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Buried Passions
When Broadway actor Jonah receives word that his uncle has passed away and named him the heir to a property in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Jonah’s plan is to settle the estate as quickly as possible and return to his life in New York City. Much to Jonah’s surprise, the inheritance includes the Ashford Cemetery—and its hunky groundskeeper, recent Bosnian immigrant Luka Pavelka. Jonah soon discovers Luka is more than easy on the eyes. He sees into Jonah’s heart like no man ever before, and his job at the cemetery is all he has. If Jonah sells, Luka is left with nothing. Luka is there for Jonah when Jonah needs someone most, and there’s no denying the chemistry and connection between them. But Jonah has a successful career back in New York. Now he must decide if it’s still the life he wants….
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 9, 2018
73 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
April 11, 2024
Implausible premise, undeveloped characters, plot to nowhere.
The cemetery plays a large part in this book, yet it’s hardly described at all.
Luka is a likable character—if you enjoy caricatures.
Jonah is extremely irritating, self-absorbed, and abrasive. If Luka is so nice, you’d think some of it would rub off on Jonah. And you’d be wrong.
The author has no clue how to write a decent or accurate sex scene. It’s so fake.
I have come to the conclusion that this writer’s style is not for me. I expect at least some effort to try to sell me on the plot and the romance, not some paint-by-numbers mess that a tenth grader could have produced.
The cemetery plays a large part in this book, yet it’s hardly described at all.
Luka is a likable character—if you enjoy caricatures.
Jonah is extremely irritating, self-absorbed, and abrasive. If Luka is so nice, you’d think some of it would rub off on Jonah. And you’d be wrong.
The author has no clue how to write a decent or accurate sex scene. It’s so fake.
I have come to the conclusion that this writer’s style is not for me. I expect at least some effort to try to sell me on the plot and the romance, not some paint-by-numbers mess that a tenth grader could have produced.
January 12, 2018
Awwwwwww!
Andrew Grey has put a lot of his good stuff in here, so much so that he completely forgot to create a really serious, knockdown, violent crises. In fact, he brings a sense of community continuity here with the use of Darryl and Billy's Café Belgie (from the "Taste of Love" series) as a wonderful bridge in the lives of Jonah and Luka, another incongruous pair of lovers in the Grey mould.
This is a loving, unique, sweetly moving story where you have to stop after every chapter and whisper, or whine, "awwww." Jonah is torn between his new inheritance and his insta-love Luka, and Luka is a deeply honest and guilt-ridden Bosnian immigrant who needs to take care of someone, and now that Jonah's uncle Samuel has passed, he gets his wish. Based on that cover, we should all be so lucky!
Awwwww.
Loved this one, a rocking chair or hammock read (or anywhere else). A triumph of understated peace and quiet and a very good love story as well.
Andrew Grey has put a lot of his good stuff in here, so much so that he completely forgot to create a really serious, knockdown, violent crises. In fact, he brings a sense of community continuity here with the use of Darryl and Billy's Café Belgie (from the "Taste of Love" series) as a wonderful bridge in the lives of Jonah and Luka, another incongruous pair of lovers in the Grey mould.
This is a loving, unique, sweetly moving story where you have to stop after every chapter and whisper, or whine, "awwww." Jonah is torn between his new inheritance and his insta-love Luka, and Luka is a deeply honest and guilt-ridden Bosnian immigrant who needs to take care of someone, and now that Jonah's uncle Samuel has passed, he gets his wish. Based on that cover, we should all be so lucky!
Awwwww.
Loved this one, a rocking chair or hammock read (or anywhere else). A triumph of understated peace and quiet and a very good love story as well.
July 7, 2022
I call Andrew Grey my "comfort muse". Everything he writes contains such loving, unique, and sweetly moving stories with characters that you want to see find their happy ever after as soon as you meet them. Well...he's gone and done it again. Meet Jonah who is torn between his new inheritance from his uncle, his acting career in New York, and the guy he has fallen almost instantly in love with, Luka. Luka is a deeply honest but guilt-ridden Bosnian immigrant who wants/needs, to take care of someone, and Jonah appears to be more than willing to oblige. The twist and turns of this story dealt with not only family shunning and secrets but hope and joy in the newness of starting over with someone that shares your hopes and dreams...but most of all loves you with every breath they take.
January 15, 2018
I really wanted to read this book since I read the plot xD
This thing about receiving inheritances from not very close relatives, specially a cemetry, It sounded very telenovela to me.
And Yes! It is far-fetched story, but it´s a very cute one!!
The MC have to deal with this inheritance and decides if he wants to continue with his life or built a new one around the new happenings...
And in the other hand he meet Luka... Luka has his own problems, he is very far from his country, has difficulties with the language , but they share a bound , work together, and fall in love :D
This thing about receiving inheritances from not very close relatives, specially a cemetry, It sounded very telenovela to me.
And Yes! It is far-fetched story, but it´s a very cute one!!
The MC have to deal with this inheritance and decides if he wants to continue with his life or built a new one around the new happenings...
And in the other hand he meet Luka... Luka has his own problems, he is very far from his country, has difficulties with the language , but they share a bound , work together, and fall in love :D
April 21, 2018
Told from the single POV of out and proud Broadway actor, Jonah, he's surprised when he finds out he's the heir to property in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
Jonah plans to leave New York only for as long as it takes to settle his uncle, Samuel's, estate, but when he learns the estate includes a cemetery and he starts to fall for the gorgeous groundskeeper, Luka, Jonah finds himself with some hard decisions to make.
There were a few things that kept me from loving this - I was disappointed I didn't find out what the feud was between Jonah's mother and Samuel, the pacing was a bit slow, and I was hoping for some more levity or humor, but overall the story was a light listen made better for Joel Leslie's narration.
