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Survivor #1
Survivor
Taylor Langford’s world is torn apart when he is only thirteen years old—his parents killed, leaving him alone and orphaned. With no living relatives, he’d certainly be another statistic if not for the intervention of the policeman who found Taylor in the crawl space where his mother hid him that fateful night. Despite the tragedy and resulting anguish in his life, Taylor knows how lucky he is. Frank Moore is a rookie with the Dallas Police Department when he and his partner answer a call in Devonshire, one of the city’s more affluent neighborhoods. They think the young boy in various pictures throughout the home has been kidnapped until they find him, shaken but alive. Officer Moore recognizes the pain in the kid’s eyes, having lost his own mother to cancer when he was just a boy. He steps in, making sure Taylor is placed with a loving foster family. Over the years, Frank becomes a permanent fixture in Taylor’s life. A decade later, the case remains unsolved and the once gangly, uncertain teenager is now a college graduate who knows exactly what he wants. He’s coming home to the man that helped mold and shape his life, the man he’s loved for as long as he can remember, Frank Moore. But Taylor isn’t the only person returning to Dallas, and while Frank is distracted by his own conflicting feelings and the new bond growing between the two, the past creeps up on them, determined to finish what was started ten years earlier. This book is intended for mature readers.
185 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 22, 2017
75 people are currently reading
358 people want to read
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T.M. Smith
8 books1 followerThere is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads data base.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
August 28, 2017
I've never tried T. M. Smith before and the blurb really intrigue me. There isn't much age gap between Taylor and Frank, but due to the situation of their first meeting, with Taylor being a orphaned teenager and Frank, the rookie cop that saved him, Frank does give me the whole guardian angel vibe.
The prologue was exciting, the carnage that happened to Taylor's family and we are left wondering what the hell had happened and the villain seems creepy. Frank was instantly likable being the hero who pulled a frightened Taylor to his arms.
However, subsequent chapter that detailed the years Taylor growing up around Frank was a bit tedious. We did get to understand the dynamic between all the characters, which include Caleb and his wife Justine, but I wish we can just jump straight to adult Taylor already.
To me is a serious romance faux pas to write explicit sex scene of the main characters having sex with other people. I consider myself quite forgiving in the fact that I can look passed them having a sexual relation with others before they are committed to each other. But I don't need the details, this is TMI. Some thing are better keep in the background or fade to black. At one point, Frank was thinking about Taylor in a totally non platonic way and then the next he was having the time of his life with his hook up buddy and even complimenting on his ass.
Back to the suspense plot, which I rather delved into, the creepy bad guy is still lurking around the corner after all these years. Seriously, what's up with that and I really need to know the truth behind the murder of Taylor's parent. The build up was good, as I said, especially the prologue. However, the way it was solved a bit anti-climatic.
Romance part got better after they get together despite the age gap (which I think is not that big, anyway) and their relation to each other. Frank was so used to referring to Taylor as 'kid' that it does feel awkward that he want to sleep with his kid. Things even got a little sappy, which fit me just right.
The prologue was exciting, the carnage that happened to Taylor's family and we are left wondering what the hell had happened and the villain seems creepy. Frank was instantly likable being the hero who pulled a frightened Taylor to his arms.
However, subsequent chapter that detailed the years Taylor growing up around Frank was a bit tedious. We did get to understand the dynamic between all the characters, which include Caleb and his wife Justine, but I wish we can just jump straight to adult Taylor already.
To me is a serious romance faux pas to write explicit sex scene of the main characters having sex with other people. I consider myself quite forgiving in the fact that I can look passed them having a sexual relation with others before they are committed to each other. But I don't need the details, this is TMI. Some thing are better keep in the background or fade to black. At one point, Frank was thinking about Taylor in a totally non platonic way and then the next he was having the time of his life with his hook up buddy and even complimenting on his ass.
Back to the suspense plot, which I rather delved into, the creepy bad guy is still lurking around the corner after all these years. Seriously, what's up with that and I really need to know the truth behind the murder of Taylor's parent. The build up was good, as I said, especially the prologue. However, the way it was solved a bit anti-climatic.
Romance part got better after they get together despite the age gap (which I think is not that big, anyway) and their relation to each other. Frank was so used to referring to Taylor as 'kid' that it does feel awkward that he want to sleep with his kid. Things even got a little sappy, which fit me just right.
January 26, 2020
I enjoyed everything about T.M. Smith’s Survivor. Wonderful age-gap, hurt/comfort, and an exciting mystery. I can’t wait to get Rory’s story in Lover.
Nick J. Russo does a marvelous job with the characters, and really keeps up the energy so it builds throughout.
an audio copy of Survivor was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review
Nick J. Russo does a marvelous job with the characters, and really keeps up the energy so it builds throughout.
an audio copy of Survivor was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review
February 25, 2018
A complimentary copy of the audio was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Audiobook review:
The blurb for this book really got my attention. I do love age gap, and then you have a sort of quasi incest thing going because Frank was around Taylor for so much of his growing up years, one could see them filling "brother" roles for each other. Obviously neither had those types of brotherly feelings, which is good because once Taylor hit puberty, whew! :)
I thoroughly enjoyed the build up of this story. For those who don't like to see the MC's hook up with people who are not going to be their forever partner, there is on page action for both of them getting it on with other people before Taylor and Frank get together. I personally found all of it hot, and really world building. It helped show who they were as individuals and that they were caring people who definitely had lives outside of each other. Plus, did I mention it was hot? ;)
And oh boy, when these two finally do decide to act on their feelings, not only was the build up to that realistic (I thought), but it was so emotionally fulfilling. I liked these characters and wanted the best for them. So when they had a mature discussion about their feelings I was so happy! They didn't just jump into bed, which would have ruined everything. But they talked, and made sure that if they moved forward, it wouldn't ruin anything. When Taylor admits to having been in love with Frank for years (3 I think), I was just so "aww." Taylor felt mature beyond his years.
As for the murder mystery, I will leave most of that in the spoiler below. Just know the bad guy is caught, though I am not happy with how that whole drama unfolded. I really wish the bad guy had been caught right after the crime and then Frank and Taylor could have lived their lives without the drama. I didn't see the point in the plot unfolding the way it did. But overall, I enjoyed Frank and Taylor. I see them having a happy life together.
And as far as the narration goes, I really enjoyed it. Nick J. Russo did a really good job I thought and propelled this story to a new level. I have only listened to a few books narrated by Russo but that's because of lack of opportunity. ;) He gave each character (especially the women, which is hard) their own unique voice. I love when that happens.
Serious rant below. Includes some semi-serious spoilers.
Story: 3 stars
Narration: 4 stars
Audiobook review:
The blurb for this book really got my attention. I do love age gap, and then you have a sort of quasi incest thing going because Frank was around Taylor for so much of his growing up years, one could see them filling "brother" roles for each other. Obviously neither had those types of brotherly feelings, which is good because once Taylor hit puberty, whew! :)
I thoroughly enjoyed the build up of this story. For those who don't like to see the MC's hook up with people who are not going to be their forever partner, there is on page action for both of them getting it on with other people before Taylor and Frank get together. I personally found all of it hot, and really world building. It helped show who they were as individuals and that they were caring people who definitely had lives outside of each other. Plus, did I mention it was hot? ;)
And oh boy, when these two finally do decide to act on their feelings, not only was the build up to that realistic (I thought), but it was so emotionally fulfilling. I liked these characters and wanted the best for them. So when they had a mature discussion about their feelings I was so happy! They didn't just jump into bed, which would have ruined everything. But they talked, and made sure that if they moved forward, it wouldn't ruin anything. When Taylor admits to having been in love with Frank for years (3 I think), I was just so "aww." Taylor felt mature beyond his years.
As for the murder mystery, I will leave most of that in the spoiler below. Just know the bad guy is caught, though I am not happy with how that whole drama unfolded. I really wish the bad guy had been caught right after the crime and then Frank and Taylor could have lived their lives without the drama. I didn't see the point in the plot unfolding the way it did. But overall, I enjoyed Frank and Taylor. I see them having a happy life together.
And as far as the narration goes, I really enjoyed it. Nick J. Russo did a really good job I thought and propelled this story to a new level. I have only listened to a few books narrated by Russo but that's because of lack of opportunity. ;) He gave each character (especially the women, which is hard) their own unique voice. I love when that happens.
Serious rant below. Includes some semi-serious spoilers.
Story: 3 stars
Narration: 4 stars
August 31, 2017
There’s so many things I liked about this story. I love age gap books, and while the difference between Frank and Taylor is only ten years, the fact that they first meet when Taylor is only thirteen, and then getting points of view almost every year until they finally express their feelings as adults makes it seem like the gap is bigger than it is. This actually threw me off a bit and made it a little awkward to me even though I knew the gap was only ten years.
I also like the hurt/comfort theme, and that this leads to the unbreakable bond that forms between the two men over the years. Frank and Taylor's relationship could be seen as hero worship gone overboard, but that really is so far from the truth—even their friends and family who have figured out how the two men feel about each other know that is not the case.
Another aspect I liked was the first half of the story being told over time, showing how their relationship slowly develops from rescuer/rescued to buddies to close friends, to lust and then love. Once the story reaches the point where Frank and Taylor are exploring their feelings for each other fully, the emotion and deep connection between them grows even more intense, but never feels rushed or like it’s too much. And their physical chemistry—that was far enough off the charts that you may need some ice on hand to cool yourself down once things get that far.
Even though the development of Frank and Taylor's relationship provides plenty of romance to drive the story, there’s an added dose of drama and suspense related to Taylor’s parents’ murder. It’s enough to keep you on the edge for a while wondering exactly when things will go sideways, which adds some great tension to the story.
The cast of supporting characters is fantastic—I really loved how they all wound up becoming a big, unconventional extended family and how supportive they all were of both Taylor and Frank. All of these secondary characters were well rounded and brought depth to the story, and there’s even potential among them for other stories in the future (please? okay?).
Survivor was a 4.5-star read for me, and I already know this is one I’ll be re-reading in the future. I do recommend this to any M/M romance fan, particularly if you’re a fan of the tropes featured in this story as they are written well. This story is strictly for readers 18+ for adult language/situations and sexual content.
I also like the hurt/comfort theme, and that this leads to the unbreakable bond that forms between the two men over the years. Frank and Taylor's relationship could be seen as hero worship gone overboard, but that really is so far from the truth—even their friends and family who have figured out how the two men feel about each other know that is not the case.
Another aspect I liked was the first half of the story being told over time, showing how their relationship slowly develops from rescuer/rescued to buddies to close friends, to lust and then love. Once the story reaches the point where Frank and Taylor are exploring their feelings for each other fully, the emotion and deep connection between them grows even more intense, but never feels rushed or like it’s too much. And their physical chemistry—that was far enough off the charts that you may need some ice on hand to cool yourself down once things get that far.
Even though the development of Frank and Taylor's relationship provides plenty of romance to drive the story, there’s an added dose of drama and suspense related to Taylor’s parents’ murder. It’s enough to keep you on the edge for a while wondering exactly when things will go sideways, which adds some great tension to the story.
