What do you think?
Rate this book
Speedbump
Ezra Cook is sole caregiver to older brother Tray, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s in his forties. They live outside the small town of Drop, Oregon, on property Tray bought with his Microsoft settlement money. For years, Ezra has been going on and off low doses of testosterone to maintain a comfortable level of androgyny. Ezra spends most days juggling Tray’s needs and the work required to survive in rural Oregon on a small income, ignoring their own needs, especially companionship and sleep.
Ellred “Red” Long escaped Drop at seventeen but returns to his hometown in disgrace after his band dumped him on the streets of LA. Coming back doesn’t seem like such a dead end, though, after he sees a guy walking along the side of the road in the rain and gives him a lift.
Ezra and Red’s chance meeting begins an uncomfortable friendship neither had expected, and both allow fear to keep it from escalating into a hookup, or worse, a romance. Red never meant to return to Drop and doesn’t want to get stuck there again, while Ezra’s protective walls may be too strong to breach, from either side.
Ellred “Red” Long escaped Drop at seventeen but returns to his hometown in disgrace after his band dumped him on the streets of LA. Coming back doesn’t seem like such a dead end, though, after he sees a guy walking along the side of the road in the rain and gives him a lift.
Ezra and Red’s chance meeting begins an uncomfortable friendship neither had expected, and both allow fear to keep it from escalating into a hookup, or worse, a romance. Red never meant to return to Drop and doesn’t want to get stuck there again, while Ezra’s protective walls may be too strong to breach, from either side.
ebook
First published February 5, 2018
1 person is currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Charli Coty
8 books7 followersCharli Coty also writes under the pen name Charley Descoteaux. Book One of the Buchanan House series was a USA Today Must-Read Romance of 2015.
Charli misspent a large chunk of their youth on the back of a Harley, meeting people and having adventures that sometimes pop up in their fiction. Mx Coty writes everything from contemporary to paranormal, always with a happy ending. Charli has survived earthquakes, tornadoes, and floods, but couldn’t make it through one day without stories.
Charli misspent a large chunk of their youth on the back of a Harley, meeting people and having adventures that sometimes pop up in their fiction. Mx Coty writes everything from contemporary to paranormal, always with a happy ending. Charli has survived earthquakes, tornadoes, and floods, but couldn’t make it through one day without stories.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 5, 2018
I went into this really excited for two reasons: I love, love, love Charli Coty’s books, and I was thrilled to see one about a non-binary AFAB (assigned female) person in a relationship with a man. This is, after all, my life. The book left me with mixed feelings. There were things I thought were wonderful, and things I wasn’t sure how to process.
First, the things I loved. The setting is terrific. The tiny town of Drop is almost a character itself. If you know anything about me, this is a guaranteed way to make me a happy reader. I like when a setting has a personality of its own. I felt like I was right there, and I could picture everything. It’s so beautifully (and affectionately) written.
Second, I liked the overall queerness of the book. There’s no mistaking it, this is not “a book with queer characters.” It’s a queer story with interesting characters, through and through. Although both Red and Ezra deal with their own separate internal issues relating to sexuality and gender, that’s not really what the book is about. Those things are set against the backdrop of the other life stuff they deal with.
Third, the bisexuality. My God, yes. Yes, yes, and yes. This is what a bi book should be. Even though Red has to work through what it means for him, both he and Ezra are unapologetically bi. I didn’t always love how that played out, but I am over the moon that a book exists where not a single person has to play Bisexuality 101 with a partner or cope with biphobia in their relationships.
Now for the stuff I was more hesitant about. I’m glad I stuck with the book, but I was nearly put off by Red being “stupid horny” and how often the attraction between them seemed to focus on their genitals. It surprised and annoyed me, especially in a book that’s not listed as erotica. If they were just going to hop in bed and spend most of the story there, I’d be fine with it (and probably not read it, but that’s a separate issue). In a romance or a book with romantic elements/subplot, I really don’t want or need someone’s bits thrust at me. There are so many other ways men experience attraction and so many other ways to write about it.
Then there’s Ezra’s gender/gender expression. I could not relate to this at all. I do recognize that there are non-binary people who take hormones and use various means of presenting as more masculine. And I knew going in that Ezra was on T. However, I was expecting androgyny, not masculine-presenting. Ezra is misgendered for over 90% of the book. The pronoun conversation should’ve happened a lot sooner, or Red should at least have begun thinking of Ezra that way sooner. He’s an open-minded guy and wasn’t bothered or confused by Ezra’s gender once he was aware.
Part of the reason this frustrated me is that it felt like it was leaning toward being a story that could be read as MM/Gay Romance and that having Ezra be truly androgynous or too feminine would’ve made it “not queer enough.” This is a problem in real life, and it’s disappointing to see it played out in a book. The other reason it bothered me is more personal. Not all of us can “pass” as a gender other than what we were assigned. That’s what I was hoping for here, or at least to see a bit of that. Instead, it came across as a fixation on genitals and Ezra trying to be “one of the boys” because it’s still easier for people if they can at least imagine we fit neatly into a gender slot. I was looking for more ambiguity.
Ultimately, this is a good story, and it isn’t solely focused on the romance, which I like. The things that disappointed me might not bother someone else. And this is only one book; there is plenty of room for more stories about bisexuality and gender variance.
For a gorgeous setting and plenty of unapologetic bisexuality but some mixed feelings, this gets 3.5 stars, rounded up.
First, the things I loved. The setting is terrific. The tiny town of Drop is almost a character itself. If you know anything about me, this is a guaranteed way to make me a happy reader. I like when a setting has a personality of its own. I felt like I was right there, and I could picture everything. It’s so beautifully (and affectionately) written.
Second, I liked the overall queerness of the book. There’s no mistaking it, this is not “a book with queer characters.” It’s a queer story with interesting characters, through and through. Although both Red and Ezra deal with their own separate internal issues relating to sexuality and gender, that’s not really what the book is about. Those things are set against the backdrop of the other life stuff they deal with.
Third, the bisexuality. My God, yes. Yes, yes, and yes. This is what a bi book should be. Even though Red has to work through what it means for him, both he and Ezra are unapologetically bi. I didn’t always love how that played out, but I am over the moon that a book exists where not a single person has to play Bisexuality 101 with a partner or cope with biphobia in their relationships.
Now for the stuff I was more hesitant about. I’m glad I stuck with the book, but I was nearly put off by Red being “stupid horny” and how often the attraction between them seemed to focus on their genitals. It surprised and annoyed me, especially in a book that’s not listed as erotica. If they were just going to hop in bed and spend most of the story there, I’d be fine with it (and probably not read it, but that’s a separate issue). In a romance or a book with romantic elements/subplot, I really don’t want or need someone’s bits thrust at me. There are so many other ways men experience attraction and so many other ways to write about it.
Then there’s Ezra’s gender/gender expression. I could not relate to this at all. I do recognize that there are non-binary people who take hormones and use various means of presenting as more masculine. And I knew going in that Ezra was on T. However, I was expecting androgyny, not masculine-presenting. Ezra is misgendered for over 90% of the book. The pronoun conversation should’ve happened a lot sooner, or Red should at least have begun thinking of Ezra that way sooner. He’s an open-minded guy and wasn’t bothered or confused by Ezra’s gender once he was aware.