Joel's performance made the characters feel real and relatable and the setting feel authentic.
Buried Passions is a sweet romance with some character growth, a realistic setting, some insta-love with plenty of chemistry, and a very happy ending.
Story = 3 Stars , Narration = 4 Stars, Total = 3.5 Stars
Audio copy of Buried Passions provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
May 3, 2018
Buried Passions is the perfect warm feels, smile on my face story that Andrew Grey does so well. He gets into the hearts of his characters, and delivers a sweet romance with crazy hot chemistry. There’s always conflict and a bit of controversy in an Andrew Grey novel, and I found the way he addresses such here intensely meaningful. Buried Passions is a winner, and the only way I can imagine it being any better is having Joel Leslie read it to me!
Broadway performer Jonah Hughs is in between shows when he gets the news his deceased uncle has passed away, and he’s the sole inheritor. Cash, a house and car, basically everything you’d expect and… wow, a historical cemetery complete with its own hunky groundskeeper. Well Jonah’s no fool and figures he’ll make the best of it, a nice break from city life in small town Carlisle, Pennsylvania; plus, why should he resist such appealing eye-candy?!
My favorite part of Buried Passions is seeing how this somewhat jaded, New York City dweller describes life and the people around him. His observations of life in The Big Apple, and performers in general, is spot on and absolutely hilarious. Then when he gets to the rural landscape and the people there, well it’s just too good. Andrew Grey always finds little quirks in his characters and develops them into such realistic people. It’s seriously funny, and Grey doesn’t miss a thing.
I love the voice Joel Leslie uses for Jonah. He throws in these hilarious little flourishes that completely crack me up. Listening to Jonah describe eating buffalo wings, “‘I ate them with relish, using ranch dressing instead of blue cheese... they were messy and amazing, and by the time I was done, my mouth tingled and I was satiated… at least for food.’” Can’t you just hear Joel Leslie performing that? He definitely has Jonah figured out.
This is one of the things Andrew Grey does so well. He never runs out of descriptive phrases that spark my senses (he actually had me craving buffalo wings). Seriously though, he paints a picture with words in a way that make his books so much fun to read.
Where Buried Passions really gets going is when Jonah starts to connect with Luka Pavelka, the groundskeeper for the cemetary. Jonah’s used to floating from one hookup to the next, and when Luka explains how they’re making love, not just having sex, it comes straight from Luka’s heart and it is absolutely lovely. As Jonah gradually accepts the intimacy Luka provides it changes the way he thinks about his life.
The longer he stays in Carlisle, PA, the more conflicted Jonah becomes. He realizes what he’s missed by not getting to know his estranged uncle, and the wonderful places and people that make up this small town. Does he truly miss the crazy rat race of NYC and all the pressures that go with it? Is having success as a performer the most important thing? At least for Jonah, maybe it’s not as simple as the old saying “home is where the heart is”; maybe being part of a community, adding value, and being loved is what truly makes a home.
Broadway performer Jonah Hughs is in between shows when he gets the news his deceased uncle has passed away, and he’s the sole inheritor. Cash, a house and car, basically everything you’d expect and… wow, a historical cemetery complete with its own hunky groundskeeper. Well Jonah’s no fool and figures he’ll make the best of it, a nice break from city life in small town Carlisle, Pennsylvania; plus, why should he resist such appealing eye-candy?!
My favorite part of Buried Passions is seeing how this somewhat jaded, New York City dweller describes life and the people around him. His observations of life in The Big Apple, and performers in general, is spot on and absolutely hilarious. Then when he gets to the rural landscape and the people there, well it’s just too good. Andrew Grey always finds little quirks in his characters and develops them into such realistic people. It’s seriously funny, and Grey doesn’t miss a thing.
I love the voice Joel Leslie uses for Jonah. He throws in these hilarious little flourishes that completely crack me up. Listening to Jonah describe eating buffalo wings, “‘I ate them with relish, using ranch dressing instead of blue cheese... they were messy and amazing, and by the time I was done, my mouth tingled and I was satiated… at least for food.’” Can’t you just hear Joel Leslie performing that? He definitely has Jonah figured out.
This is one of the things Andrew Grey does so well. He never runs out of descriptive phrases that spark my senses (he actually had me craving buffalo wings). Seriously though, he paints a picture with words in a way that make his books so much fun to read.
Where Buried Passions really gets going is when Jonah starts to connect with Luka Pavelka, the groundskeeper for the cemetary. Jonah’s used to floating from one hookup to the next, and when Luka explains how they’re making love, not just having sex, it comes straight from Luka’s heart and it is absolutely lovely. As Jonah gradually accepts the intimacy Luka provides it changes the way he thinks about his life.
The longer he stays in Carlisle, PA, the more conflicted Jonah becomes. He realizes what he’s missed by not getting to know his estranged uncle, and the wonderful places and people that make up this small town. Does he truly miss the crazy rat race of NYC and all the pressures that go with it? Is having success as a performer the most important thing? At least for Jonah, maybe it’s not as simple as the old saying “home is where the heart is”; maybe being part of a community, adding value, and being loved is what truly makes a home.
