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Porthkennack #8
Tribute Act
A contemporary novel in the Porthkennack universe
Nathan Bridges hadn’t intended to settle down in his hometown of Porthkennack—he just ended up staying after saving the family business from ruin. The truth is, Nathan can’t stop himself from stepping in when problems arise. He’s a fixer, the man everyone turns to. But even fixers can’t solve everything.
When Nathan’s sister needs an organ transplant, it’s his stepbrother, Mack, who the family turns to as Rosie’s only potential living donor. Nathan’s curiosity about the stepbrother he’s never met turns to shock when he realises that Mack is his latest—and hottest ever—one-night stand.
Nathan and Mack agree to forget their single night together, but that’s easier said than done. When Mack moves in to Nathan’s place to recuperate after surgery, it’s not just the sexual tension between them that keeps growing. Against all the odds, and despite Mack’s wariness of intimacy, the two men grow close enough that Nathan begins to wonder what it would take to mend the rift that’s kept Mack and his father estranged for over a decade . . . and whether Mack might consider staying with Nathan in Porthkennack for good.
Nathan Bridges hadn’t intended to settle down in his hometown of Porthkennack—he just ended up staying after saving the family business from ruin. The truth is, Nathan can’t stop himself from stepping in when problems arise. He’s a fixer, the man everyone turns to. But even fixers can’t solve everything.
When Nathan’s sister needs an organ transplant, it’s his stepbrother, Mack, who the family turns to as Rosie’s only potential living donor. Nathan’s curiosity about the stepbrother he’s never met turns to shock when he realises that Mack is his latest—and hottest ever—one-night stand.
Nathan and Mack agree to forget their single night together, but that’s easier said than done. When Mack moves in to Nathan’s place to recuperate after surgery, it’s not just the sexual tension between them that keeps growing. Against all the odds, and despite Mack’s wariness of intimacy, the two men grow close enough that Nathan begins to wonder what it would take to mend the rift that’s kept Mack and his father estranged for over a decade . . . and whether Mack might consider staying with Nathan in Porthkennack for good.
197 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 13, 2018
21 people are currently reading
341 people want to read
About the author
Joanna Chambers
42 books1,244 followersJoanna Chambers' muse likes red wine, coffee and won't let Joanna clean the house or watch television.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
January 18, 2018
Tribute Act was a good story. A fine story. But, honestly, from Joanna Chambers I expect to be blown away every time.
I've had mixed emotions about the Porthkennack series, but the one I REALLY loved was A Gathering Storm. Maybe I'm just into Joanna Chambers when she writes historicals?
I honestly don't love it when a book starts off with the two MCs jumping into bed. One of my favorite aspects of a story is the sexual tension (I live for it!), and so when the sex is right off the bat I always feel a little... deflated. I think that's why, even though the story was sweet and emotional and had a lot of potential, I just felt a little disconnected from it.
I always say this, but if it takes me more than 1-2 days to read a story, no matter the length, I'm just not that into it. I happily read Tribute Act but I also had no problem putting it down. That always worries me.
There was lots of loneliness, lots of angst, and lots of family issues that needed resolving, all of which got a little tiresome for me, especially with me not 100% into the romance. The writing was great, as always, but I just couldn't get past the "like" stage.
I'll always pick up Joanna Chambers' books, no matter what, but I think she's written better. I'd recommend starting with her historical romances because they are just flat-out lovely.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
I've had mixed emotions about the Porthkennack series, but the one I REALLY loved was A Gathering Storm. Maybe I'm just into Joanna Chambers when she writes historicals?
I honestly don't love it when a book starts off with the two MCs jumping into bed. One of my favorite aspects of a story is the sexual tension (I live for it!), and so when the sex is right off the bat I always feel a little... deflated. I think that's why, even though the story was sweet and emotional and had a lot of potential, I just felt a little disconnected from it.
I always say this, but if it takes me more than 1-2 days to read a story, no matter the length, I'm just not that into it. I happily read Tribute Act but I also had no problem putting it down. That always worries me.
There was lots of loneliness, lots of angst, and lots of family issues that needed resolving, all of which got a little tiresome for me, especially with me not 100% into the romance. The writing was great, as always, but I just couldn't get past the "like" stage.
I'll always pick up Joanna Chambers' books, no matter what, but I think she's written better. I'd recommend starting with her historical romances because they are just flat-out lovely.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
December 3, 2017
~4.5~
I've loved Joanna Chambers' contributions to this series. A Gathering Storm, the second Porthkennack book, is on my Best M/M Romance of 2017 list, and Tribute Act is also a strong contender.
While Nathan, whose POV filters the story, can't keep his eyes off Mack, the estranged stepbrother he's only just met, he's not at all sure how Mack feels about him.
Mack, who is a talented musician, is a bit of a drifter. Restless, independent to a fault, and aloof, Mack shirks touch and avoid messy emotions.
Nathan is a giver, a fixer; he likes to take care of people. He spends his inheritance and quits his London job to come home to Porthkennack and save his failing family business—an ice cream and coffee cafe. Nathan works hard, but sometimes he wishes he had someone to look after him.
Nathan's insecurities about his body (he's gained weight since moving home and has a little belly) made me love him that much more. He's real, relatable, and so damn sweet.
Mack shows up to be a live liver donor to his and Nathan's sister, Rosie, who needs a transplant to survive. Mack comes for Rosie, not for Derek, his father (Mack's step-father) who abandoned him at age 15.
Derek, a once successful pop star, is a piece of work. He's not a villain, far from it, but I wanted to shake him many times over. He's unfair to Mack and unwilling to apologize.
I like the way the story progressed. I'm a sucker for hurt-comfort, and this story has both in spades. Mack is a wounded bird; his physical scars heal quickly, but his heart takes much longer to mend.
Mack and Nathan have amazing chemistry, and the epilogue (from Mack's POV) is just the right touch.
The only reason I'm not rounding up to five stars is that the book hopped and skipped through days and weeks. I wanted it to slow down so I could experience all the small moments between Nathan and Mack.
I've loved Joanna Chambers' contributions to this series. A Gathering Storm, the second Porthkennack book, is on my Best M/M Romance of 2017 list, and Tribute Act is also a strong contender.
While Nathan, whose POV filters the story, can't keep his eyes off Mack, the estranged stepbrother he's only just met, he's not at all sure how Mack feels about him.
Mack, who is a talented musician, is a bit of a drifter. Restless, independent to a fault, and aloof, Mack shirks touch and avoid messy emotions.
Nathan is a giver, a fixer; he likes to take care of people. He spends his inheritance and quits his London job to come home to Porthkennack and save his failing family business—an ice cream and coffee cafe. Nathan works hard, but sometimes he wishes he had someone to look after him.
Nathan's insecurities about his body (he's gained weight since moving home and has a little belly) made me love him that much more. He's real, relatable, and so damn sweet.
Mack shows up to be a live liver donor to his and Nathan's sister, Rosie, who needs a transplant to survive. Mack comes for Rosie, not for Derek, his father (Mack's step-father) who abandoned him at age 15.
Derek, a once successful pop star, is a piece of work. He's not a villain, far from it, but I wanted to shake him many times over. He's unfair to Mack and unwilling to apologize.
I like the way the story progressed. I'm a sucker for hurt-comfort, and this story has both in spades. Mack is a wounded bird; his physical scars heal quickly, but his heart takes much longer to mend.
Mack and Nathan have amazing chemistry, and the epilogue (from Mack's POV) is just the right touch.
The only reason I'm not rounding up to five stars is that the book hopped and skipped through days and weeks. I wanted it to slow down so I could experience all the small moments between Nathan and Mack.
May 24, 2025
It pains me to rate a book by the brilliant Joanna Chambers so low, but there's no way around it.
I LOVE Joanna Chambers' Enlightenment series, I adore her Winterbourne series, and enjoyed Total Creative Control, too.
Rest and Be Thankful is a book I'll happily reread again and again.
This book felt as if it was written by someone else, though.
The aspects I love most in the author's work are missing here.
There's no character development for Nathan (and he really would have needed it), no smooth relationship development, no chemistry between the MCs, a (step-) father who is treated by his wife as if he'd been the victim when in reality he was just an awful human being.
The story is told in single pov first person past tense. So yeah, I know now how much of a fixer Nathan is and how good in bed he is, because he wasn't shy to repeat that multiple times in his thoughts (wouldn't want the reader to forget about it).
There were a few tender moments between the MCs near the end but overall this book was a big disappointment.
I LOVE Joanna Chambers' Enlightenment series, I adore her Winterbourne series, and enjoyed Total Creative Control, too.
Rest and Be Thankful is a book I'll happily reread again and again.
