La cruda verità

Only You #1

by J.S. Finley, Sonja K. (Translator)

Trama:

A volte hai bisogno della cruda verità.

Jake.

Brent è sexy, ma ciò non ha importanza quando non si può avere ciò che si desidera. Loro due hanno preso strade diverse, dopo l’esercito, ma Jake non riesce dimenticare… Nell’esercito la regola è “non lasciare un uomo indietro”, però è questo ciò che ha fatto, quando è fuggito da Brent. Forse non è stata la reazione migliore, ma non poteva affrontare la verità. Ora ha una seconda occasione e non vuole mandare di nuovo tutto all’aria, invece, vuole un’occasione con Brent.

Brent.

Forse c’è qualcosa tra lui e Jake, ma Brent non può chiederglielo, e Jake non ne parla perché nell’esercito essere gay è un male. Il tempo guarisce tutte le ferite. Questo è ciò su cui Brent scommette, quando i due si incontrano tra le montagne del Tennessee. Brent spera di poter ricostruire la loro amicizia, ma se ci fosse l’opportunità di avere qualcosa di più, sarebbe più che pronto a coglierla.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Military Fiction, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary, LGBT, Second Chance

145 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2017

Reviews

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

2 stars

Straight Up is the first in the Only You series by J.S. Finley and almost from the start, it struggles to find its footing. The overall idea of the story is intriguing. Old military friends reunite to support one another following a difficult transition to civilian life and discover a new chance at love. But the execution never fully works. The writing is stiff and stilted. It doesn’t flow smoothly and tends to roll unevenly from one event to another. The pacing is awkward and heightened by the ridiculous speed of the relationship development between Brent and Jake. They go from barely friends, to lovers, to living together within about 48 hours. And given that Jake is supposedly straight, he seems to have zero hesitation about jumping feet first into a sexual partnership with Brent. This whole aspect of the story is unbelievable and, at times, silly. There are references to PTSD and given the military past of these men, I was looking forward to further exploration of this. But we never get it. The idea of it exists as something that may or may not be an issue and is never given the time it deserves.

My biggest problem with Straight Up is one of misogyny. I have no idea if the author is a man or a woman and frankly it doesn’t matter. There are multiple instances of misogyny on the page and all of them strong enough to both offend me and jerk me right out of the story. These are generally found towards the first half of the book and vanish later on, but they definitely left a cloud lingering over the story. Statements like this tended to leave me seeing red: “…he wanted his friends, not sex with some lonely woman who would end up sucking what small amount of joy he had left in his life.” Misogyny is a fact of life for many women and given how many women read m/m fiction, I’m not really sure why the author felt the need to include these types of statements. Unless the intent was to leave a sour taste in the mouths of potential readers.

Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.

[Shana · Rating 2 out of 5]

There just wasn't enough build up to the attraction, so too close to insta love for my taste.

[Marina Esposto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Non è ossessione ma Amore

Sei amici marines, ultime settimane insieme e poi il concedo dopo aver servito la Patria con onore e per riprendere le loro vite dopo aver vissuto gli orrori e perdite che ogni guerra porta con se.
Sono affiatati ma, le loro vite prendono strade diverse, gli ultimi giorni una lite porta Jack e Brent ad allontanarsi, mentre sentimenti contrastanti si fanno largo nelle loro anime.
Il tempo passa e un giorno una mail, farà si che possano riunirsi e stare insieme per una settimana in uno schalet nel Tennessee, lontano dei rumori della civiltà, solo loro, la natura, la birra e il loro aggiornarsi.
Jack e Brent sono i primi ad arrivare, mentre Thomas e Clay, Mike e Lane sono bloccati a causa di una nevicata.
Lo stare soli con quella attrazione e quei sentimenti dormienti quasi ossessivi, li porterà dove il cuore vuole ma, ne temono come i loro amici acquisiscono la novità.
Leggere questo romanzo dà una conferma a come la società sia bigotta verso il diverso, come nelle forze armate viveva il non gay, in compenso fa capire come gli amici quelli veri non giudicano ciò che fai ma quello che sei.
L' autore ha sapientemente descritto nella sua fluida scrittura sia la trama che i personaggi, intrisa di sentimenti, ora vi starete chiedendo ma tra Jack e Brent cosa è accaduto? Bene, vi direi di più ma poi mi dico; perché togliere al futuro lettore di gustarsi una così bella storia? Ecco che vi invito a leggere La cruda verità. PS se avete qualcosa da dire e qualcuno, non scrivete mail che mai manderete, abbiate il coraggio di premere invio.

[Dara Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story had amazing potential. Jake & Brent were amazing characters who became even more beautiful when they came together. But there were things that fell flat for me - rushed sex scenes, cheesy lines - they took away some of the beauty of the story. But not enough for me to not enjoy it. There were enough things like this:
"With you, it was more than I've ever experienced. I mean, wow. I've never felt like my whole body was anyone else's, but with you, I had no control. I was fully and completely yours."
Brent lowered and brushed his lips over Jake's. "And I'm yours"
To make me sigh, to make my heart full, to make me yearn for more.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

They always stuck with the Don't Ask, Don't Tell motto. Will they be able to resist? Will they give their love a chance?

Absolutely loved this book! I got sucked in from the beginning and stayed interested throughout the whole thing and will be reading the rest of this series. I loved how this touched on touchy subjects between the two and the feelings of first love. I didn't blame Jake for being scared when he was told one thing always and his feelings started the change. I loved how Brent was there for him regardless of what was happening. Great read!

[Sharon Dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much more than you expect!

This is really a great MM love story. So much more than I ever expected! Deep, heart felt love that these two MC's have for each but was afraid to say anything. The beginning is a little slow but it is giving you their story and the story of their friends so that you grow with them and see how true love comes together!! When it gets going, you better hold on bc it will melt your e-reader, it's so scorching HOT!! This author did an awesome job!!

[Line]

Freebie at amazon.com right now: https://smile.amazon.com/Straight-Up-...

[Valentina Campi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars and half

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed feelings about this one. Love the storyline and how its written but feels like there's something missing..

[Tanja · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got a double feeling from this book regarding almost every aspect.
The start of the book was very promising. Marines who formed a tight group, two of them feeling more for each other than friendship. All six men have difficulties reintegrating into civilian life and all are suffering from PTSD to some extent. But sadly it didn’t follow through. In the beginning, the men talked about their problems and they were well described. However, later on, when the relationship between Jake and Brent developed it was never mentioned again.
The writing was not consistent. Certain elements I liked very much, for instance, the email exchange and certain phrases that showed insight. Then, the dialogue became stilted and almost juvenile. On the whole, I found it a bit too erratic to really get into the story. There was a lot of repeat of words that had me feeling the story dragged on. Other times the pace felt rushed.
The two MC’s, Jake and Brent, were not really developed well enough. I didn’t get a good grip on their personalities. They went from friends to lovers in a second. I always like when MC’s are embracing their sexuality, but, for me, this time it didn’t feel realistic. They were one week together and suddenly they couldn’t be without each other another day. Their reactions were a bit over the top. I liked that their friends were very open to their new relationship.

[Elyxyz Elyxyz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trovo molto interessante l’argomento ‘Veterani’ nei m/m romance e avevo letto pareri positivi su questa storia, cosa che probabilmente mi ha portata ad avere aspettative troppo alte.
Sinceramente, per mio gusto personale, l’ho trovata abbastanza carina, ma non è scoccata la scintilla.
La narrazione è ripetiviva in certi punti e, per quanto l’idea di base fosse buona, non mi ha conquistata. Credo dipenda proprio dall’impostazione dell’autore (autrice?) e non dalla resa italiana.
Mi sono piaciuti i ragazzi della squadra, il loro legame profondo, l’amicizia che li lega… ma mi è nato spontaneo un paragone con i Sidewinder della Roux e non reggono il confronto.
Chris e Will, che mi sono piaciuti all’inizio della storia, sul finale mi hanno infastidita con i loro comportamenti e ho trovato fuori luogo certe loro azioni e pensieri.
Brent e Jake ci fanno penare parecchio, ma poi sono molto dolci insieme.
In conclusione, per me è una storia nella media. Non da scartare ma neppure letta con troppo slancio.

[Mateo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just what I need, a good story,light and a very good chemistry between the two characters. Feel right to me.

[Levi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review is coming at :

OptimuMM - Home of MM Book Reviews


Loved It!

[Feel The Book · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recensione a cura di Raksha per Feel the Book

Jake e Brent hanno servito il loro paese insieme, si sono coperti le spalle e hanno visto il meglio e il peggio l’uno dell’altro. Insieme a Clay, Thomas, Lane e Mike, hanno vissuto esperienze traumatiche che li influenzano ancora, una volta tornati a casa sani (si fa per dire) e salvi.
Scesi dall’aereo, ognuno di questi uomini ha iniziato una nuova vita, ma tutti sentono la mancanza del gruppo.
A Jake manca Brent più di qualsiasi altro vecchio amico e a Brent manca Jake altrettanto intensamente. Tra i due uomini non c’è mai stato nulla se non una profonda amicizia, ma una volta separati, qualcosa si è smosso. Nessuno dei due ha il coraggio di svelare i propri sentimenti anche perché un brutto litigio li divide e li imbarazza.
Nella prima parte si alternano le vite dei due protagonisti che si scrivono messaggi senza avere il coraggio d’inviarli. Ognuno, come si dice, resta nel suo brodo; soffrono, si struggono l’uno per l’altro e per le ferite psicologiche che li hanno accompagnati di ritorno dalla guerra.
Tutto cambia quando, finalmente, il gruppo di amici decide di rivedersi e si dà appuntamento in un cottage preso in affitto per passare una settimana insieme.
Brent e Jake si ritrovano da soli a causa di una tormenta e hanno la possibilità di mettere alla prova questa dirompente attrazione che provano l’uno per l’altra.
Tutto diventa rose e fiori.
Non devono più nascondersi, si maledicono per il tempo perso, ma nessuno dei due s’interroga su se stesso. Né Jake né Brent sono apertamente omosessuali, ma sembrano improvvisamente disposti ad affrontare l’intero universo per svelare il loro amore.
Ho trovato quest’aspetto poco credibile. Avrei voluto leggere più riflessioni, qualche tentennamento, anche solo una piccola indecisione che avrebbe reso il tutto molto più realistico.
Brent e Jake non camminano, corrono.
Non si parlano per più di un anno e, appena tornano dalla breve vacanza, vanno subito a vivere insieme. Tutto accade molto velocemente e in modo un po’ confuso.
Ho apprezzato maggiormente il rapporto di amicizia che lega il gruppo di militari piuttosto che l’amore tra Brent e Jake. L’amicizia è bellissima, è palpabile il bisogno che ognuno di questi uomini ha degli altri per vivere in modo sano. Tra loro si comprendono, si capiscono senza bisogno di parole.
Il testo è molto corto e la scrittura non è particolarmente scorrevole.
I personaggi sono piacevoli, ma non mi hanno fatta innamorare.
Non sono riuscita a cogliere il legame tra il testo e il titolo. L’amore tra Jake e Brent è una cruda verità? Jake deve accettare la cruda verità che Brent lo ama o viceversa? La cruda verità sono i sentimenti che emergono quando si guardano?
Resto con un grande punto di domanda e mi spiace perché l’idea di fondo, in realtà, trovo sia molto buona ma sviluppata piuttosto male.

Editing della recensione a cura di Lilith per Feel the Book

[Romance and Fantasy for Cosmopolitan Girls · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance and Fantasy for Cosmopolitan Girls


Con questo libro si apre la trilogia “Only you” dedicata a questi uomini, ex marine che devono trovare il loro posto nel mondo dopo aver lasciato l’esercito. La storia è narrata a due voci da Jake e Brent, ma grazie alle mail che si scambiano con gli altri componenti della loro squadra iniziamo a conoscere anche Thomas, Lane, Mike e Clay.
Brent è gay, ha sempre saputo di esserlo, ma a causa del DADT è rimasto chiuso nell’armadio a lungo. Così come a lungo è stato segretamente innamorato di Jake. Da parte sua viene percepito subito il sentimento nei confronti dell’amico, il soffrire per la frattura nel loro rapporto, il desiderio di ricucire lo strappo.
Jake mi ha fatto una grande tenerezza. Il classico ragazzo che si ripete di essere etero, ma che non riesce a spiegarsi l’attrazione per l’amico, compagno d’armi con cui ha condiviso una parte importante della propria vita. Non è preparato a dichiararsi gay, ma quando le emozioni lo travolgono non avrà dubbi su quale strada prendere. Le sue mail non inviate a Brent sono davvero ricche di emozioni e tenerezza.
Si tratta di due uomini che in una manciata di giorni capiscono di essere fatti l’uno per l’altro, non si può però parlare di vero e proprio insta-love in quanto hanno una lunga storia pregressa di amicizia e attrazione soffocata nella negazione.
Insomma, una storia scorrevole ed emozionante che tratta anche argomenti difficili come l’accettazione di sé stessi e la discriminazione sul lavoro, quest’ultima tematica davvero inconcepibile in un mondo che dovrebbe considerarsi evoluto, ma dove l’orientamento sessuale ha invece sempre un certo peso. Una lettura caldamente raccomandata per ridere, piangere ed arrabbiarsi con due uomini a tratti forse un po’ troppo sdolcinati, ma che fanno sognare con il loro amore.

[Valeria DePaula · Rating 5 out of 5]

✔ Letto! Ho appena finito un'altro libro questa settimana che trattava più o meno dello stesso argomento. Personaggi diversi, parole diverse per parlare del sistema omofobo nelle Arme. In questo libro vediamo ragazzi che hanno appena finito il servizio militare, e cercano ognuno di loro di adattarsi a quello che chiamano casa, ma che si presenta così diversa dopo aver vissuto una realtà come la guerra. Ragazzi che lo loro email inviate o meno al loro gruppo cercano di restare ancorati uno all'altro, prendendo forze da chi ha vissuto lo stesso drama e hanno più che altro tante cicatrice emotive, faticando a rimane in una nuova realtà. E con il loro scambio di email, anche noi lettori siamo più coinvolti con loro.
Tra loro c'è Brent e Jake, due ragazzi che hanno dovuto nascondere da tutti, incluso la loro squadra i suoi sentimenti. Sentimenti che non si sono permessi di dimostrare dovuto al sistema all'epoca gli impedivano di farlo.
Si sono astenuti anche tra loro due, solo piccoli tocchi rubati, desideri repressi e tanta voglia di poter fare qualcosa per stare insieme, ma non potevano e così si lasciano e ognuno prende la propria strada fuori dall'esercito.
Un bel libro, l'ho letto con piacere. Il coraggio di essere se stesso, l'importanza di avere amici fedeli, nuovi amici che ci aprono gli occhi. Amo i libri MM in cui uno dei due è gay solo per quella persona, che le altre per lui non esistono. Perché lui lo completa, colma i buchi dell'anima e del cuore. Sto bello anche conoscere gli altri della ciurma per saranno coppie anche loro nei libri futuri e stato bello cogliere i segnali.
Per me è ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ e 💋

[Daniell Marsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew the basis for this book from the blurb or thought I did. There was that in there but more also. I liked how it didn't sugar coat some of the hardships that returning Veterans face when they come home from war. I have had family that seen some action in war and others that served but not as much action based on the timing of when they served. There was some for me small problems with flow, and a couple times I had to go back to see who was talking as it switched and wasn’t as clear as it could be. Did this cause problems in the story? Yes a little as took me out of the story. Besides that I did like the mix of returning soldiers and what they had to face of fitting back into society. Then woven in all of this is two men that care for each other and have to figure out how that will work to get to the point to accept each other and be together. I did receive an ARC from Hidden Gems for an honest review. I would give this 3.5 stars as the over all story was good, with a mix of real life things that soldiers face coming home. Adding in the connection to the characters trying to fit back into a society that isn’t the same as when they left and being gay where not everyone accepts it made them feel real to life. There was some areas that weren’t smooth and flowing as well as they could be which took it down a star for me, but overall a good book. Since they don't have half stars I always round up

[Suze Fields · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story has good bones, but such an annoying built it takes several tries to get to the end of it. Love between Marines and a not very clear cut Straight-goes-gay storylines you find a little bit hard to buy. Writing style and language is very good, no typos or mistakes I could have caught (there might be, though), which means this was a carefully produce piece. This makes it so mind bogging that the author seemed to be rushing through the whole story. It was full of "this is so perfect, I can't believe this is so perfect" kind of hints and sentences, that half way through it you stop enjoying the story because you are constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop. Oh, it will drop, in the last 20%, and when it does, you will feel disappointed because it will feel like some add on, simply to put some mandatory LGBTQ-issue in the mix, which doesn't even gets suffiently, or properly addressed.

There are elements in some of the characters that have no particular point in being, stuff you could have left out, because they add nothing to the story.

This could have been such a good story, and instead it was a meh-story.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book free as an ARC reader for voluntary review.

Synopsis:
Brent and Jake were Marines together. Closer than brothers, they relied on each other for everything…until one drunken night when sparks flew, and so did fists. After their stent in the military each when his own way, both pinning for the other and the lost what-might-have-been. Then another marine buddy reached out and suddenly they were in each other’s lives again. Would they finally have the courage to reach for what they wanted?

Review:
Yes this is a MM romance, but it’s really about forgiveness. Forgiveness of each other, of one’s own self, and of the hate and bigotry we all face somewhere in our daily lives. It also dealt with the PTSD, self-doubt, and depression spiral. Jake really fought for his optimism. For those faucets, I really liked the book.
However…. Hello redundancy. Yes, we get it…. They’re in love and they’re having great sex! Next page… oh look! They’re in love and having great sex. Also, there was very little character description and with all the incredibly macho names it got a little hard to keep the characters straight. Pardon the pun.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't so sure that I would like Jake at first when he ran out on Brent after Brent rescued him from a setup. I am so glad I that was short lived. I can understand why he did it, and all the issues that he faced. I really enjoyed the emails that were never sent, as well as the emails between all of the friends. It really cemented the comraderie between the fellow soldiers, as well as touching on some of the issues returning soldiers can face. Once Jake decided to come out it seems like he took to it like a duck to water. Just bought number 2 in the series, and I am looking forward to Thomas' story.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I figured it out. It’s Styles.

I read a book that was sappy and wondered which of the two authors was responsible. Now I know, it was this one. This book was amazing until about 50%, then is was really good, but not as good. I’m a critic, I know, but I love reading. And yes, Brent and Jake were hot. Don’t let the title deceive you, neither guy was straight. Also, I have a few questions like when this book was set because I’m pretty sure discrimination based on sexuality is illegal. Meh, it was good. Imma read the next in series.

[Emmaali · Rating 2 out of 5]

L’inizio mi è piaciuto ma dopo poco il libro ha iniziato ad essere un elenco e basta, speravo in un maggior approfondimento mentre erano alla baita, e invece il tutto è stato velocissimo e trattato come una favoletta. Poi la parte quando si ritrovano è davvero superficiale, non parliamo poi dei due amici di Jack, sembrano due assatanati mentre all’inizio il poliziotto mi aveva fatto una buona impressione.

[Jim Fields · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a 70 year old gay man .. a Veteran of VietNam .. so the 1st part of the novel I cried .. I knew there would be a happy ending but getting there was worth the read . even the angst and pain of all the characters made worthwhile ..
for a 1st novel I say good job
loved all the characters .
not a bad thing to say

[Sue Milkovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

THOROUGHLY ENJOYED

I enjoyed traveling with this very special group of Marines. I loved the way they tried to stay in touch and look out for each other. Jake and Brent were sweet in their friendship between them. Super HOT & SEXY when they became a couple. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review An Alisa Review:

4 out of 5 stars

This was a nice story and I really enjoyed it. Jake pushed Brent away just before they both got out of the marines because he was scared of his feelings and still doesn’t know how to voice what he wants. Brent is hoping that he can at least get his best friend back as things have been lonely since their team split up. They get quite lucky when a snow storm slows down the arrival of their friends.

We get to see both characters’ points of view in this story which goes a long way towards helping to understand what they are thinking and feeling. Jake tries may times to let Brent know he is sorry and how he feels but never quite comes up with the right words, so he never sends the emails. They are both lucky when one of their team reaches out to all of them to get up to date and then try and see each other.

Brent is so scared of being pushed away by his friend he has kept his feelings inside for so long he is even more scared to let them be known when Jake gives him an opening. I felt for him right from the get go when the book began and how isolated he felt even from those around him. I also felt Jake’s confusion and determination to make thing right between them when they finally meet up after their time apart.

The cover art by Sara York is nice romance cover and is eye catching.

[Teri · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars. The writing was just really rough. Not flowing at all, unrealistic and choppy. Incredibly insta- , no build up , no depth. i did like the idea, the marines keeping in touch and deciding to get back together and chill, but I was not invested at all and it all seemed a little crazy and ridiculous. what was with the female hating? anyhoo, not my jam at all.

[Simera · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first story in the Only You series. The MC's were best friends in the Marines, however, they part ways because of misunderstanding.
Both have secret feelings for each other and when they guys all get together to reconnect after the military they act on those feelings. This is a fast paced read with a HEA.
I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.

[Monique Hebert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet short read. I always enjoy a book where someone discovers themselves. It's a sweet story with great characters and some MM hot sex scenes. There were a few time where the term "had sex or made love" was used. This to me is a wasted opportunity for more hot scenes but it also doesn't explain what actually happened because it means something different to different people.

[Rachel Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

The storyline was good but how it was delivered a bit choppy. There was more than one time got lost as to who the author was referring to. I liked the characters but didn't like how Jake went from being a straight ex Marine to a gay whinny guy. I'm hoping that being the first book that the links will work out in the next.
I received this book as an ARC from Hidden Gems for an honest opinion.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeous but at times painful tale as one man struggles with his sexual identity. He thought he was straight for years and then suddenly gets an awakening. 6 Ex-marines remain friends, keep in touch, and plan a weeks getaway, can you guess the rest? Its lovely, sexy and, for Jake, a true awakening. A fabulous story with a sweet ending.