March 23, 2018
Inheritances happen all the time, but to be left a cemetery? That is pretty rare. It is also, in the case of Jonah, a life-changing event, and not just because managing a graveyard is more difficult than you might think. Jonah is an actor, trying to make it big on Broadway, and has always dreamed about spending his life on-stage. But then there is Luka, the cemetery’s groundskeeper, and suddenly Jonah has a big decision to make between his career and the man he has fallen in love with. It’s a classic dilemma but that doesn’t make it any easier for Jonah to figure out what is more important to him. As a result, this story is emotional, moving, and focuses on the kind of character growth and real-life changes that Andrew Grey is so good at portraying.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
January 18, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
I liked this one. Jonah is a decent guy, and his life in NYC isn’t emotionally satisfying. Not in the way that Jonah feels about being accepted in his uncle’s small town. He sees all the good work his uncle did, and it inspires him to engage with the community. The story blends in interesting themes of prejudice, and not just homophobia. The anti-immigrant sentiment was dealt with in a realistic way. And the Big City versus small town mentality was handled well, too. The cemetery ends up being an interesting labor of love that has unexpected finds, including Jonah’s family roots. Jonah’s sad to learn that his uncle had a male lover who died in combat decades before, especially when Luka confides that he’d never recovered from that loss. The sweet thing is Jonah’s uncle wanted Jonah to have opportunities to live openly, which is why he’s the sole heir. I wished we had a little more of Jonah’s family in this book. I wondered how his mother and her brother had gotten estranged, and if there would have been any healing there.
The time Jonah spends in Pennsylvania, learning about his uncle and feeling Luka’s pure affection, realigns his ideas about success and family. That felt rather realistic and the conversations Jonah has with his best friend further cement the changes in Jonah’s mind. There’s some yummy sexytimes, and tender conversations that bond Luka and Jonah together. Naturally, Jonah has tough choices to make: his future on Broadway or his future with Luka. It’s not super easy, but Jonah’s encouraged by his uncle’s example and makes their ending happy. The epilogue ensures that he and Luka have built a loving life together.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
I liked this one. Jonah is a decent guy, and his life in NYC isn’t emotionally satisfying. Not in the way that Jonah feels about being accepted in his uncle’s small town. He sees all the good work his uncle did, and it inspires him to engage with the community. The story blends in interesting themes of prejudice, and not just homophobia. The anti-immigrant sentiment was dealt with in a realistic way. And the Big City versus small town mentality was handled well, too. The cemetery ends up being an interesting labor of love that has unexpected finds, including Jonah’s family roots. Jonah’s sad to learn that his uncle had a male lover who died in combat decades before, especially when Luka confides that he’d never recovered from that loss. The sweet thing is Jonah’s uncle wanted Jonah to have opportunities to live openly, which is why he’s the sole heir. I wished we had a little more of Jonah’s family in this book. I wondered how his mother and her brother had gotten estranged, and if there would have been any healing there.
The time Jonah spends in Pennsylvania, learning about his uncle and feeling Luka’s pure affection, realigns his ideas about success and family. That felt rather realistic and the conversations Jonah has with his best friend further cement the changes in Jonah’s mind. There’s some yummy sexytimes, and tender conversations that bond Luka and Jonah together. Naturally, Jonah has tough choices to make: his future on Broadway or his future with Luka. It’s not super easy, but Jonah’s encouraged by his uncle’s example and makes their ending happy. The epilogue ensures that he and Luka have built a loving life together.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
January 9, 2018
Told from Jonah's mind. Jonah a decent, kind guy, hardworking as an actor, dancer and singer. The musical he's working on just stopped. At the same moment he gets a very special mail with the news that his uncle past away and he is the only heir... Among the inherited was a cemetery... with one employee... the groundskeeper. Jonah wants to get rid of it all as soon as possible, so he can return to New York. Until he meets the groundskeeper....gorgeous Luka.
Luka is one build hunk and the attraction is instant and in no time they end up between the sheets. Not at all what Jonah expected on his way to his uncle's village Carlisle.
Luka has a quite difficult background story which he handles really well actually.
The cemetery has a story of its own. Jonah and Luka work hard side by side to keep things proper on the graveyard. When Jonah finds a somewhat hidden haggard piece of ground he wants to know what is beneath all the wilderness and why his uncle left it like that.
Jonah can perfectly separate his feelings from his obligations. He will enjoy his time with Luka and go back to New York...simple...uhuh ......
A sweet light read with also some touching aspects. Lovely main characters, serious types, even a bit neat and prim. What I missed was some humor...the only humor and flippancy came from Jonah's friend Chet. Overall a good and well-developed story, situated in an exceptional setting.
Read and reviewed for Diverse Reader
https://diversereader.blogspot.nl/201...
Luka is one build hunk and the attraction is instant and in no time they end up between the sheets. Not at all what Jonah expected on his way to his uncle's village Carlisle.
Luka has a quite difficult background story which he handles really well actually.
The cemetery has a story of its own. Jonah and Luka work hard side by side to keep things proper on the graveyard. When Jonah finds a somewhat hidden haggard piece of ground he wants to know what is beneath all the wilderness and why his uncle left it like that.
Jonah can perfectly separate his feelings from his obligations. He will enjoy his time with Luka and go back to New York...simple...uhuh ......
A sweet light read with also some touching aspects. Lovely main characters, serious types, even a bit neat and prim. What I missed was some humor...the only humor and flippancy came from Jonah's friend Chet. Overall a good and well-developed story, situated in an exceptional setting.
Read and reviewed for Diverse Reader
https://diversereader.blogspot.nl/201...
January 18, 2018
Buried Passions by Andrew Grey is a standalone story inspired by the sale of a cemetery local close to where the author currently resides.
It is all about finding oneself, dealing with cultural differences and enduring societal bigotry.
Sweet and tender, as always Andrew Grey provides a good paced, engaging story with well developed characters that flows flawlessly.
Broadway musical performer Jonah Hughes has just learned three things. One: his current musical is shutting down putting him out of work, two: a call to his boyfriend reveals that he is single once again, and three: his uncle Sam just passed away leaving his entire estate to Jonah.