This book felt as if it was written by someone else, though.
The aspects I love most in the author's work are missing here.
There's no character development for Nathan (and he really would have needed it), no smooth relationship development, no chemistry between the MCs, a (step-) father who is treated by his wife as if he'd been the victim when in reality he was just an awful human being.
The story is told in single pov first person past tense. So yeah, I know now how much of a fixer Nathan is and how good in bed he is, because he wasn't shy to repeat that multiple times in his thoughts (wouldn't want the reader to forget about it).
There were a few tender moments between the MCs near the end but overall this book was a big disappointment.
January 18, 2018
Hay libros que ves las críticas, o incluso los empiezas, y crees que te van a agradar, no mucho más, pero luego los lees y no sabes por qué te han emocionado, han tocado, por lo que sea, algo dentro de ti. Esto me ha pasado a mi con este libro. Me gusta mucho la forma de escribir de la autora, y sabía que me gustaría, lo que no sabía es que me gustaría tanto.
Mack y Nathan viven una historia de amor entre dos personas corrientes, en un entorno cualquiera, dentro de un ambiente nostálgico, familiar, con un ritmo pausado y lleno de emotividad. Dos protagonistas que despiertan mucha ternura, con inseguridades, sexys y dulces al mismo tiempo, y unos secundarios que son un apoyo indispensable para el desarrollo de la trama.
No pasa demasiado, solo lo más importante, que dos personas se enamoran.
No me gustaría dejar pasar la ocasión para decir lo mucho que me gusta la portada, con ese modelo absolutamente maravilloso.
Mack y Nathan viven una historia de amor entre dos personas corrientes, en un entorno cualquiera, dentro de un ambiente nostálgico, familiar, con un ritmo pausado y lleno de emotividad. Dos protagonistas que despiertan mucha ternura, con inseguridades, sexys y dulces al mismo tiempo, y unos secundarios que son un apoyo indispensable para el desarrollo de la trama.
No pasa demasiado, solo lo más importante, que dos personas se enamoran.
No me gustaría dejar pasar la ocasión para decir lo mucho que me gusta la portada, con ese modelo absolutamente maravilloso.
November 26, 2017
Nathan is a fixer. He came home temporarily to fix the financial nightmare his mom and stepdad have let their ice cream shop/café become. But once it's fixed, Nathan realizes they're just gonna let it become what it was. Neither has a good head for business. Well, okay then, he'll move back home and stay on as a partner. He can use his marketing degree that way.
Then his sister is diagnosed with a rare liver disease and needs a transplant. He'll donate a portion of his liver. Except he isn't a match, which kills this big-brother-fixer just a bit.
Mack is the hottie in a beanie that Nathan sees in a club one night. Once eye contact is made, game over. Even though Nathan doesn't really like one-night stands, there's something about Mack that he can't resist.
Fast forward to Mack knocking on his parents' door after a letter is sent from his dad, requesting he get tested to see if he matches his sister to donate his liver.
I like the stepbrothers trope, and this one was no exception. Nathan and Mack had never met before. Mack's dad hasn't been around in all the time he's been married to Nathan's mother.
Derek, Mack's father, was a shitty dad to him. He never made the effort. He never acted like a dad. Unfortunately, Nathan had the opposite from him as a stepdad. He was always supportive, always around. This could've caused tons of melodrama and resentment on Mack's behalf. But it didn't.
What Mack is, above all else, is wary and distrustful. After his mother died, he was raised by stoic grandparents. He's never received affection or love. Walking in on Nathan and his sister hugging causes him to look like he's seeing an alien.
The attraction, on Nathan's part, doesn't die. But Mack is just so prickly and standoffish. It's hard to crack his shell. And even after they start fooling around again, it's impossible for Nathan to tell what Mack is thinking or feeling.
Does he even like me?
Would he stay?
Mack made it clear once he came that he'd be leaving after recovering from the surgery. And Nathan does everything he can to give him a reason to stay, including fixing the relationship between father and son.
This book packed a lot of feelz. Not only watching Mack flourish under a bit of attention and affection. From his stepmother, his sister, and Nathan.
I simply love this author and will pretty much buy whatever she writes. This is another success for her, and I highly recommend!
Then his sister is diagnosed with a rare liver disease and needs a transplant. He'll donate a portion of his liver. Except he isn't a match, which kills this big-brother-fixer just a bit.
Mack is the hottie in a beanie that Nathan sees in a club one night. Once eye contact is made, game over. Even though Nathan doesn't really like one-night stands, there's something about Mack that he can't resist.
Fast forward to Mack knocking on his parents' door after a letter is sent from his dad, requesting he get tested to see if he matches his sister to donate his liver.
I like the stepbrothers trope, and this one was no exception. Nathan and Mack had never met before. Mack's dad hasn't been around in all the time he's been married to Nathan's mother.
Derek, Mack's father, was a shitty dad to him. He never made the effort. He never acted like a dad. Unfortunately, Nathan had the opposite from him as a stepdad. He was always supportive, always around. This could've caused tons of melodrama and resentment on Mack's behalf. But it didn't.
What Mack is, above all else, is wary and distrustful. After his mother died, he was raised by stoic grandparents. He's never received affection or love. Walking in on Nathan and his sister hugging causes him to look like he's seeing an alien.
The attraction, on Nathan's part, doesn't die. But Mack is just so prickly and standoffish. It's hard to crack his shell. And even after they start fooling around again, it's impossible for Nathan to tell what Mack is thinking or feeling.
Does he even like me?
Would he stay?
Mack made it clear once he came that he'd be leaving after recovering from the surgery. And Nathan does everything he can to give him a reason to stay, including fixing the relationship between father and son.
This book packed a lot of feelz. Not only watching Mack flourish under a bit of attention and affection. From his stepmother, his sister, and Nathan.
I simply love this author and will pretty much buy whatever she writes. This is another success for her, and I highly recommend!
January 7, 2018
I love the Porthkennack series, and since I enjoyed this author's previous book in this series, I was hopeful that I would enjoy Tribute Act as well -- and I did. Tribute Act is about finding love in the unlikeliest places. It's about forgiveness. And it's about learning that you are worthy of being loved and capable of giving it.
Tribute Act is one of my favorite kinds of stories. A hookup with someone whom you later meet and and are thrown together with. Like the step-brother you've never met. Yeah, I love that. And add in just the right amount of angst and uncertainty, and I'm hooked.
Mack...I just wanted to hug him. He was so starved for love and affection, it made my heart hurt. And I can't blame him for being so cautious. His mother died when he was young, he felt abandoned by his father, his grandparents never really accepted him, so he was on his own. Why would you risk opening yourself to people you don't know when everyone who should love you unconditionally rejected you?
And Nathan felt their connection from the start, but when you're trying to calm a stray cat, you have to exercise a lot of patience. You have to move slowly, letting the cat know you're no threat while also hoping they know you can be trusted. It's in Nathan's nature to fix things. To help anywhere he can. He left a really good job in London to come back and help his family and he wouldn't have it any other way, but they do take advantage.
I have never encountered two men who needed each other more than Mack and Nathan. Mack, the one afraid to commit, and Nathan, who never really opened himself to anything real - but really needs it.
I also really loved that Rosie, the sister Mack came to help, was really the voice of reason when it really came down to it. Hat's off to you, girlfriend, for putting everything in perspective.
Once again, Joanna Chambers delivers a wonderful story full of feels and hope amidst the angst that drew me in.
Recommended.
--------------
ARC of Tribute Act was generously provided by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Tribute Act is one of my favorite kinds of stories. A hookup with someone whom you later meet and and are thrown together with. Like the step-brother you've never met. Yeah, I love that. And add in just the right amount of angst and uncertainty, and I'm hooked.
Mack...I just wanted to hug him. He was so starved for love and affection, it made my heart hurt. And I can't blame him for being so cautious. His mother died when he was young, he felt abandoned by his father, his grandparents never really accepted him, so he was on his own. Why would you risk opening yourself to people you don't know when everyone who should love you unconditionally rejected you?
And Nathan felt their connection from the start, but when you're trying to calm a stray cat, you have to exercise a lot of patience. You have to move slowly, letting the cat know you're no threat while also hoping they know you can be trusted. It's in Nathan's nature to fix things. To help anywhere he can. He left a really good job in London to come back and help his family and he wouldn't have it any other way, but they do take advantage.
I have never encountered two men who needed each other more than Mack and Nathan. Mack, the one afraid to commit, and Nathan, who never really opened himself to anything real - but really needs it.
I also really loved that Rosie, the sister Mack came to help, was really the voice of reason when it really came down to it. Hat's off to you, girlfriend, for putting everything in perspective.