Part of the reason this frustrated me is that it felt like it was leaning toward being a story that could be read as MM/Gay Romance and that having Ezra be truly androgynous or too feminine would’ve made it “not queer enough.” This is a problem in real life, and it’s disappointing to see it played out in a book. The other reason it bothered me is more personal. Not all of us can “pass” as a gender other than what we were assigned. That’s what I was hoping for here, or at least to see a bit of that. Instead, it came across as a fixation on genitals and Ezra trying to be “one of the boys” because it’s still easier for people if they can at least imagine we fit neatly into a gender slot. I was looking for more ambiguity.
Ultimately, this is a good story, and it isn’t solely focused on the romance, which I like. The things that disappointed me might not bother someone else. And this is only one book; there is plenty of room for more stories about bisexuality and gender variance.
For a gorgeous setting and plenty of unapologetic bisexuality but some mixed feelings, this gets 3.5 stars, rounded up.
January 21, 2018
Book received from Netgalley for an honest review
I had really high hopes for this because the premise sounded interesting and I thought I might learn something about other types of sexuality. As it turns out, dumping a non-binary character into a book doesn’t not necessarily make for engaging reading. Ezra’s truck breaks down one evening and Red, disgraced rock star, stops to offer a lift. Red is immediately attracted to Ezra, and apparently vice versa.
For over half the book they probably only manage about three sentences of conversation between them. Red seems to drive around in his muscle car stalking Ezra, feeling horny but never really engaging. Ezra is trying to deal with a much older brother with early-onset Alzheimer’s (this too could have been powerful but they have no connection). There are two exes hovering around smoking weed. There are parental issues on both sides but nothing more than a hint.
There is not enough dialogue or chemistry to make it a romance and so little information embedded into the characters to make me care about them. It was like wading through molasses until nearly 90% when they finally start talking to each other but by then all I really wanted to do was finish.
I had really high hopes for this because the premise sounded interesting and I thought I might learn something about other types of sexuality. As it turns out, dumping a non-binary character into a book doesn’t not necessarily make for engaging reading. Ezra’s truck breaks down one evening and Red, disgraced rock star, stops to offer a lift. Red is immediately attracted to Ezra, and apparently vice versa.
For over half the book they probably only manage about three sentences of conversation between them. Red seems to drive around in his muscle car stalking Ezra, feeling horny but never really engaging. Ezra is trying to deal with a much older brother with early-onset Alzheimer’s (this too could have been powerful but they have no connection). There are two exes hovering around smoking weed. There are parental issues on both sides but nothing more than a hint.
There is not enough dialogue or chemistry to make it a romance and so little information embedded into the characters to make me care about them. It was like wading through molasses until nearly 90% when they finally start talking to each other but by then all I really wanted to do was finish.
February 9, 2018
This is a bit of a hard book to review. Not because the content or even the level of writing, but because I am just so very flummoxed about why I was unable to connect to this story.
Ezra Cook really should have had my attention from the get-go. Living a life somewhere between male and female–but also of both of them at the same time–they were certainly someone I expected to relate to from the start. But Ezra’s standoffish nature–born of being kicked out of their parent’s house at 18, as well as having lived a life trying please everyone, pleasing no one, and struggling to find a balance that felt natural to themselves–was, well, standoffish. And while I totally understand where they were coming from, and even sympathized with the pure stress it must be to have to take care of someone you love while having to watch them inevitably fall deeper into Alzheimer’s, Ezra spent so much of the book trying to keep everyone out, that I think they succeeded a bit more than they hoped. Because I was left standing twenty feet away and unable to bridge the gap for most of the story.
I had a bit of an easier time with Red Long. Granted rock-stars are far from my favorite professions to read about, but having him at what could be considered a low-point in his career–no band, no friends, no real home–made him bearable. And it was the times that Red and Ezra were together on page that I was able to sink into the story and let myself lose myself. For a majority of the book, though, those moments are few and far between. They collide, chemistry gets a brewing, and then one or both of them ends up running in the opposite direction. That I never once failed to understand why that happened did not make the ships-in-the-night aspect of their relationship any less frustrating.
I will say that this is a better structured and executed story than the last one of Coty’s I read. Which probably came from the fewer subplots–or maybe just better wrangled ones. The secondary characters were all very interesting and had definite places in the plot all the while fleshing out Ezra’s backstory in a way that never felt like an info-dump.
To be honest, I’m kinda getting a feeling that this is a “not you, it’s me” kind of book. Because there were a lot of well-placed and well-functioning parts–just having to deal with this lack of connection to the main character caused the whole thing to stutter and stop too many times for my liking. So if the blurb interests you, I feel no desire to warn you off from reading it. Hell, I’ll do the opposite. But for me there just wasn’t enough there to kick it up to 4 stars.
(I should point out that while I decided to use gender-neutral pronouns, the book does use male, female, and gender-neutral pronouns for Ezra–for various reasons that make sense in their places in the story. I just decided to stick with the gender-neutral ones.)
3.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
Ezra Cook really should have had my attention from the get-go. Living a life somewhere between male and female–but also of both of them at the same time–they were certainly someone I expected to relate to from the start. But Ezra’s standoffish nature–born of being kicked out of their parent’s house at 18, as well as having lived a life trying please everyone, pleasing no one, and struggling to find a balance that felt natural to themselves–was, well, standoffish. And while I totally understand where they were coming from, and even sympathized with the pure stress it must be to have to take care of someone you love while having to watch them inevitably fall deeper into Alzheimer’s, Ezra spent so much of the book trying to keep everyone out, that I think they succeeded a bit more than they hoped. Because I was left standing twenty feet away and unable to bridge the gap for most of the story.
I had a bit of an easier time with Red Long. Granted rock-stars are far from my favorite professions to read about, but having him at what could be considered a low-point in his career–no band, no friends, no real home–made him bearable. And it was the times that Red and Ezra were together on page that I was able to sink into the story and let myself lose myself. For a majority of the book, though, those moments are few and far between. They collide, chemistry gets a brewing, and then one or both of them ends up running in the opposite direction. That I never once failed to understand why that happened did not make the ships-in-the-night aspect of their relationship any less frustrating.
I will say that this is a better structured and executed story than the last one of Coty’s I read. Which probably came from the fewer subplots–or maybe just better wrangled ones. The secondary characters were all very interesting and had definite places in the plot all the while fleshing out Ezra’s backstory in a way that never felt like an info-dump.
To be honest, I’m kinda getting a feeling that this is a “not you, it’s me” kind of book. Because there were a lot of well-placed and well-functioning parts–just having to deal with this lack of connection to the main character caused the whole thing to stutter and stop too many times for my liking. So if the blurb interests you, I feel no desire to warn you off from reading it. Hell, I’ll do the opposite. But for me there just wasn’t enough there to kick it up to 4 stars.
(I should point out that while I decided to use gender-neutral pronouns, the book does use male, female, and gender-neutral pronouns for Ezra–for various reasons that make sense in their places in the story. I just decided to stick with the gender-neutral ones.)