With nothing holding Jonah back, he sets off to “handle” his uncle Sam’s estate. He hasn’t seen his uncle for several years due to a falling out between Sam and Jonah’s mother. Once there Jonah discovers that the estate includes Sam’s house, car, an Adirondack cabin, money... and the Ashford cemetery. What is one to do with a cemetery?
Along the way Jonah becomes obsessed with learning about his uncle and upon discovering what a kind and giving man he was, and how he lost the love of his life due to tragedy, Jonah undergoes a sense of deep loss for not having Sam in his life these past several years.
As Jonah decides what to do about his cemetery, really a cemetery?, he encounters Luka Pavelka, its hunky groundskeeper and recent Bosnian immigrant. Luka relocated to America with uncle Sam’s help after “shaming” his family for being gay. He speaks in broken English and is more often than not shunned and ignored by the locals.
The connection between Jonah and Luka is instant. As they work together to clean up the cemetery discovering hidden treasures along the way, Jonah re-evaluates his initial reaction to dump the cemetery as soon as possible. How can he undo all the good his uncle has done?
Overall Buried Passions is a sweet, tender read with a bit of humor and slight angst and multiple awww’s throughout, warming the heart.
There is a sense of community both positive and negative. Andrew Grey has even thrown in a loose connection to his Taste of Love series, let’s see if you can find it.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story even though for me something was missing to push it to a full 5 hearts. But don’t let that deter you from grabbing a copy, curling up with a cup of your favorite hot beverage, and engrossing yourself in Jonah’s, Luka’s, and even Sam’s journey. You won’t be disappointed.
A copy of Buried Passions was provided to Kimmers’ Erotic Book Banter, by RBTL Book Promotions, at no cost and with no expectations in return. We offer our fair and honest opinion on behalf of our readers.
http://kimmerseroticbookb.wixsite.com...
http://kimmerseroticbookb.wixsite.com...
It is all about finding oneself, dealing with cultural differences and enduring societal bigotry.
Sweet and tender, as always Andrew Grey provides a good paced, engaging story with well developed characters that flows flawlessly.
Broadway musical performer Jonah Hughes has just learned three things. One: his current musical is shutting down putting him out of work, two: a call to his boyfriend reveals that he is single once again, and three: his uncle Sam just passed away leaving his entire estate to Jonah.
With nothing holding Jonah back, he sets off to “handle” his uncle Sam’s estate. He hasn’t seen his uncle for several years due to a falling out between Sam and Jonah’s mother. Once there Jonah discovers that the estate includes Sam’s house, car, an Adirondack cabin, money... and the Ashford cemetery. What is one to do with a cemetery?
Along the way Jonah becomes obsessed with learning about his uncle and upon discovering what a kind and giving man he was, and how he lost the love of his life due to tragedy, Jonah undergoes a sense of deep loss for not having Sam in his life these past several years.
As Jonah decides what to do about his cemetery, really a cemetery?, he encounters Luka Pavelka, its hunky groundskeeper and recent Bosnian immigrant. Luka relocated to America with uncle Sam’s help after “shaming” his family for being gay. He speaks in broken English and is more often than not shunned and ignored by the locals.
The connection between Jonah and Luka is instant. As they work together to clean up the cemetery discovering hidden treasures along the way, Jonah re-evaluates his initial reaction to dump the cemetery as soon as possible. How can he undo all the good his uncle has done?
Overall Buried Passions is a sweet, tender read with a bit of humor and slight angst and multiple awww’s throughout, warming the heart.
There is a sense of community both positive and negative. Andrew Grey has even thrown in a loose connection to his Taste of Love series, let’s see if you can find it.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story even though for me something was missing to push it to a full 5 hearts. But don’t let that deter you from grabbing a copy, curling up with a cup of your favorite hot beverage, and engrossing yourself in Jonah’s, Luka’s, and even Sam’s journey. You won’t be disappointed.
A copy of Buried Passions was provided to Kimmers’ Erotic Book Banter, by RBTL Book Promotions, at no cost and with no expectations in return. We offer our fair and honest opinion on behalf of our readers.
http://kimmerseroticbookb.wixsite.com...
http://kimmerseroticbookb.wixsite.com...
dnf
July 25, 2020Rating: dnf
This book just wasn’t for me. Right off the bat Jonah steps in dog poo and doesn’t immediately rush to wash his hands after cleaning some of it off with a napkin. Grossed me out to no end. It didn’t get better from there. I read up to the part where he inherited his uncle’s estate and met Luka and I was so bored that I decided to skip to the end and see what happened. Started reading the epilogue and realized that I still didn’t care and didn’t even finish reading that.
This book just wasn’t for me. Right off the bat Jonah steps in dog poo and doesn’t immediately rush to wash his hands after cleaning some of it off with a napkin. Grossed me out to no end. It didn’t get better from there. I read up to the part where he inherited his uncle’s estate and met Luka and I was so bored that I decided to skip to the end and see what happened. Started reading the epilogue and realized that I still didn’t care and didn’t even finish reading that.
May 11, 2019
I DNF'ed this book at 97% - how I managed to last this long I will never understand. It was predictable, dull and not very good. I really didn't like the MC, I'm not sure who would ever find such a whiney and insecure person likable let alone lovable.
I checked through all the other times I've read Andrew Grey and this has to be the last time as I always end up disliking his writing style. Oh well yet another author for my not to buy list.
I checked through all the other times I've read Andrew Grey and this has to be the last time as I always end up disliking his writing style. Oh well yet another author for my not to buy list.
May 17, 2018
Audiobook provided through Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words in exchange for an impartial review.
Well, this was either the best book Andrew Grey has written in many years or Joel Leslie’s performance on this audiobook was so outstanding that it made this into the best audiobook I’ve heard this year.