Once again, Joanna Chambers delivers a wonderful story full of feels and hope amidst the angst that drew me in.
Recommended.
--------------
ARC of Tribute Act was generously provided by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
December 11, 2017
I love storylines about one night stands that end up being the MC's boss or employee or neighbour or brother's friend or whatever.
Imagine when your one night stand ends up being your stepbrother! The stepbrother you 've never met, and who's here because he's the only matching living donor to your litle sister.
I'm not going to rehash the plot. Besides, this is mostly a quiet story, character and relationship focused.
Mack and Nathan are almost polar opposites. Nathan is the one who returns to his roots willingly because he's a fixer who stays and works on things. Mack is a drifter who's used to moving around because nothing feels like home.
I think this is one of those times where the story benefited from the single POV. Mack remained an enigma until the end of the book, which kept my interest alive despite there not being too much plot or plot twists. The last couple of pages from Mack's POV were brilliant and very rewarding.
Mack's dad pissed me off more often than not. I kept waiting for him to grow a pair and stop hiding behind his selfishness and cowardice, but nope. Sadly, though, he's so very realistically portrayed. I can only say kudos to the author.
My only niggle is that the characters kept pussyfoting around and their denial to talk about their feelings almost felt like a miscommunication, which was a little bit frustrating.
I haven't read all books in the Porthkennack series, but all the books that I have read have the gritty, melancholic tone in common, fueled by the rough cornish setting. I absolutely LOVE this element.
Joanna Chambers is a relatively new author to me, but some of her stories have blown my mind (like the Enlightment series). Tribute Act is among these stories.
Recommended!
Imagine when your one night stand ends up being your stepbrother! The stepbrother you 've never met, and who's here because he's the only matching living donor to your litle sister.
I'm not going to rehash the plot. Besides, this is mostly a quiet story, character and relationship focused.
Mack and Nathan are almost polar opposites. Nathan is the one who returns to his roots willingly because he's a fixer who stays and works on things. Mack is a drifter who's used to moving around because nothing feels like home.
I think this is one of those times where the story benefited from the single POV. Mack remained an enigma until the end of the book, which kept my interest alive despite there not being too much plot or plot twists. The last couple of pages from Mack's POV were brilliant and very rewarding.
Mack's dad pissed me off more often than not. I kept waiting for him to grow a pair and stop hiding behind his selfishness and cowardice, but nope. Sadly, though, he's so very realistically portrayed. I can only say kudos to the author.
My only niggle is that the characters kept pussyfoting around and their denial to talk about their feelings almost felt like a miscommunication, which was a little bit frustrating.
I haven't read all books in the Porthkennack series, but all the books that I have read have the gritty, melancholic tone in common, fueled by the rough cornish setting. I absolutely LOVE this element.
Joanna Chambers is a relatively new author to me, but some of her stories have blown my mind (like the Enlightment series). Tribute Act is among these stories.
Recommended!
March 19, 2024
Wow. Now that's a first for me.
I read a whole book to only realise I'd read it before when I went to write a review. 😂😂😂
The only excuse is that my first read was five years ago, but usually something rings a bell .... ?
All in all, this might actually sum up pretty well how I felt about it on both occasions ... quite a bit underwhelmed. Nothing here left an imprint on my brain and my heart whatsoever, and on a second read this is reflected in the lower rating of 3 stars.
Not a lot grabbed me with many things in need of further, deeper exploration, particularly Mack's past and feelings. He's a closed book for most of this novella and even when he lets us and Nathan in a little, I was gasping for more.
original review
I really loved the scenario and the main characters, right down to the single POV (which isn’t usually my favourite) because it works really well here, but ultimately certain elements of the story (like Mack‘s relationship with his dad or Nathan tendency to ‚overprotect‘) felt a little bit underdeveloped.
I also found the end a bit too swift and quick.
But a pleasant read with lots of feels!
I read a whole book to only realise I'd read it before when I went to write a review. 😂😂😂
The only excuse is that my first read was five years ago, but usually something rings a bell .... ?
All in all, this might actually sum up pretty well how I felt about it on both occasions ... quite a bit underwhelmed. Nothing here left an imprint on my brain and my heart whatsoever, and on a second read this is reflected in the lower rating of 3 stars.
Not a lot grabbed me with many things in need of further, deeper exploration, particularly Mack's past and feelings. He's a closed book for most of this novella and even when he lets us and Nathan in a little, I was gasping for more.
original review
I really loved the scenario and the main characters, right down to the single POV (which isn’t usually my favourite) because it works really well here, but ultimately certain elements of the story (like Mack‘s relationship with his dad or Nathan tendency to ‚overprotect‘) felt a little bit underdeveloped.
I also found the end a bit too swift and quick.
But a pleasant read with lots of feels!
January 17, 2018
Four beautiful stars!
A simple hookup turns complicated when said hookup shows up at your parent's house. <---love that trope!
It's a poignantly beautiful love story.
Nathan is the "fixer". He fixes everyone's problems. He takes anything and everything on his own shoulders and solves whatever needs a solution. But who takes care of Nathan? Even though he's been in several relationships, he's never been in love.
Mack is the most desperately lonely character I've ever read about. My heart HURT for him. He keeps everyone at a distance, yet he is the one who sees that Nathan has needs too. He's the one to help and point out to others that Nathan deserves appreciation and a whole lot of thanks. Mack is the one who steps up to lend a hand when no one else see's Nathan's needs.
I was rooting for these two the entire time I read the story. I wanted them to find a way to connect so bad. I must have been really stressing because I felt a whole lot of relief at the HEA.
I really wanted Derek and Mack's conversation. Some sort of detailed view into their progress forward. That's the only reason why this is a four star instead of five for me. Otherwise, perfect.
Gorgeous story. I loved it.
Review ARC graciously provided by Riptide Publishing via NetGalley
A simple hookup turns complicated when said hookup shows up at your parent's house. <---love that trope!
It's a poignantly beautiful love story.
Nathan is the "fixer". He fixes everyone's problems. He takes anything and everything on his own shoulders and solves whatever needs a solution. But who takes care of Nathan? Even though he's been in several relationships, he's never been in love.
Mack is the most desperately lonely character I've ever read about. My heart HURT for him. He keeps everyone at a distance, yet he is the one who sees that Nathan has needs too. He's the one to help and point out to others that Nathan deserves appreciation and a whole lot of thanks. Mack is the one who steps up to lend a hand when no one else see's Nathan's needs.
I was rooting for these two the entire time I read the story. I wanted them to find a way to connect so bad. I must have been really stressing because I felt a whole lot of relief at the HEA.
I really wanted Derek and Mack's conversation. Some sort of detailed view into their progress forward. That's the only reason why this is a four star instead of five for me. Otherwise, perfect.
Gorgeous story. I loved it.
Review ARC graciously provided by Riptide Publishing via NetGalley
December 20, 2017
3.5 Stars!
I didn't like this one as well as the Garrett Leigh's I've read from this series. But I did like it.
It just didn't pack the emotional punch the GL's did. I didn't quite connect to the story or the characters like I did in the others.
But it was a nice, quiet, easy read. Low angst with some steam.
I didn't like this one as well as the Garrett Leigh's I've read from this series. But I did like it.
It just didn't pack the emotional punch the GL's did. I didn't quite connect to the story or the characters like I did in the others.
But it was a nice, quiet, easy read. Low angst with some steam.
May 6, 2019
I rarely read contemporary books but because I love this authors style I decided (after her absolutely amazing Enlightenment series) that I had to read more of her work. Joanna Chambers is a superb writer, her real strength lying in her ability to create living, breathing characters with ordinary lives, relationships and problems which a lot of people can probably relate to. A more thorough review later, but I have to say that I loved both Nathan and Mack. And the gorgeous cover... it’s Mack. Exactly as the author has described him.
January 17, 2018
I’m a fan of the Porthkennack series, having read all but two of them, so I picked up Tribute act before reading the blurb and it turned out to be a completely unexpected treat. I also hadn’t read anything by this author before, but I’ll certainly be looking for her works in the future.
Told exclusively from Nathan’s point-of-view, Tribute Act was one of those stories that grabbed my attention and refused to let go. I liked the initial meeting between Nathan and Mack as well as the unexpected familial connection between heroes. Both men were interesting and personable, and I enjoyed how their personalities steadily unfurled over the course of the book. This was definitely not the average stepbrother story. The romance was a slow burn despite the initial hook-up early on, providing sufficient time to establish a significant emotional connection and build chemistry, as well as allow for personal growth for both Mack and Nathan. The pacing itself had more of a slow to moderate rhythm, but the storyline and romantic connection kept me invested. If you favor complicated connections and slow-burn romances, I definitely recommend this title. Tribute Act proved to be another great addition to the Porthkennack series and ensured I’ll be reading more of Miss Chambers’s contemporary romances.
Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club
Told exclusively from Nathan’s point-of-view, Tribute Act was one of those stories that grabbed my attention and refused to let go. I liked the initial meeting between Nathan and Mack as well as the unexpected familial connection between heroes. Both men were interesting and personable, and I enjoyed how their personalities steadily unfurled over the course of the book. This was definitely not the average stepbrother story. The romance was a slow burn despite the initial hook-up early on, providing sufficient time to establish a significant emotional connection and build chemistry, as well as allow for personal growth for both Mack and Nathan. The pacing itself had more of a slow to moderate rhythm, but the storyline and romantic connection kept me invested. If you favor complicated connections and slow-burn romances, I definitely recommend this title. Tribute Act proved to be another great addition to the Porthkennack series and ensured I’ll be reading more of Miss Chambers’s contemporary romances.
Reviewed by Annie from Alpha Book Club
February 3, 2018
Me temo que este no ha hecho click. No le puedo poner ninguna pega, igual lo único que no me ha convencido es el final, aparte de eso no tengo nada que reprocharle, es una lectura muy agradable, pero no me ha llegado al corazón.
January 18, 2018
I seem to have caught the plague so you, my lovelies, shall be gifted with yet another “omg what are words!?!!!!” review. You are welcome. (And apologies to Ms. Chambers, whose book deserves so much more brain power than what I currently sloshing away in my head.)
While set in Porthkennack, this book is a lot more insular than some of the others in the series. Nathan–who runs himself ragged helping out at his mom and stepfather’s ice cream shop/cafe–and Mack–who is only in town to see if he can be a donor match to his and Nathan’s kid sister–are center stage for this story. Everything is so focused on them that there is a pervasive sense of intimacy throughout the entire story. They connect on such a sweet level that first night, that you can’t help but be drawn into their story. And despite the fact that they both went into it not expecting anything more than a one-night-stand, you can also tell how deeply Mack needs someone like Nathan–but probably more importantly, how badly Nathan needs someone in his life who doesn’t simply take.
And yes, while I totally admit that the fact they are step-brothers totally had me excited to read this book, that really isn’t something that comes into play a whole lot. Mostly because they have never met before their first night together. But where it does factor into the story it is all the more important. It isn’t about titillation and taboo, but Mack desperately needing a family and Nathan wanting nothing more than to give him his.
This book was basically all heart. The connection between Nathan and Mack is probably my favorite out of this series; I am a total sucker for these kinds of hurt/comfort books…especially when I am neck deep in cold meds. And the various other relationships that evolve over the course of this book are very well done as well. Especially between Mack and his father. Very good book, very good characters, just very good everything.
4.5 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.
While set in Porthkennack, this book is a lot more insular than some of the others in the series. Nathan–who runs himself ragged helping out at his mom and stepfather’s ice cream shop/cafe–and Mack–who is only in town to see if he can be a donor match to his and Nathan’s kid sister–are center stage for this story. Everything is so focused on them that there is a pervasive sense of intimacy throughout the entire story. They connect on such a sweet level that first night, that you can’t help but be drawn into their story. And despite the fact that they both went into it not expecting anything more than a one-night-stand, you can also tell how deeply Mack needs someone like Nathan–but probably more importantly, how badly Nathan needs someone in his life who doesn’t simply take.
And yes, while I totally admit that the fact they are step-brothers totally had me excited to read this book, that really isn’t something that comes into play a whole lot. Mostly because they have never met before their first night together. But where it does factor into the story it is all the more important. It isn’t about titillation and taboo, but Mack desperately needing a family and Nathan wanting nothing more than to give him his.
This book was basically all heart. The connection between Nathan and Mack is probably my favorite out of this series; I am a total sucker for these kinds of hurt/comfort books…especially when I am neck deep in cold meds. And the various other relationships that evolve over the course of this book are very well done as well. Especially between Mack and his father. Very good book, very good characters, just very good everything.
4.5 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.
November 19, 2018
Joanna Chambers....you make me cry.
I haven't managed to get through any of your novels without weeping like the proverbial baby. I am a wreck!
I'm always a tinsy bit disappointed when I begin to read one of your novels, only to discover it's set in the modern day. Then I reach the end, a blubbering wreck, and realise how stupid am I? I just love your style, your writing, your characters and regardless of the period. You write for me and I am so very grateful. In the immortal words of David Cassidy....."I think I love you".
Nathan and Mack....now there's a soul-mate coupling if ever I've read one. I so wanted to bang their heads together and yell "Just say it, just tell him how you feel!"......but then, there wouldn't be this delicious story, a true and beautiful love story, a proper m/m romance.
Cornwall is the setting for this novel and Cornwall is my second home. My partner's family originate from Mousehole and we visit every year.
Thank you Joanna for the Epilogue. I sobbed!
Most definitely five stars. True romance. Excessive happy sobbing.
Incidentally, I read this novel between 1am and 4.30am, with tea. I am now totally knackered, but couldn't/didn't want to put it down until I knew how it ended.
I haven't managed to get through any of your novels without weeping like the proverbial baby. I am a wreck!
I'm always a tinsy bit disappointed when I begin to read one of your novels, only to discover it's set in the modern day. Then I reach the end, a blubbering wreck, and realise how stupid am I? I just love your style, your writing, your characters and regardless of the period. You write for me and I am so very grateful. In the immortal words of David Cassidy....."I think I love you".
Nathan and Mack....now there's a soul-mate coupling if ever I've read one. I so wanted to bang their heads together and yell "Just say it, just tell him how you feel!"......but then, there wouldn't be this delicious story, a true and beautiful love story, a proper m/m romance.
Cornwall is the setting for this novel and Cornwall is my second home. My partner's family originate from Mousehole and we visit every year.
Thank you Joanna for the Epilogue. I sobbed!
Most definitely five stars. True romance. Excessive happy sobbing.
Incidentally, I read this novel between 1am and 4.30am, with tea. I am now totally knackered, but couldn't/didn't want to put it down until I knew how it ended.
January 8, 2018
I didn't have a lot of luck with Porthkennack Series (as well as with Joanna Chambers's books). It is why I'm glad, I didn't completely give up on it (and her). Tribute Act is definitely my favorite novel in the series.
BUT the blurb chosen for this book is rather unfortunate. My luck was (and I really see it as a happy coincidence), I don't remember to read the blurb and I didn't re-read it when I started the book. This way, a very important twist remained secret. So, if you belong to those readers who don't normally read blurbs carefully, and you accidentally come across my review, I'd recommend you NOT to read the blurb because it contains SPOILERS and don't need other reviews, because they replay these spoilers .
Nathan Bridges leaves a a well-paid City career behind to join the family business in Porthkennack, when things become really tight: Derek might be a great stepdad and for sure a fantastic ice maker, but he has never been vigilant with the finances. When Nathan's little sister Rosie falls ill, so that only an organ transplantation can save her life, and his mother has to spend all her time with Rosie, Nathan decides to move from London to his home town to keep a family ice café from going under.
Nathan is not a one-night stands guy, he likes to be in a relationship, but he is single since he broken up with his last boyfriend shortly before moving back to Porthkennack and...he still needs sex. He meets Mack in a local gay bar. Mack is hot, direct and he is a traveler. A perfect one-night-stand. Isn't it is what Nathan wants? But there is something vulnerable about Mack, Nathan can sense his unhappiness, his fragility. "Don't go. Hold me."
Even if Nathan wakes up alone in the hotel bad the next morning, it is is easy to guess that their fates will cross, because everything between them is simply just right: the chemistry, the feelings, the emotional connection and of course sex. But there is also more to this story than a one-night-stands becomes a love story, and I really think that readers should find it by themselves and not to be informed about it in advance.
I'd like actually to thank the author for bringing one (for me) really important topic: a family relationship that I don't see very often in my books. We have rather evil stepdads or perfect stepdads. But RL is much more complicated than THAT. I don't want to give something away, but I have to say, that I know such kind of situation very well.
It is a touching and emotional, well written MM romance, where a family plays a very important role. This book made me cry (normally a very good sign) and made me furious (because of the spoiler in my review). Very recommended.
***ARC was kindly provided by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.***
BUT the blurb chosen for this book is rather unfortunate. My luck was (and I really see it as a happy coincidence), I don't remember to read the blurb and I didn't re-read it when I started the book. This way, a very important twist remained secret. So, if you belong to those readers who don't normally read blurbs carefully, and you accidentally come across my review, I'd recommend you NOT to read the blurb because it contains SPOILERS and don't need other reviews, because they replay these spoilers .