The cast of supporting characters is fantastic—I really loved how they all wound up becoming a big, unconventional extended family and how supportive they all were of both Taylor and Frank. All of these secondary characters were well rounded and brought depth to the story, and there’s even potential among them for other stories in the future (please? okay?).
Survivor was a 4.5-star read for me, and I already know this is one I’ll be re-reading in the future. I do recommend this to any M/M romance fan, particularly if you’re a fan of the tropes featured in this story as they are written well. This story is strictly for readers 18+ for adult language/situations and sexual content.
August 6, 2019
4.5
Non conosco bene la Smith, ma la trama m’intrigava ed ero curiosa di leggere questo libro – il primo di una serie – che si è rivelato un’ottima lettura.
Fin dalle prime righe si entra nel vivo della scena e si respira adrenalina, perché questo romance è tinto di giallo e non si fa mancare nulla: amore, passione, dolcezza, amicizia, affetto, allegria, gelosia, drammi, colpi di scena... ce n’è per tutti i gusti.
Il tredicenne Taylor è l’unico sopravvissuto a una strage familiare apparentemente inspiegabile. Anche le indagini non sono risolutive e il povero ragazzo deve combattere quotidianamente i suoi ricordi, gli incubi, i traumi che si porta appresso da quella notte.
Eppure Taylor ha due angeli custodi che vegliano su di lui: i due agenti di pattuglia che lo hanno trovato, Frank e Caleb, che hanno preso a cuore la sua situazione.
Frank, in particolare, fa in modo che il ragazzo sia adottato da una buona famiglia e cresca in un ambiente amorevole. Nel corso degli anni, i due uomini diventano un punto di riferimento per lui, come dei fratelli maggiori, tanto da passare molto tempo assieme, comprese le vacanze e le festività.
Taylor trascorre i dieci anni successivi amato dai genitori adottivi, che sono due splendide persone, e circondato da amici e affetti. La sua omosessualità non è un problema e può sperimentare a piacere, anche se il suo attaccamento a Frank è diventato qualcosa di diverso dall’affetto fraterno che ha sempre sentito, ma non sa se l’uomo – anch’egli apertamente gay – potrebbe ricambiarlo. Avere dieci anni di differenza non è un grosso problema per Taylor, ma perdere il legame con Frank potrebbe esserlo.
Il suo ritorno a casa dopo la laurea potrebbe essere il momento perfetto per tentare di coronare il suo amore, ma ci sono parecchi imprevisti da affrontare prima di cantar vittoria.
Come ho detto all’inizio, questo libro è davvero una storia piacevole, coinvolgente, ben scritta e ben tradotta. Vengono analizzati tutti i sentimenti e le emozioni umane, non mancano introspezione e azione.
L’alternanza dei punti di vista dei due protagonisti ci permettere di conoscere a fondo il loro pensiero e le loro caratterizzazioni sono davvero interessanti e non scontate.
Malgrado le parti drammatiche, di questa trama ho amato la dolcezza e la positività dei personaggi, non solo i primari ma anche tutti i secondari che creano un ambiente piacevole, fatto di scherzi e amore come una grande famiglia allargata.
La trama è tutt’altro che scontata e alcuni colpi di scena ben piazzati la rendono interessante fino alla fine.
Non mi resta che consigliarne la lettura, restando in attesa del prossimo volume, che ha per protagonisti alcuni personaggi che si ha modo di conoscere in questo.
Non conosco bene la Smith, ma la trama m’intrigava ed ero curiosa di leggere questo libro – il primo di una serie – che si è rivelato un’ottima lettura.
Fin dalle prime righe si entra nel vivo della scena e si respira adrenalina, perché questo romance è tinto di giallo e non si fa mancare nulla: amore, passione, dolcezza, amicizia, affetto, allegria, gelosia, drammi, colpi di scena... ce n’è per tutti i gusti.
Il tredicenne Taylor è l’unico sopravvissuto a una strage familiare apparentemente inspiegabile. Anche le indagini non sono risolutive e il povero ragazzo deve combattere quotidianamente i suoi ricordi, gli incubi, i traumi che si porta appresso da quella notte.
Eppure Taylor ha due angeli custodi che vegliano su di lui: i due agenti di pattuglia che lo hanno trovato, Frank e Caleb, che hanno preso a cuore la sua situazione.
Frank, in particolare, fa in modo che il ragazzo sia adottato da una buona famiglia e cresca in un ambiente amorevole. Nel corso degli anni, i due uomini diventano un punto di riferimento per lui, come dei fratelli maggiori, tanto da passare molto tempo assieme, comprese le vacanze e le festività.
Taylor trascorre i dieci anni successivi amato dai genitori adottivi, che sono due splendide persone, e circondato da amici e affetti. La sua omosessualità non è un problema e può sperimentare a piacere, anche se il suo attaccamento a Frank è diventato qualcosa di diverso dall’affetto fraterno che ha sempre sentito, ma non sa se l’uomo – anch’egli apertamente gay – potrebbe ricambiarlo. Avere dieci anni di differenza non è un grosso problema per Taylor, ma perdere il legame con Frank potrebbe esserlo.
Il suo ritorno a casa dopo la laurea potrebbe essere il momento perfetto per tentare di coronare il suo amore, ma ci sono parecchi imprevisti da affrontare prima di cantar vittoria.
Come ho detto all’inizio, questo libro è davvero una storia piacevole, coinvolgente, ben scritta e ben tradotta. Vengono analizzati tutti i sentimenti e le emozioni umane, non mancano introspezione e azione.
L’alternanza dei punti di vista dei due protagonisti ci permettere di conoscere a fondo il loro pensiero e le loro caratterizzazioni sono davvero interessanti e non scontate.
Malgrado le parti drammatiche, di questa trama ho amato la dolcezza e la positività dei personaggi, non solo i primari ma anche tutti i secondari che creano un ambiente piacevole, fatto di scherzi e amore come una grande famiglia allargata.
La trama è tutt’altro che scontata e alcuni colpi di scena ben piazzati la rendono interessante fino alla fine.
Non mi resta che consigliarne la lettura, restando in attesa del prossimo volume, che ha per protagonisti alcuni personaggi che si ha modo di conoscere in questo.
May 19, 2019
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Recensione a cura di Dalia – Sopravvissuto di T. M. Smith, pubblicato il 29 aprile 2019 dalla Quixote Edizioni.
Taylor è solo un ragazzino tredicenne quando una notte il suo mondo viene letteralmente capovolto, lasciandolo solo e smarrito. Gli unici parenti che ha mai conosciuto, i suoi genitori, vengono barbaramente uccisi da qualcuno che si nasconde nell’ombra. L’assassino avrebbe dovuto uccidere anche lui e solo grazie all’intervento della madre, che lo fa nascondere in un’intercapedine della soffitta, lui riesce a salvarsi. È proprio in quel luogo buio e nascosto che lo trova Frank, uno dei due poliziotti accorsi sul luogo del delitto. Il giovane agente, riconosce negli occhi di Taylor lo stesso dolore che ha provato anche lui qualche anno prima, quando ha perso sua madre, quindi, fin da quel primo istante in cui i loro occhi si incrociano, stabiliscono una connessione che li accompagnerà per i successivi anni a venire. Frank prenderà subito a cuore la sorte di quel ragazzo rimasto solo al mondo e farà di tutto, per farlo affidare ad una coppia di amici che non hanno avuto figli. Anno dopo anno, battaglia dopo battaglia per conquistare l’affetto di quel ragazzino arrabbiato con il mondo intero e dargli la pace e l’amore che merita, intorno a Taylor si crea una famiglia amorevole e presente in ogni singolo gesto, che non lo abbandonerà mai. Insieme ai suoi genitori adottivi, ogni anno trascorre le vacanze nella casa al mare di Frank, accompagnati anche dal padre di quest’ultimo e dal suo collega Caleb e la moglie. Gli anni trascorrono in armonia ed anche se, ad ogni nuova estate insieme, Frank vede il suo giovane protetto con altri occhi, nulla turba quel nucleo familiare che hanno creato. Ma, dieci anni dopo la tragedia, anche Taylor è cresciuto e quel sentimento di sicurezza che provava da ragazzino nei confronti di Frank è cresciuto con lui fino a diventare amore, un sentimento puro per quell’uomo che ha ammirato per anni e che ha fatto così tanto per lui. Frank, però, ha paura, paura che se le cose tra loro dovessero andare male, potrebbe perdere Taylor per sempre. Ed è per questo motivo che sarà lo stesso Taylor a prendere l’iniziativa tra loro e a fare di tutto per far capire a Frank che il sentimento che entrambi provano, ha tutte le ragioni del mondo per essere vissuto, che il suo amore per lui è sincero e che non c’è nulla di male a viverlo.
Ammetto che quando ho iniziato la lettura avevo qualche remora nei confronti della storia, infatti, avevo paura che la differenza di età tra i due protagonisti e la particolarità del loro primo incontro, potessero in qualche modo infastidirmi in qualche modo, ma la caratterizzazione dei personaggi è stata molto ben sviluppata e ognuno dei due ha avuto un suo tratto peculiare rispetto all’altro. Taylor dal ragazzino allampanato che era all’inizio della storia, si trasforma in un aitante laureando e Frank un poliziotto sempre più dedito al suo lavoro, agli amici e alla famiglia. L’autrice è stata brava nel capovolgere i ruoli dei protagonisti eliminando ogni perplessità che io, in quanto lettrice, avrei potuto provare leggendo il romanzo. La differenza di età tra i due e il fatto che Taylor sia solo un ragazzino quando i due si incontrano per la prima volta, viene annullata dal fatto che il ruolo dominante nel loro rapporto viene rivestito da Taylor e che sia solo grazie al suo amore, che Frank cede infine a questo sentimento che lo sconvolge da anni e che ha sempre rifiutato di ammettere anche solo con se stesso. La loro è una storia bella e pulita, fatta di supporto, amicizia e passione infinita. I due personaggi, nel corso della storia, sono cresciuti insieme al lettore, che ha avuto modo di vederli alle prese con la loro quotidianità e con la costante del loro rapporto in un arco temporale di dieci anni. Il fatto che la storia sia scritta a pov alternati, permette al lettore di conoscere il pensiero di ognuno dei due e capire tutte le scelte fatte negli anni. A tenere vivo l’interesse del lettore, inoltre, c’è anche un risvolto giallo, che riguarda Taylor e che nell’evolversi della storia coinvolgerà anche altri personaggi, che saranno i protagonisti delle prossime storie di questa serie. Insomma, Sopravvissuti è un libro dolce ed estremamente passionale, ma anche stuzzicante dal punto di vista poliziesco, che vi farà trascorrere un bel pomeriggio e vi incuriosirà a voler sapere cosa accadrà in futuro.
Recensione a cura di Dalia – Sopravvissuto di T. M. Smith, pubblicato il 29 aprile 2019 dalla Quixote Edizioni.