Jonah is a Broadway actor “between shows” when he receives word that his favorite uncle has passed away and left him a property in Pennsylvania. It turns out the inheritance includes a cemetery, and the groundskeeper, much to Jonah’s surprise, is a handsome young Bosnian immigrant named Luka.
Jonah and Luka quickly become friends as Jonah works with Luka to clear away a part of the cemetery that’s been neglected. They discover that many of the gravesites have a historical value and among the discoveries is the grave of a young man killed in service to his country—a young man who was about to complete his enlistment and return home to be with Jonah’s uncle. Though no one ever knew the man was gay, Jonah now knows and takes to heart the advice his uncle left him in a letter.
In large part, the story is about the romance between Jonah and Luka, but it’s also about Jonah’s decision about his career and his life choices. Does he seize the opportunity he’s been given with Luka and run with it, or does he return to his successful career and the role of a lifetime that awaits him there? Readers and listeners will find out. I will say that the author does not disappoint and gives us a Happily Ever After but the real pleasure here, for me, was in listening to Joel Leslie’s outstanding performance. Yes, he’s one of my favorites, but honestly? This time, he surpassed even my lofty expectations.
Andrew Grey’s work is easily recognizable—he has a certain style in the way he writes. I enjoy his work and as I read his books, I often notice little things like the way his character speaks or the detail he puts into a story, like making sure car doors are closed and jackets are hung in a hall closet—unlike some authors who just move the character from the car to the living room without taking the steps to get there. But in this story, I was so caught up in the characters and their interactions that I simply didn’t pay any attention to any of the usual details so I basically forgot who wrote the story and just enjoyed listening. I was swept away by the romance—both the current one and the one Jonah discovered among his uncle’s letters. I was rooting for the guys, interested in what was happening with the cemetery, and wondering what surprises Jonah’s agent had in store for him. And all because of the outstanding narration.
Kudos to both Andrew Grey and Joel Leslie for teaming up to bring this story to life. I highly recommend it to lovers of MM romance.
Well, this was either the best book Andrew Grey has written in many years or Joel Leslie’s performance on this audiobook was so outstanding that it made this into the best audiobook I’ve heard this year.
Jonah is a Broadway actor “between shows” when he receives word that his favorite uncle has passed away and left him a property in Pennsylvania. It turns out the inheritance includes a cemetery, and the groundskeeper, much to Jonah’s surprise, is a handsome young Bosnian immigrant named Luka.
Jonah and Luka quickly become friends as Jonah works with Luka to clear away a part of the cemetery that’s been neglected. They discover that many of the gravesites have a historical value and among the discoveries is the grave of a young man killed in service to his country—a young man who was about to complete his enlistment and return home to be with Jonah’s uncle. Though no one ever knew the man was gay, Jonah now knows and takes to heart the advice his uncle left him in a letter.
In large part, the story is about the romance between Jonah and Luka, but it’s also about Jonah’s decision about his career and his life choices. Does he seize the opportunity he’s been given with Luka and run with it, or does he return to his successful career and the role of a lifetime that awaits him there? Readers and listeners will find out. I will say that the author does not disappoint and gives us a Happily Ever After but the real pleasure here, for me, was in listening to Joel Leslie’s outstanding performance. Yes, he’s one of my favorites, but honestly? This time, he surpassed even my lofty expectations.
Andrew Grey’s work is easily recognizable—he has a certain style in the way he writes. I enjoy his work and as I read his books, I often notice little things like the way his character speaks or the detail he puts into a story, like making sure car doors are closed and jackets are hung in a hall closet—unlike some authors who just move the character from the car to the living room without taking the steps to get there. But in this story, I was so caught up in the characters and their interactions that I simply didn’t pay any attention to any of the usual details so I basically forgot who wrote the story and just enjoyed listening. I was swept away by the romance—both the current one and the one Jonah discovered among his uncle’s letters. I was rooting for the guys, interested in what was happening with the cemetery, and wondering what surprises Jonah’s agent had in store for him. And all because of the outstanding narration.
Kudos to both Andrew Grey and Joel Leslie for teaming up to bring this story to life. I highly recommend it to lovers of MM romance.
April 12, 2018
"Undeniable attraction"
What did you love best about Buried Passions?
Joel Leslie's rendition of Jonah and Luka. He really pulled Jonah's uncertainty and need to be loved from the pages, as well as Luka's heart of gold that shown through his actions and words.
Who was your favorite character and why?
Luka, cause he sounds like Victor!
Seriously though, I loved Luka almost as much as Jonah did. He's this big, imposing man on the outside, with the soul of a lover, provider and protector inside. And yes, all these attributes and characteristics come through in the narration.
What about Joel Leslie’s performance did you like?
Every-damn-thing. Joel is one of a handful of narrators that puts the emotions the characters feel into his narration. Through tones, inflections and subtle nuances he brings the Authors words to life.
If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?
Undeniable Attraction
Any additional comments?
The perfect marriage of writing and narration, Buried Passions will keep you engaged and enamored until the end. I thoroughly enjoyed the book when I read it and now with the addition of narration it really takes the story to another level. Grey is an amazing Author with an never ending mental dictionary of words to describe emotions like love, passion and understanding. Then Leslie takes those words and breaths life into them.
If you're a fan of the Author or the Narrator this is obviously already in your library. Everyone else just go ahead and click buy.
What did you love best about Buried Passions?
Joel Leslie's rendition of Jonah and Luka. He really pulled Jonah's uncertainty and need to be loved from the pages, as well as Luka's heart of gold that shown through his actions and words.
Who was your favorite character and why?
Luka, cause he sounds like Victor!