3.5 stars
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
June 19, 2018
This book was provided for free by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
This was a hard book to pin down for me. I enjoy stories that introduce characters who exist outside of a binary--male or female, gay or straight. Ezra's decision to live as a completely androgynous person was really new for me, and to be honest, I struggled with it at times! I've never really read a book with a genderqueer/non-binary main character, so it was an challenge to forget all the norms and terms we've been ingrained to use our whole lives. A lot of reviewers are saying love interest Red is insensitive towards Ezra. He is, to an extent--I think the pronoun conversation needed to come up a lot earlier. But he's also learning. He's willing to learn because he really likes Ezra and wants to love them in any way possible.
The biggest problem in the story is that Ezra feels more like the outline to a character rather than a real character. I finished the book not really knowing much about them other than their preferred gender identity and the fact that they love their brother. We never got past that surface characterization. This is a fault in a lot of characters who occupy identities and spaces that aren't often written about--15 years ago, half the gay characters in books/TV/movies weren't characterized much beyond "gay," and I think Ezra suffers a little from that treatment in this book.
The book as a whole suffers from a feeling of vagueness. Plot threads fizzled away and never quite caught steam or gave way to a climax. The supporting characters were colorful but ultimately thin. I never got a good feeling for setting or atmosphere.
I enjoyed a lot of stuff about this book. It's new and fresh. It takes a risks, albeit in a clumsy manner. It just didn't feel quite put-together yet. I was never able to get really lost in the story.
This was a hard book to pin down for me. I enjoy stories that introduce characters who exist outside of a binary--male or female, gay or straight. Ezra's decision to live as a completely androgynous person was really new for me, and to be honest, I struggled with it at times! I've never really read a book with a genderqueer/non-binary main character, so it was an challenge to forget all the norms and terms we've been ingrained to use our whole lives. A lot of reviewers are saying love interest Red is insensitive towards Ezra. He is, to an extent--I think the pronoun conversation needed to come up a lot earlier. But he's also learning. He's willing to learn because he really likes Ezra and wants to love them in any way possible.
The biggest problem in the story is that Ezra feels more like the outline to a character rather than a real character. I finished the book not really knowing much about them other than their preferred gender identity and the fact that they love their brother. We never got past that surface characterization. This is a fault in a lot of characters who occupy identities and spaces that aren't often written about--15 years ago, half the gay characters in books/TV/movies weren't characterized much beyond "gay," and I think Ezra suffers a little from that treatment in this book.
The book as a whole suffers from a feeling of vagueness. Plot threads fizzled away and never quite caught steam or gave way to a climax. The supporting characters were colorful but ultimately thin. I never got a good feeling for setting or atmosphere.
I enjoyed a lot of stuff about this book. It's new and fresh. It takes a risks, albeit in a clumsy manner. It just didn't feel quite put-together yet. I was never able to get really lost in the story.
January 25, 2018
I really enjoyed this book! The prose is beautiful and evocative, and the use of setting was really well done. I almost felt like I was in Drop -- the details were so specific and well-drawn.
But of course pretty words alone don't make for a good book. Fortunately, the characters are also very good. Ezra is understandably very guarded, but that vulnerability is endearing. It's no wonder that they have such loyal friends. And Red is a good romantic foil -- someone who is willing to take risks and feel things deeply.
What you aren't going to get from this book: a huge, swooning romance. I really liked the way Ezra and Red eventually came together, but the book is very understated and just as concerned with Ezra's relationship with their friends and their brother.
And although this is in the blurb, I think it's really important to stress that Ezra is non-binary. One of the other things that I really appreciated about this book was how well it illustrated what it means to be non-binary. It's a story that doesn't get told a lot, so if you're curious about the subject, this is a great pick.
But of course pretty words alone don't make for a good book. Fortunately, the characters are also very good. Ezra is understandably very guarded, but that vulnerability is endearing. It's no wonder that they have such loyal friends. And Red is a good romantic foil -- someone who is willing to take risks and feel things deeply.
What you aren't going to get from this book: a huge, swooning romance. I really liked the way Ezra and Red eventually came together, but the book is very understated and just as concerned with Ezra's relationship with their friends and their brother.
And although this is in the blurb, I think it's really important to stress that Ezra is non-binary. One of the other things that I really appreciated about this book was how well it illustrated what it means to be non-binary. It's a story that doesn't get told a lot, so if you're curious about the subject, this is a great pick.
February 7, 2018
Life has a way of leading us right where we're meant to be, even if it's the last place you wanted to end up. Red is running from his past but ends up in his home town and can't wait to get back out. Ezra's running from their own too but they'd be happy if their past could leave them alone to settle happily in Drop. Neither of them were looking for more but what they found could mean their ultimate happiness. But only if they can find courage, happiness, and acceptance within themselves first.
The romance and sexual situations were really slow-burn in terms of actually coming together. The events of their lives and coming to terms with their sexuality came before the actual romance of the story. And while I usually think a romance should focus on the romance, I didn't mind the slowness of this one because there were many more things at stake than the possibility of falling in love. I will say, though, that the extreme lack of actual interaction between the MC's for most of the story was frustrating until they finally got it together.
That being said, the steamy scenes were quite tame and I was a bit annoyed by the emphasis on sex and genitalia before the sexy times even happened. There's absolutely nothing wrong with acknowledging your own sensuality, desires, and taking things into your own hands, both figuratively and literally. The off-putting part was how nearly every interaction became sexualized and dominated the getting-to-know-you parts since those were few and far between. It made the story seem like it was trying to be two things at once. An erotic romance or a story of acceptance and love. It was both and neither at the same time. It gave the story a disjointed feeling at times.
Who and what they all were was both confusing and enlightening. I've read a couple other stories with non-binary characters and the pronouns, the use of 'x' after words that typically only have a masculine or feminine ending, and other things like that is unfamiliar to me but this story put them in context with explanation that fit with the dialogue. Speaking of pronouns, Red was incredibly dense throughout the story with how he referred to Ezra, even after cues from other people he interacted with.
There was a lot of personal angst going on with Ezra's feelings about their identity that felt unfinished, unresolved, and skipped over. Their coming to terms with the relationships with their exes, though, was tender and healing. They allowed themselves to look at what Brett and Tink needed and finally looked beyond their own needs to give closure in a way that left their friendship open.
Watching Red come to terms with his sexuality and what his means to him was really good. Not that I liked the bathroom scene or the way he was so quick to be open to something more with people other than Ezra before he figured himself out, but since he found a way to define who and what he wanted in a way that was realistic, I didn't mind for too long.
Overall the story was pretty good. I enjoyed reading Ezra and Red's journey. I do wish that there was more communication and romance in the story instead of just at the end because it packed all the resolution into a short amount of time. It left the rest of the story up to that point feeling like it dragged and we were going to end up with a happy-not happy ending before you get hit with a really tender, sweet, honest conclusion.
The romance and sexual situations were really slow-burn in terms of actually coming together. The events of their lives and coming to terms with their sexuality came before the actual romance of the story. And while I usually think a romance should focus on the romance, I didn't mind the slowness of this one because there were many more things at stake than the possibility of falling in love. I will say, though, that the extreme lack of actual interaction between the MC's for most of the story was frustrating until they finally got it together.
That being said, the steamy scenes were quite tame and I was a bit annoyed by the emphasis on sex and genitalia before the sexy times even happened. There's absolutely nothing wrong with acknowledging your own sensuality, desires, and taking things into your own hands, both figuratively and literally. The off-putting part was how nearly every interaction became sexualized and dominated the getting-to-know-you parts since those were few and far between. It made the story seem like it was trying to be two things at once. An erotic romance or a story of acceptance and love. It was both and neither at the same time. It gave the story a disjointed feeling at times.