Taylor è solo un ragazzino tredicenne quando una notte il suo mondo viene letteralmente capovolto, lasciandolo solo e smarrito. Gli unici parenti che ha mai conosciuto, i suoi genitori, vengono barbaramente uccisi da qualcuno che si nasconde nell’ombra. L’assassino avrebbe dovuto uccidere anche lui e solo grazie all’intervento della madre, che lo fa nascondere in un’intercapedine della soffitta, lui riesce a salvarsi. È proprio in quel luogo buio e nascosto che lo trova Frank, uno dei due poliziotti accorsi sul luogo del delitto. Il giovane agente, riconosce negli occhi di Taylor lo stesso dolore che ha provato anche lui qualche anno prima, quando ha perso sua madre, quindi, fin da quel primo istante in cui i loro occhi si incrociano, stabiliscono una connessione che li accompagnerà per i successivi anni a venire. Frank prenderà subito a cuore la sorte di quel ragazzo rimasto solo al mondo e farà di tutto, per farlo affidare ad una coppia di amici che non hanno avuto figli. Anno dopo anno, battaglia dopo battaglia per conquistare l’affetto di quel ragazzino arrabbiato con il mondo intero e dargli la pace e l’amore che merita, intorno a Taylor si crea una famiglia amorevole e presente in ogni singolo gesto, che non lo abbandonerà mai. Insieme ai suoi genitori adottivi, ogni anno trascorre le vacanze nella casa al mare di Frank, accompagnati anche dal padre di quest’ultimo e dal suo collega Caleb e la moglie. Gli anni trascorrono in armonia ed anche se, ad ogni nuova estate insieme, Frank vede il suo giovane protetto con altri occhi, nulla turba quel nucleo familiare che hanno creato. Ma, dieci anni dopo la tragedia, anche Taylor è cresciuto e quel sentimento di sicurezza che provava da ragazzino nei confronti di Frank è cresciuto con lui fino a diventare amore, un sentimento puro per quell’uomo che ha ammirato per anni e che ha fatto così tanto per lui. Frank, però, ha paura, paura che se le cose tra loro dovessero andare male, potrebbe perdere Taylor per sempre. Ed è per questo motivo che sarà lo stesso Taylor a prendere l’iniziativa tra loro e a fare di tutto per far capire a Frank che il sentimento che entrambi provano, ha tutte le ragioni del mondo per essere vissuto, che il suo amore per lui è sincero e che non c’è nulla di male a viverlo.
Ammetto che quando ho iniziato la lettura avevo qualche remora nei confronti della storia, infatti, avevo paura che la differenza di età tra i due protagonisti e la particolarità del loro primo incontro, potessero in qualche modo infastidirmi in qualche modo, ma la caratterizzazione dei personaggi è stata molto ben sviluppata e ognuno dei due ha avuto un suo tratto peculiare rispetto all’altro. Taylor dal ragazzino allampanato che era all’inizio della storia, si trasforma in un aitante laureando e Frank un poliziotto sempre più dedito al suo lavoro, agli amici e alla famiglia. L’autrice è stata brava nel capovolgere i ruoli dei protagonisti eliminando ogni perplessità che io, in quanto lettrice, avrei potuto provare leggendo il romanzo. La differenza di età tra i due e il fatto che Taylor sia solo un ragazzino quando i due si incontrano per la prima volta, viene annullata dal fatto che il ruolo dominante nel loro rapporto viene rivestito da Taylor e che sia solo grazie al suo amore, che Frank cede infine a questo sentimento che lo sconvolge da anni e che ha sempre rifiutato di ammettere anche solo con se stesso. La loro è una storia bella e pulita, fatta di supporto, amicizia e passione infinita. I due personaggi, nel corso della storia, sono cresciuti insieme al lettore, che ha avuto modo di vederli alle prese con la loro quotidianità e con la costante del loro rapporto in un arco temporale di dieci anni. Il fatto che la storia sia scritta a pov alternati, permette al lettore di conoscere il pensiero di ognuno dei due e capire tutte le scelte fatte negli anni. A tenere vivo l’interesse del lettore, inoltre, c’è anche un risvolto giallo, che riguarda Taylor e che nell’evolversi della storia coinvolgerà anche altri personaggi, che saranno i protagonisti delle prossime storie di questa serie. Insomma, Sopravvissuti è un libro dolce ed estremamente passionale, ma anche stuzzicante dal punto di vista poliziesco, che vi farà trascorrere un bel pomeriggio e vi incuriosirà a voler sapere cosa accadrà in futuro.
August 16, 2017
I loved this story. I'm a sucker for characters with an age gap, one of the MCs being saved or helped by the other MC, and I love a story that has a strong sense of family.
Taylor's life is completely changed the night that his parents are murdered when he is only 13 years old. Frank, one of the cops on the case, is able to find a wonderful foster family for Taylor and stays in touch with him. At first, it's definitely a type of mentor relationship, since Frank understands a bit of how Taylor feels. However, as the years pass, and Taylor grows up, they both begin seeing and wanting their relationship to be very different.
I love that we got glimpses of Taylor and Frank, Caleb, Taylor's family and friends through the years, it didn't automatically skip from Taylor being 13 to 23. I loved the sense of family in this, where friends are your family too.
And boy, once Taylor graduates and is determined to reveal his feelings to Frank, it sure does heat up! PHEW! These two were scorching together. Taylor knows what he wants (and I have such a kink for wall sex and picking people up) and I loved how they communicated and were totally IT for each other.
I also enjoyed the other plot of who killed Taylor's parents, why, and what was going to happen with all of that. Won't say anything to give it away, but it was riveting. I also enjoyed so many of the other characters, they weren't just simple background people, and I hope we'll get stories with some of them as well as a chance to revisit Frank and Taylor. LOVED this, what a great read!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Taylor's life is completely changed the night that his parents are murdered when he is only 13 years old. Frank, one of the cops on the case, is able to find a wonderful foster family for Taylor and stays in touch with him. At first, it's definitely a type of mentor relationship, since Frank understands a bit of how Taylor feels. However, as the years pass, and Taylor grows up, they both begin seeing and wanting their relationship to be very different.
I love that we got glimpses of Taylor and Frank, Caleb, Taylor's family and friends through the years, it didn't automatically skip from Taylor being 13 to 23. I loved the sense of family in this, where friends are your family too.
And boy, once Taylor graduates and is determined to reveal his feelings to Frank, it sure does heat up! PHEW! These two were scorching together. Taylor knows what he wants (and I have such a kink for wall sex and picking people up) and I loved how they communicated and were totally IT for each other.
I also enjoyed the other plot of who killed Taylor's parents, why, and what was going to happen with all of that. Won't say anything to give it away, but it was riveting. I also enjoyed so many of the other characters, they weren't just simple background people, and I hope we'll get stories with some of them as well as a chance to revisit Frank and Taylor. LOVED this, what a great read!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 25, 2019
4.5 Dolce, romantico, bello , adrenalinico.
Mi è piaciuto tantissimo, presto la recensione per il blog
Mi è piaciuto tantissimo, presto la recensione per il blog
August 30, 2017
T.M. Smith’s Survivor captivated me from the get go as it opens in the mind of “The Stranger”. Having just murdered a young couple he’s angered over not being able to find their son. Not giving the reader a clue as to why he’s so determined to locate the child you’re immediately taking to meet Frank and Caleb, two police partners sent in to investigate the scene.
When Officer Frank Moore finds young Taylor, scared and hiding, I knew immediately from his interactions with the boy I was gonna love this man…and as the story progressed I was not proven wrong.
Smith methodically allows Taylor and Frank to take you on a 10 year journey of how their lives become intertwined and in so doing develops age of consent, because for some this story may appear a little ‘taboo’. With a mere 10 years between the two Frank becomes a support and comfort to Taylor. In fact between Frank and his father, his police partner Caleb and his wife, and Taylor’s step-parents, the seven become “a mix matched family,” as Frank musses.
As Taylor reaches maturity both he and Frank begin internalizing and analyzing their hidden desire for one another. Taylor is coming to realize that his feelings for the man who is his savior, confidant and friend are changing, “The man in the blue uniform with the kind eyes and a soft smile that had coaxed Taylor from the crawl space in the attic had become so much more in his mind’s eye,” he thinks. And Frank is beginning to think of Taylor as more than just the boy he has mentored, but a man he is attracted to. The confusion for both is immense and as they both ride out their conflicting emotions with other men, you begin to wonder how this connection is going to play out – in every sense.
When Taylor makes up his mind there’s no going back for him. Holy shit he’s determined, driven, demanding, take charge, and his feelings are utterly raw. As he tells Frank, “’See the way your body responds to me, Frank. That’s because you belong to me, Frankie. So do whatever you need to do to wrap your brain around that fact because, from this day on, I’m not going anywhere unless you’re going there with me.’”
And yet at the same time he waits for Frank to come to terms with this new path and to express his readiness in words, “What Frank needed was time and Taylor’s unconditional, unwavering support” he surmises.
Frank conceding to what his heart already knows is beautiful and their sex scenes leave you breathless with the genuine need conveyed. I couldn’t get enough of these guys.
Taylor is such a commanding, forceful presence who’s charming and possessive, while Frank is caring, selfless and a protector who will give all for his man.
But just as they begin to blossom and settle into a new comforting relationship the cold case of Taylor’s parents’ death begins to blaze when The Stranger returns. As Taylor cringes, “One by one, the images were laid out like a slowly moving silent movie, telling the story of the worst fucking day of Taylor’s life.”
The build-up of their well-crafted world culminates in a heart racing ending befitting everything that has pulled them together with twists and turns and questions that keep you guessing and then the author tags on a tidy epilogue creating possibilities…or not.
A good writer leaves you wanting more of their men, and side characters, and T.M. Smith has done just that with Survivor. Each character having a poignant rapport that extends beyond the pages making it so easy to picture every scene as it unfolds. I was mesmerized from beginning to end.
When Officer Frank Moore finds young Taylor, scared and hiding, I knew immediately from his interactions with the boy I was gonna love this man…and as the story progressed I was not proven wrong.
Smith methodically allows Taylor and Frank to take you on a 10 year journey of how their lives become intertwined and in so doing develops age of consent, because for some this story may appear a little ‘taboo’. With a mere 10 years between the two Frank becomes a support and comfort to Taylor. In fact between Frank and his father, his police partner Caleb and his wife, and Taylor’s step-parents, the seven become “a mix matched family,” as Frank musses.
As Taylor reaches maturity both he and Frank begin internalizing and analyzing their hidden desire for one another. Taylor is coming to realize that his feelings for the man who is his savior, confidant and friend are changing, “The man in the blue uniform with the kind eyes and a soft smile that had coaxed Taylor from the crawl space in the attic had become so much more in his mind’s eye,” he thinks. And Frank is beginning to think of Taylor as more than just the boy he has mentored, but a man he is attracted to. The confusion for both is immense and as they both ride out their conflicting emotions with other men, you begin to wonder how this connection is going to play out – in every sense.
When Taylor makes up his mind there’s no going back for him. Holy shit he’s determined, driven, demanding, take charge, and his feelings are utterly raw. As he tells Frank, “’See the way your body responds to me, Frank. That’s because you belong to me, Frankie. So do whatever you need to do to wrap your brain around that fact because, from this day on, I’m not going anywhere unless you’re going there with me.’”
And yet at the same time he waits for Frank to come to terms with this new path and to express his readiness in words, “What Frank needed was time and Taylor’s unconditional, unwavering support” he surmises.
