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Open-Door Policy #2
Xander
Xander Penn has been around the block more times than he cares to count, always searching for an elusive something he’s never admitted to wanting, not even to himself.
Until now…
Then again, realizing what he craves doesn’t mean he accepts it. It’s one thing to dabble at the open-door policy club he belongs to, but quite another to declare it to others in the real world. After a harsh rejection pushes away the one person Xander wishes he could pull closer, he spirals down a dark path, using meaningless sex more as a punishment than a pleasure.
When an unexpected ally makes him see he’s missing out on the best parts of life, Xander finally decides to open himself up to the possibility…
But by then, it may be too late.
Xander is an erotic romance novella intended for audiences 18+. This novella is just over 30,000 words, and it contains a variety of M/M and M/F encounters.
*All Open-Door Policy novellas can be read as standalones.*
Until now…
Then again, realizing what he craves doesn’t mean he accepts it. It’s one thing to dabble at the open-door policy club he belongs to, but quite another to declare it to others in the real world. After a harsh rejection pushes away the one person Xander wishes he could pull closer, he spirals down a dark path, using meaningless sex more as a punishment than a pleasure.
When an unexpected ally makes him see he’s missing out on the best parts of life, Xander finally decides to open himself up to the possibility…
But by then, it may be too late.
Xander is an erotic romance novella intended for audiences 18+. This novella is just over 30,000 words, and it contains a variety of M/M and M/F encounters.
*All Open-Door Policy novellas can be read as standalones.*
105 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 26, 2018
6 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
July 14, 2019
Xander is having feelings for Liam, but he can’t let himself.
Liam admits he has feelings for Xander but Xander wouldn’t accept it.
So he sabotages himself with alcohol and women.
He has to come to terms with his feelings, but by rejecting Liam he set things into motion that could have some pretty damaging repercussions.
I loved that Liam puts it all out on the line; he isn’t afraid of what he feels and also understands if Xander can’t do the same.
These two are explosive and I loved their story.
The narration was ok for me, I felt like the narrator was talking from far away and tin can like. His voice was fine it was just the echoeyness threw me off a little.
Liam admits he has feelings for Xander but Xander wouldn’t accept it.
So he sabotages himself with alcohol and women.
He has to come to terms with his feelings, but by rejecting Liam he set things into motion that could have some pretty damaging repercussions.
I loved that Liam puts it all out on the line; he isn’t afraid of what he feels and also understands if Xander can’t do the same.
These two are explosive and I loved their story.
The narration was ok for me, I felt like the narrator was talking from far away and tin can like. His voice was fine it was just the echoeyness threw me off a little.
May 9, 2019
Just a note to my GR friends who follow my reviews: this is erotica with MF and MMF scenes
My first novel by Anna Ambrose, Xander is a story about a young man coming to grips with his romantic attraction to his male best friend. A mix of friends-to-lovers, GFY, coming out, and just plain old growing pains, Xander delves into a number of issues bothering the main character.
Hooking up with multiple partners, regardless of gender, is a favorite pastime of Xander and his friends at the private Open Door Policy Club. When thoughts of his best friend (and ofttimes sexual partner) Liam start to lessen his enjoyment of sex with women, Xander has to work it out.
Xander isn’t the only one who realizes vag just isn’t doing it for him. Liam also discovers he has stronger, more authentic reactions during sex with Xander. These young men are just starting to understand how forging a connection with your partner can change sex, and I was glad for the ending which leaves room for these characters to grow.
Ms. Ambrose does a marvelous job of bringing us into the mind of this twenty-something young man who is coming into his own. There’s a lot more going on in Xander’s life besides this sexual crisis, and we get a nice balance between the erotic scenes and actual interactions between the characters.
Xander is part of the Open Door Policy series and can be read as a standalone. The narrator, Hugh Bradley, has a smooth voice which helps create a sultry atmosphere and works well in this erotic novel.
an audiobook copy of Xander, Open-Door Policy #2 was provided to me for the purpose of my review
My first novel by Anna Ambrose, Xander is a story about a young man coming to grips with his romantic attraction to his male best friend. A mix of friends-to-lovers, GFY, coming out, and just plain old growing pains, Xander delves into a number of issues bothering the main character.
Hooking up with multiple partners, regardless of gender, is a favorite pastime of Xander and his friends at the private Open Door Policy Club. When thoughts of his best friend (and ofttimes sexual partner) Liam start to lessen his enjoyment of sex with women, Xander has to work it out.
Xander isn’t the only one who realizes vag just isn’t doing it for him. Liam also discovers he has stronger, more authentic reactions during sex with Xander. These young men are just starting to understand how forging a connection with your partner can change sex, and I was glad for the ending which leaves room for these characters to grow.
Ms. Ambrose does a marvelous job of bringing us into the mind of this twenty-something young man who is coming into his own. There’s a lot more going on in Xander’s life besides this sexual crisis, and we get a nice balance between the erotic scenes and actual interactions between the characters.
Xander is part of the Open Door Policy series and can be read as a standalone. The narrator, Hugh Bradley, has a smooth voice which helps create a sultry atmosphere and works well in this erotic novel.
an audiobook copy of Xander, Open-Door Policy #2 was provided to me for the purpose of my review
October 20, 2019
Audible Review:
Overall 3 out of 5 stars
Performance 4 out of 5 stars
Story 3 out of 5 stars
Not your average friends-to-lovers story.