Nathan Bridges leaves a a well-paid City career behind to join the family business in Porthkennack, when things become really tight: Derek might be a great stepdad and for sure a fantastic ice maker, but he has never been vigilant with the finances. When Nathan's little sister Rosie falls ill, so that only an organ transplantation can save her life, and his mother has to spend all her time with Rosie, Nathan decides to move from London to his home town to keep a family ice café from going under.
Nathan is not a one-night stands guy, he likes to be in a relationship, but he is single since he broken up with his last boyfriend shortly before moving back to Porthkennack and...he still needs sex. He meets Mack in a local gay bar. Mack is hot, direct and he is a traveler. A perfect one-night-stand. Isn't it is what Nathan wants? But there is something vulnerable about Mack, Nathan can sense his unhappiness, his fragility. "Don't go. Hold me."
Even if Nathan wakes up alone in the hotel bad the next morning, it is is easy to guess that their fates will cross, because everything between them is simply just right: the chemistry, the feelings, the emotional connection and of course sex. But there is also more to this story than a one-night-stands becomes a love story, and I really think that readers should find it by themselves and not to be informed about it in advance.
I'd like actually to thank the author for bringing one (for me) really important topic: a family relationship that I don't see very often in my books. We have rather evil stepdads or perfect stepdads. But RL is much more complicated than THAT. I don't want to give something away, but I have to say, that I know such kind of situation very well.
It is a touching and emotional, well written MM romance, where a family plays a very important role. This book made me cry (normally a very good sign) and made me furious (because of the spoiler in my review). Very recommended.
***ARC was kindly provided by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.***
December 29, 2017
3.75 stars rounded up
I admit I was a little bit nervous when Nathan and Mack's first encounter ended up in bed as a one night stand. I am not a big fan of sexy times introduced quite early in romance. Also, these days I really try NOT to re-read blurb before I start a book, in order to enjoy it in its entirety without expectation of what's coming. SO, I wasn't aware of the stepbrother situation coming in later. The only thing that kept me going was the fact that this was written by Joanna Chambers. She is one of my favorite authors so I believe in her stories.
Then yes, of course, it turns out that Mack is Nathan's stepbrother; he comes to Porthkennack because their sister is sick and in needs of liver transplant. To keep things on track for me: Nathan's mother marries Mack's dad. Rosie is their daughter. So Rosie shares the same father with Mack, and the same mother with Nathan. But of course neither Nathan nor Mack has the same set of blood parents. That is important for me because I am also NOT a big fan of stepsibling trope *lol*
The story is written solely from Nathan's perspective. I thought it worked really well because it made me feel involved with Nathan's internal conflict. Nathan is the fixer in the family. Nathan is the one jumping to help his parents get out from financial fiasco. He handles the financial and marketing side of the business. He has the needs to make everything right. Except for helping Rosie, because he is not a match. He is the fixer ... but here comes someone else who can help his sister. Even if Mack still part of the family.
While Mack stays rather mysterious, and it fits with his character. Mack keeps people on arm's length -- he describes himself as a lone wolf. Which is understandable because after his mom died, Derek (his father, Nathan's stepfather) also left him alone, then his grandparents didn't welcome his sexuality, so Mack is pretty much alone since he was seventeen years old.
I think Tribute Act is quintessential Joanna Chambers. It focuses on characters growth, relationship, and PACKS a feels! Although I also think that Mack's long-time conflict with his father resolved too quickly, and a little bit off page. That's the thing that stops this book being a solid four.
Despite never knowing Mack's perspective throughout the book but I believe that piece by piece, Mack's brick wall surrounding his heart crumbles during his time staying with Nathan, knowing his sister, surrounded by love and family. Which is why that last epilogue from Mack's POV is perfection.
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
I admit I was a little bit nervous when Nathan and Mack's first encounter ended up in bed as a one night stand. I am not a big fan of sexy times introduced quite early in romance. Also, these days I really try NOT to re-read blurb before I start a book, in order to enjoy it in its entirety without expectation of what's coming. SO, I wasn't aware of the stepbrother situation coming in later. The only thing that kept me going was the fact that this was written by Joanna Chambers. She is one of my favorite authors so I believe in her stories.
Then yes, of course, it turns out that Mack is Nathan's stepbrother; he comes to Porthkennack because their sister is sick and in needs of liver transplant. To keep things on track for me: Nathan's mother marries Mack's dad. Rosie is their daughter. So Rosie shares the same father with Mack, and the same mother with Nathan. But of course neither Nathan nor Mack has the same set of blood parents. That is important for me because I am also NOT a big fan of stepsibling trope *lol*
The story is written solely from Nathan's perspective. I thought it worked really well because it made me feel involved with Nathan's internal conflict. Nathan is the fixer in the family. Nathan is the one jumping to help his parents get out from financial fiasco. He handles the financial and marketing side of the business. He has the needs to make everything right. Except for helping Rosie, because he is not a match. He is the fixer ... but here comes someone else who can help his sister. Even if Mack still part of the family.
While Mack stays rather mysterious, and it fits with his character. Mack keeps people on arm's length -- he describes himself as a lone wolf. Which is understandable because after his mom died, Derek (his father, Nathan's stepfather) also left him alone, then his grandparents didn't welcome his sexuality, so Mack is pretty much alone since he was seventeen years old.
I think Tribute Act is quintessential Joanna Chambers. It focuses on characters growth, relationship, and PACKS a feels! Although I also think that Mack's long-time conflict with his father resolved too quickly, and a little bit off page. That's the thing that stops this book being a solid four.
Despite never knowing Mack's perspective throughout the book but I believe that piece by piece, Mack's brick wall surrounding his heart crumbles during his time staying with Nathan, knowing his sister, surrounded by love and family. Which is why that last epilogue from Mack's POV is perfection.
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
December 30, 2019
Nathan is a fixer. He left his London marketing career to come home to Porthkennack to save Dilly's - the ice cream shop his stepfather Derek started - and now he's part-owner and up to his neck in taxes, bills and scheduling. He wishes that he was able to donor his liver to his sister, but isn't a match. Even when Nathan meets a long, lean, very hot guy at the bar one night, he's thinking of how to "fix" him. Mack claims he just wants to fuck, but Nathan senses Mack's vulnerability and knows he craves intimacy:
Tribute Act is also a story of family relationships and how difficult it can be to get beyond angry words and actions to arrive at the hurt feelings and fear, and then move past them to create a stronger family bond. I love the family Joanna Chambers gives us here, complete with its laughter and tears, and its good heart. Mack and Nathan's relationship is only part of the story and the way everything fits together into this family-based story is perfection. 4.5 stars.
I received an ARC from Riptide Publishing, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
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Somehow, I just knew this was exactly what Mack needed. The way he’d pressed his head against my hand as I’d stroked his hair. The way he so eagerly sucked me down, then told me he needed nothing. These clues pointed to a man who wasn’t comfortable asking for things with words but his body was crying out for what he needed, silently begging me. For some reason, it felt like I could read him—and that maybe he could read me too.When it turns out that Mack is Derek's son from a early marriage AND is donating part of his liver to Nathan's kid sister Rosie, things get ... complicated. Mack ends up rooming with Nathan during his post-surgery recovery period and their relationship develops slowly and carefully. Mack isn't comfortable with expressing much of anything, but it is well worth the wait as Mack and Nathan sort out their feelings and realize how deep their emotional connection runs.
Tribute Act is also a story of family relationships and how difficult it can be to get beyond angry words and actions to arrive at the hurt feelings and fear, and then move past them to create a stronger family bond. I love the family Joanna Chambers gives us here, complete with its laughter and tears, and its good heart. Mack and Nathan's relationship is only part of the story and the way everything fits together into this family-based story is perfection. 4.5 stars.
I received an ARC from Riptide Publishing, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Stop by my new blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
February 7, 2018
Nathan and Mack first meet when Nathan escapes for one night from his business and family obligations to have fun and blow off some steam. Their one-night stand was great, but both feel more than just a physical connection that night.
However, neither expect to ever run into each other again. That is until an odd family connection brings the two back together in a very awkward and tense situation.
I immediately connected to Nathan. He’s extremely down-to-earth, and his worries are relatable. He’s concerned with his business and his family, and he also thinks that he could stand to lose a few pounds. He’s your average joe.
Plus, Nathan has heart in spades.
Mack comes off as pretty standoffish at first. But it’s obvious that it’s a defence mechanism, the result of a less-than-perfect childhood. There’s an underlying vulnerability behind Mack’s hard exterior that made me root for him from the start.