Frank conceding to what his heart already knows is beautiful and their sex scenes leave you breathless with the genuine need conveyed. I couldn’t get enough of these guys.
Taylor is such a commanding, forceful presence who’s charming and possessive, while Frank is caring, selfless and a protector who will give all for his man.
But just as they begin to blossom and settle into a new comforting relationship the cold case of Taylor’s parents’ death begins to blaze when The Stranger returns. As Taylor cringes, “One by one, the images were laid out like a slowly moving silent movie, telling the story of the worst fucking day of Taylor’s life.”
The build-up of their well-crafted world culminates in a heart racing ending befitting everything that has pulled them together with twists and turns and questions that keep you guessing and then the author tags on a tidy epilogue creating possibilities…or not.
A good writer leaves you wanting more of their men, and side characters, and T.M. Smith has done just that with Survivor. Each character having a poignant rapport that extends beyond the pages making it so easy to picture every scene as it unfolds. I was mesmerized from beginning to end.
September 7, 2017
4 Stars
The unbreakable bond between Taylor and Frank starts when Frank and his partner, Caleb, responded to a disturbance call at Taylor's home, where they discover Taylor's parents have been murdered. Frank finds Taylor, just 13 at the time, hidden in the crawl space of the attic.
The murders are gruesome, but over the next ten years, Taylor and his foster parents become part of Frank's extended family and with their support and plenty of counseling, Taylor slowly heals. But all the summers spent together have changed the way Frank and Taylor see one another, and while Frank isn't quite comfortable with their ten year age gap, at 23, Taylor knows what he wants and he goes after it.
I have to say, I was really excited about this story, it was a completely different type of story then I've read from this author in the past and while I loved the mystery portion, the romance portion wasn't my favorite.
Something was off with the romance. It felt like the transition wasn't smooth enough and although Taylor is the younger of the two, he had to be in charge and dominate and assert his authority. Like he had to prove himself as an adult to Frank. He was also too possessive almost to the point of being obsessively creepy.
The mystery portion of the story was pretty terrific. It was intriguing and had some twists and turns that I never saw coming, although it was left kind of open ended, but there were some great secondary characters that I'd love to get to know better, so I'm hoping the author will give us some of their stories and turn this into a series, hopefully continuing the investigation.
The story was enjoyable and it was paced well. I loved getting a little peek at how Taylor and Frank spent some of their time, both together and alone, over the ten year span of the story. Frank and Taylor had good chemistry, and there is no denying Ms. Smith can write a scorching hot sex scene, but I just think Taylor's character needed to be dialed back a bit. He was too aggressive and extreme.
Still, this was an enjoyable read that kept me turning the pages. Recommendable!
*copy provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*
The unbreakable bond between Taylor and Frank starts when Frank and his partner, Caleb, responded to a disturbance call at Taylor's home, where they discover Taylor's parents have been murdered. Frank finds Taylor, just 13 at the time, hidden in the crawl space of the attic.
The murders are gruesome, but over the next ten years, Taylor and his foster parents become part of Frank's extended family and with their support and plenty of counseling, Taylor slowly heals. But all the summers spent together have changed the way Frank and Taylor see one another, and while Frank isn't quite comfortable with their ten year age gap, at 23, Taylor knows what he wants and he goes after it.
I have to say, I was really excited about this story, it was a completely different type of story then I've read from this author in the past and while I loved the mystery portion, the romance portion wasn't my favorite.
Something was off with the romance. It felt like the transition wasn't smooth enough and although Taylor is the younger of the two, he had to be in charge and dominate and assert his authority. Like he had to prove himself as an adult to Frank. He was also too possessive almost to the point of being obsessively creepy.
The mystery portion of the story was pretty terrific. It was intriguing and had some twists and turns that I never saw coming, although it was left kind of open ended, but there were some great secondary characters that I'd love to get to know better, so I'm hoping the author will give us some of their stories and turn this into a series, hopefully continuing the investigation.
The story was enjoyable and it was paced well. I loved getting a little peek at how Taylor and Frank spent some of their time, both together and alone, over the ten year span of the story. Frank and Taylor had good chemistry, and there is no denying Ms. Smith can write a scorching hot sex scene, but I just think Taylor's character needed to be dialed back a bit. He was too aggressive and extreme.
Still, this was an enjoyable read that kept me turning the pages. Recommendable!
*copy provided by author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*
dnf
February 7, 2018DNF at 17%
I do not like to DNF a book. Usually I can soldier on or at least skim through to the end. But I just can't this time. And it's not the May-December romance. I actually love an age gap, but this one did NOT work for me at all.
I guess I should preface my review by saying I didn't read the blurb. I rarely do because I find sometimes they give away too much and I like to read without any preconceived expectations. If I had read the blurb, it says right there that Taylor is 13. But that is not how the book reads at all.
Mrs. Waters refers to him as "their son, adorable little thing. I think I saw him playing in the yard yesterday, but I can't remember for certain."
When Frank finds him in the attic, he was "relieved to see the little boy from the pictures, Taylor."
At this point, since I hadn't read the blurb, I was thinking the boy was like 6 years old. I continue reading and then 2 summers later he's playing tonsil hockey with the boy next door. Ohhh-kay. That caught me off guard, so I had to go investigate. Yep, the blurb says Taylor was 13 when his parents where murdered, so he's 15 now. It takes me a little while to get used to that idea and get back in to the book, but I continue.
The first 17% of the book is about how Frank is a fixture in Taylor's life..... dinner invitations, long weekends with the Stones, trips to the cottage in Martha's Vineyard during the summer, etc.
Then when they are at the cottage celebrating Taylor's 18th birthday, Frank finds himeself noticing how "Taylor now stood at six foot three and was all lean muscles and curves. What the fuck? Frank tried to move the thoughts in his brain around and figure out why in the hell he was even looking at Taylor close enough to notice his build."
So maybe part of the ick factor for me is that I thought Taylor was younger than he actually was. But really, even if he was 13 when they met, it still bothers me. Frank has essentially been a part of their family for the past 5 years. An intimate relationship developing between them just seems wrong. And gross.
I do not like to DNF a book. Usually I can soldier on or at least skim through to the end. But I just can't this time. And it's not the May-December romance. I actually love an age gap, but this one did NOT work for me at all.
I guess I should preface my review by saying I didn't read the blurb. I rarely do because I find sometimes they give away too much and I like to read without any preconceived expectations. If I had read the blurb, it says right there that Taylor is 13. But that is not how the book reads at all.
Mrs. Waters refers to him as "their son, adorable little thing. I think I saw him playing in the yard yesterday, but I can't remember for certain."
When Frank finds him in the attic, he was "relieved to see the little boy from the pictures, Taylor."
At this point, since I hadn't read the blurb, I was thinking the boy was like 6 years old. I continue reading and then 2 summers later he's playing tonsil hockey with the boy next door. Ohhh-kay. That caught me off guard, so I had to go investigate. Yep, the blurb says Taylor was 13 when his parents where murdered, so he's 15 now. It takes me a little while to get used to that idea and get back in to the book, but I continue.
The first 17% of the book is about how Frank is a fixture in Taylor's life..... dinner invitations, long weekends with the Stones, trips to the cottage in Martha's Vineyard during the summer, etc.
Then when they are at the cottage celebrating Taylor's 18th birthday, Frank finds himeself noticing how "Taylor now stood at six foot three and was all lean muscles and curves. What the fuck? Frank tried to move the thoughts in his brain around and figure out why in the hell he was even looking at Taylor close enough to notice his build."
So maybe part of the ick factor for me is that I thought Taylor was younger than he actually was. But really, even if he was 13 when they met, it still bothers me. Frank has essentially been a part of their family for the past 5 years. An intimate relationship developing between them just seems wrong. And gross.
March 20, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
I picked this one up on a recommendation and I’m glad to say it wasn’t a disappointment. I’d never read the author before, and I was a little wary about the premise. When a relationship like the one Frank and Taylor have evolves, it sometimes doesn’t work well. But Smith portrays it in a believable and heartfelt way. From the very beginning, the connection between Frank and Taylor is palpable, but completely innocent. When things change, it feels like a natural progression.
The story is populated with awesome secondary characters that flesh out the story beautifully. But it’s the MCs and their relationship that held me captivated. I was all in from the very beginning when Frank found Taylor’s hiding spot. The care and connection between them drove the first few chapters of the book. And when Taylor grew up, and both men’s feelings evolved, I was totally on board with their love. As I said, it felt natural. I loved that they discussed things between them, making sure they were both on the same page. And both characters were fully realized with quirks and flaws. But there was no doubt that they were meant to be together, and that their love would be amazing.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
I picked this one up on a recommendation and I’m glad to say it wasn’t a disappointment. I’d never read the author before, and I was a little wary about the premise. When a relationship like the one Frank and Taylor have evolves, it sometimes doesn’t work well. But Smith portrays it in a believable and heartfelt way. From the very beginning, the connection between Frank and Taylor is palpable, but completely innocent. When things change, it feels like a natural progression.
The story is populated with awesome secondary characters that flesh out the story beautifully. But it’s the MCs and their relationship that held me captivated. I was all in from the very beginning when Frank found Taylor’s hiding spot. The care and connection between them drove the first few chapters of the book. And when Taylor grew up, and both men’s feelings evolved, I was totally on board with their love. As I said, it felt natural. I loved that they discussed things between them, making sure they were both on the same page. And both characters were fully realized with quirks and flaws. But there was no doubt that they were meant to be together, and that their love would be amazing.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
May 6, 2019
4.5 - Voto
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“Nei cinque anni in cui Frank lo aveva conosciuto, era passato da preadolescente incazzato con il mondo a un giovane straordinario con un promettente futuro. Dal momento che eccelleva nel baseball, e aveva giocato per tutta la durata della scuola superiore, aveva ricevuto una borsa di studio per l’Università del Texas a Austin in autunno. Avrebbe giocato per loro come matricola, mentre studiava per la sua laurea in scienze umanistiche. Frank non avrebbe potuto essere più orgoglioso. Lui e Taylor avevano stretto, negli ultimi cinque anni, una connessione e un legame indissolubile. Dopo aver perso sua madre di cancro quando era ancora un adolescente, Frank capiva gli sbalzi d’umore, la rabbia e il dolore associati alla perdita di un genitore. La differenza era che lui aveva ancora suo padre e la loro casa di famiglia a Martha’s Vineyard. Taylor aveva perso tutto in una sola notte. “
.