Seriously though, I loved Luka almost as much as Jonah did. He's this big, imposing man on the outside, with the soul of a lover, provider and protector inside. And yes, all these attributes and characteristics come through in the narration.
What about Joel Leslie’s performance did you like?
Every-damn-thing. Joel is one of a handful of narrators that puts the emotions the characters feel into his narration. Through tones, inflections and subtle nuances he brings the Authors words to life.
If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?
Undeniable Attraction
Any additional comments?
The perfect marriage of writing and narration, Buried Passions will keep you engaged and enamored until the end. I thoroughly enjoyed the book when I read it and now with the addition of narration it really takes the story to another level. Grey is an amazing Author with an never ending mental dictionary of words to describe emotions like love, passion and understanding. Then Leslie takes those words and breaths life into them.
If you're a fan of the Author or the Narrator this is obviously already in your library. Everyone else just go ahead and click buy.
January 1, 2018
✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ FOUR-STAR ✩ REVIEW ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩
> > Judging a Book by it's Cover < <
Half-naked male standing with landscaping machinery in a well-groomed cemetery. Kind of cheesy looking and I'd probably have passed it over if not for the author name. Synopsis was interesting enough to give it a try.
> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> First-person, Jonah's POV
Broadway entertainer, Jonah Hughes, received an inheritance from an uncle be barely knew. Seemingly included in the package was hunky Bosnian groundskeeper, Luka.
A classic story of love vs career with some humor and heart. The cast was likable and the chemistry was good, sexy scenes were not explicit. Dialogue and interaction were believable. The plot was decent but was low in excitement or conflict. Predictability was pretty low. The ending had an entertaining epilogue and the conclusion was solid enough to assume they had their HEA ending.
Overall, it was another well-written, enjoyable story.
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.2 ~ Stars: 4
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a 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 < <
Half-naked male standing with landscaping machinery in a well-groomed cemetery. Kind of cheesy looking and I'd probably have passed it over if not for the author name. Synopsis was interesting enough to give it a try.
> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> First-person, Jonah's POV
Broadway entertainer, Jonah Hughes, received an inheritance from an uncle be barely knew. Seemingly included in the package was hunky Bosnian groundskeeper, Luka.
A classic story of love vs career with some humor and heart. The cast was likable and the chemistry was good, sexy scenes were not explicit. Dialogue and interaction were believable. The plot was decent but was low in excitement or conflict. Predictability was pretty low. The ending had an entertaining epilogue and the conclusion was solid enough to assume they had their HEA ending.
Overall, it was another well-written, enjoyable story.
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.2 ~ Stars: 4
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a 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". ***** ⭐ ⭐
January 15, 2019
Not quite 4 stars. But 3.5. 3.75 :-D
Read
June 14, 2019No stars. Mediocre plot line. It takes the main character way too long to make up his mind. Vanilla sex. Forced myself to finish. No wonder this author is so prolific. He puts no thought or creativity into his writing.
February 13, 2018
Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews: http://lovebytesreviews.com/2018/01/0...
Well Andrew has done it again!
Although I truly don’t like reading stories written in first person, Andrew made Buried Passions so interesting, engrossing and enthralling it just didn’t matter!!
Just when the Broadway show Jonah’s in has been cancelled, he discovers an uncle he barely remembers and hasn’t seen in ten years, has left him his entire estate. When Jonah gets to Carlisle, Pennsylvania, he discovers that not only has his uncle left him a house, a car, money, he’s also inherited a cemetery! What the hell is he going to do with a cemetery?
Luka is a Bosnian immigrant Jonah’s uncle helped to immigrate to America last year and gave him a job as groundskeeper of the cemetery. The moment Jonah and Luka met Jonah felt an immediate attraction, but he wasn’t sure what Luka thought as Luka’s english is very basic to say the least. Jonah is used to superficial men, superficial relationships and superficial emotions but with Jonah he realises that there’s nothing remotely superficial about him. The more Jonah gets to know Luka the more he realises what a danger Luka represents to his heart. Jonah’s heart has never truly been engaged by anyone and now, although Jonah is terrified of the depth of his emotions he doesn’t back down from them. Jonah is horrified at the way one of the waitresses at the diner where Luka works as a busboy treats him. When Luka confesses that a lot of people treat him as though he’s invisible because he doesn’t speak English well Jonah becomes determined to help him learn so he isn’t treated badly.
Although things seem to be going smoothly for Jonah and Luka they both know that their time is limited because Jonah’s life is back in New York and as an immigrant with very limited English Luka would never survive in New York. Things come to a head when Jonah’s agent tells him about a chance in a lifetime opportunity to star in a show, travelling around America for nine months with the chance of extending it! This is everything Jonah has dreamt about, until he met and fell in love with Luka. I have to recommend that you get your copy of Buried Passions as soon as possible, grab a cup of coffee, settle into your favourite reading spot and ignore the world as you lose yourself in another heart-warming, sometimes heartbreaking love story between Jonah and Luka!
Well Andrew has done it again!
Well Andrew has done it again!
Although I truly don’t like reading stories written in first person, Andrew made Buried Passions so interesting, engrossing and enthralling it just didn’t matter!!
Just when the Broadway show Jonah’s in has been cancelled, he discovers an uncle he barely remembers and hasn’t seen in ten years, has left him his entire estate. When Jonah gets to Carlisle, Pennsylvania, he discovers that not only has his uncle left him a house, a car, money, he’s also inherited a cemetery! What the hell is he going to do with a cemetery?
Luka is a Bosnian immigrant Jonah’s uncle helped to immigrate to America last year and gave him a job as groundskeeper of the cemetery. The moment Jonah and Luka met Jonah felt an immediate attraction, but he wasn’t sure what Luka thought as Luka’s english is very basic to say the least. Jonah is used to superficial men, superficial relationships and superficial emotions but with Jonah he realises that there’s nothing remotely superficial about him. The more Jonah gets to know Luka the more he realises what a danger Luka represents to his heart. Jonah’s heart has never truly been engaged by anyone and now, although Jonah is terrified of the depth of his emotions he doesn’t back down from them. Jonah is horrified at the way one of the waitresses at the diner where Luka works as a busboy treats him. When Luka confesses that a lot of people treat him as though he’s invisible because he doesn’t speak English well Jonah becomes determined to help him learn so he isn’t treated badly.
Although things seem to be going smoothly for Jonah and Luka they both know that their time is limited because Jonah’s life is back in New York and as an immigrant with very limited English Luka would never survive in New York. Things come to a head when Jonah’s agent tells him about a chance in a lifetime opportunity to star in a show, travelling around America for nine months with the chance of extending it! This is everything Jonah has dreamt about, until he met and fell in love with Luka. I have to recommend that you get your copy of Buried Passions as soon as possible, grab a cup of coffee, settle into your favourite reading spot and ignore the world as you lose yourself in another heart-warming, sometimes heartbreaking love story between Jonah and Luka!
Well Andrew has done it again!
January 21, 2018
I’m a big Andrew Grey fan and stories like this one are exactly why! This was a sweet, touching story that I just fell in love with – great characters and a wonderful journey to happiness!
Jonah is a Broadway actor and he loves what he does, it’s his life. That is until he finds out his uncle Samuel has passed away and left everything to him. He discovers that he is now the owner of a beautiful house and yes, a cemetery. And there he meets Luka, the cemetery’s caretaker and everything changes in Jonah’s world. There is an instant connection between the two men and despite their differences they are just perfect for each other. The two fall quickly for each other, even though they know they live very different lives. Jonah knows he has to go back to New York eventually but it doesn’t hold the same magic without Luka. He thinks he has a plan but when the opportunity of a lifetime comes along, one that would make his professional dreams come true he has to make a choice.
I enjoyed this story from start to finish, seeing these two great guys fall head over heels for each other. Jonah and Luka are both wonderful and easy to love. Luka is just so special, everything he’s been through in life and his journey as an emigrant, working hard to make a life for himself while being overlooked so many times. Jonah comes into his life and sees him as he’s always wanted to be seen, and in return he sees Jonah for the man he really is too. Jonah thinks he has it all figured out until he meets Luka and learns about who his uncle Samuel was and that’s when he really learns about who he wants to be as well. He has a lot of decisions to make and he learns to listen to his heart. I loved the flow of this story, the journey that Jonah is on and how it all came together. It’s not an overly angsty read, but one about self discovery and love. It’s not always easy but it’s definitely worth it. Love, passion and heart – Buried Passions made my heart happy!
Jonah is a Broadway actor and he loves what he does, it’s his life. That is until he finds out his uncle Samuel has passed away and left everything to him. He discovers that he is now the owner of a beautiful house and yes, a cemetery. And there he meets Luka, the cemetery’s caretaker and everything changes in Jonah’s world. There is an instant connection between the two men and despite their differences they are just perfect for each other. The two fall quickly for each other, even though they know they live very different lives. Jonah knows he has to go back to New York eventually but it doesn’t hold the same magic without Luka. He thinks he has a plan but when the opportunity of a lifetime comes along, one that would make his professional dreams come true he has to make a choice.
I enjoyed this story from start to finish, seeing these two great guys fall head over heels for each other. Jonah and Luka are both wonderful and easy to love. Luka is just so special, everything he’s been through in life and his journey as an emigrant, working hard to make a life for himself while being overlooked so many times. Jonah comes into his life and sees him as he’s always wanted to be seen, and in return he sees Jonah for the man he really is too. Jonah thinks he has it all figured out until he meets Luka and learns about who his uncle Samuel was and that’s when he really learns about who he wants to be as well. He has a lot of decisions to make and he learns to listen to his heart. I loved the flow of this story, the journey that Jonah is on and how it all came together. It’s not an overly angsty read, but one about self discovery and love. It’s not always easy but it’s definitely worth it. Love, passion and heart – Buried Passions made my heart happy!
December 19, 2019
I will admit that I picked up this book because the cover looks ridiculous and it takes place in Carlisle PA, close to where I grew up. I am not used to seeing books that take place where I grew up so that plus the cover and I knew I had to read it.
Now the story was fun. I enjoyed watching Jonah and Luka get together. It was a bit silly and ridiculous just like the cover in a really great way. In a way that made me want to read more from this author.
Jonah is an actor who is currently out of work. He is eagerly awaiting his next show, but for now, he has to go to Carlisle PA to take care of an inheritance he received from someone he didn't know very well. He plans on just being there long enough to sell everything and get back to NYC, only things don't go as planned. For one thing, part of the estate left to him includes a cemetery and the super hot caretaker. Jonah was actually super sweet. He likes Luka right from the start and hates seeing how everyone treats him like he is stupid because he isn't very good with the English language. He is an immigrant and so people treat him horribly at times, which doesn't sit well with Jonah. It was really nice seeing this guy come in and do what is right and not think twice about it. And while Jonah is helping Luka the two of them start to grow closer.
This story was a fun read. Jonah does have to make some tough choices - to stay and take care of the estate and be with Luka, or go back to NYC and his acting career. I really enjoyed how everything played out in the end. Luka and Jonah were so cute together.
Now the story was fun. I enjoyed watching Jonah and Luka get together. It was a bit silly and ridiculous just like the cover in a really great way. In a way that made me want to read more from this author.
Jonah is an actor who is currently out of work. He is eagerly awaiting his next show, but for now, he has to go to Carlisle PA to take care of an inheritance he received from someone he didn't know very well. He plans on just being there long enough to sell everything and get back to NYC, only things don't go as planned. For one thing, part of the estate left to him includes a cemetery and the super hot caretaker. Jonah was actually super sweet. He likes Luka right from the start and hates seeing how everyone treats him like he is stupid because he isn't very good with the English language. He is an immigrant and so people treat him horribly at times, which doesn't sit well with Jonah. It was really nice seeing this guy come in and do what is right and not think twice about it. And while Jonah is helping Luka the two of them start to grow closer.
This story was a fun read. Jonah does have to make some tough choices - to stay and take care of the estate and be with Luka, or go back to NYC and his acting career. I really enjoyed how everything played out in the end. Luka and Jonah were so cute together.
January 14, 2018
Though this was a strong romance written with quite the remarkable flair for English style, I was not totally won out by it. Given its cardinal part in the plot, the cemetary ought to have been described in much more lavish fashion when it is first introduced, then been given lyrical evocations - what we get hardly conveys a particular air of grandeur and fails to provide the reader with the requisit impression of idyllic vastness (trust on a regular visitor to the Père Lachaise graveyard to know what was at stake here). Nor could I buy the ways Luka was able to pick up at first glance Jonah's attraction to him and how he acts on this hunch (the fact that their first sex happens in a gardener's hut set on the edge of the cemetary during a downpour puts on it a porny stamp that I felt rather inappropriate). There also was a worrisome lack of humour in the narrative, the only touches of levity coming from Jonah's actor friend who is a true bundle of laughs. If I did not mind the occasional preachy tone in which liberal values are advocated for, at a times when America is more fractured than ever, the all-too-neat resolution came off as somewhat hackneyed and forced.
September 28, 2019
I was in a book slump for a while now and made myself get through new books and nothing was really catching my attention. This book was in my TBR pile since forever and I hadn't read anything by Andrew in a good minute so I listen to the audio. It was so good. I loved this story and the accent of Luca. I'm seriously a sucker for accents. Luca's sadness, loneliness,deepest shame, and passion mixed with Jonah's love of life, energy, and re-evaluation of his own life made a wonderful book I couldn't stop listening to. 5 starts for the book itself and 5 starts for the narrator of the audiobook. The only thing I wished was addressed in this book was reveling the issue between Jonah's Mom and Uncle. I would have also liked to have a interaction with Jonah and his mom in the book but even with that missing this book still stays at 5 stars with me. Definitely every read for me.
July 1, 2023
Jonah finds out he inherited his uncle's estate while he's finishing up one play on Broadway and looking for another. He goes to Carlisle where he finds not only things about the uncle he didn't really know because his mother refused have anything to do with him, but love too.
Luka was saved by Jonah's uncle and given not only a job but helped get place to live. He's from another country so not many want give him the time of day. Jonah isn't like that and he even helps get him a better job with Billy from the Of Love book series.
I was so happy with how this went and the ending was perfect. Jonah found something so much better than he had in New York. Really loved the last line of book. Didn't just inherit a cemetery he got a hot grounds keeper too (close to those words)
Luka was saved by Jonah's uncle and given not only a job but helped get place to live. He's from another country so not many want give him the time of day. Jonah isn't like that and he even helps get him a better job with Billy from the Of Love book series.
I was so happy with how this went and the ending was perfect. Jonah found something so much better than he had in New York. Really loved the last line of book. Didn't just inherit a cemetery he got a hot grounds keeper too (close to those words)
March 17, 2018
AUDIOBOOK: DNF
Narrator: Joel Leslie
Started off a little slow, became rather fun when Jonah starts exploring the cemetery then became downright boring for me whenever the story veers into the romance. It became rather tired and repetitive and completely lost my interest.
Joel Leslie's performance didn't help: all the secondary characters were given exaggerated voices (something he has a bad habit of doing) and was tiring to listen to even though his portrayal of Luka was good.
Narrator: Joel Leslie
Started off a little slow, became rather fun when Jonah starts exploring the cemetery then became downright boring for me whenever the story veers into the romance. It became rather tired and repetitive and completely lost my interest.
Joel Leslie's performance didn't help: all the secondary characters were given exaggerated voices (something he has a bad habit of doing) and was tiring to listen to even though his portrayal of Luka was good.
March 26, 2019
Jonah Hughes, a New York actor, receives a letter from a lawyer advising him that he is the heir to his Uncle's estate. The play he has been in closes early and he takes the train to Harrisburg where he learns he has inherited his Uncle's entire estate which includes a cemetery. Along with the cemetery is a groundskeeper who immigrated from Bosnia several years ago. A lovely story, with Jonah learning a great deal about his Uncle who was estranged from Jonah's mother years earlier.
April 3, 2019
Not even fen I give a full 5 star and this instance it was well worth it. Luke and Jonah are a great couple and from a early stage your u can see they are meant for each other. Both open up each other and allow each other to live.....read it folks I think you'll love it.
December 4, 2020
UHGGG!
This is simply one huge badly written cliche narrated by what simply has to be the worst narrator ever. His pregnant pauses and over the top flamboyantly twee articulation made this book almost unbearable to listen to.
This is simply one huge badly written cliche narrated by what simply has to be the worst narrator ever. His pregnant pauses and over the top flamboyantly twee articulation made this book almost unbearable to listen to.
January 15, 2018
*3 stars*
A sweet and simple read. ☺
A sweet and simple read. ☺
January 27, 2018
3.75 stars
February 9, 2018
3.5 Stars
Sweet story with great MCs and a quirky plot! I really enjoyed this story.
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