It’s also obvious from the get-go that Mack isn’t as indifferent to Nathan as he pretends to be.
Despite their hook-up early in the book, Mack and Nathan’s relationship builds quite slowly. Bit by bit, the two become friends. They settle into a routine while Mack recovers from his surgery, neither willing to admit that they’re falling for each other.
I thought they were incredibly sweet together. Nathan has an urge to take care of Mack, while Mack can’t help but respond to someone finally putting him first.
Though there’s a fair bit of angst and lack of communication in this book, the romance was fairly mellow. I found it easy to just sit back and watch Mack and Nathan fall in love.
However, I wasn’t entirely won over by Mack and Nathan’s family. They took a lot, without giving much back. I just couldn’t forgive the selfishness as easily as Nathan and Mack did, even though I thought it was all entirely realistic.
It takes Nathan and Mack time and hard work to get to a place where they can have their happy ever after. But once the two get their act together, it’s obviously the real deal for them.
Overall, I enjoyed ‘Tribute’. Mack and Nathan’s romance isn’t particularly grand, but it’s realistic and relatable. If you’re looking for a slow MM romance with a lot of focus on family, give this book a try!
However, neither expect to ever run into each other again. That is until an odd family connection brings the two back together in a very awkward and tense situation.
I immediately connected to Nathan. He’s extremely down-to-earth, and his worries are relatable. He’s concerned with his business and his family, and he also thinks that he could stand to lose a few pounds. He’s your average joe.
Plus, Nathan has heart in spades.
Mack comes off as pretty standoffish at first. But it’s obvious that it’s a defence mechanism, the result of a less-than-perfect childhood. There’s an underlying vulnerability behind Mack’s hard exterior that made me root for him from the start.
It’s also obvious from the get-go that Mack isn’t as indifferent to Nathan as he pretends to be.
Despite their hook-up early in the book, Mack and Nathan’s relationship builds quite slowly. Bit by bit, the two become friends. They settle into a routine while Mack recovers from his surgery, neither willing to admit that they’re falling for each other.
I thought they were incredibly sweet together. Nathan has an urge to take care of Mack, while Mack can’t help but respond to someone finally putting him first.
Though there’s a fair bit of angst and lack of communication in this book, the romance was fairly mellow. I found it easy to just sit back and watch Mack and Nathan fall in love.
However, I wasn’t entirely won over by Mack and Nathan’s family. They took a lot, without giving much back. I just couldn’t forgive the selfishness as easily as Nathan and Mack did, even though I thought it was all entirely realistic.
It takes Nathan and Mack time and hard work to get to a place where they can have their happy ever after. But once the two get their act together, it’s obviously the real deal for them.
Overall, I enjoyed ‘Tribute’. Mack and Nathan’s romance isn’t particularly grand, but it’s realistic and relatable. If you’re looking for a slow MM romance with a lot of focus on family, give this book a try!
January 15, 2018
4.5 stars
I found this a touching, emotional read. Somehow it slammed into my core.
It's not an outstanding story as in i would scream or faint...no... but I felt it all and was so impressed by it.
(Jo)Nathan is a very considered person... sweet, thoughtful, a cuddler, a people pleaser and a fixer. I loved Nathan and on the other hand I wanted to shake him to stand up for himself.
He did everything for everyone, sweet of course, but he just got lost on the way.
"I was fed up being taken for granted"
"I wanted someone to take care of me for a change"
He had a one night and was such a sweet guy he wanted to kiss but no... not allowed... the eyes of Mack tells a story..
Shocked to see him again at his parents house, as the son of his stepfather he understands this guy wants nothing to do with him...
Family matters are in this story... surgery, recovery, music, sex, friendship and rejection.
Growing love and no words about it.... afraid for disappointments...
Through the eyes of sweet Nathan we see all the love and hurt in his emotional life, his friendship and feelings with and toward Mack... the possibilities but also the inability to speak up for himself.
Beautiful written, emotional journey with a desperation that made me I cried hard.
At the end...I just wanted to see some more happy moments between them.
Thank god they have their HEA
Kindly received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley
I found this a touching, emotional read. Somehow it slammed into my core.
It's not an outstanding story as in i would scream or faint...no... but I felt it all and was so impressed by it.
(Jo)Nathan is a very considered person... sweet, thoughtful, a cuddler, a people pleaser and a fixer. I loved Nathan and on the other hand I wanted to shake him to stand up for himself.
He did everything for everyone, sweet of course, but he just got lost on the way.
"I was fed up being taken for granted"
"I wanted someone to take care of me for a change"
He had a one night and was such a sweet guy he wanted to kiss but no... not allowed... the eyes of Mack tells a story..
Shocked to see him again at his parents house, as the son of his stepfather he understands this guy wants nothing to do with him...
Family matters are in this story... surgery, recovery, music, sex, friendship and rejection.
Growing love and no words about it.... afraid for disappointments...
Through the eyes of sweet Nathan we see all the love and hurt in his emotional life, his friendship and feelings with and toward Mack... the possibilities but also the inability to speak up for himself.
Beautiful written, emotional journey with a desperation that made me I cried hard.
At the end...I just wanted to see some more happy moments between them.
Thank god they have their HEA
Kindly received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley
Read
June 14, 2022DNF ~15%
The smut didn't do it for me, and one of the MCs is chubby with a lot of body insecurity, and the amount of internalized anti-fat bias is a bit of a trigger for me, so I'm going to have to pass.
The smut didn't do it for me, and one of the MCs is chubby with a lot of body insecurity, and the amount of internalized anti-fat bias is a bit of a trigger for me, so I'm going to have to pass.
September 11, 2022
4 5*
I just love the way Joanna Chambers crafts her stories, they always manage to pull on the threads of what draws people together- or forces them apart.
Her first entry in the series was a historical with an intriguing scientific bent but here she's in full on contemporary mode.
It's still an intriguing narrative though, tangling families and feelings of desertion with new hopes and fears.
I'm a big fan of books that kick off with an explosive encounter where the two MCs are strangers whose paths cross again afterwards and that's what we get here.
Throw in the added complications of being stepbrothers who didn't know that when they have their hookup, and you get a delicious taste of how the plotline might go.
Of course, Joanna then throws the reader with another giant twist and instead we're given a story of two vert different people trying to navigate their dawning feelings.
Loved it!
I just love the way Joanna Chambers crafts her stories, they always manage to pull on the threads of what draws people together- or forces them apart.
Her first entry in the series was a historical with an intriguing scientific bent but here she's in full on contemporary mode.
It's still an intriguing narrative though, tangling families and feelings of desertion with new hopes and fears.
I'm a big fan of books that kick off with an explosive encounter where the two MCs are strangers whose paths cross again afterwards and that's what we get here.
Throw in the added complications of being stepbrothers who didn't know that when they have their hookup, and you get a delicious taste of how the plotline might go.
Of course, Joanna then throws the reader with another giant twist and instead we're given a story of two vert different people trying to navigate their dawning feelings.
Loved it!
December 19, 2017
This was a poignantly beautiful love story—the love of a man for his family and the slow build of a solid relationship with another man who happens to be his perfect complement. A word of caution, however: the MCs are stepbrothers. That being said, there’s no hint of incestuous behavior. Neither man knew the other until the story opens when both are adults, and during their first hookup, they didn’t even know the relationship existed. So for those who might be squeamish after reading the blurb, I can only say that everything is handled as if they were simply two young men who meet and get to know one another before beginning a relationship.
After their first hookup, this romance becomes a very slow burn—slow to build the sexual chemistry into a relationship. Devon, who Nathan calls Mack, is in town because a letter his father wrote quite a while ago finally reached him as he traveled around the UK, and though he’s not spoken to his father since he was fifteen, he refuses to desert the little sister he’s never met. She needs a liver transplant and Devon may be able to donate so he shows up to help and stays for several months of recuperation afterward. In the meantime, he and Nathan are getting to know each other better, but they don’t repeat their initial sexual attraction. Nathan is looking for long-term and Mack has clearly stated, on multiple occasions, that he’s not staying around.
Much of what occurs in the story highlights Nathan’s personality—he’s a fixer, always stepping in to help others, always taking charge. He left his job in London to come home to bail out the family business when his mother and stepfather got into so much debt it looked like they’d go bankrupt. Nathan bailed them out with his own money and continues to do so in many ways as the story proceeds. But who helps Nathan? No one, because he’s the one they all rely on, and it’s not until Devon points it out that anyone, including Nathan, acknowledges that he deserves thanks, recognition, and support.
The relationship between Devon and his father, destroyed many years ago at the funeral of Devon’s mother, and the relationship between Nathan and his immediate family undergo multiple changes throughout the story as crises are resolved and new issues arise. But through it all, the seed of a romance between Mack and Nathan was planted, and it was a pleasure to be present for the clever way the author told the story and wove the romance into something strong that would support the two young men and hopefully survive the test of time.
I highly recommend this book. It can easily be read as a standalone since other characters from the Porthkennack series are not involved in this one. It’s an interesting story with a sweet, slow-burn romance and a very satisfying HEA.
ARC provided by the publisher through Net Galley in exchange for an impartial review.
After their first hookup, this romance becomes a very slow burn—slow to build the sexual chemistry into a relationship. Devon, who Nathan calls Mack, is in town because a letter his father wrote quite a while ago finally reached him as he traveled around the UK, and though he’s not spoken to his father since he was fifteen, he refuses to desert the little sister he’s never met. She needs a liver transplant and Devon may be able to donate so he shows up to help and stays for several months of recuperation afterward. In the meantime, he and Nathan are getting to know each other better, but they don’t repeat their initial sexual attraction. Nathan is looking for long-term and Mack has clearly stated, on multiple occasions, that he’s not staying around.
Much of what occurs in the story highlights Nathan’s personality—he’s a fixer, always stepping in to help others, always taking charge. He left his job in London to come home to bail out the family business when his mother and stepfather got into so much debt it looked like they’d go bankrupt. Nathan bailed them out with his own money and continues to do so in many ways as the story proceeds. But who helps Nathan? No one, because he’s the one they all rely on, and it’s not until Devon points it out that anyone, including Nathan, acknowledges that he deserves thanks, recognition, and support.
The relationship between Devon and his father, destroyed many years ago at the funeral of Devon’s mother, and the relationship between Nathan and his immediate family undergo multiple changes throughout the story as crises are resolved and new issues arise. But through it all, the seed of a romance between Mack and Nathan was planted, and it was a pleasure to be present for the clever way the author told the story and wove the romance into something strong that would support the two young men and hopefully survive the test of time.
I highly recommend this book. It can easily be read as a standalone since other characters from the Porthkennack series are not involved in this one. It’s an interesting story with a sweet, slow-burn romance and a very satisfying HEA.
ARC provided by the publisher through Net Galley in exchange for an impartial review.
January 15, 2018
3.5 Stars on https://justlovereviews.com/2018/01/1...
I thought Tribute Act had great bones but I can’t say I connected with the story on a particularly deep level. Nathan and Mack were both likeable characters but I just didn’t feel like I got to know them – particularly Mack, as we were only privy to Nathan’s somewhat predictable POV. Despite this, Tribute Act made for an easy, feel-good read and I enjoyed many things about it.
I thought it was refreshing to have a male MC with body image issues in Nathan, something I don’t often come across in the genre . It obviously affected his confidence and self-esteem during his more vulnerable moments in a way that was very relatable. It was subtly done and I liked that it gave his character some added depth without it defining him or the story.
The stepbrother element didn’t bother me at all but I must say I wasn’t too convinced about Nathan and Mack as a long-term couple either. I could easily picture them getting attached, and the setting was certainly ideal for a lot of sexual tension but I didn’t really feel any sparks between them. I thought that them being related (although not by blood) also muddied the waters a lot considering the present circumstances surrounding their sister and Mack’s past history with their dad. I felt that too many factors were at play when it came to Mack’s decision to stay or go – rightfully so – but which in turn diluted the romance factor for me even further.
Now, while I thought the romance was somewhat lacking, I loved how central the family element became and in the end that actually made the story for me. I was intrigued by the dad’s backstory and I liked the way the author connected his past music career with the present. I didn’t look up the featured song to see if it was real or fictional, but I thought it was a sweet and poignant touch nevertheless. Having read a handful of books in this series, this was only the second book that featured a more touristy side of the little seaside town, so I enjoyed seeing that side of Porthkennack as well through the family’s little ice cream shop.
All in all, Tribute Act didn’t blow me away but I enjoyed it nonetheless. It’s not the book I would recommend if you’re looking to check out the series, but it’s still a solid addition to the Porthkennack universe.
I thought Tribute Act had great bones but I can’t say I connected with the story on a particularly deep level. Nathan and Mack were both likeable characters but I just didn’t feel like I got to know them – particularly Mack, as we were only privy to Nathan’s somewhat predictable POV. Despite this, Tribute Act made for an easy, feel-good read and I enjoyed many things about it.
I thought it was refreshing to have a male MC with body image issues in Nathan, something I don’t often come across in the genre . It obviously affected his confidence and self-esteem during his more vulnerable moments in a way that was very relatable. It was subtly done and I liked that it gave his character some added depth without it defining him or the story.
The stepbrother element didn’t bother me at all but I must say I wasn’t too convinced about Nathan and Mack as a long-term couple either. I could easily picture them getting attached, and the setting was certainly ideal for a lot of sexual tension but I didn’t really feel any sparks between them. I thought that them being related (although not by blood) also muddied the waters a lot considering the present circumstances surrounding their sister and Mack’s past history with their dad. I felt that too many factors were at play when it came to Mack’s decision to stay or go – rightfully so – but which in turn diluted the romance factor for me even further.
Now, while I thought the romance was somewhat lacking, I loved how central the family element became and in the end that actually made the story for me. I was intrigued by the dad’s backstory and I liked the way the author connected his past music career with the present. I didn’t look up the featured song to see if it was real or fictional, but I thought it was a sweet and poignant touch nevertheless. Having read a handful of books in this series, this was only the second book that featured a more touristy side of the little seaside town, so I enjoyed seeing that side of Porthkennack as well through the family’s little ice cream shop.
All in all, Tribute Act didn’t blow me away but I enjoyed it nonetheless. It’s not the book I would recommend if you’re looking to check out the series, but it’s still a solid addition to the Porthkennack universe.
January 14, 2018
4.5 stars
I've been a huge fan of the Porthkennack books—especially Joanna Chambers' historical contribution last year, A Gathering Storm—so I went into this book confident that I would love it, and it lived up to all my expectations. Tribute Act is a wonderful addition to the Porthkennack collection.
This book is a quiet sort of story, driven entirely by Mack and Nathan, their relationships with each other, their families and the other villagers of Porthkennack. The romance between the two guys isn’t at the forefront of the story; rather, it happens alongside what I found most intriguing, which was the relationships Mack and Nathan have with their family and how those evolved, both in the past and during this story. This book is a great showcase of familial relationships and the impact they have, how they shape us into the people we become, for better or worse.
I’m not gonna lie, the stepbrother angle—just on the cusp of taboo—is always an easy way to get me to one-click a story, but here it isn’t sensational and isn’t taboo; honestly, it isn’t even something that’s discussed beyond the perfunctory “but people will talk” thing, which isn’t even considered a big deal by any of the people who matter in this story. I loved that. So, if you’re not like me, and are hesitant over the stepbrother thing, still think about giving this one a try. It’s done really well.
There were a few things here that I normally struggle with in books, namely miscommunication (or, in this instance, no communication) and jumps in time. The communication issue remained constant throughout the book with basically no resolution. However, this didn’t bug me as much as it normally does because the lack of open communication fit Mack and Nathan’s characters to a T. It wasn’t thrown in as a way to create drama - it felt authentic to the characters. That doesn’t mean it still didn’t annoy me - oh, it did. It was just more believable and less trope-y than usual. Regarding the jumps in time, at first they really bugged me. From one paragraph to the next, we’d skip over a few weeks’ worth of time. Huge jumps in time normally pull me out of the story. However, by the second half, I appreciated this as it tightened up the story, showing us the important things and making it more about the progression of Mack and Nathan’s characters rather than showing their lives day in and day out. At the end, I found this more believable with it happening over the course of three months than if everything had happened, start to finish, in just a few weeks, and without extraneous detail.
All in all, this is yet another great story in the Porthkennack collection, and another fantastic Joanna Chambers story. I definitely recommend it.
An advanced copy of this book was received from the publisher through NetGalley for honest review on OMGReads.
I've been a huge fan of the Porthkennack books—especially Joanna Chambers' historical contribution last year, A Gathering Storm—so I went into this book confident that I would love it, and it lived up to all my expectations. Tribute Act is a wonderful addition to the Porthkennack collection.
This book is a quiet sort of story, driven entirely by Mack and Nathan, their relationships with each other, their families and the other villagers of Porthkennack. The romance between the two guys isn’t at the forefront of the story; rather, it happens alongside what I found most intriguing, which was the relationships Mack and Nathan have with their family and how those evolved, both in the past and during this story. This book is a great showcase of familial relationships and the impact they have, how they shape us into the people we become, for better or worse.
I’m not gonna lie, the stepbrother angle—just on the cusp of taboo—is always an easy way to get me to one-click a story, but here it isn’t sensational and isn’t taboo; honestly, it isn’t even something that’s discussed beyond the perfunctory “but people will talk” thing, which isn’t even considered a big deal by any of the people who matter in this story. I loved that. So, if you’re not like me, and are hesitant over the stepbrother thing, still think about giving this one a try. It’s done really well.
There were a few things here that I normally struggle with in books, namely miscommunication (or, in this instance, no communication) and jumps in time. The communication issue remained constant throughout the book with basically no resolution. However, this didn’t bug me as much as it normally does because the lack of open communication fit Mack and Nathan’s characters to a T. It wasn’t thrown in as a way to create drama - it felt authentic to the characters. That doesn’t mean it still didn’t annoy me - oh, it did. It was just more believable and less trope-y than usual. Regarding the jumps in time, at first they really bugged me. From one paragraph to the next, we’d skip over a few weeks’ worth of time. Huge jumps in time normally pull me out of the story. However, by the second half, I appreciated this as it tightened up the story, showing us the important things and making it more about the progression of Mack and Nathan’s characters rather than showing their lives day in and day out. At the end, I found this more believable with it happening over the course of three months than if everything had happened, start to finish, in just a few weeks, and without extraneous detail.
All in all, this is yet another great story in the Porthkennack collection, and another fantastic Joanna Chambers story. I definitely recommend it.
An advanced copy of this book was received from the publisher through NetGalley for honest review on OMGReads.
March 16, 2018
4.5 stars
Another lovely story from one of my favourite authors.
Another lovely story from one of my favourite authors.
January 15, 2018
✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ FOUR-STAR ✩ REVIEW ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩
> > Judging a Book by it's Cover < <
Man in foreground, boat on the water behind him. Title in banner and author font are nicely visible. Cover does not seem like it matches the story, but the model caught my eye and got me to read the synopsis. The synopsis is what drew me in to read the book.
> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> First person, Nathan's perspective. Epilogue in Mack's POV
Setting: UK
Two guys meet in a gay bar... sounds like the opening line to a joke, huh? Well, the joke was on Nathan and Mack when their attraction led to a hookup, then the next day, they discovered they were stepbrothers.
Mack had been estranged from his father for quite a long time and only showed up because his half-sister was sick and in need of a donor sooner rather than later.
Nathan was "a fixer" but despite his best effort, he was not a viable match for his half-sister, Rosie.
The lead characters were not without their flaws but it humanized them and made them all that much more enjoyable. Their chemistry felt naturally progressive. The secondary cast was well-placed. Interaction was good. Dialogue was smart. There were several instances where the UK terminology threw me and I had no clue what was meant but, overlooking that, the plot flowed well.
There were some internal conflicts and some issues from the past that were unresolved that needed to be worked through. By the end, it seemed that most of it was ironed out and provided the guys an implied HEA ending.
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.125 ~ Stars: 4
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and 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 < <
Man in foreground, boat on the water behind him. Title in banner and author font are nicely visible. Cover does not seem like it matches the story, but the model caught my eye and got me to read the synopsis. The synopsis is what drew me in to read the book.
> > Looking Deeper < <
POV ~> First person, Nathan's perspective. Epilogue in Mack's POV
Setting: UK
Two guys meet in a gay bar... sounds like the opening line to a joke, huh? Well, the joke was on Nathan and Mack when their attraction led to a hookup, then the next day, they discovered they were stepbrothers.
Mack had been estranged from his father for quite a long time and only showed up because his half-sister was sick and in need of a donor sooner rather than later.
Nathan was "a fixer" but despite his best effort, he was not a viable match for his half-sister, Rosie.
The lead characters were not without their flaws but it humanized them and made them all that much more enjoyable. Their chemistry felt naturally progressive. The secondary cast was well-placed. Interaction was good. Dialogue was smart. There were several instances where the UK terminology threw me and I had no clue what was meant but, overlooking that, the plot flowed well.
There were some internal conflicts and some issues from the past that were unresolved that needed to be worked through. By the end, it seemed that most of it was ironed out and provided the guys an implied HEA ending.
.
Rating: [R] ~ Score: 4.125 ~ Stars: 4
==========================
⭐ ⭐ **** Disclosure of Material: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and 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 29, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Tribute Act follows the books that take place in the Porthkennack world. but can be read on its own. Nathan grew up in the town and then returned when his family needed him. While his family appears to love him, they largely take advantage of him and he’s just starting to realize that. While his sister is ill and needs a liver transplant, Nathan does all of the work with little acknowledgement, but he was treated the same before the illness. A night out leads him to meeting Mack and spending one hot night with the stranger.
Yet, Mack is the stepbrother that Nathan has never met and their one night collides with reality when Derek reaches out to Mack as a potential donor for Rosie. Tribute Act is largely a family book and for me, the romance was secondary. There are family issues going on between them all, with Nathan now being a part owner in the family business and Mack reconnecting with his father after almost a decade of being estranged. But they don’t exactly reconnect. Derek doesn’t know how to mend their relationship and Mack still feels like the abandoned teen and a lot of their relationship didn’t feel resolved to me, even at the end.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
Tribute Act follows the books that take place in the Porthkennack world. but can be read on its own. Nathan grew up in the town and then returned when his family needed him. While his family appears to love him, they largely take advantage of him and he’s just starting to realize that. While his sister is ill and needs a liver transplant, Nathan does all of the work with little acknowledgement, but he was treated the same before the illness. A night out leads him to meeting Mack and spending one hot night with the stranger.
Yet, Mack is the stepbrother that Nathan has never met and their one night collides with reality when Derek reaches out to Mack as a potential donor for Rosie. Tribute Act is largely a family book and for me, the romance was secondary. There are family issues going on between them all, with Nathan now being a part owner in the family business and Mack reconnecting with his father after almost a decade of being estranged. But they don’t exactly reconnect. Derek doesn’t know how to mend their relationship and Mack still feels like the abandoned teen and a lot of their relationship didn’t feel resolved to me, even at the end.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
March 11, 2024
DNF @ 47%.
I’m as surprised as you are that I DNFd a Joanna Chambers book. And one that I had had on my TBR for 5 years.
In the end, there is too much telling, not enough showing. Nathan and Mack hook up, then have a few other on-page interactions, while we are told about the days that pass and the times they spend together. And suddenly Nathan is head over heels for Mack. Meanwhile, Mack is giving nothing. He’s giving nothing to Nathan and he is giving nothing to me. Though, tbf, he did give some liver.
There’s also the typical amount of typos you see in a Chambers book. Even a global fast food chain is misspelled.
And one last bone to pick is that this is tagged ‘enemies to lovers’ on Smashwords. Enemies? Listen, unless this ends up as a ménage involving Mack’s father, there’s no enemies situation involved in the romance.
I’m as surprised as you are that I DNFd a Joanna Chambers book. And one that I had had on my TBR for 5 years.
In the end, there is too much telling, not enough showing. Nathan and Mack hook up, then have a few other on-page interactions, while we are told about the days that pass and the times they spend together. And suddenly Nathan is head over heels for Mack. Meanwhile, Mack is giving nothing. He’s giving nothing to Nathan and he is giving nothing to me. Though, tbf, he did give some liver.
There’s also the typical amount of typos you see in a Chambers book. Even a global fast food chain is misspelled.
And one last bone to pick is that this is tagged ‘enemies to lovers’ on Smashwords. Enemies? Listen, unless this ends up as a ménage involving Mack’s father, there’s no enemies situation involved in the romance.
October 20, 2022
DNF at 53%
I didn't like this at all I'm afraid 😕. Aside from the fact that these two jump to bed right away because as we're told they're VERY attracted to each other, there's no mention of romance and no chemistry whatsoever after that, it's 100% family drama. On top of that, Mack is a black box, we get no glimpse of his feelings or thoughts, not even a hint that he thinks about Nathan, much less that he desires him. Nathan's own thoughts of how he understands Mack and cares for him come randomly and out of the blue, as there's barely any dialogue between them to justify this connection: it's all telling and not showing. I'm not going to waste more time here.
I didn't like this at all I'm afraid 😕. Aside from the fact that these two jump to bed right away because as we're told they're VERY attracted to each other, there's no mention of romance and no chemistry whatsoever after that, it's 100% family drama. On top of that, Mack is a black box, we get no glimpse of his feelings or thoughts, not even a hint that he thinks about Nathan, much less that he desires him. Nathan's own thoughts of how he understands Mack and cares for him come randomly and out of the blue, as there's barely any dialogue between them to justify this connection: it's all telling and not showing. I'm not going to waste more time here.
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