Taylor Langford ha solo 13 anni quando, in una notte, perde ogni cosa. Sua madre e suo padre sono vittime di un omicidio estremamente brutale e apparentemente senza motivo. Ma sua madre, prima di morire, è riuscita a nasconderlo, e noi attraverso i pensieri del killer scopriamo con sgomento che non è affatto soddisfatto, non ha portato a termine ciò che si era prefissato. Taylor è rimasto nascosto fino a quando un giovane agente di pattuglia, Frank Moore, ha individuato il suo nascondiglio ed è riuscito a tacitare le sue paure, ed è sempre lui che lo metterà in contatto con quelli che diventeranno i suoi genitori adottivi, Valerie e Charles Stone. Frank ha perso da poco la madre e sente, fin dal primo momento, un legame con quel ragazzino terrorizzato che ha perso ogni punto di riferimento. Nel corso dei successivi anni i genitori adottivi, rendendosi conto di quanto l’agente conti per Taylor, lo hanno reso parte della loro famiglia assieme al padre Hubert e al collega di Frank, l’agente Caleb, con la sua esuberante simpatica moglie Justine. Queste persone si sono strette intorno al giovane Taylor e sono diventate la sua nuova famiglia, passando insieme gran parte delle loro vacanze estive. Ed è proprio durante una di queste vacanze che Taylor scopre che i sentimenti di riconoscenza che sente per Frank, che per lui è stato come un fratello maggiore, stanno cambiando e diventando sempre più forti. E non è il solo, anche l’agente ha cominciato a vederlo sotto un’altra luce, ma teme di distruggere quel rapporto di fiducia ed amicizia che hanno sempre provato l’uno per l’altra, così come teme il giudizio dei suoi amici e degli Stone. Ma ben presto si renderà conto che tutti loro, da anni, li stanno osservando aspettando di vedere chi dei due avrebbe fatto la prima mossa, e che Taylor, quello che lui fatica a non chiamare ragazzino, è un uomo che sa perfettamente ciò che vuole. Eppure quando la felicità sembra a portata di mano, il vecchio caso di omicidio viene riaperto, verità insospettabili vengono alla luce, e Taylor e Frank scopriranno di essere al centro di un’indagine molto pericolosa.
Quello che ho apprezzato maggiormente in questo libro, è la perfetta caratterizzazione dei personaggi e la loro presenza costante durante tutta la storia. Vedremo così il bel rapporto che esiste fra i genitori adottivi di Taylor che faranno di tutto per aiutare il giovane a ritrovare un equilibrio, ma anche l’amore giocoso, sempre presente, fra l’agente Caleb e la sua simpatica moglie. L’autrice ci fa assistere alla crescita di Taylor, anno dopo anno, in capitoli che raccontano l’evolversi del loro rapporto e le diverse esperienze che entrambi faranno nel corso del tempo. Vedremo perciò un Taylor alle prese con i suoi incubi appoggiarsi a Frank, come se fosse un fratello maggiore, cominciare poi a fare le sue prime esperienze sessuali, laurearsi, e assistiamo al momento in cui entrambi si rendono conto che le loro emozioni stanno cambiando. Anche Frank avrà le sue relazioni, i suoi amici con benefici, che però non riusciranno mai a tacitare il desiderio che prova per Taylor, ora non più un ragazzino, ma un giovane uomo muscoloso ed aitante, che non lesina occhiate di fuoco. Ed è divertente vedere come tutti, dalla madre adottiva alla moglie di Caleb, fino al padre di Hubert siano coscienti di ciò che entrambi i ragazzi provino l’uno per l’altro, e siano in attesa delle loro mosse. Per Frank sarà più difficile riuscire a superare l’imbarazzo di quei dieci anni che li separano, ma sarà proprio Taylor il più deciso fra loro a mettere fine ad una situazione che sta facendo soffrire entrambi senza motivo. Forse è il più giovane, ma si dimostra l’elemento dominante della coppia. La loro è una storia dolce, la naturale conseguenza di un rapporto che ha avuto il tempo di maturare, entrambi hanno aspettato per averne la sicurezza. Anche le scene erotiche sono adeguate alle circostanze, intense e tenere, ma anche piene di ardore e capaci di trasmettere l’amore che entrambi provano.
Se la parte centrale scorre in modo piacevole e senza drammi, l’inizio inquietante e drammatico mette le basi per quella che sarà la parte finale, in cui verrà finalmente svelato il motivo dell’assassinio dei genitori. Una parte suspense che risulta interessante, anche se forse tutto si risolve in modo abbastanza veloce, ma non per questo meno godibile. Sopravvissuto è una bella storia d’amore, ma anche di amicizia, e ha inaugurato una serie che si prospetta davvero molto intrigante e che non vedo l’ora di poter proseguire.
.
Lucia63 - per RFS
.
“Nei cinque anni in cui Frank lo aveva conosciuto, era passato da preadolescente incazzato con il mondo a un giovane straordinario con un promettente futuro. Dal momento che eccelleva nel baseball, e aveva giocato per tutta la durata della scuola superiore, aveva ricevuto una borsa di studio per l’Università del Texas a Austin in autunno. Avrebbe giocato per loro come matricola, mentre studiava per la sua laurea in scienze umanistiche. Frank non avrebbe potuto essere più orgoglioso. Lui e Taylor avevano stretto, negli ultimi cinque anni, una connessione e un legame indissolubile. Dopo aver perso sua madre di cancro quando era ancora un adolescente, Frank capiva gli sbalzi d’umore, la rabbia e il dolore associati alla perdita di un genitore. La differenza era che lui aveva ancora suo padre e la loro casa di famiglia a Martha’s Vineyard. Taylor aveva perso tutto in una sola notte. “
.
Taylor Langford ha solo 13 anni quando, in una notte, perde ogni cosa. Sua madre e suo padre sono vittime di un omicidio estremamente brutale e apparentemente senza motivo. Ma sua madre, prima di morire, è riuscita a nasconderlo, e noi attraverso i pensieri del killer scopriamo con sgomento che non è affatto soddisfatto, non ha portato a termine ciò che si era prefissato. Taylor è rimasto nascosto fino a quando un giovane agente di pattuglia, Frank Moore, ha individuato il suo nascondiglio ed è riuscito a tacitare le sue paure, ed è sempre lui che lo metterà in contatto con quelli che diventeranno i suoi genitori adottivi, Valerie e Charles Stone. Frank ha perso da poco la madre e sente, fin dal primo momento, un legame con quel ragazzino terrorizzato che ha perso ogni punto di riferimento. Nel corso dei successivi anni i genitori adottivi, rendendosi conto di quanto l’agente conti per Taylor, lo hanno reso parte della loro famiglia assieme al padre Hubert e al collega di Frank, l’agente Caleb, con la sua esuberante simpatica moglie Justine. Queste persone si sono strette intorno al giovane Taylor e sono diventate la sua nuova famiglia, passando insieme gran parte delle loro vacanze estive. Ed è proprio durante una di queste vacanze che Taylor scopre che i sentimenti di riconoscenza che sente per Frank, che per lui è stato come un fratello maggiore, stanno cambiando e diventando sempre più forti. E non è il solo, anche l’agente ha cominciato a vederlo sotto un’altra luce, ma teme di distruggere quel rapporto di fiducia ed amicizia che hanno sempre provato l’uno per l’altra, così come teme il giudizio dei suoi amici e degli Stone. Ma ben presto si renderà conto che tutti loro, da anni, li stanno osservando aspettando di vedere chi dei due avrebbe fatto la prima mossa, e che Taylor, quello che lui fatica a non chiamare ragazzino, è un uomo che sa perfettamente ciò che vuole. Eppure quando la felicità sembra a portata di mano, il vecchio caso di omicidio viene riaperto, verità insospettabili vengono alla luce, e Taylor e Frank scopriranno di essere al centro di un’indagine molto pericolosa.
Quello che ho apprezzato maggiormente in questo libro, è la perfetta caratterizzazione dei personaggi e la loro presenza costante durante tutta la storia. Vedremo così il bel rapporto che esiste fra i genitori adottivi di Taylor che faranno di tutto per aiutare il giovane a ritrovare un equilibrio, ma anche l’amore giocoso, sempre presente, fra l’agente Caleb e la sua simpatica moglie. L’autrice ci fa assistere alla crescita di Taylor, anno dopo anno, in capitoli che raccontano l’evolversi del loro rapporto e le diverse esperienze che entrambi faranno nel corso del tempo. Vedremo perciò un Taylor alle prese con i suoi incubi appoggiarsi a Frank, come se fosse un fratello maggiore, cominciare poi a fare le sue prime esperienze sessuali, laurearsi, e assistiamo al momento in cui entrambi si rendono conto che le loro emozioni stanno cambiando. Anche Frank avrà le sue relazioni, i suoi amici con benefici, che però non riusciranno mai a tacitare il desiderio che prova per Taylor, ora non più un ragazzino, ma un giovane uomo muscoloso ed aitante, che non lesina occhiate di fuoco. Ed è divertente vedere come tutti, dalla madre adottiva alla moglie di Caleb, fino al padre di Hubert siano coscienti di ciò che entrambi i ragazzi provino l’uno per l’altro, e siano in attesa delle loro mosse. Per Frank sarà più difficile riuscire a superare l’imbarazzo di quei dieci anni che li separano, ma sarà proprio Taylor il più deciso fra loro a mettere fine ad una situazione che sta facendo soffrire entrambi senza motivo. Forse è il più giovane, ma si dimostra l’elemento dominante della coppia. La loro è una storia dolce, la naturale conseguenza di un rapporto che ha avuto il tempo di maturare, entrambi hanno aspettato per averne la sicurezza. Anche le scene erotiche sono adeguate alle circostanze, intense e tenere, ma anche piene di ardore e capaci di trasmettere l’amore che entrambi provano.
Se la parte centrale scorre in modo piacevole e senza drammi, l’inizio inquietante e drammatico mette le basi per quella che sarà la parte finale, in cui verrà finalmente svelato il motivo dell’assassinio dei genitori. Una parte suspense che risulta interessante, anche se forse tutto si risolve in modo abbastanza veloce, ma non per questo meno godibile. Sopravvissuto è una bella storia d’amore, ma anche di amicizia, e ha inaugurato una serie che si prospetta davvero molto intrigante e che non vedo l’ora di poter proseguire.
.
Lucia63 - per RFS
April 3, 2024
RILETTURA 2024
Voto 4+/5
“Survivor” è una bella ed emozionante serie di T.M. Smith che ci parla di anime fragili e spezzate, che trovano la forza di rialzarsi in piedi e trovare un amore che dia un preciso significato alle loro vite. “Sopravvissuto” è il primo romanzo di questa saga, che attraverso la storia di Taylor Langford e Frank Moore, ci parla di rinascita e di capacità di trovare la forza, dopo un evento drammatico, per ricominciare ad andare avanti e ricostruire il proprio futuro.
La storia ha inizio diversi anni prima, durante una terribile notte in cui il tredicenne Taylor si ritrova da solo chiuso in soffitta, mentre aspetta che sua madre ritorni a prenderlo come gli aveva promesso. Tuttavia, i suoi occhi spaventati incrociano all’improvviso quelli azzurri di un giovane sconosciuto agente di polizia, che tenta di rassicurarlo prima di cercare di fargli capire che sua madre non tornerà più, poiché lei e suo padre sono stati brutalmente uccisi. Frank è il nome dell’agente e i suoi occhi non si staccheranno più da quelli del ragazzo. La vita di Taylor va letteralmente in pezzi, le sue notti sono tormentate dagli incubi, la serenità sembra ormai un traguardo irraggiungibile, ma è grazie a Frank che il ragazzo ritrova lentamente il suo equilibrio e una nuova famiglia con Val e Charles, due persone meravigliose che si propongono per l’adozione aiutandolo a rimettere insieme i cocci di un destino spezzato.
In questo romanzo T.M. Smith ripropone alcuni elementi che avevano già contraddistinto la sua scrittura nella serie “All Cocks”, ovvero i sentimenti positivi e la forza di una famiglia allargata che aiuta i suoi figli adottivi a trovare un rifugio e superare un passato oscuro e doloroso. “Sopravvissuto” è, comunque, una prova di ulteriore maturità di questa autrice e si distingue per una maggior potenza e incisività nella narrazione, che si costruisce pian piano, seguendo un’evoluzione dilatata nel corso degli anni, tramite capitoli strutturati con i punti di vista alternati di Taylor e Frank. I due protagonisti sono delineati con precisione e affetto, sono due splendidi uomini che trascorrono gli anni successivi alla tragedia quasi sempre l’uno accanto all’altro, mentre vedono i reciproci sentimenti rafforzarsi e trasformarsi in un rapporto sempre più profondo. Frank è un uomo generoso e affabile che ama il proprio lavoro, la famiglia e gli amici e farebbe qualsiasi cosa per proteggere il ragazzo che ha tratto in salvo quella terribile notte. Taylor è un giovane che sa dimostrarsi un vero combattente, che riesce ad alzarsi e a trasformare il suo dolore in energia positiva per aiutare gli altri, mentre lotta senza riserva per far valere il suo amore.
L’autrice ci regala anche immagini indimenticabili e pregne di nostalgia di Martha's Vineyard, l’isola nel Massachusetts in cui Frank ha un cottage, luogo privilegiato delle sue vacanze estive, dove rivive continuamente gli emozionanti ricordi di sua madre morta prematuramente e in cui inizia a ospitare Taylor e i suoi genitori adottivi. La meravigliosa isola non è solo lo scenario della memoria di un tempo trascorso, ma è anche luogo di costruzione di un futuro sereno, con il primo bacio in riva al mare tra Frank e Taylor, che, ormai ventitreenne, ha compreso pienamente la sua sessualità e il suo amore per il bellissimo poliziotto.
I due giovani hanno vissuto le loro esperienze, ma hanno maturato la consapevolezza di voler essere l’uno parte integrante della vita dell’altro, pur con tante incertezze, soprattutto da parte di Frank che teme la differenza di età e pensa che Taylor meriti di meglio. Ma il ragazzo, con la forza e la caparbietà del sopravvissuto, che vuole rimanere aggrappato alla vita e alla felicità ad ogni costo, gli dimostra, con un senso del possesso che fa sentire Frank rassicurato e desiderato, che non vuole nessun altro uomo se non lui.
Il loro rapporto, pieno di tenerezza e di passione bollente e totalizzante, sembra, tuttavia, minacciato dal male, incarnato in personaggi senza scrupoli: il romanzo è, infatti, anche un giallo ricco di suspense e colpi di scena, che cattura l’attenzione fino all’ultima pagina.
“Sopravvissuto” è, dunque, un libro molto bello, basato su un meccanismo che coniuga sentimenti, emozioni e adrenalina, con un messaggio fondamentale sulla possibilità di rinascere grazie alla forza interiore e alle persone speciali che accompagnano il cammino della vita.
Voto 4+/5
“Survivor” è una bella ed emozionante serie di T.M. Smith che ci parla di anime fragili e spezzate, che trovano la forza di rialzarsi in piedi e trovare un amore che dia un preciso significato alle loro vite. “Sopravvissuto” è il primo romanzo di questa saga, che attraverso la storia di Taylor Langford e Frank Moore, ci parla di rinascita e di capacità di trovare la forza, dopo un evento drammatico, per ricominciare ad andare avanti e ricostruire il proprio futuro.
La storia ha inizio diversi anni prima, durante una terribile notte in cui il tredicenne Taylor si ritrova da solo chiuso in soffitta, mentre aspetta che sua madre ritorni a prenderlo come gli aveva promesso. Tuttavia, i suoi occhi spaventati incrociano all’improvviso quelli azzurri di un giovane sconosciuto agente di polizia, che tenta di rassicurarlo prima di cercare di fargli capire che sua madre non tornerà più, poiché lei e suo padre sono stati brutalmente uccisi. Frank è il nome dell’agente e i suoi occhi non si staccheranno più da quelli del ragazzo. La vita di Taylor va letteralmente in pezzi, le sue notti sono tormentate dagli incubi, la serenità sembra ormai un traguardo irraggiungibile, ma è grazie a Frank che il ragazzo ritrova lentamente il suo equilibrio e una nuova famiglia con Val e Charles, due persone meravigliose che si propongono per l’adozione aiutandolo a rimettere insieme i cocci di un destino spezzato.
In questo romanzo T.M. Smith ripropone alcuni elementi che avevano già contraddistinto la sua scrittura nella serie “All Cocks”, ovvero i sentimenti positivi e la forza di una famiglia allargata che aiuta i suoi figli adottivi a trovare un rifugio e superare un passato oscuro e doloroso. “Sopravvissuto” è, comunque, una prova di ulteriore maturità di questa autrice e si distingue per una maggior potenza e incisività nella narrazione, che si costruisce pian piano, seguendo un’evoluzione dilatata nel corso degli anni, tramite capitoli strutturati con i punti di vista alternati di Taylor e Frank. I due protagonisti sono delineati con precisione e affetto, sono due splendidi uomini che trascorrono gli anni successivi alla tragedia quasi sempre l’uno accanto all’altro, mentre vedono i reciproci sentimenti rafforzarsi e trasformarsi in un rapporto sempre più profondo. Frank è un uomo generoso e affabile che ama il proprio lavoro, la famiglia e gli amici e farebbe qualsiasi cosa per proteggere il ragazzo che ha tratto in salvo quella terribile notte. Taylor è un giovane che sa dimostrarsi un vero combattente, che riesce ad alzarsi e a trasformare il suo dolore in energia positiva per aiutare gli altri, mentre lotta senza riserva per far valere il suo amore.
L’autrice ci regala anche immagini indimenticabili e pregne di nostalgia di Martha's Vineyard, l’isola nel Massachusetts in cui Frank ha un cottage, luogo privilegiato delle sue vacanze estive, dove rivive continuamente gli emozionanti ricordi di sua madre morta prematuramente e in cui inizia a ospitare Taylor e i suoi genitori adottivi. La meravigliosa isola non è solo lo scenario della memoria di un tempo trascorso, ma è anche luogo di costruzione di un futuro sereno, con il primo bacio in riva al mare tra Frank e Taylor, che, ormai ventitreenne, ha compreso pienamente la sua sessualità e il suo amore per il bellissimo poliziotto.
I due giovani hanno vissuto le loro esperienze, ma hanno maturato la consapevolezza di voler essere l’uno parte integrante della vita dell’altro, pur con tante incertezze, soprattutto da parte di Frank che teme la differenza di età e pensa che Taylor meriti di meglio. Ma il ragazzo, con la forza e la caparbietà del sopravvissuto, che vuole rimanere aggrappato alla vita e alla felicità ad ogni costo, gli dimostra, con un senso del possesso che fa sentire Frank rassicurato e desiderato, che non vuole nessun altro uomo se non lui.
Il loro rapporto, pieno di tenerezza e di passione bollente e totalizzante, sembra, tuttavia, minacciato dal male, incarnato in personaggi senza scrupoli: il romanzo è, infatti, anche un giallo ricco di suspense e colpi di scena, che cattura l’attenzione fino all’ultima pagina.
“Sopravvissuto” è, dunque, un libro molto bello, basato su un meccanismo che coniuga sentimenti, emozioni e adrenalina, con un messaggio fondamentale sulla possibilità di rinascere grazie alla forza interiore e alle persone speciali che accompagnano il cammino della vita.
August 29, 2017
REVIEWED FOR LOVE BYTES
Something a bit different from TM Smith.
This story starts in 2005 and begins with the voice of a stranger. The events of this day are shocking and will change the course of Taylor Langfords life. It will take away all that he holds most precious, it will leave him with and no understanding of why and it will introduce him to a kind rookie Police Officer called Frank Moore who will become instrumental in Taylor’s life in many, many ways over the years.
The first part of the story deals with the aftermath, Taylor’s childhood and early teen years. Even through the trauma and loss Taylor has good people on his side, mainly down to Frank, and his support network is tight and effective. Taylor slowly heals and becomes a confident young man with his own dreams. I really enjoyed this part of the story as you catch glimpses of how Taylor and Frank and their family’s lives become entwined.
The second part deals with an older Taylor who knows exactly who he is and exactly what and who he wants. Again, he has been lucky with the people he chooses to call family as the constant support and understanding is vital.
I love a romance with a good age gap and this one worked really well. It wasn’t always easy but the author also didn’t set them up with too many difficulties. Following their lives it almost seemed expected and the transition from friends to lovers felt natural and right. There is also the mystery element that strums steadily in the background without feeling too heavy against the romance. A great bunch of secondary characters added even more to an already great story and one that I would highly recommend.
Something a bit different from TM Smith.
This story starts in 2005 and begins with the voice of a stranger. The events of this day are shocking and will change the course of Taylor Langfords life. It will take away all that he holds most precious, it will leave him with and no understanding of why and it will introduce him to a kind rookie Police Officer called Frank Moore who will become instrumental in Taylor’s life in many, many ways over the years.
The first part of the story deals with the aftermath, Taylor’s childhood and early teen years. Even through the trauma and loss Taylor has good people on his side, mainly down to Frank, and his support network is tight and effective. Taylor slowly heals and becomes a confident young man with his own dreams. I really enjoyed this part of the story as you catch glimpses of how Taylor and Frank and their family’s lives become entwined.
The second part deals with an older Taylor who knows exactly who he is and exactly what and who he wants. Again, he has been lucky with the people he chooses to call family as the constant support and understanding is vital.
I love a romance with a good age gap and this one worked really well. It wasn’t always easy but the author also didn’t set them up with too many difficulties. Following their lives it almost seemed expected and the transition from friends to lovers felt natural and right. There is also the mystery element that strums steadily in the background without feeling too heavy against the romance. A great bunch of secondary characters added even more to an already great story and one that I would highly recommend.
September 7, 2017
I haven't read anything by this author and I know now I've been missing out. It's been a while since I've read a m/m read. Now I wanna read more after this wonderful read.
My heart broke for Taylor. His life fell apart when he was so young. At the crime scene of his parents death he bonded with Frank a police rookie. Over the years Frank saw Taylor grow from a young broken boy into a strong courageous handsome man. When they start getting feelings towards each other how will they move forward??
There's an age difference between these two but that don't bother me at all. Actually there's a bigger age difference between my partner and myself lol
I pretty much read this in one sitting. It was really well written and was a lovely romantic story. Beautiful m/m read that I'll certainly be re-reading.
My heart broke for Taylor. His life fell apart when he was so young. At the crime scene of his parents death he bonded with Frank a police rookie. Over the years Frank saw Taylor grow from a young broken boy into a strong courageous handsome man. When they start getting feelings towards each other how will they move forward??
There's an age difference between these two but that don't bother me at all. Actually there's a bigger age difference between my partner and myself lol
I pretty much read this in one sitting. It was really well written and was a lovely romantic story. Beautiful m/m read that I'll certainly be re-reading.
May 26, 2019
[...]Un sentimento forte che uno dei due alimenta e vuole portare alla luce mentre l'altro tenta di soffocarlo e negarlo.
"A volte era sicuro di poter sentire lo sguardo dell’uomo su di lui, gli occhi che indugiavano troppo a lungo prima che li distogliesse rapidamente per non farsi sorprendere a fissarlo."
Una battaglia a chi ha più forza di carattere e riuscirà a persuadere l'altro, un destino che non ha finito di mettere in pericolo le loro vite.
Una storia da leggere tutta d'un fiato.
Considerazioni
Nel libro si affronta un arco temporale di 10 anni, dove si assiste alla crescita dei personaggi e allo scorrere della loro vita con esperienze proprie e momenti condivisi. Un percorso che li vede complici e presenti, un bell'esempio di legame che nasce e si sviluppa fino a consolidarsi.[...]
https://opinionilibrose.blogspot.com/...
"A volte era sicuro di poter sentire lo sguardo dell’uomo su di lui, gli occhi che indugiavano troppo a lungo prima che li distogliesse rapidamente per non farsi sorprendere a fissarlo."
Una battaglia a chi ha più forza di carattere e riuscirà a persuadere l'altro, un destino che non ha finito di mettere in pericolo le loro vite.
Una storia da leggere tutta d'un fiato.
Considerazioni
Nel libro si affronta un arco temporale di 10 anni, dove si assiste alla crescita dei personaggi e allo scorrere della loro vita con esperienze proprie e momenti condivisi. Un percorso che li vede complici e presenti, un bell'esempio di legame che nasce e si sviluppa fino a consolidarsi.[...]
https://opinionilibrose.blogspot.com/...
March 15, 2018
When Taylor Langford is thirteen, his world is turned upside down by the murder of his parents. The only reason he wasn’t killed was because his mother shoved him into a crawlspace in the attic and told him not to come out unless she came for him. But the man who ultimately found him, rookie cop Frank Moore, becomes the most important person in Taylor’s life from that day forward.
This is an absolutely wonderful May to December, very slow burn MM romance, with engaging characters, an exciting plot, and a terrific narration. That’s win-win in my book! Frank and Taylor have a bit over ten years age difference, or at least that was my impression from the audiobook, and Frank never puts the move on Taylor, even when he slowly realizes what he feels for the young man is more than friendship. In fact, neither man alerts the other about their feelings that develop long after Taylor has passed puberty and high school and is finishing college. Taylor knew from a young age that Frank was his ideal man in every way, and as he aged those feelings only became stronger.
But it’s not until it’s so evident to their friends and extended family members—Taylor’s foster parents and Frank’s partner and his wife—that Frank finally decides to tell Taylor how he feels. That occurs at Taylor’s graduate degree graduation party, and by the time it happens, readers like me are rooting for this couple. Both characters are really well-developed and three dimensional—people I’d love to know in real life. The fact that the murderer is back after a ten-year absence and wants Taylor dead only adds to the excitement of this story.
Nick J. Russo did a wonderful job with the narration, providing a variety of voices, both male and female—each distinct and easy to recognize. That definitely made the audio experience worthwhile.
I definitely recommend this story to lovers of age gap MM romance and most definitely recommend it in audio format.
Note: This audiobook was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
This is an absolutely wonderful May to December, very slow burn MM romance, with engaging characters, an exciting plot, and a terrific narration. That’s win-win in my book! Frank and Taylor have a bit over ten years age difference, or at least that was my impression from the audiobook, and Frank never puts the move on Taylor, even when he slowly realizes what he feels for the young man is more than friendship. In fact, neither man alerts the other about their feelings that develop long after Taylor has passed puberty and high school and is finishing college. Taylor knew from a young age that Frank was his ideal man in every way, and as he aged those feelings only became stronger.
But it’s not until it’s so evident to their friends and extended family members—Taylor’s foster parents and Frank’s partner and his wife—that Frank finally decides to tell Taylor how he feels. That occurs at Taylor’s graduate degree graduation party, and by the time it happens, readers like me are rooting for this couple. Both characters are really well-developed and three dimensional—people I’d love to know in real life. The fact that the murderer is back after a ten-year absence and wants Taylor dead only adds to the excitement of this story.
Nick J. Russo did a wonderful job with the narration, providing a variety of voices, both male and female—each distinct and easy to recognize. That definitely made the audio experience worthwhile.
I definitely recommend this story to lovers of age gap MM romance and most definitely recommend it in audio format.
Note: This audiobook was provided to me by the publisher through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
January 17, 2020
Started off really good, then it stalled for a bit. Got a little too descriptive with scenery. Furthermore, I know neither mc’s are virgins, I get it, this is the first book I can remember where each mc has a vivid love scene of their own. Prior to them getting together of course but still I didn’t need that mental picture. I like when authors graze over the details of past relationships. All in all it was an okay read.
August 16, 2017
Survivor by T.M. Smith
3.5 stars
M/M Romance
Triggers: Murder
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
This was a sweet story about figuring out that it's OK to love, even after you've lost so much.
We start when Taylor is very young and Frank is just a rookie. Despite the horrific circumstances that they met under, it seems that Taylor and Frank were destined to always be in each other's lives. Taylor develops the hero complex and you get to see that evolve in to the relationship that ultimately develops between Taylor and Frank.
Frank is still kind of figuring out how to date and be a police officer. He has been burned before and now is much more careful. Even though his dating life is almost non-existent, his partner, Caleb is a great friend. They share almost everything with each other and Frank is close with Caleb's wife too.
I thought that the relationships within this story were very realistic. It was somewhat perplexing that we witnessed relationships that were outside of the main characters - explicit scenes too, so that was strange. However, the relationships within the main story were organic and real. I really liked how Frank and Taylor were able to come to the same conclusion and work out their differences.
I hope that other characters in this story get their own books too.
3.5 stars
M/M Romance
Triggers: Murder
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
This was a sweet story about figuring out that it's OK to love, even after you've lost so much.
We start when Taylor is very young and Frank is just a rookie. Despite the horrific circumstances that they met under, it seems that Taylor and Frank were destined to always be in each other's lives. Taylor develops the hero complex and you get to see that evolve in to the relationship that ultimately develops between Taylor and Frank.
Frank is still kind of figuring out how to date and be a police officer. He has been burned before and now is much more careful. Even though his dating life is almost non-existent, his partner, Caleb is a great friend. They share almost everything with each other and Frank is close with Caleb's wife too.
I thought that the relationships within this story were very realistic. It was somewhat perplexing that we witnessed relationships that were outside of the main characters - explicit scenes too, so that was strange. However, the relationships within the main story were organic and real. I really liked how Frank and Taylor were able to come to the same conclusion and work out their differences.
I hope that other characters in this story get their own books too.
August 23, 2018
3.5/5
It was a good book. I just didn't expect the direction the author decided to go with the story. It wasn't quite what I was prepare for, but it wasn't bad either. Solid read.
It was a good book. I just didn't expect the direction the author decided to go with the story. It wasn't quite what I was prepare for, but it wasn't bad either. Solid read.
February 20, 2018
✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ FOUR & 1/2 - STAR ✩ REVIEW ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩
> > Judging a Book by it's Cover < <
Broad brushstroke edges giving the background almost a tapestry type look and texture. Handsome model sitting alone. Bold title font, mostly legible author font. Color stands out well. Synopsis interested me.
> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> Third-person
Taylor was only thirteen years old when he lost his parents and home in one swift act of cruelty. Frank was the officer on scene that found him that night and had stuck by his side for the past ten years. It was only in the past few years that they began to see each other in a new light. Confusing, frustrating, and a little guilt-ridden, neither man was eager to own up to those new feelings quite yet.
The dynamics between Taylor and his foster-slash-adoptive parents were believable. Every now and again, a flashback or memory would pop up and certain things would make me think Taylor was much younger than his 13 years but rather more in the 8 to 10 range. The relationship between Taylor and Frank was a fun to watch develop, especially from Taylor's angle: from big brother/hero, to mentor/confidant, to later on crush... it had a natural progression. Caleb was the big, goofy Uncle. A few friends and family made the makeshift group a tighter family than if they were blood. The plot was interesting and dynamic. The story flowed well and kept the pages turning quickly, I did not want to put it down for anything. There were a few minor conflicts along the way that were handled well enough and in a fairly efficient manner. Predictability was mild. The conclusion was good and solid. There were only the most minor threads that I picked at as they were a little loose, but have been led to believe that there will be more stories following other characters and those slightly loose edges would most likely be further addressed at that time.
Overall, if this is a series debut, all I can say is that I look forward to the others! There were several secondary characters that I would love to see get a story of their own told and/or a HEA of their own.
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.2 ~ Stars: 4
==========================
> > AUDIO REVIEW < <
Narrator: Nick J Russo
Run time: 5 hours, 33 minutes
Nick J Russo's narration is terrific. It was easy to listen to with a clear vocal quality and smooth, fluid pace. Character voices were easily to identify and emotions were nicely conveyed. This is the first audio book I've listened to that was narrated by Mr. Russo and would not hesitate to listen to him again.
Score: 4.6
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⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received an ARC copy of this book from the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave 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 < <
Broad brushstroke edges giving the background almost a tapestry type look and texture. Handsome model sitting alone. Bold title font, mostly legible author font. Color stands out well. Synopsis interested me.
> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> Third-person
Taylor was only thirteen years old when he lost his parents and home in one swift act of cruelty. Frank was the officer on scene that found him that night and had stuck by his side for the past ten years. It was only in the past few years that they began to see each other in a new light. Confusing, frustrating, and a little guilt-ridden, neither man was eager to own up to those new feelings quite yet.
The dynamics between Taylor and his foster-slash-adoptive parents were believable. Every now and again, a flashback or memory would pop up and certain things would make me think Taylor was much younger than his 13 years but rather more in the 8 to 10 range. The relationship between Taylor and Frank was a fun to watch develop, especially from Taylor's angle: from big brother/hero, to mentor/confidant, to later on crush... it had a natural progression. Caleb was the big, goofy Uncle. A few friends and family made the makeshift group a tighter family than if they were blood. The plot was interesting and dynamic. The story flowed well and kept the pages turning quickly, I did not want to put it down for anything. There were a few minor conflicts along the way that were handled well enough and in a fairly efficient manner. Predictability was mild. The conclusion was good and solid. There were only the most minor threads that I picked at as they were a little loose, but have been led to believe that there will be more stories following other characters and those slightly loose edges would most likely be further addressed at that time.
Overall, if this is a series debut, all I can say is that I look forward to the others! There were several secondary characters that I would love to see get a story of their own told and/or a HEA of their own.
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.2 ~ Stars: 4
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> > AUDIO REVIEW < <
Narrator: Nick J Russo
Run time: 5 hours, 33 minutes
Nick J Russo's narration is terrific. It was easy to listen to with a clear vocal quality and smooth, fluid pace. Character voices were easily to identify and emotions were nicely conveyed. This is the first audio book I've listened to that was narrated by Mr. Russo and would not hesitate to listen to him again.
Score: 4.6
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⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received an ARC copy of this book from the Author/Publisher with the hope that I would voluntarily leave 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". ***** ⭐ ⭐
December 30, 2019
I want to mention this as a dnf but I struggled through. I want to read next in series, that's why.
The complete novel is summarised in the blurb, so why read the novel? The blurb also makes it sound like a police investigation novel, but it's not. It solely focuses on the two main characters interacting. It skipps from meeting to meeting with months or years in between, which makes it read like a summary. As a reader you don't get involved.
The complete novel is summarised in the blurb, so why read the novel? The blurb also makes it sound like a police investigation novel, but it's not. It solely focuses on the two main characters interacting. It skipps from meeting to meeting with months or years in between, which makes it read like a summary. As a reader you don't get involved.
September 17, 2018
I Love this book. I was really happy when it came out in Audio. This book really gives you a bit of everything and the writing is structured really well. It pulls you in at the beginning prologue with the intrigue of what is going to happen with the Murder of Taylors parents. Then the author gives you little snippets from all the different years/ages of Taylor’s life after his parent’s deaths so we get to watch and hear him growing up as the story goes on, with his first crush's and love interests and then with his schooling through all different stages in time. And how Frank lives his life basically around Taylors but he doesn’t seem realize it till further into the story, literally everything he does revolves around Taylor. I really enjoyed watching the two of them grow as people and then fall into love with each other over time after being best friends for years. You have some Sex, and Romance, & then your pulled right back into the suspense of what is going to happen and who did it when the bad guy from Crazy town comes back, the ending is perfect in this book. I want more of their story. I didn't want this book to finish. And.... Will there be more?!?!
Audio - Nick was a great choice as a narrator for this book!! He makes it very clear which character is speaking throughout the entire story and going back-n-forth between the two characters, it was extremely easy to follow along with this book and not get lost at all. I really believe He did a great job on this one!!
Audio - Nick was a great choice as a narrator for this book!! He makes it very clear which character is speaking throughout the entire story and going back-n-forth between the two characters, it was extremely easy to follow along with this book and not get lost at all. I really believe He did a great job on this one!!
September 10, 2022
DNF @ 12%.
For starters, there is no indentation or spacing between each paragraph, which makes it seem like you're just reading the world's longest paragraph. And it makes dialogue more difficult to follow. Formatting is one of those things I'm a little picky about.
Now, I read the blurb for this, but then I saved the book to read later and didn't re-read the blurb before reading the book.
Based on the first chapter, set in summer of 2005, I would have put Taylor at no more than 6 years, especially as he is referred to as a "child" and a "little boy".
The second chapter, told from Taylor's POV and taking place the following summer, still falls in line with someone who's at most 7 or 8.
So, when I got to the third chapter, taking place summer of 2007, and Taylor is "playing tonsil hockey", Frank is buying him condoms, and it says Taylor is 15, that marked the end of this for me. If you read the blurb and new going into this that Taylor was 13, maybe you would buy it. But I wouldn't refer to a 13 year old as little boy. I've known 9 year olds who sound older than what Taylor at 14 sounds.
For starters, there is no indentation or spacing between each paragraph, which makes it seem like you're just reading the world's longest paragraph. And it makes dialogue more difficult to follow. Formatting is one of those things I'm a little picky about.
Now, I read the blurb for this, but then I saved the book to read later and didn't re-read the blurb before reading the book.
Based on the first chapter, set in summer of 2005, I would have put Taylor at no more than 6 years, especially as he is referred to as a "child" and a "little boy".
The second chapter, told from Taylor's POV and taking place the following summer, still falls in line with someone who's at most 7 or 8.
So, when I got to the third chapter, taking place summer of 2007, and Taylor is "playing tonsil hockey", Frank is buying him condoms, and it says Taylor is 15, that marked the end of this for me. If you read the blurb and new going into this that Taylor was 13, maybe you would buy it. But I wouldn't refer to a 13 year old as little boy. I've known 9 year olds who sound older than what Taylor at 14 sounds.
February 1, 2018
Audio review.
I love May/December and this didn't disappoint.
Taylor's life was turned upside down when he was young and his parents were both murdered tragically. Frank, a police officer on his case stayed in touch and Frank, his partner and his wife, Franks dad and the foster parents that adopt Taylor all become a tight family. Taylor and Frank's relationship changes about ten years later when Taylor is grown and out of college.
I loved all of the characters in this story. The story is a great romance with a touch of suspense and mystery surrounding the death of Taylor's family. The story kept me engaged and I really wanted to finish all in one sitting. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Nick J Russo is a favorite narrator of mine and I can never tire of him. His voice is smooth and his pacing s more like telling a story not reading it. I love his voices for both Taylor and Frank and how distinctive they are. This is on my to listen to again list!
August 9, 2018
**review to post**
January 18, 2020
As much as I wanted to love this book, such dullness embues the writing (save for the powerful first scene, featuring the killer, Mrs Smith overindulges in dry-as-bones descriptions of mundane actions with nary a pithy turn of phrase and entirely too many repetitions of the same names, utterances and emotions), the romantic bond between Frank the copper and his hunky charge Taylor felt so feeble and fake - a matter of words instead of flesh and blood -, so devoid of sexual tension too, to ever gel in anything akin to a convincing romance (no May/December here, despite the blurb, since both leads are only separated by ten or so years), the entire cast remained so static and lifeless from start to finish (special mention must be made of Taylor, who, in his first two scenes, talks and is talked to, acts, and narrates as if he were many years younger than his stated age of 13), that it was almost painful to finish the story. A pet peeve of mine - that none, or only one, of the protagonists only receives a description - peeks out here with insolence: apart from his blue eyes and average height, we never know what Frank looks like, whereas Mrs Smith never tires of evoking Taylor's tall frame, toned body, pretty dark skin and sexy shaggy hair; this feels dangerously close to Gary Sue, lady! Why on earth the younger man feels so strongly attracted to his erstwhile rescuer is left to the reader to parse out on their own, something competent authors of romance do not tend to leave at that. Nor do they usually content themselves with the kind of breezy pacing in which none of the leads are allowed to wallow in their feelings (Mrs Smith is so inept that she makes it clear early on that neither Taylor nor Frank are particularly good at masking their hot gazes and lusty jealousy towards the other's significant other, yet she delays as much as she can their minute of reckoning so that it coincides with the resurgence of danger). Another consequence of that faulty literary agenda can be found in the temporal ellipses by which Mrs Smith eschewed writing numerous scenes that one should have been glad to have; for example, the introduction of Taylor's foster parents, all the bits of sleuthing over the killing of his birth family, the separate apparition of unwanted feelings in he and Frank. It was cheap of the writer, as well as ruinous to the emotional depth of her story, to gloss over in silence that entire gamut of contents. The convoluted rationale of the killer as far as Taylor is concerned, and its corollary the wind-broken quality of the scenes in which said monster does return to finish the job (I shall not spoil its pathetically meager surprises), drove the final nail into the carboard coffin of this pallid, anemic-looking romantic suspense. No way will I pick up any of its sequels.
September 4, 2017
3.5 stars
A new standalone by TM Smith but it appears this is leading to a new series (with different couples) This is classed as a May to December romance (one of my favourites) however there was only a ten year age gap which isn’t that wide an age difference to me.
Frank is one of the officers that are called to a disturbance that turns out to be the murder of Taylor’s parents. The young thirteen year old was saved by hiding in the attic crawl space where Frank and his partner Caleb at the scene found him. With Taylor now being alone in the World and being fostered out, Frank stuck close to the youngster and became a kind of older brother/mentor type person to him. Each summer Taylor and his foster parents along with Frank and his father holiday together. Over the years the bond between the families becomes stronger, especially the bond between Frank and Taylor.
Frank has always been open about his sexuality and when Taylor announces at fifteen that he prefers boys to girls is just another reason for Frank to advise and guide him. Once Taylor grows though into a tall and strapping man of muscle the mutual admiration between Frank and Taylor turns into something so much more.
I liked the premise of this storyline although I would have preferred less of a giveaway in the blurb which seems to tell the whole storyline whereas I like to unravel and be surprised as and when things happen. When the revelation came that there was a mutual attraction and love between the pair they make a decision that changes their whole dynamic as well as that of the family. This was easily accepted and no eyebrow was raised or rebuff made which I found a little suprising. I would have preferred a little angst and for both men to have much more soul searching before the big discussion took place. Everything seemed a little too easily resolved, even the drama of the murder of the past was quickly explained and executed.
I liked how the author did not make Taylor, being the youngest of the pair, to be super submissive as does happen in other age gap romances. However it seemed to go the other way entirely and whereas Frank had previously been all strong and full of leadership he seemed to become less as soon as the romance began. This made me loose connection a bit with the story when Taylor suddenly became this overly dominant person.
Overall though I did enjoy the story and in fact I read it in one sitting. It just needed a little more drama and soul searching in parts and for Frank not to have a personality switch (he also went from a top to a bottom and although this was touched on in the story I wanted them both to be a switch!) I shall look forward to any future story of the other characters if this does continue into a series. Three and a half stars.
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
A new standalone by TM Smith but it appears this is leading to a new series (with different couples) This is classed as a May to December romance (one of my favourites) however there was only a ten year age gap which isn’t that wide an age difference to me.
Frank is one of the officers that are called to a disturbance that turns out to be the murder of Taylor’s parents. The young thirteen year old was saved by hiding in the attic crawl space where Frank and his partner Caleb at the scene found him. With Taylor now being alone in the World and being fostered out, Frank stuck close to the youngster and became a kind of older brother/mentor type person to him. Each summer Taylor and his foster parents along with Frank and his father holiday together. Over the years the bond between the families becomes stronger, especially the bond between Frank and Taylor.
Frank has always been open about his sexuality and when Taylor announces at fifteen that he prefers boys to girls is just another reason for Frank to advise and guide him. Once Taylor grows though into a tall and strapping man of muscle the mutual admiration between Frank and Taylor turns into something so much more.
I liked the premise of this storyline although I would have preferred less of a giveaway in the blurb which seems to tell the whole storyline whereas I like to unravel and be surprised as and when things happen. When the revelation came that there was a mutual attraction and love between the pair they make a decision that changes their whole dynamic as well as that of the family. This was easily accepted and no eyebrow was raised or rebuff made which I found a little suprising. I would have preferred a little angst and for both men to have much more soul searching before the big discussion took place. Everything seemed a little too easily resolved, even the drama of the murder of the past was quickly explained and executed.
I liked how the author did not make Taylor, being the youngest of the pair, to be super submissive as does happen in other age gap romances. However it seemed to go the other way entirely and whereas Frank had previously been all strong and full of leadership he seemed to become less as soon as the romance began. This made me loose connection a bit with the story when Taylor suddenly became this overly dominant person.
Overall though I did enjoy the story and in fact I read it in one sitting. It just needed a little more drama and soul searching in parts and for Frank not to have a personality switch (he also went from a top to a bottom and although this was touched on in the story I wanted them both to be a switch!) I shall look forward to any future story of the other characters if this does continue into a series. Three and a half stars.
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
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