Who and what they all were was both confusing and enlightening. I've read a couple other stories with non-binary characters and the pronouns, the use of 'x' after words that typically only have a masculine or feminine ending, and other things like that is unfamiliar to me but this story put them in context with explanation that fit with the dialogue. Speaking of pronouns, Red was incredibly dense throughout the story with how he referred to Ezra, even after cues from other people he interacted with.
There was a lot of personal angst going on with Ezra's feelings about their identity that felt unfinished, unresolved, and skipped over. Their coming to terms with the relationships with their exes, though, was tender and healing. They allowed themselves to look at what Brett and Tink needed and finally looked beyond their own needs to give closure in a way that left their friendship open.
Watching Red come to terms with his sexuality and what his means to him was really good. Not that I liked the bathroom scene or the way he was so quick to be open to something more with people other than Ezra before he figured himself out, but since he found a way to define who and what he wanted in a way that was realistic, I didn't mind for too long.
Overall the story was pretty good. I enjoyed reading Ezra and Red's journey. I do wish that there was more communication and romance in the story instead of just at the end because it packed all the resolution into a short amount of time. It left the rest of the story up to that point feeling like it dragged and we were going to end up with a happy-not happy ending before you get hit with a really tender, sweet, honest conclusion.
dnf
February 9, 2018DNF at 13%
I stopped reading this book because (hiding this because it deserves a trigger warning for discussion of non-consensual "euthanasia" of a disabled character) As a disabled ill enby reader, it hurt to read this, and I need to put the book down.
Content Warnings for the first 13% of the book:
I stopped reading this book because (hiding this because it deserves a trigger warning for discussion of non-consensual "euthanasia" of a disabled character) As a disabled ill enby reader, it hurt to read this, and I need to put the book down.
Content Warnings for the first 13% of the book:
February 26, 2018
I really enjoyed this unique story. I loved the way Ezra's genderfluidity was handled and the connection they had with Red right from the beginning. I'm usually not a fan of instalove but the way their relationship played out worked here. I'm a fan of character-driven stories, and there is a great cast of characters, including Tink, Brett, and Tray. Early-onset Alzheimer's is something talked about in romance novels, and it added a layer of emotion and interest to the story.
My only complaint is that there were minor pacing issues that kept it from really drawing me in completely. It felt like every conflict (other than Tray's illness) was solved too easily, just a "speed bump" rather than something that really challenged them. I would have preferred if the author had chosen one or two issues and drawn them out rather than adding so many quickly solved problems. It was a case of trying to do too much. Other than that, it was a very satisfying story.
I read a free Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
My only complaint is that there were minor pacing issues that kept it from really drawing me in completely. It felt like every conflict (other than Tray's illness) was solved too easily, just a "speed bump" rather than something that really challenged them. I would have preferred if the author had chosen one or two issues and drawn them out rather than adding so many quickly solved problems. It was a case of trying to do too much. Other than that, it was a very satisfying story.
I read a free Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
February 23, 2018
~ 4.5 Stars ~
Author Charli Coty tackles more than one sensitive subject in the release of the novel Speedbump. Having multiple bisexual characters, one of whom is transgender and non-binary as well, creates an interesting dynamic in a rather gritty novel about second chances. I could write paragraphs about the character of Ezra alone and still not fully realize the many layers of this fascinating person. While Ezra may physically appear as a female in transition, there is much more to their personality than just the gender dysphoria that has plagued them for years. Admittedly, Ezra does not always take the testosterone they need to smooth out the telltale feminine curves they choose to keep hidden away. However, this may have more to do with the fact that Ezra supports their brother, who has early onset of Alzheimer’s and requires round-the-clock care, making it difficult for Ezra to work anywhere near even a part time job and means that financially they live on the edge. When we first meet them, Ezra appears to be more male in appearance—at least to Red Richardson.
Red is home, disgraced and recovering from essentially destroying his rock band career by overindulging in drugs and alcohol. He is now a pariah in the once welcoming music community and has come back to the small town of Drop to lick his wounds and decide what to do next. He has cleaned himself up—but he is a man with a past, one that haunts him and dredges up more guilt than he can handle. When he spies Ezra walking alongside the road, he stops to offer them a ride—and that is the beginning of something that will eventually consume both Ezra and Red and break their carefully controlled lives apart. Theirs will be a dance that seemingly never ends, with Ezra unwilling to risk the rejection they have experienced before, and with Red unable to give up the dream of returning to music again.
Lost in a series of misconceptions and inability to communicate their needs, Ezra and Red will circle each other over and over, each time coming just that little bit closer to acknowledging their desires. Red will have to battle the mistrust and loyalties of not one but two ex’s of Ezra’s, who both seem to still harbor something more than just friendly love toward them. Ezra will finally be forced to expose not only their physical secrets but also the deeper emotional scars that have made them wary of trusting another with their heart. In the end, the emotional fallout will either see these two finally together and accepting of each other’s issues, or torn apart and unable to bridge the chasm that threatens to swallow them whole.
The beauty and sensitivity that is employed to relate the story of Ezra’s and Red’s lives leaves one breathless at times. This is no easy romance nor is it a usual one. Author Charli Coty exposes the idea of bisexuality with a less than politically correct lens, allowing her characters to stumble over the proper terms—a key example being Red grappling with whether to call Ezra he, she or they. The author doesn’t shy away from depicting Ezra physically or fade to black when it comes to describing their sexual activity. Instead, the scenes are done with compassion, directness and a frankness that is refreshing and even poignant at times. When Ezra physically reveals their body to Red, risking his rejection or disgust, it is perhaps the most courageous scene in the entire novel and the most intimate. But the real triumph here is how two lives, so wounded, so fragile find in each other a sense of home—a connection that supersedes any physical attraction even though that remains a healthy part of their relationship.
I daresay this novel may make some a bit uncomfortable. Transgender characters are few and far between in today’s m/m genre—an oversight that is slowly being rectified. Bisexual characters are often watered down or made to fit the strict m/m molds we have thus far been used to reading about in most novels. In Speedbump, we see an author who allows the characters to be unashamedly bi, trans, non-binary or straight. There are no qualifiers, no excuses, no trying to make the reader comfy by making Red and Ezra’s relationship something easy and unquestioned. Instead, all kinds of questions and emotions arise, and the author allows the people in this novel to address them with unflinching honesty. I would venture to say that some readers may not like the way in which Red essentially blurts out whatever comes into his mind in regards to Ezra’s sexuality, particularly when he remarks that loving Ezra fulfills his personal love for both men and women. However, it is just that honesty that makes this character more of a real person than any politically correct stance he could have been given by the author.
In my opinion, Speedbump is a love story that transcends labels and allows for love to blossom in the wake of shared heartbreak and loneliness. It appreciates the intentions of the heart and seeks to allow for mistakes to be overcome when communication is used to correct misconceptions. I value what I think this author was trying to say, and I recommend you read this novel with an open mind and heart.
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach
Author Charli Coty tackles more than one sensitive subject in the release of the novel Speedbump. Having multiple bisexual characters, one of whom is transgender and non-binary as well, creates an interesting dynamic in a rather gritty novel about second chances. I could write paragraphs about the character of Ezra alone and still not fully realize the many layers of this fascinating person. While Ezra may physically appear as a female in transition, there is much more to their personality than just the gender dysphoria that has plagued them for years. Admittedly, Ezra does not always take the testosterone they need to smooth out the telltale feminine curves they choose to keep hidden away. However, this may have more to do with the fact that Ezra supports their brother, who has early onset of Alzheimer’s and requires round-the-clock care, making it difficult for Ezra to work anywhere near even a part time job and means that financially they live on the edge. When we first meet them, Ezra appears to be more male in appearance—at least to Red Richardson.
Red is home, disgraced and recovering from essentially destroying his rock band career by overindulging in drugs and alcohol. He is now a pariah in the once welcoming music community and has come back to the small town of Drop to lick his wounds and decide what to do next. He has cleaned himself up—but he is a man with a past, one that haunts him and dredges up more guilt than he can handle. When he spies Ezra walking alongside the road, he stops to offer them a ride—and that is the beginning of something that will eventually consume both Ezra and Red and break their carefully controlled lives apart. Theirs will be a dance that seemingly never ends, with Ezra unwilling to risk the rejection they have experienced before, and with Red unable to give up the dream of returning to music again.
Lost in a series of misconceptions and inability to communicate their needs, Ezra and Red will circle each other over and over, each time coming just that little bit closer to acknowledging their desires. Red will have to battle the mistrust and loyalties of not one but two ex’s of Ezra’s, who both seem to still harbor something more than just friendly love toward them. Ezra will finally be forced to expose not only their physical secrets but also the deeper emotional scars that have made them wary of trusting another with their heart. In the end, the emotional fallout will either see these two finally together and accepting of each other’s issues, or torn apart and unable to bridge the chasm that threatens to swallow them whole.
The beauty and sensitivity that is employed to relate the story of Ezra’s and Red’s lives leaves one breathless at times. This is no easy romance nor is it a usual one. Author Charli Coty exposes the idea of bisexuality with a less than politically correct lens, allowing her characters to stumble over the proper terms—a key example being Red grappling with whether to call Ezra he, she or they. The author doesn’t shy away from depicting Ezra physically or fade to black when it comes to describing their sexual activity. Instead, the scenes are done with compassion, directness and a frankness that is refreshing and even poignant at times. When Ezra physically reveals their body to Red, risking his rejection or disgust, it is perhaps the most courageous scene in the entire novel and the most intimate. But the real triumph here is how two lives, so wounded, so fragile find in each other a sense of home—a connection that supersedes any physical attraction even though that remains a healthy part of their relationship.
I daresay this novel may make some a bit uncomfortable. Transgender characters are few and far between in today’s m/m genre—an oversight that is slowly being rectified. Bisexual characters are often watered down or made to fit the strict m/m molds we have thus far been used to reading about in most novels. In Speedbump, we see an author who allows the characters to be unashamedly bi, trans, non-binary or straight. There are no qualifiers, no excuses, no trying to make the reader comfy by making Red and Ezra’s relationship something easy and unquestioned. Instead, all kinds of questions and emotions arise, and the author allows the people in this novel to address them with unflinching honesty. I would venture to say that some readers may not like the way in which Red essentially blurts out whatever comes into his mind in regards to Ezra’s sexuality, particularly when he remarks that loving Ezra fulfills his personal love for both men and women. However, it is just that honesty that makes this character more of a real person than any politically correct stance he could have been given by the author.
In my opinion, Speedbump is a love story that transcends labels and allows for love to blossom in the wake of shared heartbreak and loneliness. It appreciates the intentions of the heart and seeks to allow for mistakes to be overcome when communication is used to correct misconceptions. I value what I think this author was trying to say, and I recommend you read this novel with an open mind and heart.
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach
August 26, 2018
A huge Thank-You to Nine-Star Press, LLC, via NetGalley for allowing me to read Speedbump by Charli Coty in exchange for an honest review.
Trigger Warning:
Mentioning of Self-harm, Mentioning of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, Abuse.
All I really knew about Speedbump was that it was listed on NetGalley as a LGBTQIA, Romance. The synopsis was interesting so I thought that I’d check it out.
Speedbump tells the story of two very different individuals who are both queer. Each character has led different lives, and I like that they talk about it when they’re ready. I like that both Ezra and Red are supportive of the other.
The beginning of the book was a little iffy for me. There are two points of view, each individual chapter was slow to gain momentum since we’re getting to know everyone and their story from Ezra and Red. During the beginning of the book, I don’t know if it was the awkwardness of the characters, but the writing felt like the author was trying to find their way to write the novel.
Both Ezra and Red are interesting characters. They prove that time and time again. One thing that I like about this book is that we see in Ezra’s mind that they’re having quite a run with how they view them-self.
Speedbump story was never a dull story. Of course there are some really rude characters, but that’s life. And Speedbump certainly pertains to the LGBTQIA crowd. In a way, I kind of wish there were more LGBTQIA+ characters, but Speedbump IS about Ezra and Red. So keeping the focus on them was very important, and the point of this story.
Speedbump pleasantly surprised me. There were many moments in this book where I was legitimately worried for the characters in them. One thing that will stick with me though is that no one died a tragic death (since most of these characters are LGBTQIA+).
Trigger Warning:
Mentioning of Self-harm, Mentioning of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, Abuse.
All I really knew about Speedbump was that it was listed on NetGalley as a LGBTQIA, Romance. The synopsis was interesting so I thought that I’d check it out.
Speedbump tells the story of two very different individuals who are both queer. Each character has led different lives, and I like that they talk about it when they’re ready. I like that both Ezra and Red are supportive of the other.
The beginning of the book was a little iffy for me. There are two points of view, each individual chapter was slow to gain momentum since we’re getting to know everyone and their story from Ezra and Red. During the beginning of the book, I don’t know if it was the awkwardness of the characters, but the writing felt like the author was trying to find their way to write the novel.
Both Ezra and Red are interesting characters. They prove that time and time again. One thing that I like about this book is that we see in Ezra’s mind that they’re having quite a run with how they view them-self.
Speedbump story was never a dull story. Of course there are some really rude characters, but that’s life. And Speedbump certainly pertains to the LGBTQIA crowd. In a way, I kind of wish there were more LGBTQIA+ characters, but Speedbump IS about Ezra and Red. So keeping the focus on them was very important, and the point of this story.
Speedbump pleasantly surprised me. There were many moments in this book where I was legitimately worried for the characters in them. One thing that will stick with me though is that no one died a tragic death (since most of these characters are LGBTQIA+).
March 15, 2018
Speedbump was the very first book I requested to read on NetGalley. Unfortunately, the only way to review ARCs is to read electronically but it's in my own personal taste to have physical books and that is a reason why it took me a while to pick up the book.However, I was very interested in reading a story dealing with LGBT characters as well as ones that are dealing with home issues ( such as a brother dealing with Alzheimer's disease ).
I believe that the writing was well written and easy to get a hold of. The only disservice to the writing is that I found that a word was used for writing in one character's POV and then was used again in the side character's POV which made me think that the character was not separated from the others or that the author simply forgot the character's voice.
The positive to the writing was the characters. They were all different in their own ways and even though they were written at a distance, I found myself inside of our main character Ezra. In my teenage years, I found myself confused but well informed about the gender and sexuality spectrum. As well informed as I think of myself to be I found that I understood what Ezra was feeling; about how they felt "in the middle" and unsure. I too have felt that way and it was pleasing to go through that experience through our character who felt androgynous and uncomfortable choosing between genders and appearing one way or another to certain characters.
There were bumps along the way where the story moved too quickly or seemed too fast. And around 80% the sex scene was tacky and unromantic and read more like a steamy explanation of exploration by an adult teaching a teen how to write short smut fanfiction. However, despite the drama and the turns of the characters, I liked the romance.
One thing I should add is that the author left out the fact that the main love interest, Red, is African American. It's not important to the story or rarely an important detail and nothing that needs to be pointed out, but not having an ideal look at a character confuses me when in my head I have one picture, and 50% in suddenly the author gives us details we should have known in the beginning. It was something that took me out of the story completely. I went from having a clear picture of our characters to half-way in, not knowing anything about them. It's unfortunate but I think that the author simply thought it better to show later or keep it out. Either way, I'm going to be spending some time going back to rethink what these characters look like. Nonetheless, nothing about my views have changed.
I liked Ellred Long or Richardson as he likes to go by, because he is an intelligent character whose trying to figure out if he wants to break down in the middle of Oregon to stay for a guy ( he thinks is a "he" ) or go back to Seattle where past is left behind and music guides him.
Red was a typical horny musician with a sorta bad lifestyle. Good character and well rounded in the fact that he's still not sure of his sexuality and whether or not he wants to face his fears. I got tired of reading, "I got horny. I'm hard. Can he see that I'm hard?". It was.. a little off-putting. I wanted something more out of the relationship than sexuality, And that evolved through the pages but it all came down to sex. It was a little disappointing.
However, not to spread spoilers, but it was a happy ending. To be perfectly honest I stopped at 87% right after they seemed to figure things out and drama settled. I felt that the story ended but noticed that it wasn't over. I could not make myself go through the rest of the story in fear that my opinions would change based on the last 50 pages. I liked this book but I definitely felt like it went on longer than it should and that it ran out of juice.
It was a good book with interesting characters, well-informed writing of LGBTQA themes, but it was a story that ran on too long. I enjoyed the story but will not be planning on reading anymore past 87%, and will be recommending it to readers who enjoy short reads, LGBTA themes, and people who can enjoy romance more than actual plot.
This was a review based on the story Speedbump by Charli Coty, an ARC from NetGalley.
I believe that the writing was well written and easy to get a hold of. The only disservice to the writing is that I found that a word was used for writing in one character's POV and then was used again in the side character's POV which made me think that the character was not separated from the others or that the author simply forgot the character's voice.
The positive to the writing was the characters. They were all different in their own ways and even though they were written at a distance, I found myself inside of our main character Ezra. In my teenage years, I found myself confused but well informed about the gender and sexuality spectrum. As well informed as I think of myself to be I found that I understood what Ezra was feeling; about how they felt "in the middle" and unsure. I too have felt that way and it was pleasing to go through that experience through our character who felt androgynous and uncomfortable choosing between genders and appearing one way or another to certain characters.
There were bumps along the way where the story moved too quickly or seemed too fast. And around 80% the sex scene was tacky and unromantic and read more like a steamy explanation of exploration by an adult teaching a teen how to write short smut fanfiction. However, despite the drama and the turns of the characters, I liked the romance.
One thing I should add is that the author left out the fact that the main love interest, Red, is African American. It's not important to the story or rarely an important detail and nothing that needs to be pointed out, but not having an ideal look at a character confuses me when in my head I have one picture, and 50% in suddenly the author gives us details we should have known in the beginning. It was something that took me out of the story completely. I went from having a clear picture of our characters to half-way in, not knowing anything about them. It's unfortunate but I think that the author simply thought it better to show later or keep it out. Either way, I'm going to be spending some time going back to rethink what these characters look like. Nonetheless, nothing about my views have changed.
I liked Ellred Long or Richardson as he likes to go by, because he is an intelligent character whose trying to figure out if he wants to break down in the middle of Oregon to stay for a guy ( he thinks is a "he" ) or go back to Seattle where past is left behind and music guides him.
Red was a typical horny musician with a sorta bad lifestyle. Good character and well rounded in the fact that he's still not sure of his sexuality and whether or not he wants to face his fears. I got tired of reading, "I got horny. I'm hard. Can he see that I'm hard?". It was.. a little off-putting. I wanted something more out of the relationship than sexuality, And that evolved through the pages but it all came down to sex. It was a little disappointing.
However, not to spread spoilers, but it was a happy ending. To be perfectly honest I stopped at 87% right after they seemed to figure things out and drama settled. I felt that the story ended but noticed that it wasn't over. I could not make myself go through the rest of the story in fear that my opinions would change based on the last 50 pages. I liked this book but I definitely felt like it went on longer than it should and that it ran out of juice.
It was a good book with interesting characters, well-informed writing of LGBTQA themes, but it was a story that ran on too long. I enjoyed the story but will not be planning on reading anymore past 87%, and will be recommending it to readers who enjoy short reads, LGBTA themes, and people who can enjoy romance more than actual plot.
This was a review based on the story Speedbump by Charli Coty, an ARC from NetGalley.
March 16, 2018
I'm always trying to read outside my "comfort" zone, sometimes this is around the need to be informed as well as entertained, the blurb intrigued me and I wanted to read more. However, it has left me a little confused and struggling to understand why this is a "romance" - is it a romance??
Ezra Cook, a non-binary AFAB (assigned female at birth) takes regular shots of testosterone to be androgynous (between male/female - although throughout the story, it is more he/she than they??). Ezra is the sole care giver to older brother Tray, who has early-onset Alzheimer's. Red Long has returned home, disgraced and dumped by his rock band, he's looking to escape, but comes to Ezra's rescue one night in the rain and is instantly smitten.
Ezra and Red's relationship was an extremely slow-burn-wade-through-treacle kind of journey and one that I struggled to make a connection with either character or understand where their connection to each other was - apart from Red wanting to bed Ezra! Ezra was distant and unfriendly, keeping everyone at arms length - I get why carrying so much past baggage and the weight of the world at such a young age was draining, but there was nothing for me to "latch onto"- all possible paths to the empathy cup were empty. Red was an easier character to understand, trying to come to terms with his sexuality, but constantly feeling "stupid horny" turned me off (not happy with the bathroom scene). The lack of actual-interaction between them for most of the story - often both running in opposite directions of each other, was frustrating as hell. Waiting till the last 10% of the book for them to actually talk like grown-ups felt like too little too late - I was done!
Sadly, I don't think I got what I hoped for out of this story. I was probably assuming too much from the blurb that this was a friends to lovers story - it felt more like two books about two characters who collide at 90% and HEA.
ARC received from author via Indigo Marketing And Design in exchange for an honest review.
Ezra Cook, a non-binary AFAB (assigned female at birth) takes regular shots of testosterone to be androgynous (between male/female - although throughout the story, it is more he/she than they??). Ezra is the sole care giver to older brother Tray, who has early-onset Alzheimer's. Red Long has returned home, disgraced and dumped by his rock band, he's looking to escape, but comes to Ezra's rescue one night in the rain and is instantly smitten.
Ezra and Red's relationship was an extremely slow-burn-wade-through-treacle kind of journey and one that I struggled to make a connection with either character or understand where their connection to each other was - apart from Red wanting to bed Ezra! Ezra was distant and unfriendly, keeping everyone at arms length - I get why carrying so much past baggage and the weight of the world at such a young age was draining, but there was nothing for me to "latch onto"- all possible paths to the empathy cup were empty. Red was an easier character to understand, trying to come to terms with his sexuality, but constantly feeling "stupid horny" turned me off (not happy with the bathroom scene). The lack of actual-interaction between them for most of the story - often both running in opposite directions of each other, was frustrating as hell. Waiting till the last 10% of the book for them to actually talk like grown-ups felt like too little too late - I was done!
Sadly, I don't think I got what I hoped for out of this story. I was probably assuming too much from the blurb that this was a friends to lovers story - it felt more like two books about two characters who collide at 90% and HEA.
ARC received from author via Indigo Marketing And Design in exchange for an honest review.
January 28, 2018
This book had an interesting pace--it was often slow and detailed, but then would speed up and many days would pass. It was sometimes difficult to work out the timeline when we had a change in point of view. Sometimes they crossed over, and sometimes Ezra's story picked up ages after we left Red.
But despite these unusual stylistic choices, I engaged deeply with both characters because we see so much of what they are battling and feeling. It's such an immediate book. Whoever we're with, we are truly there. Of course, often Red is pining over Ezra and vice versa, and that means there's much swooning and hoping and wishing, which is all rather cute really.
The diverse aspects of sexual orientations and gender representations were all interesting and informative, but I am not sure that's what you should be going for when writing a romance novel. Fiction tells stories, but sometimes it informs as well as entertains, so I didn't mind this too much, but for some readers, this is a reason not to read (da Vinci Code, anyone?)
It did take ages before Red and Ez get together, but when they did it was great. I love how they are perfectly suited to each other, and if that's a bit too convenient, well, romance story, hello...
It has a strange but melancholic feel, and the situation with Tray almost broke me. So, it has powerful emotions running through. I am not sure if I am recommending this. People will have definite ideas about what suits them. I didn't mind its strangeness. I was happy to road-trip with these two troubled and deserving-of-happiness pair.
Thanks Netgalley and publisher for letting me read this advanced copy. Book is out Feb 5.
But despite these unusual stylistic choices, I engaged deeply with both characters because we see so much of what they are battling and feeling. It's such an immediate book. Whoever we're with, we are truly there. Of course, often Red is pining over Ezra and vice versa, and that means there's much swooning and hoping and wishing, which is all rather cute really.
The diverse aspects of sexual orientations and gender representations were all interesting and informative, but I am not sure that's what you should be going for when writing a romance novel. Fiction tells stories, but sometimes it informs as well as entertains, so I didn't mind this too much, but for some readers, this is a reason not to read (da Vinci Code, anyone?)
It did take ages before Red and Ez get together, but when they did it was great. I love how they are perfectly suited to each other, and if that's a bit too convenient, well, romance story, hello...
It has a strange but melancholic feel, and the situation with Tray almost broke me. So, it has powerful emotions running through. I am not sure if I am recommending this. People will have definite ideas about what suits them. I didn't mind its strangeness. I was happy to road-trip with these two troubled and deserving-of-happiness pair.
Thanks Netgalley and publisher for letting me read this advanced copy. Book is out Feb 5.
February 6, 2018
Ezra lives with their brother and pretty much lives their life to make Tray's safe and comfortable. Tray has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's. Ezra tries to do as much as possible, but fortuantely there is support from friends. Red left the small town years ago to become a musician, but drugs and alcohol got in the way. Coming back for a fresh start while he gets ready to find a new band, Red sees Ezra and is immediately attracted and intrigued. There is quite a bit of dancing around them getting to know each other at first, but when they finally started to talk, it was nice to see them appreciate each other.
My heart broke for Tray. Alzheimer's is such a difficult disease to watch a loved one suffer from, and to do it so early is heartbreaking. I thought this was well written.
It took me a little bit to really wrap my head around Ezra and who they were. It was very clearly identified that they were bisexual, but we got so many little pieces about their preferences (with everything from clothes to sex to romance) slowly through the book that it took a while for me to really get a solid understanding.
I did like Red with Ezra. It was nice to see Red's journey to finding peace within himself. I loved how Ezra was the perfect match for him in every way. They were a great couple. The secondary characters (Brett and Tink) were fun also, and they were great friends and supports for Ezra and Tray.
I received a copy of this book via Indigo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review
My heart broke for Tray. Alzheimer's is such a difficult disease to watch a loved one suffer from, and to do it so early is heartbreaking. I thought this was well written.
It took me a little bit to really wrap my head around Ezra and who they were. It was very clearly identified that they were bisexual, but we got so many little pieces about their preferences (with everything from clothes to sex to romance) slowly through the book that it took a while for me to really get a solid understanding.
I did like Red with Ezra. It was nice to see Red's journey to finding peace within himself. I loved how Ezra was the perfect match for him in every way. They were a great couple. The secondary characters (Brett and Tink) were fun also, and they were great friends and supports for Ezra and Tray.
I received a copy of this book via Indigo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review
April 25, 2018
3.5 stars
Synopsis: Ezra lives in a small town, looking after Tray, who was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's. Ezra and Tray mostly keep to themselves, living off money that Tray made while he was working. Ezra does everything to keep things moving smoothly, including cutting wood for warmth and growing vegetables for food.
Red was in a band, and vowed to never come back to his backwards hometown. When he is dropped by the band, though, Red doesn't have anywhere else to go. He meets Ezra and is intrigued by everything that is going on.
What I liked: how Ezra stayed true to Ezra, after finding a balance that worked. I liked that Red appreciated Ezra before he found out the truth, and that didn't change once he found out what exactly Ezra was dealing with. I also liked that Ezra gave Red the impetus to keep pursuing his dream, and was happy that he was making progress, even if it meant losing him.
What I didn't like: it took me awhile to understand what was happening, as I apparently didn't read the précis all the way through. Red and Ezra didn't have a lot of together time on page, which made it more difficult to connect with them as a couple.
Overall impression: interesting characters that I would have enjoyed seeing more of.
*I received a copy through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
Synopsis: Ezra lives in a small town, looking after Tray, who was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's. Ezra and Tray mostly keep to themselves, living off money that Tray made while he was working. Ezra does everything to keep things moving smoothly, including cutting wood for warmth and growing vegetables for food.
Red was in a band, and vowed to never come back to his backwards hometown. When he is dropped by the band, though, Red doesn't have anywhere else to go. He meets Ezra and is intrigued by everything that is going on.
What I liked: how Ezra stayed true to Ezra, after finding a balance that worked. I liked that Red appreciated Ezra before he found out the truth, and that didn't change once he found out what exactly Ezra was dealing with. I also liked that Ezra gave Red the impetus to keep pursuing his dream, and was happy that he was making progress, even if it meant losing him.
What I didn't like: it took me awhile to understand what was happening, as I apparently didn't read the précis all the way through. Red and Ezra didn't have a lot of together time on page, which made it more difficult to connect with them as a couple.
Overall impression: interesting characters that I would have enjoyed seeing more of.
*I received a copy through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
February 11, 2018
I loved characters (main and secondary) in this thoughtful story about family, friendship and love.
The romance was understated but lovely and I appreciated the author also took time to develop relationships with family and friends too. Each character grew personally and with each other.
I did however have a couple of things that did stop me from loving the book. Firstly 'stupid horny', did we really have to read that statement so many times? It just irritated me in the end.
I also found that the narrative wasn't always as clear as it could be. There were quite a few times when I found myself wondering if I'd missed something, re-reading and then realising the author hadn't explained yet. This resulted in me never really getting into the flow of the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher / author for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review.
The romance was understated but lovely and I appreciated the author also took time to develop relationships with family and friends too. Each character grew personally and with each other.
I did however have a couple of things that did stop me from loving the book. Firstly 'stupid horny', did we really have to read that statement so many times? It just irritated me in the end.
I also found that the narrative wasn't always as clear as it could be. There were quite a few times when I found myself wondering if I'd missed something, re-reading and then realising the author hadn't explained yet. This resulted in me never really getting into the flow of the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher / author for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review.
July 26, 2019
3.5*
One of those books which I kind of delayed reading but it actually held my attention all the way.
I have no idea on whether Ezra is portrayed correctly and I’m guessing that as with so many things, everybody is different - and this is fiction not fact.
The use of pronouns only came up at the end and I was surprised by Ezra’s use of they as it had been he all the way through.
Again not had to deal directly with Alzeimer’s but could feel all the frustration of both Tray and Ezra as well as the love. Their parents were a bit odd, suing them but also naming their son Tracy and their daughter Ezra - to a non american, both these are names for the opposite sex.
Red is more of an enigma really - mooching about on his own, navel gazing for a long while before he pulled himself together again.
Any way, enjoyed it and read in one go!
One of those books which I kind of delayed reading but it actually held my attention all the way.
I have no idea on whether Ezra is portrayed correctly and I’m guessing that as with so many things, everybody is different - and this is fiction not fact.
The use of pronouns only came up at the end and I was surprised by Ezra’s use of they as it had been he all the way through.
Again not had to deal directly with Alzeimer’s but could feel all the frustration of both Tray and Ezra as well as the love. Their parents were a bit odd, suing them but also naming their son Tracy and their daughter Ezra - to a non american, both these are names for the opposite sex.
Red is more of an enigma really - mooching about on his own, navel gazing for a long while before he pulled himself together again.
Any way, enjoyed it and read in one go!
August 16, 2024
A heartbreaking slice of life mingles with a heartwarming romance. Two people, one non-binary, one a bisexual cis-gendered male cross paths, drawn together by passion, a passion which heals them both. Passion engenders a patience in exploring each other’s secrets, as they dare to expose what’s been hidden for too long. Friends and romantic rivals offer tension and touching support to Red and Ezra during their journey toward each other, toward healing. Some truly awful family members hurt them, yet surprising allies stand up for them as they struggle to find their strength. Seeing them find that strength, along with the courage to reach out to each other is beautiful.
August 5, 2018
All the elements were there for a really great story, the rep was very personal and unique rather than a cardboard cut-out Trans Character ™ and it was hitting points I usually love to see in books. - Matt
I liked how none of these characters were perfect, how all of them were simply human people with their faults and their problems; how they were fighting to be themselves and keep going. - Laura
Read our full reviews here
I liked how none of these characters were perfect, how all of them were simply human people with their faults and their problems; how they were fighting to be themselves and keep going. - Laura
Read our full reviews here
January 24, 2018
The story is told by two characters Ezra, who lives with his brother Tray in a rural area just out of town.. and the other main character is Red who was pursuing his musical career in LA until he was asked to leave the band and ‘go to rehab’
The relationship took forever to work around which was a bit frustrating.
I did enjoy reading this until around chapter 19, and then I just skimmed through the rest.
2.5 stars
#genderqueer #bisexual #lesbian #potsmoking #Speedbump #NetGalley #arc
The relationship took forever to work around which was a bit frustrating.
I did enjoy reading this until around chapter 19, and then I just skimmed through the rest.
2.5 stars
#genderqueer #bisexual #lesbian #potsmoking #Speedbump #NetGalley #arc
July 9, 2021
I felt the character development was spot on. By this, I mean the characters were believable.
Read
January 21, 2018I received a review copy from the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I couldn't stand this book nor I couldn't finish it and gave up at approximately 60%.
Speedbump has everything. Gender issues, mm love, Alzheimer, violence, poor attempt at my beloved "country-noir" setting, Microsoft, money, violence, angst, drugs, awful 1st pov, writing that goes "I, I, I"...
Too bad, because I was super interested after reading the summary
No rating since I flounced it.
I couldn't stand this book nor I couldn't finish it and gave up at approximately 60%.
Speedbump has everything. Gender issues, mm love, Alzheimer, violence, poor attempt at my beloved "country-noir" setting, Microsoft, money, violence, angst, drugs, awful 1st pov, writing that goes "I, I, I"...
Too bad, because I was super interested after reading the summary
No rating since I flounced it.
February 2, 2018
[Excerpt]
This was without a doubt the first and only book (so far) I’ve read where the main character is truly androgynous, if you will, and not strictly defined as being a "girl" or "guy". Ezra isn’t defined by normal gender standards. For people who struggle with understanding how this works, Ezra’s story is a good avenue to explore. I consider myself very open to all types of identities, but even I struggled at times to see how this identity (or lack thereof) worked. You have to be very open-minded and receptive to Ezra because they aren’t just a character; they embody all the people in the world who feel the same way – that is, that they don’t fit in a traditional guy’s world, but not in a traditional girl’s world either, but somewhere in-between, and even beyond.
[Full review on my blog.]
This was without a doubt the first and only book (so far) I’ve read where the main character is truly androgynous, if you will, and not strictly defined as being a "girl" or "guy". Ezra isn’t defined by normal gender standards. For people who struggle with understanding how this works, Ezra’s story is a good avenue to explore. I consider myself very open to all types of identities, but even I struggled at times to see how this identity (or lack thereof) worked. You have to be very open-minded and receptive to Ezra because they aren’t just a character; they embody all the people in the world who feel the same way – that is, that they don’t fit in a traditional guy’s world, but not in a traditional girl’s world either, but somewhere in-between, and even beyond.
[Full review on my blog.]
February 8, 2018
I really wanted to like this. Genderqueer romance lead and a washed up musician? Sounds like a great premise. I liked Ezra, and I had no reason to dislike Red, but they never came together. It felt like I was reading two different books, One about Ezra and one about Red, and they never came together. There was no spark, no chemistry between the two of them. They hardly had much page time together, so I didn't understand why they were drawn to one another. All together, this was a very awkward romance.
February 15, 2018
It had engaging characters and a very interesting story-line. All in all this was a good book. I was not what I was expecting when I picked it up, I thought Ezra was going to be a much more androgynous character. Once I got over that I really enjoyed the story.
Read
October 14, 2018Sadly, I was unable to finish reading this novel due to a minor trigger (possibly not one that would bother most readers). The characterisation was very good, and I enjoyed that there was more to the story than the romance, although it did at times feel that the two lead characters were over-governed by their physiological reaction to each other. All in all, The writing was excellent, and I appreciated the non-binary/bisexual representation.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews