug him every time he looked sad….which would be often, the dude had a lot to be sad about. Everyone, except for his work family, treated him like crap. He had the worst parents and family who not only done him so much harm, but they cast him out when he was only 15. He spent years on the street, doing what he had to, to survive. We don’t see those years, but he talks about them some…
Getting into some trouble one night leaving a club has him running into Galen. (how hot is that name), Galen saves his life, point blank, he saves him from a gay bashing… He’s gorgeous, but straight, so Blaze lets him help him back to his place, but that’s all that happens. Galen does something nice for someone and Blaze has a hard time accepting it, but he does. Then he spends the next three weeks thinking about him. Another problem has Blaze calling Galen again, needing his help. Galen helps, but I wanted to throat punch him for the way he treated Blaze afterward! The man just bared his soul and… it was just all wrong from beginning to end.
It was a bit of a back and forth after that… Galen because he’d never been in a relationship before, not just with a man, but not at all. His family was all about appearances and everyone was so cold and calculated, he just didn’t have much reason for personal relationships. It made it hard in the beginning for him and Blaze, but he learned quickly and he was so incredibly sweet.
Blaze was used to getting the crap ends in life. He was constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop because they always did for him. He had incredibly low self-esteem and almost no self-worth. He thought himself tainted because of what he had to do in order to survive, being a kid on the streets. I hated the way people treated him, even police and I hated that he just kind of seemed to take all the bad in his life and keep going. I mean, I guess there was no other choice was there, but I hated that he got treated so unfairly and he seemed to just be okay with that. Like it was inevitable. My heart broke for him time after time and I was so glad that he got his happily ever after. I’m going to love this series, I can already tell because I’m already looking forward to Cody’s story. It’s going to be another heart breaker…..and I can’t wait for it.
I do wish that these people who ended up being terrible people would’ve gotten their karmic justice… I hate when bad people get away with being bad people… but I guess in this instance, I was just glad Blaze and Galen came out happy and in love and together.
4 stars from me!
*I received this story from its publisher with the promise of an honest and unbiased review*
July 21, 2017
✫ღ˚•。*°•💧💦5-star Review💦💧✰✰¸.•°*✫★
♥♥From Rescue to Love...♥♥
I have said it before and I will say it again, a book has to gut me to be deserving of a 5 star and for it to be by a new to me author? Ridiculous. AND being a first MM book, girl you nailed it.
I don't know what it is about these stories, but boy, they bring me to my knees. With ALL IN, I got the pleasure of having two sweet, adorable, lovable guys who almost instantly felt the attraction and yet fell for each other guardedly. Blaze, former addict and man of the night, had been a thrown away. He did what he had to survive and came out on the other side better than before. Then there was Galen, lawyer extraordinaire, who was unable to fulfill his family's legacy and ended up becoming the black sheep. It was often the he found himself constantly on the outskirts. Both men were needing something only the other could give.
This could have been the typical straight to gay story, but the author added some strong desires and made her characters both intelligent enough with a ALL IN attitude, and that is what made it enjoyable for me. This was about making the other comfortable, regardless of the depth of separation in all aspects of life. Galen just seemed to thrive once he got on board that Blaze was the man for him. He was so demonstrative, and vocal and oh, goals. And Blaze, so needing a good guy had to find a way to let go.
I believed Galen when he fought for Blaze and I rooted for Blaze when he let go and believed. Theirs may have started off as a rescue, but it ended with love.
If you are like me, get ALL IN and one click this baby!!! I promise you a good read with loads of excitement, heat and a fulfilling plot. And the secondary characters brought the story home.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
♥♥From Rescue to Love...♥♥
I have said it before and I will say it again, a book has to gut me to be deserving of a 5 star and for it to be by a new to me author? Ridiculous. AND being a first MM book, girl you nailed it.
I don't know what it is about these stories, but boy, they bring me to my knees. With ALL IN, I got the pleasure of having two sweet, adorable, lovable guys who almost instantly felt the attraction and yet fell for each other guardedly. Blaze, former addict and man of the night, had been a thrown away. He did what he had to survive and came out on the other side better than before. Then there was Galen, lawyer extraordinaire, who was unable to fulfill his family's legacy and ended up becoming the black sheep. It was often the he found himself constantly on the outskirts. Both men were needing something only the other could give.
This could have been the typical straight to gay story, but the author added some strong desires and made her characters both intelligent enough with a ALL IN attitude, and that is what made it enjoyable for me. This was about making the other comfortable, regardless of the depth of separation in all aspects of life. Galen just seemed to thrive once he got on board that Blaze was the man for him. He was so demonstrative, and vocal and oh, goals. And Blaze, so needing a good guy had to find a way to let go.
I believed Galen when he fought for Blaze and I rooted for Blaze when he let go and believed. Theirs may have started off as a rescue, but it ended with love.
If you are like me, get ALL IN and one click this baby!!! I promise you a good read with loads of excitement, heat and a fulfilling plot. And the secondary characters brought the story home.
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
July 8, 2017
A super sexy story about two men who have seemingly nothing in common but click right from the start. Blaze is a young bartender, out and proud, banished by his family, and with a troubled past. Galen is a lawyer, coming from a rich but cold family and has never had a serious relationship. The night Galen saves Blaze from being attacked their lives change forever.
It is an engaging story, well-written and steady-paced. Blaze and Galen are compelling and strong characters who are perfect for each other despite their different station in life and age. I felt the sparks flying. The intimate scenes are smoking hot. In the beginning, I found these a bit overpowering the character development and the overall story. Fortunately, I learned more about the two men, about their background and what drove them further down the book. There is still a good amount of hotness but for me, it was more in balance with their emotional connection. That was for me the turning point from reading a good book to reading a great book. I loved how Blaze and Galen grew closer together and seamlessly formed a relationship. Yes, they have their insecurities as they have never been in one but the men are just meant for each other. They both go all in and don’t hold back. The author did a wonderful job describing their feelings and eye-opening moments. I loved the easy rapport and banter between them.
The interactions with the supporting characters are mentionable as well as they make this story just that bit more special. They form a family by heart that can’t compare to their family by blood.
A.T. Brennan is a new author to me but I will definitely read more of her books. I am looking forward to the second book in The Den Boys series.
It is an engaging story, well-written and steady-paced. Blaze and Galen are compelling and strong characters who are perfect for each other despite their different station in life and age. I felt the sparks flying. The intimate scenes are smoking hot. In the beginning, I found these a bit overpowering the character development and the overall story. Fortunately, I learned more about the two men, about their background and what drove them further down the book. There is still a good amount of hotness but for me, it was more in balance with their emotional connection. That was for me the turning point from reading a good book to reading a great book. I loved how Blaze and Galen grew closer together and seamlessly formed a relationship. Yes, they have their insecurities as they have never been in one but the men are just meant for each other. They both go all in and don’t hold back. The author did a wonderful job describing their feelings and eye-opening moments. I loved the easy rapport and banter between them.
The interactions with the supporting characters are mentionable as well as they make this story just that bit more special. They form a family by heart that can’t compare to their family by blood.
A.T. Brennan is a new author to me but I will definitely read more of her books. I am looking forward to the second book in The Den Boys series.
November 15, 2018
OK, I know for a fact that from chapters 1 through 4 and 18 through 20 Blaze and Galen DIDN'T have sex... everything in between? Yeah, sex with a side of conversation... sex with a side of food... sex with... yeah, it was mostly just SEX! *headdesk* ;p
But, if you dug through the cum, condoms and lube... there was this really great story about two men that until they met each other didn't even know they were missing something in their lives. How about that? *waggles eyebrows*
One thing consistent through all the ups and downs of the story was thesex, I mean the overwhelming attraction that Blaze and Galen felt for each other and the respect that they had for each other... ok, you got me, that's two things! *grin*
Kicked out of his home at 15 by adults that I won't even grant the label "parents" too and living on the streets for years was a hard life for Blaze, but he has gotten sober and clean and is making a life for himself with his new "family" at The Den...
We were family, we just weren’t blood. Is how Blaze described his phenomenal support system that is his chosen "family"... and I look forward to seeing more of them in the books to come! Galen? He found the love and acceptance with Blaze's "family" that he had never felt from his own relatives... sad how life is like that sometimes but so glad the everyone at the Den was there for him!
But, if you dug through the cum, condoms and lube... there was this really great story about two men that until they met each other didn't even know they were missing something in their lives. How about that? *waggles eyebrows*
One thing consistent through all the ups and downs of the story was the
Kicked out of his home at 15 by adults that I won't even grant the label "parents" too and living on the streets for years was a hard life for Blaze, but he has gotten sober and clean and is making a life for himself with his new "family" at The Den...
We were family, we just weren’t blood. Is how Blaze described his phenomenal support system that is his chosen "family"... and I look forward to seeing more of them in the books to come! Galen? He found the love and acceptance with Blaze's "family" that he had never felt from his own relatives... sad how life is like that sometimes but so glad the everyone at the Den was there for him!
May 10, 2020
This was my first book of AT Brennan and definitely not disappointing. It tells the story of Blaze, a young man rescued from the street by his current employer, and Galen, a successful lawyer but ignored by his family because he wasn't able to become a doctor because he is afraid of blood. One night, when Galen is trying to go home after a long day at work, he finds a young man lying on the street and being assaulted by three men. He doesn't even question himself before getting out of his car and chase the men away. He brings him home and takes care of his first need. But he can't forget Blaze and the way he was feeling in his arms. He never felt this way before and it was soo much different from his hookups with escorts. He is confused as hell but doesn't want his feelings to stand in the way when meeting again with Blaze. He wants to pursue whatever this is. Blaze is two years sober now after being addicted to alcohol and drugs and cannot understand how it is possible that a man like Galen could even like him. But Galen is determined and manages to take away his fears of not being enough. Can they have a future together or will family and friends take away their happiness. Well written with hot scenes and I can't wait for the next book in this series.
July 15, 2017
I absolutely loved this book by new to me author A.T. Brennan!!! This is the story of Blaze and Galen. Blaze is a bartender at a local bar who happens to be a victim of a hate crime one night. Galen a lawyer happened to be in the area came to his rescue. Both have had not the best childhoods. Galen has a hard time letting people in and is a loner...Blaze is a survivor and sells his self short on how special he really is. The connection between the two was instanteous. Not only is the chemistry off the charts hot...but the emotional connection is strong and they are absolutely perfect for each other. My heart ached for what Blaze has been through and I am in awe of him...he is truly a strong individual. My heart also aches for Galen and how lonely he has been his whole life. I just wanted to wrap my arms around them both and squeeze them tight.
I can't go on enough how much I adore their story!! I would highly recommend this book to others...its a great story. I can't wait for the next book in the Den Boys series. Well done!!
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
I can't go on enough how much I adore their story!! I would highly recommend this book to others...its a great story. I can't wait for the next book in the Den Boys series. Well done!!
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
October 5, 2017
Someone recommend this book in a Facebook group I'm in so I gave it a try and I'm so glad I did. My heart went out to both Blaze and Galen in this story, Blaze because of the trauma he's suffered in the past with his addictions and Galen for never having found or experienced love or real sexual pleasure in his past. This changes when Galen rescues Blaze from a homophobic bashing outside the bar where he works. They begin seeing each other and it turns into something way more amazing than either of them could have imagined. I loved Blaze for his honesty and the fact that he's suffered so much in the past, I don't think he could quite believe what he'd found in Galen, who, was finally finding his place and coming to terms with this new facet to his sexuality, hell, he'd never been attracted to men before never mind the all consuming lust he was now feeling for Blaze. This is a lovely book and I enjoyed every minute, it just gave hope that terrible things can be overcome and that meeting the right person, regardless of their gender can just right your world.
April 22, 2018
I'm marking this one as DNF @ 33%. This started off promising, but things moved too fast. They went from strangers to sex pretty fast, especially for Galen having identified as heterosexual all his life and never having experienced any attraction towards men before meeting Blaze. The fact that there has been two sex scenes while the MCs are practically strangers not only to each other, but the reader as well.
Side note, one thing that did bother me that in Chapter 1, is this bit : "I reached into my pocket and pulled out a condom. I was negative but I never messed around without one." Then, in Chapter 7, Blaze performs oral sex without one....but I'm sure that is probably because there is just something different from Galen than any other guy, or something along the lines, if it does ever get addressed later on in the book.
Side note, one thing that did bother me that in Chapter 1, is this bit : "I reached into my pocket and pulled out a condom. I was negative but I never messed around without one." Then, in Chapter 7, Blaze performs oral sex without one....but I'm sure that is probably because there is just something different from Galen than any other guy, or something along the lines, if it does ever get addressed later on in the book.
Did Not Finish
February 16, 2021I recently read another book by this author and enjoyed it, so picked up this one through KU. I was surprised when my Kindle app opened it directly to chapter 13, as if I'd already started it, because I didn't remember reading this author before and didn't have it recorded here in Goodreads. I started over at chapter 1 and... yep, it *was* feeling familiar. But this time, I only made it to 12% and then DNF'd for, apparently, the second time 😕 I still don't remember why I stopped reading the first time I gave it a try, but the connection between the guys just wasn't working for me. I really did enjoy the other book by this author, though (Tease Me), so will give a few more of her books a try 🙃
July 10, 2017
''All In'' is about the love and passion between two men who were meant to be together. Blaze is a bartender with a tortured past who believes he will never find love and Galen is a lawyer who hasn't discovered his true self and his feelings yet. When Galen saves Blaze from an assault and certain death, they are drawn to each other at first sight and new feelings grow inside of them. As their love grows stronger they realize that they can't live apart and choose each other over everything and everyone else. Although I am a fan of less sex scenes and more romantic ones, I loved their story and most of all I loved their adorable happy ending. Looking forward to read the rest of the series!
July 11, 2017
One word......WOW
(received as ARC, available for pre order now on Amazon)
All in is such a beautiful story. I always know I've found a fabulous author when I can't wait for book 2. Even though it can be read as a standalone, I'm so excited for book two.
All in, is definitely a page turner and I couldn't put it down.
The connection between Blaze and Galen is so strong and you can help but feel it come alive throughout the book.
They both have emotional struggles to over come, both very different yet both very similar. The struggles they are dealing with are written very true to life and at points in the book the heartache Blaze has gone through brought tears to my eyes. But the strength in Galen when facing his family is heartwarming.
Both are very strong men in there own way and because of that they fit perfectly and complete eachother.
This is a book I will definitely be reading again and I would recommend it to everyone, and A.T. Brennan has just been added to my list of favourite authors. The way the book is written is fabulous and truly beautiful.
It's a must read.
(received as ARC, available for pre order now on Amazon)
All in is such a beautiful story. I always know I've found a fabulous author when I can't wait for book 2. Even though it can be read as a standalone, I'm so excited for book two.
All in, is definitely a page turner and I couldn't put it down.
The connection between Blaze and Galen is so strong and you can help but feel it come alive throughout the book.
They both have emotional struggles to over come, both very different yet both very similar. The struggles they are dealing with are written very true to life and at points in the book the heartache Blaze has gone through brought tears to my eyes. But the strength in Galen when facing his family is heartwarming.
Both are very strong men in there own way and because of that they fit perfectly and complete eachother.
This is a book I will definitely be reading again and I would recommend it to everyone, and A.T. Brennan has just been added to my list of favourite authors. The way the book is written is fabulous and truly beautiful.
It's a must read.
August 8, 2017
Blaze lives on his own and works in a bar after having been thrown out by his parents as a teenager and lived on the streets until being rescued by his new 'family' of friends at the bar. One evening he is beaten up outside by a group of 'gay bashers' and is rescued by Galen Wells a lawyer who takes him home. Sparks fly between them but although Blaze is out and proud, Galen is most definitely straight or so he had thought until he met Blaze.
This is a well written and erotically charged story of two men who find happiness with each other despite their totally opposite backgrounds.
This is a well written and erotically charged story of two men who find happiness with each other despite their totally opposite backgrounds.
October 5, 2017
All In, book 1 of the Den Boys series by A.T.Brennan. My first book by this author, and I loved it!!
All In, is about Blaze and Galen. To men from the opposite side of the town and paycheck. But what your dick and heart wants isn't always what your head think..
"...In that moment I didn't see Blaze as a man, I saw him as a beautiful and perfect person, and I needed him."
I really love how open mined Galen is. And it broke my heart when Blaze just "accepted" the beating!
Highly recommend this book if you love reading M/M books! This is one well written, lovely book!
All In, is about Blaze and Galen. To men from the opposite side of the town and paycheck. But what your dick and heart wants isn't always what your head think..
"...In that moment I didn't see Blaze as a man, I saw him as a beautiful and perfect person, and I needed him."
I really love how open mined Galen is. And it broke my heart when Blaze just "accepted" the beating!
Highly recommend this book if you love reading M/M books! This is one well written, lovely book!
July 5, 2018
Hot and heavy
Blaze and Galens story is sweet, super hot and a great start to the series.
Galen saves Blaze from s gay bashing and finds himself attracted to another man for the first time. That's the start of their relationship and even though there's strong feelings from the start Blaze feels tainted from his experiences on the streets and Galens hasn't had a real relationship with anyone.
But some things are worth the fight and Galens and Blaze together are to good to just give up.
Blaze and Galens story is sweet, super hot and a great start to the series.
Galen saves Blaze from s gay bashing and finds himself attracted to another man for the first time. That's the start of their relationship and even though there's strong feelings from the start Blaze feels tainted from his experiences on the streets and Galens hasn't had a real relationship with anyone.
But some things are worth the fight and Galens and Blaze together are to good to just give up.
August 10, 2017
I do NOT know how I could have possibly have missed this book, or author. I can not sing the praise of this book enough. I LOVE hurt/comfort stories and this hit all the right spots for me. Blaze and Galen's story was beautiful. there were times where i almost wanted to slap both characters for slight actions (almost causing me to question the book entirely) but the end made up for it. If you haven't read it I highly recommend you try it out.
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