This was okay. I usually really like the "gay-for-you" trope, but I had a hard time warming up to Xander. He wasn't very nice to Liam, especially after he let Xander know how he felt about him. There were some things I found uncomfortable with this story, but that's just me. I'm glad Xander finally admitted his true feelings.
Another new-to-me narrator that I enjoyed.
***Audible Romance Package
Overall 3 out of 5 stars
Performance 4 out of 5 stars
Story 3 out of 5 stars
Not your average friends-to-lovers story.
This was okay. I usually really like the "gay-for-you" trope, but I had a hard time warming up to Xander. He wasn't very nice to Liam, especially after he let Xander know how he felt about him. There were some things I found uncomfortable with this story, but that's just me. I'm glad Xander finally admitted his true feelings.
Another new-to-me narrator that I enjoyed.
***Audible Romance Package
October 24, 2019
3.5 Stars of MM , MMF and MF Sexy Times
Overall: 3.5 stars
Performance : 3.5 stars
Story: 3.5 stars
Reviewed: 10-18-19
Xander is an emotional , medium angst and drama , gay for you , coming of age story about friendships, self discovery and self acceptance.
A highly erotic and hot AF romance tale with lots of sexually , explicit MM, MMF and MF sexy times.
Hugh Bradley smooth and low pitched voice performance gave his narration a dreamlike feel to it . It was my first experience with this style of reading , he made it work for him. Overall, he did a good job.
Anna Ambrose and Hugh Bradley are new to me author and narrator.
In conclusion: I liked it .
I was given a free promo code for this audiobook in return for a honest review
March 15, 2019
🌟🌟🌟🌟 4.5 stars
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Heat Level: 5 erotic flames
🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration: 4.5
An erotic Gay-for-You story of new discoveries.
I loved Xander and Liam. I started listening to Xander but felt there was a little more to the background between Xander and Liam so listened to Lucy first and I’d really recommend this, as it laid the foundation for Xander and Liam’s story, very much like a prologue would.
Xander and Liam are so hot together and I enjoyed their individual discoveries and approaches to their feelings and attraction to each other. I loved Liam’s kindness and care and his acceptance of his feelings for Xander. Xander on the other hand, I understand His ‘shock’ at being attracted to Liam and his unease with the feelings he’s developing but I didn’t like some of his actions. That being said I felt Anna did well to add a little more depth, character, and emotion to this second Open Door Policy Novella and it has a lot more complex emotions and character depth than Lucy’s story.
I loved the happy ending and with great narration, with different dialects for the characters, it just made it that much more enjoyable! A great erotic listen!
Thanks for reading! For great stories, reviews and more please visit https://bookstattoosandtea.wordpress.com 📚
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Heat Level: 5 erotic flames
🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration: 4.5
An erotic Gay-for-You story of new discoveries.
I loved Xander and Liam. I started listening to Xander but felt there was a little more to the background between Xander and Liam so listened to Lucy first and I’d really recommend this, as it laid the foundation for Xander and Liam’s story, very much like a prologue would.
Xander and Liam are so hot together and I enjoyed their individual discoveries and approaches to their feelings and attraction to each other. I loved Liam’s kindness and care and his acceptance of his feelings for Xander. Xander on the other hand, I understand His ‘shock’ at being attracted to Liam and his unease with the feelings he’s developing but I didn’t like some of his actions. That being said I felt Anna did well to add a little more depth, character, and emotion to this second Open Door Policy Novella and it has a lot more complex emotions and character depth than Lucy’s story.
I loved the happy ending and with great narration, with different dialects for the characters, it just made it that much more enjoyable! A great erotic listen!
Thanks for reading! For great stories, reviews and more please visit https://bookstattoosandtea.wordpress.com 📚
May 12, 2018
Xander and Liam are best friends who also frequent the same sex club. They’ve fooled around a few times with Liam’s girlfriend, but have developed deeper feelings. It takes longer for Xander to acknowledge and accept them, since he’s never felt attraction to another man before.
This is the second book in the Open Door series, and while it could stand alone, it’s best to read them in order.
I enjoyed this more than the first. It focuses more on their relationship than the sex, but hoo-boy, it’s explosive!
Warning: While Xander is trying to work out his feelings, there is meaningless on page sex with other people.
*ARC provided by author
This is the second book in the Open Door series, and while it could stand alone, it’s best to read them in order.
I enjoyed this more than the first. It focuses more on their relationship than the sex, but hoo-boy, it’s explosive!
Warning: While Xander is trying to work out his feelings, there is meaningless on page sex with other people.
*ARC provided by author
May 30, 2019
Holy hot hell
Oh girlie you tore my heart out, shattered it and politely it back together again in one short novella ❤️ I loved Lucy’s book but Xander is holly hell hotness... I loved Xander’s struggle to understand his true feelings for Liam.
Especially with how confused Xander really was , he struggled with his feelings and emotions for so long that he tried to fight them. Unfortunately, that only made things worse.
I actually cried when Liam left the first time. Xander thought that drinking would numb the pain in his heart, but yeah we all know how well that works out.
What started out as a friendship, developed into something that neither of them expected and even though it initially frightened Xander at first, he gradually realized that the fear he felt over what others would think was nothing compared to the loss and pain he felt when Liam walked away. I’m glad that Xander finally got his head together just in time to save what is the best thing in his life.
Oh girlie you tore my heart out, shattered it and politely it back together again in one short novella ❤️ I loved Lucy’s book but Xander is holly hell hotness... I loved Xander’s struggle to understand his true feelings for Liam.
Especially with how confused Xander really was , he struggled with his feelings and emotions for so long that he tried to fight them. Unfortunately, that only made things worse.
I actually cried when Liam left the first time. Xander thought that drinking would numb the pain in his heart, but yeah we all know how well that works out.
What started out as a friendship, developed into something that neither of them expected and even though it initially frightened Xander at first, he gradually realized that the fear he felt over what others would think was nothing compared to the loss and pain he felt when Liam walked away. I’m glad that Xander finally got his head together just in time to save what is the best thing in his life.
November 9, 2018
2.5 Stars Overall
This book has an odd dynamic to start off with, which isn’t bad necessarily but gives us a good premise and plot to the story, adding in extra drama and some serious personal struggles for both of these main characters.
Xander and Liam like to have random sex with females while they are together as friends. But they end up having some conflicting feelings that run deeper for each other, which they both try to ignore over the course of the book. Liam has less of an issue with his budding feelings than Xander does, but Liam has a “girlfriend”. Xander has never been attracted to another guy and was really hesitant to act on any feelings, struggling his way through trying to understand the new feelings and the self-loathing that seems to come along with it. Ugghh… There are points in this book that really disturb me and made me overanalyze a bit<> I really felt bad for Liam during parts of this book, but I do feel like both men were pretty equally at fault for all the angst and mixed up feelings. There’s a light amount of cheating in this book, which I was not really a fan of, but considering they had threesomes with the person being cheated on and they all have sex pretty open and randomly it kind of dulls my angst over the cheating a bit. I personally cannot see how Xander basically goes from being horribly distressed over his feelings for the majority of this book to at the next moment being totally perfectly ok with it towards the end, it’s just a really abrupt of a change that seemed a little too much for me, I would have liked a little more talking and communication between the two guys and a little less sex going on. The sex parts of the book themselves were pretty Hot, and I appreciated how most of those scenes were written, I just wasn’t a huge fan of the storyline, plot we were given here. **But again these are my own personal opinions, (which might not be popular) But, I can totally see how others might actually like this book in the spots that I was not too fond of**
Narration – The narrator Hugh Bradley did alright. His voicing for the characters was good. My main concern with this one **in my personal opinion** is the background sound affect. It almost made this audiobook sound like a dreamlike state and slightly tinny, which would have been fine at times during the book. But threw me off since it was throughout the entire audio. I think I would have enjoyed this book more reading it compared to listening to the audio version.
This book has an odd dynamic to start off with, which isn’t bad necessarily but gives us a good premise and plot to the story, adding in extra drama and some serious personal struggles for both of these main characters.
Xander and Liam like to have random sex with females while they are together as friends. But they end up having some conflicting feelings that run deeper for each other, which they both try to ignore over the course of the book. Liam has less of an issue with his budding feelings than Xander does, but Liam has a “girlfriend”. Xander has never been attracted to another guy and was really hesitant to act on any feelings, struggling his way through trying to understand the new feelings and the self-loathing that seems to come along with it. Ugghh… There are points in this book that really disturb me and made me overanalyze a bit<> I really felt bad for Liam during parts of this book, but I do feel like both men were pretty equally at fault for all the angst and mixed up feelings. There’s a light amount of cheating in this book, which I was not really a fan of, but considering they had threesomes with the person being cheated on and they all have sex pretty open and randomly it kind of dulls my angst over the cheating a bit. I personally cannot see how Xander basically goes from being horribly distressed over his feelings for the majority of this book to at the next moment being totally perfectly ok with it towards the end, it’s just a really abrupt of a change that seemed a little too much for me, I would have liked a little more talking and communication between the two guys and a little less sex going on. The sex parts of the book themselves were pretty Hot, and I appreciated how most of those scenes were written, I just wasn’t a huge fan of the storyline, plot we were given here. **But again these are my own personal opinions, (which might not be popular) But, I can totally see how others might actually like this book in the spots that I was not too fond of**
Narration – The narrator Hugh Bradley did alright. His voicing for the characters was good. My main concern with this one **in my personal opinion** is the background sound affect. It almost made this audiobook sound like a dreamlike state and slightly tinny, which would have been fine at times during the book. But threw me off since it was throughout the entire audio. I think I would have enjoyed this book more reading it compared to listening to the audio version.
August 16, 2018
I was given a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Three and a half stars rounded up to four.
I guess that you can say that Xander is a coming out/coming of age story. Xander considers himself heterosexual but he and Liam, his best friend, have fooled around at the Open Door Club, of which they are both members. Liam's girlfriend has always been with them as a willing participant.
Things change though when Xander and Liam find that they are becoming closer. Xander does not consider himself gay but why has he not found what he really wants when Liam is not involved?
For more description please read the blurb.
I found the book to be well written and well edited but I am not interested in MF sex scenes. I expected this book to be MM and that is not what I got. That being said, I would read more by this author if there is no MF scenes shown.
Three and a half stars rounded up to four.
I guess that you can say that Xander is a coming out/coming of age story. Xander considers himself heterosexual but he and Liam, his best friend, have fooled around at the Open Door Club, of which they are both members. Liam's girlfriend has always been with them as a willing participant.
Things change though when Xander and Liam find that they are becoming closer. Xander does not consider himself gay but why has he not found what he really wants when Liam is not involved?
For more description please read the blurb.
I found the book to be well written and well edited but I am not interested in MF sex scenes. I expected this book to be MM and that is not what I got. That being said, I would read more by this author if there is no MF scenes shown.
February 20, 2019
New to me author. Brilliant MM book!. My only grumble is that I would have loved more of their relationship and an epilogue. She’s only written this book and an MF book according to Goodreads. Anna certainly has a talent for writing men on men. I do hope she writes more. Eventually I will read her first book but I am on an MM kick at the moment. Highly recommend.
August 22, 2018
This book was provided for free by the author in exchange for an honest review via the MMRG Don’t Buy My Love Program.
I have a love/hate relationship with this book. There were parts that I found entertaining to read and parts that made me want to stop part way through.
I loved the idea of the Open-door Policy Club. I thought it was a unique idea and kind of allowed the reader to imagine all kinds of things that could go on in a place like that. I liked that the club was a private club and only people that were invited could come. I also found myself really liking Liam and his girlfriend. I thought they made a great couple and I think scenes with them and Xander together would have made the book interesting.
What I didn't like about the book was Xander. I thought he was so dramatic and wishy-washy when in came to Liam, that it made me lose interest for the storyline. It was really hard getting over the way he acted in the book. That is probably the biggest thing that I didn't like.
The other thing that I wasn't prepared for coming from the m/m romance group DBML program is the amount of m/f sex. I love reading romance in general, but I usually expect the type of romance that a group's main subject is to be the main focus of the book. It wasn't here. I went back and saw this is marked erotica. I agree it is that and feel that it was okay in that genre. It really didn't fall under a m/m romance for me though. That part of the book felt more like an afterthought to Xander's drama.
Overall, I think this series has potential. I liked parts of it and would be willing to give more books in it a try. I just feel like the blurb explaining the book needs to be a bit more detailed. I'm not sure I would have chosen this book if it had been. On the plus side, I have another series to read that holds promise.
I have a love/hate relationship with this book. There were parts that I found entertaining to read and parts that made me want to stop part way through.
I loved the idea of the Open-door Policy Club. I thought it was a unique idea and kind of allowed the reader to imagine all kinds of things that could go on in a place like that. I liked that the club was a private club and only people that were invited could come. I also found myself really liking Liam and his girlfriend. I thought they made a great couple and I think scenes with them and Xander together would have made the book interesting.
What I didn't like about the book was Xander. I thought he was so dramatic and wishy-washy when in came to Liam, that it made me lose interest for the storyline. It was really hard getting over the way he acted in the book. That is probably the biggest thing that I didn't like.
The other thing that I wasn't prepared for coming from the m/m romance group DBML program is the amount of m/f sex. I love reading romance in general, but I usually expect the type of romance that a group's main subject is to be the main focus of the book. It wasn't here. I went back and saw this is marked erotica. I agree it is that and feel that it was okay in that genre. It really didn't fall under a m/m romance for me though. That part of the book felt more like an afterthought to Xander's drama.
Overall, I think this series has potential. I liked parts of it and would be willing to give more books in it a try. I just feel like the blurb explaining the book needs to be a bit more detailed. I'm not sure I would have chosen this book if it had been. On the plus side, I have another series to read that holds promise.
July 7, 2019
Love is Love💕 Great Story & Audible Listen🎧 Smoking Hot🔥
Xander: An Open-Door Policy Novella
By: Anna Ambrose
Narrated by: Hugh Bradley
Another great ‘Open-Door Policy’ Novella, Anna Ambrose continues to create original and interesting storylines that are captivating from start to end. This one is even more angsty and emotionally charged than the first one. We met Xander, Liam and Becca in the first book, “Lucy” they belong to the same club as Rylan and they scened together. Xander and Liam are best friends but when feelings developed beyond friendship things get complicated. Xander is conflicted by what he is feeling for Liam, what is right and/or wrong. Liam is understanding, gives him his space but one could only take so much. I loved what Becca said to Xander, she is a true friend to Liam. I highly recommend this great friends to lovers romance, it is entertaining with plenty of drama, angst and some hot romance. Anna Ambrose, thank you for another great story.
I listened to the Audible edition, Hugh Bradly is a terrific narrator, he brings these characters to life from the pages to your ears. He is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for the great listen🎧
Xander: An Open-Door Policy Novella
By: Anna Ambrose
Narrated by: Hugh Bradley
Another great ‘Open-Door Policy’ Novella, Anna Ambrose continues to create original and interesting storylines that are captivating from start to end. This one is even more angsty and emotionally charged than the first one. We met Xander, Liam and Becca in the first book, “Lucy” they belong to the same club as Rylan and they scened together. Xander and Liam are best friends but when feelings developed beyond friendship things get complicated. Xander is conflicted by what he is feeling for Liam, what is right and/or wrong. Liam is understanding, gives him his space but one could only take so much. I loved what Becca said to Xander, she is a true friend to Liam. I highly recommend this great friends to lovers romance, it is entertaining with plenty of drama, angst and some hot romance. Anna Ambrose, thank you for another great story.
I listened to the Audible edition, Hugh Bradly is a terrific narrator, he brings these characters to life from the pages to your ears. He is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for the great listen🎧
August 19, 2018
This book was received free in return for a honest review via the GR Don't Buy My Love program.
College: a time to grow and make mistakes, and maybe, just maybe, meet The One.
Xander wants and yet doesn't want his friend Liam. When Liam confesses his attraction, Xander gets a little crazy and ends up hurting both Lian and himself. What follows is a lot of internal dialogue, but it’s all good, especially when one has good friends to point out the error of your ways.
ODP contained well written scenes of intimacy. It held as stand alone, one does not need to have read book one (M/F). Great use of Safe, Sane, and Consensual, although the one scene where alcohol was involved could have been nipped earlier, but it was realistic as it stood.
Reviewer’s note: some minor grammatical errors and the formatting was wonky.
College: a time to grow and make mistakes, and maybe, just maybe, meet The One.
Xander wants and yet doesn't want his friend Liam. When Liam confesses his attraction, Xander gets a little crazy and ends up hurting both Lian and himself. What follows is a lot of internal dialogue, but it’s all good, especially when one has good friends to point out the error of your ways.
ODP contained well written scenes of intimacy. It held as stand alone, one does not need to have read book one (M/F). Great use of Safe, Sane, and Consensual, although the one scene where alcohol was involved could have been nipped earlier, but it was realistic as it stood.
Reviewer’s note: some minor grammatical errors and the formatting was wonky.
January 24, 2020
I listened to this book at 1.45x
This was the 2 book in a series of books. You can listen/read this book without book 1, but I wouldn't.
Anna Ambrose the author writes a good story. I enjoyed this one more then the first book, It seemed to be more detailed about the main characters.
Hugh Bradley the vocal artist did a great job bring all the characters to life.
on a heat level I would give it 4 flames.
This was the 2 book in a series of books. You can listen/read this book without book 1, but I wouldn't.
Anna Ambrose the author writes a good story. I enjoyed this one more then the first book, It seemed to be more detailed about the main characters.
Hugh Bradley the vocal artist did a great job bring all the characters to life.
on a heat level I would give it 4 flames.
August 24, 2019
Xander by Anna Ambrose is the second book in An Open-Door Policy Novella Series that I listened to on audio narrated by Hugh Bradley. The books can be read as standalones but they do make references to the couple in book one Lucy. Anna did a great job pulling you into the messy relationship of Xander and Liam. Hugh did a good job narrating. I enjoyed his deep gruff voice he uses for Xander. The book contains M/M and F/F/M Scenes. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves Erotic Romances.
July 13, 2019
Xander is the story of two friends and how their relationship evolved from friendship into more. Its about Xander's struggle/denial and then coming to grips with his growing attraction to Liam his best friend.
Although a short read, the story was steamy and filled with erotic MM, MFF scenes yet there was a good balance between this and the character interactions.
The story was narrated by Hugh Bradley. While I liked his voice I wished it wasn't so flat, however I would listen to other books by him.
I would recommend this story to all lovers of MM romance.
Although a short read, the story was steamy and filled with erotic MM, MFF scenes yet there was a good balance between this and the character interactions.
The story was narrated by Hugh Bradley. While I liked his voice I wished it wasn't so flat, however I would listen to other books by him.
I would recommend this story to all lovers of MM romance.
August 13, 2018
Xander (ARC) was graciously provided to me by the author for an honest review.
A Fated and Welcomed Love
Whenever I come across a story that is heavily infused with emotions, addicting characters, gripping and disconcerting and yet sexy and erotic moments, I know I've come across something good. That would be a pretty accurate way of describing my most recent read. There was something about this story, one that could considered to be a cross between a short and a regular length story, one that definitely had me wishing for it to be longer. Either way, it was written somewhat differently than the first book of the series, but, regardless, it was a great read. As this has been my second story read by this author, having very recently read Lucy, and, loved it, I was eager and excited to delve right into the second book of the series, and, I am so glad that I did.
Xander, by Anna Ambrose, as briefly mentioned, is a somewhat differently written story, in this readers opinion, to that of the first story of the series. It was heavily laden with emotions, all kinds of emotions, that actually had directed its main characters, Xander and Liam through their new and unknown journey, but, as certain inconceivable actions took over, these slowly and strangely developing feelings and emotions soon took the reign, and, it was this kind of direction and development that had me glued-to-my-seat as I read this welcomed story.
Xander, is an overall riveting, heart-breaking, and beautifully heart-warming story about two men, dedicated long-time friends, who despite their hidden and underlying feelings for the other, through numerous empty and insufficient ways, who find their way towards the other as they manage to continue their way through the ongoing battle between their hearts and their minds through this journey. Both men having unequaled times of acceptance, one hitting rock bottom through numerous emotional barriers and the other having to live through each of them, all the while desperately attempting to save the other, despite his own delicate feelings. The only way both men initially found peace and comfort was through the privacy of their own home, but, in reality, only found a temporary-type-of-fix to this confusing and insatiable need. But, despite this ever-growing need, this moment of tranquility, was all that had existed until they both were able to reach that summit-of-acceptance at the same time. It was absolutely heart-breaking to read about the after-affects of someone who was battling a developing addiction, as well as various inner demons, all the while desperately attempting to follow his heart rather than follow empty actions, in order to reach his true acceptance.
Gah..I loved Xander and Liam.. What had begun as a simple friendship had naturally developed into something more, and, it was not easy for them, as attraction ran into uncertainty and uncertainty ran into fear..but, luckily, their hearts made the ultimate decision for them. And..it was at that point that I might have melted just a bit more for the two of them because it was such a beautiful and heart-warming moment.
Regardless of the overall emotionally beautiful storyline, I had to stop a couple of times to actually ponder the actual plot, however, that which had existed had actually worked. As it may not have been smoothly evident and clear as the previous one, I had wished for more of one because the emotions really drew me in as they were extremely realistic and powerful in nature. Even though I had to surmise the plot, having been developed from a super storyline, and had welcomed it, I had greatly wished for more development not only for the storyline as a whole, but also for more character background as well as for more development as well, as I really needed to know about the complete thoughts and feelings for both of the characters consistently throughout the entire storyline.
I loved Xander by Anna Ambrose, with its beautiful, tender, and, emotional moments, with characters who were not only dedicated loving individuals, but who were also flawed and forgiving in nature. Despite a need for more character background and development, in addition for more of a clearly-understandable plot, and a need for more of an overall storyline because I really did enjoy this one, I ultimately am so glad to have read it. :)
*star rating: 4.0 'I really liked it' stars*
A Fated and Welcomed Love
Whenever I come across a story that is heavily infused with emotions, addicting characters, gripping and disconcerting and yet sexy and erotic moments, I know I've come across something good. That would be a pretty accurate way of describing my most recent read. There was something about this story, one that could considered to be a cross between a short and a regular length story, one that definitely had me wishing for it to be longer. Either way, it was written somewhat differently than the first book of the series, but, regardless, it was a great read. As this has been my second story read by this author, having very recently read Lucy, and, loved it, I was eager and excited to delve right into the second book of the series, and, I am so glad that I did.
Xander, by Anna Ambrose, as briefly mentioned, is a somewhat differently written story, in this readers opinion, to that of the first story of the series. It was heavily laden with emotions, all kinds of emotions, that actually had directed its main characters, Xander and Liam through their new and unknown journey, but, as certain inconceivable actions took over, these slowly and strangely developing feelings and emotions soon took the reign, and, it was this kind of direction and development that had me glued-to-my-seat as I read this welcomed story.
Xander, is an overall riveting, heart-breaking, and beautifully heart-warming story about two men, dedicated long-time friends, who despite their hidden and underlying feelings for the other, through numerous empty and insufficient ways, who find their way towards the other as they manage to continue their way through the ongoing battle between their hearts and their minds through this journey. Both men having unequaled times of acceptance, one hitting rock bottom through numerous emotional barriers and the other having to live through each of them, all the while desperately attempting to save the other, despite his own delicate feelings. The only way both men initially found peace and comfort was through the privacy of their own home, but, in reality, only found a temporary-type-of-fix to this confusing and insatiable need. But, despite this ever-growing need, this moment of tranquility, was all that had existed until they both were able to reach that summit-of-acceptance at the same time. It was absolutely heart-breaking to read about the after-affects of someone who was battling a developing addiction, as well as various inner demons, all the while desperately attempting to follow his heart rather than follow empty actions, in order to reach his true acceptance.
Gah..I loved Xander and Liam.. What had begun as a simple friendship had naturally developed into something more, and, it was not easy for them, as attraction ran into uncertainty and uncertainty ran into fear..but, luckily, their hearts made the ultimate decision for them. And..it was at that point that I might have melted just a bit more for the two of them because it was such a beautiful and heart-warming moment.
Regardless of the overall emotionally beautiful storyline, I had to stop a couple of times to actually ponder the actual plot, however, that which had existed had actually worked. As it may not have been smoothly evident and clear as the previous one, I had wished for more of one because the emotions really drew me in as they were extremely realistic and powerful in nature. Even though I had to surmise the plot, having been developed from a super storyline, and had welcomed it, I had greatly wished for more development not only for the storyline as a whole, but also for more character background as well as for more development as well, as I really needed to know about the complete thoughts and feelings for both of the characters consistently throughout the entire storyline.
I loved Xander by Anna Ambrose, with its beautiful, tender, and, emotional moments, with characters who were not only dedicated loving individuals, but who were also flawed and forgiving in nature. Despite a need for more character background and development, in addition for more of a clearly-understandable plot, and a need for more of an overall storyline because I really did enjoy this one, I ultimately am so glad to have read it. :)
*star rating: 4.0 'I really liked it' stars*
May 4, 2018
Xander: An Open-Door Policy Novella by Anna Ambrose
So after reading part one in this series, Lucy: An Open-Door Policy Novella, it had left me wanting. Anna Ambrose had set up many interesting characters, and I couldn't wait to read more about their life stories. I was happy to be invited to read Xander, the second part of the series.
I have two opinions on this book: the sex is amazing, and the story is thin.
I'll start with the story. The story deals with Xander, who is a frequent visitor to the sex club they run on their college. This sex club has an open door policy, meaning every visitor is in theory open to having sex with every other visitor. The nights spent in this club often amount to hot threesomes with different partners as they come along. During one of these threesomes, Xander meets Liam. Liam is there as the partner of Becca. During these evenings at the club, the two men discover the need they have for each other, despite considering themselves straight in everyday life.
I call the story thin because you learn little about Xander's life. You see his struggle with his sexuality and the developing love he feels for Liam. You don't see a great deal else.
The sex comprises about 95% of the story, and as I said, it is amazing. The level of detail is fantastic. The descriptions of taste and smell are of such level you can almost taste what the character is tasting. The flow of the sex is believable. Everything is well-described and vivid.
Xander was the first m/m romance I have ever read, and it was not a disappointment. I would have liked to see a little more 'world' around Xander, but the sex more than made up for it. I could fall in love with both Xander and Liam, but unfortunately, they are off the market now that they have found each other. I guess I'll have to wait till book three in the Open-Door Policy series.
So after reading part one in this series, Lucy: An Open-Door Policy Novella, it had left me wanting. Anna Ambrose had set up many interesting characters, and I couldn't wait to read more about their life stories. I was happy to be invited to read Xander, the second part of the series.
I have two opinions on this book: the sex is amazing, and the story is thin.
I'll start with the story. The story deals with Xander, who is a frequent visitor to the sex club they run on their college. This sex club has an open door policy, meaning every visitor is in theory open to having sex with every other visitor. The nights spent in this club often amount to hot threesomes with different partners as they come along. During one of these threesomes, Xander meets Liam. Liam is there as the partner of Becca. During these evenings at the club, the two men discover the need they have for each other, despite considering themselves straight in everyday life.
I call the story thin because you learn little about Xander's life. You see his struggle with his sexuality and the developing love he feels for Liam. You don't see a great deal else.
The sex comprises about 95% of the story, and as I said, it is amazing. The level of detail is fantastic. The descriptions of taste and smell are of such level you can almost taste what the character is tasting. The flow of the sex is believable. Everything is well-described and vivid.
Xander was the first m/m romance I have ever read, and it was not a disappointment. I would have liked to see a little more 'world' around Xander, but the sex more than made up for it. I could fall in love with both Xander and Liam, but unfortunately, they are off the market now that they have found each other. I guess I'll have to wait till book three in the Open-Door Policy series.
June 1, 2018
I always think for a female author to step into m/m romance is very risky territory and if the book is not written correctly then it will fall flat, which I have found with lots of books of this genre. and starting this one I was actually worried that it wouldn't live up to the first book in the series Lucy. Luckily, this book is the opposite! After I read the first book, I jumped at the chance to read Xander and I was not disappointed.
We first meet Xander and Liam in book one, they are good friends and both are members of the same open doors policy sex club and often fool around along with Liam's girlfriend Becca, but there is more to their relationship that they want to admit?
Both develope feelings for each other that are hard to admit to at first, especially for Xander, who fights to push Liam away, more out of fear in my opinion. As with Lucy, this book is hot and the sex scenes are incredibly well written, and this is definitely a series that leaves you wanting more and more. The characters are great, well written and complex.
I cannot wait to see what more this talented author has up her sleeve! The level of writing for such a new author is superb and I cannot recommend these books enough. In fact, I am dying to get signed copies for my bookshelf!
We first meet Xander and Liam in book one, they are good friends and both are members of the same open doors policy sex club and often fool around along with Liam's girlfriend Becca, but there is more to their relationship that they want to admit?
Both develope feelings for each other that are hard to admit to at first, especially for Xander, who fights to push Liam away, more out of fear in my opinion. As with Lucy, this book is hot and the sex scenes are incredibly well written, and this is definitely a series that leaves you wanting more and more. The characters are great, well written and complex.
I cannot wait to see what more this talented author has up her sleeve! The level of writing for such a new author is superb and I cannot recommend these books enough. In fact, I am dying to get signed copies for my bookshelf!
November 2, 2018
If you want something you’ve never had, then you’ve got to do something you’ve never done.
Xander and Liam are hot! Whether it’s angry make-outs, the hot sex, or the explosive angst and emotions just bleeding out the story the two are great together.
I really felt and believed the struggle Xander had in admitting to himself that he wanted his friend more than just at the O.D.P. Club.
I’m a huge M/M reader, but the M/F parts were really needed to make Xander feel more human and like he really was struggling. The shame and disgust. His need to prove he wasn’t gay, or at least attracted to Liam.
Liam’s strength was also his weakness and I felt bad for him at times, but he did it to himself. Sometimes we take what we can get when love is involved.
The narrator did a good job and I found myself tearing up with Becca’s last speech to Xander.
Forget the risk, take the fall, if it’s what you want, it’s worth it all.
Xander and Liam are hot! Whether it’s angry make-outs, the hot sex, or the explosive angst and emotions just bleeding out the story the two are great together.
I really felt and believed the struggle Xander had in admitting to himself that he wanted his friend more than just at the O.D.P. Club.
I’m a huge M/M reader, but the M/F parts were really needed to make Xander feel more human and like he really was struggling. The shame and disgust. His need to prove he wasn’t gay, or at least attracted to Liam.
Liam’s strength was also his weakness and I felt bad for him at times, but he did it to himself. Sometimes we take what we can get when love is involved.
The narrator did a good job and I found myself tearing up with Becca’s last speech to Xander.
Forget the risk, take the fall, if it’s what you want, it’s worth it all.
May 21, 2018
I really enjoyed this coming of age Novella...because despite the Open-Door Policy (basically a local sex-club on a college campus) and the fact that we have young adults, this is truly a story of finding yourself. What happens when everything you have ever thought or known about yourself is suddenly tilting on it's axis? Of course you worry about what others will think, you worry about what the object of your obsession or affection will think. Do you give in to what you feel? Or do you fight it with everything you have? Xander must come to terms with how he feels and the most unlikely person will be the one to make him finally face it.
August 15, 2018
Let me see if I can remove this dust from my reviewer hat, since it’s been a hot minute since I’ve read and reviewed.
:Dust Removed:
I can say that I loved Xander more than Lucy’s story. This one seemed to flow even more, and much more drama going on between the main characters. It kept you interested and stuck to your screen.
I feel like Anna Ambrose is definitely growing in her writing. We weren’t asking for more details and feeling as if there were pieces missing, like I kinda did in Lucy’s story.
The struggle between Xander and Liam is definitely felt through out this novella. The sexual tension between them is off the charts. The scenes are HOT. I was rooting for Xander and Liam. And hoping Xander would stop worrying about what others would think, and just follow his heart.
I can’t wait to see what the rest of the characters will face. I’m curios about Becca. Give me her story!!
:Dust Removed:
I can say that I loved Xander more than Lucy’s story. This one seemed to flow even more, and much more drama going on between the main characters. It kept you interested and stuck to your screen.
I feel like Anna Ambrose is definitely growing in her writing. We weren’t asking for more details and feeling as if there were pieces missing, like I kinda did in Lucy’s story.
The struggle between Xander and Liam is definitely felt through out this novella. The sexual tension between them is off the charts. The scenes are HOT. I was rooting for Xander and Liam. And hoping Xander would stop worrying about what others would think, and just follow his heart.
I can’t wait to see what the rest of the characters will face. I’m curios about Becca. Give me her story!!
September 24, 2018
If you like MM books this is for you, you don't have to have read Lucy to read Xander even though Xander ,Liam and Becca are featured in both
It's hard to write a review of this without really giving away the story but Xander is working out some tough feelings towards another character in the book , he tries to push those feelings away but they just seem to get stronger , I loved the characters in the book and am so happy it worked out the way it did, I'm looking forward to reading more from this author
It's hard to write a review of this without really giving away the story but Xander is working out some tough feelings towards another character in the book , he tries to push those feelings away but they just seem to get stronger , I loved the characters in the book and am so happy it worked out the way it did, I'm looking forward to reading more from this author
January 5, 2019
The 2nd instalment of Anna's Open Door Policy series.
We met Xander in Lucy's story, where he was taking part in the scene at the club where Lucy as introduced.
Xander is enjoying taking part and enjoying all the participants, but there was something special with his and Liam's friendship. They had been friends for a while, and whilst Liam is in a relationship with Becca, she notices a change in both the boys.
Xander was fighting himself even hurting himself and Liam. They had a great friendship and once they worked through their feelings they had an amazing connection.
They were great together in this hot and very sexy instalment.
We met Xander in Lucy's story, where he was taking part in the scene at the club where Lucy as introduced.
Xander is enjoying taking part and enjoying all the participants, but there was something special with his and Liam's friendship. They had been friends for a while, and whilst Liam is in a relationship with Becca, she notices a change in both the boys.
Xander was fighting himself even hurting himself and Liam. They had a great friendship and once they worked through their feelings they had an amazing connection.
They were great together in this hot and very sexy instalment.
December 18, 2018
Xander and Liam"s story had me feeling anxious. They loved each other but almost screwed it all up because of fear or hurt. Together these two men were sexy and hot... with a few sweet moments.
I received this book as an Advanced Readers Copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
I received this book as an Advanced Readers Copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
May 11, 2018
Another steamy, sexy novella from Anna Ambrose. We met Xander in book one, and now we follow his story. Nothing is held back, hinted at, or alluded to. It's all here, every steamy moment. And just like book 1, this is beautifully written.
November 4, 2018
Emotions and angst galore! My heart ached for Liam and Xander. I loved the friends to lovers theme and their journey to their truths and to love. I applaud the main characters and anyone on a similar path for their courage, strength, and trust in finding love. The audible version adds depth to a great storyline.
November 12, 2018
Xander has dabbled with his best friend Liam at the sex club but is not ready to make a lifestyle change. He rejects Liams viciously and hates that he has hurt him so much. When Liam does the same Xander is more confused. When he finds him with another man, he realizes that he has made the worst mistake possible. This book tugs at your heart.
June 3, 2020
Hot, steamy and romantic!
August 7, 2018
I enjoyed this book a lot. I liked reading about the struggles the characters go through when trying to figure out their sexuality. I also enjoyed the sex scenes